Multi-Tool suggestions

Gerber fan here. The Suspension looks like it meets your needs

 

I've been carrying the Leatherman Skeletool CX for a long while with great results. Pocket clip, 154cm main blade, and the same screwdriver interface that's on the wave. Great as and edc, but the pliers feel a little bit thin, so I'd go for something beefier if you're planning to wrench on 3/4 inch bolts often.

https://www.leatherman.com/skeletool-cx-19.html

 

multitools are the biggest compromise i make in my edc.

my requirements are the same as yours.

comfortable to carry w/ pocket clip = underperforming, entry level crap.

high quality tools = extraneous tools, heavy carry weight, no pocket clip.

skeletool is a good option, probably the only one that meets your minimum requirements. the new leatherman free p4 looks pretty great, but it's got a workshop full of tools in there. the wave+ and charge+ are high quality, but require an aftermarket pocket clip.

 

@Jeff Randall
I am not 100% on the specs but I cannot say enough about the Leatherman super tool 300. This is the one tool/ knife that had received the most dirt time of any I own.
It does not have a pocket clip... But i have seen people add a pocket clip. With your shop it should be relatively easy for you..






https://www.leatherman.com/super-tool-300-2.html

 

The blades on most tools seems to always be the weak point. At the price most of the leatherman stuff goes for you'd think they would give you something more durable.

 

You can get the wave with a variety of blade steels and a pocket clip. I prefer Victorinox tools but the wave is a nice one.

 

I wish I had the CX version. I have the cheap skeletool and it’s a great minimalist tool but the blade leaves a lot to be desired. Someday I’ll have to upgrade.

 

Could the Sidekick's blade be hardened to lower RCs than the Surge/ST300, as I have both and they perform better than some Aus8 blades I have had. Perhaps a step lower than Buck 420 HC, but quite better than Gerber's 420 HC

 

The wave is great but loaded with possibly unnecessary tools so the Skeletool was a good choice for your needs.
I think it was Todd Hunt's sidekick Murphy (Murphnuge) that had had a skeletool modded with one of the tools removed and his jeep key in its place....pretty cool

 

And since it has the same bit driver as the Wave, Jeff, pick up the bit kit for it and toss it in your edc bag... its around 20 for just the bit kit or around 45 for the bit kit and bit extender...

I carry a couple little tool kits in my edc/vehicle bag (one with more tools that stays in there and one with a few things I can grab and take with me in a smaller bag i keep on me...perhaps I'll start a thread about that

 

I'd be interested in seeing those edc tool kits.

 

I tried really hard to like the Skeletool CX but I found that the curved handles made the pliers awkward/uncomfortable to use. It's such a great EDC toolset though, I may have to give it another try.

 

As a former jeep owner, this hits close to home.