Just a couple of factual corrections to the content - a big thank you to those in the comments below who pointed this out 👍 The original 1973 grey 8x magnifying glass was replaced by the plastic 5x version in 2004 (which is what I referred to) however this was updated to glass and 6x mag in 2012 - which is the version in my example (I hope because I just purchased it!). Also Robbie the robot is actual B9 from Lost in Space (Robbie is from The Forbidden Planet) 😃
@@JonGadget , I've got the Victoronix Champ, it's a lot better than this one that you've reviewed here. There are several tools in the Champ that this one doesn't have that, in my humble opinion, makes it a lot better and versatile without being too bulky.
The only problem with Victorinox knives is that you probably won’t stop with only one. I have already 6 of them. 2 of them I own for more than 30 years. I recently replaced the scales with the plus versions (I used black for the explorer to easy identify it), cleaned, sharpened and oiled them. Now they are like new and will serve me well for another 30 years. Those knives will last forever if you take care for them. I love these traditional products which are so perfectly designed.
got my first one, probably also around 30 years ago, the Camper, I used it exetensively for the boy scouts. But 6? Just 6? You gotta pump those numbers up, those are rookie numbers
OMG I am in trouble! I got my first SAK when I was 16 (an explorer) and 21 years later I own about 8 of them, and a Swiss card... My wife fell in love with my SD classic and I had to get her one in pink too...
I too love both the Compact, and the Explorer. That being said, I have found the Yeoman to be the PERFECT blend of the two for size and tools. Too bad it is retired. The Yeoman I carry is a rebuild. Perhaps we should start a campaign to bring back the Yeoman?!?
At age 17, I received an Explorer as a Christmas present in 1987. That knife stayed in my pocket until Christmas 2022, when my brother (a Victorinox fiend with hundreds of knives) gave me a custom-built Yeoman. I have never been a knife person (that's my brother all the way), but I have always been a camera and tech person. That Explorer was mainly used early on for looking at 35mm negatives, and the scissors for cutting negative strips, and the inline Phillips for fixing my tripod. Today, the Yeoman stays in my pocket, the Explorer sits on my desk, and a CyberTool Lite and an original SwissTool reside in my work bag. Still not a knife person, though.
That magnifying glass is worth its weight in gold. I was buying some omeprazole, and of course I left my reading glasses home. With my Explorer, I took out me trusty auld Explorer magnifying glass, read that fine print written by Lilliputians, and lo and behold, the magnification was even better than my glasses!
I have become something of a pocket knife collector. While I do like fidgeting with flipper knifes, and pretending I'm a cowboy with my Buck knives, SAKs are genuinely useful and can be justified being in your pocket every day. I use the Explorer and occasionally keep the Lite card in a wallet. I really enjoy the realism of this channel. As an Irish man, I relate better to the understated practicality of the English knife aficionado as opposed the lunatic Americans who get themselves lost in the wilderness or involved in revolutions to test the sturdiness of their knives 😆
The Explorer is my favourite, I bought my first one back in the mid 1980's, finally lost it in around 2015 and am on my second one, but have also given them to friends and family over the years. I too have used them every day professionally and recreationally and can't understand how people cope without them. Most useful, and only recently discovered the special pin facility which I was very pleased to add. Great tools.
The name of that robot is actually B9 (as in benign). He was built for the 1960's TV show Lost in Space. Robby was another robot built for the classic 1956 Sci Fi movie Forbidden Planet.
I’ve had my Explorer since 1995, so it’s served me for 26 years. It’s been around the world with me on my belt. I did add the small screwdriver that you put on the corkscrew.
I have had at least 3 Explorer’s and one still new in the box. My daughters have swiped them from me. However, I think the best everyday carry Victorinox is the one that is out of production - the Yeoman - basically a Compact with an inline Phillips and a magnifier. I got mine off of a seller in the Ukraine back in 2019. Or for the more adventurous you can take apart a Compact and an Explorer and get a Yeoman for the pocket and a Climber for the glovebox.
Thank you for all your videos. I am a knife fanatic but I have never owned one of these. I live in Tennessee where there are zero knife laws. I can carry a sword down the street if I want so I have all sorts. That being said, these knives would be very useful to me in my work and around my farm. I have been looking at the different variations and just ordered the huntsman with tinder/striker and pin addition. I can not wait till it arrives in a few days. You helped me with that decision and I wanted to say thank you for all your reviews.
Absolutely! The best urban carry. From the Swiss Champ, to the Pioneer X, I've now settled on the Explorer. It has everything I want & nothing I don't need. Been my edc for about 4 years now, in addition to the Classic SD on my keychain.
The more I watch these 91mm 'perfect edc' videos, the more I appreciate the rambler or manager. I've carried a rambler for over 20 years, recently changed to manager, so looking at these 91mm saks, it's like 90% of this is already on my manager!
I love Victorinox reviews and must have watched hundreds of them. I don’t have one favourite indoor or outdoor SAK, it really depends on what my day is looking like. Today I carried a Hiker all day and just switched to the Cadet for the “evening shift”.
I'm scared I'm a touch autistic with the amount of times I have watched this video. At least 10. Does anybody else go back and forth on these knives depending on how their life is going? I switch my EDC Swiss Army Knife every couple of weeks due to what I'm dealing with lately.
Getting the Explorer for my father. He loves to tinker with stuff, wears glasses, works in automotive management and is a gun enthusiast. I thought this would be the best option for him for EDC, most of the other combinations were thicker than four layers which is just a bit too chunky. Loved the review!
Thanks again Katrina. I agree this is a great option for your father. The magnifying glass will be really useful and that in-line philips is great too.
Thank you for the video, Jon ! This is my EDC when I’m at work, I’m a Lodge Porter in a University College and the tweezers, magnifying glass, pin and scissors are used pretty much daily as it’s literally these things that students come for when seeking first aid. The parcel hook and both blades seem to get an almost daily outing in the post room, too. I’m a spectacle wearer also and the small screw-driver and, again, the magnifying glass are always on hand. I used to just carry the knife in my trouser pocket and I was forever fishing around for it, but I’ve gone and bought the clip on the back of your review. It has been in use now since the beginning of Hilary Term and I can say that it’s turned a good knife into a great knife ! Always in daily use and now my favourite SAK is straight to hand.
I recently purchased the Explorer to use as my travel knife. It has basically everything that I would typically use on a trip abroad. The print on medicine bottles, chargers and sometimes product inserts are often beyond the ability of my aged eyes to read and the magnifying glass is great to have handy I have used an Outrider as my travel knife for years but now the fact that it has a locking blade is problematical in some countries. For EDC I have a Classic SD on my keychain but also carry a Sportsman, Spartan, Climber or Swiss Army 1 in my pocket at all times, mostly to have a larger blade handy.
I use it, every days, the Explorer Plus, the black one. I bought it used, i don know how much time it could have. But since 3 years ago i use it every days and I carrie it on my belt all the time... The magnifying glass and the Philips screw drivers are the best and usefull things to me. Yo la tengo, la uso todos los días, la Explorer Plus, la negra. La compré usada, no se cuánto tiempo habrá tenido. Pero desde hace 3 años la uso todos los días y la llevo en mi cinturón todo el tiempo. La Lupa y el Destornillador Philips son las mejores herramientas para mi. Saludos.
If you put the magnifying glass next to your face, and then reach for the object with your head (instead of using it from a distance) you will find how magic and wonderful this tool is. It is not small at all of you use it this way. Remember to reach with your head until you get to focus.
I've had a Victorinox since the 80s that's identical to this explorer except for two differences. No hook on the back, and the magnifying glass has a gray border like the other knife you showed. It's still going strong!
I used to limit myself to 3-4 layer SAKs. When my eyes started getting a bit older (the rest of me has stayed miraculously young ; ) ) I started carrying the Explorer more. I started enjoying it when out in the garden to examine small insects and spiders. But...I sort of missed my Huntsman's saw. While I like the Explorer--it is a fun SAK--I'm also fond of the small pliers found in the Deluxe Tinker. I might argue that the Deluxe Tinker makes for better Urban carry, but I tend to use it when fishing. I tried out a Swiss Champ ( which gives one a whole bag of tools ). To my surprise, the Swiss Champ was remarkably easy to carry, especially from a belt hanger or in a belt sheath. I now think the Swiss Champ is a great tool. When in doubt about what I'll need, it is the Swiss Champ that gets dropped in the pocket. I'll call the Swiss Champ the "best Indecisive Carry Victorinox".
I do agree the Champ is probably more carry-able than you think. I won’t carry it every day, not even often. But if I’m doing stuff around the house then I’m happy enough putting it in my pocket and forgetting it’s there. I have probably used all the tools on it now, but that’s over 25 years and there are tools that it could be years before I use them again.
@@oliverpolden Fair 'nough. I made a swivel snap on a short strap. The strap goes on my belt, the snap on the Swiss Champ's keyring. Swiss Champ drops into my pocket, but the strap keeps it up off the bottom of the pocket--the weight is on my belt. I hardly know it is there. ( And, bonus, it never falls out of my pocket and gets lost. ) Once I started carrying it this way, I found other SAKs seemed 'wanting'. Like Mr Gadget, I EDC a Compact (Or 74mm Executive) most days. But if adventure is in the offing, the Swiss Champ gets leashed up. 👍
Good review. I have literally worn out 2 explorers after very hard use. It is my edc, and my primary work and backwoods knife. Now, mods. I have converted the small blade into a scalpel. Think a basic shape like a #11 xacto blade. I also really ground the Phillips blade to have sharp edges, an a more rounded shank. I sharpened the reamer, and hollow ground the screwdriver. The best knife I have ever r used. I use the scissors for finger nail trimming.
I have a super tinker. Originally bought to keep in my backpack, it’s now in my pocket…always. Much to my surprise, I don’t believe a day goes by without me using some feature of this knife. I pull it out to do a huge variety of small tasks that I would never have anticipated.
Magnifier tip: It is a hand lens as a geologist or jeweler uses. Hold the lens up to your eye, then bring the object up until it is in focus. You'll see more. I am a geologist and have been carrying the explorer daily for decades.
I use the Huntsman also. Have for the last 30 years. In the Air Force we were required to carry a knife and it was my go to. The knife looks almost brand new even though I still use regularly. BUT when it comes to size and weight in urban areas it's the Hiker for me. The saw is a must as well as the Phillips screwdriver, no need for scissors or a lens as I carry a Fresnel in my wallet.
I didn't know this tool existed. Never really understood having a wine opener. It does one thing and one thing only. Very limited tool. Same with the hook. Replace or remove those tools and the Explorer really becomes something interesting. Great review.
Thanks Jon. I regularly switch between the compact and explorer. Great models. I bought replacement plus scales for both mine, in a striking black. Adding the pen and pin. Great content. Thanks Pete.
Started carrying an explorer with me that i modified a bit. Got rid of the corkscrew and the bottle and can opener since i allredy have a mini bottle opener on my keychain and i never use the corkscrew or the can opener. That also made it a whole layer thinner. Also sanded the philipshead a bit down to make it able to fit a leatherman bit adapter and swapped the scales for some nice g10 ones
The Explorer has always been my favorite SAK. That is, until I discovered the Outdoorsman (Marlboro model). It's basically an Explorer with the addition of a wood saw, fish scales on top & fine screwdriver on the back. Also, it has the original 8x gray magnifier and longer phillips which I prefer. I added custom wood plus scales as well with a Firefly in the toothpick slot. Overall, it only adds one layer, so it's my best choice for an EDC.
Jon, I saw where you mentioned that you heard the magnifier on the Evo series was not too practical. I thought it might be also until I started carrying the Evo 23 and found it to be a wonderful magnifier. First, I has a long neck design, in a proper metal frame, which is much more practical for a magnifier when looking in a tighter place. Using it all comes down to knowing how to use the optics properly. Your eye placement must be closer if you are using it as a reader assist. But where this device shines is in fine observations. When you look through it like you would a jeweler’s loupe, you can pick up amazing tiny details. Most recently I was able to determine the state of some micro fuses in a series of Christmas light strands, which saved my wife and me considerable work in setting up a tree. I do a lot of work with various optics on a regular basis and found myself surprised at how well this tool works. It simply amounts to using it correctly. As a bonus, it has a great small flat blade screwdriver head at the end of the tool, which is quite handy, as well. Optical tools tend to be very niche and finicky. If you want an optic for a general reader assist with a long eye relief, the optical design is considerably different than something for looking at fine details, which requires a short eye relief. It is worth pointing out that both conventional eyeglasses and head mounted magnifiers are set very close to the eyes (typically measured in a few millimeters) in order for them to work. Similarly, telescope and microscope eyepieces work the same way. It is easy to be put off from an optic due to its small aperture and general appearance. But the fact is, used as it was designed to be used, it is a very well designed, practical tool. Thank you for your overview of the explorer tools. I think you were spot on with your observations of utility.
I found the Explorer's magnifier pretty handy for reading road maps. On many paper maps, road junction locations can be obscured because of the tiny size, as could various road symbols such as churches or historical markers. The Explorer is standard equipment on my touring bicycle, I keep one inside the tool kit so it's always there and not forgotten.
I use the toothpick every single day, more than once. Definitely the main reason I carry a SAK Mini-Champ. There are a number of other reasons but that is the main one. Great video, thanks.
There used to be a Victorinox knife called the "Yeoman", which was basically the toolset of the Explorer but without the opener layer, instead using the combo tool in the knife layer (like in the Compact). I wish they would bring the Yeoman back, it is my favorite Victorinox ever.
Totally agree. I actually want to start customizing some SAKS so I can make a Yeoman out of a Compact and Explorer, but that’s quite an expensive way of doing it, unless I can find some cheap doner knives
@@edthemad Good to know thanks, I just was not to sure if there is a difference between the 84mm and 91mm combo tool. Better still is a Bantam then, a bit cheaper than a waiter in my neck of the woods.
Another option slimmer than the Yeoman is the Scientist which basically foregoes the scissors and ends up about as slim as the compact. I would pair this with a Manager or Rambler on a key chain which adds some extra utility in a light package for urban EDC.
The closest alternatives I can think of are the deluxe tinker (after adding plus scales) and the cybertool m (also known as the cybertool 34). The deluxe tinker gives you a small pair of really useful pliers as well as the backside philips (more useful than the corkscrew in certain situations) and the cybertool m gives you a long screwdriver with multiple 4mm bits as well as the corkscrew for carrying the micro SD.
I wrote to Victorinox about the magnifying glass and its history. Here is their reply: "The magnifying glass function was first introduced in 1973 with a glass lens and 8x magnification. In 2004 it was switched to a plastic lens and 5x magnification. In 2012 it was then switched back to a glass lens with 6x magnification. We unfortunately do not know the reasoning for this design change." The fresnel lens you tried is probably only 3x, although I have found a supply in 4x. This would explain the inability to read the tiny print on the Apple power plug. I wouldn't mind the extra step to position the knife in the pocket with the clip as I've had to learn to do the same thing with my EDC SOG Aegis tanto folder with its built-in clip. However blocking access to the tweezers or other scale tool is unforgivable and a deal breaker imho. So far your "hanging carry" technique is the best I've found for EDC of bulkier knives. ATB! John
Hi John 😃, really interesting feedback. It should be glass on mine then and yet it really feels like plastic - hard to be certain but if it is glass that is a win - as would much prefer glass and 6x. Hanging carry works so well 👍
For my uses... The Victorinox ranger is the best. Still a pocket knife and anything bigger is almost silly to have in your pocket. I've used every tool in mine for all the wrong applications and it still worked haha.
I used to have the Explorer until I lost it. Actually I lost two of them. Great knife. However, I reverted back 4 years ago to my first ever Victorinox….The Climber. Actually, it was the Climber less multipurpose hook….some 40 years ago. But the Climber is around £22, whereas the Explorer around £40. The Climber is a 3 layer….so lighter and less bulkier. I like the Explorer…but I never really used the magnifying glass. I thought it might help me light fires, but I didn’t find it much good at this. One thing I miss from the Explorer is the Phillips screwdriver. Very good indeed. That said the small screwdriver on the can opener can do most of that work too. Please note, this is only my personal preference and respect that it is an individualistic preference.
The Explorer is my daily companion for almost 20 years, as handy in the woods as in the kitchen. The Phillips driver is a must have, the engineer in me won't allow me to stick that can opener into a Philips screw.
Happy Saturday Terry the most useful application I've found for the can opener is not as a can opener but for prying up the scales in order to replace them !
Of the many knives I can’t live without the old Explorer (I had forgotten the name until I saw this video). Mine has the useful pen and the older magnifier (useless to start a fire in my experience) but handy to read the fine print on med bottles, etc. I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t know there was a tiny pin in there!
I EDC the Explorer. Love it. I was in the market to buy a Swiss army knife, and I remembered i had one as a kid. So i bought the same model. The only one I saw with a magnifying glass. I like that it's strong enough to start fire with the sun.
Up until I bought a leatherman Skeletool, the now discontinued Victorinox Chsmpion was my number one knife. The victorinox is way more charming but it’s hard to beat the size and practically of the skeletool, along with it’s built in carrying options (Clip, spring clip, or just pocketing it) great video, love the the lost in space robot cameo, my dad has the same one.
I knew you’d come back to victorinox. I’m my opinion you just can’t beat them , that’s why they sell well . As you said very non threatening. I carry a key ring alox with scissors ✂️ and the sportsman 84 mm in my back pack . Great 👍🏻 video
This is my first and only SAK. I got it nearly 15 years ago, and in that time it's rarely ever left my side. I use it as much around the house as I do out and about. As much as I love it, though, I think it has some flaws (as well as some tools I never use, or wish were better). So, I'd really like to do a rundown, both as a sort of review but also as a way to decide what I should look for in a potential upgrade. 1) _Well Used_ *Scissors* - I reach for these scissors over most of the actual full size scissors I own. Something about the weight of the handle and the thumb operation makes them by far the most controllable and precise pair of scissors I've ever used. Plus, still very sharp :) *Tweezers* - I use these all the time but not really for tweezing. I find them the most useful for holding things that are not good to touch with my hands. For example if I'm lighting anything on fire I reach for these to hold it with. The squared off end makes them a little clunky for the things you'd normally buy tweezers for. Also, I wish they were longer (and there's enough room in the scale for them to have been twice as long). *Screw Driver* - Everyone knows how useful screw drivers are. This one in particular is great because it locks at a 90-degree angle and so you can really get a good torque on things. It's a feature I often find myself missing on my actual full size screwdrivers, so I sometimes switch to using the SAK because of that. That said, It's strange shape makes it frustratingly not fit into holes it absolutely should. Also, I wish it were a little longer and had an interchangeable bit. *Bottle Opener / Pry Bar* - I don't drink, so the bottle opener doesn't get too much use outside of handing it to other people. The pry bar, however, is infinitely useful to have on hand. I never expect to need to pry something until I do, but yet it still happens often. It could be just a touch thinner on the end, but that's an easy fix. *Long Knife* - I use this one mostly as a box cutter to be honest, though it has come in handy plenty of times when I need a general purpose hobby knife. Also still very sharp :) *Tooth Pick* - I picked my teeth once as a kid with one of these and I would not recommend it. The reason why it's a must have is that it's the perfect tool for cleaning the SAK itself. It fits into all the little crevices perfectly, to a point where I'm convinced it was designed with this in mind. I also use it to clean other small objects and get stuff out from under my finger nails. 2) _Occasionally Used_ *Cork Screw* - Again, I don't drink. I do cook, however, which is where the few times I couldn't find my cantilever corkscrew that this has come in handy. I also like that they make tools that screw into it, however I've never owned any. 3) _Never Used_ *Magnifying Glass* - My eyesight is bad, but I still find it better to just get really close to something I need to see. The area on this is so small that you can only really read 2 letters at a time with it. Also, even though I've only unfolded it a handful of times over the years it has still managed to get scratched. *Small Knife* - The long knife is already so small that I have fantastic precision using it already. In fact, any smaller and you start to lose precision because the handle is so much bigger than the blade. I guess if you were using it like an x-acto knife, but pen gripping an SAK is an exercise in pain and frustration. *Can Opener* - What horrible apocalypse scenario would I have to be in to have cans that weren't pop-top, but only have my SAK for a can opener. It also happens to be the worst can opener I've ever tried to use. It can be used to pry things, but I've found it's usually too sharp and I end up cutting into them instead. *Awl* - This is mainly a leatherworking tool, which I have never done nor do I have any desire to do. Even as a general purpose hole puncher it's just not something I'd ever want to use. *Hook* - The hook is a meme.
There are only 2 Swiss Victorinox Army knife's that I will ever need (Huntsman & Explorer) :). That's the end of my Swiss Victorinox Army Knife collection:).
I got one of these when I was about 11 years old. Mine has the old grey magnifying glass. I never knew what model it was and never saw anyone with one. It's a fantastic knife with so many useful tools. The inline philips is far superior to the hopeless t shape ones. The scales on mine are a bit beaten up so I'm thinking of replacing them with some custom brass or copper ones. And I definitely need to give the thing a good clean. After 20+ years of use it's so gunked up it's difficult to fold out the tools. Great vid!
The T-shaped philips screwdriver isn't great for speed, but it _is_ great for torque. Also, if I have to choose between having a T-shaped philips screwdriver or a T-shaped corkscrew, I have to choose the philips screwdriver, because the corkscrew is just an utterly pointless tool. I know it has a bunch of unofficial uses but it isn't particularly good for any of them. I wouldn't mind if Victorinox ditched the backside tools entirely and just left the back of the tool smooth, but since they refuse to give up on that design choice, if I have to fill that notch with a tool then the only reasonable choice is the philips screwdriver.
i have carried an explorer for decades. definitely a prime choice for urban environments. every explorer i ever bought did have the little screwdriver. i would point out that the new magnifying glass, being fully transparent, also doesn't block light the way the old version does.
I truly laughed out loud! But in a good way. Yes, if you need to use a magnifying glass to start a fire, you really are in trouble. Great video. Thank you.
I just wandered onto your channel and have binged a couple reviews. They're informative and entertaining and little touches like Robbie the Robot. are the icing on the cake. ( Yay Robbie!)
I edc the compact as well and have for 3ish years. I rarely ever use the knife but having the large scissors is invaluable to me. If I could have a knifeless explorer I think it would be my all time favorite. (Also, I can’t carry a blade in some buildings I work in so knifeless would be ideal for my situation anyways not just reducing layers and weight.)
Just found your channel and have watched a few videos in quick succession, really nice to see a sensible UK based carry channel 😀 I have a leatherman with me at all times, but the features of this make me think I should reconsider!
I carry a Swiss Champ 33 and a Leatherman Surge with me (full bit kit as well) 24/7. Two custom holsters on my belt, plus a knife, cellphone, small flashlight.
Jon thank you so much. I actually had this particular model for many years snd i lost it in Utah visiting Arches! I couldn't remember the model type/name. Watching your video it brought it all back for me.
I usually carry the Explorer at work, It's a very handy piece of kit. It's probably my most used SAK. Day to day, if I'm not working, it's the Pioneer X (Those scissors are a must) Camping, it's the Huntsman.
I use this SAK as my secondary EDC all the time. It is probably the biggest SAK that I would be willing to lug around on a suspension clip every day. I would love to see an Alox version of it.
I like your reviews, they are very interesting and informative. However, in one area I disagree with you and that is the usefulness of the toothpick. It is the most used tool on any of my Swiss Army Knives. You don't need me saying this but keep the good work, I for one enjoy your style.
Great illustration of the uses, applications, and limitations of the Explorer. Loved how you employed Robbie the Robot! Maybe one day you will give us a “tour” of your interesting wall of gadgets (behind you in the video--please and thank you?!!)
My EDC is the Swisschamp, I keep it attached to my keys. Lightweight, comfortable to carry and sufficiently equipped. Anything else has too poor a toolkit to meet my demands.
The Explorer is my favorite edc knife for work days at the office. The in-line philips driver and the scissors are better than on my favorite over all, which is the S18. The S18 is the last one I'd part with due to it's more "rounded" tool set and, especially, the locking blade. Cannot give that up. So, the Explorer is with my five days/week, while the S18 is with me two days/week. That said, if I could have only one, the S18 would have to be it. Thanks for a great vid.
Thanks for showing that pocket hanging clip. I didn't like to carry my victorinox because it was to much weight in the pocket along with my other stuff. That pocket hanging clip is awesome, I got mine today and It's amazing. I could carry this knife now as part of my edc.
Great review, you are the best in SAK & multitool review. If you like the Compact and the Explorer, I’m sure that, you will love the Yeoman. Sadly it is discontinued, I had to mod one and I really love it.
Really like your explanations of the Victorinox SAKs. You and Felix Immler are my go-to SAK advisors. However, having said that, we do not share the same value for the scissors. I believe if you scrapped the scissors on the Explorer and replaced them with a saw a true “explorer” knife would be created. I have suggested this to Victorinox; they patted me on the head, thanked me for my suggestion, and sent me on my way. No sour grapes though, I carry a Victorinox Camper every day. And, absent a true “explorer” knife I carry the Huntsman when in the field or on trips. Please keep up these excellent tutorials.
Thanks for the kind words which are really appreciated. I agree with you 👍 when it comes to the naming of SAKs - they often seem to miss the target by quite a margin and would be very different if I had a chance to name them.
@@JonGadget Clearly I have no influence at Victorinox despite owning 19 of their knives and Swiss Tools, but if they ever ask I will recommend you for the product naming committee. 😂😂😂
Explorer is my edc last 1month and it's unbelievable god, I always used Banchmade 940 Osborn but I now carry knife and in lether case my swis army multi tool and its unbeliveble good use it ewery day fey times .
Great video. I have this in my EDC bag. I got it for thr magnificent glass. Darn my old eyes. Like never leave the house without one of my SAK. Oh, my Thin Optics arrived last week. I have the Keychain version. Better backup than a Freznel lense or this knife.
If you hold the magnifying glass right up to your phone lens, you have a macro lens. Zoom in on the picture, and you almost have a kind of electron microscope. Seems like you actually did it for the sample picture, Jon, but I thought it would be worth mentioning anyway.
The magnifying lens will be good to find ticks if your outdoors. Little buggers are super tiny until they have had a feed. Might help you from getting Lyme disease. 🤔🙂🙂
There's an alternative brand of Swiss army knives called Swiza that has some models with a Tick Tool that has a magnifier and a tick remover combo tool. I have no idea if it's any good. Just seen it on their web site. :)
Just a couple of factual corrections to the content - a big thank you to those in the comments below who pointed this out 👍
The original 1973 grey 8x magnifying glass was replaced by the plastic 5x version in 2004 (which is what I referred to) however this was updated to glass and 6x mag in 2012 - which is the version in my example (I hope because I just purchased it!).
Also Robbie the robot is actual B9 from Lost in Space (Robbie is from The Forbidden Planet) 😃
lol
Tudo perfeito !
@@RustyMadd thanks for both pieces of information!
@@JonGadget , I've got the Victoronix Champ, it's a lot better than this one that you've reviewed here. There are several tools in the Champ that this one doesn't have that, in my humble opinion, makes it a lot better and versatile without being too bulky.
I've got an Outdoorsman with the old Grey magnifying glass, and I always thought it was very cool
The only problem with Victorinox knives is that you probably won’t stop with only one. I have already 6 of them. 2 of them I own for more than 30 years. I recently replaced the scales with the plus versions (I used black for the explorer to easy identify it), cleaned, sharpened and oiled them. Now they are like new and will serve me well for another 30 years. Those knives will last forever if you take care for them. I love these traditional products which are so perfectly designed.
Great feedback - thank you - yes I agree - I have quite a few too!
got my first one, probably also around 30 years ago, the Camper, I used it exetensively for the boy scouts.
But 6? Just 6? You gotta pump those numbers up, those are rookie numbers
Never a truer word, etc - I’ve 34 just now, and growing !
@@4002corbe I'm at 23. I applaud your numbers. BTW do you own a Safari model? I consider it my most rarest model
OMG I am in trouble! I got my first SAK when I was 16 (an explorer) and 21 years later I own about 8 of them, and a Swiss card... My wife fell in love with my SD classic and I had to get her one in pink too...
I too love both the Compact, and the Explorer. That being said, I have found the Yeoman to be the PERFECT blend of the two for size and tools. Too bad it is retired. The Yeoman I carry is a rebuild. Perhaps we should start a campaign to bring back the Yeoman?!?
At age 17, I received an Explorer as a Christmas present in 1987. That knife stayed in my pocket until Christmas 2022, when my brother (a Victorinox fiend with hundreds of knives) gave me a custom-built Yeoman. I have never been a knife person (that's my brother all the way), but I have always been a camera and tech person. That Explorer was mainly used early on for looking at 35mm negatives, and the scissors for cutting negative strips, and the inline Phillips for fixing my tripod.
Today, the Yeoman stays in my pocket, the Explorer sits on my desk, and a CyberTool Lite and an original SwissTool reside in my work bag. Still not a knife person, though.
That magnifying glass is worth its weight in gold. I was buying some omeprazole, and of course I left my reading glasses home. With my Explorer, I took out me trusty auld Explorer magnifying glass, read that fine print written by Lilliputians, and lo and behold, the magnification was even better than my glasses!
I have become something of a pocket knife collector. While I do like fidgeting with flipper knifes, and pretending I'm a cowboy with my Buck knives, SAKs are genuinely useful and can be justified being in your pocket every day. I use the Explorer and occasionally keep the Lite card in a wallet.
I really enjoy the realism of this channel. As an Irish man, I relate better to the understated practicality of the English knife aficionado as opposed the lunatic Americans who get themselves lost in the wilderness or involved in revolutions to test the sturdiness of their knives 😆
The Explorer is my favourite, I bought my first one back in the mid 1980's, finally lost it in around 2015 and am on my second one, but have also given them to friends and family over the years. I too have used them every day professionally and recreationally and can't understand how people cope without them. Most useful, and only recently discovered the special pin facility which I was very pleased to add. Great tools.
The name of that robot is actually B9 (as in benign). He was built for the 1960's TV show Lost in Space. Robby was another robot built for the classic 1956 Sci Fi movie Forbidden Planet.
I’ve had my Explorer since 1995, so it’s served me for 26 years. It’s been around the world with me on my belt. I did add the small screwdriver that you put on the corkscrew.
great to hear Dean
That’s a great idea to add the small screwdriver 🪛. That’s always useful I have found.
I have had at least 3 Explorer’s and one still new in the box. My daughters have swiped them from me. However, I think the best everyday carry Victorinox is the one that is out of production - the Yeoman - basically a Compact with an inline Phillips and a magnifier. I got mine off of a seller in the Ukraine back in 2019. Or for the more adventurous you can take apart a Compact and an Explorer and get a Yeoman for the pocket and a Climber for the glovebox.
Thank you for all your videos. I am a knife fanatic but I have never owned one of these. I live in Tennessee where there are zero knife laws. I can carry a sword down the street if I want so I have all sorts. That being said, these knives would be very useful to me in my work and around my farm. I have been looking at the different variations and just ordered the huntsman with tinder/striker and pin addition. I can not wait till it arrives in a few days. You helped me with that decision and I wanted to say thank you for all your reviews.
Absolutely! The best urban carry. From the Swiss Champ, to the Pioneer X, I've now settled on the Explorer. It has everything I want & nothing I don't need. Been my edc for about 4 years now, in addition to the Classic SD on my keychain.
great feedback - agree perfect urban EDC - it battles my Compact for pocket space
The more I watch these 91mm 'perfect edc' videos, the more I appreciate the rambler or manager. I've carried a rambler for over 20 years, recently changed to manager, so looking at these 91mm saks, it's like 90% of this is already on my manager!
I love Victorinox reviews and must have watched hundreds of them. I don’t have one favourite indoor or outdoor SAK, it really depends on what my day is looking like. Today I carried a Hiker all day and just switched to the Cadet for the “evening shift”.
I know - these things can be addictive!
I'm scared I'm a touch autistic with the amount of times I have watched this video. At least 10. Does anybody else go back and forth on these knives depending on how their life is going? I switch my EDC Swiss Army Knife every couple of weeks due to what I'm dealing with lately.
You're not alone bro.
Best review yet of the Explorer. Thanks for going into detail on the magnifier 7:28, and explaining the limit of the Qlip 20:29 .
I use the explorer the most. But I also the Handyman, S14, and Swisschamp. I use them depending on the place I go
Getting the Explorer for my father. He loves to tinker with stuff, wears glasses, works in automotive management and is a gun enthusiast. I thought this would be the best option for him for EDC, most of the other combinations were thicker than four layers which is just a bit too chunky.
Loved the review!
Thanks again Katrina. I agree this is a great option for your father. The magnifying glass will be really useful and that in-line philips is great too.
I carried this very model for 33 years in a scabbard on my belt. It is a great model for urban EDC. Blessings
I bought an explorer with black plus scales and the eyeglass screwdriver as a new years gift and it has been the best choice for urban carry needs
Thank you for the video, Jon ! This is my EDC when I’m at work, I’m a Lodge Porter in a University College and the tweezers, magnifying glass, pin and scissors are used pretty much daily as it’s literally these things that students come for when seeking first aid.
The parcel hook and both blades seem to get an almost daily outing in the post room, too.
I’m a spectacle wearer also and the small screw-driver and, again, the magnifying glass are always on hand. I used to just carry the knife in my trouser pocket and I was forever fishing around for it, but I’ve gone and bought the clip on the back of your review. It has been in use now since the beginning of Hilary Term and I can say that it’s turned a good knife into a great knife !
Always in daily use and now my favourite SAK is straight to hand.
I recently purchased the Explorer to use as my travel knife. It has basically everything that I would typically use on a trip abroad. The print on medicine bottles, chargers and sometimes product inserts are often beyond the ability of my aged eyes to read and the magnifying glass is great to have handy I have used an Outrider as my travel knife for years but now the fact that it has a locking blade is problematical in some countries. For EDC I have a Classic SD on my keychain but also carry a Sportsman, Spartan, Climber or Swiss Army 1 in my pocket at all times, mostly to have a larger blade handy.
great feedback 👍 one is never enough 😁
I use it, every days, the Explorer Plus, the black one. I bought it used, i don know how much time it could have. But since 3 years ago i use it every days and I carrie it on my belt all the time... The magnifying glass and the Philips screw drivers are the best and usefull things to me.
Yo la tengo, la uso todos los días, la Explorer Plus, la negra. La compré usada, no se cuánto tiempo habrá tenido. Pero desde hace 3 años la uso todos los días y la llevo en mi cinturón todo el tiempo. La Lupa y el Destornillador Philips son las mejores herramientas para mi. Saludos.
If you put the magnifying glass next to your face, and then reach for the object with your head (instead of using it from a distance) you will find how magic and wonderful this tool is. It is not small at all of you use it this way. Remember to reach with your head until you get to focus.
I will give that a try - thank you for sharing 👍
I've had a Victorinox since the 80s that's identical to this explorer except for two differences. No hook on the back, and the magnifying glass has a gray border like the other knife you showed. It's still going strong!
I used to limit myself to 3-4 layer SAKs. When my eyes started getting a bit older (the rest of me has stayed miraculously young ; ) ) I started carrying the Explorer more. I started enjoying it when out in the garden to examine small insects and spiders. But...I sort of missed my Huntsman's saw.
While I like the Explorer--it is a fun SAK--I'm also fond of the small pliers found in the Deluxe Tinker. I might argue that the Deluxe Tinker makes for better Urban carry, but I tend to use it when fishing.
I tried out a Swiss Champ ( which gives one a whole bag of tools ). To my surprise, the Swiss Champ was remarkably easy to carry, especially from a belt hanger or in a belt sheath. I now think the Swiss Champ is a great tool. When in doubt about what I'll need, it is the Swiss Champ that gets dropped in the pocket. I'll call the Swiss Champ the "best Indecisive Carry Victorinox".
I do agree the Champ is probably more carry-able than you think. I won’t carry it every day, not even often. But if I’m doing stuff around the house then I’m happy enough putting it in my pocket and forgetting it’s there. I have probably used all the tools on it now, but that’s over 25 years and there are tools that it could be years before I use them again.
I really want a Swiss champ. Haven’t been able to justify it though as I already have a wave surge skeletool and pioneer x
@@oliverpolden Fair 'nough. I made a swivel snap on a short strap. The strap goes on my belt, the snap on the Swiss Champ's keyring. Swiss Champ drops into my pocket, but the strap keeps it up off the bottom of the pocket--the weight is on my belt. I hardly know it is there. ( And, bonus, it never falls out of my pocket and gets lost. ) Once I started carrying it this way, I found other SAKs seemed 'wanting'. Like Mr Gadget, I EDC a Compact (Or 74mm Executive) most days. But if adventure is in the offing, the Swiss Champ gets leashed up. 👍
great description 😃
you can never have too many.....
Good review. I have literally worn out 2 explorers after very hard use. It is my edc, and my primary work and backwoods knife. Now, mods. I have converted the small blade into a scalpel. Think a basic shape like a #11 xacto blade. I also really ground the Phillips blade to have sharp edges, an a more rounded shank. I sharpened the reamer, and hollow ground the screwdriver. The best knife I have ever r used.
I use the scissors for finger nail trimming.
I have a super tinker. Originally bought to keep in my backpack, it’s now in my pocket…always. Much to my surprise, I don’t believe a day goes by without me using some feature of this knife. I pull it out to do a huge variety of small tasks that I would never have anticipated.
Magnifier tip: It is a hand lens as a geologist or jeweler uses. Hold the lens up to your eye, then bring the object up until it is in focus. You'll see more. I am a geologist and have been carrying the explorer daily for decades.
The glass lens is highly preferable to me because the plastic lens get scratched up easily.
Great reviews! Newly subscibed
Thanks for the info Dave and also for the sub, much appreciated.
I use the Huntsman also. Have for the last 30 years. In the Air Force we were required to carry a knife and it was my go to. The knife looks almost brand new even though I still use regularly. BUT when it comes to size and weight in urban areas it's the Hiker for me. The saw is a must as well as the Phillips screwdriver, no need for scissors or a lens as I carry a Fresnel in my wallet.
I enjoyed watching this review more than many others.
thank you 🙏
Not more than me. I enjoyed it far more than you.
I didn't know this tool existed. Never really understood having a wine opener. It does one thing and one thing only. Very limited tool. Same with the hook. Replace or remove those tools and the Explorer really becomes something interesting. Great review.
I wish it had a nail file too, even the file on the back of the parcel hook like some others have.
Thanks Jon. I regularly switch between the compact and explorer. Great models. I bought replacement plus scales for both mine, in a striking black. Adding the pen and pin. Great content. Thanks Pete.
Started carrying an explorer with me that i modified a bit. Got rid of the corkscrew and the bottle and can opener since i allredy have a mini bottle opener on my keychain and i never use the corkscrew or the can opener. That also made it a whole layer thinner. Also sanded the philipshead a bit down to make it able to fit a leatherman bit adapter and swapped the scales for some nice g10 ones
The Explorer has always been my favorite SAK. That is, until I discovered the Outdoorsman (Marlboro model). It's basically an Explorer with the addition of a wood saw, fish scales on top & fine screwdriver on the back. Also, it has the original 8x gray magnifier and longer phillips which I prefer. I added custom wood plus scales as well with a Firefly in the toothpick slot. Overall, it only adds one layer, so it's my best choice for an EDC.
Jon, I saw where you mentioned that you heard the magnifier on the Evo series was not too practical. I thought it might be also until I started carrying the Evo 23 and found it to be a wonderful magnifier. First, I has a long neck design, in a proper metal frame, which is much more practical for a magnifier when looking in a tighter place. Using it all comes down to knowing how to use the optics properly. Your eye placement must be closer if you are using it as a reader assist. But where this device shines is in fine observations. When you look through it like you would a jeweler’s loupe, you can pick up amazing tiny details. Most recently I was able to determine the state of some micro fuses in a series of Christmas light strands, which saved my wife and me considerable work in setting up a tree. I do a lot of work with various optics on a regular basis and found myself surprised at how well this tool works. It simply amounts to using it correctly.
As a bonus, it has a great small flat blade screwdriver head at the end of the tool, which is quite handy, as well.
Optical tools tend to be very niche and finicky. If you want an optic for a general reader assist with a long eye relief, the optical design is considerably different than something for looking at fine details, which requires a short eye relief. It is worth pointing out that both conventional eyeglasses and head mounted magnifiers are set very close to the eyes (typically measured in a few millimeters) in order for them to work. Similarly, telescope and microscope eyepieces work the same way. It is easy to be put off from an optic due to its small aperture and general appearance. But the fact is, used as it was designed to be used, it is a very well designed, practical tool.
Thank you for your overview of the explorer tools. I think you were spot on with your observations of utility.
I found the Explorer's magnifier pretty handy for reading road maps. On many paper maps, road junction locations can be obscured because of the tiny size, as could various road symbols such as churches or historical markers. The Explorer is standard equipment on my touring bicycle, I keep one inside the tool kit so it's always there and not forgotten.
I use the toothpick every single day, more than once. Definitely the main reason I carry a SAK Mini-Champ. There are a number of other reasons but that is the main one. Great video, thanks.
Same with the toothpick - except I use it to scratch the inside of my ears. 😀
Practical use for an awl:
I don't punch many holes in belts, but it sure does work good for making a starter hole for screw-in drywall anchors.
yes I agree! In terms of just being in the city, at home, at school, at work, its all you need!
There used to be a Victorinox knife called the "Yeoman", which was basically the toolset of the Explorer but without the opener layer, instead using the combo tool in the knife layer (like in the Compact). I wish they would bring the Yeoman back, it is my favorite Victorinox ever.
Totally agree. I actually want to start customizing some SAKS so I can make a Yeoman out of a Compact and Explorer, but that’s quite an expensive way of doing it, unless I can find some cheap doner knives
@@jorgechaves2164 I think the combo tool from the Waiter should also work - that's considerably cheaper than the Compact.
@@edthemad Good to know thanks, I just was not to sure if there is a difference between the 84mm and 91mm combo tool. Better still is a Bantam then, a bit cheaper than a waiter in my neck of the woods.
Another option slimmer than the Yeoman is the Scientist which basically foregoes the scissors and ends up about as slim as the compact. I would pair this with a Manager or Rambler on a key chain which adds some extra utility in a light package for urban EDC.
Took the words right out of my mouth!
The closest alternatives I can think of are the deluxe tinker (after adding plus scales) and the cybertool m (also known as the cybertool 34). The deluxe tinker gives you a small pair of really useful pliers as well as the backside philips (more useful than the corkscrew in certain situations) and the cybertool m gives you a long screwdriver with multiple 4mm bits as well as the corkscrew for carrying the micro SD.
Thank you for your videos, purchased the explorer ultra love it
I wrote to Victorinox about the magnifying glass and its history. Here is their reply:
"The magnifying glass function was first introduced in 1973 with a glass lens and 8x magnification. In 2004 it was switched to a plastic lens and 5x magnification. In 2012 it was then switched back to a glass lens with 6x magnification. We unfortunately do not know the reasoning for this design change."
The fresnel lens you tried is probably only 3x, although I have found a supply in 4x. This would explain the inability to read the tiny print on the Apple power plug.
I wouldn't mind the extra step to position the knife in the pocket with the clip as I've had to learn to do the same thing with my EDC SOG Aegis tanto folder with its built-in clip. However blocking access to the tweezers or other scale tool is unforgivable and a deal breaker imho. So far your "hanging carry" technique is the best I've found for EDC of bulkier knives.
ATB!
John
Hi John 😃, really interesting feedback. It should be glass on mine then and yet it really feels like plastic - hard to be certain but if it is glass that is a win - as would much prefer glass and 6x. Hanging carry works so well 👍
For my uses... The Victorinox ranger is the best. Still a pocket knife and anything bigger is almost silly to have in your pocket. I've used every tool in mine for all the wrong applications and it still worked haha.
It is a great option thanks for the feedback 👍
I have a few SAKs already and ended up buying the Explorer after watching your very informative video!
I used to have the Explorer until I lost it. Actually I lost two of them. Great knife.
However, I reverted back 4 years ago to my first ever Victorinox….The Climber. Actually, it was the Climber less multipurpose hook….some 40 years ago.
But the Climber is around £22, whereas the Explorer around £40.
The Climber is a 3 layer….so lighter and less bulkier.
I like the Explorer…but I never really used the magnifying glass. I thought it might help me light fires, but I didn’t find it much good at this.
One thing I miss from the Explorer is the Phillips screwdriver. Very good indeed. That said the small screwdriver on the can opener can do most of that work too.
Please note, this is only my personal preference and respect that it is an individualistic preference.
Great feedback - I agree Climber is a great EDC option - everyone has their own preference which is great.
Maybe you should invest in a pocket clip next time.
The Explorer is my daily companion for almost 20 years, as handy in the woods as in the kitchen. The Phillips driver is a must have, the engineer in me won't allow me to stick that can opener into a Philips screw.
love it 👍😂
Happy Saturday Terry the most useful application I've found for the can opener is not as a can opener but for prying up the scales in order to replace them !
Porque não colocar o abridor ?
Of the many knives I can’t live without the old Explorer (I had forgotten the name until I saw this video). Mine has the useful pen and the older magnifier (useless to start a fire in my experience) but handy to read the fine print on med bottles, etc. I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t know there was a tiny pin in there!
I EDC the Explorer. Love it. I was in the market to buy a Swiss army knife, and I remembered i had one as a kid. So i bought the same model. The only one I saw with a magnifying glass. I like that it's strong enough to start fire with the sun.
Up until I bought a leatherman Skeletool, the now discontinued Victorinox Chsmpion was my number one knife. The victorinox is way more charming but it’s hard to beat the size and practically of the skeletool, along with it’s built in carrying options (Clip, spring clip, or just pocketing it) great video, love the the lost in space robot cameo, my dad has the same one.
I knew you’d come back to victorinox. I’m my opinion you just can’t beat them , that’s why they sell well . As you said very non threatening. I carry a key ring alox with scissors ✂️ and the sportsman 84 mm in my back pack . Great 👍🏻 video
I carry a Ranger. Vic sissors are by far the best in the business.
Well done video.
thank you 😊
This is my first and only SAK. I got it nearly 15 years ago, and in that time it's rarely ever left my side. I use it as much around the house as I do out and about. As much as I love it, though, I think it has some flaws (as well as some tools I never use, or wish were better). So, I'd really like to do a rundown, both as a sort of review but also as a way to decide what I should look for in a potential upgrade.
1) _Well Used_
*Scissors* - I reach for these scissors over most of the actual full size scissors I own. Something about the weight of the handle and the thumb operation makes them by far the most controllable and precise pair of scissors I've ever used. Plus, still very sharp :)
*Tweezers* - I use these all the time but not really for tweezing. I find them the most useful for holding things that are not good to touch with my hands. For example if I'm lighting anything on fire I reach for these to hold it with. The squared off end makes them a little clunky for the things you'd normally buy tweezers for. Also, I wish they were longer (and there's enough room in the scale for them to have been twice as long).
*Screw Driver* - Everyone knows how useful screw drivers are. This one in particular is great because it locks at a 90-degree angle and so you can really get a good torque on things. It's a feature I often find myself missing on my actual full size screwdrivers, so I sometimes switch to using the SAK because of that. That said, It's strange shape makes it frustratingly not fit into holes it absolutely should. Also, I wish it were a little longer and had an interchangeable bit.
*Bottle Opener / Pry Bar* - I don't drink, so the bottle opener doesn't get too much use outside of handing it to other people. The pry bar, however, is infinitely useful to have on hand. I never expect to need to pry something until I do, but yet it still happens often. It could be just a touch thinner on the end, but that's an easy fix.
*Long Knife* - I use this one mostly as a box cutter to be honest, though it has come in handy plenty of times when I need a general purpose hobby knife. Also still very sharp :)
*Tooth Pick* - I picked my teeth once as a kid with one of these and I would not recommend it. The reason why it's a must have is that it's the perfect tool for cleaning the SAK itself. It fits into all the little crevices perfectly, to a point where I'm convinced it was designed with this in mind. I also use it to clean other small objects and get stuff out from under my finger nails.
2) _Occasionally Used_
*Cork Screw* - Again, I don't drink. I do cook, however, which is where the few times I couldn't find my cantilever corkscrew that this has come in handy. I also like that they make tools that screw into it, however I've never owned any.
3) _Never Used_
*Magnifying Glass* - My eyesight is bad, but I still find it better to just get really close to something I need to see. The area on this is so small that you can only really read 2 letters at a time with it. Also, even though I've only unfolded it a handful of times over the years it has still managed to get scratched.
*Small Knife* - The long knife is already so small that I have fantastic precision using it already. In fact, any smaller and you start to lose precision because the handle is so much bigger than the blade. I guess if you were using it like an x-acto knife, but pen gripping an SAK is an exercise in pain and frustration.
*Can Opener* - What horrible apocalypse scenario would I have to be in to have cans that weren't pop-top, but only have my SAK for a can opener. It also happens to be the worst can opener I've ever tried to use. It can be used to pry things, but I've found it's usually too sharp and I end up cutting into them instead.
*Awl* - This is mainly a leatherworking tool, which I have never done nor do I have any desire to do. Even as a general purpose hole puncher it's just not something I'd ever want to use.
*Hook* - The hook is a meme.
funny ass comment
Best edc sak that also makes the perfect combo,with the Swisstool Spirit X.
There are only 2 Swiss Victorinox Army knife's that I will ever need (Huntsman & Explorer) :). That's the end of my Swiss Victorinox Army Knife collection:).
Your videos have made me rethink my preference for the Philips screwdriver over the corkscrew. Thanks.
Completely agree! EDC I also use the Compact. Outdoors it is the Huntsman. And urban/travelling etc. it is definitely the Explorer!!
3 out of 3 😁 great to hear 👍
I got one of these when I was about 11 years old. Mine has the old grey magnifying glass.
I never knew what model it was and never saw anyone with one. It's a fantastic knife with so many useful tools. The inline philips is far superior to the hopeless t shape ones.
The scales on mine are a bit beaten up so I'm thinking of replacing them with some custom brass or copper ones. And I definitely need to give the thing a good clean. After 20+ years of use it's so gunked up it's difficult to fold out the tools.
Great vid!
Great to hear - thank you for sharing 👍
The T-shaped philips screwdriver isn't great for speed, but it _is_ great for torque. Also, if I have to choose between having a T-shaped philips screwdriver or a T-shaped corkscrew, I have to choose the philips screwdriver, because the corkscrew is just an utterly pointless tool. I know it has a bunch of unofficial uses but it isn't particularly good for any of them. I wouldn't mind if Victorinox ditched the backside tools entirely and just left the back of the tool smooth, but since they refuse to give up on that design choice, if I have to fill that notch with a tool then the only reasonable choice is the philips screwdriver.
The Explorer is the one I have found most useful, to the extent hat I have three of them. One in the toolkit, one in the car, one in the office.
I got one of these as it was the smallest model with a magnifying glass which is a must when your 59🧐
yes - age drives the need for that Magnifier
Just found your channel and I applaud the presentation on the SAK Explorer. Fantastic information. Thank you. Liked and subscribed.
Thanks John 🙏 welcome to the channel.
i have carried an explorer for decades.
definitely a prime choice for urban environments.
every explorer i ever bought did have the little screwdriver.
i would point out that the new magnifying glass,
being fully transparent, also doesn't block light the way the old version does.
Thanks for sharing. Good point re see-through design - I hadn't considered that 👍
I bought one of these of this review and added the plus scales in white. Really pleased with it and great information from Jon
I truly laughed out loud! But in a good way. Yes, if you need to use a magnifying glass to start a fire, you really are in trouble. Great video. Thank you.
Thanks for the feedback Eric 😁
I bought the Explorer last night on Amazon over the Huntsman after watching your video. I think I’ll get more use out of it.
Thanks for the review
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy 👍
Another superbly produced, honest and well-researched video. Thank you for all your insights. Keep up the great work!
Thank Martin 🙏
I just wandered onto your channel and have binged a couple reviews. They're informative and entertaining and little touches like Robbie the Robot. are the icing on the cake. ( Yay Robbie!)
Thanks Mike, great to get the feedback which helps me with future content.
Thanks for the review, love that explorer as well!
🙏
Heck yeah, the Explorer is in my pocket often, as are several other models though I always enjoy bringing the Explorer out.
good to hear
Compact is my EDC too!
Yup, been using this version as my EDC multi tool for years…
Great to hear 😀
Explorer is my first SAK! Just getting it last week and loved it!
excellent 😁
E aí está gostando do explorer ou após a compra considera grande e pesado ?
@@sidneycavalcant It lives on my desk for now - my EDC is still the Compact
I've got a minichamp and the pen it's very useful for me, plus scales should be the norm in the 91mm range and with led light too.
I edc the compact as well and have for 3ish years. I rarely ever use the knife but having the large scissors is invaluable to me. If I could have a knifeless explorer I think it would be my all time favorite. (Also, I can’t carry a blade in some buildings I work in so knifeless would be ideal for my situation anyways not just reducing layers and weight.)
Great suggestion Andy 👍
Just found your channel and have watched a few videos in quick succession, really nice to see a sensible UK based carry channel 😀
I have a leatherman with me at all times, but the features of this make me think I should reconsider!
Thanks for the feedback and kind comments. I am a big LM fan too - but generally a more considered carry - or fix-it days 😃
I've just discovered your channel. Keep up the good work!
thank you 👍
I carry a Swiss Champ 33 and a Leatherman Surge with me (full bit kit as well) 24/7. Two custom holsters on my belt, plus a knife, cellphone, small flashlight.
Jon thank you so much. I actually had this particular model for many years snd i lost it in Utah visiting Arches! I couldn't remember the model type/name. Watching your video it brought it all back for me.
my explorer, which I've lost, was 102grams, I used it as a quick and dirty calibration weight for the various weighing scales around the factory :)
I have an Explorer that I put the sapphire blue plus scales on. Made it a really nice city carry.
nice idea 👍
I usually carry the Explorer at work, It's a very handy piece of kit.
It's probably my most used SAK.
Day to day, if I'm not working, it's the Pioneer X (Those scissors are a must)
Camping, it's the Huntsman.
Great choices 👍
@@JonGadget I usually have a mini ferro rod and a piece of tinder in the corkscrew of the Huntsman. The FireAnt from Tortoise.
I use this SAK as my secondary EDC all the time. It is probably the biggest SAK that I would be willing to lug around on a suspension clip every day.
I would love to see an Alox version of it.
That would be good 👍 I’d miss the scale tools though.
Just ordered mine. Love your channel. My fav on YT. Keep up the great work, Jon!
I like your reviews, they are very interesting and informative. However, in one area I disagree with you and that is the usefulness of the toothpick. It is the most used tool on any of my Swiss Army Knives. You don't need me saying this but keep the good work, I for one enjoy your style.
good to get your feedback - some people do love the toothpick! Vic have kept it going for many years which must say something...
Your reviews are so helpful for me, big thanks from Ukraine 🇺🇦! Keep it up
you're welcome 👍
Great illustration of the uses, applications, and limitations of the Explorer. Loved how you employed Robbie the Robot! Maybe one day you will give us a “tour” of your interesting wall of gadgets (behind you in the video--please and thank you?!!)
🤔 ok it's in the pipeline!
Sweeet!
But that's not Robbie the Robot. It's B9 or "Robot" from lost in space. Robbie did guest star on an episode once. (I watched the reruns as a kid.)
@@danielschmidtke9213 you are right! Robbie is from Forbidden Planet 👍 thanks for spotting this.
My EDC is the Swisschamp, I keep it attached to my keys. Lightweight, comfortable to carry and sufficiently equipped. Anything else has too poor a toolkit to meet my demands.
The Explorer is my favorite edc knife for work days at the office. The in-line philips driver and the scissors are better than on my favorite over all, which is the S18. The S18 is the last one I'd part with due to it's more "rounded" tool set and, especially, the locking blade. Cannot give that up. So, the Explorer is with my five days/week, while the S18 is with me two days/week. That said, if I could have only one, the S18 would have to be it. Thanks for a great vid.
Great feedback thank you. A lot of people like the S18 - it kind of competes with my Compact - one for a future review I think.
O que seria o S18 ?
Thanks for showing that pocket hanging clip. I didn't like to carry my victorinox because it was to much weight in the pocket along with my other stuff. That pocket hanging clip is awesome, I got mine today and It's amazing. I could carry this knife now as part of my edc.
Great review, you are the best in SAK & multitool review. If you like the Compact and the Explorer, I’m sure that, you will love the Yeoman. Sadly it is discontinued, I had to mod one and I really love it.
Really like your explanations of the Victorinox SAKs. You and Felix Immler are my go-to SAK advisors. However, having said that, we do not share the same value for the scissors. I believe if you scrapped the scissors on the Explorer and replaced them with a saw a true “explorer” knife would be created. I have suggested this to Victorinox; they patted me on the head, thanked me for my suggestion, and sent me on my way.
No sour grapes though, I carry a Victorinox Camper every day. And, absent a true “explorer” knife I carry the Huntsman when in the field or on trips.
Please keep up these excellent tutorials.
Thanks for the kind words which are really appreciated. I agree with you 👍 when it comes to the naming of SAKs - they often seem to miss the target by quite a margin and would be very different if I had a chance to name them.
@@JonGadget Clearly I have no influence at Victorinox despite owning 19 of their knives and Swiss Tools, but if they ever ask I will recommend you for the product naming committee. 😂😂😂
@@ROE1300 🤣🤣🤣
Explorer is my edc last 1month and it's unbelievable god, I always used Banchmade 940 Osborn but I now carry knife and in lether case my swis army multi tool and its unbeliveble good use it ewery day fey times .
Great to hear 👍
My favourite is definitely the compact, always with me ,got it in blue 💙
Mine too for EDC 👍
Porque ?
@@JonGadget Além do tamanho o que seria ?
Great video. I have this in my EDC bag. I got it for thr magnificent glass. Darn my old eyes. Like never leave the house without one of my SAK. Oh, my Thin Optics arrived last week. I have the Keychain version. Better backup than a Freznel lense or this knife.
great feedback - thanks Richard 👍
If you hold the magnifying glass right up to your phone lens, you have a macro lens. Zoom in on the picture, and you almost have a kind of electron microscope. Seems like you actually did it for the sample picture, Jon, but I thought it would be worth mentioning anyway.
great idea 👍
I really like this one with the inline driver and mag glass fantastic edc this one👍
It is a really good one - a popular EDC
The magnifying lens will be good to find ticks if your outdoors.
Little buggers are super tiny until they have had a feed. Might help you from getting Lyme disease.
🤔🙂🙂
There's an alternative brand of Swiss army knives called Swiza that has some models with a Tick Tool that has a magnifier and a tick remover combo tool. I have no idea if it's any good. Just seen it on their web site. :)
great suggestion
That tick tool looks really good - I need to explore this brand more! thanks for sharing 👍
@@JonGadget I heard some former Wenger people went to Swiza to design their knives.
@@Pinki2019 That is interesting - they do look quite good.
Hello, Jon. I just got some of the pocket clips for all my Victorinox swiss army knives and I really appreciate the suggestion 🙂👍
I like and do have the explorer in my survival kits. I carry the ranger Or the outrider EDC