I wouldn’t say I have a knack for EDC gear, but I have some fond memories associated with it. Long before EDC became a thing in popular culture, my grandfather used to carry several such items in his pockets. Some doubled as knife and comb, while others were designed for tasks like apple grafting, catering to his practical and personal needs. While I haven’t quite carried the legacy forward, I am still intrigued by how such small devices can leave such a big impression. If you think I am exaggerating, take a look at the Smith Blade, which the makers tout as a “21-in-1 Titanium Multi-Tool”.
Born from the mind of James Hobson, better known as “The Hacksmith” to his 15 million YouTube subscribers, this sleek, precision-engineered tool is garnering attention on Kickstarter, having already raised close to $5 million with little over three weeks to go. But does it live up to the hype, and can it challenge the likes of Victorinox and Leatherman? Let’s read more to decipher that.
For those who are familiar with the content style of the ‘Hacksmith Industries’, know for a fact that Hobson and his team are no strangers to turning wild ideas into reality. Their projects, including real-life Wolverine claws and Star Wars Lightsaber, are testimonies to their prowess in the field. While Smith Blade marks its first foray into a consumer product designed for everyday use, it still carries the same bold ambition.
This multi-tool is a thoughtfully designed piece of gear that feels like it could belong in Tony Stark’s workshop. The Smith Blade comes in three versions: the Lite (7 functions), the Standard (14 functions), and the Pro (21 functions). Slimmer and lighter than the former king of pocketable pocket knives, the Smith Blade is crafted advanced materials like Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) and M390 blade steel, which EDC Gurus consider to be a high-grade powder metallurgy steel known for exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. No wonder New Atlas reported the blade is strong enough to cut a Swiss Army knife in half.
Even Hacksmith claims it’s sharp enough to “cut through a Swiss Army knife,” and while that’s a bold flex, the M390’s reputation backs it up. The Lite and Standard versions use 14C28N, a solid, budget-friendly steel that’s still reliable for most tasks. The body, made of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, keeps the tool lightweight (just 3.3 ounces) yet incredibly durable, striking a balance between strength and portability. So, whether you are a DIYer, or perhaps a dad or mom (because why not), who is expected to know how to fix anything and everything, the Smith Blade is built to be there when it matters most.
If you have been following the EDC industry for long, you would know that multi-tools either don’t walk the talk or fall into the trap of cramming in features just to inflate the count, but the Smith Blade’s 21 functions are surprisingly practical, at least for the most part. The standout is the M390 blade, which deploys smoothly via a flipper tab, a feature rarely seen in multi-tools. It’s sharp, sturdy, and versatile enough for everything from slicing apples to tackling tougher tasks. The tool also includes a bit driver with neodymium magnets and a titanium retention spring, compatible with Phillips and flathead 4mm bits, as well as a 4mm pen tip for jotting notes. Not to mention, a 90-degree bit holder on the side adds extra torque for tight spaces, making it a dream for tinkerers.
Other highlights include a clever wire-stripping groove (for 12- 20-ga wires), a pry bar/staple puller, a ferrocerium fire striker, and a tungsten carbide glass breaker, all perfect for emergencies. There’s also a bottle opener, a nail file, tweezers, a metric and imperial ruler, and a bubble level. Some features, like the 15-degree adjustable protractor or the tritium illuminator, feel a bit niche, but they add to the tool’s quirky charm. On a little downside, the gear doesn’t boast the functionalities of a pair of scissors, though Hacksmith has hinted at exploring this for future models.
Configuration-wise, the tool is just five inches long and slips easily into a pocket or clips onto your belt with a reversible pocket clip. The Kickstarter campaign offers the Lite for $98, the Standard for $196, and the Pro for $248. While these prices are steep compared to a classic Leatherman, the premium materials and innovative design justify the cost for EDC enthusiasts who value quality and versatility. So, can the Smith Blade dethrone the Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman? Maybe, maybe not! We will only know once we go hands-on with it.
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