Today, I’ve got something cool to share…
A device that allows you to carry a toolbox on your hip:
The Survival Multitool
But nowadays, there are thousands of types and brands & types to choose from…
Each claiming to be “the undisputed best”.
So, how do we choose just one from such an overwhelming selection?
I’ll cut, clip, twist, and pry away ALL the B.S. to answer your multi-tool questions.
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
- 3 Unique Multitool Styles
- Best Multi Tool Features
- Best Survival Multitools
- Best Places To Stash One
- Brief Multi Tool History
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Now, let’s clear something up – multi-tools are highly useful but supplemental.
They’re not as effective as a dedicated tool for any job they perform.
For example:
Most electric saws are better and faster than a multi-tool saw blade.
But you can’t wear a table saw on your hip.
So a multi-tool is a bit of a “jack-of-all-trades,” “master-of-none” tool.
They’re ideal for “quick fixes” and small problems.
They’re not a replacement for a conventional set of tools.
↓ How Do Multi-Tools Transform?
That being said:
Every survivalist should have a multi-tool because it’s like a ‘mini-me’ of your full tool kit.
So the first thing you need to decide is which kind you want to buy.
There are three main types of multi-tool options:
1. Swiss Army Knives
These are classic folding knives.
They’ve been a popular survival tool for well over a century.
The first Swiss army knives included a knife blade, a bottle opener, a reamer, and a screwdriver.
Today, though, you can find just about any combination of tools.
Genuine Swiss Army Knives are made by Victorinox.
↓ How Swiss Army Knives Are Made
2. Folding Multi Tools
Tim Leatherman developed the world’s first ‘modern’ folding multi-tools.
They’re more robust than conventional Swiss Army knives and include a pair of pliers.
There’s more space for tools than Swiss Army knives because there are two handles for tool storage.
3. Survival Business Card Multi Tools
These incredibly simple multi-tools offer as many cool survival gadgets as possible into a single piece of metal.
They are usually the size of a card. So these fit into wallets, backpacks, bug out bags, and even on key chains.
They are cheap, durable, lightweight, and minimalistic.
I own several and keep one in each of my emergency bags, one in my car, and another on my keys – that way, I’m always prepared with a set of basic tools.
Survival cards often include bottle openers, wrench sockets, screwdriver bits, saw blades, measuring sides, and can openers.
↓ My Survival Credit Card Tool Review
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The best part about multi-tools is the fact that they include multiple devices in one small package.
So, two of the most important factors to look for when investing in a multi-tool are compatibility and weight.
I have seen some novelty Swiss Army Knives that are the size and weight of an actual brick; they are TOO big.
While those might carry a ton of tools and gadgets, they’re also unwieldy – to the point of being counterproductive.
The next thing to look for in a multi-tool is specialty tools.
Most multi-tools on the market are for general use and include general tools.
However, you can also buy specialized multi-tools that are designed specifically to aid in a certain task.
There are:
So it comes down to you and what you will use this multi-tool for most.
Analyze your own needs and decide accordingly.
Best Survival Multi Tools On The Market Today
Here’s the thing: If you want a real survival multi-tool, it should have the tools you need when you need them—a durable, reliable, and applicable device.
For survival, you’re not looking for a golf-specialized multi-tool.
The novelty of a specialized multi-tool is nice, but you won’t need to fix green divots when SHTF.
You’ll need pliers, can openers, knives, saws, and files.
Take that into consideration when making your purchase.
Naturally, some multi-tools are better than others – not all are created equal in the eyes of a survivor.
So you have to be careful when you buy online.
It can be difficult to know what you are buying without having seen it before.
Which is why we’ve compiled a shortlist of our favorite survival multi-tools with video reviews:
The Leatherman Wave Plus is a popular multitool that offers a variety of functions and features. Here is a detailed review of this tool:
Design:
The Wave Plus has a compact and sleek design, which makes it easy to carry in your pocket or backpack. It measures 4 inches when closed and weighs 8.5 ounces. The stainless steel body provides durability and longevity to the tool.
Functions:
This multitool offers 18 functions, including needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a serrated and plain knife blade, a saw, scissors, a can and bottle opener, a file, a ruler, and several screwdrivers. The Wave Plus also features replaceable wire cutters, which adds to the longevity of the tool.
Ease of Use:
The Wave Plus is easy to use, with all of the functions accessible from the outside of the tool. The locking mechanism ensures that the blades and tools stay securely in place when in use.
Durability:
The stainless steel construction of the Wave Plus makes it durable and long-lasting. The replaceable wire cutters and blades also add to the longevity of the tool.
Price:
The Wave Plus is priced on the higher end of the multitool market, but its durability and wide range of functions make it a worthwhile investment for those who frequently use a multitool.
↓ Why Is It So Popular? The Leatherman Wave Plus
↓ The History of The Wave Multi-tool
The Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool is for those who need a versatile and portable set of tools. The SwissChamp Pocket Knife is a product of the Swiss company Victorinox, which is known for manufacturing high-quality knives and tools.
It's known for its extensive range of functions including:
A large blade, a small blade, a wood saw, a metal saw, a file, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener, a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a magnifying glass, a fish scaler, a hook disgorger, a ruler, a corkscrew, and a variety of other useful tools.
Plus the blades and tools are made of high-quality stainless steel, which is both durable and corrosion-resistant. The handle is made of a durable plastic material that provides a comfortable and secure grip.
The size of the SwissChamp Pocket Knife is compact enough to be carried around in your pocket or on your keychain, making it a convenient tool to have on hand at all times.
However, it may be a bit bulky for some people who prefer a smaller and more streamlined design.
↓ The Craziest Swiss Army Knife
Unlike the Swiss Army Knife, this multi-tool is bi-fold and comes with a sweet leather case. It comes with
- Needle nose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Hard-wire cutters
- Wire cutters
- Crimper
- Wire stripper
- 154CM knife
- 420HC serrated knife
- Saw
- Cutting hook
- Ruler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- File
- Diamond-coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
It also has an “all-locking” feature that fixes every tool in place when folded away. This prevents any of these tools from opening up on you when you're using another of the tools.
↓ Leatherman Charge AL, Got One, Was It Worth It?
The Victorinox Swisstool X is a high-quality multi-tool that offers a wide range of functions and durability.
Design and Build Quality:
The Swisstool X features a sleek, compact design that makes it easy to carry around and use. The tool is made from high-quality stainless steel that is both durable and corrosion-resistant. The tool also features a locking mechanism that ensures that the various components remain securely in place during use.
Features:
The Swisstool X features a wide range of functions that make it useful in a variety of situations. Some of the features include:
- Pliers with wire cutter
- Large and small knife blades
- Serrated blade
- Saw blade
- Metal file
- Metal saw
- Wood saw
- Reamer/punch
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Chisel/scraper
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Wire stripper
- Ruler
All of the components are accessible from the outside of the tool, making it easy to access the tool you need without having to open and close the entire tool.
Ease of Use:
The Swisstool X is easy to use and all of the components can be accessed with one hand. The locking mechanism ensures that each component remains securely in place during use, and the handles provide a comfortable and secure grip.
While it may be a bit more expensive than some other multi-tools on the market, its high-quality construction and wide range of functions make it a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a reliable multi-tool.
↓ Victorinox Swiss Tool X Review
The SOG PowerAssist Multi-Tool S66N-CP is a versatile tool designed for everyday use. It features 18 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, scissors, a saw, a can opener, and a screwdriver.
The tool also includes SOG's patented PowerAssist technology, which provides two blades that open simultaneously and lock in place for added safety.
It's made from high-quality stainless steel and has a lightweight design for easy portability. It also comes with a nylon sheath for storage and transport.
↓ SOG Power Assist Multi-Tool
Twelve different tools are integrated into this lightweight, open-frame stainless steel grip.
Gerber is known for making reliable, durable blades and tools, and this is no exception. It also comes with fitted nylon carrying case.
This one also has "lockers" to keep the tools locked open while in use and prevent you from the tools closing on you during use.
↓ MASK Tactical Gear Review – Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool
This survival multi-tool is unique; you won't find any like it.
This solid stainless steel multi-tool has everything you need in one compact, well-crafted design.
With 14 features in one compact, heavy-duty design, this is a tool that every serious survivalist should own.
This is the perfect tool for everyday carry, to stash in your survival bug out bag and survival kits.
↓ Portable Camping Multifunctional Knife, Axe, Hammer, Pliers
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇Best Places Stash A Survival Multi Tool
Most people keep their multi-tools on their belts or in their pockets.
Having a mini-toolbox on hand and ready is highly useful.
There are many different holster options for your multi-tool.
Some tools come with a fitted one you can attach to your belt, and others require you to get your own.
That’s alright, though; online, there are a ton of really cool multi-tool holsters.
I also keep a spare multi-tool in my Bug Out Bag and my backpacking bag.
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Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇
It also isn’t a bad idea to tuck one into the glovebox of your vehicle.
There are even some multi-tools that will fit on your keychain – like the Gerber Shard.
↓ 21 Things You Can Do with a Mini Multitool Prybar| Gerber Shard
And if you have a survival medical kit, you NEED to keep a small multi-tool in there.
Obviously, these smaller tools are not the most versatile, but they’re better than nothing in a pinch.
Brief History Survival Multi Tools
Multi-tools have been around longer than you would probably imagine.
The very first known folding, multi-use tool was from around 200 AD!
And (surprisingly) it wasn’t designed so soldiers could carry different types of knives with them.
Nor was it intended for construction purposes, medical purposes, or self-defense. No, the very first multi-tool was designed for eating.
Some bright Roman did not want to give up his eating utensils when he traveled and built the world’s first folding multi-tool.
It was primarily just a fork and spoon on a hinge, but it made a handy type of invention in motion.
Fast forward 1600 years and humanity has gotten its second incarnation of the multi-tool.
The Swiss company Victorinox began in 1884 as a cutler’s knife workshop – but by 1886 was transformed into the world’s most infamous folding tool company.
The first real Swiss Army Knife was made in 1893; the rest is history, as they say.
It wouldn’t be until the 1980s when another company, started by Tim Leatherman, rose to compete.
Tim had a degree in mechanical engineering.
He realized there was a significant gap between what he needed from a multi-tool and what was available. So he started his own multi-tool company, Leatherman.
Today, just about every knife manufacturer makes a multi-tool – be it a multi-function pocket knife or a techy bi-fold.
The multi-tool patent has spread, and you can find just about any combination of tools, style, color, shape, weight, dimensions, or unique attributes you might want.
Final Thoughts
I can’t imagine a more effective everyday carry survival tool than the multi-tool.
It’s the physical embodiment of the survival mentality: versatile, multi-function, durable, and effective.
Even if you own a survival knife already, I would recommend investing in a high-quality survival multi-tool
And don’t be shy when it comes to quantity: buy one for your car, one for your bug out bag, one for your camping gear, another to keep at home, another at the office, and another at your side!
The more, the merrier.
Obviously, they don’t all have to be 33-function multi-tools.
I would recommend buying one excellent, high-quality multi-tool to keep on your person.
Then a handful of more generic, smaller, less-expensive ones in your gear bags and wherever else.
Any real survivalist wouldn’t dare go without owning at least one multi-tool.
Not because they replace your grandfather’s toolset, not because they mitigate the need for an actual tool bench or tool shed, but because they offer you some basic (and sometimes advanced) tools in an easily accessible, easily packable, lightweight companion.
Simply put, multi-tools are the ultimate survival tools.
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