The BV-Tac 8 is a versatile performer and does so comfortably.

The BV-Tac 8 “multitool” from Bear Valley Tactical is designed for firefighters, first responders, hunters, campers and other action seekers. It features plenty of uses for the average person that makes it a handy tool to have.

It features hydrant and spanner wrenches, hammer, axe blade, pry bar, 7/16- and 5/16-inch wrenches, gas turnoff, and 15 feet of paracord in the handle. The axe blade and hammer are very useful.

Bear Valley also offers attachments such as a shovel, pick with a hoe, bow saw and sand anchor (coming soon). The BV-Tac 8 is made in the USA.

Axe Test

To test the axe head, I split some pine. The multitool was very controllable. The weight was perfect to split the wood for kindling. The paracord handle prevented any shock to my hand. The only thing I worried about was the prybar when using the axe. I’m a right-hander and with the prybar angled toward the right, I had to be sure it did not hit my forearm.

I had a seasoned hackberry chunk I needed to split. The BV-Tac 8 was up to the task. It bit deep and within a few whacks the log was quartered. You can really get some power behind your chops with this puppy. Again, the paracord handle absorbed any shock to my arm.

Tool Test

I found a few bolts that fit into the slot of the pry bar. They fit tight into the respective slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. The BV-Tac 8 has plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.

Grasping the hammer, I drove finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. The hammer has great balance and hits where you aim. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering. It is very well done.

I used the pry bar to pull the nails I had hammered into the 2×4. After prying them up about a quarter inch, I was able to slide the nail head into the prybar’s “V.” I lifted the nails out easily. This thing is—you guessed it—handy.

Hard-Use Test

I had to push the limits of the hammer and axe. An old steel screen chair had one more use: whack attack! The hammer easily busted the screen out from the welded channel. Seven or eight hard blows and all I did was mark up the Cerakote® finish.

On to the axe head, same drill—seven or eight hard blows to the screen. Most of the blows penetrated around halfway through the screen. The edge maintained its sharpness but I sure can mess up a great Cerakote finish. It’s “seasoned” now.

Final Cut

I might add a tip guard for the prybar. The BV-Tac 8 is an extremely versatile tool to have in your vehicle or strapped to your rucksack.

BV-Tac 8 Specs
Edge Length: 4.75”
Head/Edge Material: S7 tool steel
Head Finish: Coyote brown Cerakote®
Handle: Paracord wrapped
Special Features: Several built-in tools (see copy)
Weight: 3 lbs.
Overall Length: 17”
Blade Cover: Synthetic
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $199.99

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