Not every job requires an entire team armed to the teeth with a bunch of tools. Sometimes for things like a loose bolt, a universal solution works best – like a pocket-sized multi-tool. Here, people usually opt for Leatherman, a company that claims to have built the first plier-based multi-tool. Among its offerings, the Leatherman Wave+, a full-size multi-tool, is one of the most popular options in its category.
Many of Leatherman’s competitors are trying to undercut the price of these offerings, but one of the most exciting upcoming options comes from Tsuchioto Works, a Tokyo design studio. It’s called the Blackjaw, a pocket-sized gadget that folds pliers, two blades, a saw, two screwdrivers, two door openers and a carabiner into a single frame. Folded, it measures just 4.2 inches long and weighs 7.8 ounces. It’s perhaps slightly longer than the Wave+, which measures 4 inches, but it’s also noticeably lighter at 7.8 ounces compared to the Wave+’s 8.5 ounces. It attaches to your belt loop with the integrated carabiner, so it’s always within reach.
However, the real selling point here is the price. The Blackjaw is currently being sold through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, and the campaign price is $90. That’s significantly lower than the $129.95 price on the Wave+. Shipping to the US adds another $15, but even with that you’re still only out $105. You can also earn a few extra dollars with the Super Early Bird tier, bringing the price down to around $80. That said, Tsuchioto plans to charge $119 once the campaign ends. Unfortunately, backers will have to wait a while to get the product since Tsuchioto doesn’t plan to start shipping the Blackjaw until March 2027.
What sets the Blackjaw apart from the Wave+?
Price aside, the biggest difference between the Blackjaw and the Wave+ is that none of the Blackjaw’s parts are detachable. The lack of detachable parts means you won’t accidentally lose a set of bits, meaning you’ll be able to complete a job. The downside, however, is that the tool only has two drivers, a Phillips and a flathead.
As for the Blackjaw itself, the name describes the design quite well. The tool is essentially a pair of two-handled plier jaws, almost all of which wear a matte black finish. While the handles are made of aluminum, the blades, jaws, and drivers are made of stainless steel. Since each tool here unfolds from the outer side of both handles, you can use the blade or screwdriver without having to first unfold the pliers.
In total, you have 11 tools on the Blackjaw, including this carabiner. There’s the plier head designed for stacking long-nose tips for small parts, a toothed jaw for nuts and pipes, and a wire cutter. Then there’s the double-sided saw for handling small branches and dowels. Can and bottle openers cover meals at camp. A separate notch is designed for stripping the wire. Finally, the knife is designed for boxes and cords. So overall, this is a complete tool that can handle many jobs and significantly undercuts the price of its main competitor.
Gn tech
