Multi-Tools: By Sgt. D

One of the great things that have been perfected in the past twenty years has been the Multi-Tool.  They are made by a number of different manufacturers.  They come in many different sizes and costs.  Almost every military guy I know of carries one.  Most law enforcement types carry one as well.  When I was on the job it became one of the used pieces of equipment on my belt.

  I used a couple of different brands of Multi-Tools when I was in law enforcement.  Both did a good job.  It would be hard for me to recommend one over another because I haven't had a chance to test them all.  I believe that Multi-Tools are like clothes; you should look them over, try them on, and find the one that best matches you.  I personally like a larger one; one that uses heavy gauge metal, and has all of the following tools:

Pliers
Knife blades
Saw
File
Assorted screw drivers 
Can opener
Bottle opener

The one tool I can honestly say that I have not used is the leather punch.

I have said in prior posts, that I think it is important to carry more than one knife.  A Multi-Tool fits into that idea very well.  Both of my tools have a straight edge blade and had a serrated blade.  For those of you that don't know a serrated blade is much better than a straight edge blade to cut rope, web strapping or seat belts.

You also need to remember that one tool help maintain another tools.  The file can be used to sharpen axes and other metals to give them an edge.  

The pliers have many uses; I have used them for pulling hot pots or metals out of a fire.

A Multi tool should be considered it a very important part of you survival tool kit.  "Be Prepared" from us at IIHTF.