I carry a skeletool. It’s only slightly larger than the folder I replaced with it and it works great for everything I use a knife for while also having the pliers, screwdriver bits, and bottle opener. There’s also an extension for the screwdriver that makes it a little more useful but I don’t keep that on my person and honestly most times I’ve used it I haven’t even bothered putting it into the tool. I did get a Milwaukee Fastback when I was doing a lot of box opening to preserve the blade on the skeletool, but otherwise I’ve been using it for everything for over a decade. Probably one of my favorite possessions.

The flashlight/phone debate reminds me of the multi tool/knife debate. Do one thing well, or 20 things okay…

I have a tool bag with a nice flashlight in my car for bigger jobs, for random quick stuff my phone and Leatherman cover 95% of what comes up. Best of both worlds. Not that I’m really going to debate anyone about the shit they carry around. If someone present has a better tool for the job I’ll applaud their preparedness. I just don’t personally find it worthwhile to carry the extra items on me all the time. I’m still more prepared than most with just the Leatherman.

Being able to smugly utilize the thing that people always ask why you carry around is one of the best feelings there is.

Your internal combustion engine has become an external combustion engine.