The Best Victorionox (SAK) For The Outdoors and Alaska

[@mgsharnhorst]

Great little knife. I drilled a small hole behind the corkscrew and inserted an upholstery/sewing needle. I also bought the small eyeglass screwdriver for a few bucks, that screws into the corkscrew. I popped off one of the scales, created a channel that now houses the Victorinox pen. On the other scale I drilled a channel which holds a 1 3/4-inch 14ga copper wire, sharpened at one end. The small, sharpened wire has been useful on several occasions. The wire is also easily cut, bent and shaped into fishhooks. I stripped the strands out of a piece of paracord, inserted a 3/16 x 2-inch fire steel and attached it to the lanyard ring.

[@jonNH123]

I'd love to see a video on that if you are so inclined. :-) Really, that sounds like some amazing hacks!

[@duanebledsoe7566]

They make a ferro rod insert for the Swiss Army knife, called the Firefly (made by Tortoise Gear) and it replaces the toothpick. Also you can get plus scales designed to hold the pen, toothpick (or Firefly), tweezers, and they also include another hidden slot that can be opened up to allow storage for another item. Felix Immler has a video showing this.

[@formermpc10]

Yes, these hacks are very well-known.

[@bushleague3472]

I usually carry a Hiker or Farmer in my pocket, and keep a Classic on my keys. In the bush I add a hatchet, and have not run into many backcountry problems that I cant solve.

[@aubrey-g9d]

My ultimate favorite EDC 91mm is the Handyman. It has everything the Ranger has with the added pliers. I used to think it would be too big for the pocket until I found one in a used vehicle I purchased. It's been my EDC ever since. After the Handyman the Ranger is my 91mm of choice and after that it would be the Huntsman, Camper or Climber, Spartan in that order. It all depends on the profile I want in my pocket in combination with the environment and activities I'm in onvolved in. Long story short the Ranger is an excellent choice for the outdoors and EDC!

[@formermpc10]

Anything with pliers is a loser.

[@14ederan]

I went with the Fieldmaster over the Huntsman because I wanted the Philips driver, but I think I’ll have to check out the Ranger. Thanks for the video!

[@MrDkgio]

All those naturally occurring pesky cross head screws outdoors 😂

[@ChumpVice]

Tip of the can opener works for phillips. Corkscrew can hold the eyeglass screwdriver.

[@lapua9828]

​@@ChumpVice Or the firefly tinder, swap the toothpick for their ferro rod, or use the eyeglass screwdriver sized ferro rod

[@jack_m100]

​​@@lapua9828 imagine trying to find that thing if you dropped it?

[@fgallogallo7]

I do believe I have a huntsman in my bag backpack somewhere. If you’re going to get something like this I recommend you get it when you’re young and use it and do everything with it. I find I never needed mine. My buck 110 has been with me for 48 years. Yes I do carry a saw and a hatchet when I’m in the mountains. But it’s always nice to have one of the vernix just in case. Great review as always. Merry Christmas my friend.

[@fgallogallo7]

What I do find what I need is the toothpick and the tweezers. Good stuff

[@arcanehighlighter6780]

So close to 10k! This channel has always perfectly hit my kind of esoteric bushcraft info! Keep up the good work my dude

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thank you very much, crazy to think it’s now close to 20k

[@charlesmckinney]

I use the Huntsman, Ranger and Swiss Champ. The Champ is my favorite followed by the Ranger and Huntsman. I've only got 17 SAK's.

[@hitchpost5822]

I believe the five layer Woodsman is the best of the 91mm swiss army knives for use in the woods with the added magnifying glass and inline Philips screwdriver. I find to be more useful than the file which is not hard enough to sharpen an ax. Another contender is the 93mm Farmer X with the heavier tools & inline awl, a very useful outdoor tool. The addition of a fireant or firefly to the 91mm knives, adds a fire starter to there capacity makes it a hard choice.

[@sputnikone6281]

In the 91mm range the Ranger is better for camping & outdoors than the Huntsman however you would be better off with the 111mm Outrider for survival in the outdoors

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That’s so funny because I have the Rucksack and I am not a fan at all

[@sputnikone6281]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 I have a black scaled slide lock 4 layer 111 mm Outrider ( bought new in box on Ebay ) which adds the large scissors & a long stemmed in line Philips screwdriver, it weighs some 26 gram less than the liner lock version which is also slightly wider. I have not gone camping out in the wilds for years but if I do I will take the Outrider as my main SAK in my pack , backed up by a Ranger or a Huntsman in my pocket. I also have a 3 layer slide lock 111 mm Rucksack, the liner lock version is heavier & I don't care for it , and its now called the Forester. When I am out & about outside my local area I carry either a 2 layer slide lock 111 mm Picknicker ( which is basically a large Spartan ) or the Rucksack if I feel the need to chop down trees & have buttered scones for tea ( Monty Python Lumberjack song )

[@Twilightzoneisreal]

I have both and I agree . The ranger is in my top 5 most useful survival tools mainly because of that incredibly useful chisel. 💯

[@timsummers870]

I love the Ranger too, but also the Handyman, which adds pliers.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Huh, I don’t know it I’d use those pliers in the wilderness much

[@timsummers870]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 not much in the wilderness but I use them a lot in my everyday life.

[@iandennis7836]

​​@@timsummers870me too.....that's why the Handyman is MY edc, the laws being what they are here in old Blighty 🤨

[@andrewfournier8817]

I'm with you on the chisel, but the file is only Rockwell 56-57 at most. The diamond file on (much heavier) Leatherman tools is far better. I think I still prefer the Huntsman for lower weight and bulk- and if going heavier maybe a Rangergrip 79 for the bigger saw (depending on what else you are carrying). The locking evo17s is in the running, the Outrider is good as well. Though maybe you'd need to turn that long phillips into a marlinspike to improve the number of useful tools on it. As an aside, I recommend swapping to the upgraded 3 slot scales for the 91mm knives- you can pop in a firefly ferro rod for the toothpick and have tweezers and a pen for stuff like filling out King tags or subsistence permits. A huntsman with a pen and a ferro rod in it is a really handy little 3.5v oz edc.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

This is a really good point

[@desmo5514]

Damn, I was impressed how you got everything out with gloves on 👍Well done 👍

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

It’s all about practice

[@jeffrichards5106]

I have the Huntsman and Fieldmaster. I didn't know about the Ranger. I'll have to look for one. Thanks!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

You need to get one. You won’t regret it

[@ricparks7441]

I bought a used Champion on ebay for a reasonable price and it's in good shape. I've needed generous doses of Wonder Lube and Benchmade Blue Lube to really loosen up the joints. But it's in great shape for an old SAK, all things considered.

[@devatwell334]

Iv carved full sized bushcraft spoons with the rangers chisel. Such a good toolset for outdoors survival

[@darylwaynebrady]

For me it’s the Swisschamp. If we’re talking about a survival situation I feel like more is better

[@folksurvival]

I wish they would make an alox Ranger.

[@gorbash07]

Huntsman is my EDC… Bit I agree that the Ranger is definitely an upgrade (short of the Champ)… I just don’t use the file and the chisel as much…. So I usually just keep my Ranger in my Victorinox stash… Thanks for the video!👌😊

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

This is a fair point they are very close to the same tool

[@TheStoyanbahchevanov]

Hi, I think you need to check Victorinox Forester or other 111mm Victorinox's, but the new liner locks not the side lock. It's worth it, great tools. I have Swisschamp as well, it's great despite the size. Give it a chance you won't regret it. Happy New year, cheers.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I'll keep it in mind. but I have a Rucksack already

[@TheStoyanbahchevanov]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 That's good, but have in mind that side locks have 2,5mm pins and liner locks have 3mm pins, and stainless steel liner gives more strength. Give it a chance, you'll be more than happy, very comfortable and versatile tool. Have a happy new year, cheers.

[@TheStoyanbahchevanov]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4OqYphqhtmfp5I

[@PuppetMaster8707]

I have a file in my Huntsman model tucked away next to the saw I mostly use it for sharpening

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That is nifty

[@SavageVoyageur]

Thanks for the great review. I have watched a few of your videos now and like your channel so you got my sub. Looking forward to more knife reviews.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Heck yeah! I appreciate it dude

[@orenmontgomery8250]

Someone else had a video where they said they wished the Huntsman had a file instead of the scissors and I would 100% agree. This would also allow it to have the chisel and remain a 4 layer knife. If you need scissors you would just need to carry a classic or something. I would also be open to replacing the bottle/can openers with a combo tool (like the compact has) and putting it in the small blade slot bringing it back down to a 3-layer outdoors beast (would need to ditch the hook again). Alternatively you could just keep the small blade (maybe grind it into a whittling blade?) and count on a 58mm like the rambler or manager for opening bottles and be on your own for the cans (I imagine with the will and that SAK you'd figure it out [maybe the chisel?]).

[@aubrey-g9d]

The main thing I want the scissors for is to cut my nails when needed. I can't stand having a snag or ripping a nail half off. The scissors work great for that. Plus when you have them you find there are a lot of things that need to be cut that the scissors are more appropriate for. When they are there I reach for the scissors more often than I otherwise would try to use my knife for. The scissors are one of my favorite tools on the Swiss army knife.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I mean I like both tools to be fair

[@corbenj]

I was thinking of getting a Ranger to mod. I’m trying to find out if you could put the awl on the back of the saw/file (whichever has the screwdriver on the back). So, Knife/combo/corkscrew - saw/chisel - file/awl. Maybe have scissors/hook. You could have a 3/4 layer woodcraft SAK that makes the most of the layers. Replace the toothpick with the ferro rod as well.

[@orenmontgomery8250]

@corbenj pretty similar to what I'm always considering.

[@corbenj]

@@orenmontgomery8250 It looks easy when you see someone doing it online 😄

[@robertwilson2007]

My EDC is the Victorinox Camper. It does it all. I never leave home without it. All the other Victorinox knives are overkill since most of the tools on the Camper can do all the things the other knifes in the line can do for the most part without the extra bulk. The only thing I wish it had was the Philips head.

[@HNZ.]

what a really good análisis about Ranger and Huntsman, i'm using Swiss Champ & Handyman, i agree whit you dude. salute you from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@giuliogemino6407]

For the outdoors get the Victorinox Outrider period (better if older model before 2017 with sliding lock button). The best and overdone victorinox in the range are: 91mm x 21 mm x 26 mm weight: 97g HUNTSMAN 1.3713 all round useful also as EDC and survival back-up 111mm x 22 mm x 32 mm weight: 156g OUTRIDER 0.8513 as EDC also but capable enough to be the best 111 in the outdoor beating the soldiers 115mm x 21 mm x 35 mm weight: 290g SWISSTOOL X PLUS 3.0339.L it is a multitool with ratchet and bits , outdoor sometimes means plants of a base camp, means vehicles to fix in the nowhere to get home, at home means self sufficiency self resilience... it is the most badass of a multitool especially with detached standard ¼" bit ratchet humbling whatever Lm in heavy duty performances.

[@patrick_into_the_future]

The saws on the larger SAKs like the Forester, Outrider, Soldier's Knife, is longer and, surprisingly, that extra bit of length makes it far more effective. The flat-head driver on those larger knives lock into place and is much bigger and more robust, making it a much better pry tool, which is useful outdoors. The main blade is also locking, and much bigger and more robust. however the overall weight of these larger knives is still quite small and very manageable. I can't see how a medium sized SAK could be a better outdoor knife than these larger options.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

This is very true

[@woodsmanforlife1677]

Great! Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year!

[@devatwell334]

Screwdrivers are awesome for repairing fishing reels or firearms in the field or other such outdoor gear

[@bradk4114]

Great video. The file is great for cutting and shaping bone and antler for primitive tool and weapon making.

[@formermpc10]

Why would you need to shape a bone if you already have a knife? I think SAKs are mostly for show, not use.

[@bradk4114]

@@formermpc10 SAKs are very popular with a lot of bushcrafters. As for making primitive tools from antler, they do it because they enjoy it, not because they need to.

[@bradk4114]

@@formermpc10 ...but in the outdoors, antler tools and implements would have real-world utility. After all, a knife can't do everything. That's why bushcrafters practice making stuff.

[@Stormcloakvictory]

My favorite is the farmer. It feels like the old timey 50s and 60s SAK It's much stronger. Bit heavier in the pocket than the camper (plastic/thinner version of a farmer pretty much)

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

There’s nothin like a good old farmer but the tool set is a little minimalist

[@greekveteran2715]

I'd choose those size of SAKS for Urban edc. For the outdoors, I'd choose the Rucksak or a similar model. If it seems big, which shouldn't because it's still common folding knife size, then an ALOX Harvester or a Farmer. The 91mm, Explorer (for people over 40 years old), or the Climber (for younger people), is what I'd suggest for Urban edc. If you're more crafty with your hands, then add a Spirit X and you're GOLDEN! :)

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I don’t know this one certainly is capable outdoors and paired with a larger knife it really holds its own

[@duanebledsoe7566]

If the micro screwdriver isn’t useful as a screwdriver, you could just bevel an edge onto it and have a second chisel. Maybe as a spare in case the first one dulls.

[@formermpc10]

Proof that SAKs are useless is the redundancy in tools.

[@duanebledsoe7566]

@@formermpc10 LOL, they’re far from useless. The only thing that limits their usefulness is the cleverness, or lack thereof, of the person using them.

[@markpoore3260]

I carried the one handed trekker for yrs now I carry the outrider in my pocket and the esee 4 as belt knife

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That’s a great setup

[@arpandey7043]

I think in urban situation Climber is best and in outdoors an Axe & a full tang knife is best

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

The huntsman is great have six of them, have the fieldmaster and mountaineer basically the same.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Wow

[@cecilebeaujouan9309]

J'aime beaucoup votre vidéo le couteau suisse ranger, pour ma part il me suis partout, j'ai aussi de temps en temps l'explorer, pour le milieu urbain. Encore merci

[@makoygaara]

The one thing that keeps me from buying a Victorinox, swiss knife or multitool is the hassle of pulling out the tools with the gloves on. That is why I have Leatherman multitools.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

The is a good point for sure

[@raymondgrose9118]

I love the Ranger SAK. I also have a Fieldmaster & a Huntsman. I am undecided if I prefer the Corkscrew or Phillips Screwdriver. I also often use the Wood Saw and File. Great tools.

[@daw764]

God Bless You Brother, from Florida!!

[@andrewkeeton3627]

I’ve been rockin the Outrider for a few years after I lost a huntsman. I like the larger size for outdoors especially the saw. Too big for edc, dedicated to my pack

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

This is fair. Thanks for sharing

[@MichaelR58]

Good review , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@marcdee4427]

I love the ranger models, apart from one thing, on the huntsman try the detent snap shut of the wood saw , it’s lovely and strong, then try it up against the ranger, the snap on the ranger. Detent isn’t as snappy I’ve found this on a few I’ve had , and another guy on KZbin tried it once I’d pointed it out and he agreed. No major but puts me off the ranger a bit

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That is interesting, thanks for pointing it out!

[@marcdee4427]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 what is your opinion of victorinox steel

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

I like the SAK Outrider. Far Superior. Lock Blade. GREAT VIDEO THANKS.😁👊😊👍👏🔪

[@joshuasutton4043]

Love my huntsman works good for what I need it for

[@PeasantPB]

Can't decide between the ranger and the handyman

[@desmo5514]

Ok , you got me stumped. I can open my SAKs because I shortened my fingernails to help my accoustic guitar playing....and you're opening yours with work gloves on.😱Damn ....🤣🤣

[@ironman2326]

I really like the Mountaineer, about like the huntsman but has the metal file.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Huh that is nifty

[@stuartclark8910]

Had a Ranger, but lost it in a fall on a camping trip. 😢😢 Still have my Huntsman however ❤

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Noooo

[@stuartclark8910]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 and it was what my late father gave to me for my birthday 😭😭

[@Magician1263]

Victorinox Hercules is the best in my opinion. larger, locking blade, larger saw, and all the stuff i need

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Interesting, I’m sure it’s decent

[@ivandegrisogono3334]

Well, with respect to your gloves wouldn‘ t a larger knife e.g. Outrider be a bit more adequate?

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Maybe?

[@sniperoulis]

Ranger also has and a useful pin hole 😊ĺ

[@tanosanti]

A great all terrain SAK

[@frankyturrizo4240]

Huntsman minus the scissors and hook = the Camper

[@m0rce1]

Love my ranger!

[@felinebline7154]

By em all

[@formermpc10]

Vics are way overpriced.

[@elsigotchest0422]

Wow very nice voice

[@ironman2326]

Your voice in this video sounds almost like the guy who's voice is changed to protect his identity.

[@jamescrissey6031]

Now you can move up to what they call the handyman it is a ranger and adds a pair of pliers they are useful to move a hot pot off the fire I don't think there is one perfect victorinox for me they're like potato chips you can't just have one

[@formermpc10]

Pliers are useless. If you need to move a pot use the bottle opener. Or a towel or a shirt. Why make things harder just so you can show off your SAK?

[@iandennis7836]

​@@formermpc10I worked in the OR and the pliers were very useful for repairing a few surgical instruments from time to time, that's why it's my edc. It goes EVERYWHERE with me except when I'm flying, then it goes in the hold luggage.....and is reunited with me as soon as I'm through the airport.

[@greekveteran2715]

Marketing has turned people to believe, that glass is better than a tough piece of steel. What I mean by that, is that all that Super steel madness, which is nothing more, than marketing tricks and ways, on how businessman in the knife industry will be able to make more money. Steel that is harder than 58 to 59hrc, becomes very brittle. Steel that is higher than 60 hrc, has characteristics closer to a piece of glass rather than steel. What you want on the most useful tool in the history of mankind, is a balanced steel and toughness (even for small folders, because toughness also means edge stability) There is a reason Mors Kochanski, used and suggested Morakniv and Opinels, SAKS etc. There no other better tool, for the outdoors, than a SAK and a Mora for Carving. That's it. You don't need a 500$ Survival knife, that's all BULLSHIT. Trackers and thick knives and bla bla bla, ALL this are Nonsense and the way marketing found to steal your money... God bless you all!

[@sparrowflying864]

Tell me it has scissors.

[@duanebledsoe7566]

It does have scissors.

[@gotcharamsys]

sorry, I would like to see another clip with these same products, without the strange and silly gloves....

[@mustamuri]

✨🧸✨ 🙂👍

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thanks!

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Work champ XL

[@gotcharamsys]

Nope ... for me Huntsman is the top

[@machine_daddy]

I just wish Victorinox would bring back the Craftsman. It’s like the Handyman, just with the Phillips instead of the corkscrew. The only thing I ever use the corkscrew for is housing the eyeglass screwdriver, which Ive only used half a dozen times in the last 15 years. I don’t wear glasses, I just used it to help other people fix theirs. The Craftsman has every tool I actually use on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

[@ace03cobra67]

Use a glove that fit your hand