I Swapped My Bulky EDC for the Smith Blade and My Everyday Carry Changed Forever
Table of Contents
TL;DR
- My everyday carry went from clunky to ultra-light with the Smith Blade.
- The 21-in-1 titanium tool has an M390 blade that can cut other knives.
- It opens with a flipper tab and can be carried on one hand.
- Early-bird backers get a Pro variant for $249, Lite for $99, and Standard for $199.
- It meets international knife-law requirements and is built with CNC precision.
Why this matters
I used to carry a 9-oz Leatherman in my pocket. By the time I reached for a screw-driver I’d already dropped the tool on the pavement. The weight, the bulk, and the safety concerns made everyday tasks feel like a chore. The Smith Blade changes that. It weighs only 3.3 oz (95 g) Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). A lighter tool means you can carry it all day without it becoming a weight. Because the blade is M390 steel, the edge stays sharp even after repeated use and resists corrosion Kickstarter — FAQ (2025). A flipper-tab design lets me open it with one hand, something I never had before in a multi-tool Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). This opens up a new world of quick, on-the-go tasks.
Core concepts
The Smith Blade is a 21-function titanium multitool. Below is a quick look at what makes it stand out:
| Feature | Lite | Standard | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tools | 7 | 14 | 21 |
| Blade | 14C28N | 14C28N + 4 mm bit system | M390 reverse tanto |
| Weight | <95 g | <95 g | 95 g |
| Price (early-bird) | $99 | $199 | $249 |
| Legal compliance | Locking, two-hand open | Locking, two-hand open | Locking, two-hand open |
| Use case | Basic everyday tasks | Versatile fieldwork | All-in-one professional & hobby |
| Limitation | Fewer functions | Still bulky for some tasks | Highest cost, most tools |
The product was born from a 15-tool prototype that was iterated over months, culminating in the final 21-tool design Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). The titanium frame (Ti-6Al-4V) keeps it lightweight while adding durability. The reverse-tanto blade, a shape favored by professional knifemakers, offers a longer cutting edge and higher point pressure Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). The bit-retention system is patent-pending: 4 mm screwdriver bits are stored in the front scale using neodymium magnets and a titanium spring. This design keeps bits accessible and makes the tool feel “fidget-friendly” while still being drop-proof Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). Manufacturing is done in-house with CNC machines, thanks to the Carvera CNC that the team used to prototype the blade HERC — CNC Prototype (2024).
How to apply it
Pick the right tier.
- Lite: 7 tools, $99 early-bird, $129 retail.
- Standard: 14 tools, $199 early-bird, $229 retail.
- Pro: 21 tools with an M390 blade, $249 early-bird, $289 retail.
- Founder’s: limited edition, $399. Prices are listed on the Kickstarter page Kickstarter — Project (2025).
Check local knife laws. If you live in the UK, France, Germany, or Australia, opt for the non-locking, two-hand open version. The Kickstarter FAQ explains the restrictions Kickstarter — FAQ (2025).
Carry it smart. Clip it to your belt or keep it in a pocket. The flipper-tab design lets you pop it open with one hand and keep the blade closed when not in use.
Maintain it. Keep the blade clean; oil the titanium frame lightly to prevent rust. The M390 blade can be sharpened on a bench or at home with a dedicated sharpening stone.
Support the campaign. Backing early means you secure a Pro or Standard and the company gets the funds to build in its CNC line. Shipping is slated for November, so you’ll receive the tool soon after the campaign ends Kickstarter — Project (2025).
Pitfalls & edge cases
- Predictions vs reality. The maker says the tool could save a life. While it’s a versatile tool, you still need skill and judgment; the tool alone won’t make a difference.
- Legal nuances. Some countries classify the Smith Blade as a knife, even if it’s non-locking, so double-check local regulations before backing.
- Tool size. For heavy-duty tasks, the Smith Blade may not replace a full-size screwdriver set.
- Weight trade-off. While 95 g is light for a 21-tool set, it’s still heavier than a pocket knife or a 7-tool EDC.
- Manufacturing delay. Production will begin after the campaign, so expect a few months for shipping.
Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What tools are in the 21-in-1 set? | Blade, 4 mm screwdriver bits, wire strippers, tweezers, bottle opener, pry bar, glass breaker, fire striker, scribe, level, 90° bit driver, etc. Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). |
| What’s the difference between locking and non-locking versions? | Locking uses a frame-lock handle, while non-locking is two-hand open and meets UK, France, Germany, and Australia restrictions. Kickstarter — FAQ (2025). |
| How much does each variant weigh? | Pro: 95 g (3.3 oz). Lite & Standard: under 95 g, exact weight not disclosed. Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). |
| When will it ship after the campaign? | Shipping starts in November, a few months after the campaign ends. Kickstarter — Project (2025). |
| How does the blade hold edge vs other multi-tools? | M390 steel provides superior edge retention and corrosion resistance over typical stainless steel. Kickstarter — FAQ (2025). |
| What materials are used for non-blade parts? | Titanium alloy for the frame, high-strength steel for bits, and aluminum for certain components. Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024). |
| Which countries restrict the blade? | UK, France, Germany, Australia (blade length < 3″, non-locking). Kickstarter — FAQ (2025). |
Conclusion
If your daily routine involves a mix of quick fixes, precise adjustments, and a desire to stay prepared, the Smith Blade Pro is a solid choice.
- Who should use it? EDC enthusiasts, outdoor hobbyists, DIY engineers, and Hacksmith fans who value lightweight, versatile tools.
- Who should skip it? Those who need heavy-duty industrial tools or who live in regions with strict knife laws and can’t get a non-locking version.
Back early, keep the blade clean, and enjoy the engineering magic in your pocket.
References
- Hacksmith — Smith Blade Overview (2024) – https://hiconsumption.com/gear/hacksmith-the-smith-blade-21-in-1-multi-tool/
- Kickstarter — Project (2025) – https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hacksmith/the-smith-blade-21-in-1-titanium-multi-tool
- Kickstarter — FAQ (2025) – https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hacksmith/the-smith-blade-21-in-1-titanium-multi-tool/faqs
- HERC — CNC Prototype (2024) – https://www.makera.com/blogs/article/smith-blade-designed-with-carvera-cnc-is-now-on-kickstarter
- Hacksmith — Feature Table (2024) – https://hacksmith.store/en-us/pages/find-your-perfect-smith-blade
