“Functions like a multi-tool, carries like a pocket knife” — that was the big selling point for the Gerber Crucial when it rolled out last year. And true enough, it’s gone on to become one of the more popular pocket multi-tools in the market. The new Gerber Crucial FAST reinforces the already terrific feature set with an assisted-opening blade for one-handed deployment.
The FAST in the name stands for Forward Action Spring Technology, which lets you whip out the half-serrated blunt-tip blade faster than those on conventional multi-tools. And with one hand, too, just like a proper switchblade. The blade deployment comes with a safety lock, as well, just to make sure you don’t end up opening it accidentally.
The Gerber Crucial FAST measures 4.8 inches long when closed, making it plenty welcome to slip into any of your pants’ pockets. Aside from the blade, it features seven other crucial tools: a flathead screwdriver, a square cross driver, a bottle opener, needlenose pliers, regular pliers and pinch-style wire cutters. All parts are made from stainless steel.
While it bundles nowhere near the amount of tools some less-compact multi-tools carry, the essentials it does include are all sized and built to function effectively. The Gerber Crucial FAST is available now, priced at just $42.