Modern knives are light, razor sharp and often come with multiple tools to help you out of a pickle.
Handle
A handle should provide a sure and comfortable grip – often achieved through an ergonomic design to naturally fit your hand. When using the knife or multi-tool, the tools not in use should not protrude into the hand. Some handles also offer a textured surface for non-slip grip.
Blade access
Most multi-tools allow access to the blades without having to open the tool. One-handed opening, where you use your thumb to slide the blade out of the handle, is common.
Serrated versus plain blades
Straight edges are good for accurate and clean cuts – perfect for those cheese and salami lunch breaks. Serrated blades are designed for more vigorous cutting and for tackling tougher materials, sometimes even wood. A single blade that combines a plain and serrated edge provides the best of both worlds.
Locking mechanisms
An important safety feature that prevents the blade from accidentally closing when pressure is applied in the wrong direction. This is easy to operate with your thumb when the tool is held in a natural grip.
Weight
The more tools your chosen model has, the heavier it will be. If you’re buying for your tramping trips, choose a model that has fewer functions. If you want a multi-tool to complement your toolbox, then it’s a case of the more the merrier.
Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a knife – or multi-tool…
Leatherman Skeletool $149.99
Clip-on multi-tool featuring pliers, locking combo knife, wire cutters, carabiner clip/bottle opener, large bit driver for included screwdriver and other bits. Stainless steel with 6061-T6 aluminium handle insert. Made in the USA, 25-year warranty. 142g. www.tightlines.co.nz |
SOG Sync II $121
Wear as a belt buckle or clipped to a pack, 12 functions including pliers, crimpers, scissors, file, ruler, wire cutter, straight blade, screwdrivers, bottle opener, stainless steel. 142g. www.nzammo.co.nz |
Leatherman Wave $224.99
17 tools including four outside-accessible locking blades with one-handed deployment, pliers, scissors and large bit driver for switching bits. All locking blades. 100% stainless steel. Made in USA, 25-year warranty. 241g. www.tightlines.co.nz |
SOG PowerPlay $141
Compound leverage pliers, 18 functions including single-handed opening of serrated and straight blades, access blades without opening tool, wire cutter, centered hex bit driver, screwdrivers, can/bottle opener, saw, awl, file, nylon pouch, stainless steel. 227g. www.nzammo.co.nz |
Leatherman Wingman $99.99
14 tools including spring-action regular and needlenose pliers, screwdrivers, wood/metal file, bottle opener, can opener, one-handed deployment of outside-accessible locking 420HC combo knife blade and scissors, belt clip. Made in USA, 25-year warranty. 198g. www.tightlines.co.nz |
Victorinox Soldier $99.99
Standard issue Swiss Army knife to many armed forces around the world, 10 functions including one-handed opening blade with 2/3 wavy edge, phillips screwdriver, wood saw and grippy two-component scales. 131g. www.ampro.co.nz |
Victorinox Huntsman $74.99
Classic Victorinox Officers knife with 15 functions, including scissors, blades, wood-saw, corkscrew, screwdrivers, wire stripper, toothpick, tweezers, parcel hook and bottle/can openers. Pouch included (summer 2017/18 only). 97g. www.ampro.co.nz |
Baladeo Abilis 2.0 $59.99
With 14 functions including needlenose pliers, wire cutter, two knives, serrated edge knife, bottle and can opener, ruler, corkscrew and screwdrivers. 208g. www.bobo.co.nz |
Gerber Suspension $69.99
Open frame multi-tool with spring-loaded pliers, Saf.T.Plus locking system, fine-edge knife, serrated knife, rough cut saw and more. Housed in a ballistic nylon sheath. 255g. www.gerbergear.com |
Baladeo Security Knife Rescue $59.99
A 420B stainless steel half serrated locking blade, one-hand opening and closing, belt cutter and window breaker built in, stainless steel and red G10 fibre handle. 142g. www.bobo.co.nz |
