In a world of multi-tools, few actually stand the test of being used multiple times. When stamped plastic and clichés take priority over quality and focused design, the results are obvious. You may save a few bucks, but you will be likely buying a new one soon enough.

The Tool – by Adventure Mate, is not one of them. Personally, I am very particular of my hardware. And having been used to the best breaching and rescue products on the market, my expectations are high even if the tool used is more focused on a adventurous camping enthusiast. In both realms the Tool did not disappoint me.

Adventure Mate is a small family company, which truly employs every member of the Sayer family in a passion to create a better tool for hard core adventurers, where no such tool truly existed before. The Sayer’s own adventure in designing The Tool took them all over the world.

The final product is a proven design, which focuses on a few main functions of the tool: a hatches, a shovel/spade, a saw, a hammer, and a hook/puller. All are based on a solid metal handle, and are interchangeable. The hatcher/hammer/saw combination is one set up, and the shovel is another. The handle is very comfortable, utilizing a kind of serrated bottom portion, making it less probe to slipping when wet.

The hollow handle cleverly hides the saw blade, while exposing the hammer and hatchet. One push button spring-loaded key allows for an easy swap. I was initially a little skeptical due to a little free play in the assembly, but the solid metal holds true and does not effect hard use in the field. After a while the switching from one set up of the tool to another, from using the hammer to the saw blade, became almost instinctive.

I had no issues with using the push button key, and it was not effected by dirt or debris. Likewise, the spring inside the mechanism functioned flawlessly, with no jamming. If your task was to build a shelter, and all you had is The Tool, this would make easy work of everything from cutting wood, to assembling the walls, to pulling para cord or twine by utilizing the hook instead of your fingers.

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My initial though on the saw was that it may be too flexible, but this was quickly dismissed. The saw blade flexibility allows for a jig saw effect, and is necessary in use. The saw and the axe blade are very sharp right out of the box, which was very cool. You are ready to go into the wild without looking for a grinding wheel.

The axe head does come with a really nice leather sheath, and the entire tool comes with a nylon pouch with a belt loop, and is embossed with a stylish Adventure Mate logo. With all of that, the weight of the tool isn’t an issue when backpacking over a long distance.

With around 4 pounds of weight based on a specific model, you will be glad you packed it. Considering it saves about 3 other tools, yet is generally shaped like a hatchet when sheathed, the $128 (base model) investment is a pretty wise choice.

For the currently listed sale price of $148 and free shipping in the US, you get a slightly larger tool with a “silver-like” finish. The Tool is made of AS 1442 – 2007 Carbon rolled steel, so I was not overly concerned that the outer surface of the hatched showed rust-like spots.

They are easily removed with an oily rag, and can be expected when exposing any tool to a variety of environments. Any tool should be taken care of, and a weathered finish only adds to the stories of your adventures.

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

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