Is a Leatherman worth the premium over budget multi-tools?

For most users who rely on the pliers and blade regularly, yes. Across specialist communities the recurring theme is that Leatherman's pliers precision, all-locking tools, and no-questions warranty justify the cost over time. Budget tools like Mossy Oak and WETOLS draw genuine praise for value, but reviewers consistently note the fit-and-finish and steel quality don't match a Wave+ or Surge. If you only need an occasional-use tool for a drawer or glovebox, a budget pick is defensible.