This Rugged, Affordable EDC Knife Is Actually a Clever Multi-Tool in Disguise

The unique thinking behind this versatile bit of mechanical magic could perhaps only come from halfway around the globe.

Close-up of a black and orange folding knife handle with textured grip and hexagonal screw on a dark hexagonal patterned background.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published October 28, 2025

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Updated October 28, 2025

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For decades now, we’ve approached the construction of multi-tools in a couple of really effective ways.

There’s the classic “tools emerging from a knife handle” Swiss Army Knife style, born in the 1890s, and there’s the pliers-focused Leatherman form, which dates back to the 1980s.

This image does not due justice to the functionality in the butt of the Hex’s handle, but that’s just how sneaky it is.

KEA Outdoors

With those two innovations originating in Europe and North America, respectively, it’s perhaps fitting that the next potentially breakthrough comes from somewhere completely different: New freakin’ Zealand.

That’s the home of KEA Outdoors, which recently Kickstarted the Hex, a knife/multi-tool hybrid boasting the most creative take on tool integration I’ve seen in years.

Baby got back

If the $59 Hex were just a folding knife, it would be a solid value proposition. (More on that later.)

But thanks to what KEA has done with the back of the handle, it offers much more.

Black and orange multi-tool showing pry bar, hex driver, box/can opener, and hammer functions. — This chart (Photoshopped up by yours truly) neatly displays the main functions of the rotating hex-shaped tool opposite the blade.

See, what looks like a little lanyard slot on the butt of the handle is in fact a rotating (and lockable) hexagonal multi-tool offering a number of handy functions.

The sort of default lanyard slot can do that job, but it also serves as a pry bar and bottle opener — and could probably help pull L-shaped tent stakes in a pinch.

Unlock and twist it to access a bit driver. While the driver only has two sides and does not come with any bits, this could still serve as a potent tool for tightening screws — especially if KEA is able to deliver an accessory bit case as a Kickstarter stretch goal.

kea hex bit driver gif — One of the handiest functions is the bit driver … assuming you’ve got the bits.

Rotate it again for a tiny angled blade that functions as a box and can opener, but could also be useful for micro-slicing tasks, like removing tags from clothing or cutting a bit of twine.

One final rotation lands on perhaps the most dubious implement, a reinforced flat edge KEA calls a “hammer.”

It might be useful if you were building, say, a center for ants, but I would like to see version 2.0 feature something a bit more practical, like a glass breaker.

Sparkle and blade

While there are some kinks to be worked out with the magic hexagon, I have no doubts about the legitimacy of the opposite end.

Rather than being basically just another tool in the handle, as you get with most Leathermans and SAKs, this is a centered, real-deal, dedicated blade.

Partially serrated stainless steel knife blade with black and orange textured handle against a black background. — D2 steel is completely respectable, and this partially serrated blade looks fantastic in black.

The 3.1-inch, partially serrated drop-point is made of D2, one of the better budget tool steels, valued for its wear resistance and edge retention.

Adding to the cred here are deployment via a proper thumb stud plus a steel spring lock holding the blade in place.

The handles are made of that reliable EDC staple, G10, shaped ergonomically and enhanced with a non-slip texture.

Hand holding a black and orange folding knife with a partially serrated blade opening against a dark background. — The size, shape and steel of the blade, plus the handle material, are pretty consistent with similarly priced knives. Given that’s only part of what you get with the Hex, that illustrates just how much of a value proposition it is.

The whole unit weighs 4.5 ounces and measures 4.7 inches folded. It also happens to look great in mostly black with orange accents and KEA’s logo on the handle.

Considering those colors and the fact that this multi-tool is basically cosplaying as a pocket knife (or vice versa), it’s just a shame it won’t ship in time for Halloween.

Availability and pricing

The KEA Hex is available now on Kickstarter, currently starting at (a super early bird special of) $59 for a single unit. Estimated delivery is April 2026.

KEA Outdoors

KEA Hex

This EDC hybrid boasts the most creative take on tool integration in years. What looks like a little lanyard slot on the butt of the handle is in fact a rotating (and lockable) hexagonal multi-tool offering a number of handy functions, including a pry bar, bottle opener, bit driver, box and can opener and mini hammer. The other end is no slouch either, boasting 3.1-inch, partially serrated drop-point is made of robust yet budget-friendly D2 steel.

$59 at Kickstarter

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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