A multi-tool earns its pocket space in the woods, not on a store shelf. Hunters need gear that handles dressing game, repairing gear, and improvising around a campsite without weighing down a kit. The picks below span everything from featherlight Swiss classics to full pliers-based workhorses built around pliers, saws, and locking blades. The goal here is matching tool count to real fieldwork, then picking the construction that’ll survive a season of truck dashes and muddy gloves.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army, 15-Function Pocket Knife, Black
Victorinox Fieldmaster Swiss Army, 15-Function Pocket Knife, Red
Victorinox Waiter Swiss Army Knife, 9-Function, Red
Hinshark 12-in-1 Hammer Multitool
PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi-Tool Pliers
PERWIN 22-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi-Tool Pliers
PERWIN 20-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi-Tool Pliers
PERWIN 26-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi-Tool Pliers
ETEH ‘I LOVE YOU’ Multitool Pocket Knife
More Details On Our Top Picks
Compared with the slim Waiter knife covered below, the Victorinox Huntsman is a thicker, more capable field knife designed to handle dressing cuts and camp repairs in equal measure. The 15-function spread includes a small blade, wood saw, scissors, and the multipurpose hook that’s earned a quiet reputation among hunters for lifting hot pot lids or pulling fishing line.
You can toss it in a jacket pocket without noticing the weight, and the Swiss stainless steel scales keep it from rusting through a wet season. The saw is aggressive enough to limb a small sapling, which matters when you’re rigging a makeshift ridge pole or cutting shooting sticks.
Points In Its Favor
- Wood saw handles limbing and shelter work, not just first aid
- Scissors reach cleanly for cutting cordage, tape, or bandages
- 15 functions fit into a pocket-sized frame that disappears in a jacket
- Stainless scales hold up through rain, blood, and mud without pitting
Things To Consider
- Lacks locking blades, so heavy cuts demand a firm thumb on the spine
- No dedicated pliers, which the PERWIN picks below address
- Owners commonly report needing to oil the pivot occasionally to keep deployment smooth
Who It Suits Best
Hunters who want a traditional Swiss pocket knife that covers campsite tasks without leaning on plier-style construction.
Consider Something Else When
The Hinshark 12-in-1 Hammer Multitool is a better fit for hunters needing a built-in hammer head for driving tent stakes or game-processing setups.
The Fieldmaster shares the same 15-function tool count as the Huntsman, but its blade profile and included implements lean toward gardening and outdoor chore work. Hunters running trap lines or feeding stations appreciate the included wire stripper for quick splices.
Red scales make the knife easy to spot in a pack or a snow drift, which is a small thing until you set your pack down at last light. The pliers-free design keeps weight low, and the slip-joint construction feels familiar in the hand.
Where It Excels
- Wire stripper handles field repairs on fence controllers or trail cameras
- Saw and scissors match the Huntsman for general camp utility
- Bright red scales prevent loss in grass, leaves, or low light
- Light enough to ride in a chest pouch all day without fatigue
Worth Noting
- Tool spread overlaps heavily with the Huntsman, so choice comes down to handle color and specific implements
- No locking blades means heavy pressure jobs stay limited
Quick Facts
Made For
Hunters managing trap lines, trail cameras, or feeder stations who need a wire-ready pocket knife.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Victorinox Huntsman is a smarter pick if you want the multipurpose hook for cooking and camp rigging instead of a wire stripper.
The Waiter knife is the minimalist’s play in this roundup, trading tool count for a slim profile that disappears into a shirt pocket. Nine functions cover the basics plus a corkscrew, which matters less for hunting than for the campfire celebration afterward.
The large blade carries enough belly for skinning small game, and the bottle opener doubles as a flathead screwdriver. Hunters covering a lot of miles on foot value the low weight more than any single specialty implement.
Advantages To Know
- Large blade handles small-game dressing and food prep without complaint
- Featherweight frame rides a shirt pocket without printing
- Corkscrew earns its place for cabin trips and tailgate lunches
Trade Offs
- No saw or pliers, so heavier camp tasks fall to a separate tool
- Nine functions feel thin compared with the 15-function Swiss picks above
Right Fit For
Hunters who measure every ounce in their kit and only need a knife plus a couple of supporting tools.
Skip It When
The PERWIN 17-in-1 is the smarter grab if pliers and locking blades matter more than pocket weight.
The Hinshark 12-in-1 breaks from the Swiss knife template by anchoring the toolset around an actual hammer head and nail claw. Hunters running wall tents, hanging game poles, or staking down blinds need that hammering capability more than a corkscrew.
Folded pliers, a utility blade, and a wire grip give it the spread to handle fence work and gear repair between trips. It’s bulkier than the Swiss picks above, so it lives in a pack pocket rather than a jeans pocket.
Positive Points
- Hammer head drives stakes and tent pegs without reaching for a separate tool
- 12 functions span cutting, gripping, and prying tasks
- Nail claw pulls bent stakes cleanly from frozen ground
- Pliers fold away to keep the profile manageable in a pack
Room For Improvement
- Bulk and weight exceed the Swiss knives, limiting everyday carry
- Construction leans gift-market rather than daily abuse, so longevity depends on care
Best Suited To
Hunters running base-camp setups, blinds, or wall tents who need a hammer within reach at all times.
Look Elsewhere When
The Victorinox Huntsman suits walkers and stalk hunters who want a lighter pocket profile without the hammer head.
The PERWIN 17-in-1 lands in the middle of the brand’s lineup, pairing needle-nose pliers, locking blades, and a nylon sheath in a stainless steel frame. Hunters get plier-driven functionality without the bulk of the larger 22-in-1 and 26-in-1 siblings.
The self-locking mechanism on the folding tools is the standout feature, giving safer cuts during one-handed work on processing tables. The included sheath clips to a belt or pack strap, keeping the tool accessible on long sits.
Notable Gains
- Self-locking blades hold open under load for safer cutting
- Stainless steel frame resists rust through wet hunting seasons
- 17 tools cover cutting, gripping, and screwing without excess weight
- Nylon sheath keeps the tool secure on a belt or pack strap
Points To Note
- Steel hardness sits below premium brands, so edges need more frequent touching up
- Pliers pivot can loosen over time, depending on use frequency
Feature Snapshot
Who Should Grab It
Hunters stepping up from a basic Swiss knife who want pliers and locking blades without paying for the largest tool counts.
Another Choice May Suit
The PERWIN 22-in-1 fits hunters who want extra screwdrivers and hex wrenches for gear repair.
The 22-in-1 adds diamond-coated files, hex wrenches, and a fuller screwdriver spread to the 17-in-1’s foundation. Hunters maintaining optics mounts, rifle scopes, or truck gear benefit from the hex wrench range covering common fastener sizes.
Safety locking on the blades is consistent with the rest of the PERWIN family, which keeps cuts predictable during repetitive processing work. The pocket clip gives an alternative to the belt sheath for hunters who prefer clipped carry.
What Earns Its Place
- Hex wrench range handles scope mount and rifle maintenance
- Diamond-coated file sharpens hooks and broadheads in camp
- Pocket clip offers an alternative to belt sheath carry
- Safety locking covers blades and major tools for safer one-handed use
Honest Caveats
- Tool count adds weight over the 17-in-1, so pack carry gets heavier
- Smaller tools can be stiff to deploy at first, depending on manufacturing tolerances
Perfect Match For
Hunters who treat their rifle and gear as a system and want tools to maintain both without a separate wrench kit.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The PERWIN 20-in-1 is a lighter alternative if the hex wrench range isn’t critical to your hunt.
The 20-in-1 introduces a serrated knife alongside the standard straight blade, which handles tougher cutting tasks like rope or fibrous plants. Hunters in heavy cover or wet environments find the serrated edge earns its slot.
Safe locking on the major tools and a nylon sheath round out a package that feels purpose-built for first-time multi-tool shoppers. The high-alloy steel construction balances hardness with sharpening ease, assuming you carry a small rod.
Useful Strengths
- Serrated blade handles rope and tough material cuts cleanly
- Safe locking on major tools reduces accidental closure during cuts
- High-alloy steel holds an edge through moderate use
- Nylon sheath ships with the kit, ready for belt carry
Small Caveats
- Tool count sits in a crowded spot in the PERWIN range, so the differences vs 17- and 22-in-1 deserve a close look
- Black finish can show scratches over a season of pack carry
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Hunters new to multi-tools who want safe locking, solid construction, and a manageable tool spread.
Swap It Out When
The PERWIN 26-in-1 is worth stepping up to if you want the bonus bit set for extra driver coverage.
The 26-in-1 tops out the PERWIN range and ships with a 10-in-1 bit set as a bonus, pushing real-world functionality past the headline count. Hunters who act as their own mechanic on truck, trailer, and rifle appreciate the bit compatibility.
The pliers head, saw, and diamond-coated file give the tool real processing capability beyond basic knife work. It’s the heaviest pick in this roundup, so it leans toward pack carry rather than pocket.
Everyday Perks
- Bonus bit set extends driver coverage for truck and rifle fasteners
- 26 functions consolidate multiple tools into one frame
- Saw and diamond file handle game processing and hook sharpening
- Stainless steel frame holds up through wet and muddy use
Factors To Consider
- Weight and bulk are the highest in this roundup, limiting pocket carry
- Bit set adds a separate piece to keep track of in the field
The Details
Built With In Mind
Hunters who maintain their own gear and want one tool to cover rifle, truck, and camp repairs.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The PERWIN 17-in-1 is friendlier on the hip for hunters who don’t need the bonus bit set.
The ETEH mini trades serious tool count for a sentimental engraving and a compact frame that lives in a glove box or a small gift box. Hunters who want a backup blade for a truck or a memorable gift for a hunting partner will find it fits the bill.
It handles light cutting tasks, basic screwdriver work, and bottle opening without dominating pocket space. Treat it as a secondary tool rather than a primary field knife, and it earns its place.
Useful Highlights
- Engraved handle makes it a recognizable keepsake gift
- Compact size slips into glove boxes, stocking stuffers, and small pockets
- Multi-tool function covers light cutting and basic driver needs
Things To Weigh
- Construction targets the gift market, so heavy fieldwork pushes beyond its design intent
- Tool count trails every other pick in this roundup
The Right Fit
Hunters shopping for a sentimental secondary tool or a memorable gift for a partner who carries a separate primary knife.
Not Your Match When
The Victorinox Huntsman is the right grab if you want a daily-carry workhorse rather than a gift-focused mini.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Multi-Tools For Hunting
Locking Blades And Safety Mechanisms
Locking blades prevent accidental closure mid-cut, which matters when you’re applying pressure to dress game or cut kindling. Hunters working alone benefit from tools that hold open under load rather than slip-joint designs that demand constant thumb pressure.
Pliers-Centric Vs Knife-Centric Construction
Pliers-based multi-tools center on a folding pliers head, with blades and drivers folding into the handle. Knife-centric Swiss designs prioritize blade access and slim profile, with secondary tools folded around the main blade. Hunters who grip wire, pull fishhooks, or bend tent stakes favor pliers-centric picks like the PERWIN family.
Steel Quality And Edge Retention
Higher-alloy stainless steel holds an edge longer but resists field sharpening. Softer stainless touches up easily with a pocket rod but dulls faster under heavy use. Match the steel to how often you actually sharpen in camp.
Weight, Carry, And Belt Load
Every multi-tool earns its carry slot by being lighter than the separate tools it replaces. Pocket carry favors slim Swiss designs, while pack carry tolerates heavier pliers-based options like the PERWIN 26-in-1 or the Hinshark hammer tool.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Choosing by tool count alone leads to carrying dead weight you’ll never use. A 26-function tool with bits you don’t need is heavier than a 15-function knife you’ll actually deploy. Match the tool spread to your actual hunting chores rather than the biggest number on the spec sheet. Locking mechanisms and steel quality matter more than raw function count when you’re cutting under load.
What Separates Premium From Basic
Higher-tier multi-tools use improved steel alloys, tighter manufacturing tolerances, and proven lock geometries that hold up under repeated stress. The price difference pays back through longer service life and safer cuts, especially when the tool sees weekly use. Stepping up makes sense when the multi-tool becomes a daily-carry item rather than a seasonal backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Multi-Tool For Hunting?
A hunting multi-tool needs a locking blade, durable pliers or wood saw, and corrosion-resistant steel for wet field conditions. The Victorinox Huntsman covers camp tasks with Swiss reliability, while the PERWIN 17-in-1 adds locking pliers for gear repair. Choose based on whether pliers or knife access drives more of your fieldwork.
How Many Functions Should A Hunting Multi-Tool Have?
Most hunters do well with 12 to 20 functions, since anything beyond that adds weight without adding real utility. Tools like the Hinshark 12-in-1 or the PERWIN 17-in-1 hit the practical sweet spot. Bigger counts make sense when the extra implements are ones you’ll actually use.
Are Swiss Army Knives Good For Hunting?
Swiss Army knives handle camp tasks, light game dressing, and food prep without complaint, though they lack dedicated pliers. The Victorinox Huntsman and Fieldmaster both deliver the reliability hunters expect from the brand. Pair them with a separate fixed-blade knife for heavy processing work.
What Is The Difference Between A Multi-Tool And A Swiss Army Knife?
A Swiss Army knife is a specific style of multi-tool centered on folding blades from a single pivot, while a multi-tool is the broader category that includes pliers-based designs. Pliers-based tools like the PERWIN family offer gripping capability that Swiss designs don’t. Both qualify as multi-tools; the category just describes the format, not the brand.
How Do I Maintain A Hunting Multi-Tool?
Rinse mud and blood off after each trip, dry the tool thoroughly, and oil the pivot points to prevent stiffness. Sharpen blades with a pocket rod as needed, and check that locking mechanisms deploy cleanly before storage. Owners commonly report that tools stored damp develop pivot rust faster than tools dried and oiled.