The Explainer — Gifts
Multitool vs Pocket Knife: Which One to Carry or Give
A pocket knife is built around its blade; a multitool is built around a pair of pliers. 5 picks across both, from the Victorinox Huntsman to the Leatherman Wave Plus, and the keychain tool in between.
This guide is research-led: we have not handled these units ourselves. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission — it never changes a pick.Research-led, nothing handled. We may earn from links; it never changes a pick. How we choose
This page sets out the difference between a multitool and a pocket knife and lists 5 picks across both, ranked as How we choose describes, with what owners report in our own words. Nothing here was handled or tested.
Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife, 15 Functions
Good fit Cutting, opening and small jobs every day
Not for Gripping, bending or cutting wire
Leatherman Skeletool 7-in-1 Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel
Good fit Carrying pliers every day without the weight
Not for Someone who wants a tool for everything
Leatherman Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool, Black
Good fit Someone who fixes things around the house and outdoors
Not for A buyer watching the price
Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multitool
Good fit A full multitool for less than a Leatherman
Not for A buyer who wants a sturdy pocket clip
Gerber Shard 7-in-1 Keychain Multitool
Good fit Small jobs and short trips
Not for Jobs that need a full-size blade or pliers
The difference is the pliers
A pocket knife is built around its blades, and everything else folds in beside them. A multitool is built around a pair of folding pliers, with the blade as one tool among many. So the question is what the person does more: cut and open things, or grip, twist and fix them. The multitool guide ranks 7 tools on that second job, and the gifts for dad guide sorts presents by what he actually does.
| Pocket knife | Multitool | |
|---|---|---|
| Built around | Blades | Pliers |
| Example here | Victorinox Huntsman, 15 functions | Leatherman Wave Plus, 18 tools |
| Best for | Cutting, opening, small jobs | Repairs, wire, gripping |
The Victorinox Huntsman is the pocket knife to give
Victorinox’s Huntsman is a Swiss Army knife with 15 functions. Owners value the range of tools, the sharp blades and how long it lasts, and many carry it every day or bought it as a gift. Its listing names no pliers, so it is the wrong pick for someone who works on cars or wiring.
Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife, 15 Functions
A Swiss Army knife with 15 functions, built around its blades.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Pocket knife |
|---|---|
| Functions | 15 |
15 functions around a pair of blades.
Buy it if
- Cutting, opening and small jobs every day
Don't buy it if
- Gripping, bending or cutting wire
Leatherman’s Skeletool carries pliers without the weight
The Leatherman Skeletool keeps only 7 tools, which is the point. Owners like a well-made, light tool with only the essentials for everyday carry. Some report a loose pocket clip, and value divides them.
Leatherman Skeletool 7-in-1 Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel
A pared-back multitool with 7 tools and pliers, made for everyday carry.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Multitool with pliers |
|---|---|
| Tools | 7 |
7 tools, pliers included, light enough to carry daily.
Buy it if
- Carrying pliers every day without the weight
Don't buy it if
- Someone who wants a tool for everything
The Wave Plus has 18 tools for the person who fixes everything
The Wave Plus is an 18-in-1 tool for DIY and the outdoors. Owners rate it as a capable tool across a wide range of jobs. Value divides them, and some find the price steep.
Leatherman Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool, Black
An 18-in-1 multitool for DIY and the outdoors.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Multitool with pliers |
|---|---|
| Tools | 18 |
18 tools for DIY and the outdoors.
Buy it if
- Someone who fixes things around the house and outdoors
Don't buy it if
- A buyer watching the price
Gerber’s Suspension NXT is a 15-in-1 multitool with pliers and an everyday-carry knife. Owners praise the build and blades that hold an edge; the pocket clip feels flimsy to some, and the locking draws mixed views.
Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multitool
A 15-in-1 multitool with pliers and an everyday-carry knife.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Multitool with pliers |
|---|---|
| Tools | 15 |
15 tools with pliers and a knife.
Buy it if
- A full multitool for less than a Leatherman
Don't buy it if
- A buyer who wants a sturdy pocket clip
The Gerber Shard is for a keyring, not a toolbox
The Shard is a 7-in-1 keychain tool with a bottle opener and a pry bar. Owners like a compact tool that handles small jobs and short trips and is worth the price; views on how sharp its edges are vary. Before flying with any tool, check the multitool rules for planes.
Gerber Shard 7-in-1 Keychain Multitool
A 7-in-1 keychain tool with a bottle opener and a pry bar.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Type | Keychain tool |
|---|---|
| Tools | 7 |
7 small tools on a keyring.
Buy it if
- Small jobs and short trips
Don't buy it if
- Jobs that need a full-size blade or pliers
Prices, savings and deal badges are Amazon's own, read from Amazon within the last hour. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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