Knives | GearJunkie

The Best Multitools of 2025

Josh Wussow — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:32:54 +0000

You never realize how much you need a multitool until you start carrying one. Anyone who does can tell you they find themselves using theirs all the time. Sure, there’s a little bit of eagerness when you have one in your pocket or pack.

There are only a handful of brands that have consistently put out tools over the years that are easy to use, durable, and dependable. Those are Leatherman, Gerber, SOG, and Victorinox. These brands have become synonymous with the term “multitool” over the years and have been adopted by civilians, military personnel, first responders, and anyone in between looking to be prepared for any situation.

Now that we’ve got that part of the process out of the way, it’s time to figure out just what you need. Since we don’t know all of you, we’ve taken the time to test and recommend what we believe would best suit your needs.

To reach our conclusions, we took into account the overall build of the tool, its tool assortment, and materials, and we balanced that against ease of use and price. The Leatherman Wave+ takes the cake here, and the Leatherman Rebar is a good, affordable alternative.

In the end, we had a ton of fun. But we’re also confident in making the following recommendations because these tools got us out of a few jams that we may or may not have gotten ourselves into on purpose.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on December 18, 2025, to add the surprisingly decent Harbor Freight Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool — a budget-minded tool that packs on much of the functionality of higher-end multitools. We’ve also added ratings to each tool for better comparison.

The Best Multitools of 2025

Best Overall Multitool

Leatherman Wave+

9.0/10 Rating

6.4/10 Rating

Jump to review

BUY OPTIONS

Check Price at Harbor Freight

See more picks

9.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of tools: 18
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Closed length: 4"/10 cm
Open length: 6.25"/15.87 cm
Width: 1.2"/3.05 cm

Pros

Unmatched tool selection
Quality construction
Great warranty

Cons

Slightly heavy
Pocket clip not included

When it comes to the world of multitools, the Leatherman Wave+ ($120) is the cream of the crop. With 18 onboard tools, an intuitive layout, and excellent materials, it’s no wonder that the Wave has been around for over 20 years.

The Wave+ has both a plain edge and a serrated edge blade made from 420HC. They feature thumb holes for easy, one-handed deployment. Furthermore, the integrated liner lock keeps the blades securely in place while in use.

Two interchangeable bit drivers can be expanded beyond what is included with Leatherman’s Bit Kit Set. Additionally, the pliers on the Wave+ feature replaceable wire cutters. This combo has proven to be an industry favorite. Feel free to use and abuse at will.

The Wave+ doesn’t come with a pocket clip or sheath, but both are available from Leatherman. As is the recently rereleased Bit Driver Extender, which can turn the Wave+ into an even more useful multitool by allowing you to reach into more places that the tool itself cannot.

Our favorite onboard tool is the scissors. You just never know when you’re going to need a good pair of scissors when you’re out and about.

We’d be remiss to not mention the most recent update to the Wave line, the Wave Alpha (which we’ve also reviewed). This 2025 update swapped out the serrated blade for a bigger set of scissors, adds G10 Micarta scales to the exterior, and upgrades the main blade to MagnaCut steel with a thumb stud. All of these upgrades will run you $200 out the door, meaning it’s a premium step up for those who want the very best.

For most folks, however, the Wave+ will be the ticket.

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of tools: 17
Weight: 6.7 oz.
Closed length: 4”
Open length: 6.25”
Carry option: Nylon sheath (Included)
Width: 1.18”

Pros

Rugged build
Great tool assortment
The pliers are the best in the industry
Affordable

Cons

No scissors

When we look for a multitool that fits within the budget category, we seek one that offers the most value for your money. Right now, after considering all of the options available today, we’ve determined that the right tool for this accolade is the Leatherman Rebar ($89). Not only is it a full-sized tool with a rugged build, but it has 17 onboard tools, 11 of which are locking.

Previously, we had the Leatherman Sidekick listed as the “Best Budget” multitool. Though we still consider it one of the best multitools on the market, the Rebar offers more opportunities to the user. In testing, those opportunities were all in the stubborn department. The oversized, reinforced pliers provided a substantial hold that did not give when twisted and torqued beyond description. They also helped reach into hard-to-get places to get that grip applied.

Though we’re not big users of knives on multitools — the gang’s all here on the Rebar. There is a 420HC plain-edge blade as well as a serrated one. There’s also a saw and a wood/metal file. If you’re someone who just carries a multitool — between the pliers and those four tools — you’re going to get half of the tasks you encounter done. The other half of those tasks can be handled with the other onboard tools, as well as with the replaceable wirecutters, which extend the life of the Rebar out into infinity.

But don’t worry, if you do find a way to break this tool or any of its implements, your butt is covered by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty. The Rebar has been on the market for over a decade, but for 2025, Leatherman has introduced three new color options that may appeal to more of you out there.

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of tools: 9
Weight: 1.6 oz.
Closed length: 2.9″/7.5 cm
Open length: 4.5″/11.43 cm
Width: 0.8″/2 cm

Pros

Quite light and small profile
TSA Flight-safe
Snappy action
Integrated carabiner clip point

Cons

Not suited for large jobs
Tools don't lock

For those looking to travel with a multitool, the Leatherman Style PS ($35) is your best and safest choice. However, if you’re traveling internationally with any multitool, we recommend you look into all of the rules and regulations before checking in.

The Style PS is a compact multitool, boasting eight onboard tools that we believe create the right assortment for just about anything, considering the size of this tool. Beyond the spring-action pliers and wire cutters, the multitool has a nail file, a flathead driver, fold-out scissors, and a carabiner that also serves as a bottle opener. Leatherman has even managed to tuck a pair of tweezers in there.

The one thing the Style PS lacks is the ability to lock any of its tools. However, based on its smaller stature, we didn’t find this to be a problem at all. Your hand will cover most of the body of the PS, which helps keep the tool in place.

Aside from the scissors, we really enjoyed the spring action pliers on the Style PS. With a tool this small, it made it easier to work in tight places or on nuts and bolts.

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 10
Weight: 5.4 oz.
Closed Length: 4.6”
Open Length: 6.3”
Carry Option: Pocket Clip, Carabiner
Width: 0.75”

Pros

Tent stake puller
5Cr15MoV stainless-steel tools
Ferro rod
Built-in carabiner clip

Cons

Limited tool options, with no scissors
Ferro rod isn't replaceable

Gerber has had a lot of success with its campsite-oriented multitool, the Stakeout. No one knew they needed a tent stake puller on their multitool, but now that Gerber has done it, it’s kind of a necessity. But where the Stakeout has proven its worth for a bunch of different tasks around the campfire, it lacks pliers. Not having a pair of pliers on a tool like that isn’t a deal breaker.

We love scissors, but it does leave the door open for another brand to swoop in with its multitool with pliers. For 2025, Gerber is addressing that — as well as firestarting — with its Stakeout Spark ($75).

The Stakeout Spark is a well-rounded multitool that includes a ferro rod as well as a set of needlenose pliers. The one sacrifice here is that they didn’t consider finding a spot for scissors, which could easily take the place of either the plain edge blade or saw. There also aren’t any screwdrivers on the Stakeout Spark. However, that tent stake puller is there in all its glory, and it makes this tool what it is overall.

You may not think so, but it only takes one time when you need some extra leverage in getting a tent stake out of the ground and you’ll crown this multitool the king of camping tools.

We appreciate that Gerber has added a pocket clip to the Stakeout Spark as well. Having put up and taken down more campsites than we can remember (those music fest sites are a blur all their own), you find yourself on autopilot.

Having multiple options to carry it on yourself really goes a long way in those situations. Putting your multitool down randomly at home is one thing. Putting it down at a campsite turns into an obstacle course where someone ends up getting yelled at.

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 20
Weight: 8.6 oz.
Closed Length: 4.25”
Open Length: 6.5”
Carry Option: Pocket clip and sheath (included)
Width: 1.3”

Pros

Versatile
MagnaCut steel
One-hand operation
25-year warranty

Cons

Expensive
Heavy

Read Review: The Leatherman Arc

If you want luxury, you need to be willing to pay for it. At $230, the Leatherman Arc is not only the most expensive multitool on this list, but it might just be the most expensive on the market today.

That said, you get what you pay for. This tool has MagnaCut knife steel, one-hand opening operation, and 20 onboard tools that are expandable to 38, out of the box. So, you’re totally getting your money’s worth.

As much as we love Leatherman, its choice of knife blade steel was always questionable. But, when you consider that a knife is just part of a tool assortment and not a standalone tool when it’s baked into a multitool, we’ve had no problem letting it slide for the past 25 years.

That said, the inclusion of MagnaCut steel on the Arc isn’t only worth the money, but it’s a statement. Leatherman wants this tool to be the only knife or tool you carry in your pocket.

Rounding out the Arc is the ability to expand its tool assortment to 38 tools right out of the box. This is due in part to the tool having two different bit drivers and coming with Leatherman’s Bit Kit Set. Additionally, though it comes with a pocket clip, which is the bee’s knees on any multitool, the Arc also comes with a sheath, so you can carry everything, everywhere, all the time.

Aside from the one-hand operation and the inclusion of MagnaCut steel for the knife blade, the pliers on the Arc are the best in the Leatherman lineup. They originally debuted on the Free series and, even though you can find beefier pliers on tools like the Signal and Surge, we just like the insane grip you get with these.

8.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of tools: 19
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Closed length: 4.5”/11.43 cm
Open length: 6.75”/17.14 cm
Width: 1.5”

Pros

Integrated carabiner and sharpener
Outstanding fit and finish
Included emergency whistle
Range of color choices

Cons

Questionable hammer/fire-starting tools
High price when compared to the Wave+
Half-serrated blade feels a little redundant

Nick LeFort was one of the first, if not the first, people to test and review the Leatherman Signal ($140) when it came out in 2015. Though it’s remained unchanged in the nine years since, aside from a handful of new color combinations, it still stands its ground as one of the best survival-oriented multitools on the market. In fact, that same tool is still riding shotgun in his pocket as his EDC. How’s that for a long-term test?

The big appeal of the Signal is the “Scout Factor.” It was the first pliered multitool aimed at the Boy and Girl Scouts due to the inclusion of the safety whistle, ferro rod, and diamond-coated knife sharpener. But beyond that, it was the first multitool to feature a built-in hammer, and it featured both a pocket clip and a carabiner for easy carry and access. These features made it a shoo-in for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists.

With 19 onboard tools, the Signal isn’t only well-equipped, it’s also well-organized. It has to be to fit all of that into its compact size. But the one problem with the Signal is the bit driver. Based on the shape of the Signal, specifically the hammer, it’s hard to use the bit driver in tighter places. In many instances, you can’t get a full revolution without making contact with something around what you’re screwing or unscrewing.

That, however, isn’t nearly a deal breaker. There are just too many other features — like the bereft pliers with replaceable wire cutters, and the ability to lock the tool closed — that keep LeFort reaching for it all of these years later.

6.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 20
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Closed Length: 4.06"
Open Length: 6.36”
Width: 1.53"

Pros

Budget price
Blade and tools lock open
20 tools is more than most sub-$50 multi-tools
Most mini-tools are of fine quality

Cons

Gritty tool operation
Fit and finish could be better

The Harbor Freight Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool ($40) looks distinctly like a multitool we’ve seen before, just offered at significantly less out of pocket. It doesn’t have the fit and finish of legacy brands like Leatherman or Victorinox, but for a tool that can live in your tool bin or glove box — and be beaten on with impunity — there are few better options out there.

Truthfully, a dupe of the Leatherman Wave Plus, the Gordon 20-in-1 mimics the tool selection of our top choice multitool closely, but not exactly. Built around a set of needle-nose pliers (notably lacking replaceable hard wire cutters), this tool tacks on functionally the same clip-point knife, wood saw, file, serrated blade, scissors, bit driver, and can opener. It actually also adds a gut hook to the end of the serrated blade, which the Wave Plus is lacking.

A crucial distinction lies in the steel used to manufacture those tools: 5CR15MOV. Compared to the 420HC used on the Wave Plus, this steel has less edge retention, but a slightly better corrosion resistance, due to the addition of more chromium and molybdenum in the alloy. While you’ll likely need to sharpen the tools on the Gordon more often, it’s actually a little more forgiving when it comes to being abused and left out, which is where this tool shines.

In use, we found that the Gordon feels and operates like the Wave Plus, just a bit rougher around the edges. The biggest issue we had was manufacturing grit left in the tool interfaces. Straight away, we could feel this when opening and closing the tool, and while some tool oil did loosen things up a bit, it didn’t completely clear it out.

At $40, the Gordon undercuts the Wave Plus by a healthy $80, which is pretty significant (you could even snag a Gerber Stakeout Spark or Leatherman Skeletool in addition for about the same spend). The fit and finish on this tool won’t impress tool snobs, but it also shouldn’t spend time on a shelf. If you need a multitool you won’t cry over after destroying, this is the one.

Other Multitools to Save the Day With

The award winners above are the tools we lean on the most in our day-to-day, but they aren’t the only solid options on the market. Check out the selection of runner-up multitools below for a few other options that we’ve tested and given the nod to.

7.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 10
Weight: 1.1 oz.
Closed Length: 2.3"
Open Length::
Width: 0.4″

Pros

Compact size
Classic design
Excellent tool selection

Cons

Lack of pliers
Too small for large tasks

Read Review: The Victorinox Rambler

We would be remiss if we didn’t include a Swiss Army Knife in this lineup. The Rambler makes the cut because of its compact size — which, after all, is what you want for a keychain multitool. It is also TSA-compliant for air travel.

At just over a single ounce, the Rambler is almost unnoticeable in the pocket. But when the need arises, you’ll be equipped with 10 of Victorinox’s smartly designed functions. The weakest among these is the wire stripper, which is too small for significant work.

But don’t gloss over that 3D Phillips head. You might be surprised at what a difference it makes on tiny screws. In fact, for all the knives and multitools I test regularly, the Rambler may be my most-used combination of scissors and blade.

All in all, this may be the best small offering from Victorinox. We reviewed one several years back, and it’s just as good now as it was then. If you’re looking for a light-duty multitool for your keyring, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with the Rambler.

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 7
Weight: 3.6 oz.
Closed Length: 3.6”
Open Length: 3.6”
Carry Option: Pocket Clip and Sheath (Included)
Width: 0.75”

Pros

Tinder grater
Flint wheel ignition
Fire strands in paracord
Purpose-built

Cons

Nothing locks
Fairly niche tool selection

The Zippo Fire Starting Multitool ($28) lives in a class all its own with the sole purpose of making fire. With its included tools, it’s able to help you harvest tinder, sticks, and branches, as well as produce a spark to get that stuff burning.

It’s purpose-built, and though it won’t replace any standard multitool, it’s not meant to. That said, there is a screwdriver and bottle opener on there as well, so — thought has been given to how you plan on relaxing once the first has been lit.

LeFort has been using the Zippo Fire Starting Multitool since mid-summer 2024. In that time, he’s come to realize that it has a limited lifespan, but he hasn’t gotten to it yet. Eventually, it will run out of the fire-strands in the paracord. Then the flint that creates the spark will wear out and sooner than later, the tinder grater will lose its efficacy. But, for $23, he’s stoked with what this tool has done for him.

Where the rest of this list is comprised of multitools that you can use everywhere for a lot of things, the Zippo Fire Starting Multitool still deserved a heavy mention because of the impact it’s had on LeFort’s camping and prepping food, which it most certainly can provide you as well.

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 7
Weight: 4.7 oz.
Closed Length: 3.75”
Open Length: 5.38”
Carry Option: Deep carry pocket clip
Width: 1.3”

Pros

Locking D2 Tool Steel Blade
Compound Leverage gear-drive pliers
Deep carry pocket clip
Lightweight

Cons

Limited tool selection

Read Review: The SOG Flash MT

As opposed to almost every other pliered multitool on the market, the SOG Flash MT ($70) is designed to be a knife first and a multitool second. But that’s not to say that SOG cut any corners to come to this physical conclusion. Instead, the brand designed the overall shape of its Flash MT to look and feel like a knife when you were using it with the blade out.

The choice to use D2 tool steel as the blade on the Flash MT further supports the fact that this is a knife first, but — and man, is this a big but — the inclusion of SOG’s Compound Leverage gear-driven pliers is a stout reminder that you twist, pull, ply, and pop all day long. This proprietary plier design increases the strength of the pliers so you don’t have to wrench down to get the grip you’re looking for.

One interesting facet of the Flash MT was SOG’s choice to use the smaller 4mm style bits. These bits are more commonly associated with electronics, but the Phillips side is still big enough to be used on larger screws. Additionally, the included bit stores in the handle of the Flash MT, which is the bee’s knees.

If we had to create a category for the Flash MT, we’d call it an “Urban EDC Multitool.” Even with its limited assortment of tools, the Flash MT is great for every outdoor use you can imagine. But it’ll do just as well for you at the office. With its minimal closed size, you shouldn’t have any issues tucking it into your Dockers.

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 11
Weight: 9.8 oz.
Closed Length: 4.3”
Open Length: 6.6”
Width: 1.6”

Pros

High overall build quality
Wide tool assortment
Replaceable carbide saw blade and wire cutters

Cons

Doesn’t work well with gloves
Favors bigger/wider hands
High price

There’s a reason why Gerber’s Multi-Plier 800 Legend ($182) has been on the market for more than a decade: it’s hard to beat. A full-sized multitool meant to be carried in its included pouch or your pack, the Legend is built like a tank. It also has zero tool bloat. This means that every tool built into this powerhouse has earned its spot there. This is important because you’re not left carrying things you don’t need or missing things you do.

One standout in the overall mix of 11 tools is the replaceable RemGrit Carbide Saw. Instead of a bolted-on toothed saw, the RemGrit saw is built like a grinding wheel with bits of carbide. Not only is this a safer option, but it’s also more effective overall. And when it wears down, you can purchase its replacement in nearly every hardware store in North America for $4.

The overall build quality of the Legend lets you know that you can twist and torque this tool without having to worry about it giving up or breaking down on you. That’s important, as is the overall grip of the tool, especially when you get into tight places. The needle-nose pliers are sized and shaped so that when the proper force is applied to the handles, you won’t need to worry about them slipping off a bolt head, leading you to smack your knuckles.

Though the Legend lacks some of the refined ergonomics and one-hand operation of some of the other top-of-the-line multitools like the Leatherman Wave+, it makes up for it with its ability to take on even the most stubborn tasks. Hey, if it’s good enough for our military, it’s good enough for us!

6.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 14
Weight: 7 oz.
Closed Length: 3.8″
Open Length: 6″
Width: 1.27″

Pros

420HC stainless steel
Solid in-hand ergonomics
Included pocket clip
Same 25-year warranty as the Wave+

Cons

Reduced toolset
Lack of replaceable wire cutters
No swappable bit driver

The Sidekick ($70) is a budget-friendly option from Leatherman that focuses on the essentials, eliminating tool bloat. At just over half the cost of the Wave+, its cost-to-capability ratio is arguably higher.

The Sidekick has a plain-edged knife, a small serrated knife, and a small saw. While its brother the Wingman ($70) packs a pair of scissors, a package opener, and a half-serrated blade. Apart from these variations, users will be treated to the same spring-action pliers and file/driver setup, with a liner lock holding the main blade in place.

The inclusion of a pocket clip with the Sidekick upgrades its accessibility. Only some people want to wear a belt sheath. And, speaking from experience, letting a multitool bounce around in your pocket is a surefire way to wear a sizable hole in said pocket.

Though we love the Wave+, sometimes you just don’t need all of those tools and features. For almost half the price, users from all experience levels pick up a Sidekick as either their gateway multitool or the multitool they carry for the rest of their lives.

Out of the 14 tools available on the Sidekick, the spring action pliers have proven to be the most useful, especially when turning nuts and wire.

7.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of Tools: 8
Weight: 3.1 oz.
Overall Length: 6.5″
Width: 0.7″

Pros

Innovative design
Good screwdriver
Budget-friendly

Cons

Inconsistent QA/QC
Cheap steel

Read Review: The Gerber Armbar Drive

Where you may not always need pliers, there’s a good argument for carrying a pliers-less multitool. And all signs point to that tool being the Armbar Drive ($45) from Gerber.

The Armbar Drive is a simple, single-piece multitool that puts its magnetic bit driver out front as the main tool more naturally and effectively than what we’ve become accustomed to with multitools.

A while back, Gerber introduced its full-featured multitool, the Center-Drive. This tool centered the screwdriver on the body of the tool when it was deployed. This positioning replicated the position a standard screwdriver would be in if we were holding it in our hand. This simple innovation amplified both torque and rotation and is the nucleus of the entire Armbar Series.

Rounding out the Armbar Drive is a locking, 5CR15MOV stainless steel blade, scissors, bottle opener, hammer, prybar, and awl, all of which are non-locking. It’s a minimal assortment with a lot of possibilities.

I’ve kept the Armbar Drive in my pack for more than 6 months. The hammer comes in handy, as does the minimal pry bar. It’s one of those tools you can’t build a house with, but you’ll find a million other uses for it.

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Number of tools: 12
Weight: 12 oz.
Closed length: 4.65”/11.8 cm
Open length: 7.65”/19.4 cm
Carry: Nylon sheath
Width: 1.75”/4.4 cm

Pros

2-position slip-lock pliers
Center-drive bit driver reduces fatigue
Can hold three bits for the center-drive

Cons

Three separate bit driver
Fit and finish isn't great

Read Review: The Gerber Dual Force

The Gerber Dual-Force ($110) is not your standard multitool but an industrial-grade workhorse. This is due in part to the two-position slip-lock jaw pliers that Gerber claims are twice as strong as standard needle-nose multitool pliers.

Through testing, we can confirm that these are the toughest pliers on a multitool that we’ve ever experienced. By design, the mouth of the pliers grips onto bolt heads like they’ve been spot-welded in place.

The ability to open the jaws wider for larger objects is also a nice feature — especially if you find yourself out on the trail needing to do any random work on your off-road rig. There are two index points for smaller and larger bolts in both positions, and though these pliers don’t narrow down as much as needle-nose pliers, that didn’t hold up any of the work we needed to get done.

If you’ve never experienced any of Gerber’s multitools with its Center-drive axis technology, we’ll gladly suggest that you start with the Dual-Force. The Center-drive centers the driver’s arm to act more like a standard handheld screwdriver, making for smoother rotations and less fatigue.

It also hosts one of the three ¼-inch bit holders found on the Dual-Force. Though Gerber doesn’t offer anything over the three bits included, you’ll find yourself building your own bit kit based on your needs.

Like most Gerber multitools that we’ve had the opportunity to test and use, there’s no tool bloat on the Dual-Force. You get the standard saw, file, and knife blade, found on most full-featured multitools, but nothing extra or overboard. In fact, it would have been nice to have a set of scissors on the Dual-Force, but it’s not a deal breaker.

There are a couple of things about the Dual-Force you should be aware of. The first is that the tool is a little stiff out of the box, which makes it tougher to open and close. This dissipates over time, and the butterfly-style opening operation works as smooth as butter. The second thing is that the tool won’t close properly if you have the jaws in the extended setting. Just make sure to set them back into the smaller notch position, and that will go away as well.

Multitool Comparison Chart

Multitool	Price	Number of tools	Weight	Closed length	Open length	Width
Leatherman Wave+	$120	18	8.5 oz.	4″	6.25″	1.2″
Leatherman Rebar	$89	17	6.7 oz.	4”	6.25”	1.18″
Leatherman Style PS	$35	9	1.6 oz.	2.9″	4.5″	0.8″
Gerber Stakeout Spark	$75	10	5.4 oz.	4.6”	6.3”	0.75”
Leatherman Arc	$250	20	8.6 oz.	4.2″	6.5″	1.3″
Leatherman Signal	$140	19	7.5 oz.	4.5”	6.75”	1.5”
Harbor Freight Gordon 20-in-1	$40	20	8.5 oz.	4.06″	6.36”	1.53″
Victorinox Rambler	$38	10	1.1 oz.	2.3″	N/A	0.4″
Zippo Fire Starting Multitool	$28	7	3.7 oz.	3.6”	3.6”	0.75”
SOG Flash MT	$70	7	4.7 oz.	3.7″	5.38″	1.3″
Gerber Multi-Plier 800 Legend	$182	11	9.8 oz.	4.3”	6.58”	1.58”
Leatherman Sidekick	$70	14	7 oz.	3.8″	6″	1.27″
Gerber Dual-Force	$110	12	12 oz.	4.6”	7.65”	1.75”
Gerber Armbar Drive	$48	8	3.1 oz.	N/A	6.5″	0.7″

How We Tested the Best Multitools

Real-world testing is the core of our multitool reviews; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Multitools are one of those necessary things that should be part of your kit from day one. They’re so critical to your life and time in the outdoors that it would make sense for the stork to stuff one in your bassinet when they deliver you to your parents. For more coverage of our favorite blades and bladed tools, check out GearJunkie’s guides to the best pocket knives, survival knives, and bushcraft knives.

That said, when it comes down to multitools, it’s a lifestyle thing that you end up experiencing naturally. One day, they’re in your pocket, and the next day, you’re lining up all the screws on the wall plates at your parents’ house. Then you’re fixing your ski bindings, repairing your camp stove, and even performing something as simple as cutting up sausage and cheese for a trailside snack. Multitools are ubiquitous with the outdoor crowd.

Field use: We fold these multitools into our everyday carries in order to see how they tackle tasks as they come naturally, whether that’s using them to dig around under your dashboard when your auxiliary lights stop working or putting together IKEA furniture with them.
Tool comparison and function testing: We also hit the bench with these multitools, aiming to compare like tools to see which company does it best, and ensure that the functionality lives up the tool name (a compact bit driver won’t always work as well as a real screwdriver).
Our multitool rating system:
- Tool Utility: 30% weighted. This is a combination of our everyday testing as well as a consideration of the overall number of tools, their function, and the steel used to make them.
- Fit & Finish: 30% weighted. We look at each multitool and consider the overall craftsmanship and fit-up of the tool. Do the tools open and close easily, or are they dragging or offset? Is there any machining debris left in the pivot points? Do the tool scales accumulate scratches and wear easily?
- Size & Weight: 20% weighted. Multitools are meant to be minimal versions of many different tools, meaning they ought to be as small and light as feasibly possible. We break out our own scales to weigh these tools, and measure them ourselves to verify manufacturer specifications.
- Durability: 20% weighted. Finally, we use these tools for as long as possible before rendering a verdict on them, and allowing for any issues to develop. Durability against these issues yields a high score, while loose or jammed tools rate low.

Like tools are compared between different multitools, such as bit drivers, scissors, and blades; (photo/Adam Ruggiero)

Our Expert Testers

We’ve tapped Nick LeFort to pick out what multitools should go on this list. LeFort, who has become something of a multitool himself here at GearJunkie, was given his first Swiss Army Knife when he was a kid, and the idea of having a tool in his pocket stuck. He’s been carrying one multitool or another for 30 years.

Before becoming an engineer and knifemaker himself, LeFort spent years working in a local camping store, outfitting people for their adventures. There, he familiarized himself with the variety of knives and tools people needed and drew his own conclusions as to what a multitool needed to be. He’s been updating that internal notepad ever since. He wasn’t kidding when he said he was still carrying that original Leatherman Signal 9 years after initially reviewing it. But he’s carried and tested many more in the time between.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Multitool

Both great multitools, the Leatherman Signal and Gerber Armbar Drive are on two different ends of the multitool spectrum; (photo/Nick LeFort)

The last thing you need is a bloated multitool that has a bunch of tools you don’t need. Do you spend a lot of time prying and pinching? Get the tool with the best pair of pliers. Are you more focused on snipping and cutting? Leatherman offers several models with replaceable wire cutters and multiple blades.

But sometimes, things you didn’t anticipate become the most valuable. Take the eyeglass screwdriver on the Wave+. This precision instrument has seen a ton of use, serving as the perfect complement to the rest of the kit. Or how about a pocket clip? Who knew how much that could benefit you? How about the tent stake puller on the Gerber Stakeout Spark?

You want to pick the multitool with the highest number of features that you can see yourself using while considering the fact that there may be a couple of tools on there that you might not think you’ll need. It’s a balance, and it’ll never be perfect unless you go into business for yourself and start making multitools.

Take the Leatherman Arc ($250), for example. Yes, it has everything you need. But do you need 38 tools? Maybe you’re better off with a Rebar ($90). In the world of multitools, more isn’t always better.

Materials

The Leatherman Wave+ and Victorinox Rambler have stood the test of time; (photo/Josh Wussow)

When shopping for a multitool, your objective should be to get the best components possible within your given budget. This is one of the places where Leatherman shines.

Though they do offer budget models with semi-questionable steels, the big names (Wave+, Rebar, Sidekick, Signal, etc.) all feature 420HC steel or better on their blades and components. With the introduction of the Arc, they’ve set the bar for other brands to meet or exceed.

That said, Victorinox doesn’t go out of its way to put a label on its metal. Over the years and through experience, we’ve come to trust in the provenance and performance of the Swiss Army’s INOX-branded steel.

If you can help it, don’t settle for no-name “stainless steel,” especially on cheaper multitools hailing from Amazon or the big-box stores. These start with poor materials and end with slipshod construction.

By skimping on one of these purchases, you’re asking to be let down when the need for the multitool arises. Named steels and trusted brands are your friends. The bargain bin and deal-of-the-day offerings are not.

Carry

The Victorinox Rambler is compact enough for your keychain but still offers a useful array of tools; (photo/Josh Wussow)

The whole idea behind a multitool is accessibility. Whether you carry it in your pocket or on your belt is a personal preference. So is if you carry it in your pack or leave it in your glove box. However you carry your pocket tool, it shouldn’t be a chore to get your hands on it and get to work.

The benefit of carrying a multitool in a belt pouch is that you’ve got a place to carry the tool itself, as well as a variety of accessories. A variety of Leatherman’s top-tier tools come with a sheath that has a slot for the Bit Kit Set as well as room for the Bit Driver Extender and even a pen. This whole kit can be taken off your belt and transferred to your pack.

In the instances where you don’t need all those extra bells and whistles, or you’re confident that the tool assortment on the multitool you’ve chosen is sufficient for your needs, nothing beats a good pocket clip or carabiner.

Looking at the list above, each one of those tools, except the Victorinox Rambler and the Gerber Armbar Drive has either a pocket clip or carabiner. In the case of the Leatherman Signal and Gerber Stakeout Spark, you get both. The Rambler and Armbar Drive are small enough to swim around in your pocket without weighing you down.

Warranty

The warranty on Leatherman tools like the Wave Alpha is a generous 25 years; (photo/Nick LeFort)

This is a vital consideration for anyone putting their multitool to its intended purpose. If you’re going to be cutting, prying, driving, and pinching with it long enough, even the best-made product can wear out. That’s where guarantees like Leatherman’s 25-year warranty come into play.

People are forever ruining the wire strippers on their Leatherman tools. And whether they’re replaceable or part of the pliers, Leatherman will take care of their customers, generally without question. Its warranty program has inspired Gerber to extend its warranty out to 25 years as well.

We’re unsure just how long Victorinox will warranty its knives and tools, but it says that they’re good for a lifetime. I guess it all depends on how long you plan on hanging around.

Overall, as great as all of these warranties may seem — that doesn’t mean you should rely on them if you plan on using or abusing your tools outside of the realm of usual use. All three aforementioned companies have been in business for a long time. They can tell if you misused their tools and will deny a claim without even so much as a handshake.

The Leatherman Factor

It’s tough to deny that Leatherman doesn’t lead the multitool market; (photo/Adam Ruggiero)

You may have noticed that five of the seven multitools we’ve deemed the best are Leatherman tools. That’s because the genesis of the multitool was in 1983 when Tim Leatherman released the first Leatherman, the PST.

Since then, the brand has continued to produce new, innovative tools that are durable and dependable. What’s more, is that it’s hard to argue with the allure of a 25-year warranty. Which, if we’re being open and honest, is generally hassle-free with minimal questions asked.

Leatherman’s impact has been so profound that “Leatherman” and “multitool” are synonymous. In fact, you’re more likely to hear someone ask what kind of Leatherman someone carries instead of what kind of multitool they carry.

By no means is Leatherman’s success and popularity a knock on any of the other brands on this list. SOG, Gerber, and Victorinox are major players in the multitool game. If they weren’t, their tools wouldn’t be on this list.

Price & Value

The $40 Harbor Freight Gordon 20-in-1 Multitool brings a lot of value for a low price tag; (photo/Matt Jancer)

The multitools we’ve chosen range from $38 to $230. Though you can find lower prices shopping around the internet, that’s still a considerable gap caused by a variety of things.

Budget

Both the Victorinox Rambler and Gerber Armbar Drive are plier-less tools that could really be considered knives with accessories. However, by definition, they’re multitools. Because they are simple tools aimed at a smaller number of tasks, there’s no need for them to be expensive to be effective.

The SOG Flash MT is minimal by nature. It’s meant to be an EDC tool with pliers and an abridged assortment of other onboard tools. It actually uses a D2 steel blade, which will outperform the 420HC blades common on more expensive multitools. But its simple form and function factor help keep it under a hundo.

Rounding out the pack is the Leatherman Sidekick, which is actually an anomaly. Leatherman designed this tool to be a value-based multitool, but then they gave it spring-loaded pliers and a full assortment of on-board tools that make it one of the most universal multitools on the list.

In our opinion, it gives the Wave+ a run for its money, it’s just not as ergonomic and lacks a bit driver. However, if you’re looking for a pocket tool that can perform a lot of different tasks without breaking the bank — the Sidekick might be the tool for you.

Mid-Tier

Mid-range multitools are no less effective than higher-cost variants, but they may not be made from premium materials, aren’t as focused on ergonomics, or could even be so successful that they’ve been on the market long enough to keep their overall price down.

That last point is the case with the Leatherman Wave+. That tool has been on the market for two decades and has been lauded for being the bestselling multitool, year after year. When a brand sells that many of one tool, it can keep the cost down or lower it over time.

When it comes to both the Gerber Dual-Force and the Leatherman Signal, both of those tools earned their spot on this list, but they are made from common materials that require you to maintain them a little more closely. Additionally, both are purpose-built tools aimed at a particular set of tasks and, therefore, particular consumers.

The Dual Force is meant for big jobs and is more industrial by nature. The Signal tucks away tools that are less EDC-oriented and more for survivalists and Scouts. Being that they’re not being marketed to be as universal as some of the other multitools on this list could be keeping their prices down.

Premium

In the world of multitools, materials, ease of use, and adaptability are three of the biggest factors that need to be considered when justifying the cost.

When the Leatherman Arc was released in 2023, people were up in arms about the $230 price tag (it’s now $250). However, when you consider that the tool is built on Leatherman’s one-hand-operable Free platform and is the first multitool on the planet to feature a MagnaCut knife blade, the retail price starts to make sense. Additional features like an included but separate set of bits also play into the overall price of this premium tool because they allow the tool to be adapted to myriad scenarios.

In regards to the Gerber Multi-Plier 800 Legend, the same can be said about its $182 price tag. The Legend uses a stainless steel frame and advanced ergonomics for ease of use, and its replaceable RemGrit saw makes it easy to use and adaptable. It is important to note that with this particular multitool, the sheath is made in the United States, which also increases its retail price.

For $250, the Leatherman Arc packs on the premium features; (photo/Adam Ruggiero)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Dollar for dollar, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bang for your buck in the world of everyday gear. While fancy pocket knives are fun, multitools offer a wealth of utility in addition to cutting power.

And if your budget allows, this is one area where you’ll be rewarded by spending a bit more. The gap in quality of materials and construction between a full-size $40 multitool and a $120 Leatherman Wave+ is vast.

That’s a tricky question. As you’ll see in the list above, the Wave+ and Arc hold prominent places on our list. Their selection, quality, and warranty pretty much cement Leatherman as king.

But if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, both Gerber and Victorinox make some quality offerings. The Gerber Center-Drive and Victorinox Rambler are great, though they sit at opposite sides of the spectrum.

Our current favorite is the Victorinox Rambler. If you’re after something that pries, pinches, and flies (i.e. no blade), the Leatherman Style PS could also be the way to go. Its bladeless setup makes it acceptable to take through the airport. And another editor proclaims his love for the Gerber Shard, so long as you keep it outside the pocket.

But if you need something with a blade or just have a soft spot for the classics, the Rambler is a great option. It adds some great functionality to the iconic Victorinox keychain tool without much additional price or weight.

As many as you can fit! But seriously, this depends on your use case. We prefer to have a mix. That’s one of the reasons the Wave+ tops our list. Its serrated blade and saw provide a wonderful complement to the plain-edge 420HC found in its main cutting tool.

But if you mostly spend your time slicing through cardboard, the single edges of the Signal may be more your speed. Or are you one of those people who tackle a lot of cordage or rope? In that case, partial serrations such as those on the Wave+ or Center-Drive will definitely come in handy.

The Leatherman Signal nabs the top spot when it comes to “Survival” multitools, due to the inclusion of its many outdoor-friendly features. But if overall weight is a consideration, something like the Victorinox Rambler or perhaps the Armbar would be a nice ounce-saving choice.

This wasn’t a quick recommendation, to be honest. I went around for quite a while on whether or not the Signal was a gimmick or genuinely useful backpacking tool. And frankly, I’ve settled somewhere in the middle. The overall toolkit is wonderful, and at least half of the outdoors-focused tools (emergency whistle, sharpening system) work well, though the ferro rod and hammer are less than ideal.

But I’ve genuinely come around on the Signal, and feel that buyers would be well-served by its charms if the weight of something like the Wave+ is out of the question.

Tactical knives aren’t just black on black anymore. Well… A few are; (photo/Nick LeFort)

" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/02/unnamed-2.png" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/02/unnamed-2.png" />

Knives

The Best Tactical Knives of 2025

Known by many names, a tactical knife generally refers to a hardworking, do-all blade. Here, we review the best folding and fixed-blade knives for every…

(photo/Nick LeFort)

" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/03/Screen-Shot-2024-11-20-at-1.21.17-PM.png" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/03/Screen-Shot-2024-11-20-at-1.21.17-PM.png" />

Knives

The Best Survival Knives of 2025

GearJunkie knows a thing or two about knives. We’ve sorted through dozens of blades to bring you the best survival knives of 2024.

There’s No Better First Knife Than This: Knafs Lander 5 Review

Nick LeFort — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:05:11 +0000

I am part of a generation when kids carried pocket knives, slingshots, and shot BB guns on the regular. I am not saying there aren’t small pockets where this is still the case, but most kids nowadays just carry around a glowing screen for their entertainment.

Thankfully, there’s a little knife-maker in Utah that still wants kids to get dirt under their nails, run around outside until sunset, and carry a trusty pocket folder.

“The Lander 5 is meant to be a first knife,” the brand states of its recently launched blade. “The perfect knife for smiley, 12-year-old kids that will inevitably lose the thing.”

However, just because you’re old enough to vote, doesn’t mean you aren’t part of the target audience yourself. At $30, the Lander 5 leverages affordable, yet reliable materials to make an accessible knife for just about anyone.

In short: A knife like the Knafs Lander 5 is appealing due to its size, materials, and affordable price tag. This makes it a shoo-in for anyone looking for a reliable EDC knife. However, it’s also the perfect knife for a youngster or someone unfamiliar with knives to get comfortable with them and learn how to maintain them.

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

OAL: 5.4"
Blade length: 2.13"
Blade steel: 8CR14MoV
Blade shape: Drop point
Grind: Flat
Hardness: 58-60
Lock type: Frame
Opening type: Thumb hole
Carry: Left or right hand, tip-up
Weight: 2.8 oz.
Price: $30

Pros

Affordable and reliable
Great steel for learning sharpening
Accessible size and design

Cons

Not big enough for heavier tasks
Lower edge retention

Knafs Lander 5 Review

Design & Features

The Lander 5 screams “fifth carry pocket” all day; (photo/Nick LeFort)

With an overall length of 5.4 inches and sporting a 2.13-inch 8CR14MoV, the Lander 5 is rightly sized for smaller hands, easy pocket carry, and fifth pocket carry. However, folks with larger hands will also enjoy the knife, as it excels in both grunt work and precision tasks.

For the handle scales, which also act as the frame and foundation for the knife, Knafs went with stainless 2Cr13 steel. Along with knives, this steel is commonly used for surgical tools, mechanical bearings, and valves.

On the blade, 8CR14Mov is a well-balanced, affordable knife steel. Where it has decent edge retention, it’s also notably easy to resharpen. It has a lower abrasion resistance rating, but it’s tougher than other steels in its category. Overall, it’s a versatile steel that requires a little maintenance from time to time, but won’t fail you.

Rounding out the features of the Lander 5 is an easy-to-access and operate frame lock and ample thumb opening. There’s also a deep carry pocket clip. Available colors include standard (gray) stonewash and black stonewash.

First Impressions

We didn’t have deep-carry pocket clips when I was a kid; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Given my pedigree, I actually liked the intent behind the knife before I actually liked the knife itself. Knowing that this knife was designed for affordability and accessibility for a younger audience appealed to me. I grew up carrying a knife as a kid, so a brand bringing that back into focus is important to me.

I appreciate that Knafs kept the price down by going with affordable materials, and still managed to ensure their reliability. The stainless steel handle scales make for a nice option that falls between aluminum and titanium in overall quality. It adds a reassuring heft, but stays under 3 ounces.

I also like the choice of using 8CR14MoV steel for this drop-point blade. This steel provides an opportunity to educate younger users on how to sharpen a blade. That’s a life skill that can only be learned through doing.

Another feature that stood out was the ample jimping on the spine of the blade. This not only increases your control of the blade, but also allows the user to apply a little extra force without over-exerting themselves.

Some people see a smaller knife and think they’ll have to do more work to get the same results as a larger knife. That might be true for chopping down a tree, but for food and kindling prep (or breaking down Amazon boxes), the Lander 5 punches well above its weight class.

In the Field

The Lander 5 is an excellent field pencil sharpener; (photo/Nick LeFort)

When the knife arrived, I promptly dropped it right into my fifth pocket, where it fit perfectly. I then spent my first few hours with the Lander 5 cutting open and breaking down boxes, tearing through twist ties, and performing various other holiday tasks.

In the weeks following, it prepped tinder, sliced peppers, and, when stabbed in a tree, even served as a phone stand to help record a video for my daughters. The Lander 5 works as a multitask EDC knife. It won’t replace a belt knife or even a larger EDC, but it comes in handy plenty often.

Perfect Scout Knife

With an overall length (OAL) of 5.4 inches, the Lander 5 is the perfect size for kids between 8 and 12 years old. Not only is it a great fit for little hands, but that age is the sweet spot for learning safety, awareness, and proper handling and use.

In fact, I’ll wrap two more Lander 5s and stuff them into Christmas stockings for my daughters, who happen to be 9 and 12.

In winter, I like to keep a smaller knife on me for harvesting tinder fungus and collecting kindling. Having my two little helpers carry the right tool for the job will be the first step to learning some basic bushcraft.

Lander 5 Summary

Pick your poison: The Lander 5 comes in standard stonewash and black stonewash; (photo/Nick LeFort)

I am by no means a Luddite or against technology, but I think for kids growing up in suburban environs, knives are important. They’re a key to outdoor life. A knife like the Lander 5 could help kids — and their parents — connect a little more with the outdoors and manual tasks. Even for adults, the Lander 5 could make a solid little $30 EDC.

As brands, even Knafs, make over-the-top quality knives at premium prices, there’s still plenty of room in the market for something that finds a balance between price and reliability.

So whether you’re an avid knife user or someone looking for their first blade, the Lander 5 will be a stout, dependable workhorse for almost any budget.

Affordable, Customizable Cult Favorite: Flytanium BEEF Review

Nick LeFort — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:34:07 +0000

Among outdoor tools, knives offer the widest range of choices — intimidating for some, opportunity for others. If you rely on a knife every day, having one tailored to your needs is a real advantage.

Flytanium, a Blade HQ brand originally known for its titanium aftermarket scales, began making its own knives in 2021. Since then, the brand has found a niche with the real EDC faithful. I’m one of them. It’s a habit that guarantees I’m never without a pen, lighter, or knife.

Last December, Flytanium launched the BEEF: a full-size folding knife marketed as nothing fancy, just gets the job done. At $60 with a no-questions-asked warranty (usually reserved for pricier brands), it’s already appealing. But the BEEF can also be customized beyond compare. Blade steel, hardware, scales, pivot bearings — you can turn the BEEF into a knife that’s uniquely yours.

In short: The Flytanium BEEF is a choose-your-own-adventure knife for those who choose their own adventures. Out of the box, this $60 knife is great for everyday use, indoors and outdoors. However, for those who like a knife that can meet more rigorous demands, or those who want to mix up unique color combos, Flytanium offers customizable parts and upgrades.

8.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

Stock: S
Modified: M
OAL: 8.2" (S); 8.2" (M)
Blade length: 3.5" (S); 3.5" (M)
Blade steel: 14C28N (S); S90V (M)
Blade shape: Drop point (S); Drop point (M)
Grind: Flat (S); Flat (M)
Hardness: 58-60 (S); 60-62 (M)
Lock type: Crossbar (S); Crossbar (M)
Opening type: Thumb stud (S); Thumb stud (M)
Carry: Left or right hand, tip-up (S); Left or right hand, Tip-up (M)
Weight: 4.5 oz. (S); 4.5 oz. (M)
Price: $60 (S); $152 (M)

Pros

Attractive, useful overall design
Awesome blade shape
Customization options

Cons

Smaller hands might find it too big
Springs are very strong

Flytanium BEEF Knife Review

Design and Features: Overall

Aside from its utilitarian design, the BEEF is full of tiny details; (photo/Nick LeFort)

The Flytanium BEEF is a large EDC folding knife with a variety of options. You can upgrade or replace almost everything on the knife (more on this below).

Some folks might find it too big, but I find the size of the BEEF aids in its versatility. Its 3.5-inch modified drop point blade — available in 14C28N, D2, and S90V — is great for slicing, cutting, shaving, drawing, piercing, and chopping.

Additionally, the BEEF also carries nested steel liners, G10 handle scales, and pivot bearings. These aid in both the structure and overall function of the knife.

G10 scales would have been ample enough to keep the foundation of the BEEF strong and dependable. However, the addition of steel liners conveys the message that this knife is ready for hard use in any conditions.

Finally, for a lock, Flytanium went with the always-reliable crossbar lock. Not only has this lock mechanism proven to be one of the strongest, if not the strongest, but it also aids in the overall ease of use.

BEEF (Stock)

(Photo/Nick LeFort)

Off the shelf, the BEEF comes stock with a 14C28N blade, as well as everything I mentioned in the overall description above. 14C28 is a budget steel great for everyday life. It is primarily known for its corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and decent toughness.

The pivot bearings on the stock BEEF are stainless steel ball bearings pressed into a polymer cage. This improves the overall operation of the knife and increases its fidget factor. For $60, this is a fantastic knife for most users.

BEEF (Modified)

Top: The BEEF’s stock pivot bearings. Bottom: The Skiff Bearings; (photo/Nick LeFort)

In terms of modifications for the BEEF, the sky is the limit. That being the case, I upgraded the blade steel to S90V and the stock pivot bearings to Skiff bearings. I left everything else stock.

S90V is a premium stainless steel that far exceeds 14C28N in everything except ease of resharpening. For that, you’re going to need to go a little zen with your favorite stone, sharpener, or sharpening system.

Additionally, I upgraded the pivot bearings to Skiff Rocket Glide Bearings. These suckers are smooth as silk. Instead of stainless steel bearings and a polymer cage, these are ceramic bearings pressed into a solid phosphor bronze cage. These pivot bearings will last longer and do not require any additional lubrication.

Initial Reaction

Big, bold, and beautiful, the BEEF adapts and delivers in all conditions; (photo/Nick LeFort)

I sat on the BEEF for a little while before considering testing and reviewing it. Eventually, the pictures I saw in different knife groups, along with the overall reaction from the people who had purchased one, convinced me that I should get one. I went with the Dark Moss version with the stonewashed blade.

A huge fan of D2, I really wanted to get my hands on that blade to swap out the stock 14C28N blade with, but Flytanium was out of stock. They decided to send me the S90V blade along with the Skiff Bearings instead.

First and foremost: yes, this is a large folding knife for EDC. However, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors, as I do, larger folding knives tend to prove their worth early on in your adventures out there. I will say that this is especially true in the colder months, when you may have to chip away at ice or scrape away snow to get at good material for a tinder bundle.

Off the bat, I loved the opening and closing action on the blade. As of late, there have been some issues with crossbar locks from different brands. Out of the box, they tend to hang up and are hard to open and close when actuating the crossbar. That wasn’t the case with the BEEF. In fact, everything from the machining to the overall build was beyond impressive for a $60 knife.

Out in the Field / Upgrades

I modified the BEEF while I was fighting off the flu. It’s easy peasy; (photo/Nick LeFort)

I was so impressed with the stock bearings and 14C28N blade that I didn’t update the BEEF for the first week of working with it. 14C28N can be sticky sharp; the kind of sharp that causes stitches to happen.

Where I didn’t run into a situation where I shed any blood, I can attest that the blade was incredibly sharp. It pressed through cordage and rope clean and smooth. No slicing needed — just a push down from the spine. No fraying at all.

However, I could hear that S90V blade and those Skiff bearings calling my name on the wind. So, I went into the workshop and made the swap. The breakdown of the BEEF and putting it back together is fairly easy.

The scales screw into the steel liners with T8 screws, and then the liners are pinned in place for tool-free disassembly and reassembly. The whole process took me 15 minutes.

Worth the Upgrades?

Honestly, I didn’t see much of a difference between the two bearing styles. The overall benefit of the Skiff bearings is that they don’t need lubrication. As a firm believer in the less need for maintenance the better, I see the value in making the upgrade overall.

That said, upgrading the blade to S90V is something I’ll highly recommend for anyone who puts a lot of demand on their knives. Where I like how 14C28N performs on a regular basis, S90V is built for war. It’s tough as nails, and the modified drop-point blade shape, coupled with the premium steel, allowed for smooth and efficient hole boring and piercing.

All in all, in the 3 weeks that I carried and used this knife, I can tell you that most of you will be happy enough with the 14C28N blade. Spend the $60 and brag to all your buddies how it’s an absolute steal. It’s you hardcore users and abusers that should consider spending the extra $79 to upgrade to the S90V.

Additionally, if you plan on getting your BEEF dirty and gritty, the $13 for the Skiff bearings will be well worth it. That puts you at around $150 for a premium folding knife built for all conditions.

In Conclusion

Both a great example of form and function, the BEEF is $60 well spent; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Even with tariffs wreaking havoc on foreign goods, we’re still seeing a plethora of knives coming from other parts of the world that make your eyes go wide with how affordable they are. This folding knife is a great example of that. From stock materials and build to the numerous ways it can be upgraded, your base price always remains $60.

For that $60, you not only get a reliable and adaptable knife ripe for outdoor mischief, but you also get a well-rounded warranty to back it up. That being the case, I think users of all levels will find it hard to break the BEEF. It’s strong and resilient.

Overall, anyone looking for an over-the-top workhorse in a folder will find themselves very happy with the BEEF. It’s great in the outdoors for work and play, but it will fit in just fine for whatever you have planned for your indoor adventures as well.

MKC Drops Stunning Damascus Knife With $1,000 Price Tag

Rachelle Schrute — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:43:46 +0000

Montana Knife Company is stepping into Damascus for the first time, and doing it with help from bladesmith Will Stelter. The Damascus Blackfoot ($1,000) drops as a limited run on Dec. 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. MST.

This new release from MKC is built from Stelter’s forged woodgrain Damascus and finished with desert ironwood burl scales. The result is a Blackfoot that looks more like a true collaboration piece than the typical collab knives we’re used to seeing from MKC.

A Damascus Collab With a Serious Bladesmith at the Center

MKC did not source off-the-shelf Damascus for this release. Stelter forged the steel specifically for the project using 1080 and 15N20 high-carbon steels.

The layered pattern he built into the billet gives each blade a distinct personality, and because of the way Damascus forms, no two knives match.

Will Stelter in his shop; (photo/MKC)

Fewer than 500 were made, and this exact setup will not return, according to the brand. Stelter’s fingerprints, metaphorically speaking, are all over this knife, and that carries weight with collectors who follow his work and the work of MKC.

A Look at the Knife

The Blackfoot geometry stays familiar, but it takes on a different presence with the Damascus. It reads less like a standard hunting knife and more like a display-worthy tool that still wants to work for a living.

Stelter’s steel gives it depth, while the ironwood burl scales add a classic finish that fits the elevated nature of the release. Since the blade is carbon steel, MKC recommends routine waxing and regular care to stay ahead of rust.

Specs at a Glance

Blade steel: Woodgrain Damascus (1080 and 15N20)
Construction: Full tang
Overall length: 7.5 in.
Blade length: 3.375 in.
Blade thickness: 0.110 in.
Weight: 3.08 oz.
Finish: Etched
Handle: Desert ironwood burl
Origin: Made in the USA and hand-finished in Montana

Teton Leather Sheath

(Photo/MKC)

MKC turned to Teton Leather Company for the sheath, which was the right call. The shop is run by Francesca Ritchie, who has built a serious reputation for leatherwork.

Her shop created each ostrich leather sheath specifically for the Damascus Blackfoot, shaping and stitching it to match the knife rather than forcing a generic pattern to fit.

Price and Availability

(Photo/MKC)

Like almost all MKC drops, these are likely to sell out. Even with the Damascus Blackfoot coming in at $1,000, with fewer than 500 knives available, I imagine it’ll be a battle to get hands on one. It goes live on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. MST, so you’re gonna need to get in the digital line early to get yours.

Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite Review: Big-Bellied Fixed Blade for Real Field Work

Rachelle Schrute — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:59:12 +0000

Buck has been a stalwart of the hunting knife world since at least the 1960s. Known for no-nonsense functionality, it has legions of fans. With modern steel and a higher price range, the new Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite gives brand loyalists a top-shelf choice that rivals the best.

Nick LeFort, one of our regular knife contributors, mailed me the Buck Alpha Hunter Elite ($260) with a note that basically said, “You should be the one to test this.” Turns out, he might have been right.

Two days after it arrived, I was kneeling down, bow next to me in the grass, over a whitetail buck that gave me the chance to put this knife through the kind of work it was designed for.

The Alpha Hunter Elite sits in the premium price bracket, although it doesn’t have the overly embellished look of many expensive knives. It looks like a tool you would keep in a pack pocket, not display on a shelf.

In short: The Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite handled a full deer without sharpening and earned a permanent spot in my rotation. With MagnaCut steel and a G-10 handle, it offers premium ingredients at a price that may sting, particularly from a knife brand known for its affordability. But if your wallet can handle it, you won’t regret adding this one to your belt.

Shopping for a hunting knife? You need to check out our buyer’s guide.

Buck Alpha Hunter Elite Knife Review

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

Steel: MagnaCut
Weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade length: 3.75"
Overall length: 8.125"

Pros

Confident, non-slip grip
Strong edge retention through heavy field use
Solid hand feel and weight balance

Cons

Higher price point
Heavier than minimalist hunting knives

First Impressions and All the Specs

The 664 Alpha Hunter Elite is a simple, no-frills fixed blade built around a 3.75-inch MagnaCut blade and full tang construction. The textured G-10 scales feel solid the moment you pick it up, and the 0.140-inch blade stock gives it a sturdy profile without looking oversized.

It weighs 5.2 ounces and comes in a molded Kydex sheath. Nothing about it looks fancy or decorative. It is a straightforward hunting knife with a premium price tag and the kind of build that suggests it was made for real work.

Testing: It’ll Hunt

The Alpha Hunter Elite made its first cut minutes after I recovered the deer, which was just minutes after I let my arrow go. Fortunately, he died quickly and only about 15 yards from where he had stood when I shot.

After a quick gut-in drag to get him to the spot I wanted to field dress him, I got to work. The handle locked into my hand with enough texture to ignore blood, hide, and my admittedly clumsy grip. It never shifted or rolled, even when I worked with wet gloves. The weight felt balanced and steady, which mattered once I started those blind cuts in the upper cavity.

Field Dressing

Razor-sharp first cuts in the field; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

For field dressing, the 3.75-inch blade length feels ideal. That compact length gives a sense of control when you’re doing things like reaching up through the diaphragm to free the windpipe.

The Alpha Hunter Elite has a decent heft to the blade, which lets me separate the pelvis without forcing me to overexert or worry about blade bend. The jimping on the spine gave my thumb steady purchase when I needed fine control. The blade tracked straight through fascia and muscle without chatter or drag. It was smooth.

I really appreciate the extra-deep choil. It helps make the knife feel particularly secure without worrying about adding my blood to the pool.

Skinning

A surprisingly good skinner; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

To be transparent, I prefer a disposable blade knife when it comes to skinning, particularly a fresh animal. Yes, a freshly sharpened blade is great, but nothing cuts quite like a fresh scalpel. But, for an animal that’s cold and stiff, I love a hardy skinning knife that gives both precision and a bit of power.

This was a fresh animal and a hardy knife, but when I test knives, I want to know how much they’re capable of before I have to take them to the stone.

Once I had the deer hung up, skinning showed the same level of performance as dressing. The knife slipped under the hide cleanly and stayed shockingly sharp as I worked my way down. It had the nimbleness needed to skin out the legs cleanly, which says something since it also had the heft needed to lop off the lower part of those legs not an hour earlier.

Edge retention held up through almost the entire animal. I only felt a slight slowdown once I reached the final stretch near the head. Even then, it did just fine. I just noticed that I had to put a bit more oomph into my touches to the fascia. I’d expect that for any knife working through an entire deer. I never stopped to sharpen because I didn’t need to. The knife stayed workable until the last pull of the hide.

Processing

Yes, even the “good” cuts of this animal went to grind. We love burgers in this house; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Yeah. I even went there. Granted, I’m a slack and whack kind of processor, and this buck went almost exclusively to my burger stash, but again, without sharpening, I decided to use it for the bulk (not all) of my processing.

This is where the knife went from winning my favor to moving its way into my dang heart. I love the feel of the knife. The rounded spine that follows all the way down through the handle gives it this almost gliding feel, even when you’re using it as a literal utility knife. By the end of processing, it needed a good sharpen (which I’m admittedly yet to do).

Who It’s For

The Alpha Hunter Elite fits hunters who want a dependable fixed blade built for actual game processing, not lightweight novelty. It suits anyone who prefers a secure, substantial hand feel and wants a knife that performs from field dressing to skinning without stopping for maintenance. If you process your own deer each season or value premium steel that can take abuse, this knife fits well.

Where It Falls Short

Included black Kydex sheath; (photo/Buck Knives)

The price stings. It’s not surprising, as MagnaCut steel is simply expensive. It’s the premium price you’ll pay for premium knives. Hunters who only process occasional game or who prefer lighter, minimal blades may not need this level of build. It also carries more weight than streamlined backcountry knives. If you prioritize ounces over performance, this may feel heavy.

Notice the rust points starting around the “664” etching. Not a deal breaker, but irritating on all stainless blades; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

One note that isn’t specific to this knife, the engraving on the blade represents a weak point that I wish knife builders would pay attention to. Every stainless blade I’ve owned has built a bit of rust around those etched figures. I understand that we need to label the blade, but we need to do better.

In the End …

(Photo/Rachelle Schrute)

The Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite showed up clean and was quickly covered in proof that it had done real work. It offered excellent control, strong edge retention, and a grip that never gave me a reason to adjust. I will keep using it. It earned that place.

Hunters who want a reliable, premium fixed blade for actual field dressing and skinning will appreciate how this knife performs once the real work begins.

Mobile Toolbox for Daily Life: Victorinox Swiss Army Companion Review

Jim Cobb — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:51:51 +0000

One of my favorite shows when I was growing up was MacGyver. Even as a teenager busy with school, work, and chasing girls, I made time for that show every week. Over the course of seven seasons, he used several different Swiss Army knife models, including the Spartan and the Tinker.

I’d already had a Swiss Army knife for a few years before that TV show started, but it was because of MacGyver’s adventures that I started seeking out more of them. The Tinker was a particular favorite. It worked well enough when we were building forts and whittling sticks.

Today, I spend about as much time in urban areas as I do out on the trail, and my needs have evolved. Nowadays, as an adult, the Companion model Swiss Army knife has proved perfect for days when I’m walking sidewalks rather than dirt paths.

In short: The Victorinox Swiss Army Companion has an impressive 16 tools on board, and is an ideal EDC option for city and suburban life. It’s not perfect in every regard — you’ll need your own Phillips-head screwdriver — but for most folks not disarming ticking time bombs à la MacGyver, it’s plenty capable.

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Overall length: 6.1875”
Blade length: 2.75”
Closed length: 3.60”
Steel: Martensitic stainless steel
Handle material: ABS/Cellidor
Weight: 2.9 oz.

Pros

16 tools at your fingertips
Pressurized ink pen is cool
Excellent bang for the buck

Cons

Package opener tool is less than ideal
No Phillips head screwdriver

Victorinox Swiss Army Companion Review

In the knife world, there are few products more ubiquitous than Swiss Army knives. The classic red handle is instantly recognizable. Sure, there are tons of counterfeits out there as well, but that speaks to the popularity of the Swiss Army knife. Victorinox wasn’t the first company to put together a folding knife with additional tools, but the brand has certainly had a tremendous impact on the industry.

The thing to remember is that different jobs require different tools. If you’re hanging drywall, you probably won’t need a basin wrench. So when you’re shopping for a Swiss Army knife, you have to consider where and how you’ll use it the most.

The Companion stands as one of the most conventionally useful Swiss Army knife models. It’s like a home handyman’s toolbox. It has a little bit of everything. While the Huntsman might be an ideal Swiss Army knife for wilderness adventures, the Companion is perfect for those who tend to stick to sidewalks.

I’ve had the Companion for almost 6 weeks now. I’ve been using it for a variety of tasks around the house. It isn’t without its flaws, but I’ve mostly been impressed.

Companion Tools

The primary tools on the Companion include a knife blade, box opener, scissors, bottle opener, screwdriver, and nail file; (photo/Jim Cobb)

All told, there are 16 tools squirreled away inside the Companion’s handle.

Large knife blade
Corkscrew
Box opener
Small screwdriver
Bottle opener
Large screwdriver
Wire stripper
Reamer/Punch/Awl
Scissors
Multipurpose hook
Tweezers
Toothpick
Pressurized ballpoint pen
Nail file
Nail cleaner
Key ring

Most of these are pretty standard for Swiss Army knives. The knife blade is sharp and keeps a decent edge if you don’t abuse the heck out of it. By that, I mean stick to cutting things that you’d normally cut with a knife, like cordage, cardboard, or carrots. Torture testing, like trying to hammer the blade through a cinder block, isn’t likely to end well.

I’ve always been happy with the scissors Victorinox installs in these knives. They’re sharp and work very well. Find a loose thread on your shirt just after you pull up to your date’s building? A quick snip and you’re good to go.

The ballpoint pen is a new-to-me tool on a Swiss Army knife. It’s an interesting choice, and I was eager to check it out. The same thing goes for the box opener tool. Victorinox has added it to its onboard tools for a few different Swiss Army knives, and I was curious to see if it works better than a knife blade.

Fresh out of the box, all of the tools opened and closed exactly as they should. No hesitations, no difficulties at all. Everything was polished, clean, and ready for work.

Materials and Design

The Companion has three removable tools: ballpoint pen, toothpick, and tweezers; (photo/Jim Cobb)

The Companion is 3.6 inches long when closed. The knife blade is the longest tool. When it’s opened, you’re looking at about 6.25 inches in total length. My scale said it weighs 2.9 ounces, which is the same as what’s listed on the Victorinox website.

Victorinox doesn’t use an exceptionally high-end steel for these knives. It’s a proprietary steel that works well enough for day-to-day tasks.

In recent years, Victorinox has offered several of its models in a range of color and print options. This knife appears to only be available in the traditional red, though. I’d love to see it in a deep purple or a bright blue.

Companion Performance

This eventually became a pizza for the author’s granddaughter’s play kitchen; (photo/Jim Cobb)

During the last several weeks, I’ve been carrying the Companion as my primary EDC more often than not. It’s small and easy to toss into a pocket, the hallmark for a great EDC knife. If you’re not comfortable carrying it, what’s the point of calling it an EDC?

The knife blade is about 2.75 inches long. That’s a good blade length for most common knife duties. I used it for slicing pieces from an apple, cutting up some cordage for a few projects, and cutting pieces of cardboard for my granddaughter’s play food collection.

My only complaint about Swiss Army knife blades is that I don’t like a mirror polish on my knives. I’d love to see them come out with an option for a stonewashed finish, even if it came at a bit of a premium.

The scissors came in handy for cutting tags off of a few new outfits for the same granddaughter. She’s our only grandchild thus far, so yeah, she’s a little spoiled. What’s nice about the Companion’s scissors is that they’re small enough to get into tight spaces, like the cuff on a size 4T hoodie. Using a knife blade, you run the risk of accidentally cutting the garment (and thus earning the wrath of your spouse).

There is no Phillips head screwdriver on the Companion. Well, that’s not entirely true. The tip of the box opener tool has a very small slotted screwdriver head that could potentially fit some Phillips screws. However, in my experience, these never work all that well. As someone who doesn’t drink wine, I’d gladly swap the corkscrew for a Phillips screwdriver.

The Companion is comfortable in hand and easy to use. Honestly, it’s precisely what you expect when you pick up a Swiss Army knife.

The Box Opener

The box opener wasn’t nearly as whiz-bang awesome as we’d hoped it would be; (photo/Jim Cobb)

I’ve seen this tool listed for a few different Swiss Army knives, but this is the first time I’ve had one in hand for testing. It’s shaped somewhat like the can opener that’s been a longtime standard on Swiss Army Knives. We get a lot of packages delivered to our house, so I had several opportunities to play with this box opener.

Honestly? I’m really not that impressed with it. I understand the appeal of having a dedicated tool for opening packages, given how many people shop from home these days. But this one just doesn’t work that well. It’s kind of awkward and ends up tearing more than actually cutting anything. All things being equal, if I wanted a tool that I could devote specifically to opening packages, I’d rather have a secondary knife blade.

How About the Pen?

The Companion’s pen is serviceable, but not something you’d want to use for long periods of time; (photo/Jim Cobb)

This was an interesting addition to the Companion. The pressurized ink pen is secured at the end of the handle, very similar to the traditional toothpick and tweezers, which are also present and accounted for. The pen is about 2.75 inches and is very thin. Basically, it’s just a short tube of ink with a ballpoint tip. Initially, I thought it was perhaps a stylus, as I had once a cellphone with a built-in stylus that was similar to this pen.

Given the size of the tube, I have to assume you’re not going to get a ton of writing done with this pen. But then again, one would hardly choose this tool for writing their memoirs. This is more for jotting a quick note to remind yourself of your parking location, something along those lines.

It’s very thin, and thus pretty awkward. It’ll do the job for a short note, but anything beyond that will be an exercise in frustration. Still, it’s a neat inclusion for a Swiss Army knife.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

The three tools resting along the bottom of the Companion are a corkscrew, multipurpose hook, and reamer/awl; (photo/Jim Cobb)

The Companion is a great EDC selection for those whose days are spent around urban and suburban landscapes rather than out in the backcountry. While it’ll certainly handle many of the routine knife jobs found outdoors, the mix of onboard tools is definitely better suited for indoor roles.

Swiss Army knives are so common and familiar that you might find they’re acceptable even in areas that routinely forbid knives as weapons. I wouldn’t suggest testing TSA, of course, but I bet the Companion would pass muster in many workplaces.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Companion runs about $48, which is a great price for a tool that is this well-made. With minimal care, this is the type of knife you could easily use for a couple of decades and then pass down to the next generation.

Big Idea Design Launches First American-Made Knife, and It’s a Dandy: ‘USA Signal’ Review

Nick LeFort — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:53:57 +0000

The name of the game for many businesses in 2025, not least of all knife manufacturers, has been adaptation to stay operational. An uncertain landscape of tariffs and the costs of raw materials left a looming specter of higher manufacturing costs.

One tactic to combat raising prices, at least to the degree posed by the very highest tariff rates, is to produce goods domestically. In the knife world, plenty of brands manufacture in the U.S. Big dogs like Benchmade, Leatherman, Gerber, and Kershaw have been waving that flag for years.

However, for smaller cottage brands, going domestic can be a swan dive into financial uncertainty. In August, Big Idea Design capitalized on the Pocket Fixed Blade craze and launched its first product made in the U.S., the USA Signal fixed-blade knife. Its timing couldn’t have been better. After careful testing, I believe the risk was worth it, as the USA Signal is one dandy of an outdoor-oriented knife.

In short: The USA Signal is built for outdoorsy users who want a compact, pocket-friendly fixed blade that can handle both precision tasks and hard use. It excels at slicing, stabbing, fire prep, and general camp chores thanks to its Nitro-V steel, simple ergonomics, and secure pocket-sheath setup. Ultimately, shoppers should decide if the $250 price and smaller form factor are a good fit for their needs.

8.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

OAL: 7.625"
Blade length: 3.2"
Blade steel: Nitro-V
Blade shape: Drop point
Grind: Flat
Hardness: 61-62
Sheath: Kydex
Carry: Left or right, in pocket
Weight: 3.2 oz. (4.23 oz. with sheath)
Price: $250

Pros

Overall size and shape
Nitro-V and Micarta are a great pairing
Blade shape
Left- and right-hand sheaths included

Cons

Pocket-friendly design not for everyone

Big Idea Design USA Signal Review

Design & Features

The design of the USA Signal is simple, but impactful in terms of use; (photo/Nick LeFort)

The USA Signal is made from a 7.625-inch piece of European Nitro-V steel. This steel, invented by New Jersey Steel Baron, is a modified and arguably improved version of AEB-L steel. Nitro-V is known for its high corrosion resistance as well as toughness and edge retention. The version of the knife that Big Idea sent me has natural Micarta scales for good grip and good looks.

A full four-finger knife, its overall shape is simple and amplifies its overall function. Thin and long for both precision and bull work, the spine carries a slight arc that travels from the butt to the false edge on the blade. This is complemented by the taper of the handle, leading to a choil for your index finger.

For a sheath, Big Idea did something a little special for its customers: The brand included two taco-style Kydex sheaths in the box. This allows you to switch the titanium pocket clip from one side or the other, instead of having to choose a left-hand or right-hand model when making your purchase.

First Impression

A false edge and sticky, sharp blade edge make the USA Signal easy to use to put in hard work; (photo/Nick LeFort)

What I enjoy most about the knives Big Idea makes is that they’re not complicated. There aren’t any swooping lines or drastic changes in geometry. The USA Signal flows from tip to tail, giving you multiple positions to hold it sufficiently.

It’s also incredibly sharp. This is a feature of Nitro-V that doesn’t fade for quite a while. The false edge on the spine of the blade also makes the USA Signal easy to stab with.

Having a knife that’s both superior in slicing and stabbing is a key trait in a knife you want for outdoor use. And that false edge makes for a great place to drag a ferro rod for making a fire.

All in all, this knife is very well-rounded, but I don’t want to give it a label like “modern bushcraft knife” or something polarizing. I think it’s a work knife with precision tendencies that excels in outdoor activities.

In the Field

This time of year, easy fire prep is key to a great day and night outdoors; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Of all of the pocket fixies I have used, this one is the first one that has been designed to actually sit inside your pocket. That owes to the size and design of the titanium clip on the sheath.

I tried it on my belt, and the fit was okay. But I also tried it on some MOLLE webbing on my Mountainsmith Tour EVO and was really impressed. Throughout the testing phase, I carried it either in my pocket or on my pack.

I used the USA Signal on a variety of adventures, off and on, from August to October. I found it capable of taking on just about anything I planned or encountered during field testing. It’s a great knife for starting a fire — from slicing up tinder to sparking up a flame.

Due to the sticky-slicy nature of the blade, and the corrosion-resistant properties of the steel, it came in handy for food prep as well.

Kung Fu Grip

You can be getting knocked around by a Sasquatch, and this knife sheath isn’t going to budge in your pocket; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Being that the sheath on the USA Signal is designed to go inside your pocket, the clip needs to be tight enough so that when you pull the knife out, the sheath doesn’t come with it. Fortunately, it is.

On thicker pants, or pants with a reinforced pocket for knife carry, you’re going to find it to be a bit of a challenge to get the clip to get on the fabric. But once it’s there, I can assure you, it’s not going anywhere. That said, the knife remains easy to remove and reinsert.

The Tricky Reality of ‘Going Domestic’

Big Idea Design even came out with a specialty logo for the USA Signal; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Even with a variety of knife brands making the products in the United States, many of which still rely on internationally sourced materials. Earlier this year, Crucible Steel — a main source of domestic steels like MagnaCut, S35VN (all the S’s actually), and others — closed. Those steels will now move from domestic production to foreign production.

Even though Nitro-V primarily comes out of New Jersey, Big Idea sourced its stock from Europe. This could owe to the availability, or to keep the overall price down. Either way, though the steel is foreign, the USA Signal can still be considered made in the USA.

Of course, the elephant in the room is price. “This knife is still $250, how is this saving money?” you might ask.

This past summer, Leatherman received backlash after releasing a line of knives that were all at the $300 mark. However, with tariffs and supply chain changes, those knives could have easily been just as expensive without the “Made in the USA” bullet point, as the cost of foreign manufacturing is being impacted as well. The same holds true with the USA Signal.

The reality is that manufacturing in the U.S. remains expensive, especially for a company like Big Idea Designs that’s just stepping into it. Machinery investment costs, supply changes, and myriad other new investments come into play.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

The USA Signal is fun to use, easy to carry, and reliable when needed; (photo/Nick LeFort)

When you strip away the politics behind domestic manufacturing, you’re left with a knife that is abundantly capable in the outdoors. Whether bushcrafting or backpacking, this knife checks a lot of boxes.

I love the long, slender shape of the knife. Its subtle arc and ample choil allow you to shift from brute force to precision. The false edge on the spine allows it to process both meat and wood with ease.

If you’re looking for a pocket carry fixed blade, consider the USA Signal. The $250 price is actually a steal when you look at some of the other knives in the category. Aside from the design, the manufacturing quality is well above standard.

The fact that Big Idea Design gives you two different sheaths with the knife proves the brand is attuned to its audience. This is a great belt knife for any outdoor enthusiast.

Splitting Hairs: Blade-to-Blade Testing Buck’s Modern ‘Range’ Series

Nick LeFort — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:05:50 +0000

For over a century, Buck Knives has been part of our heritage. From farmers working their fields, to soldiers fighting on the front lines, and folks like you and me wandering around in the woods, a Buck knife is part of those stories. However, as someone who writes about knives, this is the first time Buck has been part of a story I’ve written.

At the end of October, Buck sent me some knives from its new Range series. What’s significant about these knives is that it’s the first time Buck has used the crossbar lock on its American-made folders. The series is also significant because it represents the 21st century for Buck. When one of the longest-running American knife companies diverts from the norm and adds such a modern feature to its iconic knives, it’s worth paying attention.

From the last week of October to the week before Thanksgiving, I used and abused both a Buck Range Elite and a Range Pro. The differences between the two are in function and did not go unnoticed. I’ll cover those differences as well as my overall experience with these Buck blades. However, when it comes down to brass tacks, you can’t go wrong with either knife.

In short: The Range Series of Knives represents the first time Buck Knives has added a crossbar lock to any of its blades. Both the Elite ($220) and the Pro ($125) have the same size and shape, but use different materials. The Elite has a titanium-scaled grip and uses MagnaCut Steel. The Pro has a nylon grip and uses 154CM steel. Both are great knives for different uses.

Compare the Buck Knives Range Series Pro and Elite knives to those on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Pocket Knives.

8.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

OAL: 7.88"
Blade length: 3.38"
Blade steel: MagnaCut
Blade shape: Drop point
Grind: Flat
Hardness: 61-63
Lock type: Crossbar
Opening type: Thumbstud
Carry: Left or right hand, tip-up
Weight: 3.6 oz.
Price: $220

Pros

Size and balance is great for long periods of work
MagnaCut Steel
Incredible build quality for grunt work

Cons

$220 is a lot for a folding knife these days

8.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

OAL: 7.88"
Blade length: 3.38"
Blade steel: 154CM
Blade shape: Drop point
Grind: Flat
Hardness: 58-59
Lock type: Crossbar
Opening type: Thumb stud
Carry: Left or right hand, tip-up
Weight: 2.9 oz.
Price: $125

Pros

Size and balance make it great for backpacking and hiking
I still love 154CM. It’s slicy and precise
Handles have incredible grip

Cons

Some people might not like the plastic feel of the handle scales

Buck Knives Range Series Review

Two different knives and two different types of handles provides two different experiences; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Design & Features

Where the materials between the two knives differ, the size and shape of both the Range Pro and Range Elite are the same. So, this became a real apples-to-apples comparison during the testing period.

Both knives are 7.88 inches in total length and feature a 3.38-inch drop-point blade. Those blades deploy via a thumb stud and lock up securely with Buck’s version of the crossbar lock. Additionally, both knives feature deep-carry pocket clips, though they are not interchangeable.

For a frame and handles, the Pro has stainless steel liners and textured glass-filled nylon scales. These scales help keep the weight of the Pro below 3 ounces and are both gummy and grippy.

On the Elite, the frame is the same, but the scales are made from anodized aluminum. Although the aluminum brings the Elite to just over 3.5 ounces, the difference in build is more rugged.

Overall, the Elite feels and reacts on a heavy-duty use level, where the Pro is more aligned to medium duty, which is where most backpacking folders find themselves these days.

Most notably, there’s the difference in steel. The Elite uses the current knife blade superstar, MagnaCut. The Pro uses 154CM, which, prior to the advent of steels like MagnaCut, was a reigning champ in the EDC and outdoor knife worlds. MagnaCut is a superior steel in all three main areas: toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance (hence, the higher price point for the Elite).

Initial Reaction

The Range Pro finds his home in the outdoors; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Where I was excited to get both full-sized versions of the Range Series, I gravitated toward the Pro once I received and opened both boxes. I am by no means an ounce counter, but the grip and weight of the Pro instantly appealed to me. However, I could appreciate the obvious difference in build and quality with the Elite.

Either way, these Range knives are long and slender, with neither the blade nor the handle overpowering the other. Considering the blade’s size and drop-point shape, these knives are well-suited for cutting, piercing, shaving, and shaping with ease.

With MagnaCut being a superior steel, I’m certain that the Elite will prove to be the workhorse that requires less TLC in the end. Still, the Pro has quite a bit to be proud of. Where it might not be your top choice for a hard day’s work, it meets or exceeds the capabilities of all the other popular hiking and backpacking knives on the market.

In the Field

That couch and all its fabric and foam were no match for the Range Elite; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Out there in the thick of it, both knives certainly held their own. Where the Elite is more stubborn, the Pro proved to be more than capable. That said, while either one of them would be a welcome companion out on a hike, the Elite is the knife I would use for grunt work.

So, I did.

How grunty, you ask? How about breaking down a couch with it? My kids had an old love seat in their loft that I had to cut all of the fabric off of to dispose of properly. All of it was either glued or stapled to the frame — including this dense memory foam that the MagnaCut sailed through beautifully.

In the end, the Elite needed a solid resharpening, but the coating on the handle scales held up, and it functioned like new. As a celebratory award, I burned the frame in a big bonfire.

However, in the end, I still preferred the Pro. I liked carrying it on hikes and at night out in the woods (sleeping in my truck). The Pro punches above its weight class, in my opinion. I used it for both fire and food preparation. It proved to be that quintessential pocket knife we all strive to find when we head into our favorite camping store — virtually or in person.

The Mini Options

The Mini Range Pro and the Range Pro. And yes, I totally put the thumbstud from the Elite on the Pro. Shhh; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Rounding out the Range lineup, Buck also offers the Mini Range Elite ($210) and Mini Range Pro ($115). Like their bigger siblings, the Minis are the same size and shape. They also feature the same material and functions as their larger counterparts. They have a total length of 6.25 inches and feature a 2.63-inch blade.

For my liking, I find the Minis to be too small. However, they feature the same balance as the bigger knives. For someone looking for a small form factor EDC, these might be a better fit.

That being said, if you’re considering picking up the Mini Pro, I would recommend spending the extra $10 to get the full-sized version. I wouldn’t say the same about the Elite, as I believe that someone willing to spend over $200 on a smaller knife really wants that smaller knife.

Buck Knives Range Elite & Pro: In Conclusion

The Range Elite will work harder than you do; (photo/Nick LeFort)

Although this is my first review of a Buck knife, I am no stranger to the brand. Growing up in a family of farmers, Bucks were commonplace over any other brand. However, that was more than 30 years ago, and a lot has changed.

Buck isn’t just about two-hand lock-back knives, and they haven’t been for a while. The Range series of knives represents the most modern, appealing, and effective folding knives in their catalog.

All in all, after 3 weeks of testing and carrying, I would point any one of you in the direction of either one of these knives. If you tell me you’re tending to horses out on the family farm, I’m going to recommend the Elite. If you’re heading for a weekend in the woods, I am going to recommend the Pro.

In the end, the choice is up to you. You can go with the Elite and be happy knowing you’ve got one heck of a knife that you can use and abuse ’til the cows come home. If you end up with the Pro, you’re going to be in a great spot, with $100 left in your wallet for snacks and beers.

If you’re looking for a modern folding knife and want to buy from a brand that’s part of the American legacy, look no further than these Buck Range Series knives.