In 2021, as the world tentatively emerged from the isolation of lockdowns into a landscape of hybrid work, supply chain disruptions, and renewed outdoor enthusiasm, the humble multitool found itself under an unexpected spotlight. A slew of comparative reviews—collectively known as the “multitool tests of 2021”—were published by gear blogs, YouTube channels, and consumer magazines. On the surface, these were simple shootouts: Leatherman against Victorinox, Gerber against SOG. Yet beneath the torque measurements and steel-grade comparisons, the multitool tests of 2021 served as a fascinating cultural barometer. They were not merely about finding the best pliers or the sharpest blade; they were an examination of how modern individuals value adaptability, craftsmanship, and the philosophy of "just enough."
One reviewer for GearJunkie poignantly noted that during the power outages of the 2021 winter storms in Texas, his multitool wasn't used to defuse a bomb or scale a cliff; it was used to pry open a frozen battery compartment on a flashlight and to open a can of chili. That mundane utility, he argued, was the truest test of all.