that's what victorinox now calls them, but they were originally supposed to be for the uses mentioned in the video. The "medical spatula" was in a model called the physician and the "cut and picker knife" was in the pharmacy knife
I’m a Leatherman guy, but I purchased a Swisstool Spirit X on Facebook marketplace. Never used. Like new. Always wanted one. It’s a beautiful tool. Elegant, smooth as butter. Each tool deploys separately. Very high quality. But, it’s my weekend tool. Monday to Friday it’s Leatherman.
I have Leathermans and numerous SAKs including the Spirit X. It took me along while to appreciate the Leathermans. They look and feel cheap and nasty but are quite good in other respects, it's just a pity they don't spend more attention to the finishing and getting rid of sharp edges. The mechanism Leatherman uses is a work of art and in particular the constant friction mechanism used to deploy any tool. SAK's use crude springs and even so called one handed deploy knives like the hunter are difficult to operate and in reality it's just a means to open the knife wearing gloves. Both manufacturer's have massive opportunity to up their game. Take the Workchamp for example, it would be fantastic with larger pliers and scissors but uses the same items as the smaller knives. Leatherman would be better if you could service the knives yourself and change blades. I've never sent one away bit have done with SAKs and they come back like new and for no cost.
Let's be hinest thiese are not made to be your main toolbox. Thiese are made to have it when you have nothing else. Thiese were first made for soldiers in a war after all. They are super useful of you don't have a full sized tool on you
For urban EDC I swear by the "Pioneer X + 58 mm keychain SAK of your own choosing" combo. That way you have the robustness and the inline reamer of the alox line and the scale tools + small blade + no 1 Phillips screwdriver (+ the nailfile if you need) on your keychain. All you lose is the corkscrew. For outdoors I'd say the Outrider (= Forester with scissors).
I recently discovered this channel and I think it is kind of cool. Over the years I have reduced my EDC profile looking for tools and other items that cover most of my daily needs in the smallest package. I have other tools that I can carry for specific situations. I found that a blade, scissors, Philip's and flat head screwdrivers cover about 95% of my daily needs. The Leatherman Free T4 is what I carry at the moment.
Another SAK that tends to fly under the radar, but is great for urban living EDC is the PioneerX. Slim profile, good knife, great awl opening packages, and scissors. For a few years I tried so many different multi-tools, and eventually landed on this one as being the one with the tools I would use the most with the smallest profile for my pocket.
My absolute favorite line of swiss army knives. I've been carrying the Farmer X which adds a saw to the Pioneer X. Great scissors, I love the reamer that is only found on these, and they're a bit heavier duty than the regular swiss army knives. Carry a classic or other Keychain on on your keys if you need the scale tools and you're set. I also usually have a Leatherman Rebar as well which adds inline screwdrivers and great pliers with an extra 2 blades just in case.
Excellent list and wonderful recommendations! I've EDC'd a Handyman (Ranger toolset plus pliers) for a hot minute now and I can never go without it. I also regularly carry a Rambler or Minichamp in my watch pocket for a keychain tool.
I totaly agree with you. Handyman ist in my backpack or on my belt with the tasmanian tiger tool pocket s. I carry the rambler in my watch pocket. I added Plus scales, Mini flat screedriver, a Ferrorod, a pen and the needle on the handyman. Perfekt setup. Replacing the handyman with a cybertool m could be an option.
I love my Ranger, the perfect SAK in my opinion. In addition to the normal tools, I wanted and I use, scissors, saw, file and small chisel. Ranger has them all, a super useful tool, unless I specifically need to use pliers, I use my Ranger more than my Wave+.
I'm probably 20 years older than you. That magnifying glass looks pretty handy to me. It's not an ECD item, but I *highly* recommend putting a magnifying glass lamp on your desk. I've given them out as gifts as my friends age with me, and they come in surprisingly helpful. I prefer the swing arm type, but any of them are fine. Thanks for the vids!
Incredibly usefull those lamps. i don't yet need reading glasses, but i got myself such a lamp for my hobby workbench. Because it's somethimes just the light you need to be able to move to a specifiv spot. (And while i am not against headlamps, this is more comfortable ;-) )
So many good options. There really is a Victorinox to meet almost anyone’s needs. For most days, a Cadet is plenty for me. I will swap it with others depending on my mood and what I’ll be doing that day - Bantam, Climber, Huntsman. I have others stashed in vehicles or in a box waiting their turn. Never had a quality problem with any of them, so I always feel confident relying on whichever one I choose.
The fact that the nail clipper one doesn't have a non blade version is a travesty. I would through that in my travel bag in a heart beat as i then wouldn't have to worry about airplanes
i guess if you really wanted to you could buy a second one and grind the blade off. Your OCD will annoy you for having a swiss army knife with a wasted tool slot but hey, what can you do, TSA is TSA.
The straight pin on the compact is surprisingly useful. My favorite larger sak is the locksmith. it’s basically a soldier with an all straight blade and it adds a full length file. I replaced a Leatherman with the locksmith and a set of knipex pliers, and the combined two way less than the Leatherman and the tools are better
@@brandonrobinson1603 yeah it’s actually been one of the most useful tools on the knife. I don’t have very many grioes with Victorinox, but I think every knife they make should come with the plus scale set of tools.
@@fivevs1I agree, it was one of the reasons I've had such a hard time choosing between certain models like the huntsman knowing I'd have to purchase plus scales separately.
My Opa (grandpa) always had one in his pocket a small one that we’d consider key chain size. I found a larger one in his shed after he passed and I kept it. That’s what got me into always have a tool on me.
If you can't come at the ridiculous price of the compact, the Climber/Super Tinker 3 layer option is excellent. I just can't get over the ~$100AU the Compact RRPs for here in Aus. I don't miss the Compact combo tool because I have no idea what it's like, but I'd rather compromise thickness for capability. I only have the Huntsman/ Fieldmaster, Ranger, Explorer and Minichamp from your list. Unfortunately the jetsetter would still be seized by Australian airport security
Have tried so many other things but keep coming back to my swiss champ. Yes its a brick, but it's a nicely rounded brick that fits perfectly in the 5th pocket that exists in almost all my shorts and pants. Multitools dont fit in this pocket very well. I dont even feel it in that spot. Every time I slip my champ in that little pocket I think of all those years that this pocket went completey unused whereas now its a gateway to easy EDC glory.
The difference in price between the Huntsman/Ranger and Compact/Climber should be noted. The Huntsman is so much cheaper that it throws the Ranger out of the water for most people, while the climber gives you more tools for less money and a few mm of bulk.
Love it. I’m never without a couple of tools with me. I have a Swiss card as part of my money clip. I have another Swiss card that I keep in my three piece suit vest pocket(I wear suits every day). I have a Rally on my keychain. My cycling pack and ski pants have 111 mm work champs. My e-mountain bike has a 111 millimetre work champ XL strapped onto it. I carry the Victorinox Swiss tool X on my hip around the yard. I love my Onyx black Ranger 55 as a companion for the X tool. And I have carried Trekker, trail masters and out riders over the years and still love playing with them. So does my grandson lol. I gave my son-in-law a rescue tool when he graduated firefighting school. You simply can’t have too many! My latest obsession is the annual alox Hunter pro and Pioneer X knives in beautiful different colours.
I’ve had several Victorinox over the past 30 years, but had a Swiss Champ in my pocket for over 10 years now and wouldn’t be without it. It’s been used for work, for camping, for DIY, and has a great selection of tools for pretty much any situation. I probably watched too much MacGyver when I was a kid.
Really glad to see someone not ignoring the Deluxe Tinker. It really is a great tool to grab when you're gonna only be carrying 1 tool. Still only 4.3 oz but has pliers. And those pliers are useful for a lot more than people give credit for, even if they aren't huge. And don't count out the classic. I still think a Classic SD is the best bang for buck /slash/ size out there. For basically $20 and 1 ounce you can have a knife, flathead screwdriver, 2d philips screwdriver, scraper, lightweight pryer, scissors that hit like much bigger scissors, tweezers and toothpick (or whatever you replace the toothpick with...ferro rod, sewing kit, etc etc). It's the best way to be 5000% more capable than the average person (who has nothing) for almost no cost or weight/size.
my interest in Swiss Army knives was limited to a period of time 25 years ago where I worked in a kiosk in a mall in Northern Westchester county NY,. We sold Swiss army knives and darts, and had manual engraving machines. It was my first customer facing job. At the time, I adored these little devices, and bought the now discontinued Mini Champ with the push out pen and little red flashlight. I think that's the one you specifically advise against, and I get it. The jet setter looks like it's going on my keys. Knowing TSA will be cool with it is perfect. Along with my little blue mini champ (which there's some kind of lifetime warranty, I wonder if Victorinox could bring it back to its former glory? I have zero idea how to do that.) I also bought a Super Tinker, and that's where my interest in Swiss army knives and pining for something better went away. The pair of them has served me well for the last quarter decade. I think the modern equivalent would be that Alok mini and the Deluxe Tinker. f I just got a Swiss Champ this week, which I want to say was the biggest, baddest one we had at that store, though the cyber tool was brand new at the time. The XXL was maybe available but was just a silly thing in the catalog. There was no serious interest in it.
NailClip 580 and the Compact are mainstays in my EDC. Absolutely love both. The Ranger lives in my “extended EDC” bumbag. The Compact fits (with some effort originally) very well in a Leatherman Small nylon pouch
Explorer was my final choice I decided on for my Urban EDC from the current offerings. When I found out about the Yeoman I was so bummed until I found someone to make one for me. So now my current EDC is a custom Ti scaled Yeoman that rides in the EDC pouch that functions as my wallet.
there's a feature that gets overlooked on videos about SAKs that I regularly make use of. The 2.5mm screwdriver on the back of Handyman,Ranger and Swiss champ models is a good fit for the Leatherman bit adapter. It makes a handy T-bar in a lot of situations especially when adding the ratchet although I wouldn't want to apply mass of torque cos it's not very thick. Great for most jobs though.
I know the handyman doesn't get a lot of love because of it's relative bulk but for me it's my "one and done" carry when I know I will need to do some home repairs (usually when visiting in-laws).Having the 2.5 mm nicely in the middle on the back, combo pliers, parcel hook, chisel, a set of plus scales, and the usual scissors and blades has me covered. I carry that in the classic victorinox leather belt pouch along with a couple of jigsaw blades in a tapemade sheath - 1 wood, 1 metal (taped to avoid wiggle under the hook). Add to that a tiny pouch for Leatherman bit adapter, ratchet and 6 carefully selected hex-bits and I'm done. The bit adapter doesn't wiggle on the 2.5mm screwdriver but it will slip off the front easily. Within no time though holding it in place between middle and ring finger becomes second nature.
only 6 current victorinox models incl cybertool L have that combo of tools but I like the handyman because it fits comfortably in my big-ish hand while still covering all those needs. (I carry a credit card size magnifying glass in my wallet and don't need a fish scaler) I like using the adapter and bits as well as the jig-blades to avoid wear and tear on the tools of the main body of the SAK.
Great list. The Explorer stays in my EDC bag. The magnifying glass is the reason. I bought the Compact from your November announcement and it is on a clip inn my pocket all the time. A Rambler is replacing my Classic on my Keychain. The Jetsetter is with me when I fly.
I've really been loving my 111mm Adventurer with the old lock. Super comfortable to use, beautiful blade shape that is just so versatile. That little bit of extra blade and handle length really helps when preparing food; especially if you've got more to do than just cut up an apple.
Wow, just when I thought I wouldnt learn anything...I didnt realize my leatherman bit adapter fits my 58mm driver! Ive been using that kit with my swiss champ! Nice!
I've had a number of SAK over the years, many have been discontinued. Favorite among them is the Master Craftsman. Of the ones still available, I favor the Fieldmaster thou I have recently discovered the Ranger grip 78 just wish it had scissors
Thank you. Of all the models you reviewed, I’d have to pick the Deluxe Tinkerer as my daily. There is a compelling argument for the Alox Mini Champ as well, but I like pliers for EDC, however small.
Can’t believe you downed the SAK light. The Signature Lite: Rocks writing in the dark!! Keychain-mounted will light a key hole. And is always handy to locate what you just dropped in the dark and only have the last “ting” and your current position to triangulate the most likely final resting spot.
I 100% agree on the Jetsetter. I've had one on my keys for a year now, complimented by a small Spyderco for knife duties. Very useful little guy. Mostly the tiny scissors and the tweezers, but the screwdriver and even the toothpick has come in handy plenty of times. However, I think you're selling the Classic a little short as an alternative. My mom keeps one in her small pen case, and it's a great addition. The knife sharpens a pencil nicely, and can also do other small office-y jobs. So if you're not a knife person, but still see that a small blade can come in handy once in a while, it's a great option.
The rambler is a good alternative, but for many people I suspect the small phillips don't add much value. I sort of have to look for opportunities to use mine. @@maxlvledc
Great video. My Victorinox of choice is the Hiker. It has all the main tools I need without any gimmicks. I have it in my EDC pouch. I also bought my wife the Classic for her keychain as she was a little nervous about carrying a knife day to day.
Great video! Glad you mentioned the nite ize clip! I have had two of them on two different saks, and they hold up well over time. My personal daily driver sak is a camper modded with plus scales and nite ize clip. I added a needle with thread that fits under the saw as well. This video makes me want to upgrade with a file now...
Would it be possible to slap a "plus scales" on the nail clipper or jetsetter to get the retractable ink pen like what the manager and the minichamp have?
The compact and huntsman are my favorites. I use the compact as a daily edc because it compliments my Swisstool very well. I like the huntsman as a small but versatile and relatively inexpensive multitool that I can fit into most knife sheath pouches for outdoor activities. I also like the rangergrip models, but I can only fit those into something like an outdoor backpack, bug out bag etc. I wish there was a variation of the compact that also had a nail clipper. that would be perfect.
Same on compact and huntsman; I have a ton of SAKs but those are the ones I bring along with a skeletool and folding knife (I know that's 3 times more than most people want to carry) Any task in daily life beyond that set generally deserves dedicated tools for the job
Thanks for an interesting video which I really enjoyed. As a Vic-girl, my favourite is still the Huntsman with the Minichamp as a complementary on my key chain.
Boy, they have variety! I recently bought the Huntsman and it is by my bedside supporting my Victorinox watch: I use it for peeling fruit, opening letters, packets, trimming paper/ cards and basically as it is ‘to hand’ it is a great lil tool. Happy with it!
excellent summary. Have them all except I have the cellidor version of minicamp. Personally my favorite edc ones are climber/super tinker/mountineer and the explorer (probably my favorite. For pocket carry I like a spartan, small tinker or a traveler II. Usually these are combined with a alox classic.
I EDC'd an Explorer for several years. Awesome toolset - the straight philips, scissors and magnifier got more use than anything else. Upgraded to a Swisschamp to get pliers and a file and i couldn't be happier. If i lost it, i would buy another one in a heartbeat.
I carry a climber in my viperade 15. Don't feel like I need a saw or a file most of the time. I got another for my oldest child as well as the nailclip for my wife and a classic sd for my daughter for Christmas. Great video!
I have been a Vic daily carry for over 2 decades. That black 1 hand tracker is my new favourite. The 1 handed locking blade is my absolute favourite part.
I would put the Rambler as a contender with the Mini Champ. It's much cheaper and a better bang for the buck. I also really like the Alox Cadet. It's so slim and useful. And I agree. If they hadn't discontinued the Yeoman it might be the perfect SAK.
Completely agree. I carry the Manager (just like rambler) in an outside zipper pouch in my wallet (big skinny wallet I've liked for several years). I wouldn't want anything wider like the mini champ in there.
My main out the door edc is a Super Tinker that was a gift for Father’s Day. Then I scored off of eBay for a steal a Pioneer X. Then I got a hiker for $14 put Micarta scales on it, ground the small blade to a carving wharncliff for wood carving. Then a forester for walking in the woods.
I love my small tinker. I got so many swiss army knives now since they have so many different scales. I don't know which one to carry anymore lol. Great vid for info and ideas for my next purchase haha.
I'd use the Farmer-X, I feel it's a good minimalist SAK for the outdoors, ok you don't get the back tools but it's more durable than other models and it comes with thicker blade stock than other SAKs
The only one of these that I own, is the deluxe tinker, which I received accidentally. I was replacing a lost super tinker and Amazon sent the deluxe instead. That extra plier layer makes the tool uncomfortably wide. The super tinker is my choice for urban carry.
I have a Rambler that is always on my keychain, as well as an Explorer that I typically use for EDC in my usual around town / urban environment. I also have an old Wenger with a saw, which might be more useful in an outdoors situation. I'm thinking about upgrading to plus scales on the Explorer. Do you have a link or recommendation on the best source to get them?
If you carry the Jetsetter you have to get de cadet, this two are much better together, they are the victorinox that I carry always in my EDC. If I go to a party I add a model with a corkscrew (waiter). If I go to the forest I add the Ranger Grip 79. If I go on vacation or somewhere for a few days I add the Work Champ or the Handyman
I need to share that the Victorinox JETSETTER and the small Cabela's $6 dollar multi-tool that has pliers are my favorite (EDC) every day carry tools. ✅ Both can function with the Leatherman removable bit-driver. The knife can be easily removed from the Cabela's multi-tool to make it TSA airplane approved! ✈
Great video! Note the Ranger chisel accepts the Leatherman Rebar bit adapter which gives you access to 1/4" bits. Place it on the chisel and then close the chisel until the bit adapter stops the closing action. Note also the placement of the hook allows for T-shank jigsaws to be added if the current wood saw or metal saw is not enough. See Felix Immler's video. So with 1/4 bits, knife, saw, scissors, file, more saw blades, etc., it's just missing pliers. Enter the Sog Synch 1 in the 5th pocket or a Chums wallet with bits. Presto - pocket EDC with everything you need.
I originally purchased the huntsman, then about 2 days later needed a file, had to use my leatherman whihc is always a bit of an issue when carrying in the UK. Next day the ranger was ordered, have been carrying it for 4 years everyday since on a pocket hanger.
In Victorinox Swiss knives I hate only "V" metal rod between the scissors. It's very breakable. But I love _"huntsman"_ aswell 😍This one is for me 🥰 and was second in my life. First one was _"ranger"_
After a lot of consideration I chose the Huntsman lite which has all the Huntsman features and adds an LED light and inline Philips along with the scale accessories of pen, pin, tweezers and toothpick as well. I like the magnifying glass on the Explorer but the explorer lacks a saw. A small LED light compliments my large 3000 lm flashlight in low power situations without having to fumble with my iPhone LED.
Is ther a swiss army knife that is like the ranger without the multifunction hook/scissors with a set of pliars? It already has a saw and file to replace what I would use the hook for and the scissors are almost redundant the way I would use the long and small knife blade
I had a really nice combo, the Victorinox Rally on my keychain and the Victorinox Compact in my pocket. But I lost the compact unfortunately and miss the scissors, as well as the corkscrew (I do drink wine from time to time). So I am thinking about upgrading from the rally to the rambler for the scissors and I already bought a small keychain corkscrew (unfortunately there is no company that makes a decent one). I'm always carrying a bigger folding knife anyways (mostly either a Otter Mercator or a Opinel N°6), so apart from the scissors and the corkscrew on the compact there's nothing I'd really miss. Maybe the pen, but I wanted to add a small fountain pen to my edc anyways.
Great list. I have most of these and like to swap them out and pair them depending on the activities of the day. I also never use the ones I eat or prep food with for other tasks, these are my Picnicker, Waiter, or Sentinel and usually packed in my lunch cooler with my titanium spork. Nail Clip 580 also agree for best grooming tool and usually in my travel bag. What I end up carrying most though is my Manager and a modified Pioneer X with added magnifier and philips layer.
I wanted to ask about your swiss tool spirit, I love the tool but do your wire cutters suck? I noticed when cutting wire they dont do them as well as my leathermans and, after cutting regular wire, slowly but surely the pivot has been getting loose and it has a pretty bad rattle now. Does yours have that too?
I love the handyman. I think that it’s the ranger plus pliers. It was stolen from me, and I’ve since replaced it with the swisschamp. I think that I will still try to pick up another handyman someday.
I’ve had 4 SAK’s so far. One of them was the large frame variety which I sadly lost. I remember it was insanely sharp out of the box. The others are a super tinker and an alox cadet. They come with me everywhere in addition to a folding knife. I like them because they don’t come off as threatening like my folding knives might and they have useful implements which fill roles my folders can’t.
After debating long and hard about a SAK vs a Leatherman I got the Explorer with the added pin and mini screwdriver. The magnifier is useful to me and I use the scissors more than I ever would use a saw. I use the Explorer everyday for something. I might get a Skeletool to add pliers and wire cutters, plus the combo knife that the Explorer doesn't have.
Swiss Champ. I own three of them with one I’ve had for 30 years that has literally been around the world with me 25 times. The pliers and scissors springs have been replaced a couple times. Lots of tools that do find their way into usefulness daily.
Last August I went to Zürich (touring on the bike 😁). Saw these for sale at the train station and just _had_ to have one. Went with the Ranger, as it seemed to tick the most boxes for its size/weight. So far - so good. The only thing I wish it came with is a pin for SIM card ejection. Maybe I'll mod one in... somehow. Apart from that I've been really happy with it. You make a very good point about carelessness and misuse. I once folded one of the blades without removing my finger first... glad it wasn't as sharp as it is now 😅
I have over 30 SAKs and the starter has to be the Swiss Champ. A bit too big to carry but put in you car or in a drawer at home and you have so many tools at your disposal at an instant. You'll also learn which of it's tools you need/use as opposed to what you don't to select lesser equipped models. You can travel on any airline with it in checked baggage and mine is never without me. The Deluxe Tinker is perhaps the ideal compromise but the Phillips screwdriver is pretty much useless across the world which uses Pozidrive so I rebuilt one of mine with a corkscrew as no equivalent is available. I've lost count of how many cheap corkscrews I've had to buy travelling around Europe and the corkscrew has so many other benefits. The Explorer is great when you travel as magnifying glass is great dealing with the fine and poor food printing on food products even English is included. The modular design of the SAKs means that unfortunately it has that same, limited use Phillips driver. The Alox Mini Champ may seem expensive for it's size but is very definitely a must have, it took me a while to decide to pay the price but have never regretted it. It even includes a cocaine spoon and the tracheotomy knife carried over from a long obsolete offering. It's a work of art just as a bonus. The final large format is a waste or time as all options in this size use some tools like scissors and pliers from the smaller version. If they added full size items, it would be awesome. The Work Champ is the biggest waste of money ever. None of these are really one handed opening like a Leatherman but intended to be openable with gloves. The Waiter is a fantastic item to carry and the unusual mini format is small enough for a key ring. It has a blade for bread, butter and cheese, a bottle opener for beer and a corkscrew for wine so all bases are covered. The Spartan is also a good option, larger and thicker, better equipped and often cheaper. I've built my collection through buying when bargains are available so you need to keep checking and judge accordingly. There are massive bargains out there including through the official Heidi Shop. Spartans are sometimes near giveaway prices as are some of the Swiss Tools so you can buy, wait and sell on or give them as perceived high value gifts. They also work great as bribes in a number of countries where that is customary and have got me out of a few scrapes.
I will also kill for a yeoman. I was thinking very long if i will get the explorer. Then discovered the cybertool S. This answers most of my needs. Got one this August before it was completely phased out. Thinner than explorer but with more tools in the expense of scissors and parcel hook. Thinking if i will convert to a cyber compact but read so many poor reviews on the combi tool. Ironically all the Victorinox i own are all phased out. 1. Mechanic 2. Manager 3. Cybertool S Stopped using SAKs since 2001. As i find leatherman way better. But as i age the weight is getting into me. So got a SOG powerpint. The tools can do in a pinch but never enjoyed using them. Then came the cybertool. Victorinox is so much more elegant. So giving sak one last chance over learherman. I hope cybertool S will prove it right. Good SAKs that you may have missed. 1. Rambler (will favor manager over this anytime) 2. Climber or super tinker
Handyman and the Locksmith if you can find one. Locksmith is the only one to incorporate one hand opening blade, saw and metal saw into same tool. It is the perfect SAK.
This was a great video and gives some good insights in the less commonly discussed SAKs out there. I recently started looking into SAKs after carrying Leathermans for years - mostly a Skeletool, but I upgraded to a Free P2 last year and haven't looked back. The P2 is a great size and reasonable weight, but it motivated me to start looking at SAKs to find something smaller and lighter for when the P2 felt like too much (the Skeletool being lighter, but not really any smaller). I've settled on the Pioneer X and the Mountaineer - the Pioneer X being slim, elegant, and surprisingly capable. The Mountaineer adds scale and back tools and a nice, big file (which I always miss when I don't have on whatever I'm carrying) for a bit more width. The Companion was in the running, but the price premium for the fancy scales and lifestyle accessories didn't seem worth it. For reference, I'm mostly using my tools around the house and in an office and lab environment at work, so I don't need a saw and tend to grab a Leatherman if I'm doing anything too heavy duty.
I find the liner locks on the 111mm knives to be a bit odd. They operate in reverse compared to just about every other liner lock out there (push right to release instead of left), they require a good deal of force to release, and there isn’t much surface area on the lock bar to press, making it a bit uncomfortable. Those are my observations from the Outrider, anyway. I carried a Compact until recently to compliment my OG Supertool (mainly for the scissors and scale tools). I decided recently that I didn’t like my keys + AAA flashlight + pen + Compact in the same pocket (nor did I like what my keys were doing to the scales) so I swapped out the Compact in the left pocket for a Swisscard in the phone (right) pocket. The Swisscard fits nicely with the phone, and I’ve traded a blade that I didn’t need for a magnifying glass, nail file, and 4 small drivers (2 Phillips, 2 flat) while still retaining the scissors, pen, toothpick, tweezers and pin. If you already carry a multitool and a folding knife, the Swisscard makes an excellent companion to those tools.
Personally, i have only 2 Leatherman tools. But on the flip side, i have 38 Victorinox knives. I have yet to get a SAK with a pair of pliers, but its on the list. I carry a Leatherman when i feel i might need it for the day, but i always carry a 91mm Victorinox as my primary knife and multitool. I like my 111mm models(Rucksack, Picnicker, and Adventurer), but they are just a bit too big to carry on my suspension clip, which is my preferred method of carry.
Deluxe Tinker changed my outlook for carrying a SAK it has everything I need for around the house. The pliers actually work very well. I also have the same clip you have on yours, I don’t like that it digs into the handle when I use the flathead. I might try the other clip you suggested. It’s funny because I’ve been collecting knives for many years and used to carry 7k Rexfords in my pocket now I carry a SAK 😅
I'm a sold out swisschamp man myself. But great list man. Can't go wrong with victorinox, simple as that
The minichcamp "medicine measurer" is a cuticle pusher and the "cotton hook" is a orange opener sorta thing.
that's what victorinox now calls them, but they were originally supposed to be for the uses mentioned in the video. The "medical spatula" was in a model called the physician and the "cut and picker knife" was in the pharmacy knife
You should never push or remove your cuticles… They are there for a reason.
@@eoghanmyers2330 "medical spatula" literally = cocaine spoon
@@David_Rafuse "Coke spoon" was my first thought when I saw it too. 😂
@@stevecochran9078 Yeah, me too.
I’m a Leatherman guy, but I purchased a Swisstool Spirit X on Facebook marketplace. Never used. Like new. Always wanted one. It’s a beautiful tool. Elegant, smooth as butter. Each tool deploys separately. Very high quality. But, it’s my weekend tool. Monday to Friday it’s Leatherman.
Same. I finally pulled the trigger when they included the thumb assist for one hand opening the blade and saw
I have Leathermans and numerous SAKs including the Spirit X. It took me along while to appreciate the Leathermans. They look and feel cheap and nasty but are quite good in other respects, it's just a pity they don't spend more attention to the finishing and getting rid of sharp edges. The mechanism Leatherman uses is a work of art and in particular the constant friction mechanism used to deploy any tool. SAK's use crude springs and even so called one handed deploy knives like the hunter are difficult to operate and in reality it's just a means to open the knife wearing gloves.
Both manufacturer's have massive opportunity to up their game. Take the Workchamp for example, it would be fantastic with larger pliers and scissors but uses the same items as the smaller knives. Leatherman would be better if you could service the knives yourself and change blades. I've never sent one away bit have done with SAKs and they come back like new and for no cost.
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Let's be hinest thiese are not made to be your main toolbox. Thiese are made to have it when you have nothing else. Thiese were first made for soldiers in a war after all. They are super useful of you don't have a full sized tool on you
I carry a Rebar with a Victorinox Farmer X to give myself a couple redundant tools in a compact package. Pioneer X to drop the saw and keep scissors.
For urban EDC I swear by the "Pioneer X + 58 mm keychain SAK of your own choosing" combo. That way you have the robustness and the inline reamer of the alox line and the scale tools + small blade + no 1 Phillips screwdriver (+ the nailfile if you need) on your keychain. All you lose is the corkscrew.
For outdoors I'd say the Outrider (= Forester with scissors).
I recently discovered this channel and I think it is kind of cool. Over the years I have reduced my EDC profile looking for tools and other items that cover most of my daily needs in the smallest package. I have other tools that I can carry for specific situations. I found that a blade, scissors, Philip's and flat head screwdrivers cover about 95% of my daily needs. The Leatherman Free T4 is what I carry at the moment.
Another SAK that tends to fly under the radar, but is great for urban living EDC is the PioneerX. Slim profile, good knife, great awl opening packages, and scissors. For a few years I tried so many different multi-tools, and eventually landed on this one as being the one with the tools I would use the most with the smallest profile for my pocket.
My absolute favorite line of swiss army knives. I've been carrying the Farmer X which adds a saw to the Pioneer X. Great scissors, I love the reamer that is only found on these, and they're a bit heavier duty than the regular swiss army knives. Carry a classic or other Keychain on on your keys if you need the scale tools and you're set. I also usually have a Leatherman Rebar as well which adds inline screwdrivers and great pliers with an extra 2 blades just in case.
Excellent list and wonderful recommendations! I've EDC'd a Handyman (Ranger toolset plus pliers) for a hot minute now and I can never go without it. I also regularly carry a Rambler or Minichamp in my watch pocket for a keychain tool.
I totaly agree with you. Handyman ist in my backpack or on my belt with the tasmanian tiger tool pocket s. I carry the rambler in my watch pocket. I added Plus scales, Mini flat screedriver, a Ferrorod, a pen and the needle on the handyman. Perfekt setup.
Replacing the handyman with a cybertool m could be an option.
I love my Ranger, the perfect SAK in my opinion. In addition to the normal tools, I wanted and I use, scissors, saw, file and small chisel. Ranger has them all, a super useful tool, unless I specifically need to use pliers, I use my Ranger more than my Wave+.
I love my Ranger too, but I've been thinking of replacing it with a Handyman (to have the super tweezers/pliers), with a Swiss Champ as my urban EDC
I'm probably 20 years older than you. That magnifying glass looks pretty handy to me. It's not an ECD item, but I *highly* recommend putting a magnifying glass lamp on your desk. I've given them out as gifts as my friends age with me, and they come in surprisingly helpful. I prefer the swing arm type, but any of them are fine. Thanks for the vids!
Incredibly usefull those lamps. i don't yet need reading glasses, but i got myself such a lamp for my hobby workbench.
Because it's somethimes just the light you need to be able to move to a specifiv spot. (And while i am not against headlamps, this is more comfortable ;-) )
So many good options. There really is a Victorinox to meet almost anyone’s needs. For most days, a Cadet is plenty for me. I will swap it with others depending on my mood and what I’ll be doing that day - Bantam, Climber, Huntsman. I have others stashed in vehicles or in a box waiting their turn. Never had a quality problem with any of them, so I always feel confident relying on whichever one I choose.
Thanks!
Thank you!
The Victorinox Companion and its package opener + nail file are awesome options too!
I do have an Explorer I keep mostly home and its an amazing tool..for EDC I use a Classic + Compact..
The fact that the nail clipper one doesn't have a non blade version is a travesty. I would through that in my travel bag in a heart beat as i then wouldn't have to worry about airplanes
omg, that would be AWESOME!
I thought the same thing.
Yes, plus a Mini Champ without blades. Mini Champster🤣.
There is a version (Victorinox 582)with the nailcliper only. With scales including toothpick and tweezers
i guess if you really wanted to you could buy a second one and grind the blade off. Your OCD will annoy you for having a swiss army knife with a wasted tool slot but hey, what can you do, TSA is TSA.
I love the Alox Pioneer X. Any SAK with scissors is a great choice.
Love the awl on that model 👍
The straight pin on the compact is surprisingly useful. My favorite larger sak is the locksmith. it’s basically a soldier with an all straight blade and it adds a full length file.
I replaced a Leatherman with the locksmith and a set of knipex pliers, and the combined two way less than the Leatherman and the tools are better
What do you use your pin for? Like some specific examples? I'm considering buying this model
@@brandonrobinson1603 blisters, splinters, things like that.
@@fivevs1 ohhh that's smart, I definitely could use that
@@brandonrobinson1603 yeah it’s actually been one of the most useful tools on the knife. I don’t have very many grioes with Victorinox, but I think every knife they make should come with the plus scale set of tools.
@@fivevs1I agree, it was one of the reasons I've had such a hard time choosing between certain models like the huntsman knowing I'd have to purchase plus scales separately.
My Opa (grandpa) always had one in his pocket a small one that we’d consider key chain size. I found a larger one in his shed after he passed and I kept it. That’s what got me into always have a tool on me.
If you can't come at the ridiculous price of the compact, the Climber/Super Tinker 3 layer option is excellent. I just can't get over the ~$100AU the Compact RRPs for here in Aus. I don't miss the Compact combo tool because I have no idea what it's like, but I'd rather compromise thickness for capability. I only have the Huntsman/ Fieldmaster, Ranger, Explorer and Minichamp from your list. Unfortunately the jetsetter would still be seized by Australian airport security
Have tried so many other things but keep coming back to my swiss champ. Yes its a brick, but it's a nicely rounded brick that fits perfectly in the 5th pocket that exists in almost all my shorts and pants. Multitools dont fit in this pocket very well. I dont even feel it in that spot. Every time I slip my champ in that little pocket I think of all those years that this pocket went completey unused whereas now its a gateway to easy EDC glory.
"Easy EDC glory," I love it!
The difference in price between the Huntsman/Ranger and Compact/Climber should be noted. The Huntsman is so much cheaper that it throws the Ranger out of the water for most people, while the climber gives you more tools for less money and a few mm of bulk.
Love it.
I’m never without a couple of tools with me. I have a Swiss card as part of my money clip. I have another Swiss card that I keep in my three piece suit vest pocket(I wear suits every day). I have a Rally on my keychain. My cycling pack and ski pants have 111 mm work champs. My e-mountain bike has a 111 millimetre work champ XL strapped onto it. I carry the Victorinox Swiss tool X on my hip around the yard. I love my Onyx black Ranger 55 as a companion for the X tool. And I have carried Trekker, trail masters and out riders over the years and still love playing with them. So does my grandson lol. I gave my son-in-law a rescue tool when he graduated firefighting school. You simply can’t have too many! My latest obsession is the annual alox Hunter pro and Pioneer X knives in beautiful different colours.
The Rambler is my favorite 58mm for everyday use. The minichamp has too much I don’t need.
I’ve had several Victorinox over the past 30 years, but had a Swiss Champ in my pocket for over 10 years now and wouldn’t be without it. It’s been used for work, for camping, for DIY, and has a great selection of tools for pretty much any situation. I probably watched too much MacGyver when I was a kid.
Really glad to see someone not ignoring the Deluxe Tinker. It really is a great tool to grab when you're gonna only be carrying 1 tool. Still only 4.3 oz but has pliers. And those pliers are useful for a lot more than people give credit for, even if they aren't huge.
And don't count out the classic. I still think a Classic SD is the best bang for buck /slash/ size out there. For basically $20 and 1 ounce you can have a knife, flathead screwdriver, 2d philips screwdriver, scraper, lightweight pryer, scissors that hit like much bigger scissors, tweezers and toothpick (or whatever you replace the toothpick with...ferro rod, sewing kit, etc etc). It's the best way to be 5000% more capable than the average person (who has nothing) for almost no cost or weight/size.
my interest in Swiss Army knives was limited to a period of time 25 years ago where I worked in a kiosk in a mall in Northern Westchester county NY,. We sold Swiss army knives and darts, and had manual engraving machines. It was my first customer facing job.
At the time, I adored these little devices, and bought the now discontinued Mini Champ with the push out pen and little red flashlight. I think that's the one you specifically advise against, and I get it. The jet setter looks like it's going on my keys. Knowing TSA will be cool with it is perfect.
Along with my little blue mini champ (which there's some kind of lifetime warranty, I wonder if Victorinox could bring it back to its former glory? I have zero idea how to do that.) I also bought a Super Tinker, and that's where my interest in Swiss army knives and pining for something better went away. The pair of them has served me well for the last quarter decade. I think the modern equivalent would be that Alok mini and the Deluxe Tinker. f
I just got a Swiss Champ this week, which I want to say was the biggest, baddest one we had at that store, though the cyber tool was brand new at the time. The XXL was maybe available but was just a silly thing in the catalog. There was no serious interest in it.
NailClip 580 and the Compact are mainstays in my EDC. Absolutely love both.
The Ranger lives in my “extended EDC” bumbag.
The Compact fits (with some effort originally) very well in a Leatherman Small nylon pouch
I use the Rambler for everyday and it's on my keychain. The Victorinox Walker (which complements my Rambler) for hiking and camping.
Yep, I've had a Rambler on me everyday for the last few years too. I wish they made a 74mm version.
Explorer was my final choice I decided on for my Urban EDC from the current offerings. When I found out about the Yeoman I was so bummed until I found someone to make one for me. So now my current EDC is a custom Ti scaled Yeoman that rides in the EDC pouch that functions as my wallet.
there's a feature that gets overlooked on videos about SAKs that I regularly make use of. The 2.5mm screwdriver on the back of Handyman,Ranger and Swiss champ models is a good fit for the Leatherman bit adapter. It makes a handy T-bar in a lot of situations especially when adding the ratchet although I wouldn't want to apply mass of torque cos it's not very thick. Great for most jobs though.
I need to try this!
I know the handyman doesn't get a lot of love because of it's relative bulk but for me it's my "one and done" carry when I know I will need to do some home repairs (usually when visiting in-laws).Having the 2.5 mm nicely in the middle on the back, combo pliers, parcel hook, chisel, a set of plus scales, and the usual scissors and blades has me covered. I carry that in the classic victorinox leather belt pouch along with a couple of jigsaw blades in a tapemade sheath - 1 wood, 1 metal (taped to avoid wiggle under the hook). Add to that a tiny pouch for Leatherman bit adapter, ratchet and 6 carefully selected hex-bits and I'm done. The bit adapter doesn't wiggle on the 2.5mm screwdriver but it will slip off the front easily. Within no time though holding it in place between middle and ring finger becomes second nature.
only 6 current victorinox models incl cybertool L have that combo of tools but I like the handyman because it fits comfortably in my big-ish hand while still covering all those needs. (I carry a credit card size magnifying glass in my wallet and don't need a fish scaler) I like using the adapter and bits as well as the jig-blades to avoid wear and tear on the tools of the main body of the SAK.
one last thing...love the channel. Thanks for all the great tips and videos.
Great list. The Explorer stays in my EDC bag. The magnifying glass is the reason. I bought the Compact from your November announcement and it is on a clip inn my pocket all the time. A Rambler is replacing my Classic on my Keychain. The Jetsetter is with me when I fly.
Should be cool. This is a category where I definitely know my favorites.
I've really been loving my 111mm Adventurer with the old lock. Super comfortable to use, beautiful blade shape that is just so versatile. That little bit of extra blade and handle length really helps when preparing food; especially if you've got more to do than just cut up an apple.
Good vid thanks ... I bought the Explorer for my two Grandsons based on the magnifying glass ...I just bought the Huntsman for myself as well.
Wow, just when I thought I wouldnt learn anything...I didnt realize my leatherman bit adapter fits my 58mm driver! Ive been using that kit with my swiss champ! Nice!
I've had a number of SAK over the years, many have been discontinued. Favorite among them is the Master Craftsman. Of the ones still available, I favor the Fieldmaster thou I have recently discovered the Ranger grip 78 just wish it had scissors
Thank you. Of all the models you reviewed, I’d have to pick the Deluxe Tinkerer as my daily. There is a compelling argument for the Alox Mini Champ as well, but I like pliers for EDC, however small.
Can’t believe you downed the SAK light. The Signature Lite: Rocks writing in the dark!! Keychain-mounted will light a key hole. And is always handy to locate what you just dropped in the dark and only have the last “ting” and your current position to triangulate the most likely final resting spot.
I 100% agree on the Jetsetter. I've had one on my keys for a year now, complimented by a small Spyderco for knife duties. Very useful little guy. Mostly the tiny scissors and the tweezers, but the screwdriver and even the toothpick has come in handy plenty of times.
However, I think you're selling the Classic a little short as an alternative. My mom keeps one in her small pen case, and it's a great addition. The knife sharpens a pencil nicely, and can also do other small office-y jobs. So if you're not a knife person, but still see that a small blade can come in handy once in a while, it's a great option.
Why ever buy a classic over a rambler though?
The rambler is a good alternative, but for many people I suspect the small phillips don't add much value. I sort of have to look for opportunities to use mine. @@maxlvledc
@@maxlvledc my EDC is the rambler
Great video.
My Victorinox of choice is the Hiker. It has all the main tools I need without any gimmicks. I have it in my EDC pouch.
I also bought my wife the Classic for her keychain as she was a little nervous about carrying a knife day to day.
Great video! Glad you mentioned the nite ize clip! I have had two of them on two different saks, and they hold up well over time. My personal daily driver sak is a camper modded with plus scales and nite ize clip. I added a needle with thread that fits under the saw as well. This video makes me want to upgrade with a file now...
Would it be possible to slap a "plus scales" on the nail clipper or jetsetter to get the retractable ink pen like what the manager and the minichamp have?
Nope, 74mm size
The compact and huntsman are my favorites. I use the compact as a daily edc because it compliments my Swisstool very well. I like the huntsman as a small but versatile and relatively inexpensive multitool that I can fit into most knife sheath pouches for outdoor activities. I also like the rangergrip models, but I can only fit those into something like an outdoor backpack, bug out bag etc. I wish there was a variation of the compact that also had a nail clipper. that would be perfect.
Same on compact and huntsman; I have a ton of SAKs but those are the ones I bring along with a skeletool and folding knife (I know that's 3 times more than most people want to carry)
Any task in daily life beyond that set generally deserves dedicated tools for the job
I only ever use the corkscrew for loosening bad knots in cords and laces.
The Victorinox Ranger is $48 right now on Amazon. Just thought I would share that.
Thanks for an interesting video which I really enjoyed.
As a Vic-girl, my favourite is still the Huntsman with the Minichamp as a complementary on my key chain.
Boy, they have variety! I recently bought the Huntsman and it is by my bedside supporting my Victorinox watch: I use it for peeling fruit, opening letters, packets, trimming paper/ cards and basically as it is ‘to hand’ it is a great lil tool.
Happy with it!
excellent summary. Have them all except I have the cellidor version of minicamp. Personally my favorite edc ones are climber/super tinker/mountineer and the explorer (probably my favorite. For pocket carry I like a spartan, small tinker or a traveler II. Usually these are combined with a alox classic.
I EDC'd an Explorer for several years. Awesome toolset - the straight philips, scissors and magnifier got more use than anything else.
Upgraded to a Swisschamp to get pliers and a file and i couldn't be happier. If i lost it, i would buy another one in a heartbeat.
I carry a climber in my viperade 15. Don't feel like I need a saw or a file most of the time. I got another for my oldest child as well as the nailclip for my wife and a classic sd for my daughter for Christmas. Great video!
I have been a Vic daily carry for over 2 decades. That black 1 hand tracker is my new favourite. The 1 handed locking blade is my absolute favourite part.
I would put the Rambler as a contender with the Mini Champ. It's much cheaper and a better bang for the buck.
I also really like the Alox Cadet. It's so slim and useful.
And I agree. If they hadn't discontinued the Yeoman it might be the perfect SAK.
I agree, though I love my Mini Champ Alox.
Completely agree. I carry the Manager (just like rambler) in an outside zipper pouch in my wallet (big skinny wallet I've liked for several years). I wouldn't want anything wider like the mini champ in there.
My main out the door edc is a Super Tinker that was a gift for Father’s Day. Then I scored off of eBay for a steal a Pioneer X. Then I got a hiker for $14 put Micarta scales on it, ground the small blade to a carving wharncliff for wood carving. Then a forester for walking in the woods.
I love my small tinker. I got so many swiss army knives now since they have so many different scales. I don't know which one to carry anymore lol. Great vid for info and ideas for my next purchase haha.
I'd use the Farmer-X, I feel it's a good minimalist SAK for the outdoors, ok you don't get the back tools but it's more durable than other models and it comes with thicker blade stock than other SAKs
Ive been carrying a swiss champ for a while and ive been loving it. I had an old wenger which was basically a huntman. The extra tools are great.
The only one of these that I own, is the deluxe tinker, which I received accidentally. I was replacing a lost super tinker and Amazon sent the deluxe instead. That extra plier layer makes the tool uncomfortably wide. The super tinker is my choice for urban carry.
Great selection, I do like those swiss bianco scales.
I'm defo an explorer fan, but yep the Yeoman would be a great reissue
Love my Fieldmaster.
I have a Rambler that is always on my keychain, as well as an Explorer that I typically use for EDC in my usual around town / urban environment. I also have an old Wenger with a saw, which might be more useful in an outdoors situation. I'm thinking about upgrading to plus scales on the Explorer. Do you have a link or recommendation on the best source to get them?
clipper is my EDC, should say EDDC= Every Day Dad Carry. Used it many times to my kids and my nails when we are out.
Deluxe Tinker, farmer X Alox, fieldmaster, classic SD and a Spirit X
i have a deluxe tinker with plus scales it should DEFINITELY make the list
it does hehe
If you carry the Jetsetter you have to get de cadet, this two are much better together, they are the victorinox that I carry always in my EDC.
If I go to a party I add a model with a corkscrew (waiter).
If I go to the forest I add the Ranger Grip 79.
If I go on vacation or somewhere for a few days I add the Work Champ or the Handyman
Regarding the Ranger, I would invest in some plus scales so you have the pen to.
Cool top 10.
My favorite is the Outrider.
I need to share that the Victorinox JETSETTER and the small Cabela's $6 dollar multi-tool that has pliers are my favorite (EDC) every day carry tools. ✅ Both can function with the Leatherman removable bit-driver. The knife can be easily removed from the Cabela's multi-tool to make it TSA airplane approved! ✈
Great video! Note the Ranger chisel accepts the Leatherman Rebar bit adapter which gives you access to 1/4" bits. Place it on the chisel and then close the chisel until the bit adapter stops the closing action. Note also the placement of the hook allows for T-shank jigsaws to be added if the current wood saw or metal saw is not enough. See Felix Immler's video. So with 1/4 bits, knife, saw, scissors, file, more saw blades, etc., it's just missing pliers. Enter the Sog Synch 1 in the 5th pocket or a Chums wallet with bits. Presto - pocket EDC with everything you need.
I originally purchased the huntsman, then about 2 days later needed a file, had to use my leatherman whihc is always a bit of an issue when carrying in the UK. Next day the ranger was ordered, have been carrying it for 4 years everyday since on a pocket hanger.
I've been carrying the Explorer for many years. Along with a lock-back knife I'm set.
In Victorinox Swiss knives I hate only "V" metal rod between the scissors. It's very breakable. But I love _"huntsman"_ aswell 😍This one is for me 🥰 and was second in my life. First one was _"ranger"_
After a lot of consideration I chose the Huntsman lite which has all the Huntsman features and adds an LED light and inline Philips along with the scale accessories of pen, pin, tweezers and toothpick as well. I like the magnifying glass on the Explorer but the explorer lacks a saw. A small LED light compliments my large 3000 lm flashlight in low power situations without having to fumble with my iPhone LED.
As I'm getting older, I've been considering the explorer because of the magnifying glass
Is ther a swiss army knife that is like the ranger without the multifunction hook/scissors with a set of pliars? It already has a saw and file to replace what I would use the hook for and the scissors are almost redundant the way I would use the long and small knife blade
I love thé Explorer. My opinion, best Vic in thé line-up. 1st choice for a dad in holiday saison.
I had a really nice combo, the Victorinox Rally on my keychain and the Victorinox Compact in my pocket. But I lost the compact unfortunately and miss the scissors, as well as the corkscrew (I do drink wine from time to time). So I am thinking about upgrading from the rally to the rambler for the scissors and I already bought a small keychain corkscrew (unfortunately there is no company that makes a decent one).
I'm always carrying a bigger folding knife anyways (mostly either a Otter Mercator or a Opinel N°6), so apart from the scissors and the corkscrew on the compact there's nothing I'd really miss.
Maybe the pen, but I wanted to add a small fountain pen to my edc anyways.
My two current useable models are The Craftsman and the Alox Mini Champ.🤘
Great list. I have most of these and like to swap them out and pair them depending on the activities of the day. I also never use the ones I eat or prep food with for other tasks, these are my Picnicker, Waiter, or Sentinel and usually packed in my lunch cooler with my titanium spork. Nail Clip 580 also agree for best grooming tool and usually in my travel bag. What I end up carrying most though is my Manager and a modified Pioneer X with added magnifier and philips layer.
I wanted to ask about your swiss tool spirit, I love the tool but do your wire cutters suck? I noticed when cutting wire they dont do them as well as my leathermans and, after cutting regular wire, slowly but surely the pivot has been getting loose and it has a pretty bad rattle now. Does yours have that too?
wire cutters on the vic are their worst feature imo. Mine doesn't rattle, but I've definitely heard that before.
Great video. My (slim) EDC of choice is my Fieldmaster.
I love the handyman. I think that it’s the ranger plus pliers. It was stolen from me, and I’ve since replaced it with the swisschamp. I think that I will still try to pick up another handyman someday.
I’ve had 4 SAK’s so far. One of them was the large frame variety which I sadly lost. I remember it was insanely sharp out of the box. The others are a super tinker and an alox cadet. They come with me everywhere in addition to a folding knife. I like them because they don’t come off as threatening like my folding knives might and they have useful implements which fill roles my folders can’t.
After debating long and hard about a SAK vs a Leatherman I got the Explorer with the added pin and mini screwdriver. The magnifier is useful to me and I use the scissors more than I ever would use a saw. I use the Explorer everyday for something. I might get a Skeletool to add pliers and wire cutters, plus the combo knife that the Explorer doesn't have.
My #10 would have been the Outrider. While it’s not one handed it is locking with scissors and a saw.
Swiss Champ. I own three of them with one I’ve had for 30 years that has literally been around the world with me 25 times. The pliers and scissors springs have been replaced a couple times. Lots of tools that do find their way into usefulness daily.
Last August I went to Zürich (touring on the bike 😁). Saw these for sale at the train station and just _had_ to have one. Went with the Ranger, as it seemed to tick the most boxes for its size/weight.
So far - so good. The only thing I wish it came with is a pin for SIM card ejection. Maybe I'll mod one in... somehow. Apart from that I've been really happy with it.
You make a very good point about carelessness and misuse. I once folded one of the blades without removing my finger first... glad it wasn't as sharp as it is now 😅
Love the Explorer!!!!
Very good! Bravo 👏
I have over 30 SAKs and the starter has to be the Swiss Champ. A bit too big to carry but put in you car or in a drawer at home and you have so many tools at your disposal at an instant. You'll also learn which of it's tools you need/use as opposed to what you don't to select lesser equipped models. You can travel on any airline with it in checked baggage and mine is never without me.
The Deluxe Tinker is perhaps the ideal compromise but the Phillips screwdriver is pretty much useless across the world which uses Pozidrive so I rebuilt one of mine with a corkscrew as no equivalent is available. I've lost count of how many cheap corkscrews I've had to buy travelling around Europe and the corkscrew has so many other benefits.
The Explorer is great when you travel as magnifying glass is great dealing with the fine and poor food printing on food products even English is included. The modular design of the SAKs means that unfortunately it has that same, limited use Phillips driver.
The Alox Mini Champ may seem expensive for it's size but is very definitely a must have, it took me a while to decide to pay the price but have never regretted it. It even includes a cocaine spoon and the tracheotomy knife carried over from a long obsolete offering. It's a work of art just as a bonus.
The final large format is a waste or time as all options in this size use some tools like scissors and pliers from the smaller version. If they added full size items, it would be awesome. The Work Champ is the biggest waste of money ever. None of these are really one handed opening like a Leatherman but intended to be openable with gloves.
The Waiter is a fantastic item to carry and the unusual mini format is small enough for a key ring. It has a blade for bread, butter and cheese, a bottle opener for beer and a corkscrew for wine so all bases are covered. The Spartan is also a good option, larger and thicker, better equipped and often cheaper.
I've built my collection through buying when bargains are available so you need to keep checking and judge accordingly. There are massive bargains out there including through the official Heidi Shop. Spartans are sometimes near giveaway prices as are some of the Swiss Tools so you can buy, wait and sell on or give them as perceived high value gifts. They also work great as bribes in a number of countries where that is customary and have got me out of a few scrapes.
I'm surprised how useful the pliers are on the Swiss army knives. I was able to adjust nuts on my daughter's bike with one the other day.
I have a Sentinel and a Ranger, the chisel and metal file have been more useful that I thought it would be.
I will also kill for a yeoman.
I was thinking very long if i will get the explorer.
Then discovered the cybertool S. This answers most of my needs. Got one this August before it was completely phased out. Thinner than explorer but with more tools in the expense of scissors and parcel hook.
Thinking if i will convert to a cyber compact but read so many poor reviews on the combi tool.
Ironically all the Victorinox i own are all phased out.
1. Mechanic
2. Manager
3. Cybertool S
Stopped using SAKs since 2001. As i find leatherman way better. But as i age the weight is getting into me. So got a SOG powerpint. The tools can do in a pinch but never enjoyed using them.
Then came the cybertool. Victorinox is so much more elegant. So giving sak one last chance over learherman. I hope cybertool S will prove it right.
Good SAKs that you may have missed.
1. Rambler (will favor manager over this anytime)
2. Climber or super tinker
Handyman and the Locksmith if you can find one. Locksmith is the only one to incorporate one hand opening blade, saw and metal saw into same tool. It is the perfect SAK.
This was a great video and gives some good insights in the less commonly discussed SAKs out there. I recently started looking into SAKs after carrying Leathermans for years - mostly a Skeletool, but I upgraded to a Free P2 last year and haven't looked back. The P2 is a great size and reasonable weight, but it motivated me to start looking at SAKs to find something smaller and lighter for when the P2 felt like too much (the Skeletool being lighter, but not really any smaller). I've settled on the Pioneer X and the Mountaineer - the Pioneer X being slim, elegant, and surprisingly capable. The Mountaineer adds scale and back tools and a nice, big file (which I always miss when I don't have on whatever I'm carrying) for a bit more width. The Companion was in the running, but the price premium for the fancy scales and lifestyle accessories didn't seem worth it. For reference, I'm mostly using my tools around the house and in an office and lab environment at work, so I don't need a saw and tend to grab a Leatherman if I'm doing anything too heavy duty.
I find the liner locks on the 111mm knives to be a bit odd. They operate in reverse compared to just about every other liner lock out there (push right to release instead of left), they require a good deal of force to release, and there isn’t much surface area on the lock bar to press, making it a bit uncomfortable. Those are my observations from the Outrider, anyway.
I carried a Compact until recently to compliment my OG Supertool (mainly for the scissors and scale tools). I decided recently that I didn’t like my keys + AAA flashlight + pen + Compact in the same pocket (nor did I like what my keys were doing to the scales) so I swapped out the Compact in the left pocket for a Swisscard in the phone (right) pocket. The Swisscard fits nicely with the phone, and I’ve traded a blade that I didn’t need for a magnifying glass, nail file, and 4 small drivers (2 Phillips, 2 flat) while still retaining the scissors, pen, toothpick, tweezers and pin. If you already carry a multitool and a folding knife, the Swisscard makes an excellent companion to those tools.
Im 36 seconds onto the video and im looking for another SAK. I so hope you mention something I've nec considered ....
Personally, i have only 2 Leatherman tools. But on the flip side, i have 38 Victorinox knives. I have yet to get a SAK with a pair of pliers, but its on the list. I carry a Leatherman when i feel i might need it for the day, but i always carry a 91mm Victorinox as my primary knife and multitool. I like my 111mm models(Rucksack, Picnicker, and Adventurer), but they are just a bit too big to carry on my suspension clip, which is my preferred method of carry.
Consider a pocket slip for 111mm models, one with a clip. 🙂
I have a Viperade VE15 i have carried them in.
At 16:56 that tool is a cutical pusher for your nails
The implamint that looks like a spatula is actually a cuticle pusher on the mini champ alox. Cheers 😊
I have carried a spartan for around 45 years. I've cleaned I don't know how many fish with it, and it has come in handy more times than I can say.
I have had a Champ since a trip to Switzerland more than 30 years ago. I was the goto tool back in those days.
Deluxe Tinker changed my outlook for carrying a SAK it has everything I need for around the house. The pliers actually work very well. I also have the same clip you have on yours, I don’t like that it digs into the handle when I use the flathead. I might try the other clip you suggested. It’s funny because I’ve been collecting knives for many years and used to carry 7k Rexfords in my pocket now I carry a SAK 😅