Pohaku Multitool Knife, Pohaku 13 in 1 Pocket Multitool, Multi Tool with 3" Large Blade, Safety Locking Design, Spring-Action Plier, Durable Nylon Sheath for Outdoor, Camping, Fishing, Survival,Hiking

Overview

The Pohaku multitool sits in that practical middle ground between a heavy-duty pro tool and a lightweight keychain gadget. After several weeks of using it around the house, in the yard, and on a few day hikes, I found a lot to like for the price—especially the big, quick-access blade and the spring-loaded pliers. It’s not perfect, and a couple of design choices keep it from replacing a full-fledged multitool from the premium brands. But as a budget-friendly utility piece or backup kit tool, it earns its keep.

Build and Design

This is a stainless steel tool with a black oxide finish that does a decent job of resisting rust and hiding scuffs. The finish is more matte than glossy, which I prefer, and it hasn’t picked up any rust after getting damp on a couple of rainy trail days. Expect scratches to show over time; that’s typical for black oxide coatings.

It’s compact enough to pocket but thick and heavier than it looks—right around eight ounces on my scale. If you’re used to featherweight EDC gear, you’ll notice the heft. The handle shape is comfortable in both plier and knife grips, with enough contouring to keep the tool planted in hand during harder squeezes.

There’s no pocket clip, so carry is via the included nylon sheath or loose in a pocket. The sheath is basic but serviceable and rides comfortably on a belt. I’d prefer a more rigid sheath or a pocket clip for true EDC convenience, but the pouch does the job.

One-Handed Blade, Locking Mechanism

The star of this multitool is its 3-inch primary blade, which you can deploy one-handed. Out of the box, mine was stiff. After a couple days of opening and closing—and a drop of oil—the action smoothed up and I could pop it open reliably with my thumb. The blade uses a liner-style lock that clicks into place; on my sample it required a firm push to fully engage. It’s secure once locked, but you do need to be deliberate. I got in the habit of giving the spine a light press to confirm the lock before cutting.

Only the main blade locks. The rest of the fold-out tools use a slip-joint style retention. For most light-duty tasks this is fine, but it’s worth noting if you prefer full locking on saws and screwdrivers.

Blade steel isn’t specified, but it behaves like mid-grade stainless: easy to sharpen, decent edge life, and corrosion resistant enough for general use. I cut a mix of cardboard, nylon rope, and small branches. It held a working edge through a couple of afternoons of tasks, then touched up quickly with a ceramic rod. Don’t expect premium steel performance; do expect quick, fuss-free maintenance.

Tool Set and Performance

Inside the handles you get a familiar spread:

• Spring-action needle-nose and standard pliers
• Wire cutters
• Rope/seatbelt cutter
• Saw
• Serrated secondary blade
• Two files (bastard and second-cut)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Two slotted screwdrivers (medium and large)
• Can opener

The spring-action pliers are genuinely useful. The spring keeps the jaws responsive, and the nose is fine enough for grabbing small hardware, fish hooks, and zip ties. The cutters handled copper wire, small nails in a pinch (not recommended), and plenty of zip ties. There are no replaceable cutter inserts here, so I’d avoid piano wire or hardened fencing.

The screwdrivers are better than they look. The #2-ish Phillips fit cabinet hardware and outlet cover screws without camming out. The medium flat driver is stout enough for prying small paint can lids; the large driver doubles as a scraper. The limitation is reach—you’re not getting into recessed fasteners.

The saw is short but well-toothed. It chewed through green branches up to about an inch with patience. For dead hardwood, it’s more of an emergency option than a go-to. The serrated secondary blade overlaps with the main blade a bit, but it excels at fibrous materials—think garden twine, webbing, and cardboard—especially once the plain edge starts to dull.

The rope/seatbelt cutter is a nice safety touch. It’s recessed, so it won’t slice fingers, and it zipped through paracord, nylon straps, and a section of old ratchet tie-down cleanly. If you keep this in a vehicle kit, that feature earns its space.

The files are small but functional for quick deburring on aluminum and smoothing a rough nail or two. The can opener works once you find the right angle; there’s a tiny learning curve, like most multitool openers. It’s not the fastest, but it opens a can without mangling the rim.

Ergonomics and Everyday Use

As a pocket companion, the Pohaku multitool is on the heavy side. I used the sheath on hikes and tossed the tool into a backpack otherwise. The handle shape is a strength; there are no sharp edges pressing into the palm when you bear down with the pliers, and the blade grip feels secure thanks to the larger handle girth.

One-hand blade deployment is a real advantage during tasks where you’re stabilizing something with your other hand. However, the action needs a break-in period. If your thumb strength is average, plan on a bit of initial resistance. A small drop of lubricant at the pivot made a noticeable difference for me.

The absence of a pocket clip is the biggest missed opportunity. A clip would make this a more compelling daily carry. As-is, it’s better suited to a tool bag, glove box, or belt.

Durability and Maintenance

The construction feels solid, with minimal side play in the plier heads and tight pivots on the fold-out tools. After a couple weeks of use, everything still opens with a positive detent. Expect the black finish to show shiny wear on contact points. The blade sharpens easily; I used a basic ceramic rod and stropping compound to bring it back quickly.

Keep the pivot lightly oiled if you want a smooth one-hand open, and wipe it down after wet use. The sheath stitching is adequate, but I wouldn’t expect it to outlast a leather or ballistic nylon alternative under daily use.

What It’s Great For

• Budget-friendly backup in a 72-hour kit or vehicle
• Occasional EDC for users who prefer a big, quick-access blade
• Camping and day hikes where pliers, a rope cutter, and a saw come up occasionally
• Light maintenance tasks around the house: tightening hardware, snipping wire, trimming zip ties

Where It Falls Short

• Heavier and bulkier than ideal for daily pocket carry, especially without a clip
• Only the main blade locks; the saw and drivers are slip-joint
• Non-replaceable wire cutter edges
• Blade lock requires a deliberate push to fully engage on some samples
• Basic sheath; fine for occasional use, not premium

Value

For the price, the feature set is impressive: spring-action pliers, a sizable one-hand-opening blade, and a rope cutter in a compact frame. You give up niceties like full locking tools, premium steel, and a pocket clip, but you also avoid premium pricing. If you’re hard on tools or prone to misplacing them, this is an easy buy that won’t make you precious about using it.

Recommendation

I recommend the Pohaku multitool as a capable, budget-friendly utility piece and a solid backup for a kit, vehicle, or tackle box. The one-hand 3-inch blade, spring-loaded pliers, and rope cutter make it genuinely useful for everyday tasks and outdoor outings. Its weight, lack of a pocket clip, and non-locking secondary tools keep it from replacing a premium multitool for professional or heavy daily use. But if you want a sturdy, no-fuss multitool that covers the basics well without denting your wallet, this one fits the brief.