A key metric emerged: the "flickability" or one-handed deployment. In 2021, with many people multitasking between Zoom calls and minor home repairs, the ability to access a blade or pliers with a single hand became a premium feature. This marked a departure from the traditional, two-handed Victorian approach of the Swiss Army Knife, symbolizing a shift toward impatient, efficiency-obsessed utility.
The year 2021 was a "golden age" for multitools, marked by a surge of innovative designs that pushed the boundaries of EDC (Everyday Carry) functionality. Testing during this period focused on a balance between traditional heavy-duty capability and modern ergonomic refinements. Top Performers of 2021: The Best of the Best
: The Leatherman Wave+ maintained its legendary status, praised for its smooth opening mechanism and the then-recent addition of replaceable wire cutters, which solved long-standing durability issues with the original Wave. multitool test 2021
The multitool tests of 2021 were never just about pliers and knives. They were a reflection of a year defined by fragility and the desire for self-reliance. In a world where supply chains faltered and professional repair services were hard to access, carrying a compact engine of agency felt empowering. The tests revealed that a multitool’s greatest feature is not its saw or its file, but its promise: You might not be able to fix everything, but you can at least try. And in 2021, that promise was worth its weight in stainless steel.
: For those requiring maximum strength, the Leatherman Surge remained the top choice for heavy-duty work on professional job sites. A key metric emerged: the "flickability" or one-handed
The 2021 tests were distinct from previous years in their rigor and scope. Reviewers moved beyond simple checklist features to simulate real-world, pandemic-era scenarios. Tools were judged not just on whether they had scissors or a saw, but on how easily they could be sanitized, how one-handed operation fared while wearing a mask or latex gloves, and how well the included bottle opener performed after a long week of remote work. The leading contenders—the Leatherman Wave Plus, the Victorinox Swisstool Spirit X, and the SOG PowerAccess—were subjected to wire cuts, screw turns on loose IKEA furniture, and can-opening challenges (a nod to the resurgence of home cooking).
If you have specific needs or preferences (like a focus on outdoor use, everyday carry, or a particular budget), I'd be happy to help narrow down the options. The year 2021 was a "golden age" for
When evaluating multitools, several key features are typically considered:
One reviewer for GearJunkie poignantly noted that during the power outages of the 2021 winter storms in Texas, his multitool wasn't used to defuse a bomb or scale a cliff; it was used to pry open a frozen battery compartment on a flashlight and to open a can of chili. That mundane utility, he argued, was the truest test of all.
If you're looking for information on a specific multitool test from 2021, could you provide more details? For example, what kind of test was it? Was it comparing different multitools, or was it a review of a particular model? Knowing more about the context will help me give you a more accurate and helpful response.