The Leatherman ARC Might Be the Ultimate Everyday Multitool

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A reliable EDC knife is essential—but for tougher jobs, you need more than just a blade. Whether you’re working with your hands full-time or tackling weekend projects, the best multitools combine pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, and more into one pocket-ready device.

Made famous by Victorinox’s Swiss Army Knife, multitools have evolved far beyond their World War II origins. Today’s top options are designed for hunters, electricians, mechanics, IT pros, and serious DIYers—packing more functionality into smaller, more durable builds than ever before. Our pick for the best multitool overall is the Leatherman ARC, which stood out in testing for its powerful pliers, sharp MagnaCut blade, versatile bit driver, and premium construction.

And if you're looking for more best-of-the-best tools, check out the 2025 Men's Journal Best Tools Awards, including the best lawn and garden tools, power tools, auto tools, bike tools, outdoor tools, and tool storage. 

Why Leatherman ARC Is the Best Multitool Overall

For years, Leatherman’s Free P4 was my go-to multitool, but the ARC has replaced it with a better tool selection and premium materials along with the same, smooth magnet-controlled “free” mechanism. The pliers—which in my opinion are the primary reason to carry a multitool at all—are precise and strong. The wire cutters have hard and regular wire-cutting segments and are replaceable, which is important since this is often the first thing to break. Of note is the inclusion of a 2.76-inch CPM Magnacut knife coated for durability. This premium steel balances sharpness and durability and sets the pricier ARC apart from other multitools with throwaway blades. 

The bit driver and separate bit sheath are handy in a pinch, but like most multitool drivers, they are a last resort if you have more serious drivers within reach. The ARC is the best multitool to date from the world’s top multitool maker, and the price reflects that. If you like Leatherman quality and design but want something cheaper, check out their Wave+ tool, which offers most of the same functions and features in a more basic package for less than half the cost.

What to Look for in the Best Multitools

Toolset

There are some standard inclusions in most multitools, but depending on how you plan to use yours, certain tools may be must-haves for you personally. For a full-size multitool, pliers are pretty much standard, but look for options that have regular and hard wire cutters built in (that are also ideally replaceable, so you don’t have to trash the entire tool if the cutters fail).

Many multitools target niche audiences from hunters to boaters to electricians, and we’ve featured a few of those specialty options above in our picks. Among the more generalist tool options, scissors are surprisingly useful when a knife blade isn’t the right cutting tool, but keep in mind most multitool scissors are fairly tiny and can be frustrating to use for more than a small job.

Drivers are another common inclusion and can be a lifesaver when you need to make repairs far from your toolbox. Again, however, these are usually clunky to use compared to proper screwdrivers and powered driver tools. Likewise, tools such as the Leatherman ARC include lots of bit options you can swap in, but this means carrying a separate bit holder, which increases bulk and hassle of use.

Size and Weight

It can be hard to judge size by photos online, so read specs to get a proper sense of the size of any multitool you’re considering. Smaller multitools such as The James Brand Ellis, Leatherman Micra, or Swiss Army Jetsetter have the advantage of being less cumbersome to carry, but their utility is a notch below larger tools. 

Full-size options such as the Leatherman ARC pack in more utility, but their size means you’re less likely to carry them daily and have them when you need them. If you’re able, visit a hardware or outdoor store where you can handle multiple options to determine the size and weight that feels best for you. Consider a full-size multitool to be anything in the four- to five-inch closed length range and anything smaller to be a compact option.

Note the weight as well. For certain applications, such as hunting or backpacking, the weight of anything you carry comes with a cost. We highlight several lightweight and compact options above that make it easier to choose to bring the utility of a multitool along for your journey.

Cost

Most decent multitools will cost at least $50 but can run up to $300. If you carry a multitool daily (or at least often), it’s probably worth spending more to get exactly the tools and durability you want. Conversely, if you just want something to be prepared on occasional camping trips or off-road adventures, you might not get the full value of the pricier tools we feature above. Luckily, there are plenty of cheaper options on the market that still deliver plenty of functionality and quality.

Why You Should Trust Me

I'm a lifelong camper based at 10,000 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. I spend at least a month in a tent each year and have camped in snow pits above 14,000 feet and on the beach in the tropics. I'm familiar with what makes a truly useful, durable multitool that'll stand the test of time and help you out in all kinds of outdoor scenarios.