I was checking to see whether the Morakniv Craftline knife was on sale for Black Friday on Amazon (it’s not so far), and this carabiner multi-tool came up at the top of the “more results” section. Let’s talk about it.
This is the Giriaitus EDC carabiner multi-tool, and it’s available in multiple colors options.
I’m not familiar with this brand – they seem to sell a bunch of different EDC and outdoors multi-tools and related products.
Advertisement
The carabiner multi-tool has 9 core features:
- Rope cutter
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Latching carabiner gate
- Window breaker
- Slotted screwdriver
- Serrated knife blade
- Folding knife blade
- Measuring stick
There is no weight or load rating, and so this should NOT be used to secure any load you don’t want to potentially drop or lose.
It looks like this is a second generation model with some material improvements.
Here’s the big question – is it a convenient multi-tool, or is it junk?
While not as featured, the Leatherman Skeletool is on sale at Amazon right now, as part of their Black Friday deals.
Advertisement
Wayne R.
A person could do a lot more with a Swiss Army Knife and a real carabiner.
That “latching gate” looks like a joke.
Jared
SAKs are surprisingly useful. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising – they’ve been around forever – but start carrying even a classic SD and see if you don’t find uses for it.
This tool looks more like tactical jewelry than a genuine multi tool. It’s not like you could do something with it – but there are lots more practical tools.
Darr
Examples that you’d suggest please… I’m am often in need of a multi tool… Thanks
Brian J. Baumgartner
Not really, SAKs don’t lock, and the blades (plural) are MUCH longer on this. Also, at least this latches securely onto lots of your stuff. SAKs have to either be on a keychain (which introduces new problems) or kept in a pocket. I don’t know what your issue is with the gate, this isn’t meant for serious rope work, anyway.
Don’t get me wrong, I HAVE this tool and don’t like it. But if you’re gonna slam it, do it on merit.
John
“The thickness is thickened.” LOL.
So… I see this as a very limited-function multi tool that happens to have a limited -strength carabiner. Other than that, sure, fun gift maybe. Amazon reviews seem mixed. And, what’s with the weird x-ray of the hand?
Stuart
It’s an… adjustable wrench tattoo?
TomD
It’s almost cheap enough to use here and there on the off-chance it might be useful (think hanging the diaper bag from the stroller type things).
But otherwise looks like you’re better off using the money to buy a real multi-tool.
Robert
I followed the link to the Giriaitus pages. Seems their designers would be awesome animators for Anime films. The tools look cool. But as practical product design, IDK. For example, the EDC Pry Bar Multitool looks kind of dangerous, depending on how sharp the pry end. If you are holding it with a sweaty hand and bearing down on the wrench function, possibly the screwdriver function, your hand could slip down to the pry end while gripping hard and get cut.
Charles
Charlie clambers up on his soapbox and asks a simple question
When is the last time you actually used a EDC cheap multitool and it actually worked without some sort of frustration?
For me, the answer is ‘never’ and if you’re honest, that’s the answer for you too.
Cheap multitool do nothing well. The knives take three hands to open, the screwdrivers break and how many bottle openers do you need.
A few weeks ago here, we spoke about a Milwaukee sale at HD. One of the tools was a Fastback knife and screwdriver – nothing more and just what I want. The listing speaks to one handed opening and a liner lock.
I get it, nearly slice my hand off getting it out of the package and there is no way of just ‘flipping’ the knife open. In addition, the screwdriver bit keeps falling out.
I’ve got to be doing something wrong so I head over to Amazon – mostly glowing reviews, but even the good ones talk about needing two hands to open it.
I head to the Milwaukee site – mostly damning reviews talking about the inability to flip it open and the screwdriver either breaking or the bit getting lost.
I wrote Milwaukee customer service – no response. Next, I’ll hit them up on X and LinkedIn g that often gets a response.
Bottom line – buy only the tools that you need and remember that you get what you pay for. What can you expect for $15?
Charlie steps off his soapbox, trips and get a bloody nose.
Stuart
This looks unique to me, but also very junky. It’s affordable, and potentially convenient, but also leans too heavily into “perfect gift” marketing.
I found this design interesting when I stumbled across it, but it’s also something I’d never buy.
Am I biased against it because it looks cheap? Would I be more optimistic if Leatherman, Gerber, or Dewalt put their names on it?
It seemed worth a quick post to discuss.
William Adams
I pretty regularly use a Gearfusion EverRatchet, usually paired w/ part of a CRKT Getaway Driver to disassemble or reassemble things or tighten hardware (keep a 4mm hex key for Ikea furniture in it in addition to the Phillips and flat screwdriver bits in the CRKT), and a SwissTech Utilikey came in handy while traveling the other week to tighten up my glasses.
Naturally, if I’m planning for that sort of thing, I grab a short PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver, or a Metmo Pocket Driver and so forth, but the small tools (and a Boker Swiss Army Knife) are a useful default in my experience.
Jerry
Charlie, I got a 2 pack of Fastback knives a couple years ago when they were on sale. One was a folding Fastback knife, the other one also had a screwdriver on it that folded out. Unless you needed a screwdriver handy, the regular Fastback knife is the better one. It is more compact, has storage for extra blades, and as you said, the bit can fall out. I have found that if you double check to be sure the bits are all the way seated into the holder when you fold it, they will not fall out when in your pocket, but still the bit holder isn’t as secure as I’d like it to be.
Now to the knife itself, I have never had an issue with being able to flip the knife open or closed with one hand. Just press and hold the release button while flicking your wrist, and it will very quickly flip open or closed. It only took me a few tries to get it to work almost 100% of the time. Over time, the hinge may get gummed up a bit, and a shot of light oil keeps it going. Unfolding and folding the screwdriver shank takes two hands and sometimes a 3rd would be helpful, but I never had a complaint about the knife itself not working one-handed.
Ford Nitrus
I use a fastback every single day. I’m really surprised and a bit confused to read your experience. I’ve never had any issues opening it one handed. I’ve even flipped the bit one handed on occasion. I also EDC a Wave, but I rely on the fastback enough that I don’t do well without it.
I’ve spent way too many hours trying to find something else, given that the bit retainer does eventually fail; there’s not much. The Arm Bar is probably the only thing that comes close to it, but still no quick change blade there.
It’s sad because a lot of chinabrand EDC stuff is being innovative and looks like it actually solves issues that the big guys aren’t tackling.
But yeah the fastback or it’s clones is not replaceable for me, and I just willingly keep buying one every time the retainer fails. It’s just that pivotal to my EDC.
Charles
Jerry and Ford – right. I thought the same – it must be something I was doing wrong, but the reviews on the Milwaukee site (https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/48-22-1540) are quite awful. Here is the ‘AI summary on their own page.
“Summary of Reviews
AI-generated from customer reviews, which may include incentivized reviews.
The tool features a screwdriver bit that customers find useful, but some common issues have been reported. The screwdriver bit can be difficult to replace, the one-handed opening mechanism often requires two hands, and the plastic construction and tight components can make the tool feel less durable. Some customers have also experienced the blade or screwdriver breaking with moderate use. While the multi-functionality is appreciated, the reliability and durability concerns limit the tool’s effectiveness as an everyday carry item.”
If I were Milwaukee then I’d hide my head in shame if ‘incentivized reviews’ are bad.
Quite frankly (on the three that I bought), it is absolutely impossible for the blade to open by flipping it open. Of course you need to push the button to unlock the blade, but then you need to use two hands to open it and they all feel like something is binding.
It speaks volumes when have 3.2 stars from predominately paid reviewers.
While HD reviews are similar (and many mirror the ones on the Milwaukee site) the AI summary is different but raises the same issues:
Customers say the Milwaukee Fastback 5-in-1 Folding Knife is a versatile and sharp tool that combines a knife, screwdriver, and bottle opener, making it a practical choice for everyday carry. While many appreciate its ergonomic design and the convenience of having multiple tools in one, some users have noted that the opening mechanism requires two hands, which can be less convenient than expected. Overall, the knife is well-regarded for its quality and functionality, though some customers wish for improvements in the bit holder’s retention and the blade’s edge retention over time.
But I did get off topic here, so I’ll try get back on
You ALWAYS get what you pay for. If a company tries to add too many features and keep the price where people will buy it, then quality will suffer – often the quality of the entire tool, to the point where none of the tools are really useable.
I’ve gotten to the point where I can tell the quality of an item by just looking at the pictures – if the item is photoshopped (almost always badly) into someone’s hand, photoshopped cartoonishly large or just photoshopped into ridiculous situations, then the product is crap. The photoshopped wrench/hand here, along with the other pictures and the horrendously awful English (thickened thickness, meaauring stick) is just icing on the cake.
Giving junk like this to somebody as a stocking stuffer is fine until they hurt themselves with it and remember who gave it to them.
Oddly enough, this year is my ‘tool year’ again, where everyone gets the same gift from me – ten years ago (when Wiha had a ridiculous sale) I gave everyone a Wiha driver with the bits in the handle – and I still get comments from people about how wonderful that gift is.
Whenever I look at something like this I ask myself ‘which of the tools would I use’ and it comes back to knife and screwdriver – which brings me to the Milwaukee…..
I’ll shut up now and sit here quietly.
Jerry
Do you press – and hold – the lock release button while swinging the blade open? If you do not hold the release button all the way down it will not swing freely, requiring 2 hands to open or close.
Charles
Oh yeah, I held it in as far as it would go – to include pushing on it with my thumbnail. If it were just me, then I’d think I got a defective one, but since this is a recurring topic, I figure that it isn’t me, but it is Milwaukee.
Mnark
The dog bone bicycle wrench.
Stuart
If I recall correctly, those were also popular for oil changes.
I think enough years have passed from the last trend that we might see these pop up again.
Scott K
I’ve had a serrated Mora knife on my Amazon wishlist for a while – it’s currently lower than its typical price.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C1V8YW
fred
This is the time of year for stocking stuffers. And in spite of my better judgement, I’ve fallen into buying items like this. For this upcoming Christmas – no pocket multi-tools – but small batches of Simon brand carabiner bit (3) holders populated with Wera Phillips (0, 1 and 2) bits
and Some Wuben G5 flashlights (thanks Stuart for the posts)
and some Vim keychain 10mm flex ratcheting box wrenches
S
This looks like one of those gimmicky items on every ‘don’t know what to buy the men in your life’ lists.
The flip out blade makes for a poor knife, and the opening for the knife makes for a poor carabiner.
To anyone shopping for something like this, please, just get the poor guy a cheap knife or a pack of carabiners.
It’s not like random ok-ish cheap knives aren’t everywhere. I have a whole Amazon list for under $20… Here’s a random one. I find this one funny that it only has one side with a grip material.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WL7PWNL/
Chris Kidd
I owned one of these within weeks it fell apart screws loosened up on the one I had and replacement I got .
Alexk
Would like to see a video of someone use this to break glass, except I don’t want anyone to get hurt.
MM
Looks like a junky gimmick to me. I was going to say that it’s a bit like those cheapo “survival kits”: clearly not for serious use, but it could be a decent stocking stuffer for a teen who was interested in camping/outdoors stuff. But honestly: why not spend a little more and get them something like a SAK, Leatherman, or a basic but not junk knife?
Nate
I could see that being handy in the back of the car. I keep a few ‘biners back there already to solve tie-down strap issues, and depending on what I’m doing, I’m often back there opening boxes, cutting string, or otherwise doing things that this might be passable at.
Is it a real carabiner or a real knife? Obviously not. But it might be all I need. If it’s like five bucks, I’m in for one.
Oh, it’s fifteen. Nah.
Markel
Marketing your carabiner with an image of a cross-loaded gate raises serious red flags for me.
fred
No climbers among their marketing crew! But then again, no climber would likely buy one of these.
Steve
Junk
MattT
A lot people saying this is junk but, man, the thickened thickness and included measuring stick are awfully compelling.
Charles
You mean the meaauring stick, right?
Brian J. Baumgartner
So I have this very item (black-and-red) in my lap right now (black and red color scheme). In industry terms, the carabiner is a D-shaped screw locker carabiner.
It’s overpriced at $25, or even at $20. I wouldn’t say it is junk… but then there is very little I consider junk. I think $8 to $12 is an appropriate range, if the item I purchased is representative of the overall quality. It does look nice, though; I’d pay a few dollars extra for that.
PROS:
-Nice, smooth finish, like enamel. Decent aesthetics, especially with color options (although the color has a heavy price: the gate and screw-lock are anodized aluminum, even for the most frequently used threads).
-Comes in a jewelry pouch that for some reason I like enough to mention here.
-All tools have a reasonably smooth, clean liner lock- my favorite type for utility.
-The slotted screwdriver (which can be used to pry certain things) is very strong, because it is meant to be used with all the tools closed (it sticks out, and there isn’t a fulcrum to break with leverage.
-The incorporation of a serrated knife blade means you can keep the smooth blade extremely sharp (for when that is needed), and use the serrated blade for rough tasks.
CONS:
-The carabiner’s knurled screw-lock (sometimes called a screw gate) rattles badly if not fully tightened open or closed, but because the screw-lock is aluminum ( I HATE HATE HATE aluminum threads on tools!), after tightening down a few times, the sound of ground metal dust is heard whenever threads are engaged. Irritating to hear when still brand new.
-The gate (the spring-loaded part that keeps the cord’s/rope’s loop from sliding off the carabiner) is so loose from side to side that it simply cannot auto-close successfully on release like even a $0.75 carabiner does- it must be manually aligned (EVERY TIME) to close fully. Even mechanical adjustments do not fix the problem. I am not an expert, but I have used carabiners hundreds of times in the last thirty years, and never saw a misalignment so severe. Very irritating to use.
-The laughably tiny “rope cutter” is not only not sharp, it was never beveled at all, let alone sharpened- grinding never occurred, and the metal is still thick and covered in paint, unlike in photos.
-Very little metal on this is over 0.125″ thick- the entire thickness of the frame comes from stacked sheet metal (fairly thick sheet metal, but still); I imagine they were trying to minimize in-house milling and stick with lasering.
-Not that many useful tools for this class of multitool, and every time you notice that, you’ll get a little ticked off by the fact that both of the tool-blades are can openers.
-Not many users can sharpen this serrated knife blade.
-The glass breaker needs the help of a four or five foot chain, whipped laterally. Short of that, this will have trouble breaking glass stronger than a smartphone screen.
BTW, if you use this for load-bearing applications… well, let’s just say I enjoy Social Darwinism purifying the species a little.