Gerber Steady Multi Tool

Gerber have brought us some unique design multi-tools over the years but this has to be their most ‘left of field’...  This fully featured multi-tool has the facility to be used as a tripod for compact digital cameras or mobile phone. The company says “...the Gerber Steady combines the utility of a multi-tool and the unique functionality of a camera mini-tripod, perfect to have on standby when you want to capture those memorable moments. It comes equipped with an adjustable mobile phone and screw-in camera mount and two integral foldable legs that serve to make up the tripod. The rest of the tool is all you will have come to expect from Gerber Multi-Tool ingenuity.”

Well, after initial doubts, I have to say it is strangely attractive - in a quirky way – and has some useful, more conventional features.

Fixtures and Fittings

There’s a 2 ¾” long fine edge part serrated modified clip point blade, a 1 3/8” straight fine edge drop point blade, Micro Flat Square Cross & Medium Flat Screwdrivers a bottle opener, while the needlenose pliers and wire cutters are revealed once opened.

It has a closed length of 4”, overall length of 6” and weighs 5.8oz. Though on first inspection there does seem to be a lot of ‘plastic’ covering of handles and framework these actually give a very comfortable feel and hold to the tool.

Beneath these green and grey grips lies a 420J2 Stainless Steel construction with all components being manufactured from a similar grade Stainless Steel. The main blades are opened by thumbholes, thumb nicks or lugs.

I must admit it’s difficult to assess the worth of the Steady Tool, other than to say it will appeal to a certain sector of the shooting fraternity due to its non-aggressive look. The tripod facility will either be ignored as an oddity or used when the occasion arises because drop a good fox or deer and there’s not always someone with you to take the picture as you proudly kneel beside it.

It converts to Tripod mode by what appear to be flush fitting handle inserts opposite the main knife blades. These ABS struts can be drawn forwards and outwards on a hinge forming the 5” high tripod with a green suction cup. Place this on the back of your ‘digi’ or i-phone and draw down the small lever at the rear to engage the suction pad. It will hold a phone or small digital compact very securely.

The more I used it the more I came to like the Steady Tool, and yes I did find the tripod function handy, and used it on more than one occasion!