Let’s talk about the Swiss Army knife. Classic? Sure. Predictable? Absolutely. But what if I told you there’s a multitool that doubles as a ferro rod for starting campfires? Or one with a built-in USB drive that survived my toddler’s yogurt “encryption”?
I’ve been obsessed with EDC gear since I accidentally locked myself out of my apartment wearing pajamas (spoiler: no pockets, no tools, lots of regrets). But after testing 25+ keychain tools, I’ve found the weirdest, coolest, and downright cleverest ones that’ll make your friends ask, “Where’d you get that?!”
(No sponsorships here—just tools I’ve abused myself. Purchase links at the end!)
The “Wait, That’s a Multitool?!” Hall of Fame
1. RovyVon Aurora A33: The Flashlight That Moonlights as a Screwdriver
Buy It: Amazon ($39.99)
Secret Feature: A 650-lumen flashlight with magnetic hex bits hidden in the tail.
I used this during a blackout to fix my neighbor’s porch swing. The light’s brighter than my future, and the bits stay put even when shaking it like a maraca.
Why It’s Brilliant: The glow-in-the-dark body helped me find it after I dropped it in a movie theater.
2. Gerber Mullet: The “Why Is There a Bottle Opener on My Hex Key?”
Buy It: REI ($14.95)
Secret Feature: A modular hex wrench set that snaps into a bottle opener.
I keep this in my cycling kit. Fixed a loose bike seat mid-ride, then celebrated with a cold brew. The wrenches don’t fall out—even on potholes.
Weird Flex: The name’s terrible, but the design? Chef’s kiss.
3. James Brand The Pike: For People Who Hate Multitools (But Need One)
Buy It: James Brand ($125)
Secret Feature: A titanium tool disguised as a minimalist keyring.
This thing looks like jewelry but has a box opener sharp enough to slice through Amazon’s “packaging of doom.” My hipster barista friend didn’t believe it was a tool until I opened a wine bottle with it.
Downside: Costs more than my first car. But hey, it’s aerospace-grade.
4. Leatherman Brewzer: The Hipster’s Best Friend
Buy It: Amazon ($14.95)
Secret Feature: A bottle opener with a scraper for removing labels (stickers, not life choices).
Used this to de-label 100+ jam jars for my pandemic hoarding phase. The edge stays sharp, and it’s thin enough to stash in a phone case.
Bonus: Works as a flathead screwdriver. Fixed my glasses during a Zoom call.
5. SOG KeyTile: The Ninja Star You Can Take Through TSA
Buy It: SOG ($29.95)
Secret Feature: A credit-card-sized tool with a window breaker and wire stripper.
Carry this in my wallet. It’s cut open shipping boxes, stripped speaker wire, and (theoretically) could escape a sinking Tesla.
Caution: Looks sketchy in an X-ray. I preemptively tell TSA, “It’s a keychain tool!” while doing jazz hands.
6. Nitecore TIP SE: The Flashlight That’s Smarter Than My Phone
Buy It: Amazon ($59.95)
Secret Feature: A rechargeable flashlight with a USB-C port and bolt-action slider.
This survived a monsoon hike. The slider feels like cocking a shotgun (but TSA-safe). Charges my phone in a pinch.
Story Time: Used the red light mode to sneak into a tent without waking my snoring uncle.
7. Vaultskin Chelsea Wallet: The Spy Gadget You Can Buy on Amazon
Buy It: Amazon ($69.00)
Secret Feature: A wallet with a hidden multitool in the stitching.
Holds cards, cash, and has a blade-free tool for prying/screwing. Looks like a normal wallet—perfect for heists (or grocery runs).
Confession: I’ve used the pry bar to scrape ice off my windshield.
8. CountyComm Embassy Pen: Write Now, Screw Later
Buy It: CountyComm ($89.00)
Secret Feature: A titanium pen with 4 hidden screwdriver bits.
Wrote a novel draft with this, then fixed a loose outlet cover. The bits are sneaky—TSA hasn’t noticed them yet.
Drawback: Costs more than my therapist.
9. ZapWerkz Pico Pull: For People Who Lose Everything
Buy It: ZapWerkz ($12.99)
Secret Feature: A 1-inch tool that pulls zippers, opens bottles, and tightens screws.
Attached this to my dog’s collar. Used it to fix his leash clip and open a beer at the park.
Why It’s Genius: Weighs less than a paperclip.
10. Big Idea Design TPT Slide: The Fidget Spinner of Multitools
Buy It: Amazon ($99.00)
Secret Feature: A magnetic slider that flicks out tools like a butterfly knife (but legal).
Fidget with it during meetings. The razor blade is removable for TSA compliance.
Warning: You’ll annoy coworkers with the click-clack sound.
How to Choose Your Secret Weapon
- Tech Nerds: RovyVon Aurora A33 (USB charging + hex bits).
- Urban Preppers: SOG KeyTile (window breaker + wallet-friendly).
- Minimalists: ZapWerkz Pico Pull (tiny but mighty).
