this is true for me too .. Tinker Deluxe and the Farmer X .. at the tinker ... i woud exchange the small blade and the Can opener aganst the metal file .. if it woud be possible ... today nobody needs the can opener anymore .. and i dont need 2 Blades .. so i woud change these to tools agains the metal file ..
I agree. No one ever seems to include the Deluxe Tinker on these lists but I've carried that or a Farmer X for the last few years and love both. I do have a Swiss Champ in my 72 Hour Kit.
The mountaineer was my first SAK. Carried it to the office for decades. People there often looked askance when they saw I carried a knife but then I had a steady stream of people who would want to borrow the knife from me or who asked me to use it for various small tasks around the office (opening parcels, tightening a screw, prying something open etc.). Really useful !
Here in Switzerland we say that real men allways carry a knife and a string. Maybe it's just a publicity gag from Victorinox, but i really like that saying. 😎😎😎😎
I use to EDC the Explorer till I learned of the awesome Yeoman. All the same capabilities of the four layer Explorer but in a slimmer three layer build.
I'm in my 47th year of daily carrying a Victorinox Swiss Champ, and the reason I bought it was because it had the most versatile selection of tools in the range, and if I got one of the other models, the chances were that at some point I'd need the tools which weren't on those models! I have never regretted my decision! Over the years, as upgrades appeared I eventually bought the latest model Swiss Champ, and I gave my perfect condition one to a friend that wasn't able to get one for himself. That too is a decision I have never regretted! Rather than collect them, I consider them to be tools, which are best appreciated by being there for the owner when required, rather than stuck in a drawer. My next favourite is the Huntsman, and I have two, both with the dull matt non slip red scales instead of the shiny smooth Celidor scales. I preferred the non slip scales because one Huntsman lives in my camp cook kit and the other in my FAK. I also have two Farmer Alox models bought for a project that was cancelled. Without doubt, the Swiss Champ is the best thing I've ever bought, owned or used! In almost half a century its been a reliable, comforting addition which has enabled others and myself to overcome adversity with the application of the tools it contained in more diverse instances than I can possibly remember! I have gifted Victorinox SAK and Leatherman tools to friends, the youngest of whom were 6 and 4,the daughters of a friend, whom I gave their first SAK to (Mini Champs). The 6 year old is now a Mother and she still has her Mini Champ (as does her sister) and I keot my promise to buy them refills for the pen! Victorinox are truly for life, now and in the future...
That’s definitely a good report on the ninth! And you have a few favorites there. Thank you so much for the comment wonderful to see a knife being used for so long!
@@mouradshemais3123 Depends. Just oil it, open and close the tools, and wipe off the oil to prevent pocket lint from getting into the crevices. You may need to change the scales, you probably won’t have to as long as you don’t abuse them. Try to avoid scratching the scales, they will look better that way. Sharpen it weekly. In summary, oil and sharpen sharpen it weekly and try not to scratch the scales.
"I'm in my 47th year of daily carrying a Victorinox Swiss Champ" How interesting to come across a time-traveller! What's the world like "now", after WW3 and all that? As far as I know that model was introduced in 1985. For us currently living in 2023, we have at most been able to carry it daily for 38 years.
I used to carry the Swiss Champ. I now carry the Tinker Deluxe. I carry the Huntsman in my tackle box. I started to carry the 84mm’s now. ( in pocket ) mainly the MAP Walker. Along with the Tinker Deluxe on the belt in a sheath. Every once in a while I’ll swap them out for the Swiss Champ on my belt. Another favorite is the Compact.
Good selection. I carry the Ranger instead of the Handyman, but they are both great knives. I think it is important to remember that all of the tools have considerable utility, but that usefulness can be jaded by the user’s experience and background. The fish scaler tool is a great example. As a woodworker, it is a terrific tool for quickly scribing lines for rabbets (rebates), mortises, and tenons. Its prongs are perfect for prying off rubber pipe fittings and o-rings. I know some people give grief to the wenger tools having a nail file/cleaner instead of a small blade, but for me, nothing irritates my day more than a rough edge on my fingertips from a broken or hang nail. It is handy having a tool to fix that problem quickly and discretely. Plus I can keep my fingernails clean! This is a practical daily tool for me. The metal file is okay in a pinch, but it is just a bit aggressive for myself.
For a quick fix for fingernails I always carry a Classic SD on me just for its file, along with another larger 91mm Victorinox (alternating between the Ranger and the Climber, depending on whether I’m going to work or just out and about).
Good choices. I keep my Champ in the house and EDC carry a Climber or Huntsman or more often the smaller Wenger Traveller. I rely on scissors. I wish the 84mm Climbers were still in production.
My daily carry, for well over a decade now, is a Rambler. Small knife that fits in the watch pocket of jeans, or in one of the inside pockets of a suit jacket. Just a very useful tool for everyday. I have the Climber although have just ordered a Forrester one hand for when I go hiking.
I always thought the Rambler was better than the Classic SD, while the MiniChamp was too much. I would like to see Victorinox make the Executive (74mm), which allows for a four finger grip, with the Phillips/bottle cap lifter. Unfortunately, I have had the scissors break on my Executive (while I was cutting a hang nail).
Good video! The Huntsman is probably my favorite all-around model, especially for camping. Not too big, not too small. One of my favorites for urban carry is the Sportsman, which is basically a small Spartan with a nail file/cleaner replacing the pen blade. No scissors, but I usually have an Executive or a classic on my keychain.
i recomend manager/midnight manager/rambler on the keychain instead of Executive or Classic, manager + sportsman is one of the best combos you can have imo, or manager/rambler + compact (for urban EDC) otherwise Hunstman is better
My daily carries are Climber and also a litte Classic SD. I have a Swiss Champ but I keep that in the house. You never how useful these are until you have one of these things.
I really feel like the Super Tinker should get a mention. No wood saw as in the Huntsman, and a Phillips driver in place of corkscrew.. But it's light and useful in urban environments.
It's a GREAT knife. I got it initially because the compact was a little too expensive, and Amazon even gave me a discount on the Super Tinker. I love main blade and also small blade for more precise tasks. The only thing I would change is the hook i guess, but i love my super tinker
If you're looking for urban environment, the ranger grips would be great. All we need to do is expose the hex bit driver that is already made into the knife. That actually can be done in 30 seconds and look like it was done at the factory. Then, any hex type bit that you can imagine using that is quarter inch Drive can be used with a knife. The only thing you don't get at that point is the pliers. And the pliers that Victorinox is putting on their knives is not very good anyway.
Absolutely the Handyman and the Mountaineer! These are the ones I actually USE, not just keep in a collection somewhere. The Handyman is for me the biggest SAK you can hold comfortably in your hand as an usual knife and the Mountaineer has the perfect combination of tools for it's size if you want to have something smaller and lighter in your pocket.
I also thinned the tip of that same fish scaler tool, to use it as a long flathead screwdriver. On the other hand, the rulers in centimeters and inches that it comes with are quite useful.
My favourite for every day is the Fieldmaster. It's like the Huntsman, but swaps out the corkscrew for a Phillips screwdriver, which for an urban environment I find incredibly useful. Off camping though, my choice would be the Huntsman. Being able to screw the SAK onto a stick is very handy.
My first SAK was a Super Tinker and served me well for many years, but the back-tool philips has its limits, after getting the Explorer with the inline philips I will never go back to any SAK with the back-tool philips. I find the corkscrew adds so much more - great for stuck zips, untying knots and so much more, plus you can get different small tools and fire starters that store in the corkscrew. I love the Explorer so much I decided to buy two more and mod them. On the one I added a pliers layer (I call it an "Explorer Deluxe" - don't think such a SAK exists). The other one I basically turned it into a "Yeoman" which has basically the same functions, but is only three layers - this is now my favorite EDC SAK. I also carry a 111mm "Workchamp" in my backpack, and a "Talisman" (Rally with a pen scale) on my key-chain.
If Victorinox put some thought into the implements in the SAKs, you wouldn't have to try to compensate for their poor tool selection. The corkscrew holds at most 2 even tinier things. If Victorinox could get their tool selection right on any given SAK, you would just have what you needed.
Well, if you get rid of the useless and unsafe tools, such as the can opener, bottle opener, large knife blade, small knife blade, scissors, pliers, awl, hook, scaler, magnifying glass, and back phillips driver, the layers should be more reasonable.
@@googleuser6635 I disagree. The tools you mentioned have saved the day countless times in my case, especially the can and bottle openers, scissors, and pliers. The only one I could live without is the fish scaler, but this year I scaled a salmon with it (although you can do it with the back of the blade or wood saw, so I still think the f. scaler is redundant). It all depends on your needs in the end. That's why Victorinox makes various combinations of SAKs. People have different needs. And some will rely more on their SAK for tasks, others not so much.
@@timsummers870 I saw the Victorinox "selection". Basically different options of mostly useless implements. When I need a tool, it isn't for a doll house. I will point out than, if SAKs were useful, the multitude of multi-tool companies would not exist. People just got tired of the consistent failure of SAKs to perform. If Victorinix had made a better product, no one would have bothered to design multi-tools from the ground up--nor would Victorinix have made poor imitations of those tools.
@@googleuser6635 I've had Victorinox SAKs since 1995 and have watched hundreds of reviews on YT. No one's ever said 'people got tired of the consistent failure of SAKs to perform'. People actually praise their products a lot. I think you're speaking for yourself and I do respect your opinion. However, in no way what you said represent what most people believe, especially when you talk about "poor immitations". Anyway, that's your opinion.
@@timsummers870 Surely, you wouldn't claim that the Swisstools are better than an imitation of a Leatherman? You surely also would not argue that the miniature tools on the Swisstools are in any way comparable to their larger counterparts on the Leatherman tools? People speak with their wallet. Other companies came into existence on the failures of Victorinox. You would think Victorinox would have gotten things figured out, by now. Some people lack experience, or have limited options, for one reason or another. There are two types of people: those who can only see SAKs (without recognizing the inherent flaws), and those who see the flaws in SAKs. Some people don't bother to waste their time pointing out flaws. People who make the mistake of buying a SAK will rarely publicly post their stupidity; rather, they try to ensnare others, to make them feel less badly about their own error. Maybe you fall into one of those categories. Personally, I get tired of people pulling out their SAK, thinking they can accomplish something. I've gotten to the point that I rather enjoy letting them be a fool, and them having to admit that they bought into all the hype and believed the glowing reviews they read online. I'm not heartless, so I'm offering a more realistic view for potential new buyers. There are many facts no one has bothered to tell you, or to post online. That does not make them any less true. Years ago, I bought a sports car. I was into everything about that car. Some years ago, I became disillusioned with that car. Although I still have the car, as well as many spare parts for it that are no longer obtainable, I no longer participate in anything to do with that car. I do not get involved in all the attempts to duplicate parts for it. Why should I? I've moved on. I have good original parts. It just isn't worth the argument if telling people the inherent flaws. I got fed up with those people. Some of those parts almost cost lives. That seems to be the only way people learn. I certainly have no intention of correcting the flaws. They made their choice. I am also not going to allow my good parts be used to make clones, and will not sell my parts. Just because I don't go point out weaknesses in their wheel bearings, for example, does not mean that the weaknesses do not exist. But, I washed my hands of those people. Eventually, the seller pulled his product, due to pending litigation. Regardless, many people still want to buy his product, and think he is awesome for reproducing this part.
My favorite SAK edc is the Evolution 11. It has two layers, contoured scales, a main blade, both opening tools, a nail cleaning tool and file, an awl, a Phillips driver, tweezers, and a toothpick. I never leave home without it.
You made good points. I have been carrying the fieldmaster lately and have been very happy with it. I also like the ranger. If I could afford one of each of them all, I would do it. Lol.
Great video, you make a great point for the mountaineer. I never thought about getting one because it's so similar to the huntsman, and i own already that, plus the huntsman lite, ranger, swisschamp, compact, camper, mechanic, deluxe tinker, spartan, spartan lite, sportsman, walker, climber, SD, manager, cadet alox and a handyman that i gifted to my brother.
My personal choice of tools would start with the 91 mm scissors, large blade (small one would come with that regardless) and the metal saw/metal file and the corkscrew and included tiny screw driver. The base tools of the officer’s knife is the corkscrew, twin blades, the bottle opener and tin opener. The smallest knife to include the nail file / saw is the Mountaineer. The Mountaineer also includes reamer (punch with a sewing eye), corkscrew. multipurpose hook. The Ranger adds the wood saw to the tools of the Mountaineer and on the back a chisel and screwdriver. The next step up is the handyman that includes pliers. You have to buy separately the corkscrew insert screwdriver and pin which are included with the Champ. The Champ adds the Philips screwdriver (now shorter than in 1988), magnifying glass (originally x8 but x5 since 2004) and fish scaler (range finder and pry bar). Alternatively, the Cybertool (39 tools) omits the magnifying glass but has a set of four double ended bits including Philips, flat head and others. Cybertool L (39 tools, 187g) Champ (33 tools, 187g) Handyman (24 tools, 155g) Ranger (21 tools, 117g) Mountaineer (18 tools, 109g)
I would have chosen a Deluxe Tinker as the go to knife for an urban environment but having said that there is nothing wrong in your choices here .I had my first one given to me age 10 and have been carrying one or more for 50 years now The Swiss Champ is always with me in a pouch on my belt and I have various others including the other 3 you mentioned simply because they are great knives .Great to know someone else has as much enthusiasm for these as I do .This was a good and informative vid ,Thank you .
Hi Mark, I have all of the above and a lot more but for me the best of all worlds is the Ranger.. along with the scissors you get a file and a saw plus all the back tools.. it’s the Victorinox Goldilocks knife! Not to big not too small etc Add plus scales and it really is the best knife in the range😉
Best for what? What is it that the Ranger can actually DO? I understand it's just a SAK, but it seems SAKs just sit around, and somehow that is "useful".
I carry Swisschamp as EDC and it's really wonderful bunch of tools! All of them are very handy in daily situations (including legendary fish scaler :-) ) But I would say metal file is my most used tool, so... I AGREE!
@@googleuser6635 it's very solid tool with many uses (important for me) I use it: - to clean and file my fingernails - to smooth sharp edges on plastic/wood/metal - to saw wooden sticks (hard, dry wood) - to saw thick cables - as very gentle screwdriver (I disassembled a laptop just with this tool) - to split cinnamon (strange, but super useful since wood saw will fail) - to saw a coconut And many others. Of course those are my personal usages for it and it can be considered useless for many other people 🤷♂️
@@aleksejalex I have not tried splitting cinnamon (dunno why that would be needed) but certainly would use a serrated blade for that. Not sure why the wood saw would fail. I once did saw a coconut, many years ago. About 20 years ago, someone in Malaysia showed me how to open a coconut with a knife, which still sounds unsafe, but is the best way I have seen. I have tried using SAKs for some of the other things you mention. One and all, the SAKs were an unmitigated failure, with the exception of fingernail duty. The screw drivers are the wrong size for laptop screws. In some cases, the SAK driver head will not fit in the screw hole. Whatever steel they use for the SAK tools is too soft for real work.
@@parkinsontatak who said it fails? I disassembled several laptops WITHOUT any damage to them using only metal file, can opener and eyeglass screwdriver on my Mountaineer.
good straight to the point review. liked and subscribed .Thanks. I am also a watch collector with a great admiration for Texas and the wonderful musicians that come from your state.
This is a great topic for discussion, because everyone has their own take. In my opinion the Swisschamp and the Handyman are too similar to both make it onto the list. The Handyman is still a bulky knife, you aren’t really saving much size of weight, so just take the Champ. It has more tools (even if you may not use them, more is best right) then frees up a slot for another choice. Similarly I think the Mountaineer has some interesting features, but for me there is another solution that has the nail file function and is significantly smaller and useful when you need a small pocket knife. The Champ and Huntsman I agree with, but would have the Super Tinker and the Compact as my extra two. The Compact packs a hell of a lot into a two layer knife, you don’t notice it walking around and you get those excellent scissors. Similarly you get the scissors on the Super Tinker, as well as the standard tools. That’s my 4
I think the Philipshead is overrated. The corkscrew can carry a variety of mini tools. That makes the corkscrew IMHO more usefull than the Philipshead. 🤔
@@mini14head None of those phillips head screws a run into each day need any attention! But if there's one single knot I cannot open the corkscrew comes in very handy (not to speak about a bottle of wine to open from time to time)! 🤔
My four most recomended Victorinox: Climber: Perfect featuring! Handyman: +Pliers, saw, file, chisel Explorer: +Magnifying glass, philips screwdriver Compact: +reduced to the max! My EDC: Victorinox Traveller.
I have to have a metal/nail file if I'm going to carry a SAK... the Mountaineer is a great knife... I also like the Ranger that also has a saw, and it is not much wider than the Mountaineer due to the additional thin layer. But my favorite is the discontinued Trail Guide that is only 3 layers... I have a few that I customized... one with a magnifying glass & inline Phillips screwdriver layer from an Explorer, and another that I replaced the corkscrew with a Phillips screwdriver.
What I wouldn't give for a Sportsman (with the new, more versatile file) with the Walker's saw! Give people a choice between the corkscrew and a phillips model, like your beloved Hiker, and you'd have a real winner at that 84mm size. Even without scissors, I'd EDC the heck out of it.
Great video! I’d include the Compact as a must have for collectors. I daily carry it because I pair it with the Swiss Tool Spirit (with serrated blade) and sometimes a folder. I wish victorinox offered the ability to pick your own tool combination.
Yes, a custom tool set would be better. Half or more of the implements are unusable, on any given SAK. After the Swisstool failed, why buy another Victorinox? You could get something useful that does it all, rather than sub-par products with duplicate tools. The Compact is certainly not good for use, but sitting in a box somewhere, certainly.
I agree with you. Still, Locking mechanism is illegal in most of the countries :) that might be a reason.. but at least the drivers should be locked! 🤜🤛
Good choices! The comments also had good ideas, especially the Explorer & the Deluxe Tinker....If the Handyman had an in-line Phillips, it would be perfect...😊
i like the line up of the swiss tools. when i was younger i always wanted the swiss champ. has got to be the most coolest. so i had to order one. i just got my swiss champ today. and i cant stop looking at it. also iv had the little sd classic for the last 5 years. but always wanted the nail cutter so i also ordered the little nailclip 580. its a nice little package.
I love the Mountaineer...I carry a Ranger which is very similar to the Mountaineer with a couple extra tools. It's sort of in-between a Mountaineer and a Handyman. If the Ranger had the inline Philips driver it would be the absolute perfect tool for me.
For me its the Huntsman and Deluxe Thinker.. i’m planning to add the Explorer (just for that amazing magnifying glass & phillips screwdriver) but at this time Huntsman and Deluxe Thinker have everything i need on a pocket knife.
Great knowledge, since I was a child I dreamed of a Swiss army knife, and all because of the Macgyver series. Now I own three victorinox models and my wife has two. But this is not the end of the collection. I will infect others to this brand because I know it's worth it.
Thank you so much for the comment! I actually made a video covering the very first Victorinox MacGyver ever used. Here is the video link ua-cam.com/video/qKY3abcMggI/v-deo.html
Haha, I'm only new to collecting SAKs. My first one was a little Bantam. Now I have the Explorer as my EDC and the Hunter. And I purposely gave my friend the Bantam hoping it turns him into a SAK collector too. They are so cool
@@tonykennedy8592 I got my first SAK for my birthday ten years ago, it was a Camper model, I still have it. I bought a second Fieldmaster two years ago, and a year ago a Sentinel One hand with a clip, a nice bigger option. Of course I also have other brands. Family and friends know that I always have a knife with me, and when someone asks me which one to buy, I always say Victorinox is the best adn it is the most versatile option. . ... I forgot I also have Alox Limited Edition from 2021 - 91mm
I have a couple of the smaller SD versions, then medium SAK's got the Tinker, the Huntsman, and finally last week the Compact came. I love the Compact because it's the thickness of the Tinker with Scissors. Can't beat that one:)
I have been carrying around a Super Tinker. The scale has a hole for the strait pin so I have one in there as well. I Aldo switch out that with my Hercules model (because of the #1 & 2 Phillips direct drive screwdrivers. These are all based on what I am doing that day and those needs. I keep a Swiss Champ Plus in the Vicorinox punch (with the honing bar) in the center console of my Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. That has been pretty handy. I carry Swiss Army knives all around the world and they have shown their value.
I tried the Super Tinker and the Deluxe. They lasted 1 day. What are you actually able to get a SAK to do, without the SAK exhibiting a catastrophic failure?
The Mountaineer is great for Urban, the Huntsman is great for the Outdoors, and that is why I often carry the Ranger, which has both the file AND the saw.
I should try carrying a Mountaineer. My go-to carry is a Traveler Lite with the digital scales and in-line Phillips screw driver. Or I will go with a Huntsman Lite or Explorer due to the in-line screw driver, scissors are a must and I do find the small light handy. A Ranger is also a good option for both the wood and metal saws in one compact package. I know this video is one for in-production models but I prefer the Champion plus. It has all the tools of the Swiss champ without the heavy bulky pliers. What would you choose if you could add in discontinued models?
The Compact with the all mighty can-bottle-opener-wire-stripper-screwdriver tool and the nail file on the hook is really great for Urban environment and its only 2 layer, but i love my champ too and thats the 2 i have and need :).
Great video thanks. I like to carry 2 SAK, Handyman & Mini Champ. It helps to have 2 SAK's so you can use one to open the other when it is hard to use your finger nails. Some times I will carry my Champion Plus, Mini Champ & CyberTool 34 as this gives me the most selection of tools that all fit in my hand comfortably. In my jacket I EDC a Leatherman Rebar.
The Ranger is a mix of your Huntsman and Moutaineer. It has all of the tools that they both share plus both the wood saw and the metal saw/file. It IS one layer thicker, but still more than manageable for daily carry from the OEM stock knives. Better yet, if you can mod a swiss army knife (or can hire someone to mod one for you) you can make a Compact Ranger but replacing the opening layer tools by adding a Combo-Tool to the same layer as the Main Blade..If you drop the tiny pen blade that currently shares the same layer, you can add a metal saw/file to a Hunstman (or a wood saw to a Mountaineer) and still have a 4 layer knife (like both the Huntsman and the Mountaineer) and have all or the tools available to you that a Ranger has. If you add the Plus Scales and you are even better equipped....more especially if you replace the (nasty) 'toothpick' with a firefly ferro rod and replace the screw driver that lives in the cork screw with helix tinders (also from Tortoise Gear.) I call this a "Compact Ranger "and one of them has been my EDC knife for almost two years now....modded for me by Noel Kunz in FL (who sadly isn't modding knives any longer.)
I would have to add that the Ranger has everything the Huntsman and Mountaineer have combined. Plus it has the chisel. It’s not that heavy or bulky and makes a great EDC
Spot on! I totally agree with you and bought 3 of the 4 of these. I am going to include the mountaineer now too. Not sure the name fits it, I agree it's something perfect for an Urban area. They probably should have called it the Urban lol.
excellent video. I have two out of the 4. The Swiss Champ and the Huntsman. I can't agree more. These two are all you need unless you are a tech guy working on electronics or a lot of consumer products...then I would say a Cyber one good.
Happy Tuesday Mark, I am not a fan or owner of either the Champ or Handyman, I have some 10 Huntsman ( collectables & EDC ones in various configurations ) & 2 Mountaineers. I would say most decidedly that every serious SAK user should own a Huntsman & as for other must owns I would say a small 58mm or 65mm as your key ring knife ( my default key ring knife is the 58mm Midnite Manager ) , next a medium sized rotational multi-tool pocket carry model other than the Huntsman such as the 91mm Climber , 85mm EvoGrip S17, the 93mm Pioneer X or the 93mm Farmer X depending on if you need an Urban carry knife with a blade & a scissors or a combined Urban & Countryside knife with a blade, scissors & a wood saw. Next a larger knife in the 111mm range that is not too big for comfortable pocket carry such as a Picknicker or Rucksack & last of all a Gentleman's blade for dining out or socialising when you want a more elegant knife in your pocket such as the 74mm Executive, the 84mm Bantam, the 93mm Pioneer Solo or a regular Pioneer. My 4 must haves for home tool kit use are the Cyber Tool M, the Ranger, the Deluxe Tinker & the 84mm Watch Opener - this covers all the really useful tools of the Swiss Champ in a more manageable size than the cumbersome Swiss Champ.
One of these days I will get the Swiss Champ, however my favourite is the Alox farmer X with scissors, which has recently replaced my Alox farmer. I do also have the Rucksack with locking blade, but with UK laws that is not an EDC option. I also have the handyman, which is used a lot at home, a tinker in an emergency bag somewhere (which was my first SAK) and of course the classic. I have had leathermans and of them the best was the Juice long since lost in a car park. The squirt is disappointing, I have had two of them break in different ways, and a leatherman sidekick, which is really just for the pliers, I don't rate the other tools very highly at all.
For those wondering, in my opinion, the ones that are discontinued and are must buys (in my opinion) are the Yeoman, the Scientist, and the Trail Guide. These are probably the best three SAKs ever made, in my view.
I'm only new at carrying a pocket knife, but I really love the Explorer. It has a lot of useful tools and it's really comfortable. I also got the Hunter, which is a super knife, but being from a city its not my EDC
It’s funny how I don’t agree with any of these choices, I’m of the opinion that you should get the smallest SAK that’ll have most of what you need and for the longest time that has been the Victorinox Climber for me… and it’s still my favourite model. I did recently get a Victorinox Compact and it’s a fantastic model, I’m missing the awl and the secondary blade but I’m warming up to it. It might just be the best designed model they have currently. The SwissChamp is way too big for my tastes and it seems more like a novelty than an actual usable tool to me, anything bigger than 3 layers is really pushing it in my opinion. The only champ I’d buy wold be the MiniChamp as it’s packing a ton of functionality in a tiny form factor. I’m not saying you’re wrong, just that I disagree.
Totally agree, I’ve carried the climber for 8 years, for me Hands Down the best SAK. I key chain the tiny basic ones but the Climber is my EDC. I have Leatherman multitools too, but tbh for EDC can’t beat the Climber.
I think the Huntsman Lite is worthy of mention here as it has the very useful in-line Phillips driver, plus mini-flashlight, pen and extra screw driver on the back. It only adds one extra layer compared to the standard Huntsman. Also, the Fieldmaster is a great 4 layer knife if you dont care about the corkscrew.
I have the Deluxe TInker, Huntsman & Compact.. for me those three already cover all i need in urban environment, but if i have to add one more i really interested buying the Explorer for the magnifiying glass & phillips screwdriver.
My thickest Victorinox is for years Camping model. Size and weight are about the maximum of what I am ready to carry. Scissors would be handy, but many other things you can find in more convinient tools like Leatherman Raptor Rescue or Bucktool 360 etc.
I agree that the addition of scissors would be nice, but the camper really is great! To risk sounding like a girl, while the scissors would be lovely, I really like the wood saw as, while I don’t have much practical use for it, I like the texture of the blade and the fact that it sparkles.
Thanks for you video. It's always interesting when we can see different SAK together. I don't chose the same knifes for my own but your purpose is cleaver. In my way, the Handyman is the best choice if you want the pliers ans the wood and metal saws. The swiss champ is too thick. But, if you really need the metal and the wood saws and not really care about the back tools (like wood chisel or screwdriver), you can consider the Workchamp. It's a 111mm, with longer saws, pliers, 2 philips screwdriver... The swisschamp will always be a serious choice but there are some tools like fish scale or magnify which don't seduce me. But I know the fish tool can be very usefull in some case. So, my first choice is between the swisschamp and the handyman (with the workchamp if we include the 111mmm) My second choice is between the Huntsman (my first serious SAK) and the Ranger. The Ranger is the perfect combination between the Huntsman and the Mountaineer, the size and weight difference between the Ranger and the Huntsman is small and the Ranger is the smallest SAK with 4 back tools (corkscrew, wood chisel, screwdriver, hook and reamer punch.). If I don't already have a Hunstman, I think I would like a Ranger. But the Mountaineer, The Huntsman and the Explorer are sure values, and don't forget the Farmer X if you want an "Alox Huntsman". But maybe you will prefer my third choice... My third choice is another 4 layers SAK : the Deluxe Tinker,. It's a serious SAK, one of the smallest with the pliers and a perfect urban EDC (You can also look for an Explorer if you want a philips screwdriver but not the pliers). I think there is no bad choice with the 4 layers. I have a Deluxe Tinker with the plus scale and I love It. The alternative could be the CyberTool S or M, but the price is noticeably different. In the 4th place, there is the Climber. It's less expensive than a Compact and you can add a plus scale if you want the pen. The alternative could be a Pioneer X. If you want a more compact knife you can take a look at the Evolution 14. In the 5th place there is the Bantam. In cellidor or in alox, as you want. The alternative could be the Waiter : a cheap knife with the corkscrew (which can countain another tool). Honorable mention for : - The Swiss Army 2 - The Swiss Army 7
I own a few Victorinox. Swisschamp is my favorite. It's the brand's most complete versatile multi-tool knife, without being too large, too heavy or excessively wide.
I own a Huntsman given by my Sister in law from Switzerland.. she always get it it on half the deal price. Original model i had this for almost two years now. 😊
For the SwissChamp, I would call the pliers a tick killer. That is about all I have used it. My only complaint is the redesign of the magnifying glass, the older grey one I feel was better than the new version.
Mine is de champ XL limited edition which was only manufactured between1999-2000 with only a few made and highly collectible. I use it daily! Not just for show
My edc is a champ plus the classic sd on my keys. on camping trips I additionally take the rangergrip 179 plus a mora companion HD for a fixed blade... Pretty well covers everything..
I've got the Handyman. I took a long time to choose. I am very pleased with my choice. I use it every single day. I don't remember what I did before it... 😀
What about my Fav the Explorer with the Magnifying lens and all the rest! We never need a corkscrew in Australia because we have screw caps on all wine and twist caps on beer bottles...
I can go for days without pliers or saw or files. So my work goto became the 3 layer Super Tinker. But have a Swiss Champ or Leatherman Multitool in my bag with at least a flashlight.
My everyday carry is the deluxe tinker, on my nightstand is the explorer, I also have a cyber tool M on my desk... I do not have the champ, but I have the Hercules and the trekker if I want to go outdoors...
I always have my Classic SD on my keychain, which enables me to carry a thinner main knife in my coin pocket. I prefer three layers maximum, so pairing the Camper with my Classic SD gives me all the functions of both the Huntsman and the Mountaineer except the parcel hook in a very pocket friendly system. 🤷🏼♂️
The Deluxe Tinker is the one I absolutely consider to be indispensable when in an urban environment.
🙌
this is true for me too .. Tinker Deluxe and the Farmer X .. at the tinker ... i woud exchange the small blade and the Can opener aganst the metal file .. if it woud be possible ... today nobody needs the can opener anymore .. and i dont need 2 Blades .. so i woud change these to tools agains the metal file ..
Definitely should replace the mountaineer for the deluxe tinker and replace the handyman with the cybertool
I agree. No one ever seems to include the Deluxe Tinker on these lists but I've carried that or a Farmer X for the last few years and love both. I do have a Swiss Champ in my 72 Hour Kit.
Would be perfect but there is no corkscrew.
The mountaineer was my first SAK. Carried it to the office for decades. People there often looked askance when they saw I carried a knife but then I had a steady stream of people who would want to borrow the knife from me or who asked me to use it for various small tasks around the office (opening parcels, tightening a screw, prying something open etc.). Really useful !
Here in Switzerland we say that real men allways carry a knife and a string. Maybe it's just a publicity gag from Victorinox, but i really like that saying. 😎😎😎😎
A string? @@renatoherren4217
For me the most useful is the explorer. I work in I.T. and the philips screwdriver, the magnifying glass and scissors are needed on a daily basis.
I use to EDC the Explorer till I learned of the awesome Yeoman. All the same capabilities of the four layer Explorer but in a slimmer three layer build.
Agree with you bro.. Explorer is my EDC all day!
You should definitely check out the Cybertool Lite
How about the Cybertool? I know it sounds gimmicky but it looks like Victorinox made it with computer repair techs in mind.
Yes it is, the Explorer to me is the best.
I'm in my 47th year of daily carrying a Victorinox Swiss Champ, and the reason I bought it was because it had the most versatile selection of tools in the range, and if I got one of the other models, the chances were that at some point I'd need the tools which weren't on those models!
I have never regretted my decision!
Over the years, as upgrades appeared I eventually bought the latest model Swiss Champ, and I gave my perfect condition one to a friend that wasn't able to get one for himself.
That too is a decision I have never regretted!
Rather than collect them, I consider them to be tools, which are best appreciated by being there for the owner when required, rather than stuck in a drawer.
My next favourite is the Huntsman, and I have two, both with the dull matt non slip red scales instead of the shiny smooth Celidor scales.
I preferred the non slip scales because one Huntsman lives in my camp cook kit and the other in my FAK.
I also have two Farmer Alox models bought for a project that was cancelled.
Without doubt, the Swiss Champ is the best thing I've ever bought, owned or used!
In almost half a century its been a reliable, comforting addition which has enabled others and myself to overcome adversity with the application of the tools it contained in more diverse instances than I can possibly remember!
I have gifted Victorinox SAK and Leatherman tools to friends, the youngest of whom were 6 and 4,the daughters of a friend, whom I gave their first SAK to (Mini Champs).
The 6 year old is now a Mother and she still has her Mini Champ (as does her sister) and I keot my promise to buy them refills for the pen!
Victorinox are truly for life, now and in the future...
That’s definitely a good report on the ninth! And you have a few favorites there. Thank you so much for the comment wonderful to see a knife being used for so long!
How do you maintain your SAK throughout the years and do you send it for repairs? What’s that process like?
@@mouradshemais3123 Depends. Just oil it, open and close the tools, and wipe off the oil to prevent pocket lint from getting into the crevices.
You may need to change the scales, you probably won’t have to as long as you don’t abuse them.
Try to avoid scratching the scales, they will look better that way.
Sharpen it weekly.
In summary, oil and sharpen sharpen it weekly and try not to scratch the scales.
I agree. You can’t go wrong with the Champ for EDC. You will want for nothing! It takes a real stud to EDC it!
"I'm in my 47th year of daily carrying a Victorinox Swiss Champ"
How interesting to come across a time-traveller! What's the world like "now", after WW3 and all that?
As far as I know that model was introduced in 1985. For us currently living in 2023, we have at most been able to carry it daily for 38 years.
I transformed the fish scaler tool from my Swiss Champ into a comb using a thin cutting disc from my moto tool
I used to carry the Swiss Champ. I now carry the Tinker Deluxe. I carry the Huntsman in my tackle box. I started to carry the 84mm’s now. ( in pocket ) mainly the MAP Walker. Along with the Tinker Deluxe on the belt in a sheath. Every once in a while I’ll swap them out for the Swiss Champ on my belt.
Another favorite is the Compact.
Good selection. I carry the Ranger instead of the Handyman, but they are both great knives. I think it is important to remember that all of the tools have considerable utility, but that usefulness can be jaded by the user’s experience and background. The fish scaler tool is a great example. As a woodworker, it is a terrific tool for quickly scribing lines for rabbets (rebates), mortises, and tenons. Its prongs are perfect for prying off rubber pipe fittings and o-rings.
I know some people give grief to the wenger tools having a nail file/cleaner instead of a small blade, but for me, nothing irritates my day more than a rough edge on my fingertips from a broken or hang nail. It is handy having a tool to fix that problem quickly and discretely. Plus I can keep my fingernails clean! This is a practical daily tool for me. The metal file is okay in a pinch, but it is just a bit aggressive for myself.
For a quick fix for fingernails I always carry a Classic SD on me just for its file, along with another larger 91mm Victorinox (alternating between the Ranger and the Climber, depending on whether I’m going to work or just out and about).
Good choices.
I keep my Champ in the house and EDC carry a Climber or Huntsman or more often the smaller Wenger Traveller.
I rely on scissors.
I wish the 84mm Climbers were still in production.
My daily carry, for well over a decade now, is a Rambler. Small knife that fits in the watch pocket of jeans, or in one of the inside pockets of a suit jacket. Just a very useful tool for everyday. I have the Climber although have just ordered a Forrester one hand for when I go hiking.
I always thought the Rambler was better than the Classic SD, while the MiniChamp was too much. I would like to see Victorinox make the Executive (74mm), which allows for a four finger grip, with the Phillips/bottle cap lifter. Unfortunately, I have had the scissors break on my Executive (while I was cutting a hang nail).
How many time have you accidentally left it in the little pocket when thrown in the washer?
@@mac11380 Never, it gets taken out each night and put on the nightstand.
@@Djarra I would have washed it 30 times by now, good discipline
I just got 2 different mini champs, one has a map light. I can't quit fiddling with the little useful bastard. Feels good in the hand.
Good video! The Huntsman is probably my favorite all-around model, especially for camping. Not too big, not too small. One of my favorites for urban carry is the Sportsman, which is basically a small Spartan with a nail file/cleaner replacing the pen blade. No scissors, but I usually have an Executive or a classic on my keychain.
The sportsman is probably my number two favorite
The Sportsman is just the best. I’ve had one in my pocket since 1985.
i recomend manager/midnight manager/rambler on the keychain instead of Executive or Classic,
manager + sportsman is one of the best combos you can have imo, or manager/rambler + compact (for urban EDC) otherwise Hunstman is better
My daily carries are Climber and also a litte Classic SD. I have a Swiss Champ but I keep that in the house. You never how useful these are until you have one of these things.
I really feel like the Super Tinker should get a mention. No wood saw as in the Huntsman, and a Phillips driver in place of corkscrew..
But it's light and useful in urban environments.
It's a GREAT knife. I got it initially because the compact was a little too expensive, and Amazon even gave me a discount on the Super Tinker. I love main blade and also small blade for more precise tasks. The only thing I would change is the hook i guess, but i love my super tinker
If you're looking for urban environment, the ranger grips would be great. All we need to do is expose the hex bit driver that is already made into the knife. That actually can be done in 30 seconds and look like it was done at the factory. Then, any hex type bit that you can imagine using that is quarter inch Drive can be used with a knife. The only thing you don't get at that point is the pliers. And the pliers that Victorinox is putting on their knives is not very good anyway.
Absolutely the Handyman and the Mountaineer! These are the ones I actually USE, not just keep in a collection somewhere. The Handyman is for me the biggest SAK you can hold comfortably in your hand as an usual knife and the Mountaineer has the perfect combination of tools for it's size if you want to have something smaller and lighter in your pocket.
I also thinned the tip of that same fish scaler tool, to use it as a long flathead screwdriver. On the other hand, the rulers in centimeters and inches that it comes with are quite useful.
My favourite for every day is the Fieldmaster. It's like the Huntsman, but swaps out the corkscrew for a Phillips screwdriver, which for an urban environment I find incredibly useful.
Off camping though, my choice would be the Huntsman. Being able to screw the SAK onto a stick is very handy.
The can opener works very well as a phillips.
My first SAK was a Super Tinker and served me well for many years, but the back-tool philips has its limits, after getting the Explorer with the inline philips I will never go back to any SAK with the back-tool philips. I find the corkscrew adds so much more - great for stuck zips, untying knots and so much more, plus you can get different small tools and fire starters that store in the corkscrew.
I love the Explorer so much I decided to buy two more and mod them. On the one I added a pliers layer (I call it an "Explorer Deluxe" - don't think such a SAK exists). The other one I basically turned it into a "Yeoman" which has basically the same functions, but is only three layers - this is now my favorite EDC SAK. I also carry a 111mm "Workchamp" in my backpack, and a "Talisman" (Rally with a pen scale) on my key-chain.
If Victorinox put some thought into the implements in the SAKs, you wouldn't have to try to compensate for their poor tool selection. The corkscrew holds at most 2 even tinier things.
If Victorinox could get their tool selection right on any given SAK, you would just have what you needed.
@@googleuser6635 Victorinox already has got the tool selection right. They're called the Champ and the Cybertool L. Take your pick.
I think most people prefer a SAK with 3 layers or less but I personally like these choices. I own all four models.
Well, if you get rid of the useless and unsafe tools, such as the can opener, bottle opener, large knife blade, small knife blade, scissors, pliers, awl, hook, scaler, magnifying glass, and back phillips driver, the layers should be more reasonable.
@@googleuser6635 I disagree. The tools you mentioned have saved the day countless times in my case, especially the can and bottle openers, scissors, and pliers. The only one I could live without is the fish scaler, but this year I scaled a salmon with it (although you can do it with the back of the blade or wood saw, so I still think the f. scaler is redundant). It all depends on your needs in the end. That's why Victorinox makes various combinations of SAKs. People have different needs. And some will rely more on their SAK for tasks, others not so much.
@@timsummers870 I saw the Victorinox "selection". Basically different options of mostly useless implements. When I need a tool, it isn't for a doll house.
I will point out than, if SAKs were useful, the multitude of multi-tool companies would not exist. People just got tired of the consistent failure of SAKs to perform. If Victorinix had made a better product, no one would have bothered to design multi-tools from the ground up--nor would Victorinix have made poor imitations of those tools.
@@googleuser6635 I've had Victorinox SAKs since 1995 and have watched hundreds of reviews on YT. No one's ever said 'people got tired of the consistent failure of SAKs to perform'. People actually praise their products a lot. I think you're speaking for yourself and I do respect your opinion. However, in no way what you said represent what most people believe, especially when you talk about "poor immitations". Anyway, that's your opinion.
@@timsummers870 Surely, you wouldn't claim that the Swisstools are better than an imitation of a Leatherman? You surely also would not argue that the miniature tools on the Swisstools are in any way comparable to their larger counterparts on the Leatherman tools?
People speak with their wallet. Other companies came into existence on the failures of Victorinox. You would think Victorinox would have gotten things figured out, by now.
Some people lack experience, or have limited options, for one reason or another.
There are two types of people: those who can only see SAKs (without recognizing the inherent flaws), and those who see the flaws in SAKs. Some people don't bother to waste their time pointing out flaws. People who make the mistake of buying a SAK will rarely publicly post their stupidity; rather, they try to ensnare others, to make them feel less badly about their own error. Maybe you fall into one of those categories.
Personally, I get tired of people pulling out their SAK, thinking they can accomplish something. I've gotten to the point that I rather enjoy letting them be a fool, and them having to admit that they bought into all the hype and believed the glowing reviews they read online. I'm not heartless, so I'm offering a more realistic view for potential new buyers.
There are many facts no one has bothered to tell you, or to post online. That does not make them any less true.
Years ago, I bought a sports car. I was into everything about that car. Some years ago, I became disillusioned with that car. Although I still have the car, as well as many spare parts for it that are no longer obtainable, I no longer participate in anything to do with that car. I do not get involved in all the attempts to duplicate parts for it. Why should I? I've moved on. I have good original parts. It just isn't worth the argument if telling people the inherent flaws. I got fed up with those people. Some of those parts almost cost lives. That seems to be the only way people learn. I certainly have no intention of correcting the flaws. They made their choice. I am also not going to allow my good parts be used to make clones, and will not sell my parts. Just because I don't go point out weaknesses in their wheel bearings, for example, does not mean that the weaknesses do not exist. But, I washed my hands of those people. Eventually, the seller pulled his product, due to pending litigation. Regardless, many people still want to buy his product, and think he is awesome for reproducing this part.
My favorite SAK edc is the Evolution 11. It has two layers, contoured scales, a main blade, both opening tools, a nail cleaning tool and file, an awl, a Phillips driver, tweezers, and a toothpick. I never leave home without it.
You made good points. I have been carrying the fieldmaster lately and have been very happy with it. I also like the ranger. If I could afford one of each of them all, I would do it. Lol.
Great video, you make a great point for the mountaineer. I never thought about getting one because it's so similar to the huntsman, and i own already that, plus the huntsman lite, ranger, swisschamp, compact, camper, mechanic, deluxe tinker, spartan, spartan lite, sportsman, walker, climber, SD, manager, cadet alox and a handyman that i gifted to my brother.
My personal choice of tools would start with the 91 mm scissors, large blade (small one would come with that regardless) and the metal saw/metal file and the corkscrew and included tiny screw driver. The base tools of the officer’s knife is the corkscrew, twin blades, the bottle opener and tin opener.
The smallest knife to include the nail file / saw is the Mountaineer. The Mountaineer also includes reamer (punch with a sewing eye), corkscrew. multipurpose hook.
The Ranger adds the wood saw to the tools of the Mountaineer and on the back a chisel and screwdriver.
The next step up is the handyman that includes pliers.
You have to buy separately the corkscrew insert screwdriver and pin which are included with the Champ.
The Champ adds the Philips screwdriver (now shorter than in 1988), magnifying glass (originally x8 but x5 since 2004) and fish scaler (range finder and pry bar). Alternatively, the Cybertool (39 tools) omits the magnifying glass but has a set of four double ended bits including Philips, flat head and others.
Cybertool L (39 tools, 187g)
Champ (33 tools, 187g)
Handyman (24 tools, 155g)
Ranger (21 tools, 117g)
Mountaineer (18 tools, 109g)
DeLuxe Tinker for me all the way. Such a versatile tool and not too bulky.
Thanks for your review.
I've never had a mountaineer; my smaller knife is the compact. Great choices!
Got my deluxe tinker today! Will see hou it will do
I would have chosen a Deluxe Tinker as the go to knife for an urban environment but having said that there is nothing wrong in your choices here .I had my first one given to me age 10 and have been carrying one or more for 50 years now The Swiss Champ is always with me in a pouch on my belt and I have various others including the other 3 you mentioned simply because they are great knives .Great to know someone else has as much enthusiasm for these as I do .This was a good and informative vid ,Thank you .
Hi Mark, I have all of the above and a lot more but for me the best of all worlds is the Ranger.. along with the scissors you get a file and a saw plus all the back tools.. it’s the Victorinox Goldilocks knife! Not to big not too small etc Add plus scales and it really is the best knife in the range😉
Best for what? What is it that the Ranger can actually DO? I understand it's just a SAK, but it seems SAKs just sit around, and somehow that is "useful".
I carry Swisschamp as EDC and it's really wonderful bunch of tools! All of them are very handy in daily situations (including legendary fish scaler :-) )
But I would say metal file is my most used tool, so... I AGREE!
Metal file? You mean the fingernail file? Do you build dollhouses? What "daily situation" requires the use of itty bitty flimsy tools?
@@googleuser6635 it's very solid tool with many uses (important for me)
I use it:
- to clean and file my fingernails
- to smooth sharp edges on plastic/wood/metal
- to saw wooden sticks (hard, dry wood)
- to saw thick cables
- as very gentle screwdriver (I disassembled a laptop just with this tool)
- to split cinnamon (strange, but super useful since wood saw will fail)
- to saw a coconut
And many others.
Of course those are my personal usages for it and it can be considered useless for many other people 🤷♂️
@@aleksejalex I have not tried splitting cinnamon (dunno why that would be needed) but certainly would use a serrated blade for that. Not sure why the wood saw would fail.
I once did saw a coconut, many years ago. About 20 years ago, someone in Malaysia showed me how to open a coconut with a knife, which still sounds unsafe, but is the best way I have seen.
I have tried using SAKs for some of the other things you mention. One and all, the SAKs were an unmitigated failure, with the exception of fingernail duty. The screw drivers are the wrong size for laptop screws. In some cases, the SAK driver head will not fit in the screw hole. Whatever steel they use for the SAK tools is too soft for real work.
You try to use a survival tool to open a laptop and it fails? NO WAY! 😂
@@parkinsontatak who said it fails? I disassembled several laptops WITHOUT any damage to them using only metal file, can opener and eyeglass screwdriver on my Mountaineer.
good straight to the point review. liked and subscribed .Thanks. I am also a watch collector with a great admiration for Texas and the wonderful musicians that come from your state.
Thank you so much! Glad to have you along for the ride! I love Texas also!
This is a great topic for discussion, because everyone has their own take. In my opinion the Swisschamp and the Handyman are too similar to both make it onto the list. The Handyman is still a bulky knife, you aren’t really saving much size of weight, so just take the Champ. It has more tools (even if you may not use them, more is best right) then frees up a slot for another choice.
Similarly I think the Mountaineer has some interesting features, but for me there is another solution that has the nail file function and is significantly smaller and useful when you need a small pocket knife.
The Champ and Huntsman I agree with, but would have the Super Tinker and the Compact as my extra two. The Compact packs a hell of a lot into a two layer knife, you don’t notice it walking around and you get those excellent scissors. Similarly you get the scissors on the Super Tinker, as well as the standard tools.
That’s my 4
I carry the Fieldmaster: same as the Huntsman, but has the Philipshead instead of the corkscrew.
I think the Philipshead is overrated. The corkscrew can carry a variety of mini tools. That makes the corkscrew IMHO more usefull than the Philipshead. 🤔
Same here. Phillips is used more than any tool. Corkscrews are useless.
@@mini14head I never used a Phillips on my Swiss army knife! 😍To open a knot a Phillips is pretty useless but you can do it with a corkscrew! 🤔
@@MusikPiratCH
I just run into alot more phillips head screws thruout the day than knots. But I learned to tie my shoes properly 60 yrs ago.
@@mini14head None of those phillips head screws a run into each day need any attention! But if there's one single knot I cannot open the corkscrew comes in very handy (not to speak about a bottle of wine to open from time to time)! 🤔
My four most recomended Victorinox:
Climber: Perfect featuring!
Handyman: +Pliers, saw, file, chisel
Explorer: +Magnifying glass, philips screwdriver
Compact: +reduced to the max!
My EDC: Victorinox Traveller.
I have to have a metal/nail file if I'm going to carry a SAK... the Mountaineer is a great knife... I also like the Ranger that also has a saw, and it is not much wider than the Mountaineer due to the additional thin layer.
But my favorite is the discontinued Trail Guide that is only 3 layers... I have a few that I customized... one with a magnifying glass & inline Phillips screwdriver layer from an Explorer, and another that I replaced the corkscrew with a Phillips screwdriver.
I completely agree with your selection, thanks!
SAK Hiker as an EDC for past four years . UK law and pocket friendly . Great thing about SAK is there's a model to suit everyone .
What I wouldn't give for a Sportsman (with the new, more versatile file) with the Walker's saw! Give people a choice between the corkscrew and a phillips model, like your beloved Hiker, and you'd have a real winner at that 84mm size. Even without scissors, I'd EDC the heck out of it.
Great video! I’d include the Compact as a must have for collectors. I daily carry it because I pair it with the Swiss Tool Spirit (with serrated blade) and sometimes a folder. I wish victorinox offered the ability to pick your own tool combination.
Yes, a custom tool set would be better. Half or more of the implements are unusable, on any given SAK. After the Swisstool failed, why buy another Victorinox? You could get something useful that does it all, rather than sub-par products with duplicate tools.
The Compact is certainly not good for use, but sitting in a box somewhere, certainly.
Good selection. I would add the Compact. The same functionality as the Mountaineer minus the awl. Great video!
I recently bought a huntsman I really like it I'm going to get plus scales for it can you tell me where do you buy your scales
The Deluxe Tinker is my go to multitool. It's a daily carry for me.
Two things I hate about Victorinox Swiss Army Knives:
1. They destroy your nails.
2. Most of the tools don't lock.
I agree with you. Still, Locking mechanism is illegal in most of the countries :) that might be a reason.. but at least the drivers should be locked! 🤜🤛
Good choices! The comments also had good ideas, especially the Explorer & the Deluxe Tinker....If the Handyman had an in-line Phillips, it would be perfect...😊
i like the line up of the swiss tools. when i was younger i always wanted the swiss champ. has got to be the most coolest. so i had to order one.
i just got my swiss champ today. and i cant stop looking at it. also iv had the little sd classic for the last 5 years. but always wanted the nail cutter so i also ordered the little nailclip 580. its a nice little package.
now i want the cybertool l. and the handyman and the pioneer x
you can actually use the metal file as an inline screwdriver, fits philips
Excellent
I love the Mountaineer...I carry a Ranger which is very similar to the Mountaineer with a couple extra tools. It's sort of in-between a Mountaineer and a Handyman. If the Ranger had the inline Philips driver it would be the absolute perfect tool for me.
Got a few leathermans surge my fave I only got 2 SKA s champ & Compact have to say I love the compact
For me its the Huntsman and Deluxe Thinker.. i’m planning to add the Explorer (just for that amazing magnifying glass & phillips screwdriver) but at this time Huntsman and Deluxe Thinker have everything i need on a pocket knife.
Great knowledge, since I was a child I dreamed of a Swiss army knife, and all because of the Macgyver series. Now I own three victorinox models and my wife has two. But this is not the end of the collection. I will infect others to this brand because I know it's worth it.
Thank you so much for the comment! I actually made a video covering the very first Victorinox MacGyver ever used. Here is the video link ua-cam.com/video/qKY3abcMggI/v-deo.html
Haha, I'm only new to collecting SAKs. My first one was a little Bantam. Now I have the Explorer as my EDC and the Hunter. And I purposely gave my friend the Bantam hoping it turns him into a SAK collector too. They are so cool
@@tonykennedy8592 I got my first SAK for my birthday ten years ago, it was a Camper model, I still have it. I bought a second Fieldmaster two years ago, and a year ago a Sentinel One hand with a clip, a nice bigger option. Of course I also have other brands. Family and friends know that I always have a knife with me, and when someone asks me which one to buy, I always say Victorinox is the best adn it is the most versatile option.
.
... I forgot I also have Alox Limited Edition from 2021 - 91mm
My favourite is the hiker, it has the perfect amount of tools that cover most areas of needs in outdoor and urban environments
My combination is Champ, Huntsman and tinker. Will add one of one layers as forth one. The gratist jnifes ever - Victorinix!!!👍👍👍👏👏👏
Hey Mark you need a Swiss watch knife so you can use it to open the tools on your other knives for your videos when your nails are short.
Might be a good idea! But my nails are in their way back.
I have a couple of the smaller SD versions, then medium SAK's got the Tinker, the Huntsman, and finally last week the Compact came. I love the Compact because it's the thickness of the Tinker with Scissors. Can't beat that one:)
Huntsman is my favorite classic cellidor SAK, Farmer is my favorite alox SAK, and the One-Handed Trekker is my favorite modern SAK! Great video!
I like the Ranger as well. Thanks for the video
You are welcome
I have been carrying around a Super Tinker. The scale has a hole for the strait pin so I have one in there as well. I Aldo switch out that with my Hercules model (because of the #1 & 2 Phillips direct drive screwdrivers. These are all based on what I am doing that day and those needs. I keep a Swiss Champ Plus in the Vicorinox punch (with the honing bar) in the center console of my Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. That has been pretty handy. I carry Swiss Army knives all around the world and they have shown their value.
I tried the Super Tinker and the Deluxe. They lasted 1 day. What are you actually able to get a SAK to do, without the SAK exhibiting a catastrophic failure?
The Mountaineer is great for Urban, the Huntsman is great for the Outdoors, and that is why I often carry the Ranger, which has both the file AND the saw.
I should try carrying a Mountaineer. My go-to carry is a Traveler Lite with the digital scales and in-line Phillips screw driver. Or I will go with a Huntsman Lite or Explorer due to the in-line screw driver, scissors are a must and I do find the small light handy. A Ranger is also a good option for both the wood and metal saws in one compact package.
I know this video is one for in-production models but I prefer the Champion plus. It has all the tools of the Swiss champ without the heavy bulky pliers. What would you choose if you could add in discontinued models?
It's the climber for me!
Great choice!
Thank you for the review. It was useful
I'll have to buy a few off them.
The Compact with the all mighty can-bottle-opener-wire-stripper-screwdriver tool and the nail file on the hook is really great for Urban environment and its only 2 layer, but i love my champ too and thats the 2 i have and need :).
Great video thanks. I like to carry 2 SAK, Handyman & Mini Champ. It helps to have 2 SAK's so you can use one to open the other when it is hard to use your finger nails. Some times I will carry my Champion Plus, Mini Champ & CyberTool 34 as this gives me the most selection of tools that all fit in my hand comfortably. In my jacket I EDC a Leatherman Rebar.
The Ranger is a mix of your Huntsman and Moutaineer. It has all of the tools that they both share plus both the wood saw and the metal saw/file. It IS one layer thicker, but still more than manageable for daily carry from the OEM stock knives.
Better yet, if you can mod a swiss army knife (or can hire someone to mod one for you) you can make a Compact Ranger but replacing the opening layer tools by adding a Combo-Tool to the same layer as the Main Blade..If you drop the tiny pen blade that currently shares the same layer, you can add a metal saw/file to a Hunstman (or a wood saw to a Mountaineer) and still have a 4 layer knife (like both the Huntsman and the Mountaineer) and have all or the tools available to you that a Ranger has. If you add the Plus Scales and you are even better equipped....more especially if you replace the (nasty) 'toothpick' with a firefly ferro rod and replace the screw driver that lives in the cork screw with helix tinders (also from Tortoise Gear.)
I call this a "Compact Ranger "and one of them has been my EDC knife for almost two years now....modded for me by Noel Kunz in FL (who sadly isn't modding knives any longer.)
Have had a few swisschamp models from first generation with the small pliers 1985 about ,with no pin slot, no hook old grey mag lense .
I would have to add that the Ranger has everything the Huntsman and Mountaineer have combined. Plus it has the chisel. It’s not that heavy or bulky and makes a great EDC
Spot on! I totally agree with you and bought 3 of the 4 of these. I am going to include the mountaineer now too. Not sure the name fits it, I agree it's something perfect for an Urban area. They probably should have called it the Urban lol.
excellent video. I have two out of the 4. The Swiss Champ and the Huntsman. I can't agree more. These two are all you need unless you are a tech guy working on electronics or a lot of consumer products...then I would say a Cyber one good.
Thank you so much for the comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Glad to see you have two of the four!
Solid selection. Only missing an alox, but that's just personal taste.
I own four 3 Victorinox products. I have Tinker, an Officer, and my crown jewel, my Swiss Tool X. They are all phenomenal.
Happy Tuesday Mark, I am not a fan or owner of either the Champ or Handyman, I have some 10 Huntsman ( collectables & EDC ones in various configurations ) & 2 Mountaineers. I would say most decidedly that every serious SAK user should own a Huntsman & as for other must owns I would say a small 58mm or 65mm as your key ring knife ( my default key ring knife is the 58mm Midnite Manager ) , next a medium sized rotational multi-tool pocket carry model other than the Huntsman such as the 91mm Climber , 85mm EvoGrip S17, the 93mm Pioneer X or the 93mm Farmer X depending on if you need an Urban carry knife with a blade & a scissors or a combined Urban & Countryside knife with a blade, scissors & a wood saw. Next a larger knife in the 111mm range that is not too big for comfortable pocket carry such as a Picknicker or Rucksack & last of all a Gentleman's blade for dining out or socialising when you want a more elegant knife in your pocket such as the 74mm Executive, the 84mm Bantam, the 93mm Pioneer Solo or a regular Pioneer. My 4 must haves for home tool kit use are the Cyber Tool M, the Ranger, the Deluxe Tinker & the 84mm Watch Opener - this covers all the really useful tools of the Swiss Champ in a more manageable size than the cumbersome Swiss Champ.
you can also use the top of the nail file for nail cleaning
One of these days I will get the Swiss Champ, however my favourite is the Alox farmer X with scissors, which has recently replaced my Alox farmer. I do also have the Rucksack with locking blade, but with UK laws that is not an EDC option. I also have the handyman, which is used a lot at home, a tinker in an emergency bag somewhere (which was my first SAK) and of course the classic. I have had leathermans and of them the best was the Juice long since lost in a car park. The squirt is disappointing, I have had two of them break in different ways, and a leatherman sidekick, which is really just for the pliers, I don't rate the other tools very highly at all.
I have five Leathermen multitools myself. Of the group, only the skeletal is awful. The others are very good.
For those wondering, in my opinion, the ones that are discontinued and are must buys (in my opinion) are the Yeoman, the Scientist, and the Trail Guide. These are probably the best three SAKs ever made, in my view.
I have to say you are correct but some of those fetch some high dollar amounts. I would just prefer to build my own at that point
Got a Yeoman off of eBay. One of my favorites, but it was not cheap!(around $200 or so).
I used to run a Tinker, but switched to the Hiker for the addition of the saw.
I'm only new at carrying a pocket knife, but I really love the Explorer. It has a lot of useful tools and it's really comfortable. I also got the Hunter, which is a super knife, but being from a city its not my EDC
My EDC is Swiss Champ and also have a Mountaneer for 20 years now, classic model and Rescue tool.
Well... my EDC knives are serrated Sentinel with corkscrew and Classic Manager. But Explorer Plus is also a good choice
It’s funny how I don’t agree with any of these choices, I’m of the opinion that you should get the smallest SAK that’ll have most of what you need and for the longest time that has been the Victorinox Climber for me… and it’s still my favourite model. I did recently get a Victorinox Compact and it’s a fantastic model, I’m missing the awl and the secondary blade but I’m warming up to it. It might just be the best designed model they have currently.
The SwissChamp is way too big for my tastes and it seems more like a novelty than an actual usable tool to me, anything bigger than 3 layers is really pushing it in my opinion. The only champ I’d buy wold be the MiniChamp as it’s packing a ton of functionality in a tiny form factor.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, just that I disagree.
Totally agree, I’ve carried the climber for 8 years, for me Hands Down the best SAK. I key chain the tiny basic ones but the Climber is my EDC. I have Leatherman multitools too, but tbh for EDC can’t beat the Climber.
Climber for sure. With plus scales... it's even better
I think the Huntsman Lite is worthy of mention here as it has the very useful in-line Phillips driver, plus mini-flashlight, pen and extra screw driver on the back. It only adds one extra layer compared to the standard Huntsman. Also, the Fieldmaster is a great 4 layer knife if you dont care about the corkscrew.
I have the Deluxe TInker, Huntsman & Compact.. for me those three already cover all i need in urban environment, but if i have to add one more i really interested buying the Explorer for the magnifiying glass & phillips screwdriver.
My thickest Victorinox is for years Camping model. Size and weight are about the maximum of what I am ready to carry. Scissors would be handy, but many other things you can find in more convinient tools like Leatherman Raptor Rescue or Bucktool 360 etc.
I agree that the addition of scissors would be nice, but the camper really is great!
To risk sounding like a girl, while the scissors would be lovely, I really like the wood saw as, while I don’t have much practical use for it, I like the texture of the blade and the fact that it sparkles.
An update! Today i carry Explorer (urban) or Outrider (outdoors)!
For me, the Deluxe Tinker or the Explorer. They have been amazing tools for me.
I have the spartan with plus scales, the camper, the explorer and the walker. Between the 4 everything I need is covered.
Thanks for you video. It's always interesting when we can see different SAK together.
I don't chose the same knifes for my own but your purpose is cleaver.
In my way, the Handyman is the best choice if you want the pliers ans the wood and metal saws. The swiss champ is too thick. But, if you really need the metal and the wood saws and not really care about the back tools (like
wood chisel or screwdriver), you can consider the Workchamp. It's a 111mm, with longer saws, pliers, 2 philips screwdriver...
The swisschamp will always be a serious choice but there are some tools like fish scale or magnify which don't seduce me. But I know the fish tool can be very usefull in some case.
So, my first choice is between the swisschamp and the handyman (with the workchamp if we include the 111mmm)
My second choice is between the Huntsman (my first serious SAK) and the Ranger.
The Ranger is the perfect combination between the Huntsman and the Mountaineer, the size and weight difference between the Ranger and the Huntsman is small and the Ranger is the smallest SAK with 4 back tools (corkscrew, wood chisel, screwdriver, hook and reamer punch.).
If I don't already have a Hunstman, I think I would like a Ranger. But the Mountaineer, The Huntsman and the Explorer are sure values, and don't forget the Farmer X if you want an "Alox Huntsman". But maybe you will prefer my third choice...
My third choice is another 4 layers SAK : the Deluxe Tinker,. It's a serious SAK, one of the smallest with the pliers and a perfect urban EDC (You can also look for an Explorer if you want a philips screwdriver but not the pliers).
I think there is no bad choice with the 4 layers. I have a Deluxe Tinker with the plus scale and I love It.
The alternative could be the CyberTool S or M, but the price is noticeably different.
In the 4th place, there is the Climber. It's less expensive than a Compact and you can add a plus scale if you want the pen. The alternative could be a Pioneer X. If you want a more compact knife you can take a look at the Evolution 14.
In the 5th place there is the Bantam. In cellidor or in alox, as you want. The alternative could be the Waiter : a cheap knife with the corkscrew (which can countain another tool).
Honorable mention for :
- The Swiss Army 2
- The Swiss Army 7
Victorinox ranger camping 91 mm 😎👌also a gooood choice
My deluxe tinker helps me a lot in fishing...unhooking fish mainly
Still love my ranger... but thinking of getting a handyman... also carry a classic sd but want to upgrade that to a midnight manager.
I own a few Victorinox. Swisschamp is my favorite. It's the brand's most complete versatile multi-tool knife, without being too large, too heavy or excessively wide.
I own a Huntsman given by my Sister in law from Switzerland.. she always get it it on half the deal price. Original model i had this for almost two years now. 😊
Super Tinker, Hiker, Rangergrip, and Fieldmaster for me.
For the SwissChamp, I would call the pliers a tick killer. That is about all I have used it. My only complaint is the redesign of the magnifying glass, the older grey one I feel was better than the new version.
Swisschamp is disappointing. I expect better from Victorinox.
Will a 91 mm Victorinox knife fit in Altoids tin ?
I’m not sure!
Mine is de champ XL limited edition which was only manufactured between1999-2000 with only a few made and highly collectible. I use it daily! Not just for show
i got two of the 2 gen champ 1 of 1st gen but not the new one. and 7 others long before and after
My edc is a champ plus the classic sd on my keys. on camping trips I additionally take the rangergrip 179 plus a mora companion HD for a fixed blade... Pretty well covers everything..
I've got the Handyman. I took a long time to choose. I am very pleased with my choice. I use it every single day. I don't remember what I did before it... 😀
The Companion...perfect tool set.
The craftsman, deluxe tinker, ranger, explorer deserve mention depending on needs.
What about my Fav the Explorer with the Magnifying lens and all the rest! We never need a corkscrew in Australia because we have screw caps on all wine and twist caps on beer bottles...
I went through the Tinker Series regular, super and deluxe. Not enough models have the in-line Philips.
I can go for days without pliers or saw or files. So my work goto became the 3 layer Super Tinker. But have a Swiss Champ or Leatherman Multitool in my bag with at least a flashlight.
My everyday carry is the deluxe tinker, on my nightstand is the explorer, I also have a cyber tool M on my desk... I do not have the champ, but I have the Hercules and the trekker if I want to go outdoors...
I always have my Classic SD on my keychain, which enables me to carry a thinner main knife in my coin pocket. I prefer three layers maximum, so pairing the Camper with my Classic SD gives me all the functions of both the Huntsman and the Mountaineer except the parcel hook in a very pocket friendly system. 🤷🏼♂️
swap SD for rambler or manager for ultimate combo (has great phillips/bottle opener combo and same size as SD)