We Switched Multitools For A Month And Hated It! || Leatherman VS Victorinox EDC Tool Comparison
Check out Knafs here. Huge Thanks to Ben and Athena for Sponsoring The Channel! : bit.ly/3xP1dkG
Check out a little something we have been working on: fortwild.com/
:01 Introduction and Comparison Parameters
1:03 Leatherman Squirt PS4 Overview
2:45 Victorinox Compact Overview
6:17 Why The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is the Best In Pocket EDC Multitool
8:45 The Problems With the Leatherman Squirt PS4
11:28 3 Most Important Considerations When Looking For a Good EDC Multitool
12:39 Why The Victorinox Compact Is the Best In Pocket EDC Multitool
14:39 The Problems with the Victorinox Compact
18:37 Feature Use Comparison for Both EDC Tools
20:38 Size Use Comparison of both EDC Tools
22:09 Are The Pliers on the Leatherman Worth All the Other Tools on the Victorinox?
24:21 Leatherman and Victorinox Warranty
27:07 Knaf Co's New Tool Burrito and Blade West!
Me and Ben from Knafs Co have been carrying the same in pocket EDC multi-tools for years. We thought it would be fun to carry each others tool for a month and then review the other guy's carry. This was almost the beginning of the end of our friendship! Quickly we both realized that we had already found our perfect in pocket tool and that we needed something more then just personal opinion back and forth to have this conversation. So like gentleman we decided on a duel at sunrise but then decided to be a little more civilized and sit down for a proper debate with notes, bowler hats, and a bunch of ridiculous conjecture.
I ended up defending the Victorinox Compact and all of it's wonderful intricacies. I pointed out that with every multi-tool you make a compromise of one of three things. You have to choose two of the three following categories Size, Weight, and Features. The Compact hits a perfect balance of size and weight and the lack of features is easily fixed with a wide variety of DIY and pre-built community mod solutions.
Ben tried to defend the Leatherman Squirt PS4. Basically he said the pliers were pretty good...I may be being bias though so you'll have to watch to find out which in pocket tool is the EDC King!
LOL omg. Perfection. 😂😂😂😂
He tried to use you against me🤣
@@zacinthewild Tried and failed miserably. 😁
Keyring is not a tool, but you can use the ring holder to brake a coconut...Felix Imler 2:20 kzhead.info/sun/ZM5up9OefZypl40/bejne.html . . Bottle/can opener is also angled philips/ regular screwdiwer...
I almost hate to mention this, but Coast produces a multi-tool much like the Squirt, that has both mini pliers and scissors. That's the one l carry along with a regular pocket knife.
I would like to see a physical competition. Grab a team of 2 or 3 mechanically inclined people with your captains Ben and Zac. Make a list of random everyday tasks where you would need some form of a tool to accomplish it. Draw randomly which event you will be completing. The twist; you have to swap the tools for the next event and so on. Let the games begin!
Great idea!
@@zacinthewild but maybe let the contestants swap tools only after each receiving their task (either simultaneously or one by one) that way you can inspire sweet and insightful conversations like in this awesome video
Didn't they do a similar test to this when Ben was at BladeHQ? I believe it was before Zac started working there.
Do this please.
YES! OMG..... YES absolutely 👍
Sorry. That parcel hook has saved my bacon. So has the can opener. I've developed both rheumatoid and osteoarthritides. My hand strength is just about nil. That package hook on the SAK helps me open pop-top cans. The can opener is the only manual can opener I can use without pain. I've carried a SAK Spartan for 30+ years. The scales aren't as shiny as they once were, but they're without scratches. It now lives in my kitchen to help me with my ADLs. I upgraded to the Huntsman and am tickled pink with it. And don't disregard the corkscrew when it comes to getting out knots. That's a blessing when your dexterity goes.
Love the Spartan!
I used to be a Squirt fan…but I’m a total Victorinox fanboy these days. The knife quality is unmatched, the tweezers and pen are amazing features, and the grip makes every tool usable.
i would prefer a tiny pliers to use as tweezers... that classic leatherman is good as keychain tool
A fire steel can be used in place of the toothpick ...that way you can start a fire anywhere with your SAK.
@@robertbodnar8745some SAK have pliers that I'd say are on the same level or slightly lower than the squirt, have the same tools as well, maybe a bit less clearance for the pliers wire cutters
If you're a person that's outdoorsy at all you should take that toothpick out and replace it with an emergency fire steel. You can also get an accessory called a fire ant which actually goes into the corkscrew and it has a ferrician rod and fire starting tinder. I think these are a must add.
Or just carry a bic lighter
@@mattconklin4026 That in it self is the size of the Compact...
In a survival situation, oral hygeine is insanely important as a cavity is a 99% going to rot to the root eventually without removal. A toothpick is FAR more valuable than something that would be in your pack already going outdoors
You can use the awl as a toothpick if youre careful
@@fananox2057 plenty of things can be made into a toothpick
Watched the video. Decided I like arguing even more than I like the Squirt. 😁
Same🤣
It's ok Ben. Even though Zacs better at arguing; you're right LOL
@@josephledesma2637 I’ll take that as a W🤣
ha ha Im with you Ben i cant give up my pliers either but i def cant do the squirt. But I work as a "heavy equipment mechanic" for a ski resort so i work on everything from chainsaws to snowmobiles to snow-cats and just about everything in between. Ill admit sometimes when im working on electrical stuff i wish i has something like the squirt especially when working on jopysticks and stuff like that, so i might just have to get one. The mechanics illness i guess, I just cant stop buying tools
Exept you where terrible at making arguments. You jumped right into every fauxpa in debating. Strawmanning, Whataboutism, straight up bad faith arguments or dismissing the topic of discussion whole. Keep Desiging you are good at that, but have other people talk for you. This was Painful.
When it comes specifically to Squirt v. Compact, I gotta go with the Squirt. HOWEVER, I think one of the biggest benefits of choosing a Victorinox, which I kinda think you shot yourself in the foot not mentioning, is that Victorinox makes dozens of tools exactly like the compact but with different toolsets. Ben doesn't like the hook, and he doesn't need the scissors? Sounds like he'd find the Tinker useful. That's a two layer Victorinox which replaces the hook with an awl, the corkscrew with a real philips head, and has no scissors, allowing the bottle opener to be used as a thicker, more robust pry tool than on the compact. Whereas there's really only one thing Ben needs on the Squirt, and it's the pliers. He could go for a Style PS and have almost the exact same experience--not to mention, plenty of Victorinox DO feature pliers these days.
Great write up!👊
That was my thought exactly!
Oh yeah? Youre using the awl a lot?
@@ericm1839 compared to the hook? Yeah, I use the awl a lot more.
@@jackmcfarlane7173 whens the last time you used it?
I'm on Team Pliers. I ultimately decided on the Dime because I also wanted tweezers. I probably use the phillips more than any other tool on it. This thing does nothing well but it is handy enough that I bought another one when I lost the first one.
I bought a dime, the only 2 tools that were good on it were the knife & the bottle opener
Have had three Squirts, the spring bar on ever one of them broke. Not even while in use, but while sitting in my pocket. What is up with that???
@@brimstone33 same went on my first dime, just got a free replacement, I'm not sure but I think they may be fragile? They clearly aren't like the old spring steel that could last for decades.
@@allenvasher5358 be careful not to over stress the knife's spring.
Victorinox has models with the 91mm pliers ( deluxe tinker handman cybertool 34 ans 41 and the swisschamp) they out perform the squirt check out engineers perspective videos he has the discontinued mechanic model
I personally carry a Victorinox Swisschamp. A lot of people say it’s overkill, but the true reason i carry it is not because it has so many tools, but because the weight makes it heavy enough to be used as a hammer. That said, The comically large amount of tools is also great.
hammer lol 😆
Yea idk about hammer, but I also carry the Swiss champ. With a clip, it’s easy to carry in pocket. I mentioned that this debate should have the deluxe tinker as the Victorinox model cause it has pliers.
Team Swisschamp FTW.
yeah it is too big. best combo for me = deluxe tinker + ranger. i got all the tools i need and 2 separate, reasonably sized knives. that's for 91mm vic models at least. you get: scissors×2, pliers, saw, file, and all the rest. you don't get: fish scaler, magnifying glass, inline phillips
throw in thinest cybertool available and you got it almost all in 3 91mm pocket knives
Like for Compact comment for Squirt. We really want to know what you guys think!
Is it wrong that I enjoy both ? 😅
I have one better. SAK Supertinker in pocket and a Gerber dime on my car keys. Never without a tool… both almost always on me
@@grovesy333 not all! Just as long as you like the Compact a little more🤣
@@zacinthewild I think i would to be honest the scissors on it are far better because they are bigger 😅 Leatherman do some nice tools they are expensive unfortunately
I love you both more than some members of my family. Never stop being amazing. You have gotten me through dark times❤ Would binge your videos when I worked nights for pennies, kept me of sound mind and spirit.
Even when you’re arguing, you all bring so much light into this world. It’s been a long time since I laughed that contentedly. The content all of you produce makes me happy and brings me peace. It’s because you seem happy and genuine. Big role model
Always love hearing from you! Glad it’s putting out the same vibes we have while filming with each other👊
Don't fall for the "text prize".
You can use the parcel hook to help make wire loops when hanging a picture frame, untying knots, pulling out drywall anchors, or to hold the ink pen onto the knife handle to create a longer pen.
Completely agree. I used the corkscrew just today for untying a knot then tightening a paracord knot.
Yeah, he was going in on the personal hook. I also like to turn the parcel hook sideways push it in a package, then rotate it and pull it. It helps you open the package without ripping both sides, which is really good if you are going to keep a knife box Till later on and possibly sell. As mentioned, it also holds the pin so you can hold the entire chassis of the Victorinox, and have a comfortable writing utensil, Also, for outdoor Campcraft, it can be used to more comfortably draw paracord based snares and traps, then having to hook your finger.
@@JadeGeminiM390 Also good for pulling out tent stakes
I have no idea how you're using the parcel hook for those things. Sounds like you need pliers.
@@tarody3953 kzhead.info/sun/ptabmdSPgYuFeoU/bejne.html
I carry both. For years I was able to "conceal-carry" the PS4. I worked in a juvenile rehab institution but occasionally needed a "tool" to complete a task. It was classified as a "weapon" and could get me fired if found. When I retired, I added the Compact because it met all my other needs. I've carried a knife/multi-tool daily for 60 years.
Damn how you fit a whole PlayStation in your pocket?
You go to work, take on tasks that for which the needed tool is prohibited, and risk your job getting things done…. That’s great - I do the same thing!
Same, dont leave home without both the Compact and the Squirt, along with my main knife, just gives me all the ability I need to get those daily inconviniences solved.
Apples and oranges really, the decision comes to lifestyle, deciding which tool suits the individual. Personally I wouldn't want to carry either tool, I want more capabilities than either has to offer. But I'm inclined to agree that pliers are a serious advantage, they change the way you perceive the world, so if forced to choose I'd go with the Squirt PS4. There are Victorinox models with surprisingly capable mini pliers, but those models are big enough to compare to the (discontinued) Leatherman Juice series instead of the Squirt. The Victorinox Handyman and the Leatherman Juice XE6 have nearly identical toolsets to each other, but are far more bulky than either tool discussed today, entirely different class of multitool really. I EDC a Handyman, the mini pliers are enough for my lifestyle, just enough for turning small bolts, pinching receipts out of stuck gas pumps, splinter removal, grabbing hot camping cups. The wire cutters suck, but I'm not an electrician.
Great breakdown! It does boil down to use case and personal needs👊
Don't fall for the "text prize"!
Agreed, it all just depends on the person using them and what they do. Also man.. wish they'd bring the Juice XE6 back. But yes, the SAK Handyman / Swiss Champ / or Cybertool models are all great users and I actually have setting here in front of me a Cybertool, a Vic Compact, a Squirt ES4 because I was in IT and did networking and setup but I have a PS4 as well, and I currently have a Vic Pioneer X in my pocket with my Olight.
@@korgan7779 If you're in the USA, Leatherman is selling off the last of their Juice XE6 and Juice CS4 models. Started on the 18th of October, inventory still hasn't run out. Rumor is they found some long-lost pallets of the things. Unfortunately they're a little overpriced, especially the CS4 which is going for the exact same price as the XE6. You have to REALLY want that lighter and slimmer package to pay the same for less.
Interesting watch for sure. Never been one who carries a multi tool often since being a tradesman I have full sized tools in the van. But I will say there are times I have tossed a Leatherman in my pocket, usually when I training someone or working with someone who doesn't put tools back or hordes them. In my opinion it comes down to what you use and how often you need it.
When I’m working in the trades I have a Leatherman surge on my hip or in my bags for sure. Dedicated tools are always better but it’s nice to have something serviceable in a pinch. What trade are you working in?
HVAC, I feels likes it's case by case person by person but in a pinch I'd take the either compact tool, maybe the Leatherman has a slight edge in my world.
@@zacinthewild You should try some of the victorinox multitools as well. They have a lot to offer besides pocket knifes
A few things, first, it is great to see you both bantering with each other, I love the discussion and thoughts. Second, I think a file is a amazing part of an edc, I have even seen people grind the tang off of a 6” file to make a “pocket file”. And finally, I just can’t have a multi tool without a good knife and I love the blade on the compact. Plus the gentleman knife aspect is great. Small pliers are great when you need them but I feel as though I am forced to compromise on everything else. Thanks once again for the amazing content, the nostalgia of seeing you two back again is amazing!!
Agreed on the file. I used one today to smooth down a "pointy" part of a plastic mask we needed for a video shoot.
This is a great video, I think the important thing to remember is that these tools are just supplementary/better than nothing tools to have in your pocket. I'm not big into the edc thing with all the pouches and torches and that stuff but I've always had a small multitool to have an option to be able to maybe achieve something. It's a very subjective thing at the end of the day, I've carried and sometimes carry both leatherman and victorinox. I feel they complement each other nicely.
It’s the Leatherman Juice for me! I work security in a school and it helps with door latches, tightening screws for teachers, opening kids cheese packets from those microwaveable Mac and cheese with the scissors, and various other tasks. It’s very irreplaceable in my book. Sadly leatherman discontinued it.
The admitted cheapskate left the tag on his hat to return after this. I love it. Ben's the best and glad y'all are working together again.
Exactly what his plan was too😎💪👊
I 100% took it back after the shoot. 🤣
lol exactly what I was thinking too
The Minnie Pearl look!😄
As an electrician that does strictly remodels this is an absolute essential tool. kzhead.infoUgkx0vyBwjtx9GGOuiqUVT2sRoYqmDoNT_RI Being able to precision cut any material with a light weight tool is priceless.I upgraded to this Dewalt 20v from a competitor's 12v. The Dewalt 20v is just as light as the competitor's 12v. I am extremely pleased with the overall performance and battery life of this tool. As far as oscillators go, they just aren't very ergonomic tools. The dewalt oscillators have an offset handle that do make them somewhat more ergonomic than the competitors' oscillators.
You guys should really do more of these! Great content as always!
Ben pulling out the Squirt soda was hilarious!😂 Great video, guys!
I just now got the name to tool connection🤣🤣
Subliminal messaging, for the win!
I love how I opened it in Zac's ear and he just kept talking. 😂
Straight savage
BTW, I own both of these tools, but haven’t carried either, since I got the Free P2. 😝
Love when the dynamic duo gets together. I hope 1 day to find a job in the knife industry like you two.
I love both of them honestly. I don’t use pliers much but I like the Squirt a lot in general-small, all metal, nice tool set. I use the personal tools in the Compact a lot (toothpick, pen, scissors) regularly, but I agree it that modifications would make it even better.
Not a huge fan of leatherman, (I find their ergonomic to be an afterthought) but I gave the the PS4 a shot after learning it is the multitool that is in US military pilot under chair emergency survival kit. Great pliers, (you can pull tiny arm hairs out w/ them) the scissors are ok, not as good as the swiss army ones though. The file for its size is amazing. The screwdriver work. The bottle opener works. Worth buying & caring especially if you have limited space, or trying to cut weight, from your EDC
Leatherman Style, I can’t believe that zac didn’t highlight the tweezers, those things are essential. Also no knife because I already have one of those.
There were just so many great tools I got lost😁
First of all, Compact for life. Second, if I found a need for pliers as part of my edc, I'd look at a more substantial tool than the squirt (not a fan of anything in my fifth pocket). Third, love the parcel hook - walking a distance with a six pack is an awkward grip, a little Paracord through the thumb/finger holes and problem solved. Also great for bike chains. Great debate, thank you for taking this so seriously.
Love the Parcel Hook application!
The parcel hook is also great for a hot kettles and more importantly for heavy buckets without a reinforced handle. The thin steel handle really can cut into your hand when the bucket is heavy. You would need 2 if you want to carry 2 heavy buckets for balance though. 😅
Parcel hook is great for straw bales, keeps the twine from digging into your hands.
Fascinating discussion. I own both a Victorinox SAK and a Leatherman. I've watched scores of Victorinox videos on KZhead. This is the first time I've ever heard anyone say that the use the toothpick and that the scissors is useless. The consensus on the net is that the scissors is far and away the most used tool AND no-one uses the toothpick. Edit: Take a look at the Victorinox Mini Champ Alox: 40g, 58mm long, 20mm wide, 10mm thick.
Awesome video guys. I love the back n forth “Banter”
Ben always be innovating! Look at the brand new features in the tool burrito 🌯: an added-in disassembly mat with dual-feature magnets 🧲 Brilliant! Always love seeing you two banter 🤘🤘
Ben has so many great ideas! It’s awesome he’s bringing some of them to the people for sure!🤘
I'm happy to see Zac is still doing his own thing. I wish this channel the best. I'd like to see some SHOT Show footage in the future on this, his own channel. Onto the topic, I have a PS4 on my keychain. I have a Victorinox, but not that model. It's a very old school larger version, therefore, I don't carry it. The community is very impressive, though. I prefer the PS4 because I work on computers. It's small enough to work in a confined space with the tools in a pinch for me. It just comes down to what you need at hand at all times. All of the other issues are covered, and they're just a rotating process.
You, Ben and Jamie definitely brightened up my day on a blue Sunday getting ready to get back to work after a vacation.
Those post vacation days are the worst. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great video - I have a Compact myself and love it. I hang it from my belt, so am very rarely without it (even at home). I probably use the scissors more than the knife, with the tweezers coming in a close third place for most used. I carried the Victorinox Cybertool 34 (which has pliers) instead for over a year but ultimately preferred the slim profile of the Compact. Pliers ultimately just weren’t that important to have immediately at hand… whenever I do need them I’m usually in a situation where I have access to dedicated tools anyway 🤷♂️
I been jumping back and forth EDCing folding pliers and my Swiss Knife for 4 years now. I then thought that maybe I may find a set of pliers more useful even though I have no often use for it in most of my EDC scenarios. Interestingly what I find out that that is not the case and I ended up carrying my Swiss knife more than my folding pliers. In the end of it all, it's what will dictate your activities for the day that shall dictate what multi-tool you shall carry. For me, I often find a folding plier less suitable in my daily needs. And if I'll decide to carry a plier, I rather carry a Knipex or other full pliers in my EDC bag because it can provide more torque and leverage than a pocket-size folding plier
I'm with Ben. That's why I went for the cheaper Leatherman Style PS. I always have a knife on me, so I don't need all that extra cost, size, or weight. It just has the stuff I will use the most with no redundancy. If you don't carry a pocket knife, either get a Victorinox or a multitool with a good blade. Really, there is no "best" because everyone has different priorities. Some people don't want pliers more than a good secondary knife, some people do.
Great, fun video. Like others have said, it probably depends on which tools you use/need on a daily or semi daily basis. His tie bar being far too large for that tie took far too much focus from the content though :)
Love seeing you guys debate each other! For what it's worth, I think I found the best of both worlds with the Victorinox Mechanic. They aren't super easy to find (as they've been discontinued), but having half-decen pliers build into a SAK that still fits in your watch/change pocket is pretty awesome!
I don’t know about yours, but my Vic mechanic, if you look at the Philips screwdriver, it has a slot in it. It’s a a key for like the old sardine tins and corned beef tins. I don’t know long I had mine before I even noticed it let alone knew what it was. If you knew that already then I apologize for wasting your time.
@@HowardArnold-be9ly I'll have to take a look, I honestly can't remember if mine has that or not. Either way, thanks for the heads-up!
I have and love both pieces. The Compact is my favourite SAK because it's lightweight and for EDC ourposes carries the tools that I most need. When I EDC my Compact the blade is my primary carry. The scissors are phenomenal. I find the pen useful and it fits in nicely behind the parcel hook. The rest of the tools are handy and don't bulk up the knife. I have other SAKs bigger and smaller but the Compact is just right for me The Squirt is a design classic and I have one and my wife carries one in her handbag (she's an Art and Crafts teacher). I used to EDC it everyday but now I have it in my Banjo case. Ben is right about the file, the quality is outstanding. All the rest of the tools are all workable and useful. The knife is plenty sharp and the scissors cut. I stopped EDCing the Squirt because I didn't need the pliers that often. But the pliers are excellent and I use them at home a lot. Both multitools are in the very best of their class. I carry both. But for everyday situations in an office surrounding, the Compact gets more pocket time.
They actually compliment each other pretty well when carried together.
Pliers and screwdriver combo are great. The problem is I frequently need the pliers holding one side and the screwdriver turning the other side. So sir, you are absolutely spot on. A combination of tools that compliment each other gives you the most bang for the buck. You also said this in a more eloquent and less drawn out way than I obviously could have.
Agreed! I switched out my Squirt for a SOG PowerPint recently but you are absolutely right. The pliers/compact combo is the way to go
My opinion: The essence of any multi-tool is the basic tool without which there is no tool and around which tools are added. Once it is clear what the basic tool will be (knife or pliers), it is necessary to decide on the size of the basic tool (according to the intended use) and only then consider the description of auxiliary or additional tools. Victorinox and Leatherman each have their own philosophy. The first builds it around a knife, and the second around pliers. Going back to basics, a knife is multi-use and a much more primary tool than pliers. As with pliers, size matters with a knife, because it is essential that the knife can cut a piece of bread, salami and tomatoes without much difficulty. In this respect, Victrinox is better than Letherman, and the usefulness of auxiliary tools is relevant
True. If you carry a knife anyway, I' might go with the Squirt. But I don't. And the knife on the Victorinox compact is so much better than the tiny blade on the Squirt. For me it's Victorinox Compact on my key chain and a full-size Leatherman (Charge TTi) in my bag.
I agree - basically, pliers-based multitool are better at being pliers, and knife-based multitools are better at being knives (or saws), and everything else follows from that. I think if you don’t carry a dedicated knife, the Victorinox gets more attractive. If you do, the leatherman starts looking better.
U know they have a a couple multi tool based on pliers as well. Have mine now for prolly 12 years and still good as new.
it’s amazing you both love the toothpick so much. that’s one of the more useless tools on the compact according to many.
Carried a SAK Climber model (in black) through out my time in the military (late 80's - early 90's). Also tried an original Leatherman. The Leatherman did not live up, or hold up. I still have the SAK today. The "keyring" is perfect for attaching a lanyard (which is a big reason why I still have it today.) It isn't the only knife I have, but it is the knife I use the most.
I pair my compact with the Knipex xs and I love it! But on days when I don’t want to deal with the weight, I take the squirt and pair it with the baby banter with tweezers. So bottom line, I love both 😂
Love it! Such a good switch around combination.💪👊
First gotta go Compact. Second this is just so fun to watch. I'm happy to see you guys pairing up and just killing it.
So glad you dug it!
Great content folks! Very informative and entertaining. I carry the compact and Knipex XS mini every day.
As you said: "Life needs pliers"...that's damn right! I have over 100 pair (I restore vintage hand tools). So many types...the mind boggles. I absolutely love studying their history and learning how to use them.
I kind of agree with both sides here. For me, the area that I sacrificed in was size and weight. I went with the Victorinox Cybertool M because it has scissors, a screwdriver with bits and a mini pliers on it which work well enough for me in a pinch and it has a host of other tools that I've found to be very useful. It's become one of my favorite multitools to carry despite its bulk. I use the screwdriver, pliers or scissors on a daily basis and many of the other tools fairly frequently as well.
Cybertool M is the new Champ!
Zack and Ben bantering! Life makes sense again. 🙂
Glad you’re digging it!
Great video you guys did a really good job because it’s really hard to choose which ones better anyways and then in the reality of everything I’ve said I would still choose both
Great video. I must say I'm on Ben team with the pliers. I wanted a useble size of pliers, scissors, philips and flat screwdrivers, file and saw. So I got a SOG powerpint and am very happy about it, even it doesn't have the saw and it could have larger screwdriver sizes. And I like how wide that pliers open, use the ruler all the time and angle for rough measure. It fits 90% of my needs from a EDC multi tool
Amazing video and y'all should do more knife vs
More to come for sure!
agree
I've used both and love both of them dearly. I find pretty much all the tools on the Squirt PS4 so awkward they're functionally useless. The knife is a joke, the screwdriver is useless, the scissors are really not great, and the file... the file is ok, I don't hate the file. However, putting the compact in my pocket instead of the Squirt just makes me annoyed I don't have tiny pliers on me. Tiny pliers really are that useful. It comes down to scissors vs pliers for me. The ideal tiny multitool would be a slightly larger Squirt with Victorinox style scissors (maybe the same size the Classic uses), a proper Phillips screwdriver, and possibly keeping the file/having some of the scale tools. Everything else from either of those tools is more or less superfluous to me.
Sounds like you’d like a Tinker Deluxe
Shut up and take my money
Did you ever carry a Leatherman Juice?
That was fun.The Squirt has been on my keys for a decade. Been carrying a Juice or SAK in my pocket just as long.
Great video keep them coming!
I have carried both. I started with the Leatherman and then switched. The scissors on the Victorinox are what have won me over. I have carried a Super Tinker every day for almost 3 years now. You can cut wire with the Victorinox scissors better than you can with the the "wire cutters" on the Leatherman.
The scissors are my most used tool as well. I would be afraid cutting wires would dull them really fast, any experience with this?
@@RR4711 I have had mine in my pocket for 1.5 years. I have used them to cut whatever for many days during that time. I don’t cut Ethernet regularly - but in a pinch I do. Copper is soft. Are they more dull than they were? Yup. I now have to hold the paracord tight to cut it well - when I used to be able to cut it with no tension. I should probably sharpen them - or also understand them as “consumable tools” - like I head Mr Becker talk about his EDC Super Tinker.
kzhead.info/sun/dNSIiLCNoaqwrHA/bejne.html
I’m 100% on Bens side of this argument. Zac you are an awesome dude and I have a couple victornox’s in my collection but they stay in the safe…….. leatherman is far more useful to me day in and day out.
This was great! Thanks guys! 🤗😆
Fantastic video! I can’t wait to finally meet y’all at BladeShow West!
Yesssss!! I can't wait. 🙌
Squirt! I actually prefer the Style PS though. No blade means you can fly with it, and it has my four most used tools -- in order: screwdriver/pry tool, file, pliers, and tweezers. The tweezers are pretty bad but the others are decent.
Tweezers are SHARP!
Depends on the TSA agent they took my 4 inch crescent wrench and called it a weapon, there’s no negotiations his word is final
For me, this comes down to whether I want the Pen or the Pliers more. I figure I need pliers or a pen about as often as one another unexpectedly (any time I expect to need either, I'll bring the real thing). But where the Leatherman's pliers are probably up to the job I need done about 80% of the time, that tiny pen is up to the job about 30% of the time. The pen is just too small for me to want to use it for more than a couple words. Added to this, most places where I'll need a pen, it's pretty easy to get a real pen. Whereas it can be a PITA to find a spare pair of pliers. Also, if I decide I need both, it's a lot easier to EDC a Leatherman Squirt + a pen than it is to EDC a Victorinox Compact + a pair of pliers. In fact, I do EDC a little zebra pen in my wallet, and never notice it's there. Not sure how I could EDC pliers without noticing them. The Victorinox knife & scissors are nicer. But that's offset by the fact that the Leatherman has a better prying tool and a philips head screwdriver, which I get some utility out of. The other tools, which are different, on each are mostly irrelevant to me. So, it's a question of pretty good pliers vs. really bad pen. Leatherman by a mile.
Actually there are hack on how to use the pen. Basically u need to pull it out and let the pen be pinched. Then u have a real pen
@@supertarzan12 That "hack" does not make the compact the equivalent of a real pen.
@@jonathancassels4835 but u can carry less cuz of the hack. Actually u can check out 60 hacks from Jony fire. I am a leatherman fan but even I am impressed
I've had a pair of knipex cobra pliers that I have EDCed for the past year and absolutely love them. I went through a ton of multi-tools but found that what I used the most were the pliers and most multi-tools pliers aren't great. The only thing I miss is the screwdrivers. If someone would make a super compact multitool dedicated to screwdrivers I would be sooo happy.
I use the parcel hook as an improvised pocket clip. Almost every moment of every day. I very much enjoyed your video. Very nice :-)
How would you feel about a knifeless Compact or a Compact with the knife blade replaced by two of the half length tools (ie electricians' blade+can opener)?
Honestly just as a good! I love a back up blade but that’s not why I carry the Compact. It would be cool to have it be TSA safe too!
What I love about knife debates is that as long as you stay within one of the many quality choices there is literally no right answer. Only preference. My preference is heavy in favor of Victorinox. You get a good gadget to size ratio. It's correct to be primarily a knife since you'll likely need that most. I also even prefer the softer steel since it's not much work to maintain a wicked sharpness. That's my 2 cents. Cheers.
This was great loved it!
I use the parcel hook on my field master all the time. It's great for hooking and pulling little elastic loops on car seats when you have to clean the upholstery.
Honestly my favorite multitools are all ones with pliers. However, a must is tweezers. Gerber Dime, leather man micra, and I’m currently trying out the SOG powerpint. Powerpint doesn’t have tweezers though 😢
Might I suggest the Leatherman skele-tool or in my case the Leatherman skele-tool CX. It doesn't have tweezers but it is needle nose pliers which in a pinch work just the same as tweezers.
@@dutchvanderbilt9969 you could get the "mini skeletool" the Style ps, pliers, or cs, scissors. Has a pair of tweezers.... I wish it had a file instead of knife....... I mean it has a nail file, sort of....
@@jamellelangfordiii3586 I'll keep an eye out for it
I returned my PowerPoint the scissors were so bad and the screwdrivers were so small the bit holder is the best thing about the tool .
I have a skeletool but it lacks other tools. It’s pliers, knife, and bits. I wish it had more
I have been a very happy user of the Squirt S4 for at least 5-years now. Essentially it is the same Squirt as in the above video, but with the pliers replaced with scissors. Everything about the tool is IMHO excellent, and it lives permanently on my keyring. I chose the S4 specifically because of the scissors as I never have a need for pliers, but wanted the various other functionality in my pocket at all times in a small package. I narrowed the choices of keyring sized multi-tools down to the Squirt, and then the choice between pliers and scissors, I made the right choice, for me at least.!
The ending was great, video was epic (more like this please!). I’ll pass on both of this tools and go for the leatherman juice S2. Best ever lightweight to medium duty multi tool.
The compact for EDC is the more useful tool for preparedness. For me the compact with the firefly-fire starter in place of the toothpick and the helix tinder in the corkscrew along with the glasses screwdriver is more useful than the squirt, plus the compact can be used as a standalone knife whereas the knife on the squirt, well the name says it all.
Both are good tools, and light enough to carry both if you do actually need pliers. But what Ben is forgetting is that Leatherman gives you a choice of two versions, Victorinox gives you many more versions. If you don’t want the corkscrew or the hook there are other options. Personally I prefer the Tinker to the Compact, it has an excellent philips screwdriver and it is half the price of the Compact. Also, Victorinox does have the option of pliers on some of their SAKs. They aren’t heavy duty, but nor are the ones on the Squirt.
Good video! I liked the debate! I EDC a Victorinox Swiss Champ which has some small pliers on them too and the inline Philips driver. It is too thick for most people, but it is quite manageable with a lanyard with a clip attached to the "keyring tool" on the Champ, looped around my belt loop and back onto my front pocket which takes the weight. Legal restrictions on what I can carry, so this covers most bases. I have a Leatherman Wingman in my backpack if I need larger pliers.
Love the vid always fun when you and Ben are together will we be seeing you at blade show west this year
I own both. I carry the Compact every single day, use practically every tool (even the parcel hook if I need to take out particularly heavy bags of trash where that plastic drawstring cuts into your hand from the weight). I keep the squirt in my office desk in case I need small pliers or a small file, nothing else. Obviously it just comes down to what a particular person needs in their every day tasks. Another point against the Squirt, in my opinion, is that I have a third multitool that I measure superior to the squirt in every way besides weight: the SOG PowerPint. Has all the same tools but better, and includes some extras like eyeglass screwdriver. However for my day-to-day, nothing beats the Compact's scissors, pin, tweezers, and its bottle opener/flathead/pry bar. I actually use the obtuse corner at the "top" of the end of that tool as a makeshift phillips screwdriver. It's a little awkward to rotate the compact around to screw/unscrew, but it gets the job done on occasion.
Yeah!🤘
Sorry zac...if your Carrying a dedicated folder as well..then half of the advantage of the Compact is moot. If your ONLY carrying one of these..and no knife.. then compact all the way.
I think the blade is such a minor benefit to the Compact. Even without the blade I would carry it. But to each their own👊😁
@@zacinthewild what I'm curious to ask is if you carry a surge every day in addition to your knife. If yes..then I'm really confused.
I've been carrying a super tinker SAK with the Prometheus Works g10 scales and pocket clip along with a Manix 2 xl for 3 years now. I love that setup but I recently switched to the Leatherman signal in green. Man oh man, I love it so far.
Love it y’all. Keep up the good content.
I’ve tried a few small multitools and end up using Leatherman Juice S2. Bigger and more usable than Squirt, close in size to average victorinox (a bit wider but a bit shorter). Great scissors, great small pliers, other tools do all I need from a multitool of this size. Too bad it’s discontinued.
The Squirt has more features but the Compact is more useable. I personally use scissors and the prybar/flat head the most on multitools so for me the better multitool is the compact. Sure, the hook is garbage but even if the compact came without it, it would still be better. Also, I love to mod things not because they're bad, but because it's fun. The end 😊
Same!
Don't fall for the "text prize".
Hook is great for bicycle chains.
I have carried a SAK for 26 years and love it. I have other multi tools that have pliers when I need them. For daily pocket carry though I love my SAK. It does come down to what you use the most. When not working, I do carry a larger folding knife though.
Awesome video gents! Idea for a part 2.... Take both tools into and use them in real world situations.
The parcel hook is a very functional tool. You can use it to pull springs to slide on to hooks. Twist wire when you don't have pliers. Pull nails out of wood. The parcel hook is VERY durable and carries large amount of weight. The corkscrew has more functions the just for corks. Pull out knots. Drill out holes. The tools on a Swiss is about the imagination using the tools if you know the limit of the tool
I have both and have had them for long time now. The Compact is such a better multi tool. Finds it way into my pocket almost daily.
My man!😎👊
@@zacinthewild I actually find that I use the scissors on my tinker more than anything. I carry the tinker for the Philips head
How great!!! I've had a Leatherman Squirt PS4 on my keychain over 10 years. Used it about 70 zillion times, lol. I love my SAKs too... but like Ben said...the pliers. I once helped a fair vendor lady start her camper with the PS4 by loosening, cleaning, and retightening her battery cables. Any number of tools would have been better...but we were walking a mile or more from my jeep in a craft fair (wife...lol) and the Leatherman on my keys was WITH me. I do agree with Zac though...I'm never without a primary proper locking blade...my current EDC blade went into my pocket in 2008. 14 years running now. Great video, guys!!!!
Great video. Histerical. I carry both a Compact and a Squirt PS4. I carried a Vic Waiter for years and always thought it needed a scissor. When I saw the Compact, I had to have it. I carry the Squirt for the pliers and the file. I use the Compact blade and scissors more frequently. I agree the Leatherman screwdrivers are mostly worthless especially if you need to apply real torque to loosen a screw. I did find a use for the parcel hook. When I injured my hand, I used the parcel hook to help tighten my bootlaces.
Man this was super hilarious but still very informative great video I had great laugh
I can’t argue either way. I carry a Victorinox Classic and a Leatherman signal. The signal replaces my regular knife spot and the classic slides in the mini pocket. Perfect pair
Entertaining yet informative, nice job guys! btw, Compact has also a 2D Philips on the can opener tool, just saying.
Hilarious and informative! Loving this content
The pin/pen debacle is the best!!! Having watched both videos now… thank you!😂
Underestimated how much i missed y'all making the vids. So happy you're back....ish
For camping or canoing, I'll bring along a robust Leatherman. Too heavy and cumbersome for an everyday carry tool. For an everyday carry, a modified medium Victorinox Hiker is always with me. Filed the Philips head into a Robertson head. Filed off the small metal protrusion that the key-ring attaches to (it was an irritant to my thumb when I carve with the small blade.) I filed the profile of the short blade too to make it more pointy and skinnier near the tip. Used a dremel to turn the large flathead screwdriver/bottle opener into a gouge to hollow out bush spoons. Tossed the plastic toothpick and replaced it with a firefly firesteel from Tortoise Gear. The small saw on these multi-tools is surprisingly useful, efficient, and handy.
Cool mods!
the corkscrew is a great marlin spike for untying knots and the parcel hook WHEN CAMPING or cooking over an open fire is indefensible for hold a hot bail wire
I think there was a fairly convincing case made for one of these multitools, and it’s not the one I expected! First of all, biases! Love both Ben and Zac! Really enjoyed the video here :) I’ve owned a Victorinox since cub scouts, and I decided that the Victorinox Manager was - for me, working at Apple Retail - the perfect EDC (plus a small flashlight & SIM popper attached to the keychain) for me. I rarely feel like I need pliers. I even made a video years ago on my YT channel about why. However, between these two knives in this video, I’ve got to hand it to Ben for the more compelling argument. I think Zac said a lot more, but didn’t win me over. First of all, Zac said the only took that was valuable on the Squirt was the pliers, and that a dedicated pair of pliers was better anyway. And then, counter to his dismissal of the Squirt’s pliers repeatedly said he was arguing that a multitool requires acceptance of compromise. HA! The dedicated pliers are larger and would typically not sit in your pocket with keys/wallet/light, and Zac admitted he doesn’t EDC pliers. First of all, Ben said he uses the file a lot as well, finds the Victorinox file less useful. To balance the file being better on the Squirt, the Compact has two (stock) Philips screwdriver size options. Both guys said they would always carry a main knife anyway, so no demerits for the Compact for having the larger and more versatile knife. Where Ben wins with the Squirt, in bullet points: •Aluminum scales (wears nicer, more environmentally friendly, I have had two Vic’s scales crack on me) •shorter, more 5th pocket and keychain friendly size •More useful file (3 grit types, I’ve found my Vic files to be useless and actively harmful to nails 💅) •Squirt has useful tools the Victorinox does not. •Compact has superfluous/useless tools the Squirt does not. Now, again, I rarely use pliers. Maybe I would more if I used a 3D printer, most of the time I can use my fingernails to grab small things and usually I don’t need to twist bolts or pull hard on things. However, I have to concede that pliers are a more useful tool unique to the Squirt than the tools that are exclusive to the Compact. If I always had pliers with me, maybe I would use them more than just struggling with other means. The Squirt has common multi tools and a clear advantage over the Compact, but the compact, stock, doesn’t have a significant advantage over the Squirt. I don’t know why Zac loves the Compact!!! What is the Compact’s killer feature?? I would present that the Victorinox Manager is better than EITHER of the presented multi tools 😂❤ The Philips driver is solved: the Manager has a bottle opener/small Philips combo tool (3D Philips! Magnetized tip!!). The pen can’t be lost because it just extends a bit from the scales, the scales are much better for your fingertips to hold than the pin-thin-pen on the compact, and it’s long enough to rest on the meat of your hand if you open the file tool towards the opposite direction. Multitool chisel ground knives are mostly letter openers and exact-o knives, so they’re mostly equal here (squirt ranking on the bottom, small nod to the Compact being better for spreading jelly or peanut butter). I think hooking a paper clip (and Rovyvon flashlight!) to the keychain ring is a better sim-popper and router-re-setter (and temporary binding tool, hook, and spare bit of formable wire) than the Compact’s pin. The manager is also just smaller and lighter than the Squirt or Compact, I wouldn’t want anything larger hanging from my car’s ignition! The red plastic does get scratched up, but it does make it easier to find dropped keys. The file does suck, but the flathead screwdriver is finer than the compact’s and it’s a bit longer (neither are heavy duty pry tools, but all are ok for light duty). Philosophically, I believe the purpose of a multitool is to reduce how many separate things you carry in a pocket (knife, pen, repair tools) to minimize carried gear while providing options and a measure of preparedness. So far, I don’t miss tiny pliers when I’m not at home, for 36 years of experience, though I agree they would be more useful than a parcel hook or corkscrew. 😅 I have to agree with Ben that Zac chose a weak multitool 😂 Really fun video, fan of you both :D Ben ALMOST convinced me that pliers would be nice to have (Leatherman Free P2 is just too big!).
I own the Gerber Dime as an edc and it’s honestly the most useful thing I’ve ever bought. I’m in the market for a bigger multitool that I can bring on family camping trips, the Leatherman Signal is at the top of my list.
The parcel hook can be used to hold down a portable sawblade, it also uses the split ring to do that. Which basically makes it extremely useful for any outdoor activity
Leatherman Skeletool is my favorite EDC multi tool. Great video as always Zac!!
Funny enough, I actually carry both. The compact in my pocket and the squirt on my keys. However, the compact is my main knife and I love victorinox blades for their shape and ability to be sharpened. There’s a bit of redundancy between the tool sets of both, but it’s nice having a few different sizes of screwdriver and such for different tasks.
This would be really good for double carry while camping. Having a fixed blade as the main use of a knife and the utility for specific applications sounds like a great idea.
I was given a Leatherman PST in 1996 and carried that thing for 26 years. Decided to update to the Bolster a few months ago, but the PST still stays close at hand since the file is WAY better.
Parcel hook and the key ring can be used together. The hook on my Vic Super Tinker over-extends past vertical. Tie a string to the key ring and it can be used to hook small objects. Say you drop your keys down a storm grate. A bit of string and a hook could retrieve them.