The UK's bestMulti Tools2022 Review

Getting yourself out of trouble is one of the many things that Pure Blue will help you with. They make all sorts of clever kit, but I think their Rosewood multi tool is one of the best pocket knives you can get for the money.

The first thing you’ll notice is the gorgeous rosewood scales that turn this multi tool into something rather handsome. The deep brown hardwood looks good, but it’s also hard and durable so it should last as long as the 12 stainless steel tools that fold out from the grips.

This multi tool includes: A sturdy set of needle-nose pliers with a pipe grip section and wire cutters. There’s a UK legal non-locking knife blade as well as a Philips head and flathead screwdriver.

But they’ve gone a step further by adding a set of detachable driver bits as well. There are several sizes of hex key, flathead and Phillips driver bits on a separate holder that fits into the nylon carry case. You also get a fish scaler, bottle and tin opener, 2″ straight edge and a nail file too.

Specialising in multi tools and other “everyday carry” (EDC) equipment, Bibury know a thing or two about making the best budget multi tools. This 5 in 1 multitool comes with everything you’d need to get yourself out of a jam, and it looks good at the same time.

Decked out in anodised black steel, this multi tool is designed for a cool, tactical look. The layer of oxide added to the steel isn’t just for good looks though. It can help protect the metal from corrosion, keeping it looking good for a long time.

Here’s what you get with this affordable multi tool: A fold-out pair of pliers makes the most of this slimline multi tool, the jaws slide out as well as the handle. The fold-out locking knife is a tri-grind type with a serrated section for cutting rope. You also get a bottle opener, a tin opener, and a screwdriver with nine detachable bits. And it all comes in a smart black case that can attach to your belt.

Utility and survival equipment company ROXON make an interesting array of pocket knives and some of the best multitools I’ve had a chance to research. The CM1349 Spark is the best friend of anyone who wants to go out and try a bit of bushcraft.

This is another slick and tactical looking knife. Decked out in black oxide steel with interesting leather-look portions, it’s a seriously good looking thing. But it’s not just good looking, this multi tool is solidly built and holds a fiery secret.

Here’s what you get with this multi tool: The tool butterflies out neatly to reveal a solid pair of pliers with a pipe grip section, serrations along the jaws and a two-part wire cutter and stripper. There’s a one-handed opening knife, saw blade, 2-in-1 bottle and tin opener. You also get a Phillips head screwdriver, and an awl and reamer for making holes and emergency sewing jobs. For emergency situations, there’s also a small fire steel that doubles up as an emergency whistle. That’s a lot to carry around!

Essence pride themselves on making equipment that is “built for all adventures from the sea to the mountains”. It’s a good thing then that their 15-in-1 pocket multi tool pliers and LED torch set is one of the best handy survival kits I’ve come across so far.

Made with a black textured aluminium body, and boasting stainless steel tools, this reliable multi tool looks a lot more expensive than it costs. Packed with the most features of any tool on my list, it’s an ideal bit of kit to carry on your hip thanks to the included carry pouch.

Not content to just supply you with a toolbox in your pocket, Essence have also included a shockproof aluminium tactical LED torch. It’s designed to be able to break windows, the light beam can be focussed, you get three levels of illumination, and it can strobe as well as send out SOS in morse code!

What you get with this well equipped multi tool: There’s a pair of pliers with pipe grips and a wire cutter section.  There’s also a locking knife blade, Phillips screwdriver, three sizes of flathead screwdriver, saw blade with fish hook remover, metal file, and a combined tin and bottle opener. This is a seriously well equipped multi tool.

One of the biggest names in knives and cutting tools, US brand Gerber have been around since 1939. I think that makes them qualified enough to make some of the best multitools around. The 1027828 Dime mini multi tool is a good looking, tiny, yet highly capable tool that takes the place of a whole toolkit when you’re out in the great outdoors.

Built to just about fit on a keychain, but still offering an impressive level of functionality, the Dime is great for hanging off your car keys or a camping bag. It’s designed to go everywhere with you, it doesn’t do any one job perfectly, but in a pinch, it will get the job done.

Here’s what you get with this multi tool set: a fold-out pair of pliers with pipe grips and partially serrated jaws, a sheepsfoot style knife blade, and a box opening tool for getting into your Amazon deliveries. There’s also a little double-sided file with a fine screwdriver tip, a flathead screwdriver, a small pair of scissors, a bottle opener, and a pair of tweezers hidden inside the body, as well as a lanyard ring.

Hinshark make all sorts of weird and wonderful gadgets for men and women, and the 18-in1 snowflake multitool is both weird and strangely wonderful! Designed to resemble something that might fall from the sky in the winter, this stainless steel tool is more practical than it looks.

The radial design of this multi tool breaks the mould when it comes to tool design – all the tools are right there and ready to use without needing to fold anything out. Once you’ve worked out what each of the nooks and crannies do, you can attach it to your keyring for when you really need it.

Here’s the multi tool selection you get: an impressive range of hex keys; 3, 4, 5, 6 and two 8 mm. Also, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm spanners. A combination flathead screwdriver and box cutter, a Phillips head screwdriver, bottle opener, and string cutting blade.

It’s an odd-looking multi tool that is easily attached to a bike bag or rucksack, but it might be a little too big and heavy to add to car keys or another keyring. But it’s not just a novelty!

One of the best things to come out of Switzerland since watches and fondue, Victorinox is the number one make for clever multi tools and Swiss army knives. Rather than trying to cram a thousand features into a huge tool, the Classic SD pocket knife strips everything back to just what’s most important.

Full disclosure: I’ve carried one of these miniature marvels on my car keys for years, and it’s got me out of trouble so many times!

Here’s what you get with this little Swiss army knife: There’s a small but razor-sharp knife and a file that’s excellent for dealing with damaged fingernails on one side. The end of the file is a little flat screwdriver that can also undo tiny crosshead screws as well.

On the other side of the tool is a miniature pair of scissors. They don’t look like much, but they’re well machined and even have a little spring inside to keep them apart. And inside the body of the tool is a pair of tweezers and a useful toothpick.