Is There a Multi-Tools that...

Does anyone know of a multi-tool that:

• Has scissors as it's primary tool
• Has a locking blade
• Is comfortable to use (no sharp edges against hands)
• Weighs less than 4 ounces

I have a feeling it's a bit like a unicorn - impossible to find.

I am not a fan of multi-tools on the trail for lots of reasons...but wouldn't a simple Swiss Army knife meet most of your requirements? Don't some of them have locking blades? Some of them certainly have scissors...although no manly man is going to carry a tool that as a primary purpose as a pair of scissors!

If a scissors and a locking blade are necessities, then perhaps look at a manicure scissors and an Opinel knife, rather than trying to pull it all together as a multi-tool? I think you could get those two dedicated tools to come in under 4 ounces.

Curious, what is it that you don't like about multi tools? What do you use? (Note, I don't necessarily disagree)

Given that my backpack and tent are made of nylon, I take a sewing kit. And I take a tiny knife for cleaning fish and cutting the salami and cheese we take for lunches.

Screwdrivers/pliers/wrenches etc. serve me for nothing at all...and multi-tools are always heavy. Why carry around stuff that you don't need--or can't use?

The multi-tools that I know of that have scissors as their primary tool (Leatherman Micra, Gerber Shortcut) do not have locking blades.

I own many multi-tools, but never hike with them. Too heavy, too many tools that serve no purpose on the trail. My primary knife when hiking is a Swiss Army Classic....the tiniest one they make! Has scissors, tweezers, tooth pick, nail file, screw driver, blade, all in about an ounce. If I need a locking blade, which is rare, I'll carry a retasked kitchen boning knife, again very lightweight and strong.
Leatherman makes an S4 Squirt with scissors as it's primary tool, but no locking blade. It's a 2 oz. tool. I have the version with pliers as the primary and carry it often, but not hiking.

+1 I've never needed more though I suppose if I was in some true survival situation a larger knife would be nicer to have. Hopefully I won't have such bad luck but if I do I'll just improvise.

All makes sense to me-Just curious on the mindset. I was given a very nice multi tool for Christmas and doesn't seem too heavy, but you are right that ounces do add up quickly to pounds.

I'm relatively new to the overnight hiking, but have done plenty of day hiking so I'm always curious as to what people use for gear. All really good info!!

I'm 64. I don't like carrying any more than I have to carry!

I'm currently carrying a Leatherman Squirt PS4 - knife blade, a couple of screwdriver/nail file tools, pliers, scissors, and small knife; I also carry a small tweezers, since they aren't on the tool. So far, I like the PS4, though I'm still not sure I'll stick with it - something in me always whispering that something designed to do several things doesn't do any of them well.
Previously, I carried a Gerber LST Mini lockback pocketknife, folding Fiskars scissors, and tweezers. The PS4 and tweezers weigh the same as the separate knife/scissors/tweezers, but I miss the lockback feature. (I've never had any problems with the non-locking blade.)
The extra tools have been somewhat useful: the pliers make a passable pot grabber if the handles get hot or I want to pull the tight-fitting lid off. I've used the screwdriver blades for several things (prying battery covers off headlamps), but not for screwing screws. The scissors are a bit small for serious cutting, but work fine on moleskin and freeze-dried food, or trimming finger or toe nails. Oddly, the knife is what I use least often.

Spiderco makes a sub 2 oz version
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C169/ClipiTool-Scissors/855

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is my go-to knife. It weighs 1.9 oz., has pliers, scissors, etc. There used to be a version that had the scissors as the primary tool, but I didn't look to see if it's still there--look at the Leatherman site to find out. The blade doesn't lock, but I've never used a knife with a locking blade and never have missed it. My first instructions in using a knife (at age 6) stressed that I never rely on the knife to stay open and handle it accordingly. On th other hand, I've never had the blade of mine ever try to close on me when i'm using it.

I use the pliers a lot, primarily as a pot-grabber, but also when threading straps through buckles and other such tasks--I don't have enough fingertip strength to grasp the tiny edge of the strap and pull it through. The pliers are also useful for fishing. For me, those pliers are essential! Other blades I use are the largest screwdriver (to help push webbing straps through tight buckles, or to loosen them for adjustment, or for various prying tasks), the file (for my frequently splitting fingernails), the scissors (for trimming my frequent hangnails and Bandaids as well as for manicure/pedicure), the smallest screwdriver for tightening the screws on my glasses. I even use the knife blade on occasion.

For me, for less than an ounce more than the tiny Swiss knife, the additional functions of the Squirt are well worth it. Buy a knife to suit your individual needs, not for what others tell you. Just don't spend additional money/weight on functions you'll rarely, if ever, use.

Plus 1 on all OM said, including Jesuit the pliers as a pot grabber!

CM

Darn these tiny tablets and auto corrects! That was supposed to be using not Jesuit. I've had to back up at least 5 times just to post this. Make that 9 times!

I feel your pain. One of these days, my iPad is going to get up close and personal with a wall. (Only three autocorrect corrections to make on this post.)

Good one, Franco! Thanks for the chuckle!

You may try Leatherman Wingman. This has locking blade feature Unfortunately, weight is not less than 4 ounces.




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Meo Tan

The Leatherman Raptor is more scissor than all the others and does have a locking blade but it is close to 6 oz.
There is one made in India that looks the part but I think the OP has lost interest.

Nah, I'm still here, just soaking up all the knowledge.

Maybe check out the Leatherman Style CS (not the PS, as it doesn't have a blade and is built around little pliers).
It's main tool is the scissors. The blade doesn't lock, but at least it's only about $20 and the handle is a little larger than the Squirt or Micra.

I actually have a Style PS, or at least I did before I gave it to my son. I don't remember why I decided I didn't like it. I also had a Squirt at one point and lost it along with my entire FAK. I miss that one, but I've been eyeing the Micra for the longest time. I've been hiking with the little 1oz SAK, but I can imagine scenarios where that wouldn't be sufficient. Right now, I'm considering the merits of separate tools (Fiskars or Slip n Snip folding scissors, tiny homemade fixed-blade knife, and maybe even a tiny pair of jeweler's pliars). I can never make up my mind. BTW, the homemade knife hasn't been made yet, it's just an idea.

Check out the Micra, as the blade/implements fold out from the inside, which sorta locks them, since the handles fold shut to hold it out.

On the downside, the blade edge is faced inward. If you laid it down flat, the blade edge isn't flat against the table. Hard to explain...

No, I get it. I can picture it in my head. Plus I've seen them before in person. My wife carries one.