Gerber Balance

Smooth operator

Gerber claims its Balance has a rounded shape, like a stone, and this is apparent when you pick it up. It fits neatly in your palm, with no sharp edges. You can push out the slender pliers using just your thumb, and it locks into place.

It stripped and cut electrical wire fine, although short handles meant it couldn’t cut a wire hanger. The part-serrated blade is a match for the SwissTool’s, although the scissors were harder work.

Reversible bits give a choice of Philips or flat-head screwdrivers, but apart from the pliers, the tools don’t lock in place.