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I have been in construction for over 21 years, So, I guess one could say that I do have a slight amount of experiance with tools, Both good and bad.. So, You can take it fwiw...
I own first generations of both the leatherman and the Gerber.. I got them within months of each other.. And, that has been at least a good 15-16 years ago.. The Gerber looks like it's been to hell and back.. The Leatherman looks brand new.. Why? you ask,, Because the leatherman does not get used..
Politics aside,, The only way I'd take another leatherman is if they gave Me $100,, That way I could toss the leatherman in the trash and go out and buy a Gerber or a SOG...
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Multi-tools tend to garner as many opinions as calibers. I've been using Gerber Multi-tools for the last 17 years. Still have the first 2 that I bought while in the Army. I have around 7 of them now just to make sure I could stash them in various gear bags and such. I prefer the round nose pliers, but the needle nose having their uses as well.
The reason I've stayed with Gerber is that I like the tools being on the inside when the pliers are extended. I've tried several Leatherman and SOG options but could never get use to the grips of either because the interior storage area and the narrow lips of the grips were turned outward.... sorry if that doesn't make much sense, I'm not sure how to better describe it. Regardless all of my Gerber MT's have stood up to every bit of stress and abuse I've put them through.
As for folders.. well I've become a CRKT convert, don't get me wrong there are several quality mid tier brands - Spyderco, CRKT, Gerber, Kershaw, Benchmade.. ect.. but if you're looking for the best, bullet proof and neigh indestructible.. there are 2 choices... Custom or Strider.
Everything centers around what you're willing to pay for these tools. I carry a CRKT M21-02 and have several variants of the M16. All of which are often subject to abuse and heavy use. The price point on these mid tier knives is why I have them (and so many of them), but if I had the spare cash or were going to have a professional need (MIL or LE) then I'd save my pennies and buy a Strider without question.
Hope that helps and remember YMMV
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I'm not particularly a big fan of SOG knives (I think that they tend to be overpriced), but that Seal Pup is a really sweet looking knife.
