THE LOWDOWN Buck’s X-Tract can be used entirely with one hand. It has only the essentials: knife, pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers, and a can and bottle opener. This was the most affordable tool, and at around 6 ounces, the lightest.
Testers found it to be comfortable in hand and easy to use. But if they favored the tool’s ergonomics, it was not reflected in their scoring: The X-Tract came in last. Buonanno referred to it as a “fancy knife.” Although the knife blade was popular, every­one doubted the strength of the pliers; Buonanno didn’t think they would hold up under lots of pressure.
HITS “With a little beefing up, this would be my everyday knife.”—Lauber
MISSES “The pliers do not have a needle-nose component.”—Buonanno