The concept of a portable, multi-functional tool has been around for centuries. Early examples, like the Roman army knife, combined basic implements like a blade, spoon, and fork. However, what you’d probably picture as a modern multi-tool has its roots in the Swiss Army knife, developed in the late 19th century. The Swiss Army Knife was initially intended for soldiers but gained widespread popularity due to its versatility. While the term multitool is arguably vague, for the sake of clarity, the rest of the article pretend I am talking about something like this.

In the late 20th century, companies like Gerber and Leatherman began designing multi-tools specifically for tradesmen, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone just looking to be a little more prepared. These tools typically incorporate pliers, screwdrivers, saws, and a host of other implements depending on who and which set you’re getting.

I am of the opinion that everyone should have some kind of multi-tool on them at all times, even if I often don’t follow my own advice. Even smaller ones are such a big deal if you can’t have a toolbox. There are too many uses where one might come in handy.

Why Carry A Multi-tool?

Everyday Carry: A multi-tool can handle everyday tasks from opening packages to making minor repairs around the house. They probably don’t recommend it, but I’ve also used one as a hammer.

Outdoor Activities: For hikers, campers, and anglers, a multi-tool is essential for gear repair fire starting because who wants to carry too much stuff into a hike?

Professional Use: Electricians, plumbers, and mechanics often use multi-tools for on-the-job repairs and maintenance. Bonus if you don’t have to drag everything out of the truck to get the job done.

I no-shit was able to get my car started when I got stranded because of a small credit card-shaped multitool my mom had gotten me on Amazon. I ended up using it until it bent and then broke, but I could retighten my old connecters to my battery and actually get my car started. Now, would I buy that thing again? Probably not, but I had it, and it worked!

Let’s talk about one I probably am going to buy. Just a heads up, this isn’t a proper review; it is more of an overview. I haven’t used it enough to review it properly, but I am excited about it so far and have gotten some solid recommendations, so I wanted to share.

The Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Basic

So, if you haven’t figured it out because of all of the pictures of it, we’re talking about Gerber’s Multi-Plier 600. The MP600 Basic is a multi-tool built with a focus on functionality and durability. Constructed primarily from stainless steel, as the name implies, it’s a set of pliers with a multitude of tools hiding inside.

Beyond the pliers, it includes Pinch wire cutters, a wire crimper, a plain edge knife, a serrated knife, a pointed screwdriver, small, medium, and large flat blade screwdrivers, a lanyard ring, a can opener, a bottle opener, a file, and ruler.

Altogether, the MP 600 is approximately six inches in length and weighs eight ounces. It’s easy to carry in your pocket if you don’t have a handy dandy sheath like the one we have in our pictures. I assume it’s called a Multi-Plier because someone trademarked multi-tool, which is baffling because of how non-descript it is. But, I have to give props to every thought of the name because Multi-plier is clever; I love a double entendre.

My Experience With the MP 600 Basic

I’ve been using an MP 600 Basic little bit my old man loaned me, and a lot of the pictures are from him out at a horse rescue we volunteer at together, and it’s definitely come in handy more than I’d like to admit. There is a certain beauty in the simplicity of the Multi-Plier. We both have used a couple of multi-tools over the years. Many of them are overdesigned or overloaded, so they get confusing to use, or the quality suffers. There may be better ones out there, especially for specific use cases out there, but so far, it seems pretty good, most of the time, and at not a ridiculous price.

Something that is pretty good, most of the time, that’s designed to be carried all the time, or as often as you can, fits the bill pretty well. I’ll report back to you when I have spent a while with it being maybe a little meaner than I should be to it, and perhaps it’ll have changed, but I doubt it.

Multi-Pliers & More

Where to Find Your Multi-Plier

• Gun.Deals ($$$ compare)
• Gerber