ARTICLE – Most multi-tools fail before they’re ever used. They’re too heavy, too bulky, or too awkward to carry daily, so they end up in a drawer or a glove box, waiting for an emergency that never comes at a convenient time. The tool you actually have on you beats the perfect one sitting at home, but that math only works if carrying it doesn’t feel like a burden. This is the paradox that keeps capable tools from being useful tools. BLACKHAWK’s new Mini EDC Pocket Tool, unveiled at SHOT Show 2026, takes aim at exactly this problem: a multi-tool compact enough to forget you’re carrying until you need it.
Price: $64.99
Where to buy: Bear & Son Cutlery
What’s Actually in the Package
The Mini EDC Pocket Tool packs a 420 stainless steel tanto blade, seatbelt cutter, Phillips screwdriver, flat-head tip that doubles as a small pry bar, wire cutters, and needle-nose pliers into a 3-inch frame. That’s a smart feature stack for the size. Zytel overlay handles add grip without bulk, and the texture actually holds when your hands are sweaty or greasy. The whole thing weighs 4.5 ounces, which puts it closer to a house key ring than a traditional Leatherman. A pocket clip keeps it accessible, and BLACKHAWK offers it in tan or black at $64.99. At this price, you’re paying for thoughtful engineering rather than brand prestige.
The tanto blade geometry isn’t accidental. That reinforced tip handles puncture tasks better than a drop-point, which matters if you’re cutting through seatbelt webbing or stabbing through packaging tape at angles. The wire cutters sit in the plier jaws, a location that lets you apply real leverage without repositioning your grip.
Karambits for the Tactically Minded
BLACKHAWK also debuted two new karambit designs at the show. The GARRA III Karambit Sideliner folds down for pocket or duty-belt carry, with a 2.25-inch D2 tool steel blade that deploys via thumb stud. Jimping along the spine and an integrated finger groove give it the kind of positive retention that matters when hands are wet or gloved. G10 handles in tan or black keep weight at 5.1 ounces, and an ambidextrous pocket clip supports tip-up carry. It runs $124.99.
For those who prefer the security of a fixed blade, the GARRA Fixed Karambit offers a 3.25-inch full-tang D2 steel blade paired with textured Zytel handles. At 8 inches overall and 7.5 ounces, it’s substantial without being unwieldy. The full-tang construction means the steel runs through the entire handle, so there’s no weak point where blade meets grip. That’s the kind of detail that separates tools built for actual fieldwork from display pieces. The included kydex sheath features oversized clips designed for duty belts, though civilians will find it works fine with a sturdy leather belt too. Sheath retention clicks with a satisfying snap, tight enough to hold during movement but loose enough to draw without fighting it. The texturing on the Zytel handles is aggressive without being uncomfortable, and the finger choil positions your index finger exactly where it needs to be for controlled cuts. Expect to pay $159.99, which feels reasonable given the material quality and construction.
Price: $124.99 to $159.99
Where to buy: Bear & Son Cutlery
Karambits occupy a specific niche. The curved blade excels at controlled cutting motions and close-quarters utility, but the learning curve is real. If you’ve never trained with this geometry, practice opening packages before trusting it for anything serious. The finger ring provides excellent retention, though it can slow deployment if you’re used to straight blades.
Writing Instruments Built Like Weapons
The lineup rounds out with two writing instruments that share BLACKHAWK’s overbuilt philosophy. The Mechanical Pencil is machined from T6 aluminum with a bolt-action lead feed, a mechanism that works even when you’re wearing gloves. At 5.75 inches and 1 ounce, it disappears in a shirt pocket. Black, blue, and tan versions run $39.99, with extra lead included.
The Roller Ball Ink Pen takes the durability further with a titanium housing that weighs just 0.7 ounces and can double as a pressure-point tool in emergencies. You feel the machining quality immediately: the barrel is cool to the touch with a slight brushed texture, and there’s zero rattle or play in the mechanism. The bolt-action deployment feels satisfying in a way that click pens don’t, with a crisp detent at both ends of the throw. The overbuilt pocket clip suggests someone at BLACKHAWK got tired of losing pens. Brass, blue, black, and “lightning” finishes range from $79.99 to $84.99, putting it in Tactile Turn territory but with a more aggressive aesthetic.
There’s an argument that a $40 mechanical pencil is overkill for writing grocery lists. That argument misses the point. These are tools designed for people who need to write in cold, wet, or high-stress conditions, then shove the pen back in a pocket without babying it. If you’re an office worker who never leaves climate control, a $2 Bic works fine.
Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)
BLACKHAWK was founded by a Navy SEAL, and that heritage shows in the design philosophy. Everything here prioritizes durability and field serviceability over style points. The Mini EDC Pocket Tool isn’t the prettiest multi-tool on the market, but it’s likely to outlast fancier options from lifestyle brands chasing Instagram aesthetics.
The core audience is law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders who need tools that work when stakes are high. Civilians who appreciate robust engineering will find value here too, especially if previous multi-tools have disappointed. But if you want something to show off at a dinner party, this isn’t it. BLACKHAWK builds tools for people who use tools.
The tactical pen segment feels slightly more crowded than the multi-tool space. Fisher Space Pens prioritize pressurized ink cartridges that write upside down and in extreme temperatures. Benchmade leans into precision machining and clip design. The BLACKHAWK versions lean harder into secondary utility and overbuilt construction, which either appeals or doesn’t depending on how you view the intersection of writing and self-defense. That positioning makes them worth a look if you’ve bounced off the more refined options.
Price: $39.99 to $84.99
Where to buy: Bear & Son Cutlery
The Bottom Line
BLACKHAWK’s SHOT Show 2026 lineup solves a real problem: the gap between full-size multi-tools that stay home and keychain gadgets that can’t handle real tasks. The Mini EDC Pocket Tool threads that needle at a reasonable $64.99, while the karambits and writing instruments offer specialized options for those who need them. These aren’t lifestyle accessories pretending to be functional. They’re functional tools that happen to look good enough to carry. If your current EDC setup has a gap between “too much” and “not enough,” this is where to start looking.
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$89.99 (as of January 20, 2026 09:35 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
