Said simpler, a multi-tool should punch way out of its weight. Not all tools packed into a multi-tool are equal; Saws, Scissors, Screw Drivers, and Pliers tend to be the most useful of the bunch. Things like files and leather-punches can be useful, but generally they just take up space. In my book, corkscrews, package carrying hooks, and fish scalers are pretty stupid. Heaven help you if your multi-tool has a lemon zester on it, because you'll need more help than a multi-tool can give you. I once heard tale of a fella bringing a corkscrew with him into the woods. I think the bears laughed him out, or ate him.
Bear in mind what MTs actually are, though; compromises. You're compromising on strength, and ultimately on performance. Why? Because a special, single purpose tool will inevitably do whatever job better than a MT, period. That little saw is no match for a bow saw, that little can opener will be slower than a kitchen can opener etc. Just bear that in mind when judging performance in your head.
There are some aspects towards multi-tool selection that are universal; consider weight, construction, steel type in the blade and tools, tools included, and locking mechanisms in your considerations. There are two basic types of multi-tool here, the Swiss Army Knife (SAK) type, and the Leatherman (LM) type. Each has it's own pros and cons.
Swiss Army Hiker; My Personal Favorite in SAK type multi-tools.
The SAK type of multi-tool was around first and is perhaps the best known by the general public. Boy Scouts have been carrying a version of this practically since their inception. The Pros of the SAK type are low weight, low(ish) cost, and slim profile. The SAK pictured above weighs less than 3 ounces, costs about $40, and takes up very little space in the pocket. BUT, it punches way out of its weight by packing a useful saw length, multiple screwdrivers, a leather awl, tweezers, and several knives into a tight package. If I could find one built similarly, with Scissors but without a corkscrew, that would be awesome. The cons on a SAK type are similarly straight forward; *generally* no pliers, weaker construction, and generally they take two hands to access the tools. They are also prone to getting grit and dirt in the tension springs, which doesn't hamper things all that much but does make for annoying operation. The steel in a SAK is generally going to be 440A, which is not exactly great. SAKs are also a touch old school, which may be why they've got a special place with me. I carry the one pictured above, along with my SOG Aegis Mini, as my EDC.
Leatherman Juice S2; the medium multi-tool champ!
Leatherman type MTs are the current king of the hill. The mere inclusion of a good set of pliers pretty much establishes that. Note that there are only really two manufacturers of SAK type knives (Victorinox and Wenger), while there are tons of Leatherman-type manufacturers out there (Leatherman, Gerber, SOG, Buck etc.). Hell, even Victorinox has made their own version. The S2 pictured above is a damned good example of a mid-sized Leatherman type MT. It has all the basics you want, no frilly stuff. The problem with this model is that it's also two-handed open (mostly). You *can* open the blade one-handed, but that's an experiment that deserves a handy supply of band-aids. The larger type MT's generally have options for one-handed opening tools (or at least on the important ones), so those are more desirable for inclusion in survival kits and for general woods use. When selecting a Leatherman type MT, consider how you want to carry it; these things can be bulky and heavy. Do you want it to sit in a pocket, or clip on the outside? Are you okay carrying it in a holster on your belt? Will it sit in a purse or in your car's glove box? Think about how weight and size affect those things.
One last note on MT's in general; don't go for the top-end, bells and whistles edition. Generally you are getting more stuff, but are they necessary? Think about the tools you have use for, and go from there.
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