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 is common, where you use your thumb to slide the blade out of the handle. 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 This is 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 tool box, then it’s a case of the more the merrier.




