4 Best Multitools for EDC in 2026

Engravable with personal message; holds tools securely for workshop use; practical yet sentimental gift 18 tools with all blades locking for safety Keep in mind: $99 is premium for a multi-tool. Keep in mind: heavy at 8.5 oz with sheath.

Center-axis driver provides full screwdriver torque alignment Magnetic bit holder for standard 1/4-inch bits $109 approaches Leatherman Wave+ pricing Heavier than minimalist alternatives Compared to the LEATHERMAN Wave+ 18-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi-Tool at $130 on this page, the Gerber Gerber Gear Center-Drive Plus 16-Piece Multi-Tool with Sheath and Bit Set costs $24 more but may offer additional features or brand support worth considering for serious users.

The Skeletool CX earns Best Lightweight EDC for the combination of 5.0 oz weight, carbon fiber handles, and carabiner clip — the design language of an everyday carry tool rather than a belt-pouch utility. At 5.0 oz, it weighs 37% less than the Wave+ (8.5 oz), a meaningful difference for all-day pocket carry where every ounce registers. Carbon fiber handles provide the weight reduction while giving the Skeletool a premium aesthetic that distinguishes it from standard multi-tool designs. The trade-off is tool count: 7 tools vs. 18 on the Wave+. The 7 are the core essentials — pliers, knife, bit driver, carabiner clip — but scissors, wood saw, and several screwdrivers are absent. For an EDC user whose primary use cases are opening packages, tightening loose screws, and occasional pliers work, 7 tools covers the daily demand. For someone who regularly needs the full suite, the Wave+ (rank 1, $129.95) is more capable at $30 more. At $99.95, the Skeletool CX is $47 more than the Gerber Suspension-NXT (rank 4, $52.99). The Gerber has 15 tools but standard stainless weight without the EDC-specific weight engineering. The Skeletool justifies its price for the weight-conscious carry user who wants Leatherman build quality in the lightest possible package — the multi-tool recommendation for hikers, travelers, and anyone prioritizing carry comfort over maximum tool count.

The Gerber Suspension-NXT at $52.99 is the 15-tool, full-feature multi-tool at the lowest price on the page. Onyx black oxide finish provides corrosion resistance for outdoor and working environments. The pocket clip eliminates the need for a belt holster — the defining EDC feature — making it accessible for field technicians, office workers, and outdoor users without a duty belt setup. 15 tools covering pliers, blades, and screwdrivers handles the majority of everyday multi-tool use cases without premium pricing. The trade-offs are real: build quality is below Leatherman Wave+ 420HC stainless. Not all tools lock, which is a safety concern for regular use — an unlocked blade under pressure can fold unexpectedly. Handle design and tool deployment are less refined than premium alternatives, meaning more effort to access individual tools cleanly. For light use, these limitations rarely surface; for frequent professional use, they add up over time. At $52.99 vs. the Skeletool CX (rank 3, $99.95), the Gerber is $47 less with 8 more tools but in a heavier, lower-precision package. Against the Wave+ (rank 1, $129.95), the Gerber is $77 less with equivalent tool count but lower build quality and partial locking coverage. Best for budget-conscious buyers who need capable daily carry without the Leatherman investment, with the understanding that build quality matches the price point rather than a professional-grade tool.