For any wilderness adventure, preparedness is the key to your survival. One of the most useful pieces of equipment to bring with you into the wild is a survival multitool.
This article will give you an overview of the features to consider when buying a multitool and reviews of popular products to help you find the best multitool for survival.
Factors to Consider
Type
Folding multitools are full sized and designed like collapsible pliers. The tools fold out of the handles and when not in use the handles fold along the plier head like a butterfly style knife. Most folding multitools also have a locking function to ensure that tools will not close unexpectedly while in use. They often come with carrying cases because they can be too big and bulky to fit in your pocket.
Pocket multitools are often smaller and less bulky than folding multitools. The tools fold out from the center frame, but they don’t always lock in the open position. Pocket multitools may be small, but they can easily house 30+ different tools.
Keychain multitools are ultra-compact versions of folding and pocket multitools. They’re designed for portability, but it may be harder to use the miniature sized tools if you have larger hands.
One piece multitools are essentially a small piece of titanium or steel that’s shaped to give you simple and commonly used tools such as a flathead screwdriver or bottle opener. Wallet multitools are similar to one piece multitools, but instead, they’ve been designed to be ultra-thin so they can easily fit in your wallet. These simple tools are portable and functional, but they should not be your survival multitool of choice.
Combination of Features
The best multitool for survival needs to be functional for the outdoors. One of the most important tools to look for is a good blade. For any outdoor excursion, a blade will be useful for cooking, building fires and emergency situations. Other useful tools include: a serrated blade, pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, utensils, bottle opener and can opener.
Materials
It’s important that you invest in a survival multitool made with high-quality materials. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is sturdy and affordable. Titanium costs more than stainless steel, but it’s virtually unbreakable. 154CM is great material choice for blades because it keeps an edge longer than 420 stainless steel. Stay away from coated steels because it means that they’re not actually made out of steel, and therefore prone to breaking.
Safety and Ease of Use
Check to see if the multitool has safety lock features while the tools are being used to prevent them from closing unexpectedly. Also, check whether it can be used with one hand safely and easily.
Product Reviews
With these factors in mind, it’s time to take a look at some of the best multitools for survival on the market.
Stansport Emergency/campers Multitool
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Stansport’s Emergency Camper’s multitool features a hammer, hatchet, knife, 2 knife blades,saw, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, file, wire cutter, wrench and can opener. All of the tools are made with a heavy-duty, stainless steel with a non-stick coating. It features a wooden handle with spring action and a safety lock. The safety lock ensures that the multitool will not open unexpectedly. Also, included is a carrying bag with a belt loop. It measures 7 x 1.3 x 1 inches and weighs 32 ounces.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00IIZOXRK” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click here for more info about the Stansport Emergency Camper’s Multi-Tool<<<[/easyazon_link]
Beegod Folding Survival Knife Multitool
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Beegod has designed this Survival Knife multitool for travel, camping, fishing, hunting and tactical use. It features a 3.35-inch blade, 2 flathead bits, 2 crosshead bits and a super mini flashlight with a pocket clip. The blade is not only sharp but it also features a partially serrated edge. Make sure that you open the knife all the way to ensure that it locks properly. The bits are easily kept in the handle and can be removed easily. The handle is made of glass-reinforced nylon that’s bound to hold up in the wilderness. When folded, it measures 4 inches, and 8.26 inches when unfolded.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01MXJQ1BO” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click to see the latest price for Beegod Folding Survival Knife Multitool<<<[/easyazon_link]
Outnowtech Vantage Multi-purpose Folding Pocket Knife
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This Vantage multitool has seven survival features: straight edge folding knife with serrated teeth, glass breaker tip, a recessed blade/belt cutter,magnesium fire starter rod, detachable LED flashlight, carrying clip and bottle opener. The knife is spring assisted and can be locked when fully opened. The length of the blade is 3.75 inches. Before using the flashlight, be sure to remove its protective insulation, and before using the fire starter, scrap off its protective coating. OutNowTech includes a manual that’s recommended to read to know exactly how to use the multitool.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00VE8CLJK” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Check out what other customers say about the Outnowtech Vantage Multi-purpose Folding Pocket Knife<<<[/easyazon_link]
Leatherman Black Wave Multitool
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Leatherman’s Black Wave features needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, wire stripper, 420HC serrated knife, 420HC knife, spring-action scissors, saw, ruler (8inches/19cm), bottle opener, can opener, wood/metal file, Diamond-coated file, small bit driver, medium bit screwdriver andlarge bit driver. All of the tools (except the plier head) are locked into place when fully opened, making them safe to use individually. The Black Wave has been designed to be opened and operated easily with one hand. When closed the multitool measures 4 inches and weighs only 8.5 ounces.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B019EN85LE” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click here for more info about the Leatherman – Wave Multi-Tool, Black with Molle Sheath (FFP)<<<[/easyazon_link]
Holtzman Bladedriver Multitool
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The Blade Driver features a tactical blade, straight slot driver, Philips driver, six-point star driver, hex nut drivers and a LED flashlight. The knife is made of high-quality stainless steel and comes razor sharp. The knife folds into the small compact frame, allowing you to easily slip it into your pocket. The LED flashlight is extra bright, making it ideal for any emergency situation. Also, included are three survival eBooks, a built-in clip and sheath with a belt loop for easy carrying.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZR5NWZI” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click to see the latest price for Holtzman’s BladeDriver Multi-Tool Flashlight Screwdriver Knife (Black)<<<[/easyazon_link]
Final Thoughts
Finding the right combination of tools is essential when looking for a survival multitool, so be sure to assess your outdoor lifestyle to find the best multitool for your needs. It never hurts to be prepared, so do your research and go out and buy a multitool that will become your trusted outdoor companion.