Gerber Crucial multi-tool

The new lightweight ‘basic featured’ multi-tools that have been launched over the last year have certainly found a niche and in turn a market that had need of them. Though I feel the production of new models will be a short lived trend, those that are now with us I’m sure will stay. Leatherman started the ‘fashion’ with the Skeletool and Freestyle, but it’s good to see Gerber deciding to bring us its own take on this theme. Of course I’m referring to the Crucial, a compact, no frills but cool looking low tool multi. Also due to its design it’s nice to see there is a reason for its release and it’s not just a case of jumping on the bandwagon.

Bare essentials

For Gerber to literally strip a multi to its bare essentials shows they know their perspective buyers very well in terms of what they think we want to see. Manufactured from stainless steel, measuring 3.6” closed and 5.5” open they’ve also given the Crucial stylish black and green opposing handles.

At 5oz it’s a mere lightweight and definitely in keeping with the tools that started this minimalistic trend. However, there’s certainly a few familiar Gerber features immediately in evidence. One being the design of the thumb-assisted, one handed opening, half fine/serrated knife blade. Measuring 2 ¼” it shows a sheep’s foot-style tip and looks to be robust being 1/8” thick on the back edge.

Robust

This robust build follows through all the other functions, so what Gerber have managed to do is design possibly the most compact multi but with heavy-duty tools normally found on larger designs. No mean feat to create such a clever device!

Gerber’s Safe. T Plus lock liner is employed for all tools for a sure and safe operation and positive closure. The other functions that can be accessed before opening to get at the pliers are a medium X-head screwdriver/bottle opener and a medium flathead screwdriver. There’s also a carabineer and pocket clip, so attachment to a belt or such is quick and secure.

Once opened the Crucial reveals Gerber’s familiar plier head offering needle nose, standard plier, hard wire cutter and wire stripper functions. In any guise, open or closed, the ergonomic handles have been well designed to offer a comfortable and sure grip. Also as they’re longer they offer the user the ability to apply more pressure when using certain tools.

In my opinion the Gerber Crucial is a clever design even with its minimalistic approach to tools functions. So it could be a useful companion for the hunter in the market for a modern, strong, compact yet basic multi-tool.

For: Pleasingly modern looking and surprisingly functional
Against: Are there too few tool functions?
Verdict: Nice but maybe a bit too basic for some needs