There’s never a situation where a multi-tool isn’t useful. Multi-tools are known for their versatility, reliability and overall function. It doesn’t matter if you’re out in the woods or using it for everyday carry; you need a multi-tool by your side.
That’s why we’ve created this post to teach you the mechanics behind the multi-tool. Our main goal is to give you knowledge from verified sources to enhance your understanding. By the end of this article, you’ll have enough information to make an informed decision when buying your multi-tool.
What Exactly Is A Multi-Tool?
A multi-tool is any tool that has different utensils added to it. Think of a Swiss Army Knife, for example. Swiss army knives are valuable tools with scissors, knives, wrench, bottle openers, and even more. Multi-tools are devices that have multiple functions to be utilized at your disposal.
One benefit of multi-tools is that it’s used in Everyday Carry (EDC). Multi-tools are legal in most states since they are small enough to fit in your pocket. When looking for a multi-tool, keep it below 2.75 inches. Any tool above that size might cause problems with your local area’s knife regulations.
Brief History
Despite popular belief, multi-tools have been around since the Ancient Roman Era. During 200-300 CE, the first reported multi-tool was discovered around the Mediterranean region. The tool featured a knife, spoon, pick, spatula, and a fork. As far as anyone can tell, this is the very first multi-tool in existence.
While there were basic designs of multi-tools throughout history, there weren’t any breakthrough developments until the 1800s. That was thanks to the manufacturer Victorinox, the inventors of the Swiss Army Knife. Also, their competitive rivals, Wegner, aided in the development of multi-tools.
By the mid-1800s, Karl Elsener developed the first model of a Swiss Army Knife. During this time, soldiers were given new rifles that needed to be unscrewed to be maintained. Instead of using a single-bladed knife tool, the Swiss Army contacted Elsener to create a multi-tool that aided the soldiers in and out of combat. The knife became so popular that by 1891, it became a standard piece of equipment for Swiss soldiers.
Today, the multi-tool market is filled with competition. Companies such as Victorinox, Wegner, and other smaller brands create high-quality multi-tools for EDC. There are dozens of small organizations and independent artisans that construct and design their multi-tools. Because of this, multi-tools are valuable in our society and is here to stay.
Types Of Multi Tools
There is an unlimited number of multi-tools out there. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Regular Multi-Tool
As its name suggests, a regular multi-tool is a small and efficient tool that has multiple features. Its main advantage is its stability. Each of the tools is designed to suit their purpose and are properly sized. While it can be hard to find the specific tool you need, a regular multi-tool is your best asset when outdoors.
Keychain Multi-Tool
These smaller, more compact multi-tools are efficient in portability. Keychain Multi-Tools are easier to carry and conceal in public. But, the smaller size of the tools makes them harder to use at first. Practice using your keychain multi-tool a few times before taking it out with you.
Credit Card Multi-Tool
Credit Card multi-tools turn your wallet into a fully functional device. But, we suggest that you don’t use this type of tool for camping or outdoors. Instead, they are used as a last-ditch option that you’ll rarely forget because it’s stored in a place that you’re rarely without your wallet.
Mainly, these tools have a sharp edge that can pass for a ruler, bottle opener blade, and some small wrenches. The idea behind credit card multi-tools is for functionality that’s on the go.
Most credit card multi-tools have an oddly shaped design and take a long time to get used to. While viewed as a novelty, some credit cards can be useful in EDC situations.
Multi-Tools Vs. Single-Use Tool
Sometimes it’s better to have a multi-tool next to you rather than have many different tools in a large toolbox. Let’s see why:
Space
Multi-tools are great if you’re someone who has limited space. Single-use tools are useful but can take up a lot of space when there’s a lot of it. Plus, you have to organize your single-use tools each time for them to be used properly. Multi-Tools are great because they have multiple tools in one small object.
Affordability
Multi-tools are great for people on a small budget. Paying for single-use tools are expensive and can cost hundreds of dollars if they are of high quality. You only have to pay for one multi-tool, and they are usually found at a modest price. Multi-tools are great because you gain various amount of tools for one price.
Carrying Capacity
Single-use tools become heavy after extended use. Each tool adds up in weight and eventually will become too heavy to carry around while hunting. Multi-tools are ideal for hunters and campers because they don’t overload your carrying capacity. Thus, multi-tools are perfect and are great for campers who travel on long trips.
Multi-Tool Components
Though carrying a large toolbox is not capable for some campers, almost everyone can carry a multitool that consists of the most common tools used for everyday tasks. Getting your first multi-tool can be a difficult endeavour at first. In this section, we’ll show the seven most important tools a multi tool kit can have.
Pliers
Pliers are one of the most important things your multi-tool can have. Pliers come in various shapes and sizes and are used for wire cutting, twisting wires, and some other uses such as gripping rods and pipes.
Knife
Knives are tools with a cutting edge that’s in between the handle. While smaller than usual, multi-tool knives are great for small cutting tasks. If the size of the knife is a problem, we suggest getting a larger multitool or a single knife to accommodate your needs.
Straight edge knives are the most useful, and serrated knives come in handy when you need to slice open food such as bread.
Screwdriver
Mostly all multi-tools come with a single flat-head screwdriver. But, high-quality multi-tools will have a Phillips screwdriver as well. While you can survive with a flat-head screwdriver, a multi-tool with both drivers increases your efficiency and saves less time installing and removing screws.
One feature we’ve liked is the reversible screwdriver. One side has a Phillips head, while the other has a regular head. By flipping the driver’s bit, you can change the screwdriver’s type instantly.
Bottle Opener
A bottle opener is a tool used to remove the metal caps from bottles. Some multi-tools come with corkscrews to help remove the plastic stoppers or corks from wine bottles. It might not be used all the time, but any multitool worth its value should have a bottle opener included in it.
Driver
Impact drivers are tools used to create a strong downward force to loosen screws and bolts that are hard to remove. Think of drivers as stronger, more powerful version of screwdrivers. Your multi-tool should have a driver that can also tighten up screws that require more torque than your average screwdriver.
Saw
This tool is perfect for cutting through smaller objects such as tree branches and basic crafting activities. While it won’t be used as much as a knife, screwdriver, or pliers, a good saw is essential to any multi-tool. You can use the saw for small projects, but you’ll want to opt-in for a normal saw for great and large projects.
Scissors
Some people complain that scissors are too small to do most tasks. Still, scissors are an important tool to have when outdoors.
Why And When Do You Need A Multi-Tool
Let’s face it; emergencies occur all the time. Natural disasters, intruders, and other ailments are easily fixed if you’re prepared. Having a multi-tool increases the chance of you fixing the problem while reducing the risk of injury or death.
We’ll show the few occasions where having a multi-tool is crucial to one’s survival.
Camping
Imagine that you’re out camping outdoors. Creating a fire is a challenging task if done manually. On average, you’ll take at least 3 hours to get the wood ready to burn next to the flint. Having a multi-tool reduces this time and makes it easier to cut wood with its knife and saw the feature.
Before you go camping, invest in a high-quality multi-tool. You don’t want to be out in the middle of the woods without a tool to defend yourself. Invest in a multi-tool to enhance your camping experience and increase your chances of surviving out in the wild.
Fishing
Most fishers have one goal in common. They all want tools to help them reel in the largest fish available. They want a tool that helps them cut through snags and weak reels. Also, fishers need a tool that pulls a hook from the fish’s mouth.
Since you’ll be near water, look for a multitool that’s corrosion and rust-resistant. Any tool exposed to rust will fail at any given moment, especially if you plan on fishing out in saltwater. Ensure your multi-tool has a pair of pliers, knives, screwdrivers if you want to fish correctly.
Survival Situations
There are times when you’ll face an unwanted predator out in the wild. Animals such as wolves tend to attack people at the worst time. A multi-tool increases the chances of you fending off their attacks and saving your life.
Also, look for an oxygen tank wrench blade. Some emergencies require you to give oxygen to yourself or someone else. You’ll need a wrench that can reach the tank’s valve and turn the oxygen on. While you can use pliers, you run the risk of ruining the valve and not the correct amount of oxygen to save your life.
When looking for your first multitool, make sure that it has the following features:
- Knives
- Screw Drivers
- Scissors
- Pliers
- Wrench
Each of these small tools will come in handy in the event you have to defend yourself. Also, don’t opt for cheap multi-tools. You’ll want a tool that’s sturdy enough to protect you from attackers and keep you alive.
Everyday Life
A multitool is perfect for your basic daily tasks. For example, a knife with a one-handed opening mechanism aids you in simple cutting tasks. Plus, multi-tools are small enough to be carried in your pocket for EDC.
Basically, your multi-tool should be personal and reliable, but most importantly, functional. It doesn’t matter if you’re a minimalist or someone that wants all of their bases covered. If your EDC multitool becomes an extension of your regular movements, you should be comfortable with it!
A great EDC multitool gives the foresight to use what you need for daily usage. And it gives you the restraint to leave behind what you don’t need.
Manufacturers
In this short section, we’ll discuss the most commonly known multi-tool manufacturers. Each manufacturer creates multi-tools with different advantages, disadvantages, and design experience. It helps to look at the different multi tool makers to help you make a more conscious decision when buying your first multi-tool.
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Gerber
Gerber is one of the leading manufacturers of multi-tools in the world. Their headquarters is located in Tigard, Oregon, and has been in business since 1910. Gerber is the first knife manufacturing company to collaborate with famous custom knife designer David Murphy.
This company is known for their multi-functional tools. Ever since its inception, the company created multi-tools for campers, fisherman, and urban survivalists. We recommend looking into this company if you want a multitool that’ll last throughout the years.
Leatherman
Leatherman is a prominent manufacturer whose tools serve for everyday and survival purposes. The company is a successor of the first multi-tool manufacturing companies, Victorinox and Wegner. After the two predecessors became established in their field, Leatherman was the company to take the reigns.
In 1983, Leatherman began creating innovative changes to multi-tools. By July 5th, 1983, the company created their most popular product: The Pocket Survival Tool. This company is a pioneer for modern multitool designs and opened the door for smaller brands to create innovative multi-tools.
SOG Specialty Knives
Also known as SOG, this company is a U.S. knife and tool manufacturer known for its military-grade utility tools. The company began in 1986 intending to make Their most popular model is the SOG Knife that was used during the Vietnam Era.
Recently, the company started to design tools for common EDC. Because of this, it’s a company that delivers multi-tools for tactical usage. Buy from this company if you want a multi-tool that’s versatile enough to handle any situation with ease.
Maintenance And Cleaning
One of the most used tools is the knife. Due to their frequent usage, multi-tools tend to wear within weeks. While some multi-tools are made of stainless steel, they still become dull after a few weeks. Keeping your tool clean ensures that you’ll get the most out of the tool without injuring yourself.
Just because you bought a multi-tool doesn’t mean you can neglect it. Some shoppers make the mistake of not cleaning their tools properly. This results in the tool components becoming dull and unable to use. Prevent this problem by reading these few tips.
Sharpening
Several traditional blade sharpeners exist. Honing steel and whetstones are the most popular and affordable choices. For at least 95% of the time, Whetstone is going to be of importance to us.
Whetstone
It may seem daunting at first, but whetstone sharpening takes a bit of getting used to. Don’t use your best blade if this is your first time. You’re better off using an older dull blade that’s lying around. Most whetstones have two different sides; a fine side and a coarse side.
Use the coarse side to repair severely damaged blades. The fine side is used to hone and add shine to your knives. You’ll need to hold your blade at a 22-degree angle for it to sharpen properly. This part is difficult, so make sure that your blade is running through the whetstone in the correct position.
Also, you’ll want to keep the whetstone wet. This method helps you reduce the amount of heat caused by friction. Heat warps your blade if your whetstone is not properly lubricated. Keep your Whetstone lubricated to prevent any debris from getting caught onto your multi tool’s knife.
Honing Steel
The honing steel has similar characteristics and appearance to a whetstone. But, some people tend to misuse the honing steel by flailing it around in the air. Most professional chefs can get away with that, but the average person cannot. Why? Because you need to keep your blade at 22 degrees when sharpening.
When the honing steel is not supported by a table/towel and a stroke is made of steel, the angle might vary slightly. Anchor the rod to a surface/towel/table to maintain that uniform angle position needed to sharpen the blade.
Honing rods come in several different types, such as steel, groves, ceramic, etc. Most people notice the standard grove steel rod as a part of their kitchen. These steel rods are made to polish and true a blade, not hone it. However, higher-end honing steel models help users sharpen their blades as if it was whetstone.
When it comes to multi-tools, we suggest using a whetstone to sharpen your blade. Whetstones make a lot more sense since honing steel rods are usually made of kitchen knives.
Electric Knife Sharpeners
Most electric blade sharpeners operate in the same condition. Place a blade through the machine and watch it hone itself automatically.
While these sharpening tools are useful, you’re better off using a whetstone to cut your multi tool’s knives. When you start to add plastic and over-complicate a simple process, there are too many dangerous situations that’ll occur.
Some people own a bench grinder who tend to sharpen their multi-tool with it. We suggest that you don’t follow this procedure. Don’t use a grinder to help sharpen the blade. The wheels spin too fast to sharpen the blade correctly. There is a huge risk that you’ll warp the blade or ruin the angle.
Keeping your multi tool’s knife sharp is the best way to keep it functioning properly. Most multi-tool manufacturers will offer to help sharpen your blades free of charge or for a small fee. On the other hand, using a whetstone to sharpen your blades is the easiest way to maximize your multi tool’s performance.
Closing Thoughts
To conclude, we’ve taught you every important aspect of multi-tools. Each component of the tools is made to assist you with your daily tasks. It doesn’t matter if you’re a camper, hunter, or average person. Investing in a multi-tool is a great way to have a solution to most problems that arise.
We invite you to look into our buying guide. You’ll find the top five multi-tools that are available in today’s market. Give the guide a look and leave a comment below if you have any interesting experiences using a multi-tool!
Photo by Dennis Klicker on Unsplash
