Mini-Review - Ozark Trail Multiforce 18-in-1 Multitool

This is a guest post from our contributor writing under the nom de plume "The Realist", who generally writes about EDC or bug-out gear. You can read more of his/her work by clicking on this link.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were purchased by myself. I did not receive samples, evaluation models, or other compensation from any manufacturer or retailer. I have no formal relationship with any manufacturer or retailer mentioned in this review - I have only been an arms-length customer. All brand names and product names used in this review are the trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Further, this review reflects my unique circumstances and subjective opinions with regard to performance and other characteristics of the products being reviewed. Your mileage may vary.

      Recently, I was walking through the local Walmart looking to score some ammunition on clearance. Prominently displayed as I approached the sporting goods department was a new Ozark Trail multitool on display. As I walked closer, I realized this multitool looked vaguely like a Leatherman Wave. At $37.74, it costs significantly more than any previous Ozark Trail multitool I have ever seen.

      The Ozark Trail Multiforce multitool has a tool compliment similar to that of the Leatherman Wave, sharing some features with both the first and second generation Waves. Except for the pliers head, all of the Multiforce tools lock in their deployed positions. The Multiforce has four blades - straight edge knife, serrated edge knife, saw, and two sided file - that can be opened without opening up the handles of the closed multitool. The Multiforce comes with a long-nose pliers head incorporating wire cutters and a wire crimper, a can/bottle opener blade incorporating a wire stripper notch, spring-action scissors, and barely visible rulers laser etched into the handles. The Multiforce has one fixed flat screwdriver blade, and one reversible screw driver bit. The Multiforce also comes with a short extension so that other screwdriver bits (not supplied) can be used.

      I compared the Rockwell Hardness of the straight knife blade on the Multiforce to that of the Wave using Tsubosan hardness testing files. The blade on both multitools was hardened to between 55 and 60 HRC.

      The Multiforce and Wave both have a double-sided file with one side being diamond coated and the other side being a traditional double cut file. The Multiforce double cut file is not as sharp as that found on the wave. Further, one edge of the file on both multitools has perpendicular cuts, with the Wave being significantly sharper than the Multiforce.

       However, there are also some significant differences between the Multiforce and the Wave. The jaws of the pliers pivot out of the opposite end of the handle from that of the Wave, pivoting out of the end with the small head pivot screws, whereas the Wave pliers pivot out of the end with the large head pivot screws. The Multiforce comes with an attached pocket clip, whereas a pocket clip is an add-on accessory for the Wave. The Multiforce weights 278 g (9.8 oz), 40 grams (1.4 ounces) more, and is 23.4 mm (0.92 in), 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) thicker, than the second generation Wave.

      The Multiforce sheath is significantly inferior to any of the sheaths supplied with the Wave. The sheath is a slightly upgraded version of that supplied with the five-dollar Ozark Trail mulitools - adding a thin plastic belt clip that I doubt would survive much abuse.

      The Multiforce packaging claims it has a five year limited warranty. But, there is nothing elsewhere on or inside the package to provide any additional information on the warranty.

      To me, it looks like Walmart intends for the Multiforce to be a low-price competitor to the Leatherman Wave. It has a similar tool complement and similar appearance, but differs in various design elements as if they were trying to design around patents held by Leatherman.

      The fit and finish of the Multiforce looks reasonable - certainly better than most multitools I see coming out of China. I have not performed any destructive testing to see how well it would hold up to abuse. I am somewhat disappointed with the file on the Multiforce. And, as hinted at above, I am disappointed with the sheath (find a better sheath or don't carry it on your belt).

      Would I recommend the Ozark Trail Multiforce over a Leatherman Wave now selling for nearly $100? If you were pinching pennies, perhaps. However, when compared to other multitools coming out of China, including models like the Gerber Suspension, I believe it represents a good value.