I think the Midnight Manager should have been on this list. Pen, LED light, scissors, blade, magnetic screwdriver, and a bottle opener in something the size of the Classic. It’s such a useful edc tool.
agree 100% on the Rambler. That's the one I use often, will give to people, etc. ---- still inexpensive and the added tools and knife deploying AWAY from keyring is a must if you don't need it as thin as a nickel haha. I find the toothpick and tweezers of the basic Rambler are used more often vs. multiple blades of the MiniChamp. In a nutshell, the Rambler seems to be the lightest/simplest/utility maximizing (::cough:: *knife opens away from keys* ::cough::) option and the all-too-familiar red SAK scales are classics that everyone understands what it is at a glance
I also chose a Rambler over the Classic, because I wanted both flathead and Phillips drivers in my pocket at any time. I’ve been surprised by how much I use it. For larger screw heads and additional capabilities I wanted (and none I didn’t, like the corkscrew), I have a Hiker in my leave-the-house EDC sling and for use in the woods. The only tool missing then is addressed by my 4.5” 1.5 oz Channellock 424 pliers.
I've had the Deluxe Tinker for years. It's an awesome SAK, having come in handy many, many times. I recognized it instantly from the thumbnail picture. Cheers.
I EDC a SAK Huntsman. I replaced the scales with the “plus” scales so I could add a pen. While I was replacing the scales, I added a little notch to the new scales so I could carry an extra straight pin. I’ve done a some other mods to the Huntsman after watching a few Felix Immler videos. I like my modded Huntsman. It does everything I need it to do.
The Huntsman is the undisputed king of EDC knives . I have 10, 4 of which are collectables & 5 with different colored Plus scales & Swiss Clips and 1 SilverTech scaled one .
My EDC is a Huntsman that was TSA confiscated. It was in great condition and I cleaned, oiled, and sharpened it then installed Sapphire blue plus scales with a pen, pin, mini screwdriver, blue toothpick and tweezer and blue fob. With all that it cost me less than a new Huntsman and it looks and works great. TSA grabbed my Classic SD after I carried it back and forth from JFK to Orlando many times. I now pack my knives in my luggage. TSA confiscated is a good source of used knives though.
The Swiss cards are my favorite. I literally begged my grandma for the lite for my birthday around 6 years ago I think and I’ve literally used it almost every single since. I absolutely love it and my girlfriend does too so that’s a plus lol
I've carried a Swiss Champ for, at least, the last 20 years. People think it's too big and wide for pocket carry, but its worked well in Jeans, shorts and suits and goes into my pocket every time I walk out the door. I carry it in the SAK Large pouch designed to hold it and a small AAA size light and it makes a pretty decent little pocket tool kit, that allows me to make quick fixes anywhere I'm at.
I just came back to this video and remembered that seeing this comment made me think of, and then eventually get the champ as my EDC, wouldn’t go back. So, thank you internet stranger.
You’re the person I wouldn’t want to be (because it’s sounds uncomfortable) but at the same time the person I want next to me when something goes wrong 😂👌🏼
I carry the SAK Hiker every day as a companion to my edc knife. I have livestock and acres of land and the hiker has a nice set of tools for the tasks I encounter on a daily basis.
As an EDC, I have my Victorinox Huntsman black with Plus shell in the pocket of my jeans on a string with me every day with a large + small blade, saw, scissors, bottle opener, can opener, screwdriver, awl, hook, corkscrew, tweezers, toothpick, needle, pen, ring.
My keychain has had a Manager on it for decades. I recently switched to the Midnight MiniChamp with the pen. The two most underrated tools are the scissors and the pen. With these knives I always have both. The scissors can be a precision tool, and is also amazingly tough. I once trimmed a leather belt with it! The pen has become a required tool for me. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been somewhere and needed to sign something when I had no pen. SO useful in a pinch!
I want them to make a Cadet Y! No joke. I want them to replace the nail file with Classic sized scissors cuz I'd use those 7.2 as much as the nail file!
Great picks, my EDC is the Alox Minichamp. Been carrying it everyday for 10+ years. It is by far the best combination of size and tools for everyday general uses for me. I almost feel like a piece of me is missing without it. Since I travel so much I am probably like on my 20th one as I will sometimes forget I have in my pocket and have to throw it away before going thru airport security, but all things considered it is the best EDC ever created!
My favorites are: - The Deluxe Tinker: My personal EDC for about 5 years, it's compact enough to carry in a pouch and has the three tools that I use almost daily: the scissors, the phillips screwdriver, and the very underrated pliers. - The Tinker Small: Basically the tiny version of my Deluxe. Although the 84 mm format is only slightly shorter than a regular 91mm Victorinox, it makes a quite a difference when you carry it in your pocket. - The Bantam Alox: Not only it's gorgeous to look at, but it's so slim that it fits inside my wallet! The combo tool is quite useful. I carry it wherever a full-size knife is not discrete enough. - The Outrider: The best knife in the 111mm range and the best knife for hiking or any outdoor activity. The locking blade is great for more heavy duty woodwork. - The Rambler: A perfect keychain knife for people who don't want to carry a knife! I've gifted this one countless times.
I will forever sing the praise of the Rambler. It fits well in the 5th pocket. I'm an avid cyclist and keep one in my seat bag too. While my primary blades can vary throughout the year, the Rambler is a mainstay. I will say I'd love to see an Alox Cadet-X with scissors...love my FarmerX
I carry a Swiss Champ every day, as I'm a confirmed gadget hound. The pliers are not very great for regular plier work, but they work well for clipping paper clips and brass for pinning my miniatures, and they're perfect for extracting a broken key from a lock.
I'v EDCed my Swiss Champ since I bought it new in 1985. I'v used the pliers to remove battery terminals to clean them so the week battery would start the vehicle. It wasn't comfortable or easy but those little pliers gotten it done.
Been carrying a Manager on my keyring for ages now and it is the perfect companion to my Leatherman Wave when I have it or a great backup tool when I don't happen to have my multitool on me. I bought a super tinker recently, but haven't really been tempted to carry it more than the Wave, even at home. What I wish is they had more large one-hand opening models with scissors.
I Personally love the Field Master SAK as my personal EDC MultiTool knife. For myself it has the perfect set of tools, yes it's a Four Layer SAK but with a Suspension Clip it works perfect. I carry my SAK in my Left Pocket and then rotate my daily knife in my Right hand pocket !!!
I carry four Swiss Champs in my right pocket and clip my main blade to my left pocket even though I'm right handed. I do that to give violent perpetrators a chance! I'm really quick or at least I believe I am. What were we talking about?
I have the Hunter, the Compact and the Manager. I recently fixed up my 30 year old SAK Hunter and gave it to my son. I put XL scales with the pen on it.
I want to start a collection, so thanks for making this video. I want to start with the ones I would actually use throughout the day before I get the ones I won't use
For EDC, especially in Europe, I have used the pioneer, farmer and pioneer X. Pretty much cover all EDC needs. Outdoors - Huntsman, keychain - rambler.
Recently got my wife a Compact (she carries multiple other knives). I still have my bog EDC folder and Leatherman, but started carrying a Huntsman, then decided I could carry one more layer and really wanted the file, so I’ve gone to the Ranger. Always use a small squared edge grinder or the corner of a file to modify the useless “wire stripper” into a useful stripper like you see on a Leatherman WAVE.
I carry a Manager, which is basically the Rambler with a ballpoint pen instead of the toothpick. Great little knife, barely larger than the Classic. I also have a Mini-Champ Midnight Blue, which has a "saphire" blue semi-transparent handle with an LED flashlight on one side and a ballpoint pen in the other. That one is a bit too bulky, has a few tools I don't really need, and I don't really need the LED in the summer, so I stopped carrying it. Might start carrying it again in the winter, when the bulk isn't as big a problem and I come home in the dark.
Huntsman with FireAnt setup, ordered the pin to go in the proper available spot. Odd they didn't include the pin. The clip i put on mine provides excellent retention in the pocket but it does hinder access to the parcel hook and tweezers... Not impossible to access but severely limits. Good choices you made here, but for me is the Huntsman for the large scissors and the saw...
Fully support the Rambler as a keychain knife and in the UK for EDC it's great as too small to worry other people. I have recently retired my very old Huntsman and gone with a Farmer X Alox for hiking and camping. The wood saw and scissors together suit my needs very well. Thanks for the review.
@@John5.56 if you have a twig stove they are useful for processing the wood. Also for making tent pegs (stakes). Wandering around the UK with an axe or large camp knife is not legal unfortunately.
The Rambler is definitely a great pick and I often have it on me but hands down my most carried SAK is the Executive. This is a great second knife as it is a 3” knife which IMO is the goldilocks size as it’s still small enough to ride in the small fifth pocket in jeans.
I daily carry three Victorinox items. A Tinker, the oldest one, I have had for about 15 years. The Officer Suisse, about 7 years. Then there is my Swiss Tool X, which is fairly new. I love this brand. My favorite multitools.
Thanks David for another great video! Even though Knife Center sells these knives, it amazing that it showcases these knives fairly and objectively. Nitpick: The included pin here is just a straight pin though you could supply your own sowing needle to fit the provided hole. That said, the hole in the awl is capable of coarse sowing needs in a pinch (reference: Felix Immler's anorak tutorial).
Totally agree with the Rambler comment. I had a Mini Champ for a while before getting a Rambler and didn't carry the Mini Champ again after that. I learned my way round the Mini Champ early on, but find it's just got a frustrating amount of pointless stuff on it. The package opener/orange peeler thing is a waste of space. The ruler would be nice if I felt I could rely on it. And all the stuff that's important to me is on the Rambler. I used to carry a 2 layer 85mm or 91mm on a suspension clip in my jeans pocket too, but once I got the Rambler the only thing I ever missed was a corkscrew. And whenever I've got a bottle of wine in an urban setting, I've got access to plenty of corkscrews! But, for a suspension clip approach I think the Compact is the clear winner for flexibility in the 91mm category. Paired a Rambler in a hip pocket you've got nail file and small Phillips covered too, which is a nice combination. I find all the 3 layers just a shade to wide to "disappear" on a suspension clip in my jeans pocket, so depending on how baggy folks' jeans are, that's something to consider. I love the Evolution series though, and the nail files are great. An Evo 10 (2 layer) paired with a Rambler works well.
I mostly use Spyderco (like 99% of what I own actually). However I really do like SAKs so I have a couple always on me : - Minichamp (not alox, so that I can use the pen) - Compact I also love my Cadet Alox and Deluxe Tinker. I also have a special one : the Ambassador. I love this one, and I haven't seen anyone owning one yet !
Well done, David. Very organized and thorough comparison of features. I learned a few things thanks to you. I don’t recall the model of the SAK that’s been in my pocket for years but it has the orange peeler plus a nail file with the actual cuts in it as opposed to the diamond impregnated versions. That old style nail file works much better in my opinion which is why it has stayed with me for years.
I have recently bought the compact and have to say it was the perfect choice for my needs. I love the corkscrew for the possibilities of storing tinder and the great ideas of replacing the toothpick with a ferro rod. Amazing little things with great features and great build quality for a really affordable price.
There is a reason the Compact is out of stock, but easy to find someone carrying it. The Compact is the optimal compromise of versatility vs. size/weight in a midsize SAK. The Compact is also the smallest tool with the full size scissors. The Rambler is definitely a great 58mm choice.
My first knife was a Camping model. It says "Camping" on the scale along with a stylized tent or tipi. I still have it almost 40 years later. I recently bought a Hunter because I had always been jealous of the scissors. Good talk!
i have a mini champ with the pen, absolutely love it for EDC. my larger knife is a hiker. its been good to me but the screw driver is 1 tool on it i have never used and wished was the cork screw instead. my current debate is do i go for the ranger or a handy man. i use my hiker as a bush crafting knife mostly but i carry it on me at all times.
I prefer a pliers based multi-tool, but I still occasionally carry a SAK. For work, the Deluxe Tinker with a Swiss qlip to keep it readily accessible. If I'm wearing gym shorts, or just don't want to carry my normal SOG Powerpint and a separate flashlight, I'll grab the Midnight Mini-Champ. If the day is going to take me outside, I go for a Ranger Grip 78.
For around the house, I carry the Signature! Same as as the Classic SD, but swap either the tweezers or toothpick (your choice) for a pen. Great for changing batteries on toys, trimming stray facial hair, filing sharp points off of nails, opening packages, teaching your kids how to spell, and keeping teeth clean.
I can't pick just one. Started with the Compact, moved to the Explorer, and currently on the Pioneer X. All are great in their own right. Don't know where I'll end up next, but I'm loving the ride.
I love my SAK and use either the Cybertool or Swiss Champ depending on my predicted needs. What we can carry in the UK is extremely limited as the blade must be less than 3.5 inches and non locking. Believe it or not the laws make the Swiss Card illegal for EDC as it is a fixed blade.Thank you for a very interesting video.
My bare minimum SAK has to have a pair of scissors on it. My "bare minimum" currently exists in an Evogrip S17 and a Climber. My weekend carry is my S557 and, depending on my mood, a Minichamp. I also own a Swisschamp that is kept in a leather belt pouch and an Explorer, but I almost never carry these knives, the latter of which is my least carried SAK.
I carry a Camper in my work pants, bought it on a sale for like 20€. Sometimes I miss the scissors, but for most times I can just use one of the blades instead. It also would be nice to have a Philips head screwdriver. But all the tools get a lot of use, even the cork screw, and I don't use it to open wine bottles. Perfect thing to have in your pocket.
For EDC I just love my Cadet. Very thin but with adequate main blade and can cope with small flat head and philips screws. My number two favorite for EDC is Pioneer X witch is just almost borderline too big but the scissors are great to have.
You missed my favourite 84mm models, the Tourist and the Sportsman. While the Tourist is a slightly smaller variant of the Spartan, the Sportsman has a very usable nailfile instead of the pen blade. The Sportsman is what I have on my keychain.
@Gol Acheron Not with the Sportsman but with the 74mm Ambassador. I made a habit from opening the nail file by using my index finger to pushing it away from the blade.
I've been carrying the SD Classic on my key ring for years and have used it constantly (I do have a larger EDC as well). I bought a number of SD Classics last year and gave them out as gifts and I heve received a ton of feedback on how they use them all the time. The only thing to watch out for is that you can easily lose the very small tooth pick and miniscule tweezers if you are not careful.
For my own needs the best choice was a tiny, keychain-appropriate beauty called the Mini Champ. It's got nearly everything you'll need at random and almost nothing you don't. (The coke spoon is kind of pointless but does make a nice cuticle pusher.)
I don't know how many of these comments you read, but I just discovered this channel about four days ago. It's been a LONG time since I bought a decent quality knife, because I tend to unwillingly donate them to strangers quite often (i.e., I lose them). But, after watching several DCA videos, I ordered three from the Knife Center. They will each receive lanyards and clips before leaving the house, lol. Thanks for the informative videos, and inspiration.
That's my only frustration with SAK's. There are some excellent stainless alloys out there, I just wish Victorinox would at least choose a steel with better edge retention for its blades.
I use a Bantam as my edc at work and it's great. non-threatening, useful, and great for opening letters and little tasks around the office. It's also affordable and available enough that I could replace it if something happens to it. Another great swiss army knife, which I think is underrated, is the Tourist. It's just a mini Spartan, but it's well built and the large blade is under 2.5 inches, which is nice in some places.
I'm astonished how seldomly videos include Victorinox's "Soldier's Knife" models when they list SAK best-ofs and overviews. The pocket knives they designed for the German or Swiss army with olive green handles may not be super compact, but still a good EDCable size-to-usability ratio, I mean. Personally, I'd count them among my top 3 designs for EDCable SAKs (rank 1: Ranger; rank 2: German Soldier's Knife; rank 3: Handyman).
I carry a Victorinox Explorer w/SwissQlip every day clipped to my offhand pocket. Most optimal way to carry in my opinion. Leaves the mainhand pocket free for my main blade and since the Explorer isn't single hand open it also leaves me holding the tool in my offhand to manipulate the tools with my main hand as I would anyway before swapping to my main hand to use the tool. I appreciate the Explorer specifically for its magnifier as I get small splinters from pallets more than I care to admit and having the ability to see and dig out those micro splinter is nice. I have to use the screwdriver and awl to pry broken pallet nails out of the high impact plastic in pallet jacks.
As an NTSB aircraft accident investigator, I carried a Tinker and then a Deluxe Tinker for decades and do so into retirement. Both in the very useful in the field and during hotel stays. I changed the scales to hold the pen, toothpick, and tweezers. Almost all tools on the knives found use, even the package hook. I even had an occasion to open a tin of food with the can opener...it took a bit of work. These models do not contain the corkscrew apparently required by Swiss users. No wine consumed by me during accident investigators, but a beer or maybe two when it got dark in the evenings.
I have 3 Swiss Army knives the handyman, the compact and the classic silver tech signature lite and I’m now adding a classic Wenger once it arrives as my everyday carry
I have the Ranger camping knife, I love it I don't think a day has gone by without me using it, I have all the extras on it ie little glasses screwdriver that twists onto the corkscrew and the pin/needle (which is not a sewing pin as you cannot sew with it) got my wife a little classic Edelweiss
One use for the awl on the SAK is making holes in birch bark. Then using fine fir or pine tree roots as thread, various baskets and cups can be fashioned to hold berries and even boil water. I also use the awl to make holes in drywall for drywall anchors and holes in soda cans for homemade alcohol stoves.
EvoWood 17 is my SAK of choice. I'm a sucker for wood and the sculpting on the scales really does make the grip more comfortable in my opinion. It has a nice set of tools, including the superior scissor design. Corkscrew instead of phillips screwdriver, but unlike most I actually prefer that.
I own over 100 knives, but my edc is the Spartan. My work backpack has a Leatherman wave, but 99% of the time, I only need my SAK. Also ,when people ask what kind of pocket knife I carry, I can respond " THIS IS SPARTAN !"
The first time I saw that Bantam in one of your videos, I paused the video and ordered it. I never leave home without it now.
I have a Swiss Champion that I bought on my honeymoon 47 years ago in Switzerland. It’s still my go to knife today.
I've carried the Explorer every day for the past forty years and use it all the time, wouldn't be without it.
Love the deluxe tinker. The scissors and pliers are so nice to use, very well made.
I think the Midnight Manager should have been on this list. Pen, LED light, scissors, blade, magnetic screwdriver, and a bottle opener in something the size of the Classic. It’s such a useful edc tool.
@Jonathan Long
Agreed.
Midnite Manager is ace!
I agree. Vic Midnight Manager always in my little pocket.
I don‘t like the Midnite Manager for its thickness and prefer the version without the light and the battery, e.g. the Victorinox Signature
I had my buddy make me a wallet that carries my Midnight Manager at Work, it's next level as it backs up all my other EDC.
I prefer the standard manager. The light on the midnite isn’t good and adds bulk.
agree 100% on the Rambler. That's the one I use often, will give to people, etc. ---- still inexpensive and the added tools and knife deploying AWAY from keyring is a must if you don't need it as thin as a nickel haha. I find the toothpick and tweezers of the basic Rambler are used more often vs. multiple blades of the MiniChamp. In a nutshell, the Rambler seems to be the lightest/simplest/utility maximizing (::cough:: *knife opens away from keys* ::cough::) option and the all-too-familiar red SAK scales are classics that everyone understands what it is at a glance
Rambler is the best EDC. But an alox classic in my wallet is almost as good! Tiny!
I also chose a Rambler over the Classic, because I wanted both flathead and Phillips drivers in my pocket at any time. I’ve been surprised by how much I use it. For larger screw heads and additional capabilities I wanted (and none I didn’t, like the corkscrew), I have a Hiker in my leave-the-house EDC sling and for use in the woods. The only tool missing then is addressed by my 4.5” 1.5 oz Channellock 424 pliers.
I've had the Deluxe Tinker for years. It's an awesome SAK, having come in handy many, many times. I recognized it instantly from the thumbnail picture. Cheers.
I EDC a SAK Huntsman. I replaced the scales with the “plus” scales so I could add a pen. While I was replacing the scales, I added a little notch to the new scales so I could carry an extra straight pin. I’ve done a some other mods to the Huntsman after watching a few Felix Immler videos. I like my modded Huntsman. It does everything I need it to do.
The Huntsman is the undisputed king of EDC knives . I have 10, 4 of which are collectables & 5 with different colored Plus scales & Swiss Clips and 1 SilverTech scaled one .
@@stevesinclair4159 NICE!
My EDC is a Huntsman that was TSA confiscated. It was in great condition and I cleaned, oiled, and sharpened it then installed Sapphire blue plus scales with a pen, pin, mini screwdriver, blue toothpick and tweezer and blue fob. With all that it cost me less than a new Huntsman and it looks and works great. TSA grabbed my Classic SD after I carried it back and forth from JFK to Orlando many times. I now pack my knives in my luggage. TSA confiscated is a good source of used knives though.
Yep Huntsman 🤘🦾
I also daily a huntsman, and am also planning to add the pen lol
The Swiss cards are my favorite. I literally begged my grandma for the lite for my birthday around 6 years ago I think and I’ve literally used it almost every single since. I absolutely love it and my girlfriend does too so that’s a plus lol
I've carried a Swiss Champ for, at least, the last 20 years. People think it's too big and wide for pocket carry, but its worked well in Jeans, shorts and suits and goes into my pocket every time I walk out the door. I carry it in the SAK Large pouch designed to hold it and a small AAA size light and it makes a pretty decent little pocket tool kit, that allows me to make quick fixes anywhere I'm at.
I just came back to this video and remembered that seeing this comment made me think of, and then eventually get the champ as my EDC, wouldn’t go back. So, thank you internet stranger.
@@Sethlhmstark You're very Welcome.
You’re the person I wouldn’t want to be (because it’s sounds uncomfortable) but at the same time the person I want next to me when something goes wrong 😂👌🏼
I carry the SAK Hiker every day as a companion to my edc knife. I have livestock and acres of land and the hiker has a nice set of tools for the tasks I encounter on a daily basis.
I agree with you! The Hiker has the tools I find useful. It's one of my EDCs that I always have on me!
Hiker or Walker for me too. There are for sure better knifes or I should say blades in this world. But the saw of a Victorinox is unbeaten!
Hiker for me too but I lost it out in the woods the other day so now I have ordered the hunstman
Hiker is my favorite. The perfect set of tools.
As an EDC, I have my Victorinox Huntsman black with Plus shell in the pocket of my jeans on a string with me every day with a large + small blade, saw, scissors, bottle opener, can opener, screwdriver, awl, hook, corkscrew, tweezers, toothpick, needle, pen, ring.
I use the little dangling hook. It now rests neatly in the left pocket along the back edge. It's amazing. Changed everything for me. Love it.
Same! Take up less room in the pocket this way
This is the only way I'll carry a Swiss army knife in my pocket. I can't have them loose its so annoying
My keychain has had a Manager on it for decades. I recently switched to the Midnight MiniChamp with the pen. The two most underrated tools are the scissors and the pen. With these knives I always have both.
The scissors can be a precision tool, and is also amazingly tough. I once trimmed a leather belt with it!
The pen has become a required tool for me. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been somewhere and needed to sign something when I had no pen. SO useful in a pinch!
You don't carry a pen? At least a pen is useful, unlike a SAK.
Thanks for always sharing your knowledge. You make buying things a lot easier.
I love the Hunter as well as the Farmer X. For a city EDC, the Pioneer X without the saw is nice too.
I carry the Rambler every day. I use it multiple times a day. Lot of utility in a small package.
Good picks. I always recommend the Rambler over the Classic SD. It's an underrated model. I just wish they would make a Cadet X with scissors.
Rambler is moving up to Compact in popularity
I want them to make a Cadet Y! No joke. I want them to replace the nail file with Classic sized scissors cuz I'd use those 7.2 as much as the nail file!
Great picks, my EDC is the Alox Minichamp. Been carrying it everyday for 10+ years. It is by far the best combination of size and tools for everyday general uses for me. I almost feel like a piece of me is missing without it. Since I travel so much I am probably like on my 20th one as I will sometimes forget I have in my pocket and have to throw it away before going thru airport security, but all things considered it is the best EDC ever created!
My favorites are:
- The Deluxe Tinker: My personal EDC for about 5 years, it's compact enough to carry in a pouch and has the three tools that I use almost daily: the scissors, the phillips screwdriver, and the very underrated pliers.
- The Tinker Small: Basically the tiny version of my Deluxe. Although the 84 mm format is only slightly shorter than a regular 91mm Victorinox, it makes a quite a difference when you carry it in your pocket.
- The Bantam Alox: Not only it's gorgeous to look at, but it's so slim that it fits inside my wallet! The combo tool is quite useful. I carry it wherever a full-size knife is not discrete enough.
- The Outrider: The best knife in the 111mm range and the best knife for hiking or any outdoor activity. The locking blade is great for more heavy duty woodwork.
- The Rambler: A perfect keychain knife for people who don't want to carry a knife! I've gifted this one countless times.
Excelente elección. Recientemente me compré un Deluxe Tinker y tengo la intención de llevarla en mí maletín al trabajo.
I will forever sing the praise of the Rambler. It fits well in the 5th pocket. I'm an avid cyclist and keep one in my seat bag too. While my primary blades can vary throughout the year, the Rambler is a mainstay. I will say I'd love to see an Alox Cadet-X with scissors...love my FarmerX
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
I carry a Swiss Champ every day, as I'm a confirmed gadget hound. The pliers are not very great for regular plier work, but they work well for clipping paper clips and brass for pinning my miniatures, and they're perfect for extracting a broken key from a lock.
I'v EDCed my Swiss Champ since I bought it new in 1985. I'v used the pliers to remove battery terminals to clean them so the week battery would start the vehicle. It wasn't comfortable or easy but those little pliers gotten it done.
Been carrying a Manager on my keyring for ages now and it is the perfect companion to my Leatherman Wave when I have it or a great backup tool when I don't happen to have my multitool on me. I bought a super tinker recently, but haven't really been tempted to carry it more than the Wave, even at home. What I wish is they had more large one-hand opening models with scissors.
I’ve been carrying the Rambler on my 3 set’s of keys for years. Agree with DCA about how useful it is.
I Personally love the Field Master SAK as my personal EDC MultiTool knife. For myself it has the perfect set of tools, yes it's a Four Layer SAK but with a Suspension Clip it works perfect. I carry my SAK in my Left Pocket and then rotate my daily knife in my Right hand pocket !!!
Ditto! Fieldmaster is my left pocket edc. Carry my main pocket clip knife on right pocket.
@@mini14head 😎👍
I carry four Swiss Champs in my right pocket and clip my main blade to my left pocket even though I'm right handed. I do that to give violent perpetrators a chance! I'm really quick or at least I believe I am. What were we talking about?
I have the Hunter, the Compact and the Manager.
I recently fixed up my 30 year old SAK Hunter and gave it to my son. I put XL scales with the pen on it.
Carry a Traveler on my belt at all times for the last 30 years. Has a Huntsman knife; a combo ruler, compass & magnifier; and a Maglite.
I want to start a collection, so thanks for making this video. I want to start with the ones I would actually use throughout the day before I get the ones I won't use
For EDC, especially in Europe, I have used the pioneer, farmer and pioneer X. Pretty much cover all EDC needs.
Outdoors - Huntsman, keychain - rambler.
i got the swiss champion when it came out in the 80's still carry and use
Good video! btw, you forgot the pins in the SwissCards...
David C. , you do a superb reviewer of knives. You are a natural. Very informative.
Recently got my wife a Compact (she carries multiple other knives). I still have my bog EDC folder and Leatherman, but started carrying a Huntsman, then decided I could carry one more layer and really wanted the file, so I’ve gone to the Ranger. Always use a small squared edge grinder or the corner of a file to modify the useless “wire stripper” into a useful stripper like you see on a Leatherman WAVE.
Interesting you are covering this concept, I was going to do a similar post. Also, the rambler philips is one of the best on any multitool
Been carrying the Rambler on my key ring for years! Awesome little knife.
What a timely video. I’ve been shopping for another one for EDC. It seems like I can never have enough…
I carry and enjoy using my Ranger. It has almost everything the others with the exception of a pen. I covers my needs for EDC.
Good to see the Cadet getting some love. It's my pocket EDC, and I love it 😊
Excellent selections. I have many SAK's, and my favorite, and most carried is probably the Deluxe Tinker.
I carry a Manager, which is basically the Rambler with a ballpoint pen instead of the toothpick. Great little knife, barely larger than the Classic.
I also have a Mini-Champ Midnight Blue, which has a "saphire" blue semi-transparent handle with an LED flashlight on one side and a ballpoint pen in the other. That one is a bit too bulky, has a few tools I don't really need, and I don't really need the LED in the summer, so I stopped carrying it. Might start carrying it again in the winter, when the bulk isn't as big a problem and I come home in the dark.
Great timing. I ordered a Victorinox Camper this morning. It has everything I normally use.
I never go anywhere without my Fieldmaster, I love it! And of course the Classic SD on my keys 👍🏼
Huntsman with FireAnt setup, ordered the pin to go in the proper available spot. Odd they didn't include the pin.
The clip i put on mine provides excellent retention in the pocket but it does hinder access to the parcel hook and tweezers... Not impossible to access but severely limits.
Good choices you made here, but for me is the Huntsman for the large scissors and the saw...
Outdoor : Farmer X + Swiss Army 2
Urban : Pionner X +Electrician
Always got a Spartan for the corkscrew (necessary basic tool when you are French !)
Fully support the Rambler as a keychain knife and in the UK for EDC it's great as too small to worry other people. I have recently retired my very old Huntsman and gone with a Farmer X Alox for hiking and camping. The wood saw and scissors together suit my needs very well. Thanks for the review.
You should give the compact a try it’s a fantastic tool for edc in the uk it’s legal too
What do you use those small saws for? Genuinely curious, I’ve never personally seen a use for them other than maybe making notches.
@@John5.56 if you have a twig stove they are useful for processing the wood. Also for making tent pegs (stakes). Wandering around the UK with an axe or large camp knife is not legal unfortunately.
The Rambler is definitely a great pick and I often have it on me but hands down my most carried SAK is the Executive. This is a great second knife as it is a 3” knife which IMO is the goldilocks size as it’s still small enough to ride in the small fifth pocket in jeans.
I daily carry three Victorinox items. A Tinker, the oldest one, I have had for about 15 years. The Officer Suisse, about 7 years. Then there is my Swiss Tool X, which is fairly new. I love this brand. My favorite multitools.
Thanks David for another great video!
Even though Knife Center sells these knives, it amazing that it showcases these knives fairly and objectively.
Nitpick: The included pin here is just a straight pin though you could supply your own sowing needle to fit the provided hole. That said, the hole in the awl is capable of coarse sowing needs in a pinch (reference: Felix Immler's anorak tutorial).
Totally agree with the Rambler comment. I had a Mini Champ for a while before getting a Rambler and didn't carry the Mini Champ again after that. I learned my way round the Mini Champ early on, but find it's just got a frustrating amount of pointless stuff on it. The package opener/orange peeler thing is a waste of space. The ruler would be nice if I felt I could rely on it. And all the stuff that's important to me is on the Rambler. I used to carry a 2 layer 85mm or 91mm on a suspension clip in my jeans pocket too, but once I got the Rambler the only thing I ever missed was a corkscrew. And whenever I've got a bottle of wine in an urban setting, I've got access to plenty of corkscrews!
But, for a suspension clip approach I think the Compact is the clear winner for flexibility in the 91mm category. Paired a Rambler in a hip pocket you've got nail file and small Phillips covered too, which is a nice combination.
I find all the 3 layers just a shade to wide to "disappear" on a suspension clip in my jeans pocket, so depending on how baggy folks' jeans are, that's something to consider. I love the Evolution series though, and the nail files are great. An Evo 10 (2 layer) paired with a Rambler works well.
I’m over folding knives. I’m back to carrying a Victorinox. This time I chose the Alox Solo aka the Swiss Army 1. It’s all I need over 90% of the time
I mostly use Spyderco (like 99% of what I own actually). However I really do like SAKs so I have a couple always on me :
- Minichamp (not alox, so that I can use the pen)
- Compact
I also love my Cadet Alox and Deluxe Tinker. I also have a special one : the Ambassador. I love this one, and I haven't seen anyone owning one yet !
I have an Ambassador on my motorcycle keychain. It is almost exactly like a larger Classic SD, but without the screwdriver.
Well done, David. Very organized and thorough comparison of features. I learned a few things thanks to you.
I don’t recall the model of the SAK that’s been in my pocket for years but it has the orange peeler plus a nail file with the actual cuts in it as opposed to the diamond impregnated versions. That old style nail file works much better in my opinion which is why it has stayed with me for years.
It's the Executive, and they discontinued it :( My favorite as well, though not big enough for a lot of household tasks.
I slapped some plus scales on an explorer and never looked back!
I have recently bought the compact and have to say it was the perfect choice for my needs. I love the corkscrew for the possibilities of storing tinder and the great ideas of replacing the toothpick with a ferro rod. Amazing little things with great features and great build quality for a really affordable price.
Almost went with the compact but I settled on the Huntsman. Those knives are awesome.
There is a reason the Compact is out of stock, but easy to find someone carrying it. The Compact is the optimal compromise of versatility vs. size/weight in a midsize SAK. The Compact is also the smallest tool with the full size scissors. The Rambler is definitely a great 58mm choice.
My first knife was a Camping model. It says "Camping" on the scale along with a stylized tent or tipi. I still have it almost 40 years later. I recently bought a Hunter because I had always been jealous of the scissors. Good talk!
I have the Alox Cadet on my keys, love it.
I prefer the super tinker for my edc. I really wanted the scissors, but didn’t want the added thickness of the pliers that the deluxe model has.
i have a mini champ with the pen, absolutely love it for EDC. my larger knife is a hiker. its been good to me but the screw driver is 1 tool on it i have never used and wished was the cork screw instead. my current debate is do i go for the ranger or a handy man. i use my hiker as a bush crafting knife mostly but i carry it on me at all times.
My edc SAK is the Climber with the small screwdriver and neerleggen as extra. Just love it.
Better for slimness than the Compact, IMHO, is the Waiter. It's my favorite single-layer knife. I can usually find it for about $20
I prefer a pliers based multi-tool, but I still occasionally carry a SAK. For work, the Deluxe Tinker with a Swiss qlip to keep it readily accessible. If I'm wearing gym shorts, or just don't want to carry my normal SOG Powerpint and a separate flashlight, I'll grab the Midnight Mini-Champ. If the day is going to take me outside, I go for a Ranger Grip 78.
For around the house, I carry the Signature! Same as as the Classic SD, but swap either the tweezers or toothpick (your choice) for a pen. Great for changing batteries on toys, trimming stray facial hair, filing sharp points off of nails, opening packages, teaching your kids how to spell, and keeping teeth clean.
I can't pick just one. Started with the Compact, moved to the Explorer, and currently on the Pioneer X. All are great in their own right. Don't know where I'll end up next, but I'm loving the ride.
I love my SAK and use either the Cybertool or Swiss Champ depending on my predicted needs. What we can carry in the UK is extremely limited as the blade must be less than 3.5 inches and non locking. Believe it or not the laws make the Swiss Card illegal for EDC as it is a fixed blade.Thank you for a very interesting video.
My bare minimum SAK has to have a pair of scissors on it. My "bare minimum" currently exists in an Evogrip S17 and a Climber. My weekend carry is my S557 and, depending on my mood, a Minichamp.
I also own a Swisschamp that is kept in a leather belt pouch and an Explorer, but I almost never carry these knives, the latter of which is my least carried SAK.
I carry a Camper in my work pants, bought it on a sale for like 20€. Sometimes I miss the scissors, but for most times I can just use one of the blades instead. It also would be nice to have a Philips head screwdriver. But all the tools get a lot of use, even the cork screw, and I don't use it to open wine bottles. Perfect thing to have in your pocket.
Love it! Thanks DCA!
I really like the Mountaineer! Its a Climber with a metal file/metal saw. I carry it or the Compact.
Nothing beats the Alox Electrician paired with a 580 NailClip for me.
For EDC I just love my Cadet. Very thin but with adequate main blade and can cope with small flat head and philips screws. My number two favorite for EDC is Pioneer X witch is just almost borderline too big but the scissors are great to have.
Found the Explorer to be the best edc for me. Love it.
You missed my favourite 84mm models, the Tourist and the Sportsman. While the Tourist is a slightly smaller variant of the Spartan, the Sportsman has a very usable nailfile instead of the pen blade. The Sportsman is what I have on my keychain.
@Gol Acheron Not with the Sportsman but with the 74mm Ambassador. I made a habit from opening the nail file by using my index finger to pushing it away from the blade.
I've been carrying the SD Classic on my key ring for years and have used it constantly (I do have a larger EDC as well). I bought a number of SD Classics last year and gave them out as gifts and I heve received a ton of feedback on how they use them all the time. The only thing to watch out for is that you can easily lose the very small tooth pick and miniscule tweezers if you are not careful.
Luckily, those little bits and pieces are pretty easy to get your hands on. I think Knife Center carries all of them.
@@Ericstraordinary Thanks. I have done some research but obviously not in the right places. 🙂
For my own needs the best choice was a tiny, keychain-appropriate beauty called the Mini Champ. It's got nearly everything you'll need at random and almost nothing you don't. (The coke spoon is kind of pointless but does make a nice cuticle pusher.)
I just EDC my Hercules. Nobody said I can't, so I do!
I don't know how many of these comments you read, but I just discovered this channel about four days ago. It's been a LONG time since I bought a decent quality knife, because I tend to unwillingly donate them to strangers quite often (i.e., I lose them). But, after watching several DCA videos, I ordered three from the Knife Center. They will each receive lanyards and clips before leaving the house, lol. Thanks for the informative videos, and inspiration.
That's my only frustration with SAK's. There are some excellent stainless alloys out there, I just wish Victorinox would at least choose a steel with better edge retention for its blades.
I use a Bantam as my edc at work and it's great. non-threatening, useful, and great for opening letters and little tasks around the office. It's also affordable and available enough that I could replace it if something happens to it.
Another great swiss army knife, which I think is underrated, is the Tourist. It's just a mini Spartan, but it's well built and the large blade is under 2.5 inches, which is nice in some places.
I like the Waiter👍🏼
EDC a compact it a perfect knife. Looking to find another possibly pioneer x
I'm astonished how seldomly videos include Victorinox's "Soldier's Knife" models when they list SAK best-ofs and overviews. The pocket knives they designed for the German or Swiss army with olive green handles may not be super compact, but still a good EDCable size-to-usability ratio, I mean. Personally, I'd count them among my top 3 designs for EDCable SAKs (rank 1: Ranger; rank 2: German Soldier's Knife; rank 3: Handyman).
The German is definitely the superior knife! Hitler used it!
I carry a Victorinox Explorer w/SwissQlip every day clipped to my offhand pocket. Most optimal way to carry in my opinion. Leaves the mainhand pocket free for my main blade and since the Explorer isn't single hand open it also leaves me holding the tool in my offhand to manipulate the tools with my main hand as I would anyway before swapping to my main hand to use the tool.
I appreciate the Explorer specifically for its magnifier as I get small splinters from pallets more than I care to admit and having the ability to see and dig out those micro splinter is nice. I have to use the screwdriver and awl to pry broken pallet nails out of the high impact plastic in pallet jacks.
best edc for me is Victorinox ranger. I use the file, saw and scissors almost daily
Excellent presentation. Victorinox will be very happy with Dave's faultless product examination.
I'm a big fan of the ranger series with the loop for opening the blade. The one I use as edc is the model number 179.
The Manager is so underrated. Its a Rambler but with a pen, its the perfect combo imo.
I've really enjoyed my field master. Never leave home without it
As an NTSB aircraft accident investigator, I carried a Tinker and then a Deluxe Tinker for decades and do so into retirement. Both in the very useful in the field and during hotel stays. I changed the scales to hold the pen, toothpick, and tweezers. Almost all tools on the knives found use, even the package hook. I even had an occasion to open a tin of food with the can opener...it took a bit of work. These models do not contain the corkscrew apparently required by Swiss users. No wine consumed by me during accident investigators, but a beer or maybe two when it got dark in the evenings.
I have 3 Swiss Army knives the handyman, the compact and the classic silver tech signature lite and I’m now adding a classic Wenger once it arrives as my everyday carry
I have the Ranger camping knife, I love it I don't think a day has gone by without me using it, I have all the extras on it ie little glasses screwdriver that twists onto the corkscrew and the pin/needle (which is not a sewing pin as you cannot sew with it) got my wife a little classic Edelweiss
One use for the awl on the SAK is making holes in birch bark. Then using fine fir or pine tree roots as thread, various baskets and cups can be fashioned to hold berries and even boil water.
I also use the awl to make holes in drywall for drywall anchors and holes in soda cans for homemade alcohol stoves.
I love my Tinker
I love the consistency and regularity that you post videos. It also helps for keeping up to date with DCA’s fingernail lol
Correction: Thomas' fingernal lol -DCA
EvoWood 17 is my SAK of choice. I'm a sucker for wood and the sculpting on the scales really does make the grip more comfortable in my opinion. It has a nice set of tools, including the superior scissor design. Corkscrew instead of phillips screwdriver, but unlike most I actually prefer that.
You're weird! Cork screw lover?
@Gol Acheron but you can punch people in the sternum with it!
Rambler FTW! Probably my most used pocket knife of all time.
This would be a great Beat the Icon episode as well! I’m curious to know how the MKM Malga 6 compares
My favourite is the Fieldmaster. I made a paracord case for it. I also carry a black alox mini champ on my keys.
I own over 100 knives, but my edc is the Spartan. My work backpack has a Leatherman wave, but 99% of the time, I only need my SAK. Also ,when people ask what kind of pocket knife I carry, I can respond " THIS IS SPARTAN !"
The one I seem to always grab is the Bantam…and I own the Compact, Cadet, pioneer Alox X, and the classic.