9 Multi-Tools That Push The Design Envelope

For those wanting to spoon oatmeal one moment and repair a horse-drawn carriage the next, this list of crazy multi-tools is for you.

The pliers, knife, and screwdriver are three of the most used functions on the average multi-tool. But this list is anything but average.

Over the years, we reviewed a number of multi-tools that made us double-take. A multi-tool shaped like a comb may make one person scoff, but another rejoice. A titanium spork multi-tool may seem overkill to one, but perfect for another.

These multi-tools push the envelope of design. A few were featured at the recent SHOT show, and others were introduced as Kickstarter projects. All of them, however, spark conversation around the campfire.

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1. Hair Comb Multi-Tool

The primary purpose of this tool is, you guessed it, a hair comb. The Hedgehog, created by Nate Barr, has a chip clip, four wrench sizes, a screwdriver, and of course a bottle opener.

2. Ultimate Titanium Spork

The Muncher is a $35 “muti-utensil” made from titanium. You read that right, a $35 tool for eating your dinner! All price concerns aside, it does appear durable with a fair amount of culinary uses, like a peeler, can opener, and bottle opener. It also comes with a ferro rod to start your fire.

3. The Mother Of Multi-Tools

Among 100 blades, several daggers, and shears, this tool most notably houses a functional five-shot .22-caliber pistol. While from the 1880s and a historic relic, it’s fun to look at one of the craziest multi-tools ever made.

4. Belt Buckle Multi-Tool

Call it excessive or supremely functional, the SOG Sync line includes two belt buckle multi-tools. The implements are not as burly as a normal multi-tool, but work well enough for a tool that blends in with a normal outfit. They open into pliers and also have a knife, screwdriver, and file.

5. Most Expensive Multi-Tool

Cigar cutter, fish de-scaler, laser pointer with 300 ft. range, the list goes on! A collector’s edition Giant Knife from Swiss Army Knife made our first iteration of “Most Expensive Gear,” and at $4,000, it certainly is not cheap. It weighs 7 pounds, has 87 implements, and 141 functions. Perfect for the collector, or the overly prepared.

6. Tactical Spork and Knife

Pull apart the handle from the spork and reveal a serrated blade. The Ka-Bar Tactical Spork is a functional knife and spork in one handy package. While it’s the least ‘multi’-tool on this list, who doesn’t want to use a spork as a sheath for a dagger?

7. Bracelet Multi-tool

“As stylish as it is functional,” is how Leatherman advertises ‘The Tread‘, a multi-tool bracelet. Within these link on your wrist lie dozens of concealed tools.It is TSA-compliant, so no knives, but it has a number of wrenches, screw drivers, and even an oxygen-tank wrench.

8. Crocodile Carabiner

This tool gives the Hedgehog a run for its money as cutest multi-tool on this list. The Crocobiner is a crocodile-shaped carabiner multi-tool with more than 10 functions. Stick the included bit into the crocodile’s mouth to tighten down whatever needs fixing. They range in price from $31 in carbon steel to $85 in mokume gane.

9. Slim Baton Multi-Tool

A non-traditional multi-tool in the shape of a cylinder, the SOG Baton is not much longer than a standard No. 2 pencil. It’s probably the least-overkill and most diverse on this list. Some tools within the baton include spring-assisted scissors, a ballpoint pen, LED flashlight, and straight-edge blade.