Description
The HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A is the slim one in HX Outdoors' multi-tool line. Instead of a pliers head, it is built like a chunky pocket knife: a 2.68" 7Cr17 stainless main blade and seven other implements fold out of a gray 2Cr13 stainless frame that is 4.02" long. At 4.10 oz it weighs about a third of what the HAWKX pliers tool does, so it rides in a pocket, a hip belt pouch, or a glovebox kit without much thought.
The tool set is aimed at small jobs around camp and the house. You get a can opener, a wood saw for trimming small branches and cutting cordage, spring-back scissors that reopen on their own after each cut, flathead and Phillips drivers, a small eyeglass screwdriver, and a ruler. 7Cr17 is a budget stainless that resists rust well and is easy to touch up on a stone; it will not hold an edge as long as a premium powder steel, which is a fair trade at this price.
If you want a pliers-based tool, look at the HAWKX GQ-26 instead. If you want a light EDC multi-tool or a camping multi-tool with real scissors, the SwiftTrail fits that job.
Specifications
| Brand | HX Outdoors |
| Model | SwiftTrail |
| SKU | GQ-28A |
| Tool Type | 8-in-1 folding multi-tool |
| Blade Length | 2.68" (68 mm) |
| Handle Length | 4.02" (102 mm) |
| Overall Length | 6.89" (175 mm) |
| Blade Steel | 7Cr17 stainless |
| Frame / Handle | 2Cr13 stainless, gray |
| Implements | 3Cr13 stainless |
| Weight | 4.10 oz (116 g) |
| Functions | Main knife, ruler, can opener, saw, flathead screwdriver, spring-back scissors, Phillips screwdriver, eyeglass screwdriver |
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools are on the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A?
The HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A has 8 functions: a main knife blade, ruler, can opener, saw, flathead screwdriver, spring-back scissors, Phillips screwdriver, and an eyeglass screwdriver.
How long is the blade on the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A?
The main blade on the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A is 2.68" (68 mm). The tool measures 4.02" closed and 6.89" with the blade open.
Is 7Cr17 good steel for a multi-tool blade?
For the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A, yes. 7Cr17 is a high-chromium stainless that shrugs off rust and sharpens quickly, which suits a tool that lives in a pack or truck. It dulls sooner than premium steels like S30V, so expect to touch it up more often.
How much does the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A weigh?
The HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A weighs 4.10 oz (116 g), light enough for everyday pocket carry.
Does the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A have pliers?
No. The HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A is a knife-style multi-tool without a pliers head. For pliers and wire cutters, the HX Outdoors HAWKX GQ-26 is the pliers-based option.
Is the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A good for camping?
The HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A covers the common camp chores: the saw handles small branches, the scissors cut tape and moleskin, and the can opener and drivers take care of food and gear fixes. It is a compact camping multi-tool rather than a heavy-duty repair tool.
Where can I buy the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A?
You can buy the HX Outdoors SwiftTrail GQ-28A at Going Gear, an authorized HX Outdoors dealer. We ship from the US and stock the full HX Outdoors multi-tool lineup.