Many times, I have found myself in a situation where I lack the correct tool for the task. The issue could be as simple as popping the cap of a beer bottle, or as important as tightening the screw on a weapon light. It doesnt take many of these instances before you search for a solution. My solution was the Gerber Shard.

The Shard appeared one day, in the suggestions at the top of my Amazon shopping page. The first feature that attracted my attention was the aggressively hooked bottle opener. The flat profile and the key-ring hole meant that as long as I had my car keys, I would have a way into a frosty beverage.

I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I immediately purchased two for the bottle opener alone. I know that there are many ways to open a bottle. I have also damaged more than a few counters and broken several bottles in my younger days. I try to be more civilized now.

When my pair of Shards arrived, I attached one to my key-ring. The other went into the pocket in my carry-on bag. There is no blade on the Shard so there is nothing for TSA to object to at my next airport screening.

I quickly put the Shard to the test by opening a dark stout. The Shard removed the bottle cap with ease. The tool may be small, but the curves place your fingers and thumb exactly where they need to be for the right leverage.

When I first attached the Shard to my key-ring, I believed it would be uncomfortable. After placing my keys back into my pocket, I was happy to find that I barely noticed the new addition. The curve of the shard allowed it to easily nest together with the rest of my keys.

It was easy to forget that I had the Shard with me. It took some practice to use the Shard for tasks that would normally find me abusing the tip of my knife. The Shard is great at removing staples from targets. It has two different flat-blade screwdriver edges. The space in-between is ground to pull small nails. The opposite end of the Shard is equipped with a flattened version of a phillips head screwdriver.

I was surprised to see how useful the phillips screwdriver was. Often, flat head screws can be addressed with coins or the back of a knife blade. Phillips head screws prove more difficult. Using improvised tools often damages either the implement or the screw. The Shard can be used on a wide assortment of screw sizes and prevents stripped screw heads.

I rate the Shard as one of my most useful impulse purchases. They are inexpensive enough that you can keep several around. I am sure that they would be well received as stocking-stuffers, groomsman gifts or any other small gift giving occasion.