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.
$120-180 USD
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.
$200-260 USD
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.
$140-180 USD
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 USD
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.
$160-220 USD