10 Best Multi Tool Knives

Knives have been one of the main components of multi tools since the 1890’s. In recent years they’ve been overshadowed by the folding plier designs but are still one of the most important features of a quality tool. Thankfully, manufacturers understand this and have created a range of specialized tools that focus on high-quality knife blades with a few additional multi tool features.

Today we’ll review a list of these innovative tools and some of the best multi tool knife blades on traditional butterfly fold designs.

The first set of tools we’ll look at are basically folding knives with added tools. They have a range of shapes and use cases going from traditional jack knives to some really interesting designs.

You’ll likely recognize many of these tools from other reviews we’ve done as many cross several categories. Keep reading to see what works and what doesn’t in these knife multi tools.

Kershaw Select Fire Knife Multi Tool

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I’ve always had a penchant for multi-purpose tools that can stand up to the rigors of outdoor life. When my old standby knife needed a replacement, a friend recommended the Kershaw Select Fire Knife Multi Tool. The moment I got my hands on it, I was hooked. The blade is a reliable partner, crafted from 8Cr13MoV steel, ensuring a good balance between hardness and corrosion resistance. I’ve used it on countless hikes and camping trips, and it has retained its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional sharpening even with the heavy use it saw preparing firewood and cutting ropes.

The Select Fire isn’t just a knife, though. The fold-out bit driver is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it. With an extended driver that gives almost the feel of a standard screwdriver, it has been a boon on many occasions. The hollowed-out handle houses additional bits, making minor repairs on the RV or adjusting the screws on camping gear a breeze. Unlike other multi-tools I’ve had, this one accepts standard hex bits, which is a feature I appreciate for its versatility. I’ve already swapped out one of the included bits for a Torx bit to better suit my needs.

While initially, I found the tool to be a bit on the heavier side, it’s something I quickly got accustomed to. The bit/screwdriver part is solidly built and has been put to good use. I love the convenience of having a one-handed operation, which comes in handy when you are holding onto a branch with the other. Even the slot where the bit holder fits has proved useful as an impromptu bottle opener during our weekend BBQs in the wild.

In terms of value, the Kershaw Select Fire is a steal. It’s not just a knife; it’s a handy multi-tool that has become an indispensable part of my outdoor kit. And for someone who doesn’t like to splurge on high-end knives, the price point is just the cherry on top.

Having this tool by my side during our recent move was invaluable. It’s the kind of everyday carry item that grows on you—the more you have it, the more you find uses for it. If I were to lose it, I’d replace it without a second thought. The Select Fire has become more than just a tool; it’s a part of my outdoor adventures, always ready to assist whether I’m setting up camp or fixing a loose screw on my RV.

On one of my recent hiking expeditions, the Kershaw Select Fire proved to be a lifesaver. As dusk was settling, I realized one of the screws on my portable stove was loose. The temperature was dropping rapidly and having a hot meal was crucial. I pulled out the Select Fire, flipped out the bit driver, and within minutes, the stove was functioning perfectly again.

The ease with which I could switch out the bits to find the right fit was impressive. Moreover, the extended driver provided the kind of torque I needed to secure the screw tightly. As I sat by the fire, enjoying a warm meal, I couldn’t help but appreciate the practicality and ruggedness of this tool. It’s not just a knife; it’s a companion that has your back when you’re out in the wild, facing the unpredictable. The Select Fire has since tackled many such small crises on the trail, making my outdoor adventures a lot more secure and enjoyable.

In summary, if you love the outdoors and need a reliable, versatile knife that offers more, the Kershaw Select Fire is worth every penny. It’s a rugged tool crafted for those who love to roam, explore, and be prepared for whatever comes their way.

It comes from the factory with:

• Straight Knife Blade
• Fold Out Bit Driver
• Two Flathead Bits
• Two Cross Driver Bits

Pros:

• Versatile Utility: Not just a knife, but a multi-tool with a fold-out bit driver and additional bits for various minor repairs or adjustments.
• Quality Blade: The 8Cr13MoV steel blade balances hardness with corrosion resistance, retaining its edge even with heavy use.
• Extended Bit Driver: Nearly mimics the feel of a standard screwdriver, providing better torque and ease of use compared to other multi-tools.
• Standard Hex Bit Compatibility: Allows for customization and the use of commonly available bits.
• One-Handed Operation: Handy in situations where the other hand is occupied, enhancing the practical usability of the tool.
• Affordable: Offers great value for the price, especially for those who are not keen on spending a lot on high-end knives.

Cons:

• Bulk and Weight: A bit bulkier and heavier compared to standard pocket knives or smaller multi-tools, which might need some getting used to.
• Long-Term Durability Uncertain: While it holds up well for everyday use, the long-term durability under heavy or specialized use is not well documented.
• Limited Additional Features: Unlike some other multi-tools, the feature set is limited to the blade and screwdriver function, which might not be enough for some users.
• Blade Thickness: Some users might find the blade to be thicker at the point than preferred, especially after extensive sharpening over time.

Gerber Obsidian Fine Edge Multi Tool Knife

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Gerber’s expertise is in knives and the Obsidian is no exception to this. It’s a quality folding knife packed with five different tools for a variety of situations. These tools include:

• 440 Stainless Knife Blade
• Cross Screwdriver
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Bottle Opener
• File

We all know Gerber loves releasing different versions of the same tool. For the Obsidian they went with both a straight edge and serrated edition. Each blade is 3 in long, a pretty standard length for a folding knife, and comes pretty sharp from the factory.

The other tools are acceptable but nothing groundbreaking. The flathead screwdriver is better than the included cross driver though both do an acceptable job turning lighter screws. We wouldn’t recommend using the file for much other than your fingernails as it’s quite small.

Overall a quality folding knife with several useful but uninspired tools. If you’ve been considering replacing your EDC folder this should definitely be considered.

Victorinox Alpineer

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Victorinox is just about the oldest multi tool maker in the world. They invented the category with their landmark Swiss Officer’s Knife all the way back in the 1890’s. The Alpineer continues in this proud tradition, combining precision Swiss engineering with a few key tools. It gives you five, including:

• Straight Edge Knife
• Corkscrew
• Toothpick
• Tweezers
• Keyring

The Alpineer has a very minimalist approach to its tool loadout. The main blade is extremely sharp and has a locking switch for safety. We really like that Victorinox paired it with a corkscrew. It’s an often overlooked tool that really comes in handy for the right person.

The other included tools are Victorinox’s classic plastic toothpick and metal tweezers. They’re just as good as ever and reflect well on the tool as a whole. If you’re looking for something a little more refined than your standard EDC/survival tool the Victorinox Alpineer is an elegant option.

Leatherman Crater Multi Tool Knife C33TX

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Leatherman is famous for inventing the modern multi tool but less well known for their folding blade knives. The Crater C33TX is an attempt to combine their multi tool expertise with a high-quality folding knife. It uses a traditional pocket knife body but comes with five different tools. These include:

• 420HC Combo Knife Blade
• Carabiner
• Bottle Opener
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Flathead Screwdriver

The main blade is 2.6 in long and a bit on the shorter side for a dedicated folder. Honestly though, we think the addition of the screwdrivers more than makes up for this. They’re built with the high level of quality we’ve come to expect from Leatherman and add a lot of value.

The fold out carabiner/bottle opener is another nice touch. Combined with the included pocket clip it gives you a lot of carry options. You can get the Crater in either stainless steel or a totally blacked out version.

We really liked the Crater C33TX. It’s one of those tools that you don’t know you need until you see it, but once you’ve seen it you really, really need it.

Gerber GDC Money Clip Fixed Blade Knife

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The Gerber GDC Money Clip is a tool any EDC enthusiast will love. It combines a minimalist money clip with a 1.75 in straight edge blade. The whole thing is honestly gorgeous, with a textured dark gray plastic and titanium oxide coated steel body.

The money clip itself holds five cards and several bills, plenty for most days out on the town. The knife blade is securely held on the reverse side of the clip with a button release system. Using it for the first time was a bit weird honestly. It doesn’t have a traditional handle, instead there’s a ring to insert your finger in and a textured rest point for your thumb.

It works, but it definitely isn’t as functional as a fold out knife blade. As a gadget though the GDC Money Clip is really cool. It gives you a great minimalist wallet setup and allows you to incorporate even your wallet into your overall EDC.

SOG Baton Q2

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The Baton Q2 from SOG is built to be an urban survival tool. It has an almost unprecedented design, resembling a large pen when fully closed yet folding out to provide several useful tools. The Q2 gives you four different tools, including:

• Straight Edge Blade
• Bottle Opener
• Flathead Screwdriver
• 75 Lumen LED Flashlight

Let’s start with the Q2’s innovative design. Instead of a traditional butterfly or folding knife format SOG went with a cylinder system. The bottom acts as the handle when the blade is revealed and contains the flashlight. It’s honestly the best flashlight we’ve seen in a multi tool.

75 lumens is enough light for real tasks. Most multi tool lights will barely help you find dropped keys but the Q2 can actually replace a dedicated flashlight. Even better, it runs on a standard AAA battery rather than the more exotic (and expensive) ones found in most EDC flashlights.

The blade itself is 2.5 in long and made from high quality 5Cr15Mov blade steel. To deploy you push a release button on the top of the body and the cover falls away to help widen your grip. The flathead and bottle opener both work exactly as advertised and can be used without first revealing the knife blade.

If you’re looking for something completely off the beaten path, check out the SOG Baton Q2.

Gerber GDC Zip Pull Multi Tool

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Gerber is known for making interesting little tools and the GDC Zip Pull is no exception. It’s basically a small fold out knife blade closer to a razor blade in size. You can thread it through a zipper pull on a bag, jacket, or pretty much anywhere else.

It uses a push button clip and it’s really easy to remove the main blade from your zipper then reattach it. One thing we really loved was the sturdy frame lock Gerber Used. It makes it much easier and safer to use.

The blade comes very sharp and is great for cutting paper, opening packages, or slicing cordage. The only real downside is its small size. You definitely won’t be peeling an apple or doing any whittling with this one. If you can get past that though it’s a very focused and useful little tool.

Gerber Curve Knife Multi Tool

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The Gerber Curve is a good bit smaller than many other tools on this list. It’s a keychain multi tool that weighs just .8 oz and is only 2.25 in long. Looks can be deceiving though, as this little tool packs in a lot of value. It includes six different tools, such as:

• Straight Blade Knife
• Small Flathead Screwdriver
• Medium Flathead Screwdriver
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• File
• Bottle Opener/Carabiner

The Gerber Curve is an interesting little tool but actually works really well. One thing we liked was that all the tools lock in place when in use. For a tool that’s barely two inches long this a rare feature.

Also unusual for anything its size, the screwdrivers on the Curve were enjoyable to work with. They won’t beat out those on larger tools but they definitely give you more value than you’d expect.

The knife blade is understandably small, coming in at just 1.25 in long, but is made from quality blade steel and holds an edge. It’s great for peeling an apple, cutting open packages, or general knife work.

Leatherman Juice B2

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The minimalist Juice B2 is an oddity for Leatherman. As a company well known for making large and high-end multi tools, It has just two knife blades in its 3.2 in frame. More than anything else it resembles an old school jackknife with a serrated and straight blade pair of knives.

The knives fold out from the same side of the Juice B2 at different ends. They’re each 2.2 in long and are made from Leatherman’s standard 420HC blade steel. This makes them both easy to sharpen and able to hold a blade for a reasonable length of time.

If you want a classic pocket knife from a modern manufacturer your should definitely consider the Leatherman Juice B2

Junhao Tactical Folding Knife Multi Tool

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No folding knife review would be complete without a few tactically focused products. The Junhao Tactical Folding Pocket Knife definitely fits the bill. It provides you with six different tools in a classic folder design, including:

• Combination Knife Blade
• LED Light
• Strap Cutter
• Ferrocerium Fire Starter
• Bottle Opener
• Glass Breaker

The Junhao is much more tactical in appearance than the other products on this list. It honestly kind of looks like Frankenstein’s monster and rides the line between functional and ‘Tacticool’. That being said the included tools actually work quite well.

The knife blade is definitely made from cheaper steel but as long as you’re willing to sharpen it more often this isn’t too much of an issue. The bottle opener in the spine of the knife does weaken it in theory, but in practice this shouldn’t be much of an issue.

We really liked the included fire starter. It slides out of a small slot and produces a satisfying spray of sparks when struck with the knife blade. The LED light was one of the brighter ones we’ve seen in a multi tool. Still not as good as a dedicated flashlight though.

While definitely not the best multi tool knife out there, the Junhao Tactical Folding Pocket Knife is fun to use and reasonably priced.

Best Knife Multi-Tool Comparison Table

Best Butterfly Open Multi Tools with Knife

Butterfly fold tools make up the majority of the modern multi tool market. They generally include a wide variety of tools in a range of sizes. One of the most common included tools is a quality knife blade.

Each of the tools we’ve chosen to review here has either multiple knife blades or is based mainly around the quality of its knife. Let’s check them out.

Leatherman Charge TTi

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The Charge TTi is the top of the line multi tool currently available from Leatherman. It’s built on the body of a Leatherman Wave+ using higher end materials and tools. It has a titanium frame, S30V main blade, and a seriously comprehensive loadout of tools, including:

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard Wire Cutters
• Wire Crimper
• Wire Stripper
• S30V Straight Blade Knife
• 420HC Serrated Edge Knife
• Saw
• Cutting Hook
• Spring-Action Scissors
• Eight Inch Ruler
• Can Opener
• Bottle Opener
• Wood/Metal File
• Diamond File
• Large Bit Driver
• Small Bit Driver
• Medium Flathead Screwdriver

That’s a long list of tools and we can say from experience that they’re all excellent. Leatherman spared no expense with the Charge TTi. Every tool on it is perfectly machined and tested to ensure that it’s the best available.

The two knife blades are each 2.9 in long and come razor sharp from the factory. The straight blade is made from high quality S30V blade steel. It’s extremely corrosion resistant and holds a true razor edge.

If you’re looking for probably the best multi tool on the market and willing to pay for it, the Leatherman Charge TTi is the tool for you.

For more information on the Leatherman Charge TTi, check out our full review.

Leatherman Wave+

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The Wave+ has been one of the best selling multi tools from Leatherman for over a decade. It’s a full size tool packed with 18 different functions and features. Everything about it is well made, fully tested, and backed by Leatherman’s industry leading warranty. It includes tools such as:

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard Wire Cutters
• Wire Crimper
• Wire Stripper
• Straight Blade Knife
• Serrated Edge Knife
• Saw
• Spring-Action Scissors
• Eight Inch Ruler
• Can Opener
• Bottle Opener
• Wood/Metal File
• Diamond File
• Large Bit Driver
• Small Bit Driver
• Medium Flathead Screwdriver

You probably noticed that this is almost identical to the tool list of the Charge TTi. The Charge is just a higher end version of the Wave+ with several material and tool substitutions. The Wave+ provides you with most of the Charge TTi’s functionality at a fraction of the price.

It lacks the high end blade steel of the Charge but still has a pair of very capable cutting blades. The bit drivers, files, scissors, and other tools are all just as excellent.

The Leatherman Wave+ has a great tool loadout, excellent knives, and is very well made. It’s one of the best multi tools on the market today and one you should seriously consider.

For more information on the Leatherman Wave+, check out our full review.

Leatherman Skeletool

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The Skeletool is one of the most popular pocket tools on the market today. It’s a relatively large tool, coming in at 4 in long, but gives you a lot of value for those inches. It has seven different tools in a standard butterfly fold body, including:

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard Wire Cutters
• 420HC Combo Knife
• Carabiner/Bottle Opener
• Large Bit Driver

The Skeletool is honestly one of the best knife specific multi tools on the market today. More than any other tool on this list it exemplifies the image of a folding knife that happens to have multi tool features tacked on.

The pliers, cutters, and carabiner all function perfectly. Leatherman did a great job putting the Skeletool together. The only real complaint we had was Leatherman’s use of a proprietary bit size. The ¼ in bit is incredibly common, their decision not to go with it honestly has us scratching our heads.

Other than that though, the Skeletool’s popularity is well earned. It has a good mix of basic tools in a really useful configuration.

Multi Tool Knife Buyers Guide

No matter what use you’re planning to put your multi tool knife there are a few features you should always look for. These include things like average price, material quality, manufacturer, and its size and tool loadout.

Different tools will shine in different ways, just make sure whatever tool you choose isn’t going to fall apart on you.

Price

High end folding knives and multi tools can easily cost several hundred dollars. Thankfully you don’t have to spend that much to get a quality product that provides real value. If you’re looking at folding knives with multi tool qualities you should probably try to spend less than $50.

This will get you a pretty good knife with some quality tools attached. Most knives priced above this use either very high end blade steel or are coming from a branded manufacturer like Spyderco or Benchmade. They’re great knives, but they usually don’t come with any multi tool features.

For a high quality multi tool knife blade you generally will need to spend more than $50. The Leatherman Skeletool is a great example of this. It’s about as stripped down as a multi tool can get but still generally costs $50+.

Knife Steel

The type of steel to use in your EDC knife is always a contentious topic. Many people refuse to use anything other than high carbon steel that holds a razor edge. If you’re just an everyday user though there are plenty of quality, reasonably priced blade steels in use by major manufacturers.

Leatherman in particular makes the majority of their knife blades using 420HC stainless steel. It isn’t as hard a steel as some other high end varieties but is corrosion resistant and easy to sharpen. A good thing to keep in mind is that the more expensive the steel used in your blade the more upkeep required.

High carbon blades, for example, can be difficult to sharpen if you aren’t experienced with a whetstone.

Brand Name

When you’re looking at multi tool knives the brand landscape widens more than with traditional multi tools. The usual suspects are there of course: Leatherman and Gerber being high on this list, but you can also find very nice products from Kershaw, Victorinox, SOG, and many other makers.

Number of tools

With a knife focused multi tool you expect to get fewer tools than on a traditional butterfly fold model. Most have somewhere between three and 6 tools, with a few exceptions. There are tools out there that only have a single tool, the main knife blade, but are still interesting enough to warrant inclusion.

If having a high quality knife and a large number of tools is your goal you should definitely consider a butterfly fold tool. If you’re just looking for a folding knife with benefits, there are plenty of others you can check out.

Unit and knife size

For multi tool knives four inches is about as large as you’ll ever need. This gives you around a 3-3.5 in knife blade. In the US in particular you don’t want to carry anything longer than this. Many states use 3.5 inches as the boundary line between a pocket tool and a concealed weapon.

There is a valid argument for going even smaller than this. If you just want a useful pocket tool you can find quality three and even two inch tools with quality blades. Just remember, the shorter the knife blade the fewer activities you can use it for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Best Multi Tool Knife

As outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the importance of having the right tools at hand for various camping, hiking, and survival scenarios. When it comes to versatility and convenience, a multi tool knife emerges as a must-have companion. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the best multi tool knives. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner camper, this FAQ section aims to address your queries and guide you in choosing the perfect multi tool knife for your needs. From understanding the features to maintenance tips and more, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the world of multi tool knives!

What is a multi tool knife?

A multi tool knife is a versatile tool that combines multiple functions into a single compact device. It typically includes a knife blade along with various additional tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, can openers, saws, scissors, and more. These tools are designed to provide convenience and utility for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and survival situations.

Why should I invest in a multi tool knife?

A multi tool knife is a valuable asset for outdoor enthusiasts due to its versatility and practicality. Instead of carrying multiple individual tools, a multi tool knife consolidates several functions into one convenient tool. It saves space, reduces weight, and ensures you have the essential tools you need in various situations, making it a must-have for camping, hiking, and survival purposes.

What features should I consider when choosing the best multi tool knife?

When selecting a multi tool knife, there are several key features to consider. These include the quality and durability of the materials used, the number and variety of tools included, the locking mechanism for safety, the ease of use and ergonomics, the size and weight for portability, and the reputation of the manufacturer for reliability and customer support.

Can I carry a multi tool knife in my backpack or on a plane?

Multi tool knives are generally allowed in backpacks, as long as they are securely stored and not accessible during transportation. However, it’s important to check the specific regulations and restrictions of the airline or transportation authority before attempting to bring a multi tool knife on a plane. Rules can vary depending on the destination and mode of transportation.

Are multi tool knives waterproof?

The waterproofness of multi tool knives can vary depending on the brand and model. While some multi tool knives may have components that are water-resistant, few are completely waterproof. It’s important to review the product specifications or consult with the manufacturer to determine the water resistance level of a particular multi tool knife before using it in wet or aquatic environments.

How should I maintain my multi tool knife?

To keep your multi tool knife in optimal condition, regular maintenance is crucial. Clean the tool after each use, removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Apply lubricant to the moving parts, such as hinges and pivot points, to ensure smooth operation. Additionally, periodically inspect the tool for signs of wear or damage, and replace any worn-out components to maintain its functionality and safety.

Can I sharpen the blade of a multi tool knife?

Yes, most multi tool knives have blades that can be sharpened. You can use sharpening tools such as whetstones, sharpening rods, or sharpening systems to maintain a sharp edge. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek guidance from experts to ensure proper sharpening techniques and avoid damaging the blade or the tool itself.

Are multi tool knives suitable for self-defense?

While multi tool knives can be used for self-defense in emergency situations, they are not specifically designed for that purpose. Their primary function is to provide versatile tools for everyday tasks, outdoor activities, and survival scenarios. It’s important to prioritize personal safety and adhere to local laws and regulations regarding the use of any tool, including multi tool knives, for self-defense.

Can I rely solely on a multi tool knife for survival situations?

While a multi tool knife can be a valuable tool in survival situations, it’s always recommended to have a well-rounded survival kit that includes other essential items such as shelter, fire-starting tools, water purification methods, signaling devices, and first aid supplies. Relying solely on a multi tool knife may limit your preparedness and ability to handle diverse survival challenges effectively.

What is the price range for a good multi tool knife?

The price range for multi tool knives can vary significantly based on factors such as brand reputation, build quality, included tools, and overall functionality. Generally, you can find reliable and functional multi tool knives in the range of $20 to $100 or more. It’s essential to balance your budget with the features and quality you desire to ensure you get the best value for your investment.

Final Thoughts

Given the ubiquity of knife blades on multi tools picking out the best multi tool knife was really difficult. There are a lot of things that make a knife great and they don’t always carry over between different tools. When it came right down to it though there were some standouts.

The best knife multi tool came down to three. The SOG Baton Q2 is definitely the most innovative tool on the list. It’s design is unique yet fully functional. The Kershaw Select Fire has one of the better knife blades on our list. Its bit driver is also one of the highest quality in the category.

For combination of value, tool loadout, and general quality though the Leatherman Crater C33T takes the prize. It’s inexpensive, well made, and includes several really useful tools in a compact package.

The Leatherman Skeletool won in the multi tool knife category hands down. It completely encompasses what a knife centric tool should be, cutting away unnecessary features and providing maximum value. Several other tools are better than the Skeletool in certain ways but none can match its combination of portability, utility, and quality.