A hunting multi-tool earns its spot in the pack by replacing the handful of fiddly gadgets you’d otherwise lug into the woods. From dressing out game to improvising a field repair, the right tool saves weight and saves time. This list compares nine options across Swiss Army classics and heavy-duty pliers-based designs, so you can match capability to the kind of hunting you actually do.
An Overview Of The Picks
Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army 15-Function Pocket Knife (Black)
Victorinox Fieldmaster Swiss Army 15-Function Pocket Knife (Red)
Victorinox Waiter Swiss Army 9-Function Pocket Knife (Red)
Hinshark 12-in-1 Hammer Multitool
PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Self-Locking
PERWIN 22-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Pocket Clip
PERWIN 20-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool (Black)
PERWIN 26-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Bit Set
ETEH Multitool Pocket Knife (Engraved)
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
The Huntsman has been a backpack staple for decades because it nails the balance between everyday usefulness and trail readiness. With 15 tools packed into a slim black handle, it covers the small jobs hunters actually face: cutting paracord, opening packages at base camp, trimming a splinter, scoring a fire starter. Compared to the smaller Victorinox Waiter reviewed later in this list, this one trades a corkscrew for a proper wood saw and scissors, which matters once you step off the porch.
For hunters who want one pocket knife that handles camp chores and light field work without weighing down a hip, the Huntsman earns its reputation. The blade deploys smoothly, the saw takes care of kindling-sized branches, and the whole package rides comfortably in a front pocket or belt pouch.
Positive Takeaways
- Wood saw handles real branches, not just craft foam, making it useful for fire prep and shelter repairs.
- Scissors handle game tags, line trimming, and first-aid snips without hunting for a separate tool.
- Compact stainless construction fits a front pocket without printing or weighing a belt down.
- 15 functions mean you stop packing redundancies for small camp chores.
- Long-running Victorinox quality means replacement springs and parts stay available.
Things To Consider
- The main blade is short, so heavy game processing still calls for a dedicated fixed blade.
- Tight tolerances mean debris can stiffen tools over time; periodic cleaning with a light solvent keeps action smooth.
Built With In Mind
Weekend hunters, day hikers, and anyone who wants a heritage Swiss Army pocket knife that handles both camp and trail tasks.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
For hunters who need real pliers and a wire cutter in the field, the PERWIN 20-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool (Black) is a stronger match.
The Fieldmaster shares the same 15-function layout as the Huntsman above, but swaps out a couple of implements for a wire stripper and a metal file. That subtle shift makes it lean toward utility work: fixing a frayed tent cord, cleaning up a saw tooth, or stripping insulation off a wire when a fence needs patching. Hunters who mix time in the woods with projects at home get two tools for the price of one carry.
The bright red scales are easy to spot when the knife lands in leaf litter, which is a small but real benefit on a foggy morning. For the kind of hunter who also keeps a garden or workshop, the Fieldmaster’s tool mix reads more practical than trail-focused.
Practical Advantages
- Wire stripper handles electrical repairs on trailers, fence chargers, and base-camp gear.
- Metal file sharpens dulled edges and cleans up rough spots on other tools.
- Same proven 15-function backbone as the Huntsman, so nothing essential is missing.
- Red scales are easy to find if dropped in leaves or grass.
Points To Note
- The reamer is shorter than on some larger Swiss Army models, so leather piercing is slower.
- The wood saw is shared with the Huntsman, meaning heavy limbing still belongs to a folding saw.
Made For
Property owners and hunters who split time between the field and the workbench, especially anyone wiring a fence or maintaining gear.
Skip It When
You want the lightest pocket carry possible; the smaller Victorinox Waiter Swiss Army 9-Function Pocket Knife (Red) trims weight noticeably.
The Waiter is the minimalist take on a hunting pocket knife: a large blade, a corkscrew, a bottle opener, and a small screwdriver handle. At nine functions, it leaves behind the saw and scissors that bulk up the Huntsman and Fieldmaster. That pared-back approach appeals to hunters who treat their pocket knife as a knife first and a toolbox second, and who appreciate not feeling a lump in fitted pants.
It’s also the option to grab when a hunt ends at a tailgate or cabin and someone hands you a bottle. For light packers and ultralight hunters, the trade-off of fewer tools for a flatter carry is usually welcome.
What It Does Well
- Large main blade handles skinning, food prep, and general cutting tasks cleanly.
- Corkscrew and bottle opener suit post-hunt gatherings and cabin stays.
- Slim profile disappears into a front pocket, even with a thinner trouser fabric.
Honest Caveats
- No wood saw, so kindling prep means packing a separate folding saw on longer trips.
- No scissors or pliers, which limits how many mid-trip repairs one tool can solve.
- Slim scales are gentle on pockets but easier to drop in cold hands; a lanyard loop helps.
Key Attributes
Perfect Match For
Light packers, ultralight hunters, and anyone who treats a pocket knife as a cutting tool first and a kit second.
Look Elsewhere When
You regularly need pliers in the field; the PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Self-Locking serves that need better.
The Hinshark hammer multitool stands out because it actually swings a hammer head, something none of the Swiss Army knives or pliers-style tools here can claim. With 12 functions, it folds a claw puller, pliers, a small blade, wire grip, and screwdrivers around that hammer head. Hunters who set up wall tents, drive stakes, or pound in trail markers will recognize the value immediately.
It’s bulkier than a flat pocket knife, so it lives best in a belt sheath or truck console. For stationary camps rather than long stalks, the trade-off pays off.
Useful Strengths
- Built-in hammer head drives tent stakes and trail markers without a separate tool.
- Claw puller yanks stakes back out without bending them, saving setup time at teardown.
- Pliers and wire grip handle fence work and basic gear repairs.
- Sturdy frame feels closer to a hand tool than a folding knife in heavy use.
A Few Limitations
- Heavier and thicker than a flat Swiss Army knife, so it’s not a discreet pocket carry.
- Blade is small, so dedicated skinning and food prep still want a fixed blade alongside.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Camp hosts, base-camp hunters, and anyone who pounds stakes regularly and wants one tool that handles both hammering and cutting.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Your hunting is mostly long walks on foot; the lighter PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool rides more comfortably on a belt.
The PERWIN 17-in-1 is the entry point into the brand’s pliers-based hunting multi-tool lineup, and it lands at a sensible size for EDC. Needle-nose pliers, a wire cutter, knife, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, and a small ruler all fold out of a stainless steel frame. The self-locking mechanism is the key safety feature: tools lock open under load rather than folding back on your fingers.
For hunters who want a single tool that handles gear repair, game-tag prep, and light cutting without the bulk of larger 22- or 26-in-1 designs, this one hits a comfortable middle. The included nylon sheath keeps it on a belt instead of bouncing loose in a pocket.
What Earns Its Place
- Self-locking tools reduce the chance of a mid-cut collapse onto your hand.
- Needle-nose pliers handle wire, fishing tackle, and small mechanical adjustments.
- Nylon sheath offers safe belt carry without scratching adjacent gear.
- 17 functions cover repair and cutting without the heft of larger multitools.
Where It May Fall Short
- Smaller tool count than the 20-, 22-, and 26-in-1 PERWIN siblings if you want maximum versatility.
- Steel file is basic; sharpeners and heavy blade maintenance want a dedicated stone.
Key Product Details
Who Should Grab It
Everyday-carry hunters who want a capable pliers-based multitool without stepping up to the largest, heaviest options.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
If you want maximum function in one tool, the PERWIN 26-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Bit Set pushes versatility further.
The 22-in-1 PERWIN steps up the tool count and adds a pocket clip, which makes it the easiest of the brand’s pliers-style tools to keep on hand. Compared to the 17-in-1 model above, this version adds a diamond-coated file, a hexagon wrench set spanning 7, 8, 10, and 14 mm, and a few extra screwdrivers. For hunters who maintain optic mounts, bike racks on an ATV, or trailer hitches, the extra wrench sizes pay off quickly.
The pocket clip also changes carry behavior. It rides high on a pocket and stays put during a hike, where sheath-style carry tends to sway.
Useful Highlights
- Hex wrench range covers most scope ring and mount hardware without a separate key set.
- Diamond-coated file speeds up dulled blade touch-ups in camp.
- Pocket clip keeps the tool accessible without a belt sheath.
- Safety-locking frame secures tools during heavy cutting.
Some Limits To Know
- Bulkier than a slim Swiss Army knife, so it shows in a front pocket.
- Tool density means smaller implements can be stiff when new and benefit from working in.
Right Fit For
Backcountry hunters who also tinker with optics, mounts, and trailers and want hex coverage built into a pocket tool.
Consider Something Else When
You rarely touch a wrench in the field; the PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool covers the basics without the extra weight.
This 20-in-1 PERWIN earns attention because it pairs a plain-edge knife with a serrated blade. That second serrated edge chews through tough materials like rope and fibrous plant stems that dull a fine edge quickly, which matters during long hunts where resharpening isn’t on the schedule. The 440A stainless construction aims at a balance between edge retention and field maintenance.
The black finish hides scuffs from years of belt carry. Compared to the 22-in-1 reviewed just above, this model trims some screwdriver coverage in exchange for that second blade, which most hunters will find more useful in real use.
What Works In Its Favor
- Serrated blade handles rope, webbing, and tough brush without ruining the main edge.
- 440A stainless steel balances durability with sharpenability in camp.
- Safe-locking frame secures tools under load.
- Nylon sheath supports belt carry on standard hunting belts.
Things To Watch
- Two blades take up internal space, so screwdriver and file options are slimmer.
- Serrated edges are harder to sharpen than plain edges without the right rod.
Best Suited To
Hunters who cut a lot of rope, webbing, or brush and want one multitool blade dedicated to rough work.
Another Choice May Suit
If hex wrench coverage matters more than a second blade, the PERWIN 22-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Pocket Clip is the swap.
The 26-in-1 is the biggest of the PERWIN lineup covered here, and it leans into multi-day backcountry trips. A 10-in-1 bit set expands the driver coverage well past what fits inside the frame, so it covers scope mounts, action screws, and tripod hardware. A YG12 wire cutter (a hardened tungsten-carbide cutter known for biting through harder wire than standard stainless) handles thicker fence wire and snare cable that would dull a basic cutter.
The honest trade-off is bulk. This tool belongs on a belt, not in a fitted pants pocket. Hunters who value capability over compactness will shrug at the size and pack it anyway.
A Few Strong Suits
- YG12 wire cutter handles tough cable and snare wire cleanly.
- 10-in-1 bit set multiplies driver coverage for optics and action screws.
- 26 functions consolidate most of a small tool kit into one package.
- Stainless frame handles rough outdoor storage without quick corrosion.
What To Weigh
- Heaviest option in this roundup; you notice it on a long hike.
- Bit set adds a small part to keep track of; it can walk off if not stored in the sheath pocket.
Feature Snapshot
Who Will Love This
Backcountry hunters running multi-day trips, fixing gear in the field, or maintaining their own optics and weapons.
Swap It Out When
Your hunting is day-trip style and weight matters more than capability; the PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool rides lighter.
The ETEH multitool is positioned as a keepsake gift: a small multi-tool pocket knife engraved with a personal message, marketed for anniversaries, birthdays, and the holidays. As a tool, it’s a compact pocket knife with the usual mini-multitool functions; as a gift, the engraving is the point. Hunters who want something personal for an outdoorsy partner get a tool they can actually use rather than a trinket.
It’s the lightest carry in the gift category here, and the engraving survives normal pocket wear better than a sticker or printed decal would.
What Stands Out
- Engraved personal message turns a tool into a keepsake for the recipient.
- Compact size fits easily into a stocking, gift bag, or packing kit.
- Multitool format means the gift is genuinely useful, not purely decorative.
Possible Compromises
- Smaller tool set than full hunting multitools, so heavy field work still wants a backup.
- Engraving depth varies by batch; check the listing photos carefully to confirm legibility.
Who It Suits Best
Anyone shopping for a personal, useful gift for a hunter, camper, or cyclist in their life.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
For pure field capability without the keepsake framing, the Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army 15-Function Pocket Knife (Black) is the practical alternative.
What To Weigh Before Choosing A Hunting Multi-Tool
Match The Tool To The Hunt, Not The Spec Sheet
The single biggest decision is whether you want a slim Swiss Army pocket knife or a pliers-based multitool. Slim knives ride lighter, deploy faster, and feel natural for skinning and food prep. Pliers-based tools add gripping, wire-cutting, and heavier repair capability at the cost of pocket weight. Hunters who stalk on foot for hours usually prefer the slim profile; hunters who base-camp, run ATVs, or maintain gear lean toward the pliers style.
Think About Real Field Repairs, Not Just Functions
A tool count sounds impressive, but the tools that matter are the ones you’ll actually need. Rope, snare wire, and tent fabric come up often, so a knife plus a real pair of pliers covers most field repairs. Screwdrivers and hex wrenches matter if you mount optics or maintain actions; if you don’t, those tools are just dead weight in the handle.
Steel, Locks, And Long-Term Maintenance
Stainless steel handles corrosion in wet woods, but the blade steel matters more for how long an edge lasts. Self-locking frames prevent tools from folding mid-cut, which is a meaningful safety upgrade over friction-fit designs. Either way, a drop of light oil on the pivots twice a year keeps the action smooth, and a small diamond rod handles field touch-ups.
Size And Carry Matter As Much As Tools
A multitool that stays on the hip gets used; one that’s too bulky for your pocket gets left in the truck. For day-trip hunters, a slim Victorinox or compact 17-in-1 PERWIN rides easiest. For multi-day trips where weight matters less than capability, the larger PERWIN designs earn their space. Match carry style to how you actually dress for the hunt.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Buying Slip Ups
Shoppers often fixate on the highest function count and end up with a heavy tool they leave at home. Function lists also hide trade-offs: more tools mean smaller individual implements that are harder to use with gloves on. A better approach is to write down the three repairs you actually expect in the field, then pick the tool that covers those without burying them under twenty extras.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Stepping up from a slim Swiss Army knife to a 20-, 22-, or 26-in-1 pliers-based tool adds real capability: gripping, wire cutting, screwdrivers, and often a hex wrench range. The cost is bulk and weight, plus more pivots that need occasional cleaning. For hunters who maintain their own gear, run ATV trailers, or fix fence in the off-season, that upgrade pays back every trip. For day-trip hunters who want a light pocket knife, the lower tier stays the right call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hunting multi-tool used for?
A hunting multi-tool combines several implements, usually a knife, pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and a saw, into a single pocket-sized device. Hunters rely on them for skinning, cutting cord, making quick gear repairs, and handling small camp tasks without packing a full toolbox.
Are pliers-based multi-tools better than Swiss Army knives for hunting?
Neither is universally better. Pliers-based tools win for gripping, wire cutting, and heavier mechanical repairs. Swiss Army knives win for slim carry, fast blade deployment, and lighter pocket weight. The right pick depends on whether you do more cutting or more repair work in the field.
How important is a locking blade on a hunting multi-tool?
A locking blade, or a self-locking frame on pliers-based tools, prevents the implement from folding under load. For skinning and heavier cutting, a lock is a meaningful safety feature. Most modern hunting multitools include some form of lock, and it’s worth confirming before you commit.
Can a hunting multi-tool replace a fixed-blade hunting knife?
For most routine tasks, yes. But for big-game skinning and caping, a dedicated fixed-blade knife gives you blade length, rigidity, and grip that a folding multitool can’t match. Many hunters carry both: a fixed blade for game processing and a multitool for everything else.
How do I maintain a stainless steel hunting multi-tool?
Keep the pivots lightly oiled, rinse off mud and blood after a hunt, and dry the tool before storage. Touch up the main blade with a small pocket sharpener or diamond rod, and check the locks periodically for debris. A multitool that gets a few minutes of care each season tends to outlast one that gets ignored.