My KENDO Multi-Tool after plenty of use – Looking for maintenance and upgrade recommendations!

[u/Ex_Fr_77]

Hi everyone,

Sharing a few shots of my KENDO multi-tool (open-frame skeleton style design). As you can see from the wear on the black finish, it has been a reliable daily carry for various tasks.

Main features/tools included:

Spring-loaded needle-nose pliers with wire cutters

Main knife blade & serrated saw blade

Metal file with flathead screwdriver tip

Can & bottle opener

Multiple small screwdrivers & awl

Questions for the community:

What is the best way to clean and oil the joints without ruining the remaining black coating?

For anyone familiar with KENDO tools or similar budget EDC models, what would be a worthy upgrade if I want something with a locking mechanism or better steel in the future?

Thanks for your feedback!

[u/grrttlc2]

Treat yourself to a leatherman bond or rebar?

If you need spring-loaded pliers, its the wingman or sidekick

[u/Ex_Fr_77 → u/grrttlc2]

Thanks for the suggestions! Honestly, I’m leaning towards something really heavy-duty like the Leatherman Surge. I really like the size, the full locking mechanism on all tools, and the swappable saw/file system.

[u/grrttlc2 → u/Ex_Fr_77]

Yeah the Surge is good,

Not as good as an edc due to he few extra ounces over something like the wave + or arc. Just kind of overkill as edc

I carry an arc myself

[u/Ex_Fr_77 → u/grrttlc2]

I agree with you, but the reason I chose Surge is that I use it on behalf of 30 tools in my office; it will save me the trouble of searching for them. But that doesn't mean I won't buy one that I always keep in my pocket with Surge

[u/Far-Detective7263]

That looks like it’s taken a fair amount of abuse. I’m sure Amazon will have budget version with a similar toolset if you want like for like.
Don’t buy Leatherman though, I did and got the bug and now own 5 of them…….

[u/Ex_Fr_77 → u/Far-Detective7263]

totally agree! I've decided to go with a light one like the Skeletool (or Wingman) for easy EDC, and keep the Surge as my absolute heavy-duty beast for the tough jobs! My wallet is definitely in danger now.

[u/JustCallPaul]

Swiss tool may be better than Leatherman... depends

[u/Ex_Fr_77 → u/JustCallPaul]

Both are good, but my usage relies heavily on Surge.

[u/Kayakasaurus]

A Leatherman or Swisstool will be a big upgrade, I think you’ll be happy. Arc, Surge, wave are all good and there are some deals on eBay. If you look at Gerber multitools, the center drive and mp600 pro scout are pretty good. 

[u/Ex_Fr_77 → u/Kayakasaurus]

Thank you for your suggestion, but my usage might rely more on the Surge due to its practicality, regardless of weight. However, I could buy wave + for daily use so it's not too heavy in my pocket.