Keychains

You pretty much always need keys, but it's often nice to have a few tools on hand, too. The VersaLink allows you to carry some of both in one modular, magnetic, titanium-bodied device.

Tiny flashlight, tiny output, right? That's not always the case. The PicoTorch twists out over 200 lumens and burns for up to two hours a charge while dangling from a keychain. With a magnetic base, it doubles as an effective work light.

A new super small knife made from M390 steel promises to offer strong slashing at your fingertips in a package that's about the size of a house key. The compact cutter also comes with two other surprises including a handy bottle opener.

Earlier this year, we took a look at a knife quite unlike any other in the Craighill Sidewinder. Craighill is now introducing a smaller version that folds the same split-handled, slide-and-flip design into a package small enough to hang on a keychain.

DailyGizmo has pared the utility knife down to its most basic form. The result is an attractive cutter currently charging through its Kickstarter campaign that could truly sharpen up your everyday carry gear.

Yes, your eyes don't deceive you, there is yet another titanium multitool on Kickstarter. This one, from Hong Kong company Urbanix, crams six(ish) functions into a particularly compact carabiner keychain format.

While a small blade and other simple tools do come in handy at times, why carry around a separate multitool when you're already using a keychain? That's the thinking behind the all-in-one KeySnap carabiner, which is currently on Kickstarter.

Multi-tools definitely are useful, but not everyone likes jamming the things down into a pocket. That's not a problem with the titanium-bodied K-Smart, since it doubles as a clip-on chainring which can be quickly removed as needed.

A multitool isn't very handy if it's not there when you need it. The new Wyn Multi-Tool Capsule is all but guaranteed to be there. It's small enough to carry anywhere and everywhere, keeping driving, cutting and prying power at one's fingertips.

Although most multi-tools fit easily into a pocket, for some people they're still too bulky and obtrusive. Such folks might be interested in the Pathfinder+, as it's a six-function gadget that can be attached to a keychain.

Each year the makers of multi-tools continue to impress us with their creativity and sheer determination to squeeze utmost functionality into easily carried packages and 2021 was no exception. Let's take a look at the best of the bunch.

Startup Keytool is stepping into the world of everyday carry with the belief your keyset can do much more than open your front door, offering an eponymous multitool with an impressive suite of functions.