Outdoor Retailer is like a candy store for riders who like to camp, explore and just geek out on gear. Here, a collection of pocket knives, folding knives and folding tools that have some useful features for cyclists, too. And this killer “tactical shovel” from Revel Gear, which can be assembled with the tools and features you need by unscrewing and attaching the handle segments.
Revel Gear is, so far, known for their solar battery packs and camp lights, but coming in November are the Dig Outs, the modular shovel system shown here. Various attachments will be available, including both shovel and McLeod ends in various sizes, a serrated blade, fire starter, empty storage sections, and the flashlight. Why a light? Because sometimes you need to bury things in the dark…or dig a poo hole. Price TBD.
SOG flips its baton
SOG Knives is well known for their folding multi-tool plier and blade tools. Shown above are the PowerPint (left, $49.95) and PowerLitre (right, open, $60.95). The main difference is the addition of a corkscrew on the PowerLitre, which they say is more difficult to incorporate than you might think. It also comes the set of bits, whose case works as a wrench, too. But if you need to come at the bolt from a different angle…
…both tools form a standard 1/4″ hex bit socket when closed. Clever and simple, but it gets better:
The Baton Q4 folds into a slender stick that in itself could be used as a jabbing weapon in a pinch. But more relevant is the included set of 12 bits, which includes a T25, blade, and other things to add up to 22 tools total. And it comes with this sweet roll up case. But it gets better, too…
The end has a 1/4″ bit socket, but adds a switchable ratchet system. Flip that nub and it changes the ratchet direction, making repairs super easy. Retail is $99, available now.
Gerber holds a bit, too
If you’re patient, the new Gerber Armbar mini-tool knife gets a solid set of folding scissors, which makes it a good first-aid kit addition, too, plus a model with a 1/4″ bit socket. The bits aren’t included, but any standard bits will fit. It’ll be $36, but won’t be out until February 2020.
Swiza clears the ticks
Swiza, who claims to be the original Swiss Army Knife brand, has just added a new collection with integrated tick remover. Considering the growth in tick-related news and new diseases they carry lately, this timely addition might be the best option if you’re riding through thick brush or tend to crash off the trail often.
Several models ranging from €39-54 include the clear plastic tool, which works on all sizes of ticks. It has an integrated magnifying glass, too, so you can be sure you’re getting all of the tick.
Opinel twists ‘n’ locks a bigger blade
Opinel was a pleasant surprise. Made in France, they use a twisting collar to lock the stainless steel blade into place, which is both safe, and easier to release for smaller hands. Which is good for the new Outdoor Junior, a kid-friendly knife that uses a more rounded tip to reduce the likelihood of stabbing injuries.
The No12 Explore is for us big kids, and adds a larger blade, fire starter, cutting-hook multitool and more. Both models incorporate a loud whistle, and unlike their classic folding knives with wood handles, these get a grippier, more adventure-appropriate handle material. What surprised us the most was the price…just $25 for the No7 Junior and $49 for the Explore. If you’re into cooking, they make a sweet range of kitchen tools for adults and kids, too.
Deejo covers the weight weenies
Concerned about weight but still want to bring a blade? The very artistic and minimalist folding blades from Deejo come in at just 15g for the smallest one (shown open and closed above, on an iPhone XS Max for scale, starts at $29.90).
The slightly bigger version adds a small bit of wood to the handle and tips the scales at just 37g. Tons of different designs are available, including this one with a bicycle, and they even sell a kit with a small Dremel-like tool and various size bits so you can create your own design. It comes with a practice piece of metal, too, so you can try your hand at it before tackling the actual blade.
Leatherman gets Free with magnets
The new Leatherman T-series Free multitools are their first to use magnets to assist the closure, and elastomers to keep the tools locked in place. And, it adds a simple release lever to help you close them. The result? Easy, one-handed operation:
Two models are offered, the Free T2 with eight tools (8.5oz, $39.95) and the Free T4 with 12 tools (4.3oz, $59.95). Yes, the T2 is a bit larger, giving you a bigger blade, but the T4 adds scissors, more small screwdrivers, and tweezers. Available now.
