Specs and First Impressions
Blade material: 7CR17
Accessory material: 420 stainless steel
Full length: 160mm (6.3 inches)
Weight: 260g (9.17 ounces)
Right off the bat, it’s clear the Ignite is trying to be a jack-of-all-trades. From the outside, it channels a mix of Leatherman Wave and Signal vibes with some unique twists. But does it deliver the goods or stumble over its ambition?
What’s Hot (and Not)
The Sheath:
Surprisingly solid! Too often, budget multitools come with afterthought sheaths that fit as well as shoes two sizes too bug. The Ignite’s sheath, however, gets it right with a secure snap closure and a standard belt loop that sits at a comfortable height. No complaints here—good start!
The Blade:
The one-hand-opening combo blade is functional in design but falters in execution. The thumb hole is too chamfered, making it tricky to deploy without deliberate effort. Sharpness? Let’s just say it needs a spark of improvement. A visible burr on a fresh blade is a rookie mistake, and HX Outdoors should know better.
The Scissors:
Beefy, capable, and reminiscent of the Leatherman Surge’s powerhouse snips. These handled paper and paracord like a pro and felt like they could tackle small zip ties. Thumbs up for the spring action—it’s smooth and didn’t leave me with hand fatigue.
The Saw:
Aggressive teeth but with a temperamental bite. Starting a cut was more of a wrestling match than it should’ve been, but it eventually got the job done. Functional in a pinch, but not a tool you’d want to rely on for regular use.
The File:
Two sides, two stories. The cross-hatch side is efficient and satisfying, while the diamond side cuts well but raises concerns about longevity. Are those diamonds here to stay? Time will tell.
Hammer and Glass Breaker:
A multitool hammer is always a win in my book. It’s no replacement for the real deal but works well in emergencies. The glass breaker, thankfully untested (because I like my windows intact), adds peace of mind. The fire steel tucked behind the hammer is a neat touch. It’s not the most robust, but it’ll spark up in a survival scenario—just don’t plan to rely on it for nightly campfires.
Inner Tools:
Inside, we’ve got pliers, a can opener, drivers, and an awl. The pliers? A highlight! Precise, with crisp teeth that grip well, and cutters that handle copper and steel without fuss (though braided wire tripped them up). The awl, however, is duller than an unsharpened pencil, making it hard to initiate holes or bore efficiently.
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The Verdict
The HX Outdoors Ignite is a mixed bag of potential and pitfalls. It’s a budget multitool that doesn’t shy away from ambition but sometimes misses the mark in execution. The pliers and scissors shine, while the blade and saw leave room for improvement.
If you’re looking for a backup camping tool or something for occasional use, the Ignite might strike your fancy. Just don’t forget to pack a dedicated blade, saw, and fire steel for the real heavy lifting. It may not light the world on fire, but in an emergency, it’ll get the job done—sparks and all.
