Get Fall-Ready: Honor Hard Work with the Best Tactical Knives & Multi-Tools
Fall has always been my favorite season, bringing cooler weather after a long summer—meaning less sweat and chafing, fewer bugs, and hunting season approaching on the calendar. As temperatures change, it’s important to reset your packing lists. Whether you’re heading out to the field for a training exercise, going on a hike, or gearing up for a hunt, make sure you have your essentials and are prepared for any sudden weather shifts.
One item on a packing list you should never overlook is your go-to tool. Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that a solid knife, multi-tool, or dependable piece of gear isn’t just nice to have—it’s a crucial part of your checklist.
In this article, I’m highlighting some of my go-to tactical tools, ranging from tactical knives to multi-tools, that have earned their spot in my gear lineup, featuring trusted brands like Mission Made, Benchmade, Smith & Wesson, Gerber, and Leatherman. These are the tools that actually get the job done when it matters, whether you’re on a mission, in the field, or just trying to survive a weekend hike.
Why Tactical Tools Matter
A good knife or multi-tool isn’t just about steel and design, it’s about confidence. Confidence that when something goes wrong, you’ll be able to fix it. Confidence that you can cut, pry, tighten, or adapt without hesitation.
For soldiers, first responders, and outdoor professionals, fall is a season of preparation. And the tools you carry are a reflection of how seriously you take that responsibility.
Mission Made Knives: Built for Everyday Readiness
Mission Made has a straightforward approach: no frills, just function and you can get great quality at a great price. Their knives feel like they were designed by people who’ve actually spent time in the field because they don’t overcomplicate things.
I like Mission Made knives because they’re reliable in that “quiet professional” way. They’re not flashy, but when you pull one out, you know it’s going to cut clean, open quickly, and hold up to whatever you throw at it. When you’re cutting cord, opening gear, or handling day-to-day tasks, Mission Made gives you practicality you can trust.
Mission Made Raptor Knife: 440 stainless steel blade with spring-assisted one-handed opening, half-serrated edge, bottle opener, and glass breaker for a versatile, everyday-ready tool.
Mission Made Tactical Unicorn Knife: 3Cr13 stainless steel blade with spring-assisted opening, carbon fiber-finish handle, liner lock, and integrated bottle opener, screwdriver, and carabiner for all-in-one everyday carry.
Benchmade: Precision You Can Feel
Benchmade has been around long enough to earn a reputation for excellence. Every time I’ve used one, the thing that stands out is how precise they feel. The opening is smooth, the blade stays sharp, and the grip feels like it belongs in your hand—and Benchmade remains a reliable favorite among professionals.
If Mission Made is about rugged practicality, Benchmade is about refinement without weakness. They’re knives that can handle field conditions but also feel at home clipped in your pocket every day. Heading into fall, when the days are unpredictable and your gear has to be versatile, Benchmade is a brand that earns its place.
Benchmade Griptilian Knife 550-S30V: Features a corrosion-resistant CPM-S30V sheepsfoot blade, ambidextrous thumb studs, and Benchmade’s secure AXIS locking mechanism.
Benchmade 9070BK Claymore Knife: Features a razor-sharp plain-edge high carbon blade, a lightweight CF-Elite handle, and practical touches like a reversible pocket clip and lanyard hole for ideal everyday carry.
Bugout AXIS Folding Knife: Re-engineered with lightweight, durable CF-Elite handle technology and a secure AXIS lock for confident handling in any situation.
Benchmade SOCP Dagger: Lightweight 440C fixed blade with low-profile MOLLE®-compatible sheath, designed for self-defense while maintaining dexterity and seamless gear integration.
Benchmade Tactical Triage Rescue Knife: Built for public safety with a CPM-S30V drop-point blade, 440C safety cutter, carbide glass breaker, and AXIS-lock mechanism for dependable triage and rescue missions.
Smith & Wesson Knives: Rugged Workhorses
I’ve always respected Smith & Wesson for their no-nonsense approach. Their knives carry that same DNA. They’re tough, affordable, and ready to take a beating.
I’ve seen young soldiers carry Smith & Wesson knives as their first real blade and years later, those same knives were still part of their kit. That says something. They might not have the polish of a premium blade, but when you’re out in the cold, cutting through rope or breaking down boxes, polish doesn’t matter. Reliability does.
Smith & Wesson M&P Drop Point Folding Knife in Tan/Black: Crafted from durable stainless steel, this versatile knife features a drop-point blade with a clip-point serrated edge, ambidextrous controls, and a black and tan aluminum handle with a lanyard hole and pocket clip for easy carry.
Smith & Wesson SWAT II Clip Point Folding Knife: Built for outdoor survival, featuring a black serrated blade, secure rubberized aluminum handle, and convenient everyday carry features like a thumb stud, lanyard hole, and pocket clip—all in a lightweight 5.2-ounce design.
Smith and Wesson’s Extreme Ops Rescue Knife: Features a half-serrated tanto blade, sharp seatbelt cutter, and unobtrusive glass breaker—making it an ideal everyday carry tool for first responders needing quick, reliable access in emergencies.
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife: Compact EDC with 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless-steel partially serrated clip point blade, aluminum handle, liner lock, and pocket clip for secure everyday use.
Gerber Knives: Innovative and Field-Tested
Gerber is one of those brands that always finds a way to innovate. I’ve carried Gerber knives that were simple fixed blades and others with features that made life easier in the field like textured grips or assisted openings.
What I like about Gerber is their balance. They make knives that feel tactical without being overengineered. Heading into fall, when you’re splitting time between work, range days, and outdoor treks, Gerber knives give you adaptability you’ll appreciate and use every day.
Gerber StrongArm Plain Edge Knife: Full tang 420HC steel blade with rubberized diamond-texture grip, MOLLE-compatible multi-mount sheath, and striking pommel; built for survival, adventure, and dependable field use.
Gerber Hinderer CLS Knife: Tactical 440A stainless steel partially serrated blade with black coating, plus built-in seatbelt cutter, window punch, and oxygen tank wrench for fast, dependable emergency response.
Gerber Swagger Folding Knife: Designed for effective and discreet use, this versatile folding knife features a durable G-10 and stainless steel handle, a secure frame lock, and an adaptable drop point blade.
Mission Made Multi-Tools: Simple and Reliable
There’s something about having a multi-tool in your pocket or on your belt that just makes you feel prepared. Mission Made’smulti-tools don’t overdo it they focus on the tools you’ll really use.
Whether it’s pliers, wire cutters, or a screwdriver, you’ll find yourself reaching for it more than you expect. I can’t count how many times I’ve fixed gear in the middle of nowhere just because I had a multi-tool handy. In fall, when conditions change fast, that kind of reliability is priceless.
Mission Made Multi-Tool: Compact 10-in-1 design with pliers, knife, saw, screwdrivers, and more—crafted from rust-resistant stainless steel with black oxide coating and carabiner clip for tough, versatile carry.
Leatherman: The Gold Standard
If knives are about precision and toughness, multi-tools are about versatility, and nobody does versatility better than Leatherman.
For decades, Leatherman has been the standard-bearer, and for good reason. Their tools pack an entire workshop into something that fits in your hand. I’ve used Leatherman multi-tools everywhere from field problems to hunting trips to fixing things at home. They’re that useful.
Pro tip: If you’re using a knife or tool in the field, tie it down with 550 paracord and make sure its a good knot. Without a tiedown, there's a good chance you’ll lose your knife or tool.
When you’re preparing for fall’s unpredictability, having a Leatherman at your side means you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Leatherman MUT Tactical Multi-Tool: Built for military professionals with a 420HC combo blade, pliers, saw, hammer, bolt override tool, bronze carbon scraper, firearm maintenance features, and MOLLE sheath included.
Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool: A 19-in-1 survival multitool with 420HC combo knife, saw, hammer, fire starter, safety whistle, and diamond sharpener—one-handed, magnetic operation and proudly made in the USA.
Gerber Multi-Tools: Modern Functionality
Gerber doesn’t just make knives they’ve carved out a place in the multi-tool world too. Their designs are often lighter, faster to deploy, and packed with smart features. I like their spring-loaded pliers and one-handed blade opening it makes a difference when you’re working in the dark or under stress.
Heading into fall, Gerber’s multi-tools offer a modern take on field readiness. They’re compact, durable, and ready to solve problems you didn’t even know you had until they show up.
Gerber Dime Mini Multi-Tool: Keychain-sized and lightweight with 12 essential tools; including pliers, blade, scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, and a package opener—delivering big functionality in a compact design.
Gerber Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool: Compact 4.25" design with needle nose pliers, 2.25" combo blade, and pocket clip; delivering everyday versatility and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Closing Thoughts: Hard Work Deserves Hard Gear
Tactical knives and multi-tools are more than accessories, they’re reliable partners in every task you take on.
Brands like Mission Made, Benchmade, Smith & Wesson, Gerber, and Leatherman have earned their place in the kits of soldiers, law enforcement, and outdoorsmen because they represent what hard work is all about: reliability, durability, and performance when it counts.
As you gear up for fall, don’t just think of tools as gear to carry. Think of them as an investment in your readiness, your safety, and your ability to keep moving forward no matter what the season throws at you.
Item Added to Cart!
