Eric Dykstra at Toolmonger has posted about the ATAX

– a new type of multitool – although – I’m guessing – it has its origins in credit-card sized flat or or flatt-ish multitools. Learn a bit more, and the design innovations seem quite impressive – not merely a larger version of the smaller think.

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I’m not going to improve on Dykstra’s copy:

When you’re trying to outrun the retched remains of humanity on your way to Bartertown you just can’t pack that much gear. The ATAX multi-purpose survival axe will likely give you the most bang for your survival buck. With this little wonder you can cut down a tree, shoot an arrow at a deer, skin that deer, tell time, and estimate distance, as well as single-handedly rebuild a just and noble human civilization.*

Badass survivalist Ron Wood, whose badassedness rivals that of even Chuck Norris himself, designed the ATAX. You can either use it as a knife or lash it to a stick and use it like an axe. The high-carbon steel main blade measures 4-1/2? with the tool’s overall length coming in at 5-1/2?.

With the various metrics laser-etched on the blade, you can tell time (like with a sundial), measure angles, and judge distances. With some slingshot tubing, you can turn the ATAX into an arrow launcher for hunting game. The micarta handle conceals a small storage area for various survival items like matches and twine and MacGyver brand paper clips.

If you can’t remember all the uses, the ATAX actually comes with an instructional DVD to show you how to use it. As Mad Max can tell you, survival doesn’t come cheap — the ATAX runs about $150 to $200.

Toolmonger: What Do You Get The Last Guy On Earth For His Birthday?

[If you’re buying a present for the last guy on earth – who would you be?]