Announced just last week, the 95-gram Smith Blade is a titanium multi-tool with 21 functions that looks to replace the standard Leatherman tool in a more lightweight package. Even more interesting is that it raised nearly $6,000,000 on Kickstarter in a week. Find details here…

YouTuber James Hobson, better known as “Hacksmith,” has turned his legendary knack for bringing science-fiction ideas to life into a cutting-edge everyday carry tool, the Smith Blade. Billed as a reinvention of the classic pocket knife, the Smith Blade blends modern materials with next-level functionality, delivering 21 useful tools in a feather-light 95-gram (3.3oz) package. And while all of its functions may not be directly applicable to bikepacking, there’s a lot of crossover rolled into this thing, including features such as a built-in sewing awl and a fire starter. Even more interesting is how much money this little gadget has already raised. At the time of writing, folks have pledged over $5.7 million, which amounts to over 30 times the $181,867 goal. Watch the video below, and read on for details.

Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and M390 blade steel, the Smith Blade claims to be slimmer and lighter than the reigning champions of pocket knives—and far lighter than a comparable Leatherman tool. For Hobson, known for projects like the world’s first proto-lightsaber and real-life bulletproof suits, the Smith Blade is more than a gadget. A self-described 21st-century MacGyver, he wanted a tool he could always carry that would accomplish almost anything in a compact form factor. From fixing a bike mid-ride to swapping a light switch to jotting down a note when no one has a pen, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s the full list of features:

  1. M390 Blade Steel – Premium German-made steel produced via powder metallurgy, known for its durability and edge retention. Lite and Standard editions feature 14C28N Swedish steel for a balance of performance and value.
  2. 15° Adjustable Protractor – A series of blade divots at 15° increments, producing a distinct tactile and audible feel when opening.
  3. Nail File – Integrated file surface on a hardened blade (61–63 HRC) for nail maintenance.
  4. Bit Retention Storage Spring – Patent-pending 4mm bit storage in the front scale with machined channels, neodymium magnets, and titanium retention spring; compatible with standard 4mm precision screwdriver bits.
  5. Tweezers – Built-in tweezers for precise handling of small items.
  6. Wire Strippers – Grooved stripping surfaces suitable for 12–20 gauge wire.
  7. Metric & Imperial Ruler – Ruler markings for both metric and imperial measurements.
  8. Reversible Belt Clip & Deep Carry Option – Adjustable clip orientation with an optional deep-carry clip for varied carry preferences.
  9. Bottle Opener – Integrated opener for capped bottles.
  10. Pry Bar/Staple Puller – Tool edge designed for prying small items and removing staples.
  11. Philips 4mm Bit – Standard crosshead screwdriver bit, compatible with any 4mm precision bit driver.
  12. Flathead 4mm Bit – Standard slotted screwdriver bit.
  13. Pen 4mm Bit – Interchangeable 4mm bit containing a refillable ballpoint pen (available in red, blue, or black ink).
  14. SIM Tool / Sewing Awl – Dual-use pointed tool for SIM card trays or basic sewing repairs.
  15. Glow-in-the-Dark Illuminator / Tritium Option – Glow insert for visibility in low light; Founder’s edition includes a tritium vial for continuous glow.
  16. Ferrocerium Fire Striker – Fire-starting rod producing sparks up to 3,315 °C (6,000 °F).
  17. Tungsten Carbide Metal Scribe – Hard-tipped scribe capable of marking glass or hardened steel.
  18. Emergency Glass Breaker – Tungsten-carbide tip for breaking tempered glass in emergencies.
  19. Bubble Level – Integrated level for quick alignment checks.
  20. 90-Degree Bit Driver – Side-mounted, magnetic 4mm bit driver for tight spaces.
  21. Extended Ruler on Blade Edge – Measurement markings along the blade for lengths up to 192 mm (~7.5″).

The price of the fill 21-in-1 model is $249, and there are also smaller versions starting at $99. Find pricing and the full set of details about the Smith Blade over on Kickstarter.

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