Good KNIVES with multitools... NOT Multitools with mediocre knives! Suggestions?

B

bluesmandan

Joined
Oct 31, 2013
Messages
86
So I've been wanting a good KNIFE that also has some dandy tools with it. I don't like the swiss army knife with all its widgets and gadgets that I'll never use, nor do I like the big old leatherman style multitool that is primarily a set of pliers. I want a good one hand opening clip on KNIFE that also has good tools with it. So far I haven't come across "it" but I'm starting to see some products that are close.

The Kershaw Select Fire
Leatherman K502X
The CRKT Tool
There's also the Leatherman Crater C33T, but it has dinky short screwdrivers.

Of these, the Select Fire seems to be the best... as what I'm looking or is a good knife that has full length fold out screwdrivers (one flathead, one phillips) and a bottle opener. The Select Fire seems to have all of that though it does it with a single 1/4" receiver that takes 4 on board bits (the bottle opener is the section where the 1/4" receiver sits... you have to open that part, and then you can open a bottle)

You guys know of anything better?
 
I reallly like the Buck X-Tract "Fisherman" (it's not just for fisherman, a good all around utility tool); available with needle nose pliers with wide mid jaws or the smaller model the X-Tract Essential with large scissors. On both, all blades (linerlock/thumbstud) and all tools operate to open and close with one hand and lock into position both open and closed. IMHO a great design.The blades on both models are good steel, take a good edge and are real working blades.

http://www2.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=buck+x-tract

I also have the leatherman crater, but don't like it so much for the reasons you mentioned. Of course there are always a zillion models of Swiss Army Knives. Also look at the Victorinox Trekker series. Some have thumbhole/linerlocks and the blades are thicker and heavy duty for hard work.

http://www2.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=victorinox+trekker

Personally I find all of the above mentioned a bit heavy to carry routinely. My solution is two knives. I carry a Victorinox Deluxe Tinker in a belt pouch and a CRKT Carson M4-02W (with pocket clip removed) in my pocket for the heavy work.

IF I had to go with only one knife it would be the Buck X-Tract Fisherman in a belt pouch. I don't really care for the design
of the Kershaw Select Fire - only two screw drivers and looks like the handle would be uncomfortable to use.

Rich
 
Last edited:
I've looked at Trekkers before... short screwdrivers, no clip, not interested. But at least it has a respectable knife on it.

I wasn't really aware of the Xtract. That's an interesting design, with everything sliding in and out with one handed operation. Does it have a pocket clip? Bottle Opener?
 
Buck X-Tract has no pocket clip or bottle opener although I suspect the handle is thick enough that you
could add a pocket clip or just use a carabiner. The pliers can always be used as a bottle opener. It comes with a belt pouch
and diamond hone in the pocket.

Correction: some models of the x-tract do have a bottle/can opener and a pocket clip and one has a LED flashlight. Look over the selections, they've added some models since I got mine..

Rich
 
Last edited:
Of the above, I like the Leatherman Crater c33T. So far, every time I've needed its screwdrivers, they were up to the job, but what really puts the c33T upfront is its adaptability to the Leatherman removable bit holder. With its pocket size kit and an extender, the world of endless screwdriver formats and sizes is open to you.
 
Waved Endura + Swiss Tech ScrewzAll. Use the wave to open your knife and your bottles, and the Screwzall works bloody well for what it is. I know it's not exactly what you're asking for, but I find the knife-based tools to be a poor compromise.
 
How about the Victorinox Non-serrated OHO Trekker? It has all the tools you needed, and a liner-lock with extra insurance of a backspring. It might not be made of a 'premium' knife steel, but it has decent edge retention and is easy to maintain.

The similar model "soldier 2008" is issued around the world for many different countries' armies.(Germany, Swiss, Malaysia, etc). The fact that it is popular used among different military speaks for its performance/price ratio.
 
batosai117 said:
Here you go:

http://emersonknives.com/shop/edc/edc-1-multitool/

Everything you could ever want in a multi tool with a pocket clip. This thing is awesome looking and I wish I could hold one in person. The only thing is you are going to pay a pretty penny for it compared to a typical SAK or Leatherman.
Click to expand...

That Emerson EDC1 is NICE. Exactly the kind of KNIFE based multitool I"m talking about. You're right, though, it is kinda pricey. $185. ouch.
 
What uses do the tools need to answer?

One of the things I found during years of bike and ski touring (where ounces are zealously scrutinized) is that separate tools often give more functionality and LESS weight. The problem with multi-tools and things like SAKs is the weight of all of the connective tissue, so to speak.

Another thing to think about is, in your pocket or in your pack? Do you really need your tools in your pocket, or can you live with getting them out of a day pack (briefcase, man purse, go bag, bug out bag, whatever you call it)?

There's obviously no right answer to this as we all have different needs and demands on our days. Here's my answer to the EDC thing. Knife of choice in RFP (almost always an Opinel) and Micra in my LFP.


EDC Pair by Pinnah, on Flickr

One thing I like about carrying the Micra is that it frees me to select my knife as a knife with absolutely no compromise. Additionally, if the need or sheer whim demands it, I can carry a different knife on any given day.

My "Sunday, go to meeting" carry

image by Pinnah, on Flickr

My "sometimes bigger IS better" carry

Schrade 51OT by Pinnah, on Flickr


You get the idea.
 
I've always thought of the Skeletool CX to be more of a knife than a multitool. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it's got great blade steel and is handy as all get out.
 
Could never figure out why people would buy the Opinel. Then I actually tried one. What an amazing knife. The ergonomics, the unique lock, the incredibly sharp / high quality blade............it's beautiful. I'm still addicted to knives with pocket clips, but I did purchase the Bread Knife. What a beast. I almost have pity for the bread after each use :D .
 
Steely_Gunz said:
I've always thought of the Skeletool CX to be more of a knife than a multitool. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it's got great blade steel and is handy as all get out.
Click to expand...

As he says the Skeletool CX might be up your alley and fit the bill for you. The CX model has a great knife and is in 154CM so its a good steel. Check them out. :thumbup:
 
I picked up a Kershaw Select Fire last week. It's a very handy little knife! It's got a blade like a Blur (non assisted). And it has a bottle opener, a pocket clip, and a fold out magnetic hex bit driver with 4 onboard hexbits (2 philips 2 flats, but you can change them out to whatever you like). And only for $20! I may end up selling by benchmade barrage and use this as my EDC.
 
bluesmandan said:
I picked up a Kershaw Select Fire last week. It's a very handy little knife! It's got a blade like a Blur (non assisted). And it has a bottle opener, a pocket clip, and a fold out magnetic hex bit driver with 4 onboard hexbits (2 philips 2 flats, but you can change them out to whatever you like). And only for $20! I may end up selling by benchmade barrage and use this as my EDC.
Click to expand...



The Select fire is handy, but I wouldn't call it little. :D
 
Alright so here's a picture of my knives, and you can see the size of the Kershaw Select Fire... it's right in the middle.
From left to right we have...
A Japanese Schrade, a Benchmade Barrage, a Kershaw Gazelle Hunter, a Spyderco Mule K390 with Halpern Titanium contoured G10 Scales, the Select Fire, a Case Trapper, some serrated cheapo thing, an old Old Timer (my first knife as I recall, had it since I was about 8 I think), a Japanese Barlow, a Craftsman, and a New York Knife Company 3 blade jack (which I think belonged to my paternal great grandfather).

http://i.imgur.com/BQn4Lyc.jpg
 
The Select Fire was a good choice.

It was my second quality knife. Carried that and my Emerson mini Commander exclusively for about six months or so. They complimented each other very well. I don't carry it anymore but I still use the screw driver on it to take apart my Emersons because it is always close. Still use it to practice my sharpening on as well.


Oh yea, that Spyderco Mule looks gorgeous!
 
If you really want a multitool (that's decent) and has a good knife, I would seriously look at the Leatherman TTi. Decent multitool with a S30V linerlock knife included. (and a Diamond file for sharpening in a pinch).

That said I carry a Leatherman Surge (heavy duty pliers) with a good knife like a BM 710. Great knife, great tool just not in the same package.
 
pinnah said:
There's obviously no right answer to this as we all have different needs and demands on our days. Here's my answer to the EDC thing. Knife of choice in RFP (almost always an Opinel) and Micra in my LFP.

You get the idea.
Click to expand...
I sure do. That's pretty much my setup except I carry my Micra (and a peanut lighter and a AAA flashlight) on a clip attached to my RFP and my folder of choice unclipped in my LFP. Funny thing is, I seem to use my Micra a lot more than I do my folder. It's nice not to have to drag my folder out of my pocket every time I want to cut something with a scissors. And if anyone asks me what's attached to my clip, I can pull it out and show them without freaking them out. (I work in an office in LaLa Land.)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top