Great video Aaron. I’ve carried a Victorinox in my pocket for 40+ years. Various models to meet different situations however One has always been in my pocket. Carried on six different ships and on two Islands in the U.S. Navy. There are some comments that say the steel is no good in these. I understand but beg to differ. It depends on the situation that you’re using it for. In my case around salt water 90% of the time and in my pocket these knives have held up beautiful. Never a spot of rust. Some of my knives are so old I had to overhaul them and replace the handles and other pieces. After the overhaul they were like brand new again. How many knives after 20 or 30 years of abuse can you put a little work in to it and it’s like brand new again. But again it all depends on what you’re going to use it for. Me, there will always be one of my pocket.
I have been using Swiss army knives for over 30 years in construction and they have always done everything asked of them. Forget the fancy so-called state of the art modern folders and carry a sak it will be the best investment in tools you'll ever make
I’ve used the Farmer, Hiker and Camper saws for years. Both in the woods on on construction sites. Great fir cutting holes in dry wall, and have never had an issue with it being a non locking blade.
Not a left-handed knife! The American fixation with tactical might make it seem so. Changing hands to close the knife is not a big deal. Also, the steel is a very intentional type, with a much better record of not chipping or snapping in half than many expensive knives with better steel. The blade does not wear down as fast as many like to say. Long-term users know this. The heat treat was developed out of long experience. The saw: doesn't need a lock. I have been using Victorinox pocket knife saws for decades. They are not for full tree trunks. Just smaller branches. It doesn't tend to close up. The teeth are offset, and is a bit thinner on the sine, helping to shed wood. Honestly, used for the intended light work, a lock wouldn't automatically be a better thing. I've used big-name locking multitool saws that bind much more than Victorinox pocket knives. Using the reamer blade for fero rod: Only if you do not plan on using the reamer function. Bushcrafters need that reamer, which works well. Striking a fire steel on it will make it useless as a borer in short order. I use the dedicated striker that I have attached to the Swedish fire steel I use. Blades are ruined on fire steel. I started collecting and using Victorinox pocket knives over 50 years ago. They are not multitools, and cannot be compared to all-metal pliers. Both good, but despite the clear overlapping useage, not the same. However, boy scouts around the world have done great bushcrafting with even the basic Victorinox Spartan for years. Look at the Victorinox Alox Farmer for a very popular camping and crafting knife. Many are unaware that the blade is stronger and thicker than on most Swiss Army knives. Superb, with a great saw and an inline awl/reamer/punch. Best buy for the money for a simple pocket knife for serious outdoor. Cheers and thanks for the review! David in Galilee, Israel.
A locking mechanism on the saw is unnecessary imho. The way you're putting pressure on it during use and being angled slightly upwards, there's no way it would close on you (unless you're doing something crazy). Locking mechanism are only necessary for stabbing and such, when force may be applied in the wrong direction.
Bought my trekker a year ago and hasn't left my side since... I use it camping hiking and fishing and just about every day trucking I'm grabbing it for one job or another even lunch's lol great tool
I've had numerous swiss army knives over the years, the ranger grip 78 is my newest addition. I've carried one daily long before "EDC" was a thing.....although I own many knives I am rarely without a swiss army knife.
The blade on the two handed version has a sharper point. The outside edge of the Victorinox can opener can be used as a scraper, the point as a scriber, and the straight inside part can be sharpened and used as a cutting tool when pulling.
I sharpened the edge of the bottle opener and it's been an awesome little chisel and found a flat spot on the back of it and it's brilliant. I can't understand why they don't have a locking saw but I've never actually cut myself with it. But if they are going to put a lock on the bottle opener I'm gonna use it to chisel and dig and pry stuff with it. It works well.
The one handed trekker non serrated has been a go to knife in my rotation for probably 7-8 years now. To me it's the perfect heavy duty swiss army knife
me too, mine been with me since around 03,, rarely gets rotated out, except for the adventurer, which is the same knife without the saw,, I use the Adventurer , when I pocket carry,
Fantastic review like always. I have the one-handed NS trekker in camo and absolutely love it. For added functionality try replacing the toothpick with a firefly Fire Starter Ferro rod from tortoise gear. It elevates this knife to the next level.
I just purchased the Victorinox Forester…same size, same blade and saw, but has cork screw, instead of Phillips head driver. And has anti slip pads on red scales, a bit more grippy. I carried a stock blade Vic for years and decided I wanted both one hand opening and a bit beefier longer blade. Am very pleased with mine and enjoyed your comments about its practical use. thanks!
I like my Trekker, a little bit of work with the file from my Leatherman Wave on the locking screwdriver/bottle opener and it strikes a Ferro rod just fine. I carry both of them as EDC (redundancy).
I've had the trekker for years its my constant pocket carry for hiking and camping however my leatherman rebar is always in my pack as my back up as part of my emergency kit . I guess I just like redundancies. Great vid as always God bless.
I like the Rebar but I think the saw really lets it down, it's so fragile I'm scared to use it. Hence I always go out to the woods with a Farmer as backup to my Soldier/OHT. The saw on the Rebar is much thinner than even the small Victorinox saw, and has about 1cm less cutting length i.e. teeth.
While I own & do carry other knives, I absolutely LOVE the Victorinox products that we own. As each of my kids turns 7 they get their 1st knife: a small, basic Swiss Army knife. My oldest (9) just moved up to a Super Tinker. I carry a Swiss Champ on my belt almost always as well as a Swiss Card in both mine & my wife's wallets. I've got some of their honing steels, a pen-sized sharpener, & a pocket Arkansas stone. I've never been disappointed. Also, I recently found out that Victorinox DOES in fact make an true multi-tool called a Swiss Tool. They have different model & things that come with them, but the 1 I got for my EDC is the Sprint. Love it. I love that all of the smaller tools are accessible from the outside & lock. I've yet to hold a Trekker, but it looks good to me.
The way you should use the back of the saw on a fire steel is to actually hold the sides of the saw blade between your fingers rather than holding the knife handle. This lets you do it safely. (Another option is to take a file to the cap lifter and create an edge to strike a fire steel there. But this is really not necessary once you start doing it properly with the back of the saw.)
Keeper of Odd Knowledge, Yup. I also bought a Leatherman Freestyle (pliers & knife) to try, but it's very tight to open. My original Wave I can open with one hand like a balisong.
@@davidjustice1848 Well a cheap pair of slipjoint pliers ($1.99) is invaluable back there for so many reasons. I have broken one pair and lost one pair in 40 years of BC trips. So I hve spent a total of $6.00 to have those things with me. The thing with them is that they are able to grab onto much larger nuts, bolts or anything that needs grabbing on to. I use my Gerber most often but the slipjoint pliers are just as valuablle if not more so...and I never have to worry about them (vs my $100.00 Gerber).
SAKs are really good build quality, I have several including the Rucksack which is similar to this, but with nail nick opening and a corkscrew instead of the phillips screwdriver. A good general outdoor and camping tool, that will peel your spuds, and open your cans and beer. The best feature is the saw. All the SAK saws are good in fact but the bigger the better, and I have cut more than 1 inch in the past. Only snag is that they are not legal EDC as they lock, so only to be taken out when you are actually going to use them for camping or bushcraft or in my case as often as not, gardening.
This knive is basically designed for the swiss military rifle which i think is the reason for the weird philips screwdriver. The swiss military uses the camo version without the thootpick and pliers
Another way to use a fire steel with this is to turn the saw blade down with the tip grounded next to the tinder and draw the fire steel across it. That would eliminate the problem with the saw trying to close.
I have the soldiers knife I find it’s a great day hiker tool where weight is a premium. It’s a great camp knife in combo with a folding spoon/ fork or spork . If it a longer stay hike a great companion to a larger fixed blade
A Leatherman has more tools, but cannot come close in quality of workmanship. People are complaining about the steel quality, but I've used mine for 15 years with no sharpness issues whatsoever. But its a good review.
I think someone needs to let Swiss Army knives know that other knife steels and handle materials have been invented. They have some cool designs that have a lot of function but every year, they are basically the same. It’s not exactly a cutting edge company
@SULLEN MGTOW well from my experience they gave me the run around, then told me nothing was wrong with the defective tool and never repaired it. (That doesnt mean i wouldnt buy their stuff- love their alox, compact and other stuff)
Good overall description. I agree with almost every point. I have the Victorinox Rangergrip 78 (big brother to this knife), never had a problem with the saw. My technique with the saw is different than demonstrated here. I do not like pocket clips on folding knives and never use them.
NS non separated version of the trecker there is a separated version that has a great cutting part is not searated the best of both worlds !!! Must ZIP TIE THE HOLE !!!
I get if the super steels are your thing, me personally I like a knife that's not a pain in the ass to sharpen. I have the farmer and hiker models and love them both, of course I have a sheath knife to pair them with. Obviously you shouldn't use a pocket knife for everything, fine tasks such as whittling and food prep are where pocket knives shine. Your sheath knife should handle everything else
@@slickydicky Yeah, there's corruption on these gear review channels. Also....there's people who don't really understand that blades that stay sharp for a very long time are also blades that are a lot harder to sharpen when you do have to. Super steels have their place, but Swiss Army knives are meant to be easy to sharpen in the field.
I really like my one handed trekker. I've only had it for a couple of months but I've carried it almost every day. I just strop it in the evening when I'm not busy and it's stayed sharp so the steel isn't terrible. I have a striker with almost all of my ferro rods so there's no need to use the saw for that reason though I have tried it with success. Overall it's worth the money and I'd buy it again if I lost it.
The Leatherman is a multitool with a knife. The Trekker is a knife with some tools. If I want to use a knife I prefer the Trekker. If I want the tools I prefer the Leatherman. The knife steel is very good and holds an edge nicely. It is better than most Gerber knives. I don't like Buck in general so I have no comparison.
I love my Trekker...I added a little Leatherman Squirt...a decent little set of pliers and scissors in a small, light unit. Negates the need for a (to me, at least) too-heavy full size Leatherman.
We keep a one-handed trekker in each of our vehicle emergency (get home) kits. It's primarily our backup to a carried belt knife. We do carry a pair of pliers on a cheaper, (lighter Leatherman... Rev or Skeletool) as well. None of these NEED to be in a pack... all can be carried on belt or in a pocket.
I agree with your assessment of the Trekker. But, despite the shortcoming of the non-locking saw, it is still the mainstay of my EDC.. I just created a 90 degree edge on the locking screw driver. It works great with the fire steel. Oh, since I am left handed, I love the one-handed open and close feature and the fact that you whined about it pleased me greatly.
I use to EDC carry an SAK and a Leatherman as a technician before we were directed not to. The SAK flat head was ideal for Zeus fasteners on aircraft control boxes as you could flip it open fast. The SAK was always great for world travels and camp/cooking type stuff. The Leatherman was better for more technical mechanical work and bike maintenance. I dont EDC anymore but they are always handy in glove boxes, TT, backpack and night stand. I want to buy a Trekker. One other comment regarding the corkscrew on SAKs. They have come in handy at home and traveling with wine bottles. 30 years ago my friend and I had a full on party going on a train table heading up to Nottingham UK. Some of the bottles would not have been opened without it. An oil rig worker from the North Sea really appreciated it.
I have this package only with a hook likage opener only on the other end from the blade. This is a wonderful thing to own and my wife and I use it every day
For urban EDC, I ablosute need my Leatherman wave. But for hiking or gereneral wilderness tasks, the Victorinox ist far Superior. The weight, ergonomics are fabulous, and I really never had a problem with the not blocking saw blade...
I always wanted pliers for undoing knots because I hated eating rope when I couldn't t undo the knots I knew... though knowing a couple of other knots would help , knowing knots which should slip didn't usually slip after being tied all night in the wind...
OWNER OF DIFFERENT MULTITOOL(WAVE SURGE REBAR SUPER TOOL 300,CHARGE,AND VIC SPIRIT)AFTHER YEAR AND YEAR I THINK THE VICTORINOX SPIRIT IS THE BEST OF THE BEST MULTITOOL EVER CREATED
Thanks Brother for the review. I would carry that in my pocket while having my Leatherman in my pack. I don't really use my Leatherman in the woods so often anymore, but it still goes and I have a folder (Swiss Army, Old Timer Bear Tooth Trapper, or Opinel) in my pocket and a belt knife. My EDC Leatherman gets used almost daily, but not so much in the woods.
If you want a more premium version of this you should check out the Ruike LD42 it's pretty much the same knife with 12c27n and g10 handles + it has scissors and it has a pocket clip
Cool non-serrated one hand Trekker. I have the serrated one, which is the standard model. It's not easy to find the non-serrated one, even on Amazon. Check it out! For a while I refused to buy this knife because I thought I wouldn't like the serrated blade but ultimately I bought it and I'm very happy with it. I understand that sharpening a serrated blade will be a challenge eventually. I really trust Victorinox products.
Thanks for reviewing this,I really like mine for GP and when I don't take my Leatherman, and I'm a lefty 😜 I don't remember the company but they make flat ferro rods for SAK's you just replace the toothpicks in your SAK and I did with all of mine and they work super great, also I think it's the @junkyardfox show's how to modify it to throw Sparks from the locking screwdriver, lot of work for a stainless steel blade ik but it's a great tool and we all tweak something just for shits and giggles anyway.
I have 2 of the older model with a spear point. I also have the spear point forester with a side lock that I really like .I love SAK's. And I carry a climber SAK for daily carry
Well the way you were holding the stick any saw would bind up trying to cut through it. I've never had to baby an SAK saw, just steady object being cut better, problem solved.
Good review. One thing that you left out is that they guarantee them for life. (Although to be fair I think Leatherman do too). I've had the nail nick version for three years and it's done some pretty serious stuff and my hand never gets sore. And it still looks new. I wish they would put a lock on the saw too. Having said that I put a chisel grind on the end of the bottle opener and it's really good when you want to clean a notch out. I also filed down the back edge of the bottle opener to strike ferro rods. Sadly that would mean that I've screwed the warranty should I ever need it. But it's so well made I doubt I will. They have been making that stainless steel for over a hundred years and the Victrinox classic is the world highest selling knife. Good review I've been curious what an American reviewer would think of it. I think you did a great job. Use it for a while, see how you go. At the very least in my opinion it makes an amazing back up.
I've owned the nail nick version for several years now. I actually carry it inside my left boot on days when I do decide to carry it. Most of the time the hiker model is what I'm carrying, very similar just more compact. Pocket clip in my opinion would create a chunky feeling in the hand so I'm anti clip esp on the one hand opener styled ones. Emerson wave opening styles would be my recommendation over this version if your cutting needs require it. The steel argument doesn't fly with me cuz boot carry allows me to carry a dedicated folder in my pockets as well as one in my right boot for balance. It has always done the jobs I needed it to do so I can't find fault from my experiences.
Please check out that knife because I found out that our military now has it. It's anodized plus the scales are OD green and black. I own one and I like it alot. There are you tube videos on it.
I have one, and really like it. I don't mind that the saw does not lock, but wish that the saw actually cut better. I really prefer the japanese type saw blades like a silkie but this should work in a pinch. This will compliment my Gerber 400 multitool rather than replace it. It does replace a small Coghlans Sierra saw and a medium swiss army knife that I never really liked.
I really wish i could have purchased the straight edge only version when i got mine but by the time I jumped on the train, it was only combo blades. It isnt so much the serrations alone that i dislike, it is also the chisel grind :/
I have one and your opinions both pros and cons are spot on! I love mine and find it useful just about every day. If they would change the position of the locking can opener/lg flathead with the saw the problem would be solved. I wish I could have different scales and a more robust blade but for most of what I need, it is perfect.
My new EDC and camping knife is the 179 Model RangerGrip. Just a little more than the trekker. I have never used the phillips head in the woods, and my 30 year constant companion, the miniChamp, has a very useful small phillips that has opened lots of things. For my XL hands these 111 range of knives are excellent. AFA carrying a full size multi tool in the woods, that is a weight penalty I am not willing to pay, unless it is a Swiss Champ. The Leatherman crowd will hate of me for this, but seriously, the only time I have used pliers in the woods was pulling hooks out of fish. Like when I carried a Leatherman, I carry this in a sheath on my belt. This is the best knife based saw I have ever used. That said, I carry a Silky saw for really getting wood. Agreed that they should have locked the saw. OTOH, I have several ways to get sparks off ferro rods, and so should you.
ditch the toothpick (u can easily make one in the woods) and put in a little firesteel, than it is an awesome tool for the outdoors I have the Victorinox Hercules, you might want to take a look at that too
Have owned a smaller version Victorinox SAK since late 1960's...Have similar Trekker model for well over a decade...Lock on saw IS lacking & would be a great improvement to design ...Solution to saw re: firesteel use = sort of a reverse technique = saw teeth down at tinder bundle , brace on stable surface, place firesteel on top of saw spine, pull firesteel
Yes, this is the way to do it; it also puts all the sparks directly into the tinder instead of having to travel a few inches. Makes using a Firefly rod (replaces the toothpick) easier as well.
@@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo "Firefly rod"? Replaces toothpick in SAK ??? That sounds interesting as a back up ferro rod. .Have to search for that... Thanks for product/gadget tip.
@@flashgordon2816 yes, easy to find, made by a company called Tortoise Survival. I just got the three pak for about $21 shipped. They have two sizes and 8-paks as well. I have them in a couple of SAK Huntsmans and an old Camping SAK. They work surprisingly well considering how small they are, but hold the back of your saw down in the tinder and move the Firefly across the spine, don’t scrape down the little steel, works better that way as you’re closer to the tinder.
I have the German Army version. The German Army, Swiss Army, and US Army issue versions have the 1/2 serrated blade, and no toothpick or tweezers for some reason. I’d love to find the US Army version somewhere...it has the green handle with rubberized grip inserts like the Swiss issue knife, but all the tools are blacked out. I wish they made a non-serrated version just like this one, but with orange scales and rubber grips inserts. Plain edge is the way to go with this one for sure.
Here is something that you may like it. www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFO23UA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_cvcTCb56BYMD5 now, if you want spend more than $100 bucks for the US version? Good luck.
Another great video review. Pocket clip on the trekker is a great suggestion. Even better suggestion for Victorinox is to come out with a knife/plier combo of their own. I agree with some of the other commenters, Victorinox needs to consider using other steels with their knives. The use of the electronic ruler in both metric and standard was a great. Hope to see it used in future video reviews.
Looking for one unfortunately the smooth blade version does not seem to be available at the moment. Replacing the toothpick with a firefly is a good option for SAK . Looking for other higher vis scale options
I like the Swiss army tracker I own one who has a tractor or any Victor Knox should go to tortoise gear.com and get the firefly fire steel and if your Victoria Knox has a quick screw on it you can get the fire ant fire steel great products from tortoises gear
Another you tuber named junkyard fox turned me onto this knife a while back. I’ve used it out in the field it’s been a good little addition. Even comes in handy at work though I don’t think it would replace my multi-tool. I’ve been carrying the Nextool flagship pro multi tool it’s heavy but I love the big scissors along with the pliers. Would you be interested in doing a review on it?
I've seen that pocket knife for some time now and some other pocket knifes and as of right now the pocket knife i have right now it does not have a small saw. But to have a saw that really will be a real plus when i go fishing i like to at night time someone's and i can start a fire and for some to and a sall saw can come in handy to make some saw shavings on that dry wood to help my fire. And thanks you for showing and telling keep cool and peace to you and your family and friends....
After a blade shattered on me from them I will not buy again . It's like someone else commented. Maybe someone should tell them other steels have been made that work better. They still use cheap stainless.
How did the blade shatter? Most complain that the blade doesn't hold it's edge, meaning it's soft rather than brittle. That has the advantage that it's very easy to sharpen in the field. Never heard of a blade shattering on a SAK. The tip may break off if you try heavy prying with it, but it isn't designed for that.
It's nice, but for the money I would prefer a folding knife with a longer and beefier blade. As I watched you using both the knife and the saw they seemed kind of short and difficult to use. I like small blades and neck knifes, but I find that the reality is that a sufficient length of handle makes any knife much more ergonomic and versatile as an all around cutting tool.
Love your vids. A little to picky on A GREAT POCKET KNIFE...
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Your "con" that the blade unlock spring is more suited for lefties but not for the 90% other people and they have to goof around is actually a feature... You can't easily accidentally unlock the blade while working with it as a right-handed person 😉
try a victorinox hercules. it has all the tools ( no one handed open tho) plus several more plus it has pliers. i carry one everyday. its a great multi tool
In 8 years in the Military, and 46 years camping, I’ve never once needed pliers in the field. Victorinox for me 👍🏻
Great video Aaron. I’ve carried a Victorinox in my pocket for 40+ years. Various models to meet different situations however One has always been in my pocket. Carried on six different ships and on two Islands in the U.S. Navy. There are some comments that say the steel is no good in these. I understand but beg to differ. It depends on the situation that you’re using it for. In my case around salt water 90% of the time and in my pocket these knives have held up beautiful. Never a spot of rust. Some of my knives are so old I had to overhaul them and replace the handles and other pieces. After the overhaul they were like brand new again. How many knives after 20 or 30 years of abuse can you put a little work in to it and it’s like brand new again. But again it all depends on what you’re going to use it for. Me, there will always be one of my pocket.
😊
I have been using Swiss army knives for over 30 years in construction and they have always done everything asked of them.
Forget the fancy so-called state of the art modern folders and carry a sak it will be the best investment in tools you'll ever make
I’ve used the Farmer, Hiker and Camper saws for years. Both in the woods on on construction sites. Great fir cutting holes in dry wall, and have never had an issue with it being a non locking blade.
Not a left-handed knife! The American fixation with tactical might make it seem so. Changing hands to close the knife is not a big deal. Also, the steel is a very intentional type, with a much better record of not chipping or snapping in half than many expensive knives with better steel. The blade does not wear down as fast as many like to say. Long-term users know this. The heat treat was developed out of long experience.
The saw: doesn't need a lock. I have been using Victorinox pocket knife saws for decades. They are not for full tree trunks. Just smaller branches. It doesn't tend to close up. The teeth are offset, and is a bit thinner on the sine, helping to shed wood. Honestly, used for the intended light work, a lock wouldn't automatically be a better thing. I've used big-name locking multitool saws that bind much more than Victorinox pocket knives.
Using the reamer blade for fero rod: Only if you do not plan on using the reamer function. Bushcrafters need that reamer, which works well. Striking a fire steel on it will make it useless as a borer in short order. I use the dedicated striker that I have attached to the Swedish fire steel I use. Blades are ruined on fire steel.
I started collecting and using Victorinox pocket knives over 50 years ago. They are not multitools, and cannot be compared to all-metal pliers. Both good, but despite the clear overlapping useage, not the same. However, boy scouts around the world have done great bushcrafting with even the basic Victorinox Spartan for years.
Look at the Victorinox Alox Farmer for a very popular camping and crafting knife. Many are unaware that the blade is stronger and thicker than on most Swiss Army knives. Superb, with a great saw and an inline awl/reamer/punch. Best buy for the money for a simple pocket knife for serious outdoor.
Cheers and thanks for the review!
David in Galilee, Israel.
Thanks for the specs in metric system
A locking mechanism on the saw is unnecessary imho. The way you're putting pressure on it during use and being angled slightly upwards, there's no way it would close on you (unless you're doing something crazy). Locking mechanism are only necessary for stabbing and such, when force may be applied in the wrong direction.
Bought my trekker a year ago and hasn't left my side since... I use it camping hiking and fishing and just about every day trucking I'm grabbing it for one job or another even lunch's lol great tool
I've had numerous swiss army knives over the years, the ranger grip 78 is my newest addition. I've carried one daily long before "EDC" was a thing.....although I own many knives I am rarely without a swiss army knife.
The blade on the two handed version has a sharper point. The outside edge of the Victorinox can opener can be used as a scraper, the point as a scriber, and the straight inside part can be sharpened and used as a cutting tool when pulling.
also the can opener can be used to grab hot cookpot bails to lift off campfires and cookstoves.
I sharpened the edge of the bottle opener and it's been an awesome little chisel and found a flat spot on the back of it and it's brilliant. I can't understand why they don't have a locking saw but I've never actually cut myself with it. But if they are going to put a lock on the bottle opener I'm gonna use it to chisel and dig and pry stuff with it. It works well.
The one handed trekker non serrated has been a go to knife in my rotation for probably 7-8 years now. To me it's the perfect heavy duty swiss army knife
Try a ZIPTIE IN THE ONE HAND OPENING HOLE IT OPENS FASTER !!!
this thing has been around for almost two decades now. bought one back in '07 and been using it since. still rockin to this day
me too, mine been with me since around 03,, rarely gets rotated out, except for the adventurer, which is the same knife without the saw,, I use the Adventurer , when I pocket carry,
Fantastic review like always. I have the one-handed NS trekker in camo and absolutely love it. For added functionality try replacing the toothpick with a firefly Fire Starter Ferro rod from tortoise gear. It elevates this knife to the next level.
This is one of my favorite knives ever
I just purchased the Victorinox Forester…same size, same blade and saw, but has cork screw, instead of Phillips head driver. And has anti slip pads on red scales, a bit more grippy. I carried a stock blade Vic for years and decided I wanted both one hand opening and a bit beefier longer blade. Am very pleased with mine and enjoyed your comments about its practical use. thanks!
I like my Trekker, a little bit of work with the file from my Leatherman Wave on the locking screwdriver/bottle opener and it strikes a Ferro rod just fine. I carry both of them as EDC (redundancy).
Yes yes i edc trekker and wave,,plus rambler on keys....nothing i cant do lol
The saw strikes ferro rods really well
I've had the trekker for years its my constant pocket carry for hiking and camping however my leatherman rebar is always in my pack as my back up as part of my emergency kit . I guess I just like redundancies. Great vid as always God bless.
I like the Rebar but I think the saw really lets it down, it's so fragile I'm scared to use it. Hence I always go out to the woods with a Farmer as backup to my Soldier/OHT. The saw on the Rebar is much thinner than even the small Victorinox saw, and has about 1cm less cutting length i.e. teeth.
While I own & do carry other knives, I absolutely LOVE the Victorinox products that we own. As each of my kids turns 7 they get their 1st knife: a small, basic Swiss Army knife. My oldest (9) just moved up to a Super Tinker. I carry a Swiss Champ on my belt almost always as well as a Swiss Card in both mine & my wife's wallets. I've got some of their honing steels, a pen-sized sharpener, & a pocket Arkansas stone. I've never been disappointed.
Also, I recently found out that Victorinox DOES in fact make an true multi-tool called a Swiss Tool. They have different model & things that come with them, but the 1 I got for my EDC is the Sprint. Love it. I love that all of the smaller tools are accessible from the outside & lock.
I've yet to hold a Trekker, but it looks good to me.
The way you should use the back of the saw on a fire steel is to actually hold the sides of the saw blade between your fingers rather than holding the knife handle. This lets you do it safely. (Another option is to take a file to the cap lifter and create an edge to strike a fire steel there. But this is really not necessary once you start doing it properly with the back of the saw.)
You can always carry cheap pair of slip-joint pliers in your pack.
A Keeper Of Odd Knowledge
I use the smallest 3” vice grips
very light to carry and very strong
Keeper of Odd Knowledge, Yup. I also bought a Leatherman Freestyle (pliers & knife) to try, but it's very tight to open. My original Wave I can open with one hand like a balisong.
So true, and exactly what I have been doing since 1979 on backcountry trips.
@@bdh3949 you think Tim leatherman would have thought of that
@@davidjustice1848 Well a cheap pair of slipjoint pliers ($1.99) is invaluable back there for so many reasons. I have broken one pair and lost one pair in 40 years of BC trips. So I hve spent a total of $6.00 to have those things with me. The thing with them is that they are able to grab onto much larger nuts, bolts or anything that needs grabbing on to. I use my Gerber most often but the slipjoint pliers are just as valuablle if not more so...and I never have to worry about them (vs my $100.00 Gerber).
SAKs are really good build quality, I have several including the Rucksack which is similar to this, but with nail nick opening and a corkscrew instead of the phillips screwdriver. A good general outdoor and camping tool, that will peel your spuds, and open your cans and beer. The best feature is the saw. All the SAK saws are good in fact but the bigger the better, and I have cut more than 1 inch in the past. Only snag is that they are not legal EDC as they lock, so only to be taken out when you are actually going to use them for camping or bushcraft or in my case as often as not, gardening.
This knive is basically designed for the swiss military rifle which i think is the reason for the weird philips screwdriver. The swiss military uses the camo version without the thootpick and pliers
Another way to use a fire steel with this is to turn the saw blade down with the tip grounded next to the tinder and draw the fire steel across it. That would eliminate the problem with the saw trying to close.
I have the soldiers knife I find it’s a great day hiker tool where weight is a premium. It’s a great camp knife in combo with a folding spoon/ fork or spork . If it a longer stay hike a great companion to a larger fixed blade
So much time waiting this review , finaly I buy the ranger grip 79 , cheers
A Leatherman has more tools, but cannot come close in quality of workmanship. People are complaining about the steel quality, but I've used mine for 15 years with no sharpness issues whatsoever. But its a good review.
I have this and about 5 Leathermans. I like both, but if I could have only one it’d be the Wave without thinking twice. Or my MP600.
Leatherman is the best. Surge is for me. It’s the Beast.
I sharpened inner edge to the bottle opener for a ferro rod striker. Works like a charm and it's a locking tool.
I think someone needs to let Swiss Army knives know that other knife steels and handle materials have been invented. They have some cool designs that have a lot of function but every year, they are basically the same. It’s not exactly a cutting edge company
Joseph A especially at the prices of some of their 100 stuff. Like dang
@Joseph A Then the price would skyrocket with all the tools on there. Also, stain resistance is much more important on a multi-tool than fancy steels.
In my experience Victorinox do not stand behind their warranty.
youtubevoice well said;-)
@SULLEN MGTOW well from my experience they gave me the run around, then told me nothing was wrong with the defective tool and never repaired it.
(That doesnt mean i wouldnt buy their stuff- love their alox, compact and other stuff)
Good overall description. I agree with almost every point. I have the Victorinox Rangergrip 78 (big brother to this knife), never had a problem with the saw. My technique with the saw is different than demonstrated here. I do not like pocket clips on folding knives and never use them.
Best thing about pliers is they can pull out fish hooks! :-)
NS non separated version of the trecker there is a separated version that has a great cutting part is not searated the best of both worlds !!! Must ZIP TIE THE HOLE !!!
Awesome piece of gear! I feel ya Aaron on being busy. 2 jobs and a single father. Till the next video
I get if the super steels are your thing, me personally I like a knife that's not a pain in the ass to sharpen. I have the farmer and hiker models and love them both, of course I have a sheath knife to pair them with. Obviously you shouldn't use a pocket knife for everything, fine tasks such as whittling and food prep are where pocket knives shine. Your sheath knife should handle everything else
Like the farmer alox. Cool EDC tool and very useful in the woods etc. Would just love a clip as standard like on broker tech tools.
I agree. A Swiss Army knife is so easy and fast to sharpen I don't know why people worry about it so much.
@@Pinki2019 not naming names but usually it's the people aren't sponsored by the companies they piss on
@@slickydicky Yeah, there's corruption on these gear review channels. Also....there's people who don't really understand that blades that stay sharp for a very long time are also blades that are a lot harder to sharpen when you do have to. Super steels have their place, but Swiss Army knives are meant to be easy to sharpen in the field.
I have a treker, a hiker and a walker. All of them stayed sharp for ages and really don't need much to top up the edge.
im righty, i just press the liner lock and close the blade on my leg
That's what I do. It has a stop half way anyway.
Soo do i👍😁
Same
Swiss Army Ranger Grip 78 is right hand friendly, thumb open and press Swiss Shield 🛡 logo to release lock.
Cool video. these knife is been my edc for the past year. She's been good so far. And you're right. The wood saw needs a liner lock too, definitely.
I really like my one handed trekker. I've only had it for a couple of months but I've carried it almost every day. I just strop it in the evening when I'm not busy and it's stayed sharp so the steel isn't terrible. I have a striker with almost all of my ferro rods so there's no need to use the saw for that reason though I have tried it with success. Overall it's worth the money and I'd buy it again if I lost it.
The Leatherman is a multitool with a knife. The Trekker is a knife with some tools. If I want to use a knife I prefer the Trekker. If I want the tools I prefer the Leatherman. The knife steel is very good and holds an edge nicely. It is better than most Gerber knives. I don't like Buck in general so I have no comparison.
I choose the soldier version, my first folding knife. Great video Aaron 👍
They are popular around the world because they mostly are slipjoints. People can carry them
I love my Trekker...I added a little Leatherman Squirt...a decent little set of pliers and scissors in a small, light unit. Negates the need for a (to me, at least) too-heavy full size Leatherman.
We keep a one-handed trekker in each of our vehicle emergency (get home) kits. It's primarily our backup to a carried belt knife. We do carry a pair of pliers on a cheaper, (lighter Leatherman... Rev or Skeletool) as well. None of these NEED to be in a pack... all can be carried on belt or in a pocket.
The awl is one hella great tool outdoors! For drilling holes in wood it works really well!
Had to give mine up at airport security. Forgot it was in my pocket. Loved that thing.
I agree with your assessment of the Trekker. But, despite the shortcoming of the non-locking saw, it is still the mainstay of my EDC..
I just created a 90 degree edge on the locking screw driver. It works great with the fire steel. Oh, since I am left handed, I love the one-handed open and close feature and the fact that you whined about it pleased me greatly.
I use to EDC carry an SAK and a Leatherman as a technician before we were directed not to. The SAK flat head was ideal for Zeus fasteners on aircraft control boxes as you could flip it open fast. The SAK was always great for world travels and camp/cooking type stuff. The Leatherman was better for more technical mechanical work and bike maintenance. I dont EDC anymore but they are always handy in glove boxes, TT, backpack and night stand. I want to buy a Trekker.
One other comment regarding the corkscrew on SAKs. They have come in handy at home and traveling with wine bottles. 30 years ago my friend and I had a full on party going on a train table heading up to Nottingham UK. Some of the bottles would not have been opened without it. An oil rig worker from the North Sea really appreciated it.
I have this package only with a hook likage opener only on the other end from the blade. This is a wonderful thing to own and my wife and I use it every day
For urban EDC, I ablosute need my Leatherman wave. But for hiking or gereneral wilderness tasks, the Victorinox ist far Superior. The weight, ergonomics are fabulous, and I really never had a problem with the not blocking saw blade...
Yeah I always feel like it should but never have.
Thumbs up for Ant cameo.
I always wanted pliers for undoing knots because I hated eating rope when I couldn't
t undo the knots I knew... though knowing a couple of other knots would help , knowing knots which should slip didn't usually slip after being tied all night in the wind...
I filed down the back of the screwdriver bottle opener. To make a 90° spine It locks and won't collapse on you as your striking hard.
Take one stick(1inc), put it on the theeth of the saw, press with thumb that stick when scratch firesteel...
Hope you understand😉
OWNER OF DIFFERENT MULTITOOL(WAVE SURGE REBAR SUPER TOOL 300,CHARGE,AND VIC SPIRIT)AFTHER YEAR AND YEAR I THINK THE VICTORINOX SPIRIT IS THE BEST OF THE BEST MULTITOOL EVER CREATED
Thanks Brother for the review. I would carry that in my pocket while having my Leatherman in my pack. I don't really use my Leatherman in the woods so often anymore, but it still goes and I have a folder (Swiss Army, Old Timer Bear Tooth Trapper, or Opinel) in my pocket and a belt knife. My EDC Leatherman gets used almost daily, but not so much in the woods.
i carry the SAK Camper
a smaller non-locking blade
but the same but lighter
neither will be a primary knife so go with the lighter knife
If you want a more premium version of this you should check out the Ruike LD42 it's pretty much the same knife with 12c27n and g10 handles + it has scissors and it has a pocket clip
That’s neat, I don’t really like the design but it’s nice so know people have other options.
I never had any problems with my Victorinox Bundeswehr, Mauser Knife, or Ranger Grip 57.
Sometimes people put a square edge on the large flat driver that is locking to strike the firesteel...
you could also use the back of your saw
I only use pliars outdoors to lift hot pots and pans from the campfire.
I really like the OH Trekker. I'm glad I have one with a plain edge, too.
Cool non-serrated one hand Trekker. I have the serrated one, which is the standard model. It's not easy to find the non-serrated one, even on Amazon. Check it out! For a while I refused to buy this knife because I thought I wouldn't like the serrated blade but ultimately I bought it and I'm very happy with it. I understand that sharpening a serrated blade will be a challenge eventually. I really trust Victorinox products.
I have tgec2/3 serrated and prefer it for meal prep and any kind of repetitive slicing, like cutting through a plastic bottle.
@@DD-d6d3 yep, I've come to like serrated blades and there's definitely a point in having them.
Thanks for reviewing this,I really like mine for GP and when I don't take my Leatherman, and I'm a lefty 😜 I don't remember the company but they make flat ferro rods for SAK's you just replace the toothpicks in your SAK and I did with all of mine and they work super great, also I think it's the @junkyardfox show's how to modify it to throw Sparks from the locking screwdriver, lot of work for a stainless steel blade ik but it's a great tool and we all tweak something just for shits and giggles anyway.
Has anyone seen one of these rust? Not me. That's the main advantage of this steel and why people have them for decades.
I have this model, not a bad knife. Mine wasnt as sharp as I would like but didn't take long to get it shaving sharp on a Work Sharp Guided Sharpener
Check out Firefly Strikers. It will replace the toothpick with a fire steel. Really nice swap!
I have 2 of the older model with a spear point. I also have the spear point forester with a side lock that I really like .I love SAK's. And I carry a climber SAK for daily carry
I carry this exact knife in my work jacket , very useful and better than a leatherman because of weight .
Three years later and its still going strong !
Well the way you were holding the stick any saw would bind up trying to cut through it. I've never had to baby an SAK saw, just steady object being cut better, problem solved.
Good review. One thing that you left out is that they guarantee them for life. (Although to be fair I think Leatherman do too). I've had the nail nick version for three years and it's done some pretty serious stuff and my hand never gets sore. And it still looks new. I wish they would put a lock on the saw too. Having said that I put a chisel grind on the end of the bottle opener and it's really good when you want to clean a notch out. I also filed down the back edge of the bottle opener to strike ferro rods. Sadly that would mean that I've screwed the warranty should I ever need it. But it's so well made I doubt I will. They have been making that stainless steel for over a hundred years and the Victrinox classic is the world highest selling knife. Good review I've been curious what an American reviewer would think of it. I think you did a great job. Use it for a while, see how you go. At the very least in my opinion it makes an amazing back up.
I've owned the nail nick version for several years now. I actually carry it inside my left boot on days when I do decide to carry it. Most of the time the hiker model is what I'm carrying, very similar just more compact. Pocket clip in my opinion would create a chunky feeling in the hand so I'm anti clip esp on the one hand opener styled ones. Emerson wave opening styles would be my recommendation over this version if your cutting needs require it. The steel argument doesn't fly with me cuz boot carry allows me to carry a dedicated folder in my pockets as well as one in my right boot for balance. It has always done the jobs I needed it to do so I can't find fault from my experiences.
Need the other Swiss Army model (Rangergrip 78) where the awl has a hole in it.
You can drill it through...
The steel does not have 80 HRC😁, only 56hrc
Please check out that knife because I found out that our military now has it. It's anodized plus the scales are OD green and black. I own one and I like it alot. There are you tube videos on it.
I have one, and really like it. I don't mind that the saw does not lock, but wish that the saw actually cut better. I really prefer the japanese type saw blades like a silkie but this should work in a pinch. This will compliment my Gerber 400 multitool rather than replace it. It does replace a small Coghlans Sierra saw and a medium swiss army knife that I never really liked.
I really wish i could have purchased the straight edge only version when i got mine but by the time I jumped on the train, it was only combo blades. It isnt so much the serrations alone that i dislike, it is also the chisel grind :/
I have one and your opinions both pros and cons are spot on! I love mine and find it useful just about every day. If they would change the position of the locking can opener/lg flathead with the saw the problem would be solved. I wish I could have different scales and a more robust blade but for most of what I need, it is perfect.
My new EDC and camping knife is the 179 Model RangerGrip. Just a little more than the trekker. I have never used the phillips head in the woods, and my 30 year constant companion, the miniChamp, has a very useful small phillips that has opened lots of things. For my XL hands these 111 range of knives are excellent. AFA carrying a full size multi tool in the woods, that is a weight penalty I am not willing to pay, unless it is a Swiss Champ. The Leatherman crowd will hate of me for this, but seriously, the only time I have used pliers in the woods was pulling hooks out of fish.
Like when I carried a Leatherman, I carry this in a sheath on my belt.
This is the best knife based saw I have ever used. That said, I carry a Silky saw for really getting wood.
Agreed that they should have locked the saw. OTOH, I have several ways to get sparks off ferro rods, and so should you.
ditch the toothpick (u can easily make one in the woods) and put in a little firesteel, than it is an awesome tool for the outdoors
I have the Victorinox Hercules, you might want to take a look at that too
Have owned a smaller version Victorinox SAK since late 1960's...Have similar Trekker model for well over a decade...Lock on saw IS lacking & would be a great improvement to design ...Solution to saw re: firesteel use = sort of a reverse technique = saw teeth down at tinder bundle , brace on stable surface, place firesteel on top of saw spine, pull firesteel
Yes, this is the way to do it; it also puts all the sparks directly into the tinder instead of having to travel a few inches. Makes using a Firefly rod (replaces the toothpick) easier as well.
@@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo "Firefly rod"? Replaces toothpick in SAK ??? That sounds interesting as a back up ferro rod. .Have to search for that... Thanks for product/gadget tip.
@@flashgordon2816 yes, easy to find, made by a company called Tortoise Survival. I just got the three pak for about $21 shipped. They have two sizes and 8-paks as well. I have them in a couple of SAK Huntsmans and an old Camping SAK. They work surprisingly well considering how small they are, but hold the back of your saw down in the tinder and move the Firefly across the spine, don’t scrape down the little steel, works better that way as you’re closer to the tinder.
I have the German Army version. The German Army, Swiss Army, and US Army issue versions have the 1/2 serrated blade, and no toothpick or tweezers for some reason. I’d love to find the US Army version somewhere...it has the green handle with rubberized grip inserts like the Swiss issue knife, but all the tools are blacked out. I wish they made a non-serrated version just like this one, but with orange scales and rubber grips inserts. Plain edge is the way to go with this one for sure.
Here is something that you may like it. www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFO23UA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_cvcTCb56BYMD5 now, if you want spend more than $100 bucks for the US version? Good luck.
@@baltazarjimenez8639 I was just about to say the same thing. The gotting knife locks on them
Another great video review. Pocket clip on the trekker is a great suggestion. Even better suggestion for Victorinox is to come out with a knife/plier combo of their own. I agree with some of the other commenters, Victorinox needs to consider using other steels with their knives. The use of the electronic ruler in both metric and standard was a great. Hope to see it used in future video reviews.
Cool video Aaron!👍 The saw wasn’t made for fire starting! Just bring a lighter or other fire starter tools!
Or in a real pinch use the blade, just don't make a habit of it.
Ridiculous they discontinued this version, but kept the front serrated ones...
What??? Crazy
Looking for one unfortunately the smooth blade version does not seem to be available at the moment. Replacing the toothpick with a firefly is a good option for SAK . Looking for other higher vis scale options
The can opener/screwdriver works well on mid sized phillips screws.
My victorinox folder with just the blade is a lefty unlock too. I think it's the Spartan. My girlfriend loves it.
I like the Swiss army tracker I own one who has a tractor or any Victor Knox should go to tortoise gear.com and get the firefly fire steel and if your Victoria Knox has a quick screw on it you can get the fire ant fire steel great products from tortoises gear
I’d carry that and a leatherman rebar.. good combo
Hey just a thought ! Maybe it’s left handed because it’s not meant to be a primary hand tool ? So they make it easier to access with your off hand ?
Shout out to that ant
Another you tuber named junkyard fox turned me onto this knife a while back. I’ve used it out in the field it’s been a good little addition. Even comes in handy at work though I don’t think it would replace my multi-tool. I’ve been carrying the Nextool flagship pro multi tool it’s heavy but I love the big scissors along with the pliers. Would you be interested in doing a review on it?
I've seen that pocket knife for some time now and some other pocket knifes and as of right now the pocket knife i have right now it does not have a small saw.
But to have a saw that really will be a real plus when i go fishing i like to at night time someone's and i can start a fire and for some to and a sall saw can come in handy to make some saw shavings on that dry wood to help my fire. And thanks you for showing and telling keep cool and peace to you and your family and friends....
After a blade shattered on me from them I will not buy again . It's like someone else commented. Maybe someone should tell them other steels have been made that work better. They still use cheap stainless.
How did the blade shatter? Most complain that the blade doesn't hold it's edge, meaning it's soft rather than brittle. That has the advantage that it's very easy to sharpen in the field. Never heard of a blade shattering on a SAK. The tip may break off if you try heavy prying with it, but it isn't designed for that.
It's nice, but for the money I would prefer a folding knife with a longer and beefier blade. As I watched you using both the knife and the saw they seemed kind of short and difficult to use. I like small blades and neck knifes, but I find that the reality is that a sufficient length of handle makes any knife much more ergonomic and versatile as an all around cutting tool.
Fun little side story my dad's chainsaw died and I took down a 8 inch in diameter sapling, now he doesn't think I am nuts for the trekker as my edc
These are very similar to the ones you get assigned in the Swiss Army. (Which, just to annoy everybody, are not red.)
Love your vids. A little to picky on A GREAT POCKET KNIFE...
Your "con" that the blade unlock spring is more suited for lefties but not for the 90% other people and they have to goof around is actually a feature... You can't easily accidentally unlock the blade while working with it as a right-handed person 😉
you should really try the swisstool, all tools open without pliers, and tons of tools while still keeping the pliers option,
try a victorinox hercules. it has all the tools ( no one handed open tho) plus several more plus it has pliers. i carry one everyday. its a great multi tool
They went and discontinued the plain edge version. It is now only available with a serrated blade, which is a deal killer for me.
I just bought it anyway and reprofiled the blade to get rid of serrations. Did it by hand with a file, Corona tool sharpener, and wet stone.