The brand new Hex from New Zealand firm KEA Outside seems to be like an unassuming folding EDC (on a regular basis carry) knife upon first look. It has a vivid, grippy deal with for comfort, a razor-sharp half-serrated, half-straight drop-point blade for reducing versatility, a thumb stud for quick, simplified deployment, and a lanyard gap for simply stringing up. However that lanyard slot is greater than meets the attention, carrying a handful of capabilities inside a easy rotating wheel-like design, creating a unique model of multitool.
The concept of packaging a pair additional implements with an in any other case standard-issue EDC-ready knife is not a brand new one, particularly within the modern multitool-obsessed market through which we see new fashions and startups launch on a weekly foundation. We have seen a number of takes on the thought, and even multitool icons like Leatherman and Victorinox have performed round with it.
KEA Outside does handle to place a definite spin on the idea, although. As an alternative of flipping the bonus instruments out of the knife deal with, tying them on an accompanying lanyard, or integrating them into the sheath, KEA designs a hexagonal wheel multitool out of the lanyard attachment level on the base of the deal with. The wheel rotates round to disclose a number of completely different instruments, every of which locks into place through a metal spring for secure efficiency.
KEA Outside
Most likely essentially the most helpful, EDC-worthy perform on the Hex multitool dial is the magnetic 1/4-in bit holder that works with the bits of your selecting. This turns the Hex knife into a flexible tighten-anything multi-driver restricted solely by the bits you select to hold.
On the draw back, the Hex would not provide any onboard house for storing bits, however KEA is engaged on designing an accompanying bit case as a potential Kickstarter stretch purpose. In any other case, you possibly can simply throw just a few of your favorites in your smallest jacket pocket or perhaps the middle console of your automotive, making certain you’ve gotten them once you want them.
KEA Outside
The opposite helpful Hex spinner perform is a small, sharp blade that works as each field and may opener. The can opener is a helpful provision for tenting and different outside adventures, whereas the field opener is one thing you need to use every day, particularly in the event you’re an Amazon common.
The lanyard gap doubles as a pry bar and bottle opener. It must also show an efficient stake puller for tent stakes with an L-style head.
The ultimate facet of the rotatable device homes a flat edge designed to work as a mini-hammer. Fact be advised, we won’t consider many sensible makes use of for this one, however KEA reveals a consumer banging a slider again into monitor on a zipper for instance. We suppose perhaps you could possibly use it to bang these aforementioned stakes in, although any previous rock mendacity round camp would offer you higher heft and floor space to work with for that kind of process.
KEA Outside
That is not essentially essentially the most helpful, sturdy or spectacular assortment of instruments, however what’s cool right here is that they are part of a correct folding knife. So as an alternative of the everyday small, off-center multitool blade, you get a devoted 3.1-in (8-cm) high-carbon D2 metal blade centered exactly in a slim, purpose-built ergonomic deal with. The blade features a drop-point tip, straight and serrated edges, a metal spring lock and a thumb stud. The G10 deal with includes a non-slip grip.
The slimline Hex weighs in at simply 4.5 oz (130 g), in keeping with KEA’s estimates, and measures in at 4.7 in (12 cm) closed and seven.8 in (20 cm) open.
KEA is raising money on Kickstarter to prepared the Hex for launch. Pledges of NZ$102 (approx. US$60) will safe one of many first examples, assuming they make it to manufacturing as deliberate. KEA will ship the Hex wherever on this planet and hopes to start deliveries in April 2026.
Supply: KEA Outdoors
