Kikkerland Classic Survival Tool, Pocket

I gifted this to a friend He loves it.

Have bought a few of these Kikkerland CD401 Classic Survival Tool gadgets over the past few years. It's not that they wear out, it's that when people see mine, they want one as well.This stainless steel "survivor tool" is small, measuring just 2.75 by 1.75 inches, just small enough to fit inside of a wallet, but I would not suggest it, even though it's just under the size of a credit card. The knife blade is sharp enough to wreck havoc on the inside of a wallet, which is probably far more expensive than this handy little device. And if it's temporarily back-ordered, check for the SE 11 Function Credit Card Size Survival Pocket Tool, which is the same.Not going to detail all of the "11-functions-in-1" that this little apparatus offers; take a look at the photo and you can figure it out for yourself. The bottle opener is quite handy for those that don't unscrew so easily, and the little saw is handy for small, emergency jobs. The wrench can be handy for lightweight loosening, but not for any heavy-duty jobs. If you're looking for a stronger multi-tool, then you may wish to consider the Gerber Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier with Sheath and the Gerber 22-49445 10-Piece Tool Kit that hooks up to it.One of the recent functions I recently used this little apparatus for was to cut open one of those irritating clam-shell packages that was holding, of all things, a knife; a knife to get to a knife. Go figure.In any case, this handy little device usually sits in my camera bag, as one never knows just when such a tool might prove to be handy in the field when taking photos. It's a real 5-star implement for those times when such a gadget is necessary.

I hope nobody is considering this tool for anything other than having an emergency backup to what should already be every day carry tools. It's decent quality, but I certainly wouldn't put it at "top notch" status. And the functions are mostly hard to pull off with any degree of force. The knife is on a short side which makes it difficult to use. The "screwdriver" which is little more than one corner ground to a flat-head shape is only useful in wide-open areas with larger screws, and with the knife on the same edge, one has to be very careful indeed.The only tools that I found to be decently easy to use are the saw and bottle opener. The saw since it was on the long side and the opposite side (ruler) allows for a decent grip. The Bottle opener is equally easy to operate.The can opener forces you to use the saw as a finger grip and the wrench slots pretty much require that any bolts are not very tight, and that's if you can get the tool on it in the first place.This really didn't fit well in my money clip wallet, but it might in a full sized wallet. So, as an emergency backup, it might get you out of a jam and could actually come in handy once in a while. Forget using it as a keychain tool... it's way too dangerous to leave out in the open (and the plastic cover that came with mine was laughably cheap). It won't make it through the TSA unless someone's asleep at the wheel, so traveling with it isn't really an option either.I'd give it a 2.5 star, but for the money, it's hard to beat, so I'm rounding up. You could always toss one in the glove compartments, toolboxes, bookbag, etc. but I strongly recommend a Small Leatherman Micra or Squirt if compact is what you seek. Those are FAR more functional (AND SAFE!!!) in comparison. Get it if your curiosity or gearlust must be sated.

One thing we seem to like doing is seeing how many tools we can pack into a small area. This tool certainly takes this obsession to a new level. It's small: 1.75" wide, 2 11/16" long, and a little over 1/16" thick (2mm). Yet it packs a whopping 11 functions, which immediately presents two main problems: leverage, and clearance. While the functions work in theory, in practice you might find it difficult to get enough leverage to easily make the tool work. Also, because so many are packed into such a small area, you might not be able to get the tool into the space you want. For example, the shaft of a screwdriver is thin which allows it to get into tight spaces, but to use the screwdriver on this tool you need a clearance radius of 2".Now, that said, do they work? Here's a rundown of each function:Can Opener: Doesn't make the smoothest of edges, but gets the job done. When using it your fingers have to grip the tool by the saw blades -- ouch! This problem is easily alleviated by padding your fingers with a bandanna, or similar.Knife Edge: Pretty sharp. I used it to whittle a piece of wood down, and it did a pretty good job.Flathead Screwdriver: Works, if the screw is easily accessible with about a 2" radius of clearance around it.Ruler: Metric, accurate. Four cm long.Bottle Opener: Pop! Fizz! Works like you would expect.4-Position Wrench: Works well, but you need enough clearance around the nut to fit the tool around it. Leverage could be a problem.Butterfly wrench: Works. But isn't the whole point of a butterfly nut that you *don't* need a tool to use it?Saw Blade: The blade is short, about 1.25" long, with a double row of sharp triangular teeth. The length means that you can only use short strokes, but I was able to get through a 5/8" branch in a couple of minutes.Direction Ancillary Indication: Now, what's this? I remember reading in a survival book long ago about a method of using your hair to temporarily magnetize a small pin, and using it and a little water to find magnetic north. I believe that is what this tool is for. Fill the indicator with water, run a small pin through your hair, and place it on the water in the indicator (you need a pin small enough to be held up by surface tension) and it will turn to magnetic north.2-Position Wrench: Same as the 4-position wrench.Lanyard Hole: Works like any other lanyard hole. Given the number of sharp edges on this tool, I'm not sure you want it hanging off your key chain or purse, though.Conclusion: While obviously not a primary (or even secondary) use tool, this is certainly handy enough to be used in a pinch. Plus, it's a small, thin multi-tool! How cool is that? Perfect gift or stocking stuffer.