gerber tool is with me anytime i'm wearing something with a belt. stainless steel so less rusting problems. as mentioned one hand pliers deployment. also when using the pliers your hand bears down on the rounded portions of the handles. as far as knives; unless you're using a fixed blade you already need some manuvering to get the knife open so that's a wash. BUT; like any tool / knife there is a spectrum of applications this works well for; other applications are out of it's leauge. won't replace "single purpose" tools or a fillet knife. still find it useful often enough to carry it most all the time.