The Best TSA-Approved Pocket Knives & EDC

We’ve all had it happen: You’re shuffling along in the airport security line, bereft of your shoes and your dignity, when panic washes over you: Shit, I left my multi-tool in my bag!

You know you’re going to get pulled aside by TSA, and you’ll try to defend the two-inch blade on your Leatherman or Gerber that isn’t really that big of a deal, but you’ll still be faced with a choice (if you’re lucky): go back, check your bag and tool and re-do the whole security shuffle, or say goodbye to your multi-tool, pocket knife or other EDC implement with a blade.

It doesn’t have to be this way. You can fly with a useful, badass multi-tool that won’t get you put on a watch list or require you to check a bag. Don’t believe us? Here are six great options for the next time you book a flight.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Overall: 5.11 Tactical EDT Multitool

5.11 Tactical

Best Overall

5.11 Tactical EDT Multitool

Carrying 10 tools in your pocket doesn’t get much easier — or more streamlined — than the EDT Multitool, which features a bottle opener, pry tool, wire stripper and more in a small but mighty package.

Specs

Tools	10
Weight	1.2 ounces

Pros

• Fits lots of tools into a small package
• Price will work for almost any budget

Cons

• Check measurements before purchasing — this thing is small

• $15.00 at 5.11 Tactical

Ten tools in one is a bargain; 10 tools in one for $15 bucks is a steal. The EDT Multitool isn’t just cheap; it’s also tiny, at just over two inches long. 5.11 Tactical makes the most of this small package, fitting a standard 6mm hex wrench and flathead screwdriver, metric and imperial ruler, bottle opener, pry tool and wire stripper and more into its little tool.

Best Upgrade: Gerber Multi-Plier 600 — Bladeless

Gerber

Best Upgrade

Gerber Multi-Plier 600 – Bladeless

Thanks to its one-handed opening design, high functionality with 14 included tools and its tough stainless steel body, the MP600 Series is a favorite of the US military — and will serve you just as reliably.

Specs

Tools	14
Weight	9 ounces

Pros

• One handed opening is seamless

Cons

• Carbide cutters can be fragile

• $105.00 at gerbergear.com

TSA-friendly multi-tools tend to follow the design of 511’s EDT Multitool or the Gerber Shard (see below), but sometimes you can get away with something more akin to a fully built-out multi tool — like the Multi-Plier 600 Bladeless.

This multitool favored by the U.S. military features 14 tools, including tungsten carbide wire cutters, a ruler, scissors, a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, bottle and can opener and more. The body is built with black oxide coated stainless steel; it looks rugged, but may be prone to scratching with heavy use. Gerber says the bladeless version of their multi-tool is TSA-friendly, but if you have any doubts or catch a grumpy vibe from the TSA agents at the airport, you may want to put this in your checked bag — just in case.

Best Budget Pick: Gerber Shard

Gerber Gear

Best Budget Pick

Gerber Shard

The Shard may look unobtrusive (or even a little underwhelming) but don’t be fooled — this tiny, bladeless multi tool still has seven unique functions, and can handle quite a bit of abuse.

Specs

Tools	7
Weight	1 ounce

Pros

• Shape is ergonomic and easy to grip

Cons

• Screwdriver can be a little limited in its use cases

• $6.86 at Amazon

The Shard is made from stainless steel with a titanium nitride coating for corrosion resistance, and includes seven tools in its 2.75-inch frame.

Weighing just an ounce, it’s an easy add to your keychain or unobtrusive if you slip it in your pocket — just don’t forget to check for it if you don’t have it secured on a key ring. The shard is sturdy, simple and a great gift for the handy folks in your life.

Most Classic Design: Victorinox Jetsetter

Amazon

Most Classic Design

Victorinox Jetsetter

The Jetsetter packs an impressive seven tools into its small package — and adds classic good looks to the equation, as well.

Specs

Tools	7
Weight	0.8 ounces

Pros

• Tons of functionality

Cons

• Not as sleek as more modern multi tools

• $24.00 at Amazon

Victorinox’s classic red multi tools and pocket knives have been in EDC kits for generations — before everyday carry was even a thing. They’ve stood the test of time thanks to quality construction and usefulness in a small package, and the Jetsetter is no exception.

This flight-friendly multi-tool eschews a blade, but it does pack seven useful tools into its 0.8-ounce frame, including scissors, a magnetic Phillips screwdriver and bottle opener. At less than $30, this helpful little tool is an easy “Add to Cart.”

Best for Simple Jobs: The James Brand Halifax

The James Brand

Best for Simple Jobs

The James Brand The Halifax

The Halifax proves that a little functionality goes a long way — and that elegant design doesn’t have to break the bank.

Specs

Tools	3
Weight	0.4 ounces

Pros

• Elegant design works well on simple jobs

Cons

• More for everyday convenience than work sites or tough jobs

• $49 at The James Brand
  $49 (0% off)

Many of today’s multi-tools boast 10+ functions packed into a tiny profile, which is fine — but if you’re a fan of elegant design and don’t need a whole tool belt’s worth of tools in your pocket, the Halifax is right up your alley.

Its functionality is simple: it can tighten loose screws, pry things apart or open a cold beer at the end of a long day. CNC machined from a single block of 6AL4V Titanium, the Halifax is small, strong, lightweight and multi-purpose. It has the least of amount of included tools on this list, but for some of us, that’s more than enough.

Best Blade-Compatible Design: Big Idea Design TPT Slide

Big Idea Design

Best Blade-Compatible Design

Big Idea Design TPT Slide

This lightweight and portable tool boasts a dozen functions, and its titanium alloy and stainless steel construction mean it’s equipped for the long haul.

Specs

Tools	12
Weight	1 ounce

Pros

• Best mix of multi-tool function and utility knife simplicity

Cons

• Small size makes it easier to misplace

• $80 at Big Idea Design

Unless you’re the most frequent of flyers, chances are you’ll be using your multi-tool of choice pretty frequently without having to pass through TSA. If you want a tool that can be as versatile as you, Big I Design has you covered. Its TPT Slide multi-tool is razor blade compatible — when you’re not flying, insert a blade and amp up the utility of your TPT, and when you are flying, slip that razor blade out and keep things simple.

Along with its blade-compatible design, the TPT also features a removable pocket clip, bottle opener, multiple flathead screwdrivers, a mini pry bar, measurement cues and more. It’s sleek, sophisticated and strong — everything you could ask for in a multi-tool. At $80, it’s on the pricier end of the bladeless multi-tool spectrum, but if you’re willing to invest in this unique design, it should prove its worth in short order.

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