Best Survival Tool?

I agree with you about what to use, I myself bring a knife with a hollow handel to carry most of my smaller gear and also a muti tool.

My fear is hypothermia, so I'll go with a simple butane cigarette lighter over a multi-tool. Fire is primary.

You are perfectly right. this is a favorite survival tool for and is well engineered.

I also agree with you when it coms to knives and multi tools. how did you get so knowledgeable about knives?

I agree 100% with your endorsement of the leatherman wave. I recently purchased a new wave and it has become part of my every day carry. I retired my leatherman pst II after 16 years of hard use. I've tried other brands, i.e. gerber mulitool and gave them away. You can count on leatherman.

 I have this conversation every once in while. I have heard many responses and many different ideas from people. If I had to choose only one survival tool it would be a good knife. The leather man is good but in my opinion the blade is too flimsy to be used in a rough fashion. So I'll stick to my same old answer, a good survival knife.

What about some of the Swiss Army Knives?  For example the Victorinox Huntsman?

Survival Topics: Mike, the Victorinox Huntsman is certainly an excellent SAK.  As with any survival gear and in particular survival knives and tools, there are a wide variety of opinions as to which is best.  For my own use, I prefer a survival tool that has a good set of built in pliers, which the leathermans excel.  But if you are an "everything but the kitchen sink" kind of person, the SAK are certainly a valueable addition to your survival gear.  

I agree with you. But I would like your comment on the ToolZall PRO XL by Crescent. I own this multi tool and have never really used it.

I'm curious about the Leatherman Wave. I've had friends that owned a leatherman and they say that the tool is prone to rust and under hard use can lose some attachments. Ever had any problems?

Survival Topics: Mike, I've but my leatherman wave through some hard use over the last several years.  And I live in a very damp environment and wear the leatherman on a belt where it is often wet with rain or sweat.  It has never rusted or broken in any way.  Of course every tool is breakable depending upon how it is used or abused, but in my opionion the leatherman wave is very durable. 

The Leatherman Wave is certainly a great tool. I've owned mine for the past year and a half, and it still looks like new. It's resistant to salt water (although you must clean it with fresh water soon after use), and the tools are strong. Knives hold their edge once properly maintained. My only beef with with Leatherman Waves is that the diamond file equipped on the tool cannot be removed easily to sharpen the knives. Also, I managed to bend the removable flathead bit on it, but that was some tough "screwing"! I got the 21 piece bit kit for the Leatherman Wave that makes it even more indispensable (and it replaced that bent bit).

I own several Victorinox knives, including a Huntsman Lite, but nothing comes close to the durability and flexibility of the Wave.

I have a Leatherman Wave and it's good. I also have a Gerber, SOG, and couple more. I like them all but rate the large SOG slightly better. For one reason, the SOG has compound leverage. I can apply more oomph with the pliers. You are probably OK with any of the major names.

I had the original Leatherman Wave and I think that this was the best multitool made!

You never realy know when you will need a survival knife and all the gear on it.

I would agree about the multi-tool being the most important piece of survival gear. A multi-tool can grant the ability to make fire using surroundings, as well as help to make shelter. It is the one thing I never go without. My only advice is to not buy a cheap multi-tool. My first multi-tool I ever bought was $20 and didn't work well. The pliers wore out and don't close properly, the screwdriver heads broke, etc.. I rely on my leatherman wave and recently bought a leatherman charge to keep in the car. Both are outstanding tools.

The leatherman wave is the best survival tool, I've have mine since the age of 9.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the Gerbere multi tool. With it's easy onehand opening and the only hinged part on it is the head of the pliers. The Leathermans tend to fold on you after awhile at the handle pivots.  I would definetly have to agree that the multi would be the #1 choice for a survival tool.

I've read all of the statements here, and  agree with out a doubt what most of you have said, but me personally I carry three items when camping, fishing, actually everyday no matter where I am. 1 is the Leatherman Wave, I've had it for over 10 years, its the one without the removable bits.  I'm not to fond of the newer style, and use it every day at work, home, fishing; literally everyday use. Never has the Leatherman Wave failed me. The second item i carry is a Victorinox Fieldmaster knife. which has quite a few nice functions and I've had it for around 2 years now. I probably use the toothpick the most! My third survival item is my trusty bic lighter. Other than that what does one need to survive other than food and water and shelter, all of which you can just about 'fashion' using the leatherman or swiss army?

I own many different multitools, and still leathermans tools are the best in my opinion an definetly the most reliable. Gerber always bends at the handle, and all the rest are really just poorly made. I also own many many Swiss Army Knvies.  If you are going to buy a SAK get a victorinox, which is the best out there just like leathermans,  I won't leave home without either of them period.

Had my Leatherman Wave for 2 months and it has paid for itself several times over. I have used it for everyday work on the job, home and other places. It has even saved a few animal lives. Tough tool, and don't see it going anywhere! I never leave the house without it!

You are right on about the multi tool. I have a SOG para tool that handles almost all camp chores. Being so light and compact, I have it on my belt right next to a full sized Blade.

As a avid outdoorsman, I carry both a Buck110 folding hunter(never failed me yet) with a leatherman. This is a combo that is lightweight,and takes up little space.

The brain filled with knowledge is the best survival tool ever!

I agree that the best survival tool is the knife and or multi tool that has a blade. The butane lighter comment is fine however the butane will run out. If you use a knife to make a fire saw or a fire bow this is a tool that you can carry with you via fire created by your knife or multi tool.

I have the leatherman surge. I agree with all you said about the leatherman wave, but the surge has a bigger thicker blades, a removable saw/file that can be replaced when worn or broken, and thicker, stronger scissors. This one gets my vote

URBAN SURVIVAL: Glock 19 Plus 2 extra mags with 124 grains plus P, Hollow Point bullets and my Swiss Army Knife (Huntsman)

JUNGLE SURVIVAL: Machete & .22 Rifle with ammo.

CAR SURVIVAL KIT: My Buck 120, my cellular phone, CB Radio, Mag Lite 4D and my expandable baton.

HOME SURVIVAL: .12 Ga. Pump Shotgun with OO Buck Shots and my Rottweilers.

HIKING SURVIVAL: Gerber Multitool and my Hydration Pack.

BEACH SURVIVAL: Dive Knife, Sunblock SPF 50.

The best overall tool in any situation, a MACHETE because it is a weapon to protect yourself from two footed predators and it is a long knife and you could do almost anything with it. Just keep it razor sharp! A machete would have been the perfect survival tool for Tom Hank in the movie CASTAWAY.

Leatherman Wave is one of the best survival tools made.

I've never owned a leather man before and i was wondering what kind of maintenance does it require to stay in working condition?

Survival Topics - Leathermans are very tough and durable.  As with any tool, try to keep it dry when not in use, perhaps give it a light coating of oil now and then, and as long as you do not abuse it the leatherman should give you years of good use.

So many people talk about the tool rusting. It isn't very easy to make the tool rust, but some simple preventive maintenance will keep this from happening. I wash it with hot water and soap and a nylon bristle brush. Than I dry it and use wd-40 to displace the water and blast dirt out of the places i couldnt get too and than wipe it down and a drop of machining oil on the pivot points. I do this once a month, and it keeps it going strong. If it gets gunked up, simply apply wd-40 and wipe it down and gunk gone. This sounds like alot but really isn't. Just remember, if you take care of your tools, they will take care of you!

A good knife or multi-tool is incredibly useful however the most important tool is the mind, it really determines true survival.

The leatherman is a great tool.  Another is the victorinox sak.

I also recommend the ka-bar mk2fu, buck 119 special and buck finger-grooved folding hunter, the kershaw multitool, and a magnesium fire block.

I found the kabar to be brittle compared to the buck blade.  The kabar holds a better edge, but the buck knife is stronger.  I prefer the visegrip of the kershaw to the leatherman grip, but traded the hacksaw blade of the kershaw for the remington diamond saw.

I've got a Victorinox Swiss champ and it hasn't let me down yet and its very well made too. I must check out the Leatherman but will still carry a good full tang knife.

On my person at all times i carry for a good smal pocketknife the CRKT-K.I.S.S by Columbia thats tanto-shaped with a onesided edge wich makes it very sharp, retains its edge surprisingly well, makes it easy to sharpen and the shape makes it very versatile (great push-cutting).

And the Gerber 600 DIESEL multitool (witch is engineered beefier and sturdier than the normal 600 and 800 series)it's pretty indestructable and works fine with one hand and could come in handy if one of your hands is injured.

As soon as i go into the field i strap on my Gerber LMF II. This blade is tough. It"s got a partially serrated edge, holds that edge extremely well, has a built in sharpener in its sheat that can be worn any way u like wether its webbing or a belt.  This is the knife that is included in the survival pack of an ejectionseat if your a pilot for any NATO country and is also loved by hellicopter pilots and EMT personel worldwide

In the northern hemisphere i carry the Gerber Sportsmans Axe.  Very tough, lightweight and has an excellent edge retention.

I'm still looking for a good blade for tropical conditions but am still field testing for my own preferences between a Kurki and a gollog.  However these blades are virtualy useless in the northern hemisphere.

I agree with You. Leatherman's tools and knives are the best.

I figure the best survival tool is your brain, stop and think first.

The Bushman knife by Cold Steel, absolutely hands down the best!

Make a list of all the things you can do with a multi-tool and then make a list of all the things you can't. A multitool is an indespensible component of any survival pack.

I had the original Leatherman PST, and when I got my Victorinox SwissTool, I "loaned" the PST out, and haven't seen it since.  The SwissTool is the better product. I haven't tried the newer Leatherman products, but they sound good.

The Victorinox SwissTool 3.0327.L1. I've worked it hard and it's never failed me. I also own a Leatherman Surge but went back to my Swiss Tool. That and a Buck 110.

I will have to agree with you on the best survival tool. I also carry a Leatherman Wave multitool everyday and I have for over 10 years. If I were stranded out in the wilderness and could only have 1 item, I would want it to be the Leatherman Multi-tool.

The very best tool is an educated and facile mind. Gear is important, but do we put as much energy into training ourselves and we do buying "stuff?" As the old timers say, "The more you know, the less you need to carry."

Well, you can't create fire with water, you can't find water with fire, you cannot get either with shelter and vice versa, you can however make fire with a knife, make shelter with a knife, make traps for food with a knife, gather food with a knife or tools and weapons for hunting made with that knife etc etc. So I would say that at least there should be a knife and a means for collecting water. A decent fixed blade knife, a means to sharpen it and a small sheet of clear plastic for a solar still or condensation collector. Everything else can be made with the aid of the knife.  I should add survival knowledge and experience to that list.

I have been using the Wave for close to 10 years, and I find myself wearing it not only at work, but off work as well. Whether I need to cut a layer off of a door to make it shut properly, or just adjust my sunglass screws, I always have my Leatherman to assist me. I have tried others, like Kershaw and Gerber, but the Wave out performs them all.

My personnel favorite tool is my scandi knife. it is a tracker model from kellam's wolf pack line. It is great for everything from light camp duty to heavy bushcraft use. I have used it to make a primitive bow, wood spoons, and was working on some wooden cups.  Unfortunately I was unable to complete that project. But anyway, a good knife can't be beat in the bush.

The Leatherman tool has a lot of things, I will never use in the real wilderness, like the flathead bit and screwdrivers, so I like more a swiss knife and aside a good bigger knife like the Buck knife 112 .

i also am a proud owner of a leatherman wave and it is quite simply the best, most useful purchase that i have ever made. The only problem with leatherman tools is with the sheath. The belt loops on the sheath often breaks with hard useage. I have sewn them back together but I am on my third sheath.  Other than the problem with leatherman sheaths, it is a very good tool.

It has been said by many of the best trackers, wilderness evaders and bushcraft sages... the best overall survival tool that you can have at your disposal is your mind. Not only is innovation a crucial friend in the lost corners of back country nowhere, but your perception plays a key role as well, so stay calm and remember that your knowledge and imagination determines whether you walk out, or die so it is wise to be prepared (and withstand people's ignorant jeers that you are either simply an eccentric, or just a boyscout wannabe) because if the time ever came, you will thank the high gods of wilderness lore for giving you the tools way beforehand that you will need when/if the time comes that all is seemingly lost. You will have the answers (or at least some of them), and that is what makes men and women leaders to be looked up to when others think they're almost out for the count. You will say "follow me", and they will most surely follow.

i'm can't really make mine mind up about two kind of knives.

1. the leatherman tti (is this any good)
2. or a swiss army knife

A victorinox blade will do the job but I am not a great fan of them.  For most people t he blade is the most important part of a tool, though the saw is very handy as well as a can/bottle opener

Leathermans have pliers, which are probebly more usefull than a corkscrew in a swiss army knive in the woods

I totally agree with your choice of the Leatherman!  My first leatherman was a SuperTool and my current choice is a Core

I completely agree with you. I've been saying a really similar complaint. My suggestion is a good 420-440 stainless steel, full tang, hard wood handled knife. Now here is the thing, why can't they come out with one that has a hard carbon steel wrap-a-round knuckle guard for use as a striker. I will find or supply my own flint or worse case quarts ya know...

We should combine our thoughts and produce one! For the extra kicker offer a good sheath quick release leg strap and all, with a pouch for/with your flint, antler tip, and diamond sharpener.

P.S. Why does survival equipment come with a compass instead of a magnifying glass I mean come on what kind of survivalist were they? Ours will come with a magnifying glass, they can use all the other ways to find direction.

I agree with the Leatherman Wave bing a great survival Tool.  I'm a pilot who has flown mainly in Africa and I can tell you that I wouldn't trade my leatherman for anything because of its usefulness around airplanes and for survival, but I have learned that always carry a back up that is a good knife with a better handle, as a pilot I found my true knife the SAK Fireman with lockable blade, very good I'll say excellent, but the Leatherman is also an essential, just too bulky for hunting and doing usual survival chores.

The Leatherman wave is the cadilac of survival tools.  I have owned at least one of all brands except sog, and wave is still number one.

I can't belive that out of all the comments on this page nobody said an axe. I live in northern canada and i would be a fool not to bring my axe with me as my only tool. I can make a solid shelter, use less enegry to cut wood and protect myself all with my axe. I own gerber, letherman and swiss, all great products but have very limited capabilities in cold weather. I can't imagin cutting any amount of wood with a flimisy blade at 40 below zero, trust me i have broke my gerber and letherman doing this.

Best survival tool is your head.

 I have owned a US airforce pilot's survival knife for decades and it is still my most precious survival tool. I never had much use for a multi-tool, I don't like the small blades on them and most of the crap on them you'll never need in the bush.

i own a SOG powerlock EOD and am nothing but impressed with it everytime i use it. all of the bladed tools are not only sharpened but honed to a mirror finish. the saw is sharp enough that i use it to tack my pool cue. the pliers use a compound leverage system similar to bolt cutters. the jaws exert twice the force for every lb of pressure you exert on the handles. mine has most of the tools your leatherman has exept the scissors but i dont mind that with a knife as sharp as it has.

I think the most important survival tool i could bring into the bush is my brain. just by thinking about a problem, i can come to a solution with materials nature has provided. if i want dinner, i can fashion a spear. cold, i can create fire with my keys and a piece of flint or two sticks. if i need a signal, i can throw green leaves on the fire to produce smoke. anything that i want to do in the wilderness is possible i just have to think the problem through.

I agree that a multi tool is a valuable asset for survival. I have a gerber legend and carry it every time i'm out in the woods, fishing, camping, or just plain yard work. The legend is one of the beefier tools from gerber. with some rather cool options as well.

I personally would go for the leatherman skeletool cx, because it's light (compared with other leathermans), convenient (it has a carabiner clib built in), rugged (it's made of a mix of carbon fibre and steel), has everything and more that you would need to survive (a serrated and extremely sharp 154cm blade, pliers, wire cutters/ strippers, screw driver and bits, and bottle opener, and last but certainly not least, it looks like an absolute beast, which is mostly why i got one. :)

The wave is great, got 2 of em, now tho, they improved the wave with a bigger frame and blades, they call this the surge. and as you said about the wave, the surge is just a great survival tool, only bigger.

My all time favourite "Survival" tool is a simple survival knife.  Have owned a Fallkniven F1 for many years and has never let me down.

I totally agree with you about the wave. I am an eagle scout and my ORIGINAL (waaaayyy better than the new one) went with me the whole way. I was thinking the same thing about the flint... wolverine that would solve your problem lol. I wish it had a flint instead of all those pesky screwdrivers haha, another must is my kershaw blackout, strong blade, great serration, the spring assist is great for one hand operation.