Have you ever been unprepared for a situation, where a knife, or a screwdriver, or even a pair of scissors could have made the difference?
Carrying all of those things together would be impractical, dangerous, and, frankly, fairly embarrassing. But there is a way to make sure you have all of those tools – and more – in a sleek, attractive, and most of all practical package.
There are a lot of arguments surrounding what the best survival multi tool is. Some focus on cost, some focus on the number of tools, and some focus on aesthetics.
This article takes all of that into consideration and lists the five best survival multi tools available today.
What is a multi tool?
A multi tool is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a tool that can accomplish multiple things. Or, better stated, it’s a tool that comes with multiple tools. Tool-ception, if you will.
When you hear it, your mind probably thinks of Swiss Army Knives or Leatherman, maybe SOG and Gerber if you’re experienced. But the truth is, there are a lot of different multi tools with a lot of different uses.
There are some made for survival, some for every day use and carry, some for automotive use, and some for bicycles. Anything that comes with more than one tool can be considered a multi tool, and in most peoples’ minds, the more the merrier.
what are the benefits of carrying a multi tool?
The benefit of carrying a multi tool is consolidation. Could you imagine carrying a knife, several screwdrivers, a file, a corkscrew, a pair of scissors, a ruler, and a handsaw?
There’s not a belt in the world that could handle that strain. Instead of walking around like a human toolbox, a multi tool gives you all of that functionality in one compact package. Because they have so many uses they are a must have item for your bug out bag.
True, the screwdriver on a multi tool isn’t as large or as strong as a regular screwdriver, but it is nearly as strong, and the ability to carry it easily and safely far outweighs the slight loss in functionality.
factors to consider when choosing a multi tool
There are some important factors to consider when purchasing a multi tool, and they’re all subjective. The first is to determine how much you want to spend on one.
Bigger isn’t always better. If you only need a few tools, then don’t go buy the Gigamax 7000 with 99 tools; that’s impractical. Instead, do some smart shopping to match the functionality you require with the price that fits your budget.
Another aspect to consider is aesthetics. Is this going to be something you carry every day? If so, don’t go buy something that looks like it comes from Tom Clancy’s nightmares. Choose something nonthreatening and easy to carry.
All of these are based on you: your needs, your budget, and your personal style.
For the best survival multi tool, you can’t go wrong with Victorinox. The mother of all multi tool’s Victorinox makes some of the best looking, pocket-friendly tools available on the market today.
The best feature is the number of tools that comes with this affordable tool. There are fifteen different advertised features for this tool, along with a myriad of other, more unconventional uses.
Beyond the standard knife, there is a screwdriver, a pair of scissors, and a wood saw, along with the Victorinox-standard toothpick and tweezers. This version also comes with a belt pouch for a convenient, pocket-free carry that’s easy to access. At 3.5” long and weighing less than 4 ounces, this knife is a super light carry.
What Victorinox does well is aesthetics. This knife is not only functional, it’s attractive. It comes in a variety of colors to match your personal style. And unlike most other multi tools, it isn’t too bulky for a pocket carry; this won’t sit obtrusively in your pocket, making it comfortable to carry if you choose to forego the carry pouch.
It’s the perfect size for that small fifth pocket that you’ve never been able to find a use for. Something often overlooked is the threatening aspect of a knife or tool when carried every day. The Huntsman doesn’t look threatening or intimidating, making it perfect for an everyday carry anywhere.
We highly recommend this multi tool, especially for campers, hikers, and other adventurous types. The ease of carry, the versatility of the tool, and the low cost are all what make this one of the best survival multi tools available.
This knife is the definition of “worst case scenario”. A budget knife that isn’t from one of the big names, this multi tool is designed for survival in some of the worst situations you can imagine.
It’s a five-in-one tool that features a knife, a seatbelt cutter, a glass-breaker, an LED light, and a magnesium fire starter. It only weighs 5.5 ounces, making this knife a lightweight option for those who want to be prepared for the worst.
What makes this tool great is the preparedness factor. Whether you’re trapped in your car or in the woods at night, you’ll be fine, as long as you have the BlizeTec.
The second-best feature is the price. How much value do you put on preparedness? At less than $40, this knife offers peace of mind without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect gift for that less-than-perfect driver you know, or for the avid camper who always forgets their lighter. Or buy one for yourself and keep it within arm’s reach in your vehicle. Far better to have it and never need it, than to need it and not have it.
The best aspects of the BlizeTec is the peace of mind it brings, the versatility of the tool, and how affordable it is compared to how well it does what it says it does. If you’re truly looking for the best survival multi tool, then this knife might just be what you’re looking for.
There’s no bigger name in survival than Bear Grylls, who teamed up with Gerber Knives to design some of the best survival tools available. The Ultimate Knife may seem simple compared to the other multi tools on this list, but don’t let that deceive you.
This knife comes with two of the most basic tools that any outdoorsman needs – a sharp, dependable knife and a fire starter. What the Ultimate Knife does is cut down on the fluff; you won’t need a corkscrew or a glass breaker out in the woods. This knife’s simplicity makes it one of the top picks as best survival multi tool.
Another great feature is something that may put you off at first – the color. Some might like the garish orange highlights on the handle and sheath, but most agree that it’s not too pleasing to look at. But a tool designed for your survival doesn’t have to be pretty.
If this gets misplaced during the night or in the rain, it’s easy to locate, making it a true survival tool. Losing your knife and the only way you have of starting a fire is a nightmare; the unattractive color reduces this chance. There’s a reason hunters who don’t want to get shot wear orange.
At ten inches long and weighing in at just over 11 ounces, this is one of the largest tools on this list, but don’t let that deter you. I absolutely love the durability, the built-in fire starter, and the affordability of this tool. For the type who consider the woods to be their home away from home, this may be the best survival multi tool for you.
If Victorinox is the mother of all multi tools, then Leatherman is unquestionably the father. Built with durability and functionality in mind, the Sidekick is one of the best Leatherman multi tools around.
At almost 4” long and weighing only 7 ounces, this multi tool is small enough to not bother you, but big enough to tackle most jobs. The best thing about the sidekick is the pure functionality it offers.
With 14 built-in tools, including a knife, pliers, file, saw, and ruler, this multi tool can do whatever you need it to do. While not a traditional survival multi tool, the Sidekick will serve you well no matter where you take it. From the workshop to the woods, this thing has your back.
The problem with most multi tools is that, aesthetically, most aren’t that great. They either look flimsy and cute, or they look too “tacti-cool”. Leatherman does a great job walking that line between the two. The Sidekick looks like a tool – it’s rugged, metallic, and masculine. It does this without a lot of extra bells and whistles that make it look like that guy who washed out of boot camp but still calls himself a veteran.
Leatherman is known for making quality products, and their prices reflect this. You’ll get a premium product at a great price, and I love the affordability and how durable this thing is. No matter how you abuse it, it takes a lot to hurt a Leatherman.
The oddest selection on this list, the Wallet Ninja is unlike other multi-tools in that it is one machined piece of metal, as opposed to a more traditional knife or multi tool design. But make no mistake – this little credit-card sized wonder can pull you out of a tight spot.
Small enough to fit in your wallet, light enough to never notice (it weighs less than an ounce!), and durable enough to take all kinds of abuse, the Wallet Ninja is a must-have for the unforeseen.
Its best feature is obviously its unique size and shape. Designed specifically to fit in your wallet or purse, this thing is pure set-and-forget, at least until you need it. It doesn’t require a belt pouch, and it won’t sit uncomfortably in your pocket.
What’s crazy about the Wallet Ninja is how much it actually does. Something this small and light shouldn’t pack the functional punch that it does, and yet, the Wallet Ninja offers 18 different uses, including four screwdrivers, six hex wrenches, a can opener, a nail puller, and a ruler.
This is the smallest tool on this list and it has more functions than any other tool listed at the lowest price. The Wallet Ninja is truly an incredible deal.
I love the price, the ease of carry, and the functionality of this tool. If you haven’t already bought one for yourself, you should definitely jump on this particular bandwagon. And the affordability make them the perfect gifts for pretty much everyone.
final thoughts
There are a lot of options around for multi tools. Some are classics and instantly recognizable, some are relatively unknown. Some look amazing, while some focus on function over form.
Determine your needs, then choose accordingly. The best survival multi tool is the one that’s there when you need it and does the job you need it to do.
Everything else is just a knife.
