Is This $20 Multitool Hatchet Actually Any Good?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 13, 2025
The Article Body
Introduction
I have a confession to make. On our last family camping trip to the state park, I packed three separate bags of tools. A small toolbox with a hammer and screwdrivers, a canvas roll with my knives and fire-starting gear, and a loose hatchet that was rattling around in the trunk. My wife, Sarah, just gave me that look. You know the one. The "Are you building a log cabin or are we just roasting marshmallows?" look. She wasn't wrong. I was tired of lugging around a hardware store for a simple weekend outdoors. That’s what sent me down the rabbit hole of finding one compact, do-it-all tool that could live in my truck's glove box. My search led me to this ridiculously popular, and suspiciously cheap, 18-in-1 multitool hatchet from a brand called Rose Kuli. My inner skeptic was on high alert, but my practical-dad side was intrigued. I had to know: is this thing a genuinely useful tool or just a novelty gift destined for a drawer?
Is This $20 Multitool Hatchet Actually Any Good?
A hands-on, field-tested review of the Rose Kuli 18-in-1 Multitool Hatchet. Is this budget survival axe a hidden gem or just a gimmick? Find out.
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
For under $25, this tool is surprisingly capable and an excellent value. It's the perfect "just-in-case" tool for your car, a great gadget for casual campers, and a fantastic gift, but it's not a replacement for dedicated, high-end survival gear.
Our Rating Breakdown
| Dimension | Rating | Quick Take |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchet & Hammer Performance | 7.5/10 | The core tools are solid; the hatchet is sharp enough for kindling and the hammer is genuinely useful. |
| Integrated Tool Quality | 6.0/10 | The pliers are decent, but the knife and screwdrivers are serviceable at best; don't expect Leatherman quality. |
| Portability & Ergonomics | 8.5/10 | Compact, lightweight, and comes with a decent sheath; it feels surprisingly balanced in the hand. |
| Durability & Build | 7.0/10 | Full stainless steel construction feels sturdy, but the pivot points on smaller tools are potential long-term weak spots. |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 | It's hard to argue with the sheer amount of functionality you get for the price of a couple of fancy coffees. |
| Overall Score | 7.7/10✨✨✨✨✨✨ |
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Main Tools: Hatchet, Hammer, Pliers (Needle-nose & Regular), Wire Cutters
- Fold-out Tools: Knife Blade, Phillips Screwdriver (x2), Flathead Screwdriver, Saw, Bottle Opener, Fish Descaler, File
- Material: Black Oxide Stainless Steel
- Weight: ~14.6 oz (415g)
- Dimensions: 7 inches x 3.5 inches
- Included: Nylon Belt Sheath with rubber blade cover
Unboxing and First Impressions
The tool arrives in a simple, no-frills cardboard box—exactly what you'd expect at this price point. Pulling it out, the first thing I noticed was the weight. It has a satisfying heft to it; it doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic toy. The black oxide finish is uniform and gives it a serious, tactical look. All the folding tools were stiff to open at first, which is actually a good thing—it means the tolerances are tight. The main hatchet blade came with a small rubber guard, which is a thoughtful touch. The included nylon sheath is basic but functional, fitting snugly on a belt. My initial thought? "Okay, this feels more like a real tool than I expected."
Putting It to the Test: Real-World Performance
I tossed the Rose Kuli in my camping bin and took it on a weekend trip, determined to use it for as many tasks as possible.
First up: the hatchet. I wasn't trying to fell a mighty oak here. I used it to limb a few fallen branches and split some small, seasoned logs into kindling for our campfire. For this, it worked great. The blade was reasonably sharp out of the box and the tool’s weight provided enough force to make quick work of branches up to about 2 inches in diameter. The hammer on the opposite side was surprisingly handy for pounding in our tent stakes, saving me from using a rock like I usually do.
Next, I tested the integrated tools. I used the pliers to pull out a stubborn tent stake from hard ground and to tighten a loose nut on my son's camp chair. They gripped well and felt strong enough for light-duty tasks. The knife blade, honestly, is just okay. It’s sharp enough to open a package or cut some paracord, but it’s not going to be your go-to for fine carving or food prep. The screwdrivers also fall into the "good in a pinch" category. They successfully tightened a loose screw on our cooler handle, which is exactly the kind of minor repair you run into. The bottle opener... well, it opens bottles. No complaints there.
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
- Incredible Versatility for the Price: You get a hatchet, hammer, pliers, and a dozen other tools for less than the cost of a single decent pocket knife.
- 'Why this matters to you:' It’s an all-in-one solution for minor tasks, meaning you can pack less and still be prepared for common campsite or household fixes.
- Solid Core Functionality: The hatchet and hammer, the main attractions, are surprisingly robust and useful for their size.
- 'Why this matters to you:' You can be confident it will handle the most common tasks—chopping kindling and hammering stakes—without failing.
- Compact and Portable: It's small enough to fit in a glove box, a backpack side pocket, or a "bug-out bag" without taking up precious space.
- 'Why this matters to you:' It's a tool you'll actually carry, because it isn't a burden. The best tool is the one you have with you.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
- The "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" Issue: While it does 18 things, it doesn't do most of them as well as a dedicated tool. The knife is small and the saw is more of a novelty.
- 'Why this matters to you:' If you need high performance from a specific tool (like a saw for processing firewood), you'll be disappointed. Set your expectations for light-duty use.
- The Sheath is Just Okay: The included nylon sheath is functional but feels like the cheapest part of the package. The snap closure could be a point of failure over time.
- 'Why this matters to you:' For casual use, it's fine. But if you plan on carrying this on your belt every day, you might want to look for a better, custom-fit sheath.
Is It Built to Last? Durability and Long-Term Value
This is the key question for a budget tool. The entire body is made of stainless steel, which is a huge plus over plastic-handled competitors. It feels like a single, solid piece of metal when you're using the hammer or hatchet. You're not going to snap this thing in half.
The long-term value comes from its role as a "problem-solver of last resort." Will the screwdrivers hold up to daily use by a mechanic? No. But will they be there for you when a screw comes loose on your fishing reel miles from your toolbox? Yes. The pivot points for the folding tools are the most likely area to wear out, but for the occasional use this tool is designed for, it should hold up for years. For the price, the durability is more than acceptable.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
If the Rose Kuli isn't quite right for you, here are a couple of excellent alternatives:
- Gerber Gear Armbar Drive: A more pocket-friendly option that ditches the hatchet/hammer for a full-size driver and a better blade. It's from a top-tier brand known for its warranty and quality.
- RoverTac Multitool Hatchet: Very similar in design and price to the Rose Kuli, but some users prefer its handle ergonomics. It's a direct competitor worth cross-shopping.
| Feature | Rose Kuli 18-in-1 | Gerber Gear Armbar Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tool | Hatchet / Hammer | 2.5" Screwdriver / Blade |
| Price Point | ~ $20-25 | ~ $35-40 |
| Best For | Car kit, casual camping, gifts | Everyday Carry (EDC), quick fixes |
| Weight | Heavier (~14 oz) | Lighter (~5.5 oz) |
| Key Advantage | Incredible function-per-dollar | Brand reputation, better blade/driver |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the hatchet sharp enough to use right out of the box?
Yes, it's sharp enough for small branches and kindling. For serious chopping, a few minutes with a sharpening stone would improve its performance significantly. - Is this tool too heavy for backpacking?
For an ultralight backpacker, yes, it's too heavy. For a traditional backpacker or someone who values utility over shaving every ounce, its weight is justifiable for the functions it provides. - How do the pliers compare to a Leatherman?
They aren't in the same league. The Rose Kuli's pliers are solid for their size, but a dedicated Leatherman will have better engineering, stronger jaws, and a more precise feel. You get what you pay for. - Can I trust this in a real survival situation?
I wouldn't want it to be my only tool. As a backup in a well-stocked kit, absolutely. For a primary survival tool, I'd invest in dedicated, full-sized items from a proven brand. - Is it a good gift for someone who isn't "outdoorsy"?
Absolutely. It's a fantastic and practical gift to keep in a car's emergency kit or a kitchen drawer for quick fixes. It’s useful for almost anyone. - Does the black finish scratch off easily?
Yes, with use, especially on the hammer face and hatchet blade, the black oxide finish will show wear and scratches. This is normal for this type of coating and doesn't affect the tool's performance.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Coming back to my original problem—lugging way too much gear for a simple weekend away—the Rose Kuli Multitool Hatchet is a pretty elegant solution. It successfully hammered in our tent stakes, processed our kindling, and handled a minor repair, all while taking up less space than a water bottle.
So, here’s my final verdict. I'm genuinely impressed. This isn't a professional-grade tool, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a clever, convenient, and surprisingly sturdy gadget that delivers immense value. If you’re a serious woodsman, you already have better individual tools. But if you’re like me—a weekend warrior, a practical dad, or just someone looking for a great "just-in-case" tool for the truck or a fantastic, high-value gift—then yes, this $20 multitool hatchet is absolutely, positively worth it. It’s earned a permanent spot in my car.
Call to Action
I hope this review gives you the clarity you need to decide. It’s a tool that definitely punches above its weight class.
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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:"
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