Leatherman Raptor Response
The Leatherman Raptor Response is a purpose-built EMS multitool that earns its spot for first-aid and survival kits thanks to fast-access medical shears, strap and ring cutters, an oxygen wrench, and a glass breaker in a compact package. Compared with the plier-centric multitools on this list it sacrifices full-size tool diversity for rapid casualty care and a lower price and weight, making it the best specialist choice when emergency medical cutting and speed matter most.
Medical-grade shears
One-handed access
Medical-grade shears
One-handed access
Review Summary
"Respected by EMS and first responders for its durable, compact rescue-focused design; users praise the cutting performance, specialty tools and overall build but note the premium price and limited general multitool functionality."
Cuts like a cape
Specialized trauma shears with a blunt tip for safe cutting in medical emergencies.
Cuts like a cape
Specialized trauma shears with a blunt tip for safe cutting in medical emergencies.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Leatherman Raptor Response is a purpose-built EMS multitool that earns its spot for first-aid and survival kits thanks to fast-access medical shears, strap and ring cutters, an oxygen wrench, and a glass breaker in a compact package. Compared with the plier-centric multitools on this list it sacrifices full-size tool diversity for rapid casualty care and a lower price and weight, making it the best specialist choice when emergency medical cutting and speed matter most.
Medical-grade shears
One-handed access
Cuts like a cape
Specialized trauma shears with a blunt tip for safe cutting in medical emergencies.
Includes ring cutter, oxygen tank wrench and carbide glass breaker for first responder tasks.
Medical-grade shears
One-handed access
Cuts like a cape
Specialized trauma shears with a blunt tip for safe cutting in medical emergencies.
Includes ring cutter, oxygen tank wrench and carbide glass breaker for first responder tasks.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X stands out for Swiss precision engineering and corrosion-resistant steels, giving it finely tuned pliers, smooth deployable blades and a wide set of bits that deliver reliable performance in first-aid and survival scenarios. It trades a few survival-specific features like a firestarter for superior ergonomics, long-term durability and predictable maintenance costs, offering excellent long-term value compared with heavier U.S.-made survival models.
Precision pliers
Solid stainless
Precision pliers
Solid stainless
Review Summary
"Reviewed as Swiss-quality with precise, comfortable pliers and long-lasting fit-and-finish; buyers appreciate the solid tooling for frequent use but cite heft and a higher price compared with simpler multitools."
Swiss wink
High-quality Swiss-made stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
Swiss wink
High-quality Swiss-made stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X stands out for Swiss precision engineering and corrosion-resistant steels, giving it finely tuned pliers, smooth deployable blades and a wide set of bits that deliver reliable performance in first-aid and survival scenarios. It trades a few survival-specific features like a firestarter for superior ergonomics, long-term durability and predictable maintenance costs, offering excellent long-term value compared with heavier U.S.-made survival models.
Precision pliers
Solid stainless
Swiss wink
High-quality Swiss-made stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
Slim profile offers pliers, saw, multiple screwdrivers and precision tools in one package.
Precision pliers
Solid stainless
Swiss wink
High-quality Swiss-made stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
Slim profile offers pliers, saw, multiple screwdrivers and precision tools in one package.
Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal is positioned as the market leader for wilderness survival with full-size pliers, a ferrocerium firestarter, striker, saw and hammer — features that directly support shelter-building and emergency signaling. Compared to specialized medical tools like the Raptor it is bulkier but provides broader self-rescue and survival capability at a mid-range price, making it the best single-tool compromise for first aid plus wilderness exigencies.
Survival-ready kit
Ferro firestarter
Survival-ready kit
Ferro firestarter
Review Summary
"Well-liked by outdoors users for its survival-oriented features (ferro rod, whistle, saw) and sturdy pliers; common complaints are its weight and that some survival tools feel less refined than Leatherman's everyday models."
Marshmallow-tested
Designed for outdoors with a ferrocerium fire starter, hammer and emergency whistle.
Marshmallow-tested
Designed for outdoors with a ferrocerium fire starter, hammer and emergency whistle.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Leatherman Signal is positioned as the market leader for wilderness survival with full-size pliers, a ferrocerium firestarter, striker, saw and hammer — features that directly support shelter-building and emergency signaling. Compared to specialized medical tools like the Raptor it is bulkier but provides broader self-rescue and survival capability at a mid-range price, making it the best single-tool compromise for first aid plus wilderness exigencies.
Survival-ready kit
Ferro firestarter
Marshmallow-tested
Designed for outdoors with a ferrocerium fire starter, hammer and emergency whistle.
Includes combo knife, saw, pliers and removable pocket clip for versatile field use.
Survival-ready kit
Ferro firestarter
Marshmallow-tested
Designed for outdoors with a ferrocerium fire starter, hammer and emergency whistle.
Includes combo knife, saw, pliers and removable pocket clip for versatile field use.
SOG PowerAccess Deluxe
The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe earns its place for mechanical advantage and cutting power; its compound-leverage pliers and beefy cutters outperform many competitors when snipping wire or manipulating hardware in survival repairs. While it lacks dedicated medical shears and some survival-only extras, it offers exceptional grip strength and price-to-performance for users who prioritize heavy-duty tasks in the field over medical-specific tools.
Compound-leverage pliers
Quick-access blade
Compound-leverage pliers
Quick-access blade
Review Summary
"Praised for strong compound-leverage pliers, good cutting performance and ergonomic handling under heavy use; a minority of users report finish or corrosion concerns and find it bulkier than minimalist options."
Grips like a crab
Compound leverage pliers deliver increased cutting power with reduced hand effort.
Grips like a crab
Compound leverage pliers deliver increased cutting power with reduced hand effort.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe earns its place for mechanical advantage and cutting power; its compound-leverage pliers and beefy cutters outperform many competitors when snipping wire or manipulating hardware in survival repairs. While it lacks dedicated medical shears and some survival-only extras, it offers exceptional grip strength and price-to-performance for users who prioritize heavy-duty tasks in the field over medical-specific tools.
Compound-leverage pliers
Quick-access blade
Grips like a crab
Compound leverage pliers deliver increased cutting power with reduced hand effort.
Full-size tools include a partially serrated blade, pry tool and robust screwdrivers.
Compound-leverage pliers
Quick-access blade
Grips like a crab
Compound leverage pliers deliver increased cutting power with reduced hand effort.
Full-size tools include a partially serrated blade, pry tool and robust screwdrivers.
$150-220 CAD
Gerber Center-Drive Plus
The Gerber Center-Drive Plus is notable for its center-line driver that functions like a real screwdriver and its one-handed deployable pliers, making it a top pick for on-the-spot repairs and kit maintenance during survival situations. It may not match the Leatherman Raptor's medical specialization or the Signal's dedicated survival aids, but its unique full-size driver and robust, ergonomically-centered design deliver a technical advantage for building and repairing equipment under stress.
Center-axis driver
Full-size driver
Center-axis driver
Full-size driver
Review Summary
"Users love the Center-Drive's full-size, centered screwdriver action and robust pliers—making real-world screwdriving easy; criticisms focus on its weight, premium price, and occasional quality-control reports."
Drives like a boss
Center-axis screwdriver provides true in-line driving performance like a real screwdriver.
Drives like a boss
Center-axis screwdriver provides true in-line driving performance like a real screwdriver.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Gerber Center-Drive Plus is notable for its center-line driver that functions like a real screwdriver and its one-handed deployable pliers, making it a top pick for on-the-spot repairs and kit maintenance during survival situations. It may not match the Leatherman Raptor's medical specialization or the Signal's dedicated survival aids, but its unique full-size driver and robust, ergonomically-centered design deliver a technical advantage for building and repairing equipment under stress.
Center-axis driver
Full-size driver
Drives like a boss
Center-axis screwdriver provides true in-line driving performance like a real screwdriver.
Full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters and multiple blade options for repairs.
Center-axis driver
Full-size driver
Drives like a boss
Center-axis screwdriver provides true in-line driving performance like a real screwdriver.
Full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters and multiple blade options for repairs.