How I use my Swiss Army Knife for Camping & Backpacking (Victorinox Huntsman)

How I use my Huntsman Swiss army knife for wild camping and backpacking tasks
/ paulmessner
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#wildcamping #camping #backpacking

[@nikgyver7]

I have been using my swiss army knife since 1987 and truly these little quality tools are a "life saver".The huntsman model was my edc knife from 1993-1996.Also i carried the huntsman for few months when i was to the army.In addition to the obvious functions, I have discovered hundreds of alternative functions,hacks,tips of a swiss army knife and present them in detail on my KZbin channel.I have also made myself a low budget Helix because the original is too expensive.You could modify the toothpick to a tick removal tool just in case.also in my channel you will find many functions of the swiss army knife for camping that you may find useful.Join the camping with your SAK,thanks fof the video, Greetings from Greece.

[@NZview]

I'm 80 years old & had a SAK since I was 11 years old. I keep the Huntsman in my pocket for when I'm working in the garden as it has all the tools I need. Mine has plus scales so it has a useful pen as well for writing on labels. I keep a tiny firesteel in the corkscrew instead of the small screwdriver, with some screw-on tinder as well. Don't forget the useful pin for picking out splinters when you are handling thorny stuff or splintery wood. My go-to SAK to carry in town is the Compact. The scissors are often used to open silly plastic tubes of butter when you go out to have a meal with friends. Couldn't be without my SAKs!

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

I love these type of comments, i love all pocket knives but SAK is the constant companion with me no matter what else i carry, huntsman and the philips version fieldmaster is my favorite although for the past year I've carried handyman a lot, but when it feels like too much i take the compact, it's a perfect edc SAK. I would love to hear how did you acquire SAK'S in the late 50's. 60's and how popular and available were they back then? If i make it to 80 im sure i have a SAK in my pocket still and hopefully victorinox is still in business 😁

[@littlegrandadoutdoors]

I lost mine recently!. It's the first time if have been without one since I was 13yrs old... I baught one for my granddaughter a month or so ago for her 13th birthday... we should all have one... Take care out there.

[@benhuck5477]

Thats the Vic-SAK i use in every belt kit i build for myself and others, the Huntsman. Has all the tools i need for woods. Between all the tools it gives 7 sharp edges that can cut slice or rip. I've used it for decades as the primary knife in small custom belt survival kits that ive made for decades.

[@paulblubaugh589]

The little 3mm screwdriver on the end of the can opener is a small philips screwdriver too. I've used mine many times as such.

[@s1aitken]

Love mine, a gift from my grandson that i hope to pass back to him one day. Have a look behind the corkscrew - should be a small hole, designed to hold a pin.

[@louisebaldry9060]

Thanks for making this. It was me who asked. You're welcome everyone! 😂 You've convinced me to get one and know how to use it!

[@daviemaclean61]

Great demo of the functions. I've had mine nearly 40 years and still carry it in my walking bag. Used the saw blade a couple of times to cut branches off wind damaged trees blocking the path so we, and others, could continue without breaking our necks on the big drop off beside the path. Cheers

[@GoingSoloOutdoors]

Can’t beat the usefulness of a SAK 🙌! I’ve collect many different models over the years and one of the first things I always do is either add a FireAnt or FireFly (the one that replaces the toothpick) to the knife. The huntsman is still definitely one of my favorite 91mm models in the woods. Although the FireAnt is really tiny, once you get use to its size it’s definitely more than capable of lighting a bit of birch bark to get a fire going. I really like the FireFly also because it allows you to carry the longer helix tinder. The longer grey tinder is also a bit better in windy conditions. Fun video for us SAK fans out there 👍👍

[@MegaCheesypeas]

Thank you for this video. I recently bought a huntsman as I am getting back into camping after a couple of decades hiatus, & I felt this was one of the better models for bushcraft etc. it’s been so handy even around the home!

[@lskazalski]

It's my favorite too. I wish they'd make a bladeless Huntsman for air travel.

[@MNessmith]

The Huntsman's the perfect SAK for outdoors. 👍

[@QuakerJones268]

It looks in better Nick than mine. I bought mine in 1987 and apart from the spring on the scissors, it’s just as good as it ever was.

[@lskazalski]

You can get that replaced

[@YAFFE-]

They also make a fire steal that replaces the toothpick and an eye glass screw driver that fits in the corkscrew where your fire steal is now.

[@blackboardbloke]

For learning how to do stuff/ways the tools can be used with a Swiss Army knife, the ‘Felix Immler’ channel is the best (IMO).

[@PaulMessner]

It’s the best IMO too. Felix is great 👍🏻

[@sallytrippass4700]

Just got the mountaineer version that my work buddies bought as a leaving present. They pack a lot in to a small space.

[@ErwinPommel]

That's actually not how the wire stripper works. You put the bottle opener into the 90 degree position, place the wire in the stripper, and then let the knife blade fall onto the wire. Then you turn the wire and the blade gently slices through the insulation. Then you just yank it out and you're left with exposed conductors.

[@NZview]

Yep!

[@theozzy4717]

I have a Huntsman, a gift from my brother. Most interesting use for it was when I was on a long journey and stopped off at the services as I coukd hear a noise from under the car. Turns out the thin rubber 'skirt' under my front bumper had come almost completely off. I was on my knees for a bit trying to pop it back in, a man also offered assistance but he coukdnt do it either, so I just pulled the long blade out of the Victorinox and cut it off completely 😂

[@NZview]

Good on you!

[@bikecommuter24]

The hook or parcel hook was originally made for back in the day the shops would wrap the products in brown paper and tie it with twine rather than have the twine hurt your fingers you would use the hook to carry the parcel, like you showed its great for cords, also useful for tightening boot laces and on \tough knots, the corkscrew can handle tight knots that is what I use my SAK corkscrew for, I broke a lace on my running shoe and I was able to take the knot out and re do the lacing and continue on with my walk. I currently use the compact which is fine for my city-urban environment.

[@MrPlownds26]

The hook is also great for paint cans with wire handles.

[@stanleyknife1967]

Brilliant piece of kit for the price. The can opener does work very well although most modern cans have a ring pull lid -the small screwdriver blade on the this can actually be used for small cross head screws. Nicely demonstrated video btw.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I have the climber, like the huntsman but without the saw. It got blunt over the years so I recently bought the victorinox knife sharpener which has a ceramic sharpener and also a sharpening stone. That brought it back to sharpness.

[@simonh6371]

The Vic sharpener is good. However you don't need it to sharpen a SAK, they are really easy to sharpen. You can even sharpen them on the base of a coffee mug (the rough round part).

[@tomperone9338]

​@@simonh6371I tried that once, but ended up pouring a whole cup of hot coffee on my lap. 😢

[@CristiNeagu]

You forgot one tool. Right at the base of the corkscrew, in the cutaway, there is a tiny hole in the scales. You can see it at 9:38. You can put a head pin needle in there and use it for all sorts of thing. Can use it to get splinters out if they're embedded in the skin and you can grab them with the tweezers. Can use it to hold two bits of fabric together. You can use it as an axle for something like a windmill.

[@piggymito]

I carry an explorer everyday. I won't leave the house without it, it's become one of the most useful things I own!

[@rayl3794]

@@piggymito me too,love my explorer.

[@PHYSIZIST]

i use the victorinox huntsman for bushcrafting and the victorinox Nail Clip 580 for thru-hikes

[@charlesmckinney]

My goto is the Ranger but I also have the Huntsman and the Fieldmaster and the Camper. I alternate on what I carry but it's normally the Ranger. Sometimes I have two on me love em all.

[@tireddad51]

Can’t beat a Swiss Army knife, multi tools are good but nothing beats a little red knife. Really enjoying these one a day videos.

[@davef5916]

Great run down, super powerful tool. Felix Immler has tonnes of videos on how to get the most out of these little tools. He shows how you can cut a much thicker piece of wood than the blade by cutting at alternating angles.

[@Mark-f7o]

Ive got one out here in Australia and love it. Use it in the bush. But around town use a Victorinox swiss card.

[@zackwilliamson1024]

Great video Paul! Also in case know one knows, the wire stripper is a great place to strike the mini ferro rod.

[@TiberiusWallace]

I've got a huntsman and I feel naked if I don't have it. I support adults with learning difficulted and I've used it for tins, emergency wheelchair maintenance and opening sauce packets in wetherspoons for them.

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

The multi function hook works good for holding pot lid on stove and also pulling out oven rack. I have hung my whole body weight off the hook with no damage to the knife.

[@StevenKeery]

@@user-ul5yu5hk9k : Can we get a second opinion on that from the knife?

[@57northphoto32]

Great little video Paul, always had Swiss Army knives, my favourite is the Mountaineer alongside latterly a Leatherman but ultimately you can’t beat a Swiss Army knife. 👍🏻

[@Slappa31]

Ha 19 crimes comes screw top in oz... like most wines... but you can use the cork skrew to stick in a longer stick, then flick out the saw and have a long reach saw...

[@tweedyoutdoors]

KZbin gold Paul! I've owned several of these over a period of decades but I've still learned something new from this video.

[@MrIliff]

I have a Huntsman and its hardly nothing in weight in my pocket. I found they are one of the better value SAKs for the price vs toolset. I also recently got a Handyman and it is noticeably heavier in my pocket. Often wanted to get the Ranger but found the Handyman for around the same price that the Ranger is. I like the extra pliers on my Handyman although I've yet to use them for anything. I find the scissors one of the most useful tools. Climber, Huntsman, Ranger, Handyman, Swiss champ, Work champ.

[@IvanDP1967]

Another great video Paul, with lots of useful information. I never leave the house without my trusty Swiss Army Knife. A Classic SD on my key ring (used much more often than I ever thought it would be) and a Pioneer X for when I'm off on my travels. I have modified the Pioneer by cutting off the key ring and filing it smooth so it fits better in my pocket, and makes it unique to me. Between them, these 2 knives have every tool (and more) for all of my needs. I would like an Alox SD, but then would lose the tweezers, which as you say are very useful.

[@jameshallen007]

Bought one today on the back of this video! 👍

[@sorrows_touch]

You can strike the mini ferro rod with the wire stripper, it's a bit easier

[@anthonywood7420]

Or the reamer if you're a cheapskate and only got the climber.

[@DP11LLP]

I used to love a Swiss army knife when i was a kid growing up. I ended up having a little collection of them!

[@steveb1972]

The hook is a parcel hook, made for carrying a heavy package wrapped in string - a rare thing these days, but still a useful tool for picking up hot pans off a fire!

[@lskazalski]

Yeah, it's great for lifting pots with bails of the fire/stove. Also good for carrying paint cans

[@mbk7428]

Dont forget that tiny little hole behind the corkscrew for the pin. Guess you lost it already. A nice upgrade to that 91mm knife is to replace the standard 91mm scales by 91mm plus scales. That way you can also fit the ball point pen.

[@andypalmer26]

The hook is for carranying with string , also good for undoing knots great video

[@anthonyjones4305]

Reminded me of Tom Hanks in Castaway "I have made FIRE 🔥 "😂

[@bak2earth711]

Keep up the day vlogs Paul ! I use my hook on my Huntsman for pulling knots and fishing hooks tight on nylon line and braid , I always carry it in my rucksack most versatile tool ever !

[@alasdairlivingston9241]

It’s a boot hook it’s for lacing up your boots and the other tool is a leather needle for repairing leather sandals bags boots etc

[@butler0540]

I use a custome one with orange G10 Scales and combo Tool instead of the openers and small blade. Saves a few grams and makes it easier to carry with a pocket clip.

[@Paule.S]

Great, one of the best Vics ever. My opinion are with the yellow plus scales and some different mods of felix immler style.

[@anthonywood7420]

I've learned that the ferro rod sparks start at 3000 °C (Cold steel 300) Ferro rod can really warm stuff up.

[@AlanP1TO10WORLD]

Hi Paul, love your video’s, down to earth and genuine. I just got myself the Victorinox Fieldmaster as the Fieldmaster replaced the corkscrew with a philips head screw driver as I don’t drink and don’t need the corkscrew, Also great tip by using the saw blade as a flint striker . Looking forward to your next video 👍

[@graemesaunderson4218]

Great comprehensive review .They are really handy to have around .

[@juwright1949]

Paul, you should try the HANDYMAN model which is my favorite.

[@jeffprice2210]

Thanks Some good uses especially the tinder starter and ferro rod

[@hitchjack]

A good tip I heard was never use your small blade, save it only for emergencies, when you need to cut a cord or similar if you’re trapped etc.

[@GalvestonCountyMike]

Brilliant! Cheers from Texas!

[@Anon90210]

Same Victorinox that I have. Excellent piece of gear. Great for travel too. Thanks Paul.

[@greenpanda7121]

Having had a couple of Victorinox multitools, I bought a Leatherman Charge a couple of years ago and I've not regretted it one second 😅 some of the Victorinox models look very practical and versatile, until I remember how unpleasant they were to actually get the tools out

[@barryraynor5993]

Hi Paul I am a Fellow Sheffielder who has followed Pat Dickenson, yourself and others for a while to gain advice for cycle camping. Just a thank you really, I have taken on board a lot of advice. Have you visited Sheffield’s hidden gem? Glen Howe Park at Wharncliffe Side. It would make an excellent video, make sure you visit after plenty of rain for full effect. Barry

[@CalmingAnxiety]

My happy time 🎉

[@jmacrillo]

Hook is for tent pegs I think, its part of the Gerber camping tool as well

[@rothbart2358]

Came here to say tent take puller too.

[@StevenKeery]

@@rothbart2358 : Go on then, say it, I dare ya.

[@lskazalski]

Or carrying packages. Or lifting the bails on cook pots or pails. Lots of things it's good for

[@Lands_Solo]

I have one, a bigger model, laser engraved with my name and the year like that one, bought in Zermat Switzerland after completing the Haute Route Trek over the Alps, a little reward for myself, great knives, though I do prefer my Leatherman Wave, which is on another level of robustness.

[@branchsnapper2228]

Great video. Swiss champ is only 5mm or so thicker mind.

[@PaulMessner]

I didn’t realise there were different Swiss champ sizes. Have you seen the XXL version? It’s massive 😂

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

@@PaulMessner I think a Swiss Champ without the fish hook/ruler thing or the can opener/pry layer and instead with the small blade swapped for the compact can opener/flat driver/pry from the compact knife would be perfect. All the stuff I use but a little bit thinner and more manageable. ...think I've spent too long thinking about this! :D

[@henryg0blq184]

Loving your new videos 😀. I have the same knife and you inspired me to have a look at mine (and to clean it). I didn’t know it had some of the tools it does so thank you. Didn’t know about the saw (fantastic!) or the tweezers. Looking forward to the next video.

[@samhill3496]

I've had my Camper model since 1974. Still great. Has most of the same features, no toothpick or tweezers. Good vid. Survival at it's best. Now, what about serrated blades in UK? Legal?

[@neemancallender9092]

I prefer the Camper paired with the Classic I don’t need the larger scissors or the parcel hook The Classic is ideal for first aid and hygiene When I use the Walker with a blade, opener and a saw when I am backpacking and weight is important I always carry a small Victorinox sharpening rod, as the blades loose their edge quite quickly

[@howardpotts5763]

Forget the rest Paul , U just need the bottle opener and corkscrew 😂 Came in very handy !

[@PaulMessner]

Need a knife for the steak and mustard though 😂

[@StevenKeery]

The small blade is not 30 cm nor anywhere near it. You need to get your tape measure out and probably apologise to Jo for misleading her. 😂

[@PaulMessner]

😂 typo. I meant mm

[@StevenKeery]

@@PaulMessner : I noticed the condition of the scales on your knife. Are you aware Victorinox sell small leather pouches for their knives, with a loop to attach to your belt? I bought several SAK's a few years ago from Go Outdoors as they had them at reduced price, on a sale offer. They are wonderful knives and some of the models have different coloured scales. My favourites are blue or yellow, that makes them harder to leave behind or lose when camping. I've never experienced that other problem you have, of sitting there on my own, opening a beer only to have a disembodied hand swoop in and steal it. Just wait until the seagulls find out. There will be flocks of drunken seagulls mugging tourists for their beer and sandwiches.

[@johnbellis1179]

Good video Paul, you’re right about fire making, I was engrossed.

[@pm1104]

Did you know you can send a Victorinox for repair and it’s free….! ❤❤

[@outdooraf]

Some of the combos of tools on those knives are ludicrous

[@songasport]

I've got the same model, I didn't know it had tweezers!

[@tomconway8881]

Good video thanks

[@barriewatson]

I prefer the farmer it has a bigger saw and other then the wine opener and hook it has all the tools from the huntsman it is also robuster springs are stronger . But for everyday use and carry even in your best clothing you need a light penknife with a good blade l use the opinel Nr 8 its weight is 45 gram holds its sharpness for a long time but it's only a blade , for walks and camping the farmer.

[@tomgoslingoutdoors]

Have you had to sharpen the blades? If so how do you do it? Cheers Paul another great watch

[@simonh6371]

They're dead easy to sharpen, you can even do it on the bottom of a coffee cup, or on a random stone if out and about. Plenty of youtube vids showing how to do it.

[@refusedchaos]

I’ve got a funny story about one of these. I kept mine attached to my keys, drove to the airport and forgot I had it attached and got flagged at security for it and got a telling off 😂 it got destroyed and I’ve not had a new one since. Hopefully this might help someone haha

[@simonh6371]

I doubt if it got destroyed, the staff at the airport probably kept it or gave it to a mate.

[@deanoboland]

Great job on the video Paul

[@mikemace3379]

For first ad bandages the scissors ✂️ are dynamite.

[@TheKeithEds]

The hook is a ‘parcel hook’

[@rossbarnett3759]

your brilliant... very well done

[@benhuck5477]

Firestarter for toothpick slot ia Firefly sold by Tortoise Gear

[@darenfox4882]

Great video Paul have to buy one do like tools

[@SpiritualInk]

Paul; where on earth did you buy that miniature fire rod? It’s awesome. I want one.

[@RossDoughty]

Hey Paul. Worth pointing out that I believe these are UK Legal Carry. A lot of US based camping videos and channels cannot apply to us here in the UK due to our...strict laws. Another great video, thanks!

[@RossDoughty]

Also, I have a huntsman!

[@benironside1264]

“Strict laws” = easy token gestures which the government put in place to make it look like they are doing something about the systemic problems we have In the country whilst eroding the freedoms of law abiding citizens. And what do you know.. banning the law abiding citizen’s from carrying a locking multi tool hasn’t stopped criminals stabbing and killing. Weird that..😂

[@CristiNeagu]

They are legal to carry in the UK as they fall under the description of a pen knife. Still, I wouldn't expect the police to know or care about the distinction, especially in London.

[@2sanstef]

My Swiss army knife has tightened up to the extent that it’s very difficult to open a blade or tool without pulling a fingernail off. I have tried GT85 and WD40 but these don’t loosen it. Any suggestions anyone. Great videos Paul keep them coming

[@simonh6371]

It must be gunked up in the joints, with what I don't know...maybe food residue? Anyways it isn't rust because they don't rust ...assuming it's an original Victorinox/Wenger otherwise all bets are off. So pop it in hot but not boiling water with washing up liquid in it, with tools open. Leave to soak for a bit then use your dishwashing brush to get down into all the crevices. After that it should be freed up and you can dry it and spray it with WD40 if you want or some kind of oil, but to be honest if it's clean you don't need lubricant.

[@2sanstef]

@@simonh6371 Definitely an original Victorinox I’ll give your suggestion a try thank you

[@2sanstef]

@@simonh6371 I gave my Victorinox a real thorough clean twice today as suggested. It worked thanks for your reply/suggestion and thanks to Paul for the video prompting me to sort it out.

[@simonh6371]

@@2sanstef Oh wow glad it worked! I wasn't sure tbh as I didn't know the cause in your case. But generally that's how you clean SAKs, I do mine like that from time to time, just make sure I take out the pen if it's one with plus scales lol. Also I just leave it to soak for about an hour first. But if you are tempted to put one in the dishwasher you can, but you just need to take off the celidor scales first as they'd warp at such high temperature.

[@rowancrafts]

I was given mine in 1974.

[@dominik8371]

I don't know which one to choose between Huntsman and Ranger. Ranger I would pick because of the file, and a blade is longer by .5mm But is it worth it?

[@curlewpiper315]

Swiss army knife or leatherman , what do people prefer

[@brianpurcell9058]

Paul, can't beat a Swiss army knife ! I now use a leatherman charge but pretty sure it's illegal to carry as the blade locks ! This country's laws sometimes are confusing! Best just to be careful 👍

[@benironside1264]

Yep of the blade locks it’s illegal for UK carry UNLESS you have a good reason. Bushcraft is a good reason.. just carrying “incase” isn’t. Doesn’t stop me carrying my leatherman signal everywhere though 🤫

[@brianpurcell9058]

@@benironside1264 lol 👍

[@CristiNeagu]

Not confusing at all. If it's fun and it's functional, it's probably banned.

[@randomupload6550]

You can also use the smaller flat head screwdriver/can opener as a Philips screwdriver, which I do all the time. I also have the Huntsman as my EDC and goes everywhere with me (except the places where your not allowed to take them) love it and so useful. I have a number of other SAKs, but it’s always the Huntsman that’s in my pocket. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnrXan6clJure8Usi=xk-rVM64_8SCeQi1

[@Cristoamistad]

I need purchase information. A shopping link

[@Kato_tato]

Where did you get that mini ferro rod and the tinder from? Awesome little piece of kit

[@ven800]

Tortoise Gear. Very expensive for what it is.

[@glennwilliams5869]

Simple & brilliant. Thanks PM 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@connorhutchings5745]

After this hard use does it have any blade play or rock?

[@gravy1219]

I bought a draper one from amazon for 4.70 when my expensive swiss broke because i really dont have the money but i need a knife and openeer, its served me well so far but its very flimsy and i had the sharpen the knife, a good temp replacement but there is no comparing the quality

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

Never leave home without a SAK

[@thepoloman6515]

Did you say 30 cm? I have different ones for different occasions. If you want detailed videos on Swiss army knives look up Felix Immler's channel.

[@PaulMessner]

My mistake. It’s obvious mm. 😂

[@antduke2361]

They look good but I would never want to use a knife without a lock, I have sliced my finger to the bone when i.was a kid with a sharp knife locking back on my thumb 8 stitches later and bug scar on my thumb. Plod says otherwise with the locking blade under ridiculous UK law where only criminals are allowed a proper safe knife

[@clactonmassive]

1st ❤...... luv watching uncle Paul.

[@rayl3794]

Parcel hook is useless. I love my explorer. If it had the saw on it. It be perfection for me.

[@lskazalski]

Not true! You can use it to help place boots, lift cook pot handles, carry pails, snag things just out of reach.

[@steveb1972]

Opening the hidden scale slot allows you to keep your toothpick, but gives room for a fire steel.

[@SteveHumphrey-rz1jw]

Is that stake legal ?

[@diggers22]

Its not how big your rod is, its how you use it.

[@steveb1972]

Never use the tweezers for ticks or bee stings, it’ll crush them and do more damage!