Multitool Axe Buyer's Guide: 15-in-1 vs 16-in-1 vs Multi-Tool Hatchet (2026)
Sep 12, 2026
Short answer: A multitool earns its place by replacing a kit, not by having the biggest function count. For a glovebox or a gift, a compact axe-and-hammer multitool under $20 covers the common jobs. For camp chores, step up to a heavier head. For real chopping, get a dedicated hatchet instead. Judge by the three tools you will use most, not the twelve you will never open.
What a multitool is good at, and what it is not
A multitool is a compromise by design. Pliers, a knife, a saw, drivers, and a bottle opener in one handle means none of them is as good as a dedicated tool, but all of them are with you. That is the whole value: it is the tool you have when the toolbox is at home. It is not a replacement for a full-size axe, a real saw, or a proper knife on a job that lasts all day.
The POD X multitool axes compared
| Tool | Head | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-in-1 Survival Axe | Compact axe and hammer | Glovebox, first kit, gift | Under $20 |
| 16-in-1 Axe and Hammer | Heavier axe and hammer | Camp chores, truck, overlanding | About $30 |
| Multi-Tool Hatchet | Real hatchet head | Fire-first camp kit: saw, ferro rod, rope cutter built in | About $30 |
| XF132 Tactical Axe | Forged 65Mn manganese, no multitool | Actual chopping and splitting | About $50 |
How to choose in 30 seconds
- Someone's first tool or a stocking: the 15-in-1. Cheap enough to learn on, enough tool to be useful.
- Truck, ATV, or overland rig: the 16-in-1. Heavier head for stakes and kindling, pliers and drivers for trail fixes.
- Camp where fire matters: the Multi-Tool Hatchet. A real chopping head plus the ferro rod and saw in the handle.
- You actually process wood: skip multitools and get the XF132 or the XF12. Read the survival axe buyer's guide.
The details that separate good from junk
- Head-to-handle joint. Pinned or bolted through, not friction-fit. A loose head is the number one failure.
- Pliers that actually close. Test them. Cheap pliers have play at the pivot.
- Locking blade. A folding knife that does not lock is a finger injury.
- A sheath. An axe head loose in a pack ruins gear and hands.
- Steel that is named. If the listing does not say what the head is made of, assume soft stainless. See our knife steel guide.
Care
Wipe dry after use, a drop of oil on pivots and on any carbon or manganese steel, touch the edge with a file or stone, and check every joint before a trip. Store in the sheath, not loose in a damp trunk.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 15-in-1 or 16-in-1 better?
The 16-in-1 has a heavier head and one more tool, so it is better for camp work. The 15-in-1 is lighter and cheaper, better for a glovebox or gift.
Can a multitool axe split wood?
Kindling and small rounds, yes. For real splitting a forged hatchet like the XF132 is far better because the head is heavier and the handle is a lever, not a tool housing.
What is the most useful tool on a multitool?
The pliers, followed by the blade. Those two do most of the work. Everything else is a bonus.
Are multitool axes legal to carry?
Rules vary by state and by whether the blade locks. Keep it in a pack or vehicle, not on a belt in town, and check local knife laws.
Shop the full POD X survival tools range. Every POD X product carries a 3-year warranty with free registration.
