This Super Affordable Outdoor Multi-Tool Boasts a Surprisingly Ideal Combo of Functions

Upon further inspection, the heating, lighting, cutting and charging capability the Viperade VAK6 offers makes perfect sense.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published February 19, 2025

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Updated February 19, 2025

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It might be hard to imagine, but if you had never tasted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before, you might think that particular combo sounds crazy. And yet in reality it’s an absolute classic.

I have similar feelings beholding the latest Kickstarter project from Hong Kong-based EDC innovator Viperade, the VAK6.

viperade vak6 full — The Viperade VAK6’s Kit B adds the emergency power-making hand crank generator (left) for $10 more.

Because my first thought is, wait, why are you trying to slam a pocket knife, lighter, flashlight and charging port into a single unit?

And my immediate, forehead-slapping second thought is, because for outdoor adventures, that’s a practically perfect PB&J. Duh.

Cheap heat (and more)

To better appreciate what the VAK6 offers, let’s take a closer look at its main features.

First off is a 3.2-inch blade made of 5Cr15MoV steel. That’s what I’d call a decent lower-end steel — which makes sense given the VAK6’s unreal $30 price tag.

(I should say, the price makes me simultaneously skeptical of how good this thing can actually be — and not averse to taking a flyer and testing out from the comfort of home before taking into the woods.)

It’s not great at holding an edge but excels when it comes to toughness, wear resistance and ease of sharpening. In other words, if you are diligent with maintenance, it will serve you well.

viperade vak6 features — This diagram provides a nice breakdown of the VAK6’s main features, which all fit into a pretty compact package.

A couple things I like are the thumb studs for easy deployment, the spine jimping to aid with detail work and the overall length, which is substantial enough to tackle a variety of jobs.

Though I called it a “lighter” in the intro, the VAK6’s fire-starting function is a bit more evolved. It relies on pulse ignition, an almost taser-like mechanism that is more dependable during inclement weather.

The VAK6’s is good for roughly 100 ignitions without a recharge, more than enough for almost any situation.

vak6 pulse ignition fire starter — This GIF provides a better explanation of how pulse ignition works than any words I can write.

A third tool the VAK6 packs is an LED flashlight. The Kickstarter page is pretty vague about how much light this thing actually provides, but it will illuminate for about two hours on a full charge.

The page is also light on details about how much juice you can get out of the USB-C charging power, so I can only guess it’s not a ton but enough for Viperade to justify including a USB cable, for what that is worth.

One key accessory, considering my skepticism about the overall battery power of this unit, is a hand crank generator.

One minute of cranking provides enough juice for three pulse ignitions or eight minutes of flashlight power.

viperade vak6 belt mount — With the included sheaths and belt clip, the hand crank generator and VAK6 can ride comfortably on your hip.

It can also presumably supply endless device charging, with a dash of patience. The generator is part of the Kickstarter project’s Kit B option and adds 10 bucks to the cost. Two words: worth it.

The VAK6 has an IPX6 waterproof rating and comes with a sturdy-looking plastic sheath that can run solo or in conjunction with the generator’s sheath.

Both attach to a belt clip for convenient carry. At a total weight of just under 12 ounces, it won’t slow you down.

Availability and pricing

The Viperade VAK6 is currently funding on Kickstarter. The Super Early Bird Kit A costs ~$30. Super Early Bird Kit B, which includes the hand crank generator, costs ~$40. Estimated delivery is April 2025.