Multitool/knife for beast

go4bacon

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2012
Messages
13
I've been looking into Leatherman and SOG multitools for beast, and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations, either for specific models or general rules of thumb.

For example, some of these multitools are extremely large, while others are practically unusably small. Has anyone regretted bringing a large leatherman? Or should I play it safe and look for a lighter one?

Some Leatherman models I'm looking at specifically:

Wave (flagship model; a lot of tools; 8.5 oz)http://www.leatherman.com/product/Wave_Black
Wingman (lower end; fewer tools; 7 oz)http://www.leatherman.com/product/Wingman
Rebar (classic look; fewer tools than Wave; 6.7 oz)http://www.leatherman.com/product/Rebar_Black
Skeletool (barebones; 5 oz)http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool_CX
Freestyle (even more barebones [although the skeletool doesn't have all that much more]; 4.7oz)http://www.leatherman.com/product/Freestyle_CX

I've also thought about getting a medium- to heavy-duty EDC pocket knife in addition to or instead of the multitool. I've been recommended the brands Kershaw (specifically the Blur), Benchmade (specifically the Griptilian), SOG and Spyderco, and I've been warned away from Gerber.

Thanks!
 
I like SOG better than Leatherman.

Any multitool will do, it is not like you are going to be stranded on a remote island by yourself. A practical consideration is medium or smaller size as big ones are heavy and awkard to carry on your body.

Typical use of knife/multitool during Beast (back in 90's) - cutting your MRE open and cutting 550 cord :shake:
 
I started with a SOG, eventually got a Leatherman. I liked the grip on the Leatherman better, has seemed to hold up better as well.

That said, it's preference. SOG and Leatherman are both good tools. I wore mine on my ship. It was useful. The case it comes in is also something to think about. It is bright orange? Is it leather? Is it nylon. Make sure its something that will be comfortable to you.
 
DS took a MUT, and while it lasted he loved it. Sadly, during Beast, he left it out once while he stepped away from his barracks for a minute and when he returned, it was gone, has not seen it since. He did replace it with another MUT though, thinks it is a great tool.
 
Engraver and carrying

A trophy or awards place [less expensive] or jeweler [more expensive] can engrave your name on it. I paid about $12 for engraving of son's name. Good theft/loss deterrent; also makes it a very nice graduation gift.

Just remember you can't carry it on a plane; if you're flying to NY, you will have to mail it to yourself ahead of time. Son mailed it to PO Box; you could also mail it to your hotel so that you walk in with it and avoid the mail-call inspection.
 
New MUT was indeed visibly engraved -- working good so far. And while you cannot carry it with you on the plane, you can also declare it and check it in with checked baggage to avoid the mailing issue (if you trust TSA :thumbdown: -- a separate issue there).
 
I have a skeletool. Perfect size, not awkward to slip into a pocket but big enough that its good to use. Besides it does everything I need it to do; you won't need a million do-hickeys on it. Pretty much what MemberLG said is true - you'll cut 550 and MRE's open with it although having a screwdriver of some sort to help with adjusting sights also is a good thing
 
DS in the Class of 2015 took a basic Leatherman from Bass Pro or Walmart with him to Beast. Based on advice from this forum last year, he spent around $30 instead of buying the nicest one he could afford because the tool would take a beating in the conditions during the summer. He reported that he used it for getting into the MREs and for cutting odds and ends during Beast, so much so that it was pretty much trashed (his words!) but the end of the summer. We gave him a first class SOG purchased from Sierra Trading Post for his birthday right after school started. Hope this helps to know that there isn't a perfect answer to this question.
 
I like SOG better than Leatherman.

Any multitool will do, it is not like you are going to be stranded on a remote island by yourself. A practical consideration is medium or smaller size as big ones are heavy and awkard to carry on your body.

Typical use of knife/multitool during Beast (back in 90's) - cutting your MRE open and cutting 550 cord :shake:

What model SOG?
 
Leatherman Wave is an excellent choice, and is available with a MOLLE sheath which will work with current web gear:

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-Bl...46/dp/B0009JS2ZW?&linkCode=wsw&tag=trekker-20

Plebes can't wear it on the web gear during beast, but will be more useful later on when they can.

As a side note: Don't spend lot's of money on pens, they get loaned quite a bit and rarely make it back. An engraved multitool normally does.
 
I had the wave. Pretty spartan piece of equipment and it was convenient to have not only for practical use but for carving sticks when sitting in the field, waiting.
 
Gerber Multitool

I got my son a gerber multitool. It worked well for him. A big suggestion is to make sure that the one you select has needlenose pliers rather than machine pliers. Needlenose is needed to make front sight adjustments on the M4, something that your cadet will have to do.

My advice, don't spend a lot of money and don't "overthink" this issue. Most of the gizmos on these knives will not be used. A needlenose and a knife are the keys to the operation.

SOG, Gerber and Leatherman all make cheap multitools. Just the ticket for Beast.
 
My DS has used the Leatherman Wave for all four years of AROTC and it is still going strong.
 
I bought DS the Leatherman Rebar. A current Firstie had recommended it.
 
DS took a MUT, and while it lasted he loved it. Sadly, during Beast, he left it out once while he stepped away from his barracks for a minute and when he returned, it was gone, has not seen it since. He did replace it with another MUT though, thinks it is a great tool.

I like this message, and my takeaway...............don't buy the Mercedes for Beast. Get the Cadet Candidate one, but there is a lot going on at Beast; the NC's are under a great deal of stress, and keeping track of stuff is not necessarily high on the priority list..........I would guess that the mud of Buckner is littered with multi-tools!! Congrats to your CC! Good luck
 
Back
Top