A selection of Swiss Army Knives every knife enthusiast should experience

[@jimmyj4811]

I carried a Champ in a leather sheath every day during our extended road trip this year. It got used several times daily and it never got in my way on my belt. I found it to be indispensable.

[@Cameron_OKG]

Up until I found your channel I really wasn't a SAK guy . I now have an explorer in my pack I carry everyday. I add it to my pockets when I'm on the hunt for antique store knives . I use the heck out of the magnifying glass. I also use the Phillips screwdriver a bunch . I also collect the camp knife now . I started with 0 when I first found your channel . I now have at least 50 . Some are good and old and many are so so . Lots of camp kings .

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The Kamp King is an addictive knife. So is the Forest Master (Colonial Version). Its crazy that people collect them as they were really cheap knives for kids but for some reason, I also keep buying them. Glad you're enjoying the hunt for SAKs and Camp knives.

[@johnhannon8372]

Great pics one of my favorite SAK's to carry is the executive...👍

[@RJsKnives]

I like SAK’s. They are really great for EDC in really any environment. The Compact is still one of my favorite carries. I agree it is meant for an urban environment. The 5 in 1 combo blade is genius. My only problem with the SAK is that I want more of them! Great video!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I know what you mean about always wanting another SAK.

[@FreedomFox1]

The compact really is the ideal urban edc. It’s especially nice to have a full size knife and scissors in a package that disappears in the pocket (and frankly, the best light duty scissors you will ever use). Also the combo tool works great as a makeshift nail cleaner (until I get that Cadet X I keep asking Victorinox for). It’s very much in line with the pocket knife ethos, that every tool has many functions.

[@mangojack1]

My favorite knife brand of all time!

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Great coverage. I like the Camper and Pioneer X

[@BR549-2]

Another great video Tobias! Can't go wrong with victorinox swiss army knives.

[@diverdave2179]

The Huntsman is my workhorse. Thanks for the share, Tobias!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

It was mine for years, as well. I understand it to be there flagship model!

[@davidkurle5418]

I think you covered all the bases with this one, buddy. Well done!

[@HobieonYouTube]

Great selection! (And I know you have a lot to choose from!) Like!👍

[@jeroenvoss6231]

Very good suggestions to experience. Now the old Swiss army knife looked amazing, i hadn't seen that before. Sadly i lost my old Victorinox German Army knife and well they don't make those anymore. I do however own a Dutch Army knife from Victorinox which is very simular to the new German one except for not being one handed opening and ofcourse no eagle but the shield with the two lion's holding it. Thank you for the video Tobias.

[@guycalgary7800]

I highly recommend the swiss champ to travellers, i just throw mine in my shaving kit and its been so useful when in other countries.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'd say it is perfect for the emergency bag or glove compartment.

[@carl.44magnum51]

I thought I invented this technique! 100% agree. Perfect traveling tool box for your hotel room! Wine, cheese, packaging, battery replacements, fixing glasses… such a great travel companion!!! Outstanding comment!

[@2371Anita]

The champ is an absolute winner when you like to craft.

[@EDHBlvd]

Great stuff. I agree, the old 108mm “Safari” Vic’s are amazing. The most underrated series they offered. I love mine and have all but the “hunter” version with the gutting blade. I also don’t have the GAK version either, as I love the red nylon scales. Cheers!

[@seanblaha6484]

Champ on a belt sheath has become my standard EDC. Some of us have to give the chunky knives some love.

[@carl.44magnum51]

When I am on trips and don’t have to carry all my damn keys, I carry my Champ in my front left pocket. Not much you can encounter that the Champ can not help you with.

[@Cameron_OKG]

The farmer x is my favorite SAK in alox . The field master is my favorite overall.

[@name5949]

Thank you brother for sharing this lot with us all fantastic options 😺👍

[@timsummers870]

I’ve carried my Swisschamp many many times. It disappears in my jean pocket real quick. I like the Handyman, Ranger, Deluxe Tinker and the Huntsman as well. My favourite one is the Handyman, a thinner Swisschamp. I just never leave the house without a Victorinox knife.

[@randallkelley3599]

Just ordered the Chinese German sak, send it along to you when I get it, and got my first 91mm Swiss Champ in black for my truck in 1984, still in the truck. A candle melted on it one hot day, so had to clean it up about 15 years ago. Never use it much, but always there, ya.

[@swamp.stomper]

I really enjoyed the show 😊

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

glad you liked it. Thanks for dropping by!

[@haveaknifeday6253]

Great show

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

You can never have too many Swiss army knife.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I agree. I'm going to try and start showing off more of my SAKs. I have quite a few different models. They really do make a knife for just about anybody!

[@gizmocarr3093]

The problem with Victorinox Swiss Army knives is some people love them and others don’t. I like them because every one of them I bought works perfect. The only problem I noticed is some of the special addition ones finishes wear off easily if you carry them regularly. Not all of them do this but some do. They are made to sell because finding the one that works best for you makes you buy another one that you don’t have. By the time you figure that mystery out you have a lot of Swiss Army knives. It can make you into a knife collector a not even know it did. One other issue about them is; if you carry them a long time they tend to fill with pocket lint and having so many tools and blade slots they take a lot of care to keep clean. The one I think they make I would like to have next is the Victorinox Rescue Tool. Victorinox made a video on that model that looks like a Cold Steel Torture Test made in Switzerland. The tester looked like the Swiss counterpart to Lynn Thompson. What a hoot that is to see. The reason I, think some people don’t like Swiss Army knives is because all the models they make can drive you crazy making a choice of what one to buy.✨✨🔎

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

It’s funny you should mention pocket lint and dirty SAKs. It would seem one of the main non knife investments that SAK collector buy is an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner! It’s on my list of items. They supposedly work great on old dirty knives.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I blow my out wit an air compressor every few months.

[@field.palmer]

Great video, thank you Tobias. I just wanted to say that I have found the swiss champ to be a decent pocket carry knife over the past 10 or so years. The weight is problematic, but if I have a belt, no big deal. The determining factor is the layers. The 8 (I think 8) layers allows it to stand on end in my pocket and not flop over. The end effect is it stays vertical with the back side tools against my thigh. It carries quite unobtrusively in this fashion. The thinner models that I like, such as the compact and climber, fall on to their sides and lay (lie?) horizontally across my thigh making them much more obnoxious when walking. That said, I still carry the lighter models when wearing thin shorts. And btw, I have found normal, everyday, non-intended uses for each tool in the champ (hook and fish scaler included)

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

If I was still in the military, I'd probably take the Swiss Champ and drop in a small pouch on the ruck or on my vest as a "just in case" tool. I can see why Victorinox says it is their largest practical carry. I can also understand why so many do carry it! They gave it a chance!

[@slick_slicers]

I’ve not many SAKs, but I always carry a Pioneer X (I have 2) and a Jetsetter on my keys. Knives can be difficult, so the Jetsetter makes sense. I can leave my knives in the car, if I’m going to pass through security at Parliament, but I don’t want to fight to get my SD Classic off my key ring. I do like the compact, but I don’t have one… yet!

[@chrisosh9574]

I have a couple of classics and an executive i never use, my go to SAKs are my Outrider, Farmer and Forester. I have a custom Champ my sister gave me that has my name on it and covers with an owl design, it stays in it's box although it has a lot of useful tools it would be better spread over two knives. I would like to get my hands on a Hunter XT.

[@Tracy81258]

If I’m wearing pants, I almost always have my Victorinox ‘Fieldmaster’ in my pocket.

[@latetodagame1892]

I carried the swiss champ. I loved it.

[@bills.2214]

Thanks for the video. I have gone back and forth on many models to carry. Currently I prefer the 111mm size, and the model that I carry is the Outrider. I love the Hercules, but for pocket carry, that tool is it a bit too girthy. The Outrider is probably the thickest I would go for a 111mm, in the pocket. Now for the 91mm, I have run the gamut. I have carried the SwissChamp for quite some time, the Ranger (when I thought the Champ was too big), and even went down to a Huntsman. One nit pick that I have with the 91mm is that the split ring gets in the way of the tools that open on the same side (pretty much all of them). I use the split ring with a small Nite Ize S-Biner to clip the SAK to my pocket, and they always are in the way with many of the tools, so that is why I have opted for the 111mm. I don't need a plier on my multi-tool, and usually if I use plier, I need to apply more force than my thumb can provide for the Victorinox SAK pliers. I do like the look of those old SAK, thanks for showing them.

[@lewisgreenway5065]

I am not a fan of multi blade/tool knives so stayed clear ov Victorinox, however I saw a review of the Solo and as I like single blade knives bought one, was taken by the quality of the knife for the price, since then I have bought a floral knife and the Bantam Silver, pleased with all of them but that will be my very small collection.

[@joshuaw.09]

The tinker is not flashy but always seems to be just right for me.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Fascinating choices. Ever think about doing a leatherman vs SAK comparison, or is that just me being crazy to think they are in similar markets?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

First I'd have to buy a leatherman! LOL. I have several knock-off leatherman like tools but about the only tool I ever use on the then is the pliers. I don't like the feel of the tool in my hand when using the other blades.

[@lanedexter6303]

I’ve been carrying the Huntsman (not sure what I did with my Compact), and I’m debating moving up one layer to the Ranger. The SAK is an experiment to find out how often I really need my Leatherman.

[@simonh6371]

If you paired up a Ranger with a pair of Knipex Cobra mini pliers you'd pretty much have everything you have on a Leatherman, except for wire cutters.

[@lanedexter6303]

@@simonh6371 hey, I might try that! 👍 I moved to the Ranger and like it. Before there was Leatherman I carried the smallest Channellocks. The Knipex would be nice.

[@jock-of-ages73]

The can openers on SAKs work great, i keep a Climber in a wooden bowl on my kitchen worktop and it gets used for cans and lot's of other stuff. Do you have any of the Swiss Cards? I was always tempted, but never got round buying one.

[@grahamparr3933]

The back Phillips screwdriver is not as good as a corkscrew, you can only stab in the eye with the Phillips, but with the corkscrew you can remove the eyeball🤔

[@name5949]

Love it 😂🤣😭👍

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

I like all the thought put into your selections. As a collector I have embarrassingly few SAK, but I'm very satisfied with those I own. Cheers.

[@richardelliott9511]

I have just retired and am planning on changing my edc away from a working tool towards something more appropriate and less intimidating to others. I have tentatively settled on a Victoronox Huntsman. I'll chew on that for a few days before I pull the trigger, thanks.

[@joeclark5238]

Hook tool, as soon as I saw that I thought of the Spring puller tool I have in my tool box. Seldom used, but when you need one you really need one.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Good point. The best thing about the one on the Compact is it has file. Again a tool that most are not suing all the time but when you need one it would be nice to have one. I wish Victorinox would put it on all of the hooks.

[@chriskodani2543]

I love all of my Victorinox knives! To me, the quintessential SAK is the Recruit-it has everything you need and nothing you don't. Having only a blade layer and an opener layer, it possesses the most common tools among the entire Victorinox line. Having no back tools, it is smooth and elegant, and is easy to carry in your pocket. It is the best model for someone who wants to see how useful an SAK can be.

[@pfg_pedals]

That 1944 Soldier is in great condition. I can just barely make out the wk mark on my 1937. Everyone should experience them, at least to see what it feels like to break your nails on them.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

LOL! Ain’t that the truth!

[@andrewnawarycz3026]

Victorinox should make a replica of the 100mm soldiers knife. The closest I've had with a clippoint was a Mauser officer's knife until a so called friend stole it. It was the same as your German army knife but with the clippoint in the centre with Mauser written on the mark side. As you might tell it was my favourite 👍😁

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

They have on occasion. They aren't cheap!

[@Mirrorstar]

I have the Swiss champ. I don't carry it. But it goes on holiday with us in the suitcase. It saved the day when my wife's glasses are fell off. Fortunately I found the screw and was able to fix it using the magnifying glass and the small screwdriver in the corkscrew. The scissors always comes in handy. Never had to use the fish scaler.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@thevineclimber is one of the few people I know that carries a Champ for EDC. It's a bit too much for me but I also have to admit, when you add up all my other pocket knives I do have with me, The Champ would be a lighter option.

[@kevind.8916]

How does the screwdriver end on the 108mm GAK compare to the combo-tool on modern victorinox? Are they pretty similar for a do-all tool? Great video as well!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I have used it many times but I have a fear of twisting the blade if I apply too much torque. I've never used it to open a can. For the longest time, I wasn't even aware that it was a can opener. But it is a great bottle opener!

[@MJFallout]

As a besides: The fact that the Swisschamp is such a routinely misunderstood knife - being one that people buy or get gifted and then never carry because it's so bulky - has the side effect that there's usually very lightly used units on ebay at favourable, 'Don't care, just wanna get rid of it' prices.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Yep. I get this one on eBay for a steal for that exact reason. It's really a great knife for many reasons.

[@terrybest8973]

man them old nives like the boy scouts and cub scout and the electrition knives and old queen camillis on and on all them old knives cant be beat i collect as manny as i can to cool stuff bud wow yes i have bunches of swiss knives to very cool

[@kimchan382]

My top five: 1. Victorinox tomato kitchen knife every day uses 2. Mini Champ for key EDC 3. Swiss Champ for desk 4. Ranger or Huntsman for Rucksack 5. Wave Gen1 for backup

[@francescolombrici188]

I would Say choose One you carry consistently, be It the keychain One, the Spartan or whatever. You Will be Surprised at how many times you use them.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I agree. The way I took the challenge was pick five or so Swiss Army Knives that you could recommend to people new to Victorinox to help them get familiar with the family of Knives and pick one that is right for them. For instance, for me that’s the Explorer for EDC but my go to out door knife is the Outrider. And a Signature lives on my key chain.

[@francescolombrici188]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias i can't count how many times i used my outrider (slide locking, i heard the liner locking have a locking cap lifter, which to me would be a plus as when twisting the knife to pry It with that tool It closed). However i keep It in a pack or waist bag as It Is large, let's Say two of ten times i Need It It Is not on me. Hence i suggested to choose a knife you have on you 10 times out of 10.

[@kathleensmith370]

I love SAKS my favorite is the aloe mini champ

[@randallkelley3599]

I have 11 or the 111 mm knives. Like them a lot, use them. But was thinking about the Ranger series 130mm size with longer blade and saw? Thoughts anyone??? My first Vic SAk is a Hunter I got in arson school in 1976, still use it, has everything I needed for 35 years on the job.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I just have the Wine master. It’s on that frame and I love it. There are two others on my “to get” list.

[@felinebline7154]

Classic on the key chain. Rucksack. Ranger.

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

I wanted the Explorer simply because of the magnifier but I also wanted a file so I bought the Ranger and a cheap magnifier for $10 that I can hook onto the Ranger perfect

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

That'll work! Good idea!

[@jkirschy]

Regarding the "knock-offs" and copies of the W.German Army knives... Victorinox made the original batches, then exported tooling to make them to something like a half dozen or so other companies that supplied knives to the W. German army. I don't remember where I found the complete list anymore, but I remember that one of the suppliers of the later batches was Miltech. Miltech is still making them, though the reviews say the quality isn't as good as the Victorinox ones. (Though I saw reviews that commented that even back in the day the Victorinox ones were the best of any of the suppliers that made these on contract to the Bundeswher.) Given that this was a contract knife for the Bundeswher and that Miltech was one of the (later) contractors, not sure its completely fair to call their knives knock-offs or copies.

[@simonh6371]

As they say in German ''jein'' which means ''yes and no'' (ja and nein). Miltec were one of many suppliers of the old BW Taschenmesser when they were being issued, up until 2004, with others being manufactured by Victorinox, AITOR, Adler and so on. I say ''supplier'' because I am not sure if they actually manufactured them and can't find this info anywhere - even in German - but I am guessing they were made in Germany back then. However nowadays MilTec is registered as Sturm Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. - i.e. a trading company not a manufacturer - and the knives they now sell are 100% made in China and therefore not a patch on the old issue Mil Tec knives. They can be differentiated in that the old issue knives have ''Mil-Tec'' engraved in italics on the tang. So I think it's ok to call the modern ones knock-offs.

[@MonicaHernandez-yn8ct]

How do you experience those if you don't buy them?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Usually by using a friend's knife or at least having the opportunity to handle it in a store.

[@randallkelley3599]

I have owned 3 of the fiber handles, around 30-40's. But everyone was very hard to open with my old finger nails, so got rid of em>>(

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

That can opener is exceedingly hard to open. I have two of them and both are the same. You’re right. All of the blade have very stiff pulls

[@EdAtoZ]

Tobias. Your lit-midnight manger, can you change the battery ?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Yes. Both the battery and pen are easy to change.

[@tomperone9338]

Actually, the old German army knives make a great EDC, if you can find one in good condition - which can be tough.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I have a video or two about the 108 mm German Army Knives. I carried one while I was serving in the US Army in Germany and for many years afterwards. You are correct, a truly great EDC.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I would like a Super Tinker with Alox scales, that would be the ultimate SAK for me.

[@simonh6371]

Have you tried the Pioneer X? Apart from lacking the Phillips backtool (and no alox SAKs have backtools, plus the can opener does the job on most Phillips screws) and not having a smaller blade, it fits that description

[@grahamparr3933]

Why don’t they make a trekker with a straight blade, I hate serrated blades😟

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

A lot of people have said this. I think it’s a good suggestion. I know they make plenty of 111mm with a fine edge so the blade is in the line up.

[@ChrisThompson-nn2pv]

👍👍

[@JustineWiniker]

I hate the #1 Philips! Ones are and were rarely used! I used everything on the Champ. I pocket carried it as a kid!

[@usernameisusername]

Meow

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

you can say that again.

[@Mystninja]

Meow

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks