A set of tools in your pocket: TOP 5 great multitools

Multifunctional folding knife Ganzo G301 is a relatively inexpensive useful accessory that will serve as a lifesaver in any emergency. The model is available in silver (G301) and black (G301-B). The smooth drop-point main blade is made of 440C chromium bearing high carbon steel with a hardness of 58 HRC. Due to the balanced composition of alloying elements and hardening, it cuts perfectly and does not dull for a long time, but the absence of vanadium in the composition of the alloy affects the wear of the material, and with prolonged contact with moisture and salt, rust can form on its surface. To securely lock the blade in the closed and open state, the Axis Lock pin lock with blade lock is used, which is simple and convenient to use in that it can be activated with a simple movement of one hand with minimal effort.

In addition to the smooth blade, the knife has an additional serrated blade, a can opener and a bottle opener, folding scissors, a file, an awl-sewing machine, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, spring-loaded pliers with wire cutters, a hanging ring, and a pin for attaching bits (an adapter with a magnet and set of 12 bits included). It should be noted that the bit holder has a good fixation and does not tend to fold during operation, but the quality of the bit material, unfortunately, is typical for Chinese production. But replacing them later with harder and more durable nozzles is not difficult. All blades and tools have a practical matte finish that won't show small scratches. The tool weighs 253 g and when folded has dimensions of 50x105 mm. The model is completed with a hard nylon sheath with a flap on the button, which allows you to conveniently carry the multitool on a belt.

The Xiaomi NexTool Flagship Pro universal folding tool is an effective assistant in solving small everyday tasks at home, while walking, hiking, fishing. When folded, the dimensions of the multitool, which weighs 245 g and includes 65 structural elements, are 110x40x21.5 mm. The base material from which the handles with profile through stamping, saw blade and strap cutter combined with a Phillips screwdriver are made was Japanese 420J2 stainless steel. The smooth-type main blade is made of 50Cr15MoV high-carbon chromium stainless steel alloyed with molybdenum and vanadium, the jaws of the pliers and handle are made of corrosion-resistant 30Cr13 martensitic stainless steel, and the interchangeable cutters are made of YG8 tungsten carbide carbide steel. All steel elements have a high hardness of at least 50 HRC.

The knife is easily opened with one hand thanks to the oblong carved hole in the blade. Reliable fixation of the blade and file is carried out by a simple linear plate lock Liner Lock. In addition to the aforementioned 68 mm file, pliers, wire cutters and a sling cutter with a Phillips screwdriver, a bottle opener with a flat screwdriver, a can opener with a figured cable insulation cutter (stripper), glass breaker, full-size scissors 38 mm long and a ruler 70 mm long are hidden in the handles of the multitool . Since the tool comes with a regular bag of soft synthetic suede, and not a hard case, it was equipped with a metal clip for easy carrying on a belt. It should be noted that on sale you can find multi-tools manufactured by Nextool and HuoHou that are almost identical in appearance, consumer properties and price, differing in the absence of a ruler and a Liner Lock on the main blade in the latter.

Extremely light and compact, Gerber Crucial's professional-grade all-purpose tool belongs to the Outdoor product line and does not stand out with a large variety of functions. But those 6 carefully selected features that he has, as well as the quality of their implementation, are at the highest level. The knife is more intended for use in nature, on hikes, bike and motorcycle rides, where a certain tool will be in demand. The model has a very attractive design with curly shaped handles of various shapes, one of which is green, tightly fitting to each other when folded. Bright and at the same time contrasting two-tone coloring will not allow the knife to get lost in the grass, on the ground or in poor lighting conditions. The assembled multitool is only 91 cm long, and its unfolded length is 140 mm. After massive full-length multi-tools with many features, this knife, weighing only 142g, feels simply airy and closer to the usual everyday EDC penknife.

The tool uses a combination blade with a sheepsfoot profile that combines a smooth blade to mid-point with a serrated blade closer to the hilt. This type of sharpening is also called semi-serrated. Thanks to the embossed plastic escutcheon, fixed with 2 screws, the blade is conveniently opened with a simple movement of the finger and clearly locked with the Liner Lock. In addition to the blade, there are long pliers with sharp jaws ( needle nose pliers), wire cutters, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a carabiner for belt attachment to a jeans harness or a loop of a hiking backpack, as well as a spring clip for fixing on a belt or pocket. There is also a black version of the tool Gerber Crucial Black, in which the carabiner is replaced with a sling cutter. The body, blade and folding tools of the multitool are made of alloyed stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and wear. Gerber multitools and knives are made in the USA, and the main advantage of the model is a lifetime tool warranty provided by the manufacturer.

The products of the American knife brand Leatherman have a good reputation among tourists, fishermen, climbers, cyclists, bikers, scouts, nature lovers and outdoor recreation. The Leatherman Wave Plus multitool belongs to the middle class of a multifunctional tool for all occasions. This full-size model with a practical design looks a little different from its analogues, but the fact that you have a tool of the highest quality in your hands becomes immediately apparent after the first acquaintance. There is a great metal feel, flawless stamping and burr-free surface finishes, and assembly without play or gaps. Each element is in its place, everything opens and closes effortlessly, no "chatter" and a clear fixation in the open form. The multifunctional knife weighs 241 g, and with a thickness and width of 18x30.5 mm, it has a folded / unfolded length of 100/159 mm. The multitool, like all Leatherman knives, is manufactured at the company's US factory. With a 25-year warranty declared by the manufacturer, you can be sure that a folding knife will last a lifetime.

The body and tools are made of high-quality stainless steel, and both blades with a matte finish(smooth and serrated) are made of martensitic stainless steel with a high carbon content (0.45 - 0.55%). Alloy additives of chromium (14%), manganese (0.8%), silicon (up to 1%), vanadium (0.18%) and molybdenum (1%) allow the blades to resist wear and corrosion, as well as keep the cutting edge sharp. Additional equipment includes a file, pliers with sharp jaws, combined wire cutters for cutting wire and hard wire, a double-sided file (for wood/metal and diamond), an opener and a can opener. There was also a place for a small spring-loaded scissors, a stripper, a 19 cm ruler, bit holders(small and large discharge), a belt ring and 2 screwdrivers - flat and PH (Philips). The blades open with one hand and are fixed with a liner lock, and almost all folding tools have a reliable locking mechanism for convenient work. Included with the knife is a hard nylon sheath for wearing on a belt, but the bits will have to be purchased separately.

Swiss multitool Victorinox SwissTool BS is a compact multifunctional knife and can successfully replace a small box with various tools. The folding knife is made in black oxidized stainless steel with a noble matte surface that does not glare in the sun. The weight of the tool is 312 g, and the folded length is 115 mm. The model is an exact copy of the uncoated Victorinox SwissTool X multitool, which is equipped with scissors instead of a serrated knife. The tool is sold complete with a leather case, which closes with a hook-and-loop flap. The fact that the manufacturer did not consider it necessary to provide such an expensive model with a more practical button is puzzling and disappointing.

The multitool stands out for its rather narrow handles, in which the main and additional tools are hidden without the slightest protrusion. Both planes of the handles are covered with ruler plates with different measurement scales: 23 cm on one side and 9 inches on the other. One-piece fastenings of the knife are made with rivets, which makes it impossible to disassemble and clean the tool. The first thing you pay attention to is excellent full-size and powerful pliers, which are rarely found anywhere. They can be used as an ordinary tool without fear that the sponges will not withstand a large load. The jaws are tapered on the outside and pass into comfortable needle-nosed pliers at the upper grip points. The wire cutters are cast, not replaceable, which is no longer accepted by leading manufacturers today.

The tool is equipped with 2 blades: with smooth and serrated blades. In the additional blade, the serreytor does not have sharp recesses and is made more in the manner of a "bread" knife. The blades are not designed to be opened with one hand, but are locked in a fixed position with spring locks. A set of additional tools includes a wood file, bottle openers and can openers, a corkscrew holder, a file combined with a small hacksaw blade for metal and a thick sharp awl. A multifunctional knife pleases with an abundance of "tips" of different profiles and calibers, which can be used as screwdrivers or a crowbar. It should also be noted special curly profiles for bending wire and removing insulation from it ( stripper). And such a special tool as a scraper and a chisel is not often found in other multitools. And, finally, the “icing on the cake” is the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, which applies to all Victorinox knives.