The Truss and Suspension add functions while reducing weight from Gerber’s ‘best-selling’ predecessor. The last primary tool that you'll need for everyday use is a pair of scissors. Although a bit on the small size, classing them as a main tool may be a bit of a stretch. After spending some time studying the features and specs of the Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool, I’ve come to form some humble opinions about who might find this item particularly useful. It’s clear that this tool is designed with thoughtfulness and versatility, but let’s dive right into its user profile. Something that isn’t small is the Philips screwdriver which has a full-size head and a reasonably long shaft. Thumbs up for the Philips. The other tools are standard and commonly used tools for a multi-tool of this size. There is one knife here and that’s a combo blade 2.25 inches (5.7 cms) long. Half straight edge and half serrated with an oval thumb hole for deployment. The last main tool is a pair of scissors. They are small though so it’s probably an exaggeration to count them as a ‘main tool’ in this case.

One, the NXT is at the lighter end of the weight range for a full-size multi-tool. In changing the focus of the Suspension from commercial users to more enthusiast users for the NXT, Gerber has reduced the weight from 9 oz (255 gms) down to 6.7 oz (190 gms). That’s 25% less weight to carry around. Like the pliers on the other new multi-tool Gerber is releasing, the Truss (reviewed here), the NXT has spring-loaded pliers. They’re needle nose pliers with a straight section and a bolt/nut gripper section. Wire cutters are included as you would expect and wire strippers as well. These have all the same functions as the Truss and looking at the 2, they look identical. Nothing wrong with that, just a bit of part sharing across the 2 new models. Another tool that’s only the small side is the scissors. I’m sure they will still cut some small things but the mouth doesn’t open very wide so you won’t get a lot of anything in one cut. However, it doesn’t stop there. The straight-edge and serrated knife could be a boon for those who enjoy the art of whittling or need to cut ropes or prepare food outdoors. Similarly, the awl—a tool you don’t often see in your average multi-tool—could be a godsend for someone needing to punch holes in leather or fabric, perhaps for makeshift gear repairs.The Suspension and Truss have the exact same plier-head. But, the Truss's plier-head is more polished and seems to have better tolerances. At least, this is the case, on my example. I cannot make the claim for all Trusses. The pliers have the sort of functions you would expect on a full-sized multi-tool so nothing to complain about there. They are also spring loaded which apparently reduce hand fatigue. I don’t know about you but I’ve never had hand fatigue using pliers before but you might appreciate it.

Another thing to note is that the Truss fixes the biggest issue on the Suspension. The Suspension has suffered BADLY with broken plier-stops, whether the screws break or the stop breaks, the Suspension had that weakest link. The Truss fixes this by incorporating the plier-stops into the handle-frame themselves. Another much welcomed addition to the new Gerber Truss. The one knife that comes with this Gerber Suspension multi-tool is a combo blade of 2.25 inches (5.7cm) long. A half straight edge and a half-serrated edge with an oval thumb hole makes chopping and slicing all the easier. Truss and Suspension plain-edge blades. The Truss changes the blade shape and adds a bit of length. A much welcomed change! I have had a chance to sit down and do a side-by-side comparison of the new Gerber Truss and the OG Suspension.

Leatherman has become shorthand for “multi-tool” for a good reason. The company's build quality is fantastic. Tools can be flipped out and retracted forcefully but smoothly, and the finishing on each mini-tool is excellent. Leatherman has many options to choose from, but the Wave Plus is easily my favorite. It has two stainless steel knives, one with a straight edge and the other serrated. The latter is good for cutting fibrous material such as rope. The 420HC steel employed has a high carbon content, so the edges won't stay sharp for long, but it's easy to sharpen 'em up again. There are 16 other tools, including a wood-and-metal file, a diamond-coated file, a saw, Phillips screwdriver bits, scissors, an 8-inch ruler, and a wire stripper, as well as a bottle and can opener. Truss and Suspension Wood Saw. The Suspension always had a pretty poorly formed wood-saw. The Truss has a notably longer, more aggressive, and much better-formed wood saw. A much welcomed addition. The knife is a combo blade with half straight and half serrated edges. Some people love combo blades as it gives them the option to use the part of the blade that best suits the cutting job without using the real estate 2 separate blades would take. I can take or leave a combo blade. Serrated blades are good at cutting things like rope because the serrations grip the rope surface allowing it to cut more easily. That’s true but a straight blade will do the same thing as a serrated knife if it’s sharp because it’s sharp enough to “grip” the rope. If you compare the NXT to Gerber’s own Center-Drive (my review here), you can see the differences in the size of the tools like the pliers and the knife which are a size or two up from the NXT. That tells you it is more a medium-duty multi-tool rather than heavy-duty. The newly designed Suspension NXT gives you a compact multi-tool with 15 handy tools for the everyday user, from the commuter and hobbyist to weekend hiker and camper.

The handles, when extended into ideal driver use position, are similar in comfort. See images of the drivers to see the ideal driver-use position.Updated September 2023: We've added the Leatherman Raptor Rescue, SOG Parashears, and Leatherman Style PS. We've also updated pricing and availability.