Gerber Suspension-NXT Review: My Go-To EDC Tool?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 13, 2025
Introduction
The little things will drive you mad. As a new homeowner, I've learned this the hard way. One minute, it’s a loose cabinet handle that jiggles every time you reach for a mug. The next, it’s the battery cover on the new smoke detector that requires a tiny Phillips head. Then it's a delivery box sealed with the kind of tape that laughs at your fingernails. Each one is a two-minute job, but each one used to mean a frustrating trip to the garage, digging through a heavy toolbox.
I knew I needed a better system. I needed something on me, ready to go. An "Everyday Carry" or EDC multitool that could handle 80% of life's little annoyances without the hassle. That's what led me to the Gerber Suspension-NXT. It promises a toolbox worth of functions in a slim, pocket-friendly package. But does it actually deliver, or is it just another gadget destined for the junk drawer? I bought one and have been carrying it for weeks to find out. If you're tired of making that trip to the garage, this review is your final decision-making guide.
Gerber Suspension-NXT Review: My Go-To EDC Tool?
Is the Gerber Suspension-NXT the best EDC multitool? My hands-on review explores its pros, cons, and if it's the right fit for your pocket.
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
- Who should buy this: The weekend DIY-er, new homeowners, or anyone looking for a capable, budget-friendly EDC multitool for common, everyday tasks. It’s the perfect “first multitool.”
- Who should avoid this: The professional tradesperson or hardcore survivalist who needs heavy-duty, best-in-class components for high-torque jobs.
My Final Score: 8.2/10✨✨✨✨✨✨
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
- Excellent Pocket Clip: The integrated clip is deep-carry and sturdy, making it genuinely pocketable without needing a separate sheath.
- Why this matters to you: It stays securely in your pocket, always accessible, instead of getting lost at the bottom of a bag or needing a bulky belt pouch. In my own testing, the pocket clip was a game-changer. I clipped it to my jeans pocket while working in the yard, and it was always there when I needed to snip a zip tie or tighten a fence wire.
- Outboard, Locking Tools: All the tools (except the pliers) are accessible from the outside of the handles and lock into place for safety.
- Why this matters to you: You can get to the knife or screwdriver in one second without having to fully open the tool, which is a huge convenience for quick tasks.
- Solid Tool Selection for its Size: With 15 tools, it covers the most frequent needs like pliers, wire cutters, a knife, multiple drivers, and the all-important bottle opener.
- Why this matters to you: You're prepared for most common fixes, from opening packages to tightening loose screws on your glasses.
- Incredible Value: It offers a significant portion of the functionality of premium competitors (like Leatherman) at a fraction of the price.
- Why this matters to you: You can get into the world of quality multitools without a major financial commitment.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
- Initial Stiffness: Many users, myself included, note that the tool is very stiff right out of the packaging.
- Why this matters to you: Deploying the tools, especially the pliers, can be a two-handed job and a bit frustrating until it's properly broken in. Honestly, right out of the box, it was a real bear to open. I spent a good 15 minutes working the joints with some tool oil before it started to feel smooth. It’s a minor annoyance, but be prepared for a break-in period.
- Pliers Aren't for Heavy-Duty Jobs: The needle nose pliers are great for precision tasks, but they can flex under extreme torque.
- Why this matters to you: Don't expect to be wrenching on rusted, heavy-gauge bolts with this. It’s built for convenience, not brute force.
- The Blade Steel is Serviceable, Not Premium: The knife blade is sharp enough for daily tasks but will require more frequent sharpening than higher-end steel.
- Why this matters to you: If a razor-sharp, edge-retaining knife is your top priority, you might want to look at a dedicated pocket knife or a more expensive multitool.
Feature Deep Dive: Daily Usability & The Pocket Clip
The single biggest reason the Suspension-NXT works as an EDC tool is its form factor, specifically the pocket clip. Many multitools, even great ones, end up in a drawer because carrying them requires a cumbersome belt sheath. Gerber nailed this. The clip allows the tool to disappear into your pocket like a regular folding knife.
This accessibility, combined with the outboard tools, creates a seamless user experience. Need to open a box? The blade is available instantly. Need to tighten a screw on a light switch? The driver flips out without unfolding the whole device. This is where the Suspension-NXT shines—in the speed and ease of solving those small, everyday problems. The pliers, while not contractor-grade, are perfectly designed for what you'll actually use them for 99% of the time: grabbing a dropped screw, bending a coat hanger back into shape, or pulling out a stubborn staple.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
- For the Power User (Leatherman Wave+): If you're a professional or demand the absolute best, the Wave+ is the industry standard for a reason. It features stronger pliers, premium blade steel, and a more robust build. It comes at a significantly higher price, but you get what you pay for in durability.
- For the Minimalist (SOG PowerPint): If the Suspension-NXT still feels a bit too big, the SOG PowerPint is a fantastic, compact alternative. It’s smaller, lighter, but still packs a surprising number of useful tools with SOG’s clever compound leverage pliers. It's less of a workhorse and more of an "in-a-pinch" champion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the Gerber Suspension-NXT better than the Leatherman Wingman?
They are very close competitors. The Suspension-NXT is typically a bit slimmer and lighter with a better pocket clip. The Wingman has spring-loaded pliers, which many people prefer, and includes scissors. It often comes down to personal preference on toolset and feel in hand. - Can you open the knife with one hand?
Yes, the plain edge blade has a thumb stud, and with a little practice (and after the break-in period), one-handed opening is definitely possible. - Does it come with a sheath?
Some packages do, but many are sold without one because the pocket clip is designed to be the primary carry method. Check the specific product listing if a sheath is important to you. - Is it TSA-friendly or legal to carry everywhere?
No. Like any tool with a knife blade, it is not TSA-friendly and cannot be taken in carry-on luggage. Knife laws vary dramatically by state and city, so be sure to check your local regulations regarding blade length and carry laws.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
So, did the Gerber Suspension-NXT solve my new-homeowner problem of constantly running to the garage? Absolutely. For the little things—the loose screws, the stubborn packaging, the quick fixes—it has been a lifesaver. It’s not the tool I’d grab to build a deck, but it’s the perfect tool for living in the house I just built.
After weeks of carrying it, my verdict is clear: If you're looking for a reliable, well-designed, and affordable tool to solve life's small-scale problems, the Gerber Suspension-NXT is one of the best values on the market. It’s the multitool I now recommend to friends who are tired of being unprepared.
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We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:
- I Tested 5 EDC Flashlights, and Only One Was Truly Pocketable
- Leatherman vs. Gerber: An Honest Breakdown for First-Time Buyers
- The 7 Garage Organization Tools That Finally Ended My Clutter
Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.
