THE BEST Tools

The latest version of MRF’s credit card-sized multitool packs 60 survival functions in one, including knife edges, an axe head, firestarter, sundial, wrenches, a hex driver, and more. Made from 440c high carbon hardened stainless steel for durability. Comes with a leather carrying case to protect you from its sharp edges.

CRKT’s compact multitool hangs from a carabiner clip and packs two 1/4″ drivers – one in its tip, and one on its side. It stores four bits in its handle, and has an oxygen bottle valve wrench, an LED light, and a removable bottle opener. Available with hex or torx bit sets.

A new year is upon us, and it’s time to look back and reflect on what 2019 brought us. It certainly bestowed us with some great gear for our pockets and backpacks, and Everyday Carry has tallied up the 10 items that generated the most buzz in the past year.

This puck-shaped tool lets you carry a set of socket wrenches anywhere. Its universal Cr-Mo steel sockets fit 15 different SAE and Metric socket sizes, and can turn hexagonal, Torx, spline, square, and even damaged bolt heads. It also can hold hex driver bits with its magnetic 1/4″ holder.

Here’s a useful tool we didn’t even know existed. This gadget uses dozens of plastic blades which slide to match the contour of an object, then hold in place so you can trace the shape onto another surface. Great for fitting the edges of flooring around conduit and posts, or for working around moldings.

FiveJoy’s versatile and compact tool belongs in the trunk of every car. It packs a heavy duty shovel, axe, hoe, hook, a serrated saw edge, firestarter, whistle, and more, making it the perfect tool for getting out of a bind, and for everyday tasks in the outdoors.

Outdoor outfitter AceCamp’s versatile and value-priced pocket tool packs in 11 functions, including a knife, saw, bottle opener, can opener, flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver, scissors, corkscrew, nail file, small pick, and thread loop. Each tool is made from stainless steel, and it all folds down to just 3.75″ x 7.5″ when closed.

This snub-nosed liner lock knife from Sanrenmu is a bargain. It has a tanto-style 2.6″ blade made from 814 steel, and its aluminum alloy handles house both an emergency wrench and a glass breaker tool. Measures 6.42″ long when opened.

We love the dramatic open-frame design of Drop’s pocket knife, based on knifemaker Tashi Bharucha’s much more expensive custom Church knife. This production version has a 6AL4V titanium handle and a durable 3.4″ long RWL34 steel blade. It measures 7.4″ open, weighs just 3.6 oz, and is perfect for everyday carry.

Gerber’s ultra compact, snub-nosed knife is perfect for cutting open packages, and also small scraping tasks. It opens easily with either a nail nick or the starter hump on its back edge. It’s got anodized aluminum scales, a removable keychain loop, and a pocket clip. Comes in black/silver or brown/black combos.

Still looking for the perfect gift for the gear hound in your life? Look no further than Everyday Carry, who’s got a great selection of tools, wallets, pens, knives, lights, bags, and other items to help your recipient navigate everyday tasks and occasional emergencies.

This multi-functional, light-duty hand tool is the perfect thing to keep in your car trunk or kitchen utility drawer. It combines a ratcheting screwdriver and nut driver with multiple bits, and doubles as a hammer and a bottle opener. It comes with a bonus flex extender for reaching difficult spots.

If Stormtroopers carried knives, they’d use designer Joe Caswell’s very special karambit, which features an Imperial White Cerakote coating with black details. We dig its unique folding mechanism, which deploys with the push of your thumb. Its handle is made from anodized aluminum, and its blade measures 2.41″ long.

Leatherman’s 21-in-1 tool includes knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a crimper, a wire stripper, scissors, bottle and can openers, files, a saw with blade exchanger, an awl, and a ruler. The complete set includes 21 double-headed bits to get the most out of its hex driver. Available in stainless or black finishes.

NEBO’s pocket tool combines three useful functions in one. In addition to working as a 2200mAh emergency power bank, it has a tri-mode 400 lumen flashlight, and a 3″ utility blade. It’s made from anodized aluminum, is water- and impact-resistant, and is USB rechargeable.

The AM-V2 is a 5-in-1 hand tool for outdoor living. Its carbon fiber reinforced nylon handle connects with three different interchangeable heads to provide a shovel, axe, hammer, saw, and a tent-peg puller that doubles as a bottle opener. A 2-stage CAM lock ensures a secure connection between hammer and tool.

When you think about it, it’s pretty impressive how a tape measure can neatly coil up 15 or more feet of metal into a case you can clip onto your belt loop. Science Channel’s Machines: How They Work dissects the modern tape measure to show us its inner workings.

OneUp Components‘ compact tool kit is engineered just for bicyclists, and includes a variety of hex and spoke wrenches, along with a chain link breaker, Presta valve core tool, tire levers, screwdrivers, and storage for a CO2 cartridge, which can be used with OneUp’s matching compact pump.

True Utility’s clippable key organizer holds up to four frequently-used keys, and comes with a multitool blade that includes a TSA-safe cutter, eyeglass screwdriver, two flat screwdrivers, a nail cleaner, a file, and a bottle opener. It has a handsome leather strap, and a fail-safe military-style clip.

Gentlemen’s Hardware’s Swiss army style tool packs a cheese grater, zester, garlic crusher, channel knife, small paring knife, serrated knife, peeler, fork, spoon, bottle opener, corkscrew, and can opener in one gadget. It has a wood handle and stainless steel blades.

Designed by Eric Ochs, Golphers‘ unique pocket knife is designed specifically for golf players. In addition to a substantial S35VN stainless steel blade and a selection of cool scale styles, it packs a titanium divot tool, a magnetic ball marker in the handle, and the requisite bottle opener. Awesomer readers save 10% with code AWESOME10.

This credit card sized stainless steel multi-tool fits in your wallet – or functions as a minimal wallet when combined with a rubber band. Zootility’s Headgehog works as a screwdriver, wrench, bottle opener, chip clip, phone stand, and a comb.

Chiseled Design’s hardened stainless steel mutitool packs in over 30 functions in one, including straight, philips, hex, and Torx driver bits, spoke wrenches, box cutter, string cutter, bottle opener, and more. Despite its slim profile, its pop-out driver handle provides good leverage.

Built in the USA by the great bootmakers at Danner, this leather tool belt is a good looker and a good worker. It’s made to last, constructed from thick suede and natural leather. Features two large and three small pockets, a full-grain leather hammer loop and tape holder, and an adjustable web belt for waists 29”-46.”

Want to leave a memorable impression with your clients and prospects? MyMetalBusinessCard will whip you up some awesome looking 1.5mm thick stainless steel business cards with a built-in bottle opener and an optional magnetic back. They’re not cheap, but they also won’t end up in the bin like other cards.

Vasver Blades‘ uniquely designed compact knife features a finger hole and curved tail to provide a confident grip while cutting. It’s got a hole for hanging from paracord, and comes with a small leather sheath. Measures 4.33″ overall with a 1.73″ blade length. Its D2 steel is available with or without cryo-treatment.