Awesome Tools

The beautiful patterns of damascus steel make for some of our favorite tools and knives, and the thicker the tool, the more dramatic the look. In this clip from metalsmith Hassan “Habu” Abu-Izmero, watch as he welds together, forges, and twists multiple layers of steel to create a truly special pair of pliers.

Keep your hand tools organized and at the ready with Carhartt’s series of durable tool bags. They feature a metal structure to keep from collapsing, quick-access exterior pockets, and an enormous center section with even more pockets. Available in 14″, 16″ and 18″ sizes, with the larger sizes offering a rigid molded base option.

Minute Objects‘ wallet-sized card includes details on 79 different measurement units, including abbreviations and conversion multipliers. Reference charts include length, area, volume, mass, pressure, and temperature, as well as metric prefixes. Each card is laser engraved on a black-plated brass sheet. They also make a Periodic Table card.

Machined from titanium alloy, this 4.9″ long pocket tool is built for toughness and utility. It includes a bottle opener, hex wrench, pry bar, screwdriver, and seat belt cutter, and has a storage spot for a driver bit. It’s small enough to hang from your keychain but substantial enough to get the job done. In gunmetal or blue finishes.

After making an axe shaped like a hand, Dirk from The Metalist thought his tool collection could use another hand. Or, more precisely, a fist. In this video, Dirk takes an old sledgehammer and makes it look like a clenched fist, ready to deliver blows to any building materials that stand in its way.

Virginia Beach tool shop Teale Designs handmakes a variety of useful pocket pry bars, each of which features a bottle opener and a lanyard hole. Some models also hold a screwdriver bit, too. We particularly like the perforated designs, which not only look cool but reduce weight. They come in stainless steel or brass.

This hexagonal multitool measures just 38mm (1.49″) across but includes 10 useful functions. Among its tools are a bottle opener, hex wrenches, pry bar, nail puller, file, a metric ruler, a knife, seatbelt cutter, and a bit driver – though the latter takes only special flat bits that come with it.

Petzl’s knife is perfect for climbers or anyone who needs to cut rope, thanks to its carabiner-compatible center hole, and a dual-edged blade with smooth and serrated edges. The blade notch makes bare-handed opening easy, while the textured wheel is great for gloved use.

The Orange Screw has a patented helical shape that lets it securely hold a variety of items to the ground: tents, pets, tarps, shelters and more. Plus, it needs no mallet to install, and can be removed by twisting. It’s made of 100% recycled plastic and comes in two sizes.

A good pocket knife is a must for your daily loadout. You never know when you’ll need to open a package, cut a rope, defend yourself, or escape from a dangerous situation. Everyday Carry picked 14 useful and varied pocket knives, from basic classics like the Opinel No. 6 to modern models like the Kershaw Anso Fraxion.

This titanium clip is perfect for securely hanging a key ring from a belt loop or bag and also packs a fold-out hobby knife. Its sharp steel blade clicks firmly into place when in use, and has a finger notch for easy deployment.

Like many flashlights, GoSun’s 280-lumen torch can be recharged via its USB port. But it can also harness energy from the sun, providing an ongoing source of light in the event of a power outage. It works as either a spotlight or lantern, and has a red light emergency strobe on its side. Save 12% in The Awesomer Shop.

This murdered-out multitool opens easily with one hand and packs a dozen industrial-strength tools. Among its functions are needlenose pliers, wire cutters, a saw, multiple flat blade drivers, a file, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener, a cross-point screwdriver, and a partially-serrated knife blade.

Three unique drawing tools made from metal. The Point includes a protractor and spirograph patterns. The Curve has corner rounders, circles, and a watch face template. The Polygon has straight lines and guides for creating shapes with 3 to 20 sides. Sold individually or in a set of three with a custom-made leather case.

This versatile, rechargeable flashlight works in a variety of configurations, including 1-cell or 2-cell battery modes, as a diffuse area light or a concentrated beam, with white, green, or red light. It also incorporates a power bank, glass breaker, and compass. The G1 Pro model adds a rifle mount. Save 30% in The Awesomer Shop.

This cordless drill has a stubby body that lets it fit into tight spaces, while its powerful brushless motor can hit speeds up to 3500 RPM. Its 2.0Ah lithium battery pack can be used with other KIMO 20V power tools, and it comes with six driver bits and four metric impact sockets.

This long-throw tactical flashlight cranks out power with a peak 1800-lumen output and 551+ yard beam distance. It offers five brightness levels, strobe, beacon, and SOS modes. It’s got a durable aluminum shell, and is IP68 waterproof, which means it’s submersible up to 2 meters.

This barbell-shaped flashlight incorporates lights on both of its two ends, with a parabolic reflector one side and an array of COB LEDs on the other. It offers multiple brightness levels up to 1200 lumens, a strobe mode, and a red/blue emergency flasher. Its 10000 mAh battery pack offers up to 20 hours of runtime on a charge.

This compact multitool is made from durable, long-lasting titanium and packs a variety of useful functions, including rulers, wrenches, a bottle opener, pry bar, a drill guide, a wire stripper, flathead screwdriver, a hex bit driver, a bit holder, and more. It’s also got a keychain hole for easy everyday carrying.

As we’ve seen before, Peter Brown is a fan of making things out of resin. He recently had a dream about making a resin drill bit and decided to see if he could create that and some other tools and hardware out of clear epoxy resin. They might look cool, but they’re not exactly practical.

This keychain-sized titanium micro tool reminds us a bit of Bullet Bill from the Mario games. Though instead of blowing you up, this guy pops opens bottles, and can hold a hex bit in its mouth, so it doubles as a screwdriver. (Bits not included.)

Malboro & Kane has updated their tiny Claw keychain multitool. Made from Grade 5 titanium and measuring less than 2″ long, the tool can open bottles and can lids, cut through packing tape, pull staples, and turn screws. It also has 1/4″ and 1/6″ hex drivers built into its handle this time.

Leatherman’s take on the Swiss Army knife packs 12 functions, including a 420HC steel blade, scissors, screwdrivers, file, bottle opener, and a slide-out set of tweezers. The tools open smoothly, can be flicked open one hand, and lock firmly with magnets.