Best Swiss Army Knives for Everyone - KnifeCenter

[@evv.n1211]

Yo I've recently been obsessed with finding the best swiss army knife, this video could not have been better timed.

[@Jakoshdw]

You'll reach a point when you find the "best" production model... but there is always something just a little off. Eventually you'll turn to the modding community either to have one built to spec... or to learn how to do it yourself. My ideal SAK has been a custom built Yeoman with titanium scales... but even now I've been tempted to have another built with a file instead of a main blade so I have a bladeless SAK.

[@ANukeWithLegs]

Go with the Huntsman, You will have no regrets.

[@twatmunro]

Farmer, obv.

[@damyr]

Compact wins them all, if you're going urban. Even if not, it's a great second blade+scissors.

[@evv.n1211]

@damyr well actually i don't like the scissors on swiss army knives, but I like the hook (I use it to reset pull springs). I made a hook from wire and that makes me not need the hook. Right now the best option in my opinion is the sportsman, however if I could swap the can opener for an electrician blade and the corkscrew for a Philips, it'd be perfect

[@SLiMBiLT]

There is always a Mini Champ in my pocket. The variety of tools packed in to it is incredible.

[@cyrilculton1181]

Must agree with you. It's ALWAYS in my pocket. Thought I lost it once & went nuts😢. Found it a few days later. Whew!😁

[@felixcat9318]

@@SLiMBiLT My friend's two young daughters chose the Victorinix Mini Champ when I gave them a catalogue of SAK. They absolutely loved their Mini Champs, especially the extremely neat retractable pen, which they'd use for spontaneous drawing and writing sessions. As they grew I gave them the Victorinox Huntsman and a Leatherman Kick and a Micra to better fulfil their needs.

[@cyrilculton1181]

The mini champ is my favorite for EDC. Small, light & loaded with tools.

[@AnomadAlaska]

Swiss army knives are great. I cherish my old Wenger. It was a gift from the German side of my family a few decades ago. I still carry it and use it.

[@felixcat9318]

I have daily carried a Victorinox Swiss Champ and its predecessor a Swiss Champion for the last forty nine and a half years! It was joined at some point by an original Leatherman Super Tool, though the Super Tool was relieved of daily carry when I had an injury to my spine and needed to lighten my belt holster load. I consider my Swiss Champ to be my absolute favorite 'Thing', which I would never be without! The design, materials and build quality are truly outstanding, and the use of the tool is limited by imagination only...

[@grantdavis5992]

My parents gave me a Tinker when I went to the Army in 1970. Then in 1985 I replaced it with a Craftsman. Last year I retired the Craftsman and replaced it with a Champion Plus. I really appreciate the Champion Plus because it is slightly less bulky than the Champ and I always have some type of real pliers, a Knipex 125 series, a Leatherman Wave and/or my Vise-Grip Toolbox. If I clear my pockets and belt I lose 5 pounds, but I would rather have the tool I need than wish that I had it.

[@Vevvev8]

The imagination limitation definitely is spot on. Reading so many forums, and seeing so many videos, I found the nail cleaner on the Champ's file works as a mini Philips screwdriver, and the fish descaler works as a cardboard cutter to save the main blade. Also found the pliers great at removing sand burs from my socks and shoes while on the beach where the tweezers were just too small.

[@whatisthis__95]

I recently purchased an Explorer and it's hands down one of the best Victorinox. The screwdriver/loupe layer is so useful... the screwdriver needs no explanation, and the loupe has two amazing uses, and none is what you think (starting a fire). For a fire let's be honest, just use a bic, but it's soo helpful for removing small splinters, and most important, it's so fun to look at small things (insects, rocks, whatever). It'll be great to have that layer on even slimmer knives, like the compact or waiter

[@MrKumbancha]

isnt the scientist that? its discontinued but that seems to be what you are describing

[@JoJo-JoJo-JoJo]

I carry the Handyman. I use it at work a lot. It saves me a trip to the van when needing a tool for small tasks. It has the pliers 😉

[@shirohoe]

Glad to see the explorer getting recognition! It's my favorite

[@brucesmith9144]

Yeah, surprised it doesn’t get more recognition. I am seriously considering this model.

[@conelrad634]

I have loved Swiss Army knives ever since I dad bought me my first one for a camping trip when I was a kid. It was the automotive special model with the antique car inlay. I still have it. Nowadays I carry the cybertool M when I’m working and the compact all other times. No matter what model you get you can’t go wrong with a Victorinox. There is something very classic about carrying one. It was EDC before it was called that.

[@notyourpapa]

+1 for the Rambler for the keychain. That new combo tool is handy. I had the regular SD and the knife Blade same side as keyring was frustrating. I probably use the tweezers as much as anything.

[@VeniVidiVid]

I really miss the Victorinox Manager. That’s my daily keychain knife. Perfect compliment of tools. Also includes a slide out pen, which comes in handy far more than I ever would’ve guessed.

[@rwe1]

I carry a Rambler every day. Compliments my multi tools nicely.

[@FreeLatveria]

I've been rocking a Climber for a while. For me it is near perfect. Thinking about getting the Explorer though, mostly for the in line Phillips head.

[@brucesmith9144]

The inline Phillips head is so sublime. Arguably one of their top tools. Once you have it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.

[@jonlouis2582]

My solution was to buy all of them over 20 years. I use the Rambler the most.

[@zachg9065]

I have the deluxe tinker and upgraded it with plus scales, I've used it for so many things!

[@Nathaniel-w5n]

The Outrider is my favorite. All the standard implements(can opener, toothpick, tweezers) plus a large blade, large wood saw, large scissors, a large version of the bottle opener that locks and can be used as a pry bar if needed. It also has a reamer and corkscrew on the back. But the stand out feature in my opinion is the long in-line phillips. It can fit into small spaces that other phillips on a knife or multitool just can't. Its exceptionally useful for getting into small holes in electronic devices that have screws. I use at least one tool on it every day. I only wish there was a version of 111mm with plus scales(includes a pin, and a pen). Though I did modify the scales to carry both of those items as well as a firefly ferro rod.

[@KopperRook]

Explorer for me. The magnifying glass is a lifesaver for reading print on ICs and other electronic components, scissors are a better option than a knife for half of your cutting needs, and the screwdrivers are probably used more than any other implement. I've used the hook to pull a hot rack out of the open, the awl as a scraper to save the blades, the tweezers to remove splinters and handle a Zippo flint, and the corkscrew to untie knots.

[@johnpaulgonzalesLWB]

Super excited for the new blade-less models. Hopefully they come out soon

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

I carry the Manager on my keyring and the Compact for urban carry. Weekends are for the Pioneer X and for outdoors the Mountaineer.

[@gert_vC]

Been using the huntsman as my EDC for 3 years now. Just upgraded the scales to add the pen and the little pin

[@brucesmith9144]

The pen is so valuable and it lasts for years. Clever idea!

[@MLightstone]

Ever since I started carrying a dedicated pocket knife, I've found the mini champ to be the best EDC SAK. I was even let past airport security with it in my bag (I forgot it was there) though your mileage will vary. Replace the scales to get a toothpick and tweezers and it's the best multi tool for the size.

[@iyn1911]

Great collection. Thanks for sharing

[@mikeeygq]

What a pleasantly surprising video topic. Great work

[@monkpato]

The serrations at the end of the blade is so smart. Don't know why more companies don't do that.

[@alancranford3398]

I used my Swiss Tool along with a Gerber Multi-tool or Leatherman to break steel bands on palletized loads. I usually had one tool with me and could often obtain a second pair of pliers. Clamp the pliers on opposite sides of the band, rotate one and the band would sheer off. It surprised the people I worked with because not only was my "band cutter" lighter and more compact, with minimal practice using two pair of needle nosed pliers proved much faster. It worked on plastic bands as well. I used this trick on metal security seals, too.

[@TheyllNeverGetMe]

For me it’s my Handyman that I have been carrying for about a year now. It replaced my leather man because of its better rust resistance. It is perfect for backpacking where I need a small pliers to remove hooks. The pliers are much stronger than imagined as I have even used them to change my car battery in a parking lot.

[@danlangevin2459]

Love my rambler. Other knives see their place in my rotations as a larger blade option but the rambler is always good to have in a 5th pocket. As a rear round bike rider, I also keep a rambler in my seat bag along with my bike multitool and fix-a-flat stuff.

[@CuddlyStingray0731]

Been carrying the Compact for awhile and I highly recommend it for minimalist carry. People should also look at the Sportsman! It's the Cadet but with scale tools and a corkscrew.

[@RichardJones-m5r]

I carry the Rally, as part. of Keychain EDC, I use it everyday. Wonderfully handy.

[@2thehat]

The huntsman is good but i think the Fieldmaster is better because it swaps the corkscrew for a Phillips driver.

[@Kinstai1122]

Also my favorite

[@Oshianis]

Except now you cant house precision mini tools in the cork. The cork is a must have in my opinion. I do beliieve that a phillips is a must have, but i prefer an inline phillips; which is why i like the Explorer.. the Explorer lacks the saw. Swiss champ has it all. But if i want a saw, cork and an inline phillips then the 111mm arethe way to go- work champ, hercules and outrider.

[@jblewis1975]

I go everywhere with my Cybertool! But I also really like my Super Tinker, which is what I carry when I feel like going a little lighter. I think it should be on the list as one of the EDC options. 😁👍🏻

[@lucianoguitar]

For me the ranger is perfect

[@petterin1]

Thank you, was very informative!

[@terryblack5381]

Thank you for this video. I have just ordered an ALOX Farmer X, which includes a pair of scissors and I think this is a great upgrade from the standard Farmer. I prefer it to the Huntsman as it still has the main features and is lighter to carry.

[@cvkealey]

The Rambler has been my EDC for about a year now, replacing a Compact which was sometimes just felt a little too bulky. I barely know the Rambler's there until I need it. Another category to throw in there is the "social event" knife. If I'm going to a backyard BBQ or holiday gathering, I bring an Alox Bantam instead. It's ridiculously slim and great if I need to open a brewski or whittle a marshmallow stick.

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for this, Mr. Andersen. My secret SAK weapon is a Ranger - it's the same length and has all the tools of the Huntsman, plus the wood/metal file, which I find ot be supremely useful both for EDC and outdoors.

[@Bethany415]

I bought a New Old Stock (discontinued) Explorer Plus. Everything the Explorer has, and the Plus scales from the Compact. Best toolbox in my pocket I could imagine, and it was the same price as the current Explorer.

[@stevecatlin3201]

Camping/Hiking/Bushcraft I kinda like the RangerGrip 78 (I prefer the philips to the corkscrew).

[@insanogeddon]

David C. Andersen content has never been disappointing but this, low key, is. He failed to mention the "Outrider", many moons ago he suggested it, and he was right. For distance hikes, ultralight hunts, or any one and done outdoors task it replaced all my pliers and fixed blade focus. Every tool on it does what it should without dramas from an easy maintenance blade you can get sharp enough in seconds out and about with a weightless pocket v sharpener, faster/longer saw, can opener/scraper/pot hook, scissors, and the 2 drivers needed for weapon maintenance. To not back his previous sublime play .. I tut-tut-tut in his general direction ; j

[@Nathaniel-w5n]

100% I'm glad he at least mentioned it in another video.

[@texmex4379]

My favorite brand of knives. I carry 3 EDC victorinox knives. The classic on my keychain, the explorer and my latest addition, the sentinel with pocket clip. So light you don't even know its there., very sharp right out of the box and very affordable, under 50 bucks.

[@jiri1456]

My EDC choice has been Explorer, the magnifying glass is excellent.

[@therealJSantii]

It‘s the mountaineer for me

[@dr.oetqer]

Personally I prefer the Alox models for EDC. A Classic alox on my keyrings, and a Cadet in my pants. For that's the winning combo, complementary to a primary folder (PM2, Para 3, CRK Umnumzaan). Furthermore, in most of my bags, packs and kits, I've a Tinker, Compact or something like the Hunter. I also like the small, stand alone, nail clippers. They are so small they will fit everywhere, on a keyring, loose in a bag, or as part of a small EDC kit.

[@Mark--Todd]

EDC for me has to be the Farmer X. Absolutely love it

[@HRK79238]

The Classic SD is my true EDC knife. Lives in my 5th pocket all the time, my main blade changes from time to time, but the Classic SD never. Great addition to the full sized pocket knife, especially the tooth pick and tweezers.

[@Ericstraordinary]

My favorites are the Pioneer X and the Explorer.

[@MrDudestein]

As someone who gets a lot of hangnails, the nail clip version has been incredibly useful.

[@thehellezell]

oooh I’ve been carrying a super tinker for years but might have to trade it for an explorer… the mag glass, corkscrew/glasses driver are all great to have. can the magnifying glass start fires with sunlight?

[@ek-nz]

I have five of these. Also enjoy the pioneer x and the bantam as well as the original tinker. My newest is the forester which I got for… bushcraft.

[@edwardenglish6919]

#1 Swisstool Spirit, #2 SwissChamp, #3 Rangergrip 57 Hunter, #4 Hunter

[@muskyman1018]

I had a BSA model that had those tiny pliers, way more useful than I ever expected.

[@adambacchus839]

Great list, but I would differ in a couple of places. For travellers, I'd go with the Swiss card nailcare - no blade (or flashlight), lots of useful tools, and a big nail file. For a survival kit, maybe something one-handed, like the Ranger Grip 78 - more tools and bigger than the Farmer, locking blade, and easier to use with an injured or encumbered arm.

[@stevencrabtree1409]

I am a big fan of the Spartan with an eyeglass driver. Two layer, so nice and light, 91mm, so a good comfortable length, and has the tools I use a lot. At a pinch it can fit in my fifth pocket, and a red cellidor knife is the least threatening knife to use in public.

[@ReguLarry_Joe]

They always forget about the Ranger. ( Not the Ranger Grip or the Ranger 55, just the plane old Ranger) It's around the same price as the Huntsman, yet it has the same and even more tools! It is as far as I know, the only model that combines the saw with a dedicatet file. Granted it comes with an a additional layer, so added thickness. Yet it is still very manageable. Plus the extera layer gives you actually a better grip for outdoor task like camping, bushcraft or some of the other outdoor categories d.c.a. created for this video! The Ranger in my opinion the most underestimated swiss army knife. I really don't know why nobody ever mentions this model.... It's probably so good the wanna keep it for themself

[@robertradford110]

They need to offer a knife you can build out with the tools you want. I’ve carried an Explorer in addition to my other EDC knife for over 40 years. I have turned more screws with the Philips bit than any other screw driver I own. Wish they would update the blade to a better steel.

[@VeniVidiVid]

It would be cool if Knife Center carried Victorinox “plus scales“ for their 91 mm knives. As well as the tweezers and toothpick, those scales have an extra slot for the pen. I’m surprised at how often I use it.

[@timburton9514]

Everyone needs a classic SD on their keychain

[@0017Bulldog]

You're right on the money David C. Great vid.

[@carlosanderson4479]

I had a black Huntsman and bought my sister a red Tinker.

[@therealronswanson]

the forester with the wood scales is arguably the sexiest swiss army knife out there, i bought one for my sister who works in the outdoor tourism industry. but as a bushcraft knife i think the rangergrip series (i own the RG79) is far superior. i would also rank the outrider higher than the forester. i think the pioneer X must be on a top list especially when talking EDC. to me its better than the compact, the only downside of it is the key chain ring attachment that digs into your hand but that can easy be ground down.

[@ergezinger]

I've got a few of those, and that Rambler is fantastic! If i didn't edc my ARC because pliers, i would pair the Rambler with a separate folder or edc fixed blade and be good to go.

[@dongustafson2304]

My favorite, purchased from KC, has a blade, nail file, toothpick, tweezers, and cigar cutter. If it had scissors or nail clippers it would be perfect. Regardless, it's on my keychain and always with me along with a Spyderco folder or small fixed blade.

[@117rebel]

I carry the Victorinox Hercules. I love that thing!

[@kostoulis7]

The bantam is a great and elegant knife, that allows me to trink beers (or pry stuff). All my basic needs fulfilled whilst looking good and compact :)

[@mrtech2259]

You got them right. Only one I'd mention the babtam alox for gentlemen and waiter for minimalist.

[@terryhodgson2357]

I think I'd go with the Fieldmaster over the Huntsman for a camping knife. Replaces the corkscrew with the screwdriver. Great subject for a video. Thanks.

[@dutchvanderbilt9969]

I'm actually looking to get myself a victorinox farmer myself.

[@amm3300]

Just ordered the climber for my grandson

[@oddsavage]

Best SAKs, in order, 1) Classic SD 2) Super Tinker 3) Feildmaster. 4) Rangergrip. The RG is best for camping and outdoors work.

[@LarryGarfieldCrell]

Better than the rambler is the now discontinued manager. It adds a pen that frankly works better than the the one on the compact. I carry it daily. There is also the midnight manager that adds a flashlight, but I don't know if it's any good as a flashlight. I also have an Explorer with plus scales, but as I live right next to Chicago I'm not allowed to carry it as the blade is over 2.5". Silly Chicago. I do agree it's a great tool, though.

[@Ron-Ton_78]

I use that wood saw for home repair and maintenance. It fits where some saws won’t and while not as long works just as good if not better then some full size crosscut saws I’ve had.

[@Adam.297]

I absolutely love my rambler, just wish there was an "XL" version. Pioneer X seems to be the closest, but the one extra tool is keeping me from picking one up for now.

[@karlyt0s-tt]

I have the explorer, cadet, rambler and classic. But for my edc i carry the rambler and the sportsman

[@Jasny311]

Długo nosiłem Climber jako edc, a do niego Rambler. Ale od pół roku noszę tylko Swiss Champ i on zastępuje mi wszystko co potrzebuję. Jedni potrzebują lekkiego scyzoryka z podstawowymi funkcjami, a inni chcą być przygotowani na wszystko. Ja jestem przygotowany. Polecam każdy scyzoryk Victorinox.

[@Obsidian-One]

I have one of those credit card things for your wallet, not only does it make the wallet bigger and not fold so easy... but the card was completely shattered in a month lol. It's still 1 peace but very flexible now lol

[@MichaelStone-h3u]

My Fieldmaster is so useful, ridiculously so, one of my preferred EDC.

[@DanAddison]

For me the Cadet never leaves my pocket around the house (gets used for something or other daily), and I carry the Rambler for urban EDC out and about.

[@baronvaldez8127]

Thank you, David !

[@luispinsf7538]

We really need a Cadet X.

[@ZSB_vids]

It’s literally nuts how much SAKs have gone up in price. I remember not that long ago, maybe 4-5 years ago, you could go to Walmart and pick up a red classic SD for $10… They also had tinkers there for $25. Just blows my mind

[@chrisjosekuehl]

The sd is like $15 isn’t it? Not that much more.

[@ZSB_vids]

@@chrisjosekuehl $25 now

[@devatwell334]

Yeah now a tinker is 49.99 in store and classic sd is 29.99

[@PietSHansen]

I've watched the other victorinox video you made like 5 yeats ago around 30 times and i think im gonna watch this a few times as well

[@BBQRando]

Excellent review 👏

[@marktheboss6441]

I nail clip Swiss army is a great little package the clippers work really well on finger nails I've not tried my toe nails and the file is quite good, I never use the pen blade cause I always have a bigger folder. Great tool and doesn't take up much room.

[@johnkeck1025]

Lol I just put my huntsman 's saw through my hand too! Right in the meat between my thumb and index finger.😂 it went in a full inch and a half ! I was sawing a limb that fell in my yard and my wife started talking to me and I looked up and schshhh!

[@c.garison3770]

The Victorinox Champion and later Champion Plus are the only knives that are my choice for a Swiss Army Knife. I have carried this size Knife since the late 80s and I have an extra, new in box Champion Plus waiting to be put in use when I finally wear out the Champion Plus that is in my EDC. It is very sad that Victorinox discontinued this near perfect pocket tool.

[@Barbee2617]

Carry my Rambler everyday! Use it quite often. Never used the blade though. Saw Victorinox is looking to making them bladeless. I’d be ok with it.

[@abdulkhaliedkariem8538]

Love my SAK. compact is hand assembled therefore costs more... i gave my evogrip s14 to a friend that does hiking... because of the locking blade

[@SirThoreth]

And for those of us who are old farts in IT work, the 4mm bit driver on the Cyber Tool works perfectly for the posts on DB9/DB25 ports on desktop PCs and servers. I mean, that's not useful these days, but it still was handy 20 years ago when I first got mine, and could still be handy if you're into retrocomputing.

[@rickanthony5147]

Hi Dave, can you recommend a sheath for my cold steel SR1 tanto blade. Sometimes, at work I have to take out the knife so frequently and I constantly have to flip it open. I love the knife, but I would like sheath so I can keep it consistently open when needed. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@saucerr3691]

There is one component of the Compact that was forgotten, there's a little needle that sits in the handle right next to the corkscrew. I actually only discovered it on accident, never used it for anything, but still, it is there.

[@stevecochran9078]

I bought a Soldier and Huntsman using the same criteria.

[@iansclone]

Squarely in camp compact. Go baby, go! Edit: sorry for the nitpick, but you forgot the compact's pin "behind" the corkscrew. Also, the wire stripper. Cheers!

[@fg63-6]

Really huge fan of the Compact here (actually you guys recommended it to me in a KniFAQ!) and I genuinely think it cannot be beat for urban EDC. Everything I need, nothing I don't. Hasn't left my pocket in almost two years!

[@chrisjosekuehl]

I’m wish you would have done Swiss army style knives. The mkm models have replaced a few of my sak’s

[@brandonlowe3299]

Victorinox already has a cuticle pusher on another model if they threw it on the nailclip in place of the blade it would be an almost perfect grooming kit you can keep on your keyring

[@bwrscott1]

Hey you forgot the straight pen in the compact. Great for removing splinters.

[@grantdavis5992]

I wish they would resume production of the Champion Plus because the Champ is too bulky and pliers are needed to work with the SAK. I always have pliers, a Vise-Grip Toolbox, a Leatherman Wave, and/or a Knipex 125 Cobra or flat jaw.

[@chrisgear]

In my opinion the Outrider is the best Vic. for outdoor.

[@sanjinpetrovic]

I have Cadet (Winter Magic :)) as my EDC and Forester for travelling/hiking, and more than happy with both. But how about Venture and Evoke/Hunter Pro?

[@diverson63]

The one thing EVERYONE who talk about all the capabilities of Swiss Army knives always forget to talk about is... on alot of Victoranox knives, such as that Huntsman, where the corkscrew is there is a hole in the scale for a stick pin to be held. Stick pins come in handy. Another tool that has multiple uses is the corkscrew, if you use Paracord and need to pull it tight. Take a tail of the Paracord, twist the tail through the corkscrew and make sure there is a extra amount of the tail that you hold under your fingers while holding the knife to pull the Paracord. It will lock the Paracord into your hand and you can securely pull the Paracord taunt.