A Little About Multi-Tools

When it comes to survival situations, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. And when it comes to versatility and practicality, few tools can match the usefulness of survival multi-tools. These compact and portable devices pack a wide range of essential functions into a single, convenient package, making them indispensable for campers, preppers, and anyone else looking to be prepared for the unexpected.

In this blog post, we will dive into the world of survival multi-tools, exploring the best options available to suit every budget. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or just starting your journey into preparedness, we’ve carefully curated a selection of top picks to help you make an informed decision.

We understand that not everyone has the same financial resources, which is why we’ve handpicked multi-tools across a range of price points. From budget-friendly options that deliver impressive value for their cost to premium multi-tools that boast advanced features and exceptional durability, there’s something here for everyone.

Leatherman Free P4

The Leatherman Free P4 Multi-Tool is the most expensive on this list in about the $150-160 range. With its innovative design and numerous functions, the Free P4 is a valuable asset for anyone in need of a dependable tool for survival situations. Let’s explore the benefits of the Leatherman Free P4 and why it makes an excellent choice as a survival knife.

One of the key advantages of the Leatherman Free P4 is its versatility. While it features a robust and sharp 420HC stainless steel blade, it also incorporates a range of additional tools that can come in handy in a survival scenario. From pliers and wire cutters to screwdrivers and scissors, the Free P4 offers a comprehensive set of functions that can tackle various tasks, such as building shelters, repairing equipment, or even preparing food.

It features a one-hand opening mechanism, allowing for quick and convenient access to the tools when time is of the essence. The magnetic closing and locking system eliminates the need for traditional nail nicks or thumb studs, making it hassle-free to use.

The stainless steel construction of the knife blade enhances its corrosion resistance and each tool is easily accessible and can be deployed with one hand, thanks to that innovative magnetic architecture. The tools also lock firmly into place, providing added safety and stability during use.

Whether you’re camping, hiking, or preparing for emergencies, the Leatherman Free P4 is a reliable and indispensable tool that can assist you in a variety of tasks and help ensure your safety and survival.

Here is a list of the 21 tools on this Leatherman version. I believe it now comes with a pocket clip.

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
• Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
• Electrical Crimper
• Wire Stripper
• 420HC Combo Knife
• Spring-action Scissors
• Saw
• Package Opener
• Awl
• Bottle Opener
• Wood/Metal File
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Medium Screwdriver
• Small Screwdriver
• Extra-small Screwdriver
• Pry Tool
• Ruler (1.41 in | 25 mm)
• Can Opener
• Wire Stripper (Located inside the handles)

Leatherman Signal Survival Multi-Tool

At about the $135-$150 level we have the Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool. It is designed to be resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor use in harsh environments. I like bright colors on my survival knives when I can get them.  The one thing I don’t want to happen is to drop a tool in foliage and loose it. This is my top choice out of all of these.

The Signal includes a fire-starting ferro rod, an emergency whistle for signaling, a sharp blade for cutting tasks, a hammer for light pounding, and a saw for cutting wood.

It also includes needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, and crimpers, enabling you to handle various tasks such as repairing gear and equipment. The inclusion of screwdrivers, can opener, and bottle opener further adds to its versatility.

It features a diamond-coated file for maintaining and sharpening saw blades, allowing you to keep your tools in peak performance. The addition of an awl proves handy for tasks such as puncturing materials or marking positions on surfaces. With its integrated bit driver, the Signal also enables you to use additional tool bits.

In survival scenarios, every ounce of weight matters. The Leatherman Signal is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your backpack, pocket, or attached to your belt. Its foldable design ensures that all tools are safely stored within the body, minimizing the risk of accidental injury.

The Signal’s tools lock securely in place when unfolded, preventing accidental closures during use. It also has a mechanism that keeps the blade locked when the pliers are open. The handles are ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable and secure grip. There are 19 tools on this version.

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
• Premium Replaceable Hard Wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• 420 HC Combo Knife
• Hammer
• Saw
• Awl With Thread Loop
• Can Opener
• Bottle Opener
• 1/4″ (6.35 mm) Hex Bit Drive
• Bit Driver
• 1/4″ (6.35 mm) Box Wrench
• Caribiner
• 3/16″ (4.78 mm) Box Wrench
• Safety Whistle
• Ferrocerium Rod
• Diamond-coated Sharpener

Victorinox Swisstool Spirit MX

One of the standout features of the Victorinox Spirit MX is its extensive range of tools. At $120-$135 it is equipped with an incredible 24 functions, this multi-tool could prove invaluable in a survival situation.

It includes a large blade for cutting and slicing tasks, a saw for woodwork, scissors for various cutting needs, pliers for gripping and manipulating objects, and a wire cutter for emergency repairs. Additionally, it features a range of screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, and a file. The full list of tools is listed below.

All the tools neatly fold into the handle and the Spirit MX comes with a nylon pouch. Its locking mechanism securely holds each tool in place during use.

With over a century of experience in crafting high-quality tools, Victorinox has established itself as a trusted brand. The Spirit MX embodies the brand’s commitment to quality, durability, and functionality. The heritage and reputation associated with Victorinox instill confidence in users, knowing that they have a reliable tool that can withstand the demands of survival situations. Here is the list of the 24 tools I promised you.

• Needle-nosed Pliers
• Hard Wire Cutter
• Soft Wire Cutter
• Screwdriver (2mm)
• Screwdriver (3mm)
• Screwdriver (8mm)
• Can opener
• Large blade
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Scissors
• Reamer/Punch
• Pulling Hook
• Wire Stripper
• Chisel (7mm)
• Cable Cover Longitudinal Cutter
• Cable Cover Crossways Cutter
• Coupling
• Wire Bender
• Crate Opener
• Bottle Opener
• Metal File
• Metal Saw
• Wood Saw
• Lanyard Hole

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The reason I chose the Skeletool CX over the standard Skeletool is because of the blade. I prefer the 154CM over the 420HC steel. They are both a high-carbon stainless steel, but 154CM contains additional molybdenum, which gives it better edge holding and hardness & it retains sharpness longer. The CX is in that $85-$100 range.

This multitool weighs a mere 5 ounces and its slim profile and compact design make it effortless to slide into your pocket or attach to your gear. This also makes it great as an everyday carry option.

Its primary blade is razor-sharp and features a partially serrated edge, making it perfect for various cutting tasks. Additionally, it comes with a removable pocket clip and you can store extra bits in the handle and you can find the full list of tools below.

The Skeletool CX’s one-handed operation is a unique design that allows you to access and deploy the
multitool’s tools with just one hand. Whether you need to cut through a rope, tighten a screw, or snip wire, its intuitive and quick operation ensures you can react swiftly in critical moments.

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Hard Wire Cutters
• Wire Cutters
• 154CM Knife
• Caribiner/Bottle Opener
• Large Bit Driver

Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp Multi-Tool

The Victorinox SwissChamp Multi-Tool is a compact and feature-packed knife that combines essential survival tools in one handy package. It is equipped with a wide range of tools that are indispensable in survival scenarios. With its sharp blade, wood saw, can opener, screwdrivers, scissors, pliers, wire cutter, and magnifying glass, it equips you with a versatile arsenal for shelter construction, food preparation, repairs, fire-starting, and general survival needs.

For $65-$75 this multitool is equipped with an impressive 33 tools that can handle a multitude of survival tasks. For instance, the wood saw can be used for gathering firewood, building shelters, and fashioning traps or tools from available resources. It’s can opener tool enables you to open canned food or punch holes in a tin can to build a rocket stove. The built-in scissors provide various uses, such as cutting bandages or cloth for first aid, trimming cordage, or fashioning fishing lures. And the magnifying glass can be used to start fires in sunny conditions by focusing the sunlight onto tinder or dry leaves. It even has a pen and a pin!

The blades are made from high-quality stainless steel and are very sharp, ensuring excellent cutting performance and durability. The handles are ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip that enhances control and precision during use. And it is designed to be compact and easily carried, this multitool can be conveniently slipped into your pocket or attached to your gear.

I’ve owned a SwissChamp for years and when I traveled on business it went everywhere with me. I used every tool on it at one time or another. The only drawback I found was that the tools don’t lock in place.

• Large Blade
• Small Blade
• Corkscrew
• Screwdriver (6mm)
• Reamer/Punch and Sewing Awl
• Can Opener
• Screwdriver (3mm)
• Wire Stripper
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Wire Cutter
• Wire Crimper
• Fish Scaler
• Hook Disgorger
• Ruler (cm)
• Ruler (inches)
• Wood Saw
• Metal Saw
• Metal File
• Nail File
• Nail Cleaner
• Magnifying Glass
• Phillips Screwdriver 1/2
• Mini screwdriver (1.5mm)
• Screwdriver (2.5mm)
• Chisel (4mm)
• Multipurpose Hook
• Toothpick
• Tweezers
• Pressurized Ballpoint Pen
• Pin
• Stainless Steel Key Ring
• Bottle Opener

Gerber Truss Multi-Tool

The Gerber Truss Multi-Tool features a stainless steel frame and handles. Coming in at the $40-$50 range, the Truss is packed with a comprehensive range of tools. It comes with a low-profile sheath that can be mounted vertically or horizontally and you can also get the Gerber Truss with a Molle compatible sheath.

This is a great tool for the money and it would make a great light weight survival knife.  The reviews are a little mixed on this one but the people that love it, absolutely love it.

One nice feature is that the pliers are spring loaded. The Truss is designed to be portable and easily carried. It folds down to a compact size, allowing it to fit comfortably in your pocket, backpack, or survival kit. Its lightweight construction ensures it won’t weigh you down.

Here is a list of the tools found on the Gerber Truss Multi-Tool:

• Spring Loaded Needle-nose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard Wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Fine Edge Blade
• Serrated Blade
• Awl
• File
• Ruler
• Can Opener
• Bottle Opener
• Medium Flathead Screwdriver
• Small Flathead Screwdriver
• Tool Lock
• Scissors
• Cross-Head Driver
• Lanyard Ring

Pohaku Multi-Tool

At $15-$20 the Pohaku Multi-Tool is my pick for the most economical survival multi-tool. It is made from mysterious high-quality stainless steel. I say mysterious because I can’t find anywhere that tells me what steel they used.

However, I will tell you that it gets great reviews. One person that bought this multi-tool wrote “Needed something that would not break the bank and be useful when out on my kayak or working on an item in the woods. This has worked great so far.”

One of the key advantages of the Pohaku Multi-Tool is its versatility. It offers a variety of tools within a single compact package and you can find the list of tools below. Two things I really like about the Pohaku is the larger knife blade and a tool you don’t often see on a multi-tool, the rope/seatbelt cutter.

It does come with a pouch so you can carry it on your belt. It’s not much to write home about though. The material is kind of thin and it uses an old school snap to close. I actually prefer the snap to low quality hook and loop that wears out quickly.

The blade is sharp but several reviewers I read said that they had to touch up the blade. It does have a liner lock to lock it in place to keep it from closing on your fingers. You just need to move it with your thumb to close the blade.

The Pohaku Multi-Tool is designed with ergonomics in mind and has a textured handle so you can use it in wet weather. As you know, I prefer bright colors when it comes to knives. I personally know people that have lost an expensive knife by laying it down somewhere and it blending in with the scenery. This is why I chose the blue color for this article.

The Pohaku Multi-Tool comes with a satisfaction guarantee. But the multi-tool is so inexpensive it would probably cost you more to ship it back that what the tool is worth. Fortunately, it appears to be well made and there would be no need to return it. If you are wondering where it was made, the box says China.

• Multi-function Knife
• Serrated Knife (These are the same blade but they count them as two.)
• Saw
• Rope Cutter
• Bottle Opener
• Slotted Screwdriver (Medium)
• Bastard File
• Second File
• Slotted Screwdriver (Large)
• Standard Pliers
• Needlenose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Phillips Screwdriver

Conclusion

In summary, multi-tools offer a practical and efficient solution as a survival knife. Their compactness, versatility, durability, and additional features make them a reliable companion in the wilderness. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, camper, hiker, or prepper, a multi-tool is an excellent choice to meet your survival needs. So, consider adding a multi-tool to your gear collection and be prepared for whatever challenges come your way in the great outdoors.

Now, if you’re looking for more traditional survival knives, check out my Classic Survival Knives post!

Survival Multi-Tools for Every Budget: Our Top Picks

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