As one of the first multipurpose tools accessible to the general public, this pocket knife is famous for its versatility and has maintained its reputation as shiny as its stainless steel blades.
Since the creation of the first Swiss Army Knife, many brands have tried to re-imagine this iconic gadget, but which one did it best? This article will discuss the ins and outs of popular multipurpose knives – so let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
Contents
- About Swiss Army Knives
- The Best Swiss Army Knives
- 1. Victorinox Mini Champ Swiss Army Knife
- 2. Victorinox Compact
- 3. Victorinox Signature Lite
- 4. Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman
- 5. Victorinox Super Tinker
- 6. Victorinox Explorer
- FAQs
- Can you have your SAK in your carry-on bag?
- What Swiss Army Knife has the most functions?
- Is it cheaper to buy a Swiss Army Knife in Switzerland?
- Final Thoughts
About Swiss Army Knives
The only manufacturer that is legally allowed to call this tool a Swiss Army Knife is Victorinox.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knives (*1894) is currently the only manufacturer of the genuine Swiss Army Knife after acquiring Wenger (another Swiss Army Knife manufacturer) in 2005.
This multi-tool is so famous and popular today because it is so much more than just your average pocket knife.
Starting off as a Swiss Soldier Knife, the SAK has become an everyday carry item for people across the globe. A Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is probably the most practical EDC knife to have in most situations.
On top of that, it has all the tools that can make everyday life easier, including:
- Pocket knives.
- Can opener or bottle opener.
- Multipurpose hook.
- Wood saw.
- Pressurized ballpoint pen.
- Magnifying glass.
- Mini screwdriver.
- Keyring.
- Nail file.
- Wire stripper.
Remember that your Swiss Army Knife’s tools depend on its size. A Victorinox knife can range from small and medium-sized pocket knives all the way to a Victorinox Huntsman. Below, we will go into detail about what these various knives offer.
The Best Swiss Army Knives
When trying to consider which SAK is the best fit for you, there are several questions that you should consider, such as:
- Your everyday lifestyle.
- Which tools you need most regularly.
- What size of a knife you are prepared to carry.
- What is legal in your state for EDC.
1. Victorinox Mini Champ Swiss Army Knife
This miniature SAK pocket knife does live up to its name, weighing just over 1.5 ounces. This makes this pocket knife perfect for transporting it easily in your pocket, backpack, or any other small space that will provide you with direct access to this multi-tasking problem solver!
The best thing about the Mini Champ is that you have not only 18 tools stored in less than 2.3 inches but also have a small pen which comes in handy when having to fill out your fishing permit registration form or write a quick message in a bottle somewhere!
2. Victorinox Compact
This is an excellent SAK for outdoorsy folk who want a comprehensive tool for their adventures. The blade length of this knife is longer than most SAKs, which is helpful for all sorts of situations, whether it is food prep, firewood cutting, or even cutting open small animals and fish.
The fifteen other functions are extremely useful for any camping trip, and the weight of 2.3 ounces makes this knife super easy to handle and perfect for EDC.
3. Victorinox Signature Lite
If you prefer to have your original Swiss Army Knife on a key chain, we recommend you choose the Signature Lite.
Thanks to weighing less than one ounce, it will not feel uncomfortable when hanging off your keychain or stored away in your pocket.
While this folding pocket knife has the least number of functions, there is one specific one it does have that makes this SAK stand out from the others: a mini flashlight! This one comes in handy when you just quickly need to illuminate something like your lock at home, especially when you are getting home late and your phone battery is dead.
4. Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman
We have added this classic Swiss Army Knife to our selection as it lives up to the expectation of its name in every way possible.
Not only does it come in lots of different color options, we love the green cameo version specifically, but the Phillips screwdriver and corkscrew come in incredibly handy when wanting to open a bottle of wine for your al fresco dinner. A corkscrew is also handy for untying complex knots – try it yourself.
Two other great extras are the toothpick and the tweezers, the latter especially for ticks and splinters when out and about in the bushes. The reamer or awl comes incredibly useful for resawing the zipper of a backpack or a sleeping bag or if you need to punch a hole in your leather belt or drill through wood.
This feels like the most survival-geared Swiss Army Knife in Victorinox’s collection, and we are big fans.
5. Victorinox Super Tinker
For those that love tinkering with things, the name is the game with the Victorinox Swiss Army Super Tinker Knife. With different-sized screwdrivers and various other tools to take stuff apart or fix smaller items quickly, you will be ready for any small to medium McGyver situation you may think of!
You can comfortably fit the Super Tinker on a keychain on your belt or in your pocket, thanks to it measuring only 3.6 inches.
6. Victorinox Explorer
For your inner Lewis and Clark, this knife provides everything an adventurous spirit needs. Sixteen tools that make this multi-tasker weigh 3.56 ounces will get you through any outdoor exploration you can imagine.
You even have a magnifying glass at your disposal – what more could a true explorer require to either explore the microscopic world surrounding you or use it as an emergency fire starter?!
FAQs
Here is some further helpful information about Swiss Army Knives.
Can you have your SAK in your carry-on bag?
No, you cannot have your SAK on you when you check into your flight, but you can check your SAK into your checked-in luggage.
What Swiss Army Knife has the most functions?
That would be the Wenger SA Giant. It is the largest SAK and offers an incredible 141 functions! Bear in mind that the number of functions depends on the knife’s size: medium pocket knives won’t have as many gadgets as the larger models.
Is it cheaper to buy a Swiss Army Knife in Switzerland?
It may be cheaper to buy it in Switzerland, but the import tax added to the product might make the final price only marginally different.
Final Thoughts
Swiss Army Knives are not only made of first-class stainless steel and offer a bunch of Swiss precision multi-tools, which will make your everyday life easier immediately. They have also become somewhat of a pop-culture item and just a fantastic survival tool to have on you for any situation possible. As far as pocket knives go, they’re the best of the best.
Investing in a good quality knife that suits your needs is potentially going to save you from a lot of inconvenient situations. With any of the great knife choices above, you will have something that lasts, and you can even give it to your kids as an heirloom with lots of stories to tell one day.
