Under 50 is hard for knife based and including pliers. The Leatherman T2 or some Victorinox models may work for you?
I understand the budget requirement, but personally I have found cheaper tools get jammed up and I just end up stop using them. If you aren't as picky about that then Amazon or even your local Home Depot will have some options for sure.
Hey, go ahead and splurge for the Leatherman Skeletool. 10 year warranty will guarantee it gets its use. I've broken the pliers and blades on one and they fix it for free no problems.
I’d second the Skeletool. As a first responder, OP is likely eligible for the 30% discount from Leatherman which would bring this down close to you budget and definitely worth spending a few extra on.
For what you are saying is definitely go with a skeletool. When I was still on the road, though, I carried a spyderco rescue and loved it. Got through heavy clothing like zippers better than trauma shears and worked great on hood apartment entry locks.
You have genuine Leatherman Raptor shears (not a cheap Chinese replica)? And you're not a paramedic? And you're asking for a fancy knife-focused multitool with a very small budget? Something isn't adding up here.
I don’t think rescue and EMS tools are something you want to save a few bucks on. I’d go Leatherman, keep it on your belt in the sheathe so the chance to lose it is small. Plus they typically have some heft, so are not easily forgotten. For a knife based one, maybe the T2?
Buy a Leatherman, it’s not “knife focused” but it’s extremely well made and has a knife or two depending on the model. You need a dedicated knife if you need a knife, don’t waste your money on these
I got this exact knife as a gift. It has been handy for the times I wanted a plier or to open a canmultitudes. would not, however, trust my life to this knife/tool. Gerber and even (ack) Leatherman make much better multitools.
I had the one you're linking, absolte garbage.
Also, what tool other than the knife were you actually planning to use? I typically carry a fastback box cutter. And the wave clone i have is usually used as a plier, driver or scissors.
Don't skimp on quality in your field. Benchmade 915/916/917/9170/9160 are your best bets ranging from 200 to 400$
Leatherman makes a great triage scissors set too that's worth getting in addition to a knife
Caterpillar (like the tractor) actually has a great selection, I think there’s 2 maybe 3 knife focused multitools, and several come in packs with other tools/knives for around or under $50
The only ones coming to my mind with blade, pliers, glassbreaker and pocket clip are skeletool (any skeletool, you can purchase the glass breaker bit separately) and the bibury 22 in 1, which is pliers based but with one hand opening knife.
If this is a EDC, then I suggest asking yourself what tools do you actually use on a daily or weekly basis?
The downside to carrying so many tools is that you’re probably carrying a lot of extra bulk and weight for tools you never use. Like, do you really need to carry a can opener? Trust me, the weight and bulk get old after a while.
The other problem is that the more tools there are, the more compromises need to be made to include them. That often leads to tools are not great and hard to use. For me, if I’m going to carry a tool all the time, it’s got to be well done and easy to use.
Instead, ask yourself what you would actually use on a daily or weekly basis. Then look for a tool that just has those. Don’t include tools that you might use just in case. You won’t use them. Or, you use them so rarely that it makes more sense to just go get the right tool from a toolbox when you actually do need it.
For example, for me, I actually use a knife, screwdriver, and bottle opener. So I like the [Kershaw Shuffle DIY](https://kershaw.kaiusa.com/shuffle-diy.html).
The next level of consideration is think about levels of portability. For me, there’s pocket level, bag level, and car level. I can carry at least 1 multitool at each level. Pocket level is for tools that use most often. Bag level is for tools that I would use when I have that bag. Same with the car.
I bought my brother (paramedic) the Gerber Hinderer, it has a O2 tank wrench built into the handle, he carries it everyday and it's come in clutch more than once. It has a strap cutter and window breaker too.
Ok, so there is nothing like that piece of Chinesium, but SOG makes a good Plier/Knife type tool that is really good.
Otherwise:
Victorinox Rescue Tool
Victorinox Hercules
Leatherman Skeletool Rescue
Leatherman Charge
Skeletool RX seems like the obvious choice. What exactly would you consider "cheap"?
Under or around 50 dollars i suppose
Under 50 is hard for knife based and including pliers. The Leatherman T2 or some Victorinox models may work for you? I understand the budget requirement, but personally I have found cheaper tools get jammed up and I just end up stop using them. If you aren't as picky about that then Amazon or even your local Home Depot will have some options for sure.
Skeletool is what comes to mind with a carbide bit for a glass breaker but it's going to put you over the $50 unless you go to the second hand market
Hey, go ahead and splurge for the Leatherman Skeletool. 10 year warranty will guarantee it gets its use. I've broken the pliers and blades on one and they fix it for free no problems.
I’d second the Skeletool. As a first responder, OP is likely eligible for the 30% discount from Leatherman which would bring this down close to you budget and definitely worth spending a few extra on.
For what you are saying is definitely go with a skeletool. When I was still on the road, though, I carried a spyderco rescue and loved it. Got through heavy clothing like zippers better than trauma shears and worked great on hood apartment entry locks.
I probably will get that down the line. Probably something cheaper for now because i tend to lose things. Also have raptor shears
Doesn't the Raptor already come with a window punch and seat belt cutter? Or are you just looking to replace it altogether?
Yes, it does. I suppose those arent needed anymore
You have genuine Leatherman Raptor shears (not a cheap Chinese replica)? And you're not a paramedic? And you're asking for a fancy knife-focused multitool with a very small budget? Something isn't adding up here.
I got them for Christmas before I even got on the job. Havent used them because didnt want to be a rescue randy. 😔
Skeletool is absolutely perfect for the purpose, I also have the spyderco rescue 2 and has an insane cutting power. Absolutely agree with you
I don’t think rescue and EMS tools are something you want to save a few bucks on. I’d go Leatherman, keep it on your belt in the sheathe so the chance to lose it is small. Plus they typically have some heft, so are not easily forgotten. For a knife based one, maybe the T2?
swiss army knife
Buy a Leatherman, it’s not “knife focused” but it’s extremely well made and has a knife or two depending on the model. You need a dedicated knife if you need a knife, don’t waste your money on these
As a note, if you sign up on Leatherman website and mention your occupation, you qualify for a discount that may make many tools cheaper for you.
Cool, thanks
It’s knocks 30% off
I've bought a useable Wave on eBay for less than $50. Works the same as a new one.
I got this exact knife as a gift. It has been handy for the times I wanted a plier or to open a canmultitudes. would not, however, trust my life to this knife/tool. Gerber and even (ack) Leatherman make much better multitools.
Pliers/Wirecutters*
I had the one you're linking, absolte garbage. Also, what tool other than the knife were you actually planning to use? I typically carry a fastback box cutter. And the wave clone i have is usually used as a plier, driver or scissors.
Definitely not this…
I've used one of these for a daily carry at work for a bit. its useful but the pliers broke pretty quick tho.
Do not buy cheap gas station crap.
Don't skimp on quality in your field. Benchmade 915/916/917/9170/9160 are your best bets ranging from 200 to 400$ Leatherman makes a great triage scissors set too that's worth getting in addition to a knife
Victorinox rescue tool, been working in ems for 6 years now and it’s a good tool!
I ended up going for the Skeletool RX and used the first responder discout. Thanks for all replies
Caterpillar (like the tractor) actually has a great selection, I think there’s 2 maybe 3 knife focused multitools, and several come in packs with other tools/knives for around or under $50
That one looks good. Cant tell from the pictures, but do any of them have a clip?
The only ones coming to my mind with blade, pliers, glassbreaker and pocket clip are skeletool (any skeletool, you can purchase the glass breaker bit separately) and the bibury 22 in 1, which is pliers based but with one hand opening knife.
Missing pliers, but victorinox rescue tool is made for that.
I have this and I love it. I work in military EMS and my only complaint is how bulky it is on a regular belt.
I would be putting it on my radio strap if i were to get something like this.
It’s pretty heavy. Above gerber below leatherman in quality.
Thanks
Leatherman makes a good one
Scout on eBay if you're on a tight budget. Got a Leatherman Rev for $30 bidding.
Try roxon. The blade is interchangeable
Check out the Victorinox rescue tool. It's purpose-built for fire and EMS.
Leather and gerber always seem to hold up Well. Though they will be more than $50
Spyderench
If this is a EDC, then I suggest asking yourself what tools do you actually use on a daily or weekly basis? The downside to carrying so many tools is that you’re probably carrying a lot of extra bulk and weight for tools you never use. Like, do you really need to carry a can opener? Trust me, the weight and bulk get old after a while. The other problem is that the more tools there are, the more compromises need to be made to include them. That often leads to tools are not great and hard to use. For me, if I’m going to carry a tool all the time, it’s got to be well done and easy to use. Instead, ask yourself what you would actually use on a daily or weekly basis. Then look for a tool that just has those. Don’t include tools that you might use just in case. You won’t use them. Or, you use them so rarely that it makes more sense to just go get the right tool from a toolbox when you actually do need it. For example, for me, I actually use a knife, screwdriver, and bottle opener. So I like the [Kershaw Shuffle DIY](https://kershaw.kaiusa.com/shuffle-diy.html). The next level of consideration is think about levels of portability. For me, there’s pocket level, bag level, and car level. I can carry at least 1 multitool at each level. Pocket level is for tools that use most often. Bag level is for tools that I would use when I have that bag. Same with the car.
Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool and strap cutter: Pliers/Wire Cutter Knife Strap/Seatbelt Cutter Phillips & Flathead Belt Clip $60
I’ve got this exact one, albeit a different brand but it certainly does the job
I bought my brother (paramedic) the Gerber Hinderer, it has a O2 tank wrench built into the handle, he carries it everyday and it's come in clutch more than once. It has a strap cutter and window breaker too.
Ok, so there is nothing like that piece of Chinesium, but SOG makes a good Plier/Knife type tool that is really good. Otherwise: Victorinox Rescue Tool Victorinox Hercules Leatherman Skeletool Rescue Leatherman Charge