There’s no end to useful little gadgets that combine several tools in one, take-anywhere device. Some include a knife blade, and most include a screwdriver or two. Most feature what their creators must think is indispensable: a bottle opener. This is in case, I suppose, you’re unexpectedly thrust into a binge away from a drinking establishment with no other way to open your brew. Most of my experience is with twist-off caps, so what do I know.
TRAVEL LIGHT
The great thing about keychain tools and other small gadgets is that they don’t weigh you down. I’m a devotee of everyday carry gear. But after loading up for the day with my keys, wallet, flashlight, a couple of pocketknives, a handgun, spare ammo, pepper spray, pen, notepad, and cell phone, my chipmunk-cheek pockets and waistband have reached their carrying capacity. I’m apt to need a belt, suspenders, and a portable winch to keep my pants from slipping down to the “urban tactical” position below my butt.
Tiny tools that you clip to your keychain or zipper pulls and credit card-sized tools you can tuck in a wallet can solve that problem to some degree. No, they’re usually not as helpful as the full-size tools in your toolbox or the larger multitools you can wear on your belt.
​Sometimes, for instance, you need a dedicated screwdriver with some reach. Still, these little tools can come in handy to hurdle small obstacles tossed in your path during a busy day when you’re traveling light.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Knives Illustrated.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Knives Illustrated.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TIP TALK
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BLADE TIP SHAPES AND WHY IT MATTERS
HOLDING FIRM
GETTING A GRIP ON KNIFE HANDLE BENEFITS, MATERIALS, AND FUNCTIONALITY
EDGE UP
TIPS, TRICKS, AND TECHNIQUES TO SHARP WHEN ADVENTURING FAR FROM HOME
THE COMBAT KITCHEN
SLICE, DICE, CHOP, AND CUT: FOOD PREP WITH BLADES FROM POPULAR TACTICAL KNIFE COMPANIES
MORAKNIV Classics
THESE TIMELESS BUSHCRAFT KNIVES HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND ARE BETTER THAN EVER
ONE FOR THE ROAD
CHOOSING AN “EVERYWHERE KNIFE” CAN BE DIFFICULT DUE TO COMPLICATED KNIFE LAWS
TRAVELING LIGHT
SOMETIMES, INEXPENSIVE UTILITY BLADES YOU PICK UP AT YOUR DESTINATION CAN GET THE JOB DONE
MATCHED PAIR
JB KNIFE WORKS LAYMAN KNIFE AND GAMBIT HATCHET COMBO: ONE PICKS UP WHERE THE OTHER LEAVES OFF
WHEN BIGGER IS BETTER
THE CAS IBERIA CHOP HOUSE IS A MACHETE THAT PROVIDES BIG BLADE CUTTING POWER
KITCHEN KNIVES DON'T HAVE TO BE DULL
I have a confession to make. See if this sounds familiar. I take meticulous care of the knives I use for everyday carry, hunting, and general woods wandering. I wipe them down with an oily cloth after use and I never let them get too dull. Seldom do I have to restore a damaged edge. Most of the time I simply touch up the edges of my pocketknives with a few careful strokes across the rough bottom of a ceramic coffee cup. That’s usually all that’s needed. I don’t use my knives as screwdrivers or pry bars. As a matter of fact, I still have the very first knife I ever owned, an old Boy Scout knife that was handed down from my older brother. The blades have a deep patina that comes with using carbon steel over the years, but the knife is very usable still.
