The Gerber Truss Multi-Tool
I paid $81CAD on Amazon but It’s now listed at $83, if you’re in Canada, Canadian Tire has it for $62.99 and that is a pretty darn good deal if you ask me.
I bought mine in 2021 so I have had it for a while. Don’t let the appearances fool you, I have used a fair bit I am just super ocd about looking after my stuff.
It comes with a molle compatible sheath that can be mounted vertical or horizontal. It’s pretty weak and was destroyed long ago. Gerber claim a “total of 17 tools” but realistically it’s not actually 17. It includes: spring loaded needle nose pliers that have a flat and convex section along with a wire cutter section (they count that as 3); it has a very nice little saw on it with aggressive teeth; Phillips and large, medium, and small (on the end of the can opener), flathead drivers; a full serrated blade; a full plain edge blade (both are 2 inch blades and, again, pretty decent); scissors; can and bottle opener; an awl; a ruler which realistically could have just been etched into the handle and is pretty pointless but it has the file on the other side and a flat edge that doubles as a screwdriver so not pointless;
It has a lanyard loop which is nice… if it were made of metal I would like it a lot more. It has a sharp edge that could likely smash windows, again if it were metal. It hasn’t broken on me yet but being plastic that’s only a matter of time. The feature I really like is that they are all locking tools, and the lock release is pretty aggressive so easy to manipulate even with mechanix gloves on. The spring-loaded pliers are also something I am a big fan of. In terms of size, it’s not the slimmest multitool out there. That said the ergonomics of the handle is extremely nice, it’s like having a full-size set of proper pliers. Hand slippage is not an issue at all. It has a real positive clunk feeling when it opens and sets into place, which I like. The skeletonised frame that it’s built on it extremely tough and when you pick it up it feels like a quality build. This thing doesn’t feel flimsy or clumsy.
I am not going to say that this is the best or most tactical multi-tool you can buy. However, it’s a very solid middle of the road choice at a really reasonable price (especially if you find a sale). For the price it’s not a bad one to toss into a backpack or the truck that still has reliable quality. I would guess the best endorsement I could give it is this; I have recommended it to buddies, I have a friend who is infantry in the Canadian Army Reserve who carries this model in the field and has no complaints, although his sheath died very quickly. Personally, for me as a weekend warrior it’s everything I need. I would also argue for someone in the military that isn’t in a position of needing the best or most specialised multi-tool this would likely be more than enough, is unlikely to break on you, and wont break your heart if you lose it.
Feature Photo: Gerber Truss Multi-Tool. Photo: Chris Murray, 2024
Inset Photos: Gerber Truss Multi-Tool. Photo: Chris Murray, 2024.
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