These Minimalist Multitools Are Best When You Need a Blade but Want Some Helpful Extras

ProsFoldout screwdriver offers solid reach other multitools can't matchExtremely thin profile makes it easy to slip into a pocketConsHammer tool is really just a flat baseVery few multitools balance compact design with real-world functionality as well as the Gerber Armbar Drive. It has a foldout blade, a pair of scissors, a screwdriver, and an awl. Beyond this, the bottom end of the tool has a blunt, flat piece that functions as a hammer and a bottle opener. The bottle opener portion works quite well, according to Test Editor Bradley Ford, who noted it was an improvement in comparison to the Armbar Slim, a pared-down version of the Drive. (Personally, when I tested the Drive I wasn’t a fan of the hammer function; it’s really only an improvement over having no hammer at all.)What I like most about the Armbar, however, is that instead of cramming small nonfunctional tools on it in order to save space and inflate the claimed number of functions, Gerber kept relatively few tools and made sure each does its job well. The blade is sturdy and sharp, the scissors can actually cut through thick construction paper, and the screwdriver has a reversible bit so you can use it for Phillips-head or flat-head screws.Key SpecsDimensions3.5 x 0.6 x 0.6 in.Weight3.98 ozMaterialAluminum and steelNumber of Tools/Functions8ProsFull blade and smooth handle help it function great as a standalone pocket knifeFrame is incredibly thinConsOther tools are not as robust or functional as the knifeThis might be the most obvious example of a knife-based multitool. The Free K4 has a similar design to any normal folding pocket knife, with a sturdy handle and a clean folding motion. The key difference is that it houses and folds four additional tools out of the base.While the tools look a little small for daily use, they should be fine in a pinch. (Full disclosure: I haven’t tested the Free K4 yet.) The benefit of their size is that they all fit into the handle without bulking it up. In fact, it isn’t much thicker than the handle of a regular foldout pocket knife with a similar-sized blade.Key SpecsDimensions6.06 x 3.38 x 1.5 in.Weight8 ozMaterialStainless steelNumber of Tools/Functions9Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBottom end functions as a pry barThe box cutter blade is replaceableConsThe opening and closing mechanism is stiffOf all the multitools I’ve tested that lack a central tool, the Gerber Lockdown Pry stands out for a few clear reasons. The first is because each of the four foldout tools is given equal space and attention. Essentially, all fit comfortably on the body without any one tool taking space or priority over the others. All four implements are big enough so that they don’t feel like compromises, as the extras in the Free K4 above do. As a result, each of the foldout tools works incredibly well. This includes a small, sharp No. 11 blade for opening boxes and making precise cuts.You can remove and replace this blade once it goes dull. The only real issue I had when testing it out was the actual opening and closing mechanism. It was pretty stiff, requiring some muscle to get any of the tools out and the hinge was pretty hard to unlock without some extra leverage. The multitool locks its tools in place with a metal piece that snaps into place when the tool is fully extended. In order to unlock it and fold the tool back in, you have to bend the metal piece back down. Beyond the foldout tools, the multitool has a pry bar built into the back of the body for pulling up nails.Full Gerber Lockdown Pry ReviewKey SpecsDimensions6.7 x 1.1 x 0.8 in.Weight5.7 ozMaterialStainless steelNumber of Tools/Functions10ProsSmall enough to carry on your keychainRobust tool selectionConsSmall blade is not great if you need to lay into something to cut itLike other Swiss Army Knife variations, the Farmer X is great for carrying around for day-to-day tasks. The bottle opener, small scissors, and screwdriver are all great for minor needs than pop up.What sets this one apart from the others I recommend here is the blade, saw, and can opener, which make it better suited for all-around use. The multitool is still quite slim, however its slightly larger size in comparison to the classic Swiss Army Knife gives it enough space to make sure the heftier tools are big enough to be of real use and not there to just make this seem more versatile that it is.Key SpecsDimensions3.66 x 0.91 x 0.67 in.Weight3.84 ozMaterialStainless steelNumber of Tools/Functions10Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.