Multi-tool
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A multi-tool is a portable, versatile hand tool that combines several individual tool functions in a single grip or in the shape of a credit card.
Multi-tools are small enough to be carried in a trouser pocket or wallet. Many models also come with a pouch to wear them on the belt.
Among the earliest examples is the famous Swiss army knife as supplied by makers Victorinox and Wenger. The actual version supplied to the Swiss army includes a knife blade, a reamer, a bottle-opener/screwdriver/wire stripper, and a can-opener/screwdriver.
Besides Victorinox and Wenger, other manufacturers of this type include Buck Knives and Spyderco.
Other versions may include items like a nail file, tweezers, folding scissors, a tooth pick, a magnifying glass, screwdriver bits and others. There are also versions that have special tools for specific sports or outdoor activities like Golf, horseback riding, hunting or fishing.
Another well-known type is based on a pair of strong folding pliers, usually with wire cutters, and also has a folding knife blade as well as assorted other folding tools. The best-known product of this type is the Leatherman tool whose name has become a genericized trademark for multitools. Other makers include Gerber Legendary Blades, Kershaw Knives, Schrade, Bosch, SOG Knife and, again Victorinox with the Swisstool series.
Models like the Wenger Pocketgrip may be viewed as a kind of precursor to the leatherman type. They are basically Swiss army knives with integral pliers that lock down when not in use.
New designs are now also emerging; for example the new design from Spyderco (Spyderco byrdRench [1]) as well as the CRKT Zillatool [2] are completely new and do not resemble either type above. Also there is also a different type of multitool that looks like a merge between a Swiss Army Knife and a Leatherman-type multitool. An example to this is the Wenger Swissgrip.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Mutlitool.org - Reviews and discussion of multitools.
- Multi-Tool Museum
- Reviews of 3 multitools by Buck, Leatherman and Victorinox
