Single most useful tool for regular joe?

[kreisler]

Deez latest permanent addition to my edc bunch of keys, the Vinox Quattro screwdriver A.7235 ( a7235 ) from the Vinox SwissCard, available separately for purchase:

Small, weighs nothing (less than 1.0g), flat like a sheet, beautiful enough. Has to be the smallest lightest multitool on planet earth:


A Leatherman "2D-bit" is still 3D, just narrower. This Vinox driver is totally flat, really 2D if you will:


Costs 1.5e (mas 1.5e shipping) from places like schweizer-messer-store.de, which i find affordable. That's less than one jack in the box, my fave US burger joint.

Quick share, thought that maybe you'd want one two instead of the burger. Also a funny gift token for friends! Maybe not the "most useful tool" but surely the smallest of them all. For groomsmen, i'd definitely want the Exceed Designs Tirant Razor V3 folding edc knife.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I got my groomsmen engraved Metal Beer Mugs. All my guys have passed away.
I have one in our cabinet in the rumpus room. But we are on holidays so no picture. Don’t know where the groomsmen mugs ended up. But hopefully someone enjoys a beer in one from time to time.

 

[vavet]

Knives are so much a personal preference. I have a folding box cutter as my EDC. I wouldn’t carry a Swiss are my knife. The card knife thing posted above I might carry. Pocket flashlight? Not a chance. I don’t want the bulk.
If you want practical….what about an anker battery pack for recharging devices?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JIWQPMW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or a bluetooth speaker? Those are things people are less Likely to buy for themselves.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSYQWNY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I am planning to buy the techs on my team darntough.com socks this year for Xmas. It’s hard to buy a pair of $25 socks for yourself, but they are really nice.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MR59VW4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have two multi tools, a leather man I received 25 years ago and wore daily when on active duty in the army. It now lives in my dresser drawer and is used for quick household repairs.
I also have a dewalt that lives in my desk drawer. My boss gave it to me a few years ago for Xmas. It’s handy to have at my desk instead of going to the big toolbox in the lab.
I received a very nice swissarmy watch as a groomsman gift several years ago. It’s a great watch, but I rarely wear it because I don’t want to tear it up. It’s a vacation or date night kind of watch.

 

[Mecha]

https://www.buckknives.com/product/722-spitfire-knife/0722FAM01/

This buck knife and you can get it engraved.

 

[brownbagg]

one snap on tool, doesnt matter what it is, like maybe one, 1/2 inch wrench
he will value it forever, the first snap on. like a diamond ring

 

[Black300zx]

My 0.02 - There's no reason that you need to get each of them the same thing. If two groomsmen would be thrilled with a snapon ratchet, do it and find something for the others that is roughly the same value and of more use to them.

My wife and I had a very small wedding party. I got my best man (served in the army) an olive drab Kershaw folding knife. My lone groomsman is a big golfer and I got him a smaller pen knife that came with a matching ball marker and divot tool in the case

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I received an engraved Leatherman as grooms gift for a wedding I was the best man in. It is pretty cool, but I don't use it. Ever time I see it in the drawer I'm torn, I don't want to mess it up, but a tool unused in a drawer is a waste.

I gave my groomsman a good bottle of scotch. I knew they would get good use from that that.

Yeah, speaking from experience, the best gifts are usually things that aren’t niche. Bottle openers, knives, signs, lighters, I never use any of them because I like the ones I bought for myself better. Same thing with cuff links or tie clips. The best gifts have always been quality liquor or, honestly, no gift. I’m just there for the fun and to help the groom have a good time.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

My pick would be a good quality splitting wedge, if in a rural enough area to need to use these regularly. It’s something people are unlikely to have developed a connection to their current one and be reluctant to switch. And then they’ll think of you whenever they are out chopping wood. I’m not the worlds biggest he man but to me that’s one of the most satisfying primal male activities.

 

[GeoBruin]

I'm all about keeping a good running groomsmen gift thread going, but just so you all realize it, OP probably got married 5 years ago.

 

[bigjeff94]

https://www.buckknives.com/product/722-spitfire-knife/0722FAM01/

This buck knife and you can get it engraved.

This was going to be my recommendation too, you can also have the 055 and 110 engraved as well if youre looking for a more traditional looking knife.

 

[matthew]

I think gifts may be a little about your personality, and a little about the recipients.

I’d also consider whether this is to be “use it every day” or “treasure saved for special occasion.”

I like multi tools, but less than I used to. They tend to be less comfortable to use than proper pliers, so I’d rather carry a Vise Grip and a Swiss Army knife than one multitool.

If it was from me, I’d probably go with something like a Victorinox Explorer. Not too big to carry, all the important items are in it.

The models with wood scales are a bit more special occasion type. The old school metal scales are cool, but not as much choice of models.


I might also want to look at something like shaving gear - it’s a pretty man type thing. Double edge razors are both practical and fancy and cool. Link

 

[richfinn]

I'm going with the obligatory "skin wedge"

Skin Wedge | Aircraft Spruce

Skin Wedge Made of 4130 steel and heat-treated to perfection.

www.aircraftspruce.com

Affordable (multipack), useful, a forever tool that will remind them of your big day for a long time to come.

They will think your a bit of a skinflint at first (engraved might be a nice touch) but it will pass as it becomes a prized possession

 

[tarbellb]

Might be a divorce gift at this point

 

[bdbecker]

I know this is a zombie thread, but its a fun topic regardless...

I ended up going the knife route. I bought blade blanks (https://www.crazycrow.com/green-river-knife-blades/green-river-blades-5in-hunter), made/installed scales, and had a local leathersmith make sheaths for them. Most of the guys in the group were hunters/outdoorsman types, so I knew they'd appreciate it. For the guys who weren't, I knew they wouldn't mind a nice knife to use in the kitchen or at the grill. I made it clear to the guys that these weren't trophies, I wanted them to use them.

Most of the guys have mentioned to me over the years how they really like their knives. Usually a random text like "I was just cleaning a deer with your the knife you gave me..." or "I was just using my favorite steak knife..." Heck, just this last week my buddy posted a few pics from elk camp on social media and what do I see hanging off his belt? Yep, the knife I gave him.

 

[richfinn]

Might be a divorce gift at this point

That's why I went cheap (in addition to being a stingy scumbag)

 

[m6z]

I've been in three weddings, four if I count my own.

1st: Got a nice Kershaw knife. Broke the blade, no idea where it ended up.

2nd: Got some beer and a nice heavy stainless steel bottle opener that was engraved with my name. Still, got the bottle opener and use it quite often.

3rd: Got a nice Streamlight flashlight. Still got it, use it quite often.

 

[Mfaz28]

The greatest single tool ever devised ; The Vise Grip Plier.

 

[DAustin]

Swiss Army Knife

Create your Personalized Pocket Knife | Victorinox (USA)

In case you thought you couldn't get more from the trusty Swiss Army Knife, now you can create your own. The adventure extends to the design itself as you select from a choice of scale color, additional tools and even an engraved inscription.

www.victorinox.com

 

[Al Borland]

Katanas.
Personalized Katanas.
At the reception, tell them "There can be only one!"

 

[SnapOnSnapOff]

Katanas.
Personalized Katanas.
At the reception, tell them "There can be only one!"

I have no particular interest in swords or any idea what "There can be only one: is referencing, and I would be genuinely elated to get a badass, personalized Katana.

 

[Blind1]

I had custom wrought iron bottle openers made from the same guy that made my ring. Stamped with their initials and the year.

Most of them still use them more than a decade later.

 

[mepstein]

30 years ago I bought the guys a nice Swiss Army knife.

 

[victor252]

I use my pocket knife everyday, would be lost without it. I think every man can use a knife. I think a snap on gift would be awesome imo but not sure everyone would appreciate a gift like that as much as I would.

I got my groomsmen engraved Swiss Army Knives. Specifically, the Farmer X Alox (aluminum scales) models. The Alox scales look really classy and the engraver at DLT trading did a great job. The Farmer X is as big as an everyday carry knife could be. But a Pioneer or Pioneer X would be a bit smaller. The Farmer X is as wide as my wallet and has a nice saw on it, so I went with that. Everyone loved them.

https://www.dlttrading.com/swiss-army-farmer-x

Just realized this is a zombie thread but who cares? People are still getting married. I just got married two weeks ago.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

My 2 cents into the ongoing list, understanding that the OP isn't looking anymore.

I work in construction & play with old cars, so between the work truck & home garage I've got a decent amount of tools. But my daily carry is this swiss army knife.


Yes, I have better screwdrivers, saws, pliers, scissors, drills, files, etc. But frequently for a small task the time saved by not having to get another tool from the truck is worthwhile. And when I'm away from other tools it's been a real problem solver.

It seems that all swiss army knives come with a corkscrew. Not being a drinker I originally thought it was a waste. But it's very good at hooking onto something down in a hole & retrieving it. It also makes a pretty good whorl for loosening up a knot.

Same thing with the button hook as seeming like a useless tool at first. But it makes the knife into a tee handle puller that is surprisingly strong.

Someone was really thinking when they added the eyglass screwdriver that spirals into the corkscrew. Perfect tiny flat blade that's always at hand.

The saw is very sharp & actually works well. So do the scissors.

The pliers aren't very practical. But for loosening up a cable tv connector they save a trip to the truck.

I use the assortment of screwdrivers all the time. Good screwdrivers.

The thin tweezers hidden in the handle are perfect for pulling splinters. Better at that job than most others. The toothpick works. I'm not sure what the stylus is for.

The leather drill works pretty well as a reamer for enlarging a hole.

Of course, the knife blades get used too. But if there's a lot of cutting involved, a utility knife gets out of the truck instead.

File, magnifier, fish scaler don't get used much. I've used the rule on the scaler in a pinch, but usually have a tape measure on my hip.

I used to carry a leatherman. Their pliers are much better imo, but otherwise I get more use out of the army knife.

I did use the leatherman once to free a kid who got his arm stuck in a theater chair cupholder. He stuck his arm into the hole & it wouldn't come out. It was part of a plastic armrest. They were holding him upside down & sideways trying to free it.

I unscewed the armrest from below & removed the armrest. That calmed the kid down, not being anchored to the chair anymore. Once he was calm we could position his arm to relax & the armrest slid right off.

 

[hailwood1965]

Whiskey.

 

[Garcky]

Three pound hammer. The tool of last resort.

 

[lardy1]

A multi tool with a variety of drivers to remind them how many ways you're about to get screwed.

 

[f121]

Cuff links were the best groomsman gift I received. I never wear them, I don’t think I own any shirts that need cuff links but they’ll be handy if I ever do.

 

[Max]

I have no particular interest in swords or any idea what "There can be only one: is referencing, and I would be genuinely elated to get a badass, personalized Katana.

Its from the movie/TV series “Highlander”. A group of immortals battle with swords to determine the sole survivor…

 

[Dozerhand]

Married 35 years and every time I see my groomsman he's got the old timer pocket knife with him I gave him on my wedding day. I like the idea of an engraved buck knife but it's got to be a 110

 

[mogandave]

Married 35 years and every time I see my groomsman he's got the old timer pocket knife with him I gave him on my wedding day. I like the idea of an engraved buck knife but it's got to be a 110

I think the 112 is much nicer.

My brother gave us custom pocket-knives with silver handles, I still have it.