Comment on [deleted by author] by dickie

Parent Post: [deleted by author] · In Reply To

dickie · 6/6/2026, 2:48:35 PM · permalink

I used to think a multitool was the answer to everything.

For years I carried a multitool every day.

Then something interesting happened.

I started carrying a good pocket knife.

In my case, a Benchmade Barrage with a tanto blade, partial serrations.

Once you have a fast-opening pocket knife, you realize how often you actually use a knife and how rarely you need the rest of the multitool. Most days are boxes, rope, food, zip ties, and random cutting tasks. The Benchmade did all of that better.

Then I noticed another problem.

Multitool screwdrivers kind of suck.

Not because the screwdriver tips are bad.

Because the handle is bad.

When you're really leaning into a screw, you're gripping a folded pile of metal edges that seem specifically designed to make your hand regret its life choices.

A dedicated screwdriver is simply better.

Enter the Vessel e-Assist.

Now I had a real handle, real leverage, real bits, and access to Torx, Robertson, hex, Phillips, and whatever bizarre fastener some engineer decided was a good idea.

Then came the Knipex Cobra XS.

![image](https://us-lax-1.linodeobjects.com/sojooo/comments/2835/1780757314995-66519cdc07d30e14.jpg)

The first time you use one, you realize multitool pliers are mostly emergency pliers.

Or a second set of pliers.

The Cobra grabs harder, adjusts faster, and generally humiliates multitool pliers in direct competition.

So now the multitool's pliers mostly serve as:

"Hold this side while I use the Knipex on the other."

The funny part is the cost.

But a Cobra XS isn't much money. $35

A Vessel isn't much money.

The EOD multitool was already paid for years ago.  I dont think I'd pay $150+ for one today.

The expensive part of my entire setup is actually the Benchmade. Around $150. But i carry it every day.

So my modern carry evolved into:

\- Benchmade Barrage: cut things

\- Knipex Cobra XS: grab things

\- Vessel e-Assist: unscrew things

\- EOD multitool: weird things

And if civilization collapses?

I'll be ready.

Not because of the knife.

Not because of the Knipex.

Because if somebody suddenly needs a blasting cap crimped after the apocalypse, I have spent decades preparing for that exact moment.

The odds may be low.

But preparedness is preparedness.

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