As the lightest butterfly-opening multi-tool in Gerber’s line, the Crucial is built for the outdoorsperson who wants basic features and nothing more. The Crucial, which came to shops in July, weighs just 5 ounces and includes a pliers/wire-cutter, a blade, and little else.
Its straight and serrated locking blade easily opens using one hand and your thumb. There’s a flat-head and Phillips screw driver. The tool includes a carabiner clip that doubles as a bottle opener.
Attach the tool to the exterior of a pack or a belt loop with the clip. Or, the Crucial also has a belt clip. Eliminating one or the other could save more weight. But on my scale the tool was true to Gerber’s spec at 5 ounces.
The Crucial comes in a stainless steel/black look or stainless steel/green. It is currently available for $59. www.gerbergear.com
—Ryan Dionne
