If you are a superhero or a robot, you don’t need this article! Feel free to stay away. But if you are a regular human, who is also a survival enthusiast, keep on reading, because you are going to find out all you need to know about ultimate multi-tools for the situations that require heroic acts.
Although multi-tools can’t replace the regular toolboxes completely, they can be quite handy. Carrying your tools around is burdensome, even the ancient Romans knew that! Actually, they came up with the first multi-tool that featured a spoon, fork, spatula, spike, pick, and knife. It was probably some Roman soldier keen on survival and tired of carrying things from Portugal to Persia.
Although some devices popped up here and there throughout history, we had to wait until the end of the 19th century. At that time, the Swiss army engaged two of their cutler workshops i.e. companies, to create folding tools for their soldiers. The workshops later became known as Victorinox, accountable for the creation of the Swiss army knife, and Wenger. Since then these useful devices continued to develop.
Today there are three main styles multi-tool devices are made in: swiss army knife, folding multi-tool and survival business card. Most of the multi-tools are made for general use, but you can find specialized ones on the market, suitable for fishermen or mountain bikers, for example.
So the easiest way to upgrade your survival skills is to get yourself a multi-tool, that can act as a bottle opener, blade, saw, can opener, awl, tweezer, tin snips, screwdriver, and whichever tool you would need. There are thousands of them on the market, and choosing isn’t always the easiest task. That’s why you need this article. So without further ado, allow me to introduce you to what might save your ars:
Leatherman Charge® + Multi-Tool
Stainless steel with leather sheath. Considered one of the best, owning it might make you feel quite powerful. Two words that come to mind when thinking about this brand are: reliable and long-lasting. Your Leatherman tools are backed by 25-year limited warranty. It comes with:
- Needle nose pliers
Regular pliers- Premium replaceable wire cutters
- Premium replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- Wire stripper
- 154CM knife
- 420HC serrated knife
- Saw
- Cutting hook
- Ruler (8 inch / 19 cm)
- Spring-action scissors
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood / metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- Medium screwdriver.
Including 19 tools plus 8 bits, it is easy and safe to use. Each tool can be opened and locked with a single hand. Made of materials like stainless steel and hard anodized aluminum, Charge + is an adventure worthy tool. All blades and tools are locking so no need to worry about safety.
Related reading: Survival Gear – Small Tools For Big Tasks!
Gerber Dime – Black
The idea behind Gerber’s multi-tool Dime is: always be prepared! It’s been on the market for over 80 years and for a good reason. Since it’s a mini multi-tool with a stunning list of features, Gerber Dime is the best keychain you can have. Convenient, lightweight and compact it can also fit into your pocket. Butterfly opening type, it features 12 useful tools. It comes with:
Spring-loaded needle nose pliers- Standard pliers
- Wire cutter
- Tweezer
- Bottle opener
- Fine edge blade
- Retail package opener
- Scissor
- Medium flat head driver
- Coarse & fine file
- Cross driver
- Lanyard ring
Dime includes a unique blade designed to safely cut and score plastic packaging and a bottle opener that is exposed even when the tool is closed. There’s a cool ad from Gerber, that can work for this little fellow, as well: “Hello, Trouble. It’s been a while since we last met… Perhaps it is you, that has forgotten me. Perhaps I need to come to find you. Remind you, who I am.”
TAS Accessories 13-IN-1 Black Pocket Multitool
Here is a precision-crafted 13-In-One multi-tool, versatile enough to be used for survival. It suits both your on-the-go and at the home needs. Safety locks and non-slip grip prevents you from hurting your fingers making it extremely safe to use. This sturdy, durable tool, made of heavy-duty materials, is suitable both for professionals and novice handy-men. Extremely compact TAS 13-in-one is easy to carry. It includes:
reinforced internal spring pliers- wire cutters, can opener
- bottle opener
- medium slotted screwdriver
- small knife blade
- metal file
- large slotted screwdriver
- saw
- mini slotted screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- large knife blade
- safe locking mechanism
Despite its robust construction, this multi-tool by TAS, has an attractive design, with a beautiful black surface finish. The featured tools including the reinforced pliers with special wire-cutter steel insertion that’s sure to stay sharper for way longer, make it great value for money.
Wallet Ninja 18-in-1 Multi-purpose Credit Card Pocket Tool
Masaaki Hatsumi said that the first priority to the ninja is to win without fighting. It seems that master Hatsumi knew about the Wallet Ninja 18-in-1 Multi-purpose Credit Card Pocket Tool. This wallet size multi-tool can help you win all your handyman challenges without fighting! While it may look different than the other multi-tools you’re used to, it does its job without problems.
bottle opener- 4 screwdrivers (Phillips, flat and eyeglass screwdrivers)
- can opener
- fruit peeler,
- nail puller
- peeler
- 6 standard US hex wrenches (4, 8, 12, 10, 6 and 2)
- cell phone stand
- box opener
- letter opener
- ruler (2 inches and centimeters)
It’s 100% flat and easy to store with your credit cards. Stay sure it will never bend, rust or dull. All the tools it features are placed ergonomically, and it’s entirely rounded with soft edges. Another slick feature is that it can be converted into a cell phone stand when another card is slid through a slot in the tool. Made from 4x heat-treated steel, it’s worth a purchase, and a ninja.
Victorinox SwissTool X
The stainless steel construction of the SwissTool X by the well known Victorinox provides lightweight and lasting durability for long-term use. Each tool is individually and easily accessible from the outside of the handle thanks to its unique design. Tools lock into place when opened and fold away with a simple slide of the release button.
It features:
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Hard wire cutter
Wire cutter for thin and soft wire up to 40 HRC- Large blade
- scissors
- wood saw
- reamer, punch
- can opener
- Phillips screwdriver ½
- Wire scraper
- Ruler (inches and cm)
- Metal saw
- Metal file
- Lanyard hole
- Chisel 7 mm
- Strong crate opener
- Wire stripper
- Wire bender
- screwdrivers (3 mm, 2 mm, 5,5 mm, 8 mm)
Design goes hand in hand with functionality. In comparison to others, it has a low profile look, but that isn’t a case with this gem among pilers based multi-tools. What it lacks are a magnifying glass and a cork opener. If you believe you can survive without those two, we highly recommend this one.
A last word on multi-tools
In order to know what to choose from all the multi-tools available on the market, you need to determine your needs. Be careful about choosing between standard multi-tools and the specialized ones. It’s always better to invest more in something that serves multi-purpose. That’s why when choosing, you need to consider purpose, safety, practicality and of course functionality.
If you are eager to find out more about the best multi-tool, including prices, head on to the best multi-tool. One thing is sure, a multitool can definitely make your life easier, and never fails to come in handy in numerous situations.
Useful resources to check out:
A Green Beret’s guide to combat and shooting
Survival Lessons from the 1880s Everyone Should Know
Find Out What’s the Closest Nuclear Bunker to Your Home
This ONE THING Can Help You Terminate Your Store-Bought Dependency