Busy parents: don't forget your pocket knife!

The Parent Hacks logo gave Jennifer an "aha" moment about the handiness of a pocket knife:

Looking at your logo reminded me of a great tool for a parent on the go . . . the classic Swiss Army knife on your keychain.  I don't know why it took me six years to realize the utility of such a small tool that only costs $10.  While I am out and about with the kids, it has helped me to cut off an itchy tag, cut short a long straw, cut off price tags, file down broken fingernails, trim hang nails, open a box, etc.

Yes! I love that the Swiss Army knife is a great metaphor AND an actual useful tool! I have a soft spot for those keychain-sized pocket knives simply because my grandfather gave me one a long time ago (and I lost it at airport security! *sob*).

Do you have a favorite multitool for busy parent life (as opposed to camping, mechanics, electronics, construction, etc.)?

Related: Parenthacker's toolkit: stuff every parent needs (Tons more "must haves," plus Adrienne of Baby Toolkit shares her love for the Leatherman Micra.)

Also: Swisscard Lite: Wallet-sized multitool

Comments

[Rhonda]

I have a tiny Leatherman that is a pair of scissors when opened fully and also has a tiny knife, tweezers, a bottle opener, nail file/cleaner, and a couple of tiny screwdrivers. My 5 year old twins call it my "Mommy knife" and frequently ask that I pull it out to trim long straws and lose threads. The tweezers have been used for pulling splinters and saving an outing that might of otherwise been ruined.

[Andi]

I have a small swiss army knife too and love it. I also use the screwdriver/nail file to curl my eyelashes! Oh yes.

[Lauren]

I loved my tiny knife until I tried to go through airport security :(

Remember to put it in your checked bag for travel.

[Rebecca C.]

My pocketknife is not a swiss army knife (though I certainly have a few of those), but a knife-only pocketknife with an assisted opener. Because I keep it sharp, I can use it for almost anything that I could use my swiss army knife's many tools for (scissors, occasional screwdriver, etc.).

Almost as important, for me at least, is that it is MUCH easier to open than my old red knife. I just pull down on a nub on the back of the knife and the blade flips out (not a switchblade, but sort of similar). Sooo much nicer than trying to pull out stuff on my swiss army with my nails.

[adrienne]

I still love my Micra and often give them as gifts.

[Janice]

Airport security had missed my Utilikey 6-in-1 a couple of times. It really looks like a key, so I have honestly forgotten to check it. But its very useful without being bulky. I also like the Leatherman micra or micro, which is what the first commenter described. I was going to steal it from my husband, but he keeps it in the bathroom for some reason and it got rusty.

[Lyn Never]

You can do 90% of those little tasks with a good nail clipper (with the file thingy), AND it won't get you tagged going through airport security.

[Nancy]

I still love my Swiss Army Card! My one and only published Parent Hack! :)

[Asha Dornfest]

How could I forget to list that here? Added. Thanks, Nancy!

[Colleen]

I lost mine at airport security too! They could open up an eBay shop...

[Nancy]

i'm very proud of my parent hack shining moment (even though it's not even a hack!) after reading in the comments above MUST BUY UTILIKEY!!
thanks for all you do Asha!
xo

[Old Timer Knives]

Hmmm...I wonder if all the used pocket knives that are sold at the government surplus store that I've been to are from airports...

[Mark2011]

Hello
If you are looking for an every day carry knife, to use at work or play, we have a full line up of automatic switchblade knives,they come out the side, or out the front. Automatic knives are not allowed in all states, so please check your state and local knife laws before you start your knife collection!

http://www.knifegirl.com/