First Look – CRKT Bivy Multitool

The new Bivy multitool was designed for CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool) by world-record holding speed climber Hans Florine. It's smaller than many multitools out there, probably because it was designed for climbers, and is mostly operable one handed  for the same reason. We say mostly because while it is simple to deploy and stow the pliers and knife blade one-handed, it's much more difficult to do the same with the additional implements — but then you're far less likely to need to roll out the screwdrivers or marlinspike (one handed anyway) while dangling on the side of a cliff or out primitive camping so we do not see that as a negative at all. Although the Bivy's foundation in climbing and utility when it comes to rigging is clear, it's not a tool that should be relegated to that activity only.

The blade is just under 3 in. long, Tanto style with a straight edge about 2/3 of the way down and serrations closer to the body. Overall length while open is just a smidge over 7 in., closed just over 4 in. and weight is 7.7 oz. There's a pocket clip on the back side (calling the spring assisted plier opening release the front) for pocket carry, which is fine. The tool is small enough to be suitable for pocket carry and not so heavy it drags your britches down below the crack of your ass, though for many people it's going to be right on the edge of maximum thickness for comfort when used that way.

We don't include the Batman Utility Belt carry-fifty-pounds-of-gear-with-triple-redundancy EDC crowd in that; they'll love this thing, and likely hook it inside a sock as their ankle carry second multitool backup.

A switch on the front face pops the jaws out then allows them to fold back in. A thumb stud next to the CRKTon the knife rotates the blade out and a locking liner holds it in place until pressed laterally to reseat the blade. You can see a quick, candid video of this on Instagram.

Overall we're impressed with it thus far. This particular specimen will be passed on to one of the guys in our “Everyman Tactical” lineup for a few months to see how it holds up. Follow up review after we've had time to see how it handles a daily beating.

MSRP is $69.99; you can find it online here at that price, but it looks like there are a few on Amazon here for $42.97.

First Look – CRKT Bivy Multitool: Specs

Dimensions
Open Overall Length 7.06 inches
Closed Length 4.12 inches
Weight 7.7 ounces

Blade
Length 2.92 inches
Thickness .09 inches
Material 5Cr15MoV
Blade-HRC 55-58
Finish Satin
Grind Flat
Style Tanto
Edge Plain

Handle
Material 1060 Aluminum

Lock
Type Locking Liner

Carry
Carry System 1 Position Pocket Clip

Options
Includes 1 Spring Assisted Opening Plier
Includes 2 Screwdrivers – Flat/Phillips
Includes 3 Marlinspike