The 5 Best Multi-Tool Budget Knives for Survival
In the super competitive and saturated landscape of survival gear, we’ve found a new contender for best multi-tool to buy on a budget. This multi-tool, promising great features without the hefty price tag. Good for any prepper! This product aims to revolutionise emergency preparedness with its robust design and functionality, designed to cater specifically for survival preppers.
If you’re on a tight budget or just getting started with prepping for a disaster, you may be interested in another one of our articles as well – Prepping on a Budget: Affordable Ways to Get Started (Under £100).
Best Multi-Tool on a Budget
In this article, we’ve taken 5 of the best multi-tools you can purchase without breaking the bank. Within a very reserved budget of under £50, all multi-tools in this article challenge established brands by offering superior durability and enhanced utility. These multi-tools are all compelling choices for preppers looking to upgrade their survival gear.
With focus on survival features, weight and cost, these five multi-tools set out to change expectations in the realm of survival equipment. Any of these five best multi-tools would aid with ensuring readiness in any emergency scenario – however we’ve also picked our favourite (read to the end to find out which one)
Multi-Tool #1 – Gerber Crucial
The Gerber Crucial multi-tool is a compact and versatile accessory designed for practical use in various situations. Measuring 14 x 14 x 3.2 cm and weighing 227 grams, it is both portable and substantial enough to handle demanding tasks in an emergency. The handles are curved and sculpted to fit mid-sized adult hands, with an attachment carabiner hidden behind the folded knife (pic below).
One of the standard features is a pair of robust and decent pliers, ideal for gripping and manipulating objects securely. The inner cutters are sharp and perfect for stripping or cutting wires.
For fastening and loosening screws, it comes equipped with two screwdrivers: a Philips and a flathead, making it useful for a wide range of basic applications – however you may struggle with intricate adjustments.
Gerber Crucial Dual Locking Blade
The tool includes a dual locking knife blade, featuring both a penknife and a rope blade nearer the hilt. This combination allows for a single blade knife to be used for precise cutting and sawing through tougher materials. Obviously, tough fiberous material like rope or wood significantly dulls any blade, so be warned. The dual blade enhances its utility in outdoor settings or emergency situations. Although it lacks a can opener and scissors, it compensates with its sturdy construction and well-rounded functionality.
Another practical feature that I think is quite unique to this knife, is the built-in carabiner. This simple addition allows for easy attachment to belts, bags, or gear, ensuring it is always within reach. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, handymen, and anyone who values having a reliable tool readily accessible.
Priced at £48, the Gerber Crucial offers a good balance of durability, versatility, and portability. While it may not have every conceivable feature, and is pricey, its careful selection of tools and solid build quality make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
Multi-Tool #2 – Bibury BLT-PRO
The Bibury BLTPRO multi-tool is a comprehensive and robust device designed to meet a wide array of needs, making it an excellent choice for both everyday use and specialised tasks. When closed, it measures 15.9 x 14.7 x 4.3 cm and weighs 400 grams, striking a balance between portability and functionality.
This multi-tool includes a set of sturdy pliers, suitable for gripping and manipulating various materials. It also features a flathead screwdriver with a holder for third-party 1/4-inch heads. This novel idea adds flexibility for different screwing and unscrewing requirements.
The BLT-PRO boasts a dual penknife / rope blade, along with a wood saw. This combo provides a variety of cutting options. It also includes a can opener, enhancing its utility in camping and outdoor scenarios.
Additionally, the BLT-PRO is equipped with a flint striker, a compact whistle AND a window breaker (highlighted here). These three small features that add an immense amount to your emergency preparedness capabilities. For convenient carrying, it comes with a nylon pouch and a belt clip, ensuring it is easily accessible when needed.
Unique features of the Bibury BLT-PRO further extends its range of applications from safety and signaling to fire-starting and basic construction tasks. Priced at £46, it offers excellent value with its wide array of tools and durable construction. The Bibury BLT-PRO make a reliable companion for both everyday and emergency situations.
Multi-Tool #3 – Pure Blue Rosewood
The Pure Blue Rosewood multi-tool is a stylish and functional accessory, characterised by its beautiful wood inlay handle. Out of our list of 5 multi-tools here, this one looks the nicest, by far. I think havin a touch of wood in the construction makes it looks very sophisticated – obviously not beneficial or a hindrance in an emergency though.
When closed this multi-tool knife measures about 13 x 7 x 5 cm and weighs 320 grams, making it a compact yet substantial tool. Weight wise, its the upper end of the middle from this list.
This multi-tool features the obligatory robust pliers, ideal for gripping and manipulating various objects. It includes three screwdrivers: mini-Philips head , mini-flathead, and a standard flathead, catering to a range of fastening needs in any emergency. The mini might even be small enough to handle repairs on glasses, which definitely would suck during an emergency.
Additionally the Rosewood is equipped with two penknife blades and a fish descaler, making it versatile for cutting tasks and fishing activities.
The tool also incorporates a can opener, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures and everyday use. While it lacks scissors and a window breaker, it remains practical with its core functionalities.
The Pure Blue Rosewood multi-tool comes with a convenient pouch for easy carrying and accessibility. Priced at £25, it offers a blend of aesthetic appeal and essential tools, making it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Its elegant design and practical features make it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both form and function.
Multi-Tool #4 – Essence’ DXX-023
The Essence DXX 023 multi-tool kit is a versatile and comprehensive set designed to meet various needs with a focus on functionality and convenience. The knife itself measures 10.5 x 4.6 x 2.4 cm, while the included torch is about 25% larger, providing ample lighting capabilities. The entire kit, which includes the knife, torch, and a small manual, weighs about 630 grams.
This multi-tool features a sturdy pair of pliers and a whole bunch of screwdriver options: mini-Philips, mini-flathead, mid-flathead, and a standard flathead. It includes two blades, a traditional penknife and a serrated one, suitable for diverse cutting requirements. Additionally, it has a can opener, a file and even a can knife (old school).
While the Essence DXX 023 lacks scissors and a window breaker that latter recommended products have, it compensates with its robust construction and essential tools. The nylon pouch provides convenient carrying for both the multi-tool and the torch.
A standout feature of this kit is the included LED torch, which also offers SOS and strobe modes. Ideal for enhancing the kits utility in emergency situations. The torch can be used on 3 brightness settings and has adjustable zoom – so is surprisingly versatile for the price.
Speaking of price – this kit comes in at only £22!
The Essence DXX 023 multi-tool kit offers excellent value with its combination of practical tools and additional torch, making it a reliable and great choice for various every-day tasks or emergency situations.
This may be the best multi-tool when the lights go off in a disaster – read our Survival Guide on What to Do in a Blackout
Buy the Essence Tool & Torch Kit Now
Multi-Tool #5 – The ROXON M2
The ROXON M2 multi-tool easily stands out as the smallest and lightest option among our best multi-tool recommendations; measuring just 7 x 2.9 x 1.7 cm and weighing a mere 127 grams. Its diminutive size and weight make it ideal for situations where portability and minimal weight are crucial, though it may be less suitable for those with larger hands (like mine).
Despite its compact form, the ROXON M2 offers a range of practical tools. It includes two screwdrivers: a mini-Philips and a more standard sized flathead, supplemented by a small case containing nine detachable magnetic hex, Torx, and additional Philips head bits, enhancing its versatility for various tasks. The single penknife blade is useful for basic cutting needs too.
The tool also features a can opener and a pair of scissors, adding to its functionality for everyday and outdoor scenarios. Additionally, it includes a surprising window breaker hardened point – providing a safety feature in an emergency situation.
For easy carrying, the ROXON M2 comes with a nylon pouch.
Priced at £30, the ROXON M2 offers excellent value, combining a compact design with a useful array of tools. Its lightweight and small size make it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable multi-tool without the bulk. IF you’re sick of these survival articles assuming you have giant ‘man-hands’, these provide a great option without the absurd hand size assumed by the manufacturer.
Summary of the 5 Best Multi-Tool on a Budget
When comparing the five tools; Gerber Crucial, Bibury BLTPRO, Pure Blue Rosewood, Essence DXX 023, and ROXON M2 multi-tools, several key differences emerge. These differences could impact the effectiveness in survival or emergency situations you’re preparing for. Do you know what disaster you should be preparing for?
We’ve tabulated the best multi-tools recommended above, to make comparing them easier.
Note: For mobile devices, the following product table may be best viewed if you turn the device sideways (landscape). Failing that, you may need to switch to desktop view for optimal viewing.
Stand out features have been highlighted.
Gerber Crucial | Bibury BLTPRO | Pure Blue Rosewood | Essence’ DXX023 | ROXON M2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size CM (Closed) | 14 x 14 x 3.2 | 15.9 x 14.7 x 4.3 | 12.9 x 6.8 x 4.9 | 10.5 x 4.6 x 2.4 | 7 x 2.9 x 1.7 |
| Weight | 227g | 400g | 320g | 630g | 127g |
| Pliers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Screwdrivers | 2 Philips Flathead | 1 Flathead + Holder for 3rd party 1/4inch heads | 3 Mini-Philips Mini-Flathead Flathead | 4 Mini-Philips Mini-Flathead Mid-Flathead Flathead | 2 Mini-Philips Flathead + 9 detachable magnetic hex / torx / philips heads |
| Blades | 1 Dual penknife and rope blade | 2 Dual penknife and rope blade + Wood Saw | 2 Penknife Fish-Descaler | 2 Penknife Serrated | 1 Penknife |
| Saftey Catch / Locking Blade | Yes | All tools lock when opened | No | Yes | No |
| Can Opener | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scissors | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Window Breaker | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Affix | Carabiner | Nylon Pouch and Belt Clip | Pouch | Nylon Pouch | Nylon Pouch |
| Misc’ | Whistle Hammer Flintstone | Kit contains a torch | |||
| Price | £48 | £46 | £25 | £22 | £30 |
| Position | 5th Place | ** 1st Place ** — Best Multi-Tool | 3rd Place | 2nd Place | 4th Place |
| Purchase | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Gerber Crucial
This tool is compact (14 x 14 x 3.2 cm) and weighs 227g. It includes the usual pliers, two screwdrivers, dual knife blades, and a carabiner for easy attachment. However, it lacks a can opener, scissors, and glass breaker, limiting its utility in comprehensive emergency scenarios.
Bibury BLTPRO
Measuring 15.9 x 14.7 x 4.3 cm and a good 400g, this tool is the most feature-rich of our best multi-tool options. It includes the obvious pliers, a flathead screwdriver with a holder for third-party heads (i think this simple hole, clever), dual penknife and rope blade (yes!), wood saw, can opener, scissors, and a window breaker! Unique to this tool are the whistle, hammer, and flintstone, making it exceptionally versatile for survival situations as my personal favourite.
Pure Blue Rosewood
This tool is more compact (12.9 x 6.8 x 4.9 cm) and weighs 320g. It features pliers, three screwdrivers, dual penknife blades, a fish descaler, and a can opener. Its the nicest looking one we’ve listed – does that matter? However, it lacks scissors, a window breaker, and specialised emergency tools, which might limit its utility in critical situations.
Essence DXX 023
This is actually a small kit, including a multi-tool knife (10.5 x 4.6 x 2.4 cm), torch, and a tiny manual. The full kit comes in around 600g, with that roughly split 50:50 between tool and torch. It offers pliers, four screwdrivers, dual knife blades, and a can opener. The torch with SOS and strobe modes enhances its emergency functionality and shouldn’t be overlooked if you don’t already have an emergency or backup torch. The lack of scissors and a window breaker, coupled with its heavier weight, may be drawbacks that you find significantly reduce the multi-tools appeal.
ROXON M2
The smallest and lightest (127g), it includes two screwdrivers with additional magnetic bits, a penknife, can opener, scissors, and a window breaker. Its compact size is ideal for portability but might be challenging for users with larger hands like mine. The best feature of this tool is the magnetic bits that come included but are stored separately (theres dedicated room for them in the storage pouch though). Nice to have the option of additional bits and you could probably swap out some of the lesser used bits if you know you need something else.
Best Multi-Tool – Authors Recommendation
Authors Recommendation: All five tools are highly recommended for their specific strengths. However, the Bibury BLTPRO stands out as the top recommendation due to its comprehensive feature set, including essential survival tools like a wood saw, whistle, hammer, and flintstone. Its versatility and robustness make it the most reliable choice for survival and emergency situations. The price tag (£46), while at the upper-end of our range, still makes this amazing multi-tool a budget device and in my eyes, worth every penny.
Remember, a knife may be illegal to carry in certain countries, counties or areas. We’re not experts in law or anything – so do you own research before you carry anything outside of the home. If you don’t know the law or your rights regarding something like these multi-tools – here’s a good article to start. Also, if you’re buying a multi-tool, do yourself a favour and grab a decent cheap first-aid kit too – we all make mistakes when using tools from time to time.
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