PHOTOS FROM MANUFACTURERS AND AUTHOR
Multitools are nothing new. As long as humans have been using tools, they’ve sought ways to make them fill multiple roles whenever possible. Even what we consider the “modern” format of the multitool isn’t all that new. The Romans had one 1,800 years ago as witnessed by the one dug up a few decades ago in Europe that combined a knife, spoon, three-tined fork, an awl, a spatula and a small pick.
There’s no end to the ingenuity when it comes to packing more utility into ever smaller packages. While the Leatherman-format tools built around a set of folding pliers remain practical and functional, we’ve also seen waves of keychain-sized pry tools and tools specialized for certain purposes. Take a look at these multitools. Some follow a conventional layout, while others offer unique takes on the multitool theme.
REVIEW 1
ARTISANCUTLERY KINETIC-TOOL II
A MULTITOOL THAT OPENS LIKE A BUTTERFLY AND AN AUTO
When open, the Kinetic-Tool II reveals a number of useful tools, but no sharpened blade.
When is a multitool not a multitool? When it’s a butterfly knife. Or a switchblade. Or maybe both. Confused yet? There’s nothing quite like the Kinetic-Tool II from Artisan- Cutlery.
The Kinetic-Tool II looks like a standard, modern butterfly knife. Pop the handle latch and flip it open, though, and you’ll see the dagger shape sans the edge. Instead, the “blade” is a tool shaft with various cutouts and etchings. The “blade” itself can be used as a prybar and nail puller, and it is a set of hex wrenches and a 3-inch ruler as well.
Honestly, a couple other cutouts are on there too that I’m not totally sure of their purpose. There’s also a deep carry pocket clip attached which, along with the tool’s flat profile, make it easy to carry. The fact that the Kinetic-Tool II just clips to your pocket and is easy to get to when you need it means my likelihood of carrying it increases significantly.
The tool blade is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and heat treated to a 58-60 Rockwell, so it isn’t going to bend or deform from use. My sample had the gray finish, but black and stainless are also available from ArtisanCutlery. Some retailers have more colorful options such as blue, green and two-tone models.
The Kinetic-Tool II is simply fun to use. It has a smooth, flipping action as it rotates open on ceramic bearings. It makes for a decent balisong trainer or practice dummy. It’s basically a fidget spinner for adults. It also has a solid heft to it, nestles nicely in the hand when closed and would make for an acceptable Kubaton or impact tool. That can be handy as you can probably carry this a lot of places you can’t take a knife since it doesn’t have an actual sharpened blade.
In the infamous words of TV infomercials: But wait, there’s more! The Kinetic-Tool II holds another secret. When the tool is closed, press on the button below the pivot pin and the tool blade flips out of the side of the handle automatically and locks into place. Yep, that’s right, ArtisanCutlery has combined a balisong and an automatic knife. Although in this case, they used a tool blade.
Some might call the Kinetic-Tool II a little gimmicky, but it’s a really fun gimmick and it works. ArtisanCutlery could have just made a basic pry tool like everyone else, but the company chose to make something truly unique. It’s easy to carry and fast to pull out when you need it, either with the auto button or by flipping it.
When closed, the Kinetic-Tool II looks like a butterfly knife.
FEATURES:
Blade Length: 4.0 inches
Closed Length: 5.5 inches
Overall Length: 9.5 inches
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
Blade Thickness: 0.12 inch
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Unsharpened dagger multitool
Blade Finish: Black, gray or stainless