What's the Best Pocket Tool on the Market? - Gear Tasting 92

Today on Gear Tasting, Bryan goes over the "pocket tool" market and what's available by breaking down the different features, functionality and form factors. You'll also hear why we ultimately settled on the TPT as the best choice to offer in the ITS Store.

In addition on a Question Over Coffee, Bryan offers his thoughts on using GORUCK Ruck Plates in a plate carrier vs. a training vest to build cardio.

Resources

To have your gear related question answered on an upcoming episode, tweet us using the poundtag #GearTasting on Twitter.
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In each episode of Gear Tasting, Imminent Threat Solutions Editor-in-Chief Bryan Black answers your gear-related questions and shares his insight into what we're currently evaluating at ITS HQ.

[JohnBlackmanVermont]

For usability, safety, and cost; I would have to say the EAB and Screwpop. Both are less than $10. Screwpop 3 has magnet for blade retention and safety (no noise). It hangs on my keys. My EAB is a great box opener/ general use knife. I carry my EAB, SOG Sync 1 belt buckle and a full sized leatherman. I see no need in carrying expensive box openers. I bought them to open boxes. Box openers are not survival tools, they open boxes or packages. Good video. good information. I just disagree. A box opener is a specific tool, like a screwdriver. It is not a multi tool and does not need to be.

[joshwagner]

I open and break down a crazy number of boxes at my job. While I carry a box cutter to do it with, we never use the blade to open a box. The little nub at the end of a box cutter will break the tension of the tape and allow you to split it open. We only use the blade to take care of stubborn bits of tape when breaking the boxes down or cutting open shrink wrapped pallets.

Based on my experience there, I carry a Gerber Shard on my keychain to open boxes at home. No blade to worry about, has added utility, and it only costs like $5.

[jermlac]

I watched the other video and I feel like your view is still a stretch after watching your sales rebuttal. Good over view of tools but it's kind of like the 'made for tv' ads that make simple tasks seem so hard and cumbersome. Like beauty, utility is in the eye of the beholder. I'd carry the Ti Pocket Tool but I can't justify the cost for features available but if someone else can, that's exciting. Thanks for making the video for us, I enjoy hearing how people decide on their gear much more than just what gear they use.

[joeybergeron]

Good choice. I started with the Screwpop and gave it away because it would attach to my keys all the time due to the magnet on the outside of it. Then I've got the Titanium Pocket Tool and been since kickstarter. Functional and useful. Well designed.

[silverhawx]

Apologies if its been mentioned, the new screwpop has a magnet, no rattle, no blade falling out, still under $10

[defqon]

You're missing the most versatile and probably smallest multi tool: Victorinox SD
Better quality than the shitty leatherman squirt

[maxbaxtraxgaming]

I use a Gerber eab as a edc utility knife and i dont have a problem opening it with one hand. The problem i have with the other that I dont have with the gerber is that they dont fit in my hand comfortably but the eab does. And my change pocket got tore up carrying utility knives in there.

[khs]

The EAB is super easy to open. You just flick your wrist like you would with a knife. Also the blades locking mechanism is solid af. The clip makes it super accessible in the pocket while keeping it in place. At 7 bucks though to beat.

[tnpsheepdog]

Your customer service is why I feel confident spending my money with you guys. Your products NEVER disappoint and I know that I can trust you guys if I am for some reason unhappy with my purchase. I just picked up a discreet messenger bag last Black Friday and I love it! Thanks for everything you guys contribute to the community!

[jakefromohiostate]

I can’t tell from the video which version of the screwpop you have, but the later versions have a magnet in the frame to keep the blade from rattling. I found them on sale for $4 ...grabbed a hand full and they work great.

[lauriemclaren]

I have one of these. I wasn’t particularly put off by the price but it did take some planning. That being said I have a number of small multitools. They, like anything, have their pros and cons. I always tend to come back to this tool. It fits in my work slacks and it’s light. EDC is very personal. Some people don’t mind springing for the cash while others think it’s ludicrous. I don’t think the price for quality and functionality is nuts at all.

That being said, I can’t open it one handed. I’m a cellist for about 34 years (among other more outdoorsy hobbies) so I don’t think my dexterity or hand strength is lacking. But I always have it with me more than any other tool.

[fivetengarage]

I have the Gerber EAB. Once broken in it opens easily. I can flip it open with one hand. The problem is that in the closed position the point of the blade sticks out slightly.Your blade may vary.
I do prefer the pocket clip rather than carrying it loose.

[dime]

Gerber EAB is very easy to open once broken in. I have been using it for over ten years now almost everyday for work. 10 thumbs way up!!

[kennypuckett]

Man, you can see how much you care about what you do. That's why I will continue to watch and support you and the things you do.

[jonjonjonnyjon]

Never understood that argument. Sharpening should be part of regular maintenance of any cutting tool. Cutting open a couple of boxes is not going to make your knife useless, if it does then you bought a shit knife. It's not hard to sharpen a knife... get a pocket sized slipstone like a DC-4 or something and do a couple passes as needed.

[EfrainSuarezII]

Saw that video too. It was a rant more than an review. Price justification is in the eye of the user. Great video +ITS Tactical

[hpptlmn]

I love this video. Watching the other review on the TPT I couldn't believe that he couldn't see it as a simple tool in order to NOT use your knife so I'm glad you mention that as the reason for using one. I like that you line all the different options you've use and then went into why you decided on the TPT

[georgecupac]

100% you're looking for the leatherman free K4.
I just got one a couple of days ago
And with a small a adjustment you can flick the knife open and closed just like a benchmade 940

[simonforget]

Screwpop Tools added a magnet on their Ron’s Utility Knife 3.0 (maybe even their Ron’s Utility Knife 2.0 version...). It now prevents the rattle and keep the blade in the handle, even if the lock is open.

As far as I know, anything shipped outside of continental US adds so much to the final price that I tend to avoid ordering from any US companies. It's a sad reality.

Keep up your excellent work.

[nickvids]

Rogue makes weighted plates for the 5.11 cross-fit vest