KING OF KNIVES

Essential pocketknife and multitool buyers’ guide!

Heading offroad without a quality pocketknife or multi tool is a little like forgetting your anniversary or your partner’s birthday. You’ll probably get through it alive, but it won’t be pretty.

If you tally up all the times you use one or another of your multi tool’s functions even on a quick weekend getaway, it’s hard to imagine how you used to struggle through camping trips without.

Keeping a sturdy, full sized multi tool somewhere handy like the glovebox or centre console of your 4WD is one of the best favours you can do for yourself.

Next time you need to assemble or mount a new accessory to your rig, prep a meal around the campfire or attempt some sort of MacGyver fix-it job when something inevitably breaks or shorts out, you can pat yourself on the back for being so well prepared.

Of course, the best multi tool is the one that you’ve got on you. Compact pocketknife and keychain style tools certainly have their place in the well-equipped camper’s arsenal. Some of the better units are so lightweight and compact you’ll end up taking them everywhere.

Treat yourself to one of the following nine pocket-sized gadgets for an instant boost to your handyman skills and campsite cred.

VICTORINOX SWISS CHAMP WOOD

Compact, lightweight, elegant.

  • Stylish unit based off the original Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, featuring 29 functions, including large and small blades, can opener, screwdrivers, scissors and more.
  • Snip, slice, screw or fix just about anything with this handy little unit that’s 9cm long and weighs just 185g.
  • Understated walnut wood finish for ultimate style.
  • Backed by Victorinox’s lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

RRP $259

www.victorinox.com

VICTORINOX RANGERGRIP 74

Rugged dependability.

  • Serious unit built for serious challenges. Features sturdy set of needle nose pliers and a tough locking blade.
  • Boasts 14 built in functions including nut wrench, wire strippers and bottle opener.
  • 13cm long unit fits in the hand beautifully with non-slip two-component scale grip. Weighs 231g.
  • Backed by Victorinox’s lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

RRP $229

www.victorinox.com

VICTORINOX HUNTER PRO ALOX

Every day carry.

  • Minimalist style meets everyday functionality. Sleek unit offers four built-in functions.
  • Large, sturdy locking blade, paracord pendant, lanyard hole and clip.
  • 6cm unit features stylish Alox scales finish and weighs 186g.
  • Backed by Victorinox’s lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

RRP $249

www.victorinox.com

GERBER 600 DET MULTI-PLIER

Bulletproof design.

  • Single hand butterfly opening mechanism.
  • 15 well considered functions including needle nose pliers, serrated blade plus sturdy screwdrivers.
  • Stainless steel construction, black oxide coating and nylon sheath included.
  • Backed by Gerber’s 25-year warranty.

RRP $324.99

www.gerbergear.com

GERBER 400 COMPACT SPORT MULTI-PLIER

Versatile pocket rocket.

  • Built smart with 11 tools and 12 functions including needle nose pliers plus regular pliers.
  • Single hand butterfly opening mechanism.
  • Stainless steel construction, comfort grip plus nylon sheath included.
  • Backed by Gerber’s 25-year warranty.

RRP $109

www.gerbergear.com

LEATHERMAN WAVE PLUS

Fan favourite.

  • Equipped with 18 functions including needle nose and regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, electrical crimper, sturdy blade plus serrated knife, saw, diamond coated file, screwdrivers and more.
  • All tools can be opened and locked with one hand.
  • Multiple accessories are outside accessible, for use while tool is folded.
  • 10cm long and weighs 241g with a 7.3cm blade.
  • Backed by Leatherman’s25-year warranty on materials and workmanship.

RRP $219.95

www.zenimports.com.au

LEATHERMAN SIGNAL

The outdoorsman’s choice.

  • First outdoor orientated tool from Leatherman, featuring safety whistle, ferro rod (fire starter) and diamond file knife sharpener.
  • 19 different functions, including all of Leatherman’s traditional accessories.
  • 4cm long and weighs 212g with a 6.9cm blade. Available in stainless steel and black finishes.
  • Backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty on materials and workmanship.

RRP $269.95

www.zenimports.com.au

BEAR GRYLLS SURVIVAL SERIES SCOUT

Got you covered.

  • Half serrated, high carbon stainless steel multi purpose blade.
  • Comfortable texturised rubber grip.
  • Single hand opening with blade lock mechanism for safety.
  • Pocket clip included.

RRP $54.99

www.bcf.com.au

WINCHESTER 2.2” SINGLE SHOT KNIFE

Keep it simple.

  • Streamlined, lightweight design.
  • Slip joint opening plus blade lock mechanism for safety.
  • Good value basic unit.

RRP $17.99

www.bcf.com.au

Comments are closed.