Multitools

Leatherman’s multitools are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t do with a polish and tune up from time to time. The company’s new Maintenance Kit is a one-stop-shop for these types of tasks.

A shiny new multitool has landed on Kickstarter today, promising a high degree of functionality from a compact and gold-plated package, with 40 tools tucked into the handle that make it a suitable implement for all manner of everyday tasks.

Leatherman has introduced a stylish pocket knife with a few tricks up its sleeve, spearheaded by an interchangeable blade system built around two forms of high-end steel for different types of cutting tasks.

We've seen quite a few multitools over the years designed to slot right into a regular wallet for easy transport, and gear-maker Dango Products has approached this type of thinking with a tactical precision.

Victorinox has introduced a limited edition version of its snack-oriented Picknicker knife, kitting out the 10-tool implement with a distinctly premium touch courtesy of European pear wood and a dash of Damascus steel.

The multi-tools continue to come thick and fast on Kickstarter, which means that if one is going to stand out, it has to be different in some way. Made by Hong Kong-based AntDesign, the E-one distinguishes itself with a bit-carrying "autodoor."

Opinel is looking to capture the hearts and meals of campers and backcountry diners with its new Picnic+ kit. The most elegant spork – technically a sporf – we've seen, the kit packs a classic folding knife with removable fork and spoon inserts.

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.

You may think that you've seen every form of cycling multi-tool, but the Groove Tool Pro offers yet another take on the technology. It's a compact capsule that contains eight bits, a chain breaker and a chain link – and it doubles as a driver.

Some multitools come to market as finely-tuned Ferraris with premium materials and precisely engineered edges, and others are more like go-karts that simply get you where you need to go, like the newly introduced 12-in-1 Kakmom.

We might get accused of blasphemy for saying it, but duct tape has its limitations. The MODL Infinity Tool can't replace duct tape, but it can step in on some of those jobs that stump the world's favorite adhesive fix-all.

Sometimes it pays to keep things simple when it comes to survival. Taking this approach is the newly launched Sharp-n-Spark, a lightweight camping implement that focuses on doing just two jobs and doing them well.