Olight Otacle P1 Review: A Compact Multi-Tool Filling the Leatherman Squirt Gap

Introduction

The Leatherman Squirt built a loyal following as a small, solid multi-tool with a decent set of pliers, and its discontinuation left a real gap in the everyday carry market. That gap is exactly where the Olight Otacle P1 positions itself: a compact, spring-loaded pliers tool with a sensible implement set and refined machining. After carrying and using it on real tasks, it holds up well, though it is not without a quirk or two.

What the Otacle P1 Is

The Otacle P1 is Olight’s entry into the mini multi-tool space, sitting roughly where the Squirt and tools like the Gerber Dime once lived. The branding on the tool itself is very small and understated, and the “P1” designation suggests Olight plans to expand the line. The hardware feels dialed in, with aluminium scales layered over a stainless steel frame.

Compared directly with the Leatherman Squirt, the Otacle P1 is a little bigger overall and a bit thinner at the pliers end. The pliers are spring-loaded, which makes one-handed squeezing noticeably easier during repetitive tasks.

Standout Features

The headline feature is the pair of pliers. Fit and finish are quite good, the jaws close up cleanly and tightly enough that you could pull a splinter with them, and the cutters below the nose handle light-duty cutting without fuss. The spring action is strong and consistent.

The scissors are the surprise here. Rather than the delicate thread-and-fabric snips found on some small Leatherman tools, the Otacle P1 packs genuinely beefy shears with plenty of material behind the blades. That extra meat matters when cutting through tough material like double-layer fabric, leather, or cardboard, where smaller scissors often stall or flex.

The Rest of the Tool Set

Around the pliers, the P1 carries a compact but well-chosen lineup. One end hides a number two Phillips driver, and the other side offers a small slotted driver. There is a combination can opener and bottle opener whose front edge also works surprisingly well for slicing open oranges or similar soft-skinned items, echoing a design Victorinox used on some of its Swiss Army knives.

The knife blade uses a modified sheepsfoot profile, which is a genuinely thoughtful choice. Pointier blades found on some larger multi-tools can be too aggressive for many small tasks; the blunter tip here feels safer and more usable for the kind of work this tool will actually see.

Everyday Carry Impressions

A keyring and lanyard attachment point is included, along with an oddly placed but welcome SIM card tool tucked into the frame, so hooking the P1 to a keychain is easy. In the pocket, the slim aluminium scales keep it comfortable to carry.

One honest caveat: the strong closing spring and refined machining mean the pliers can pinch skin if you are careless, and this happened more than once during extended use. Small Leatherman tools never pinched quite this hard, so it is worth a moment of extra attention.

Buying Advice

If you missed a tool like the Squirt when it left the market, the Otacle P1 is a credible replacement with a few genuine improvements, most notably the spring-loaded pliers and the sturdier scissors. It suits anyone who wants a TSA-friendly-sized mini multi-tool for daily tasks, travel kits, and quick fixes. Buy it if pliers and tough cutting are your priority; look elsewhere if you need a full driver set or larger blade.

Conclusion

The Otacle P1 shows what can happen when a category loses its incumbent: a new company arrives with refined machining, a strong spring action, and a couple of clever twists like the beefy shears and sheepsfoot blade. It has minor quirks, but as a pocket multi-tool it earns its place.