My Roxon KS2 Elite just came in and I think it’s awesome. [https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SP9+vIWmL.\_AC\_SL1000\_.jpg](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SP9+vIWmL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)
At $38 on Amazon, this knife (which comes with a 4mm bit kit and nylon pouch) kicks the $52 Victorinox Fieldmaster’s ass.
The build quality. The one-handed deployment. The locking tools. The larger and equal if not better scissors. The better driver selection. The glass breaker. The improved D2/4116 steel that now is on par with Victorinox 4110 steel.
The only weakness is bit retention. I have ordered a iFixit 4mm bit kit which reportedly works better (more chamfered/beveled ends = greater magnet contact). I will report back.
At 3.4″ and 4.5 oz, I started wondering what other multitools might pair well with the KS2 Elite. They would need to have pliers and a file.
Immediately, the Leatherman Bond came to mind. It’s attractively priced at $60 and similarly sized at 4″ and 6.25 oz. But there’s a lot of duplication of tools.
Wouldn’t it be great to find something that adds more, deletes most of the overlap and costs/weighs less?
I started looking at the Nextool Light Wrench W1 which is available for $13 or so on Ali Express. At 5.25 oz, it is lighter than the Bond. No pliers, but a file and a crescent wrench. Dammit, I really wanted pliers!
Then I stumbled on this video which was released about a month ago. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg9NiTohnbk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg9NiTohnbk) Nextool has released a new version called the Light Wrench W2 with pliers in addition to the wrench and file! It’s available on Ali Express for $35 or so.
The W2 is 4.5″ and 5.75 oz and contains:
* 24mm Crescent Wrench
* Combination Pliers/Crimper
* Metal File
* Blade
* Phillips
* Bit Kit (not sure if 4mm or 1/4″)
* Nylon Pouch
The only overlap between the KS2 Elite and Light Wrench W2 is the knife blade, Phillips and bit kits. Tools unique to the KS2 Elite:
* Saw
* Scissors
* Awl
* Bottle Opener/Can Opener/Small Flathead
* Tweezers
* Glass Breaker
Tools unique to the Nextool Light Wrench W2:
* Combination Pliers/Crimper
* 24mm Crescent Wrench
* Metal File/Large Flathead
That’s a lot of functionality for $75-80 or so. Arguably more versatile than the Victorinox Ranger (no pliers, no wrench, no bit drivers) and Leatherman Rebar (no scissors, no wrench, bit kit extra) at this price point.
I am expecting the Light Wrench W2 to arrive in 10 days or so. I will report back on its quality.
by PecanPlan