I think my dad had every tool known to man and then at least 3 extras of each. Which was great when we were home. But when we were on the road, in the woods, or out on the boat, and something needed fixing, I can still hear his voice: “Ant, get my Leatherman.”
When something breaks, loosens, jams, tears, or stops working, odds are you’re not going to have the exact tool you need right that minute. And that random fix that should take 30 seconds turns into a whole situation.
My dad’s solution (and now my solution, too) … the Leatherman. It’s kind of like a Swiss Army Knife for preppers.
I usually carry a Leatherman everywhere I go. When I’m working on the house or camping … it’s my go-to problem solver.
I have three of them. One in the garage, one in the car, and one strapped to the MOLLE gear on my pack. So, I’m never too far away from it when I need it.
The Leatherman earned its reputation the hard way, by being there when something broke and actually fixing the problem.
I reach for it without thinking now. And if you have this tool you probably do the same thing.
The Original Story Behind Leatherman
Is necessity the mother of invention? Yep.
Tim Leatherman was adventuring overseas in the 70s in possibly the world’s most unreliable car. He needed a pair of pliers, but no go. His engineer’s brain was now in high gear. Leatherman wanted to create a compact, easy-to-carry tool that was wonderfully multi-function.
Tim spent years working on this passion project. He pitched his new multi-tool to knife companies and to tool companies. And all he heard was no. Until he got a yes.
Now campers, mechanics, tradespeople, military personnel, first responders, outdoorsmen, and preppers carry this tool just about everywhere.
What You’re Actually Carrying
What you’ve got here is a toolbox you can carry in your pocket or on your belt.
With the Leatherman, it’s not one size fits all. It’s true most include some combination of pliers (the tool that fueled Tim’s creation), knife blades, screwdrivers, scissors, bottle openers, can openers, files, saws, awls, and even bit drivers. But, they also come tailored for specific uses.
Just take a look at their site to see the versatility of some models.
What really makes the Leatherman stand apart from other multi-tools, though, is how durable they are. It’s not going to snap on you when you need it most.
Practical Uses
Where do I start. As a prepper, I’m not going to say the Leatherman is the most practical, most used tool/gear that I own. But I grab for it at least once a week. And if I was bugging out? Well, forgetaboutit.
It makes short work out of opening packaging, cutting cordage, and preparing food. In a pinch, I’ll use my Leatherman as a kitchen knife.
I’ve used my Leatherman on rope, duct tape, zip ties, fishing line, and paracord. Works like a charm.
I also keep one in my car. And it saved my life when I used it to tighten loose battery terminals, trim damaged wiring insulation or remove small fasteners.
Power outages, storm cleanups, evacuations, off-grid projects, the list goes on and on.
It’s kind of ridiculous that one compact item that fits into your pocket, glove compartment, backpack, bug-out bag or emergency kit can take the place of so many other tools.
This is why preppers absolutely love the Leatherman.
I caught Jordan Jonas (winner of season six of the History Channel’s Alone) on Joe Rogan’s podcast talking a how he dressed a moose with nothing but a Leatherman. Talk about a handy survivor’s tool!
The Top 5 Leatherman Tools
The pliers are usually the centerpiece. This is the reason the tool exists.
Need to remove a hot pot from a fire? Pull a stubborn nail? Tighten a clamp? Pliers are your huckleberry.
The sharp knife blades help with everything from opening packages to cutting rope and preparing tinder.
The Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are like gold.
Choosing the Right One For You
I can almost guarantee you won’t use a Leatherman the way I do … different strokes for different folks. So every prepper has to pick a Leatherman that’s right for them.
If you’re planning on living with it in your pocket, the lighter and smaller the better. If you’re leaving it in your car or bug-out bag, you may want to go a little bigger.
Are wire cutters important? Is it primarily for camping? How often are you going to use those bit drivers? Check out a few different types and one or two will jump out at you.
How About Maintenance
It’s pretty simple, mostly common sense. Keep it clean. Just run a rag over it after you use it. You don’t want debris getting stuck in all the moving parts.
Dry it well if it gets wet. It’s stainless steel, but even so. Keep the hinges oiled so it’s not work opening and closing it. And keep those blades sharp. That’s it, really.
Final Thoughts
No one is ever going to say the Leatherman is exciting, but it’s an absolutely essential survival tool that will soon become one of the most useful pieces of gear you own.
Many preppers I know have love to garden … are Do It Yourselfers … take off in RVs … and practices trades (like my friend John who’s a bada$$ carpenter). This tool slides into those and so many other interests easily.
Like I said, I have three of them. My dad had four before I took one. He knew.
The Leatherman is known for showing up in real-life situations and being enough to get the job done.
It solves everyday problems with ease, takes the place of 10+ other tools you don’t have to lug around, and it fits right in your pocket.
If you don’t have one, move it to the top of the list. Then very soon you’ll smile because you just saved yourself from a frustrating experience where you didn’t have the right tool for the job.
FAQs About the Leatherman Multi-Tool
1. Why do preppers like the Leatherman so much?
Preppers, of course, want and need to be prepared for just about anything. And one of the Leatherman’s strengths is its versatility. Multiple tools built into one durable device means preppers have a better chance of being able to “MacGyver” a solution.
2. What’s the difference between a Leatherman and a Swiss Army Knife?
Both are multi-tools. But the Leatherman usually includes heavy-duty pliers. A Leatherman is designed and built for durability and repair work. Swiss Army Knives is great for everyday tasks, but campers, outdoorsmen, and preppers often rely on the Leatherman as a go-to tool.
3. Which Leatherman model is best for beginners?
That all depends on what your needs are. Smaller models are great for everyday use. Larger models offer more tools and strength for serious outdoor or repair work. A good question for first-time Leatherman owners is do I want one for solving daily problems or will I be using it under more extreme conditions like camping and survival tasks?
4. Can a Leatherman really replace a full toolbox?
Nope. But a Leatherman is a handy tool that can tighten screws, cut rope, open cans, trim wire, and make quick repairs. A well-equipped toolbox is invaluable, but you can’t fit one into a bugout bag.
5. How should you maintain a Leatherman multi-tool?
Basic maintenance goes a long way. Wipe it down after use (especially if it’s dirty, wet, or exposed to saltwater). Keep the hinges oiled. And for goodness sake, keep the blades sharp.
6. Is a Leatherman worth the money?
The answer is “Yes,” if you’re a camper, hunter, or prepper. This tool is durable, versatile, and easy to take anywhere. Put in on your belt and you’re ready for many unexpected problems.
7. Where should preppers store their Leatherman tools?
Preppers often keep more than one. One might stay clipped to a belt or inside a pocket for everyday use. Vehicles, backpacks, and bug-out bags are also great places to keep a Leatherman.
BIO: Anthony Vion is a lifelong prepper from Long Island, NY, with decades of hands-on experience in using and reviewing tools, self-reliance, and practical skill-building. His superpower is to break down complex ideas into clear, usable advice.
These thoughts are my way of sharing with the prepper community. It’s not professional advice. Use common sense and please be careful when you handle tools. And don’t take unnecessary risks (like with electrical work).
