The journey for the perfect EDC Swiss Army Knife - Did I find it in the Locksmith?

I am being super picky about finding one knife that can cover 90% of everything I could ever want.. Is it possible? Is this the one?
Let's open the box and find out.

[@Downhaven]

This is the closest to my perfect victorinox. Thanks for sharing the find! Gonna have to start looking for who carries it

[@nmende00]

I came to the same conclusions as you. I went with the one hand Trekker instead of locksmith smith based on color. I found it in black for about $40. I chose black bc my wife wouldnt notice a new black knife in the house but a red knife would have stood out. For almost $50 difference I figured could without a file. The 3 layer Trekker fits great in my hand.

[@SquireSCA]

I would love a one handed trekker if it didn’t have the serrated blade.

[@brianthompson5672]

Between these two posts I feel like you guys have read my mind@@SquireSCA

[@SquireSCA]

@@brianthompson5672 We try. haha

[@charlesmckinney]

I reprofiled the blade on my one handed trekker and now it's a good knife. Got rid of the serrations.

[@SPQR-Z]

Love the 111mm Swiss Army knife series. I didn’t need one handed opening and wanted a multi tool but more knife oriented. Settled on the WorkChamp which in addition to the toolset on the Locksmith has scissors, pliers and 2 inline Phillips. It’s been a fool’s errand trying to find the perfect EDC knife. You have to settle or make it yourself. If Victorinox only had a custom knife shop and let buyers pay a premium to configure the toolset to create their “perfect” knife. Pretty sure people would pay 3 or even 4 times the cost for that option. People are customizing SAKs for much more then that right now. Great review, interesting option for an outdoor knife with one handed opening. Still completely baffled as to why Victorinox called it the Locksmith?

[@SquireSCA]

I wish they would make some of the 111mm versions as ALOX models...

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

They seem to run out of names.

[@timsummers870]

The 111mm and 130mm models make excellent outdoor knives. I went hiking today and brought my Trekker. Used the wood saw and knife blade a lot this morning, the quality is outstanding. The Locksmith is interesting to me for two reasons. I like the metal file and the non-serrated knife blade.

[@SquireSCA]

They are very handy and ideal size for getting actual work done, that's for sure...

[@brianthompson5672]

Exactly - I just wish the locksmith was still black and maybe a tad bit thinner@@SquireSCA

[@adrianjagmag]

@@brianthompson5672 get the locksmith asap, it's discontinued, can always swap in black or even m grip scales.

[@freman007]

I have an older One-Hand Trekker that actually came with the non-serrated edge. I guess they discontinued it though.

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, those are nearly impossible to find any more, so hang onto it!

[@krazykat64]

I’ve used that file to cut lots of PVC and PEX pipe when I was too lazy to crawl out from under the house and it works pretty darn well for that.

[@TheMasonator777]

You can get the One Handed Trekker in a plain edge. It’s called the OH Trekker NS. I have one. That’s a great knife. And it’s way slimmer than the Locksmith OH.

[@SquireSCA]

Been searching for one for months, its discontinued. :-(

[@rabadabadoo491]

​@@SquireSCA what about the Forester ?

[@SquireSCA]

@@rabadabadoo491 I think that one has a cork screw instead of the philips screwdriver, or something like that. Have zero need for a cork screw but I use a philips all the time.

[@sotoo9645]

You could mod your own. You could also get a model with serrations and then sharpen them out, as they are very shallow. I did this to a OH Trekker and losing maybe 1/2 mm was not noticeable. I love Victorinox, but they never seem to have exactly what I want.

[@James-dq3jo]

The saw on the larger SAKs is really nice. It’s smaller than say a folding hiker’s saw, but only a little bit. It’s big enough to deal with larger branches easily, and in a pinch you can even do a small log, by working from both sides.

[@sergemaster]

I enjoyed your video and agreed with your review, especially when it comes to the daily need for pliers, hence why I normally carry a 91 mm Victorinox around the office over a LM or other large MT. But when I do go with a 111mm Victorinox, the one tool that is a must for me to have are scissors... Scissors besides the drivers are the tool set i find useful the most. Take a look at the Hercules, it has those dinky pliers and a tad big yes, but look for the older side lock model, not the liner lock. It comes in a 2-3 grams lighter than the liner lock version. Although it was not done on purpose, but the Victorinox liner lock is geared for south paws like myself, no issues at all with opening or closing... You can find the NOS side locking versions still on the Bay from points east, namely those that once made up the former USSR, which are again referred to as they originally were, Russia and Ukraine... A Hercules with a sidelock, I think you'd be impressed...

[@TheZoekie]

Rangergrip 78 is the one you need. Its thinner than the ranger grip you have now. Maybe you need bigger pockets too

[@zeptepiantraveller]

I ordered the Locksmith last week, for the same reasons you're talking about. I already own the Rangergrip 58, the Outrider, and the Alox Farmer X, love them all!

[@freman007]

Victorinox liner locks also have a backspring like their non-locking folders, which is why they're more difficult to open.

[@travisyork3915]

If we were neighbors I'd build that knife for you😊 lol

[@adrianjagmag]

Locksmith is now discontinued, so hold on to it, also consider changing the scales on it to something grippier.

[@paulbyland]

You mentioned not liking the "little" blades on leatherman tools. I can't help but wonder what Leatherman you were referring to, I EDC a surge and it has a great blade. It's one handed open, has a lock and is fairly big. The wave's blade is just slightly shorter. Shame that they are plain old 420 stainless steel.

[@SquireSCA]

For me, I want a knife where the blade is the primary tool, and everything else is built around that... Rather than a pair of pliers that happens to have a knife built into the handle...

[@sanchopancho8329]

I´f im right you can send your Vic Adventurer to Victorinox to change the blade type. They are not modding the knifes for the customers, but i´f im right they make an exception for changing the blade types and the philips vs cork screw driver if you want that. Maybe you can contact the Service and ask if its interesting for you.

[@imgonnagetbanned]

Re:the liner lock issue -- welcome to being left handed with every other knife in the world!! ;)

[@SquireSCA]

The struggle is real.

[@edwardenglish6919]

It would be great to be able to order custom Victorinox knives. My EDC changes depending on what I am doing that day. I always carry the Nail Clip 580 along with either the Huntsman or Swiss Tool Spirit X. If I'm in need of a larger blade, I carry the Ranger Grip 58 Hunter. The quality of the build is outstanding on all of these.

[@SquireSCA]

I love that idea as well, but I guess that the logistics of such a global brand trying to build all those one-off's for people would be a tremendous and expensive undertaking. When you look at what you get, they keep the prices reasonable because of their ability to quickly mass produce these knives. Slowing down the process for a bunch of different order for one knife here, two of that type, but 500 such order coming in a day would really be difficult. if I could design my own, I would want an Adventurer with a single hand opening non-serrated main blade. And I would want to see the ALOX folders like the Farmer, Pioneer and Electrician, simply made larger. While I do carry them from time to time, they are really small. I would love to see the entire package sized increased by maybe 1/3. Make the main blade perhaps around 3.25" or so, and the handle a little longer, but not much thicker. Most of their folders are meant for little hands... If they made Alox knives in the size of the Adventurer, I would be in Heaven...

[@The_commonman]

I’ve also recently started carrying a SAK as an everyday carry tool (alongside a modern folder). I’m thoroughly impressed with these affordable tools! Love the channel, swing by mine when you have a chance. Great video!

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you for this information. Subscribed !

[@chiamoFred]

The swiss soldier and other serrated versions of 111mm is more pointy than the straight edge version.

[@lettingthebearout7528]

I think what you are looking for is the Forester M Grip. 111 mm but thinner because of no file and no serrated blade

[@SquireSCA]

I like it, but no philips screwdriver. :-(

[@Vpentrov]

@@SquireSCA Can opener works better than the Phillips for Phillips screws.

[@therealronswanson]

the forester has the non serated blade and come in one hand opening version and its 3 layer (the exact name for that model is Forester M Grip) , so it ticks off all your boxes. Its my favourite comparing with rangergrip 79 which as you say is a bit too big for everyday carry (however a great camping knife) and the outrider which is lacking the one hand opener.

[@SquireSCA]

Does it have the philips screwdriver on the back instead of the cork screw?

[@therealronswanson]

@@SquireSCA nope, its a cork screw on the back. for me using my knives out in the forest a cork screw is much more useful, however if you like the form factor the outrider has the in-line philips driver and scissors.

[@SquireSCA]

@@therealronswanson Yeah, I never used a corkscrew outside of my kitchen. haha. But I do use a full size philips regularly...

[@therealronswanson]

@@SquireSCA then i think the outrider is a better pick, the philips on outrider in-line is way better than the backside screwdriver. Ive used the outrider alot and still do mainly around the house since it has the philips and scissors. For camping/bushcraft/whatever in the forest i think the 111mm saw is inferior to the 130mm ranger grip so then ill always go for my RG79

[@brianthompson5672]

I have this knife but it has no toothpick or tweezer spot...it's baffling to me how Victorinox is so good at leaving us with almost perfect knives except for obvious faults. In this case no toothpick slot means no ability to add a firefly fire steel. The corkscrew allows for a fire-ant, but there is no single knife that allows for a OH, toothpick AND corkscrew so that I didn't have to give up the toothpick. I never use the tweezers, but the firefly won't fit in that slot.

[@joshfa5526]

You should check out the Leatherman K4 or K2. Non-serrated, OHO blade, deep carry pocket clip, phillips, awl eamer and a flathead\pry tool. All locking too!

[@clintwestwood3539]

It’s leatherman and made in USA, already two cons for lots of people outside USA.

[@kilianhzh]

There is an older version of the 111mm series with a slidelock. There is a 3layer version called „forester“

[@jp4k]

I've had this same journey. I loved the Leatherman Kseries, but they're pretty chunky in the pocket. I've revisted SAK a few times but could never find something I liked for the same reasons you had. I have just ended up carrying a knife (mostly a para3 or a benchmade bugout) and an everrachet multitool. I'm revisting the SAK again. I agree with your point on the Adventurer but with a different blade. I might try modding an adventurer by changing out the blade for one from a SAK Forester.

[@SquireSCA]

I wish they had a service where you could pay a premium, and design your own knife. Pick the size, color, number of layers, and then pick the tools from a list of what will fit on the design you selected.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

Interesting thoughts on a hidden gem in the lineup. I really like the metal saw/file and wish it was used instead of the wood saw on many models. I wanted to ask... have you tried the 111mm semi-serrated blade? I've never liked serrations on any of my knives before, but when I got the Cheese Master, I found I had been too quick to judge. Having the plain edge at the base for fine work and the extremely sharp serrated portion towards the tip works so well -- makes me wonder why most semis have them the other way around. I later picked up a fully-serrated Spartan just because it was only a few bucks on clearance and holy smokes is it ever sharp. I'm sure it'll be more of a pain to sharpen (at least they're only single-sided) but they're the first serrations I've been impressed with.

[@captivatedroid69]

Ya I have the one handed non serrated trekker, it's a great knife

[@SquireSCA]

I looked and looked and could not find one.

[@captivatedroid69]

Got mine cpl years ago it's the black one

[@SquireSCA]

@@captivatedroid69 Yeah, seems it was a short run... In the end, I think my EDC is going to be the Ruike LD43 that I reviewed yesterday. Sharp stabby point, proper thumb stud that actually flicks open once it is broken in, locking blade, nice tool set glass breaker, G10 scales instead of plastic...

[@SquireSCA]

@@captivatedroid69 How is the one handed opening? I find the RangerGrip series to be decent, but the Locksmith is wonky.. It's not designed for it, and so the finger hole is the wrong size, in the wrong place and the blade is too far from the edge... It's not bad if you hold it in the perfect grip... but be off a little bit and it doesn't open well... Maybe I am just spoiled from years of proper flippers, thumb studs, Axis lock based knives and OTF's... The Ruike opens properly... They put some thought into the design... I could probably make a one handed Trekker work, as it is thinner than the Locksmith, but closing one handed is still not as smooth, and I hate the blunted, "safety" tips on their knives. The RangerGrip has a proper piercing point... Not sure why the Victorinox knives won't follow suit. I feel like a blunt point is more dangerous, because it forces you to have to use a lot more pressure to push the knife into something... so if it does slip off, it's more likely to hurt you or whatever you are trying to pierce...

[@captivatedroid69]

@@SquireSCA ya the trekker is more comfortable then the ranger. The best thing is to get a grip handle like the soildier with plain blade which I thought vic made in red and black handle, little grip helps with one hand opening

[@debajyotinath5021]

that liner lock, it really makes me think Victorinox designs SAKs for the lefties 😁 By the way, the Locksmith has the three longer tools (blade, saw, file) in the thinnest profile in a 111mm SAK.

[@SquireSCA]

Somebody has to, right? haha

[@RandomTuber782]

I'm currently researching and planning to mod a oho outrider. I think I can just buy a oho victorinox and swap the blade into a liner locking outrider. Open to suggestions.

[@SquireSCA]

Modding the Victorinox is more work. You have to grind of or drill out rivets and have replacements for them, as well as be able to put it back together properly... The Ruike is screwed together which made it the perfect platform to tinker with.

[@user-lf7op6iv8e]

They make a one handed trekker that’s non serrated. There not as popular. But they will have the *NS* next to the name. I have both versions. N honestly for a work/ utility knife. I prefer the serrated blade. I could see why people would want a non serrated blade for outdoor use. But cutting rope, or zip ties. Serrations are the only way to go. Plus the there easy to sharpen. I’ve beaten mine to death over the past couple years. N only had to touch it up a few times. But the none serrated versions needs a touch up if it looks at something

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, I think the non serrated version was discontinued, It's been out of stock everywhere for years. Same with their own website.

[@stephroll9708]

For us south paws , that lock mechanism is perfect 😄

[@SquireSCA]

Finally, a knife made for you lefties! haha

[@borntodie2909]

Victorinox doesn't have to make that knife. You can contact them buy a knife and then let them customize it for you. It is not as expensive as it sounds.

[@SquireSCA]

I actually made my own with Ruike. They assemble their knives with screws instead of rivets. So I was able to buy two different knives and then took them apart and made it into the one that I wanted.

[@Vickz818]

Agreed one of the reasons I don’t like the one handed trekker it’s not good for making drawcuts with that blunt tip.

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, luckily that can be fixed with a belt sander. :-)

[@eddiemaxwell7593]

I want a locksmith but can't find one anywhere

[@SquireSCA]

In stock! www.victorinox.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/Locksmith/p/0.8493.M

[@FreedomFox1]

There’s a red rubberized version of the one-hand trekker without serrations.

[@SquireSCA]

Where? I have been searching for a one handed Trekker without serrations for a long time, but they discontinued it years ago...

[@FreedomFox1]

@@SquireSCA I just noticed, it’s actually the Forester, so it’s got the corkscrew.

[@SquireSCA]

@@FreedomFox1 Yeah, and that's useless for me, I would want the screwdriver. It seems odd to discontinue that knife. Makes sense to offer it in both straight and serrated...

[@FreedomFox1]

@@SquireSCA Gotcha, I missed the distinction between the two models.

[@VolkerHett]

Here in Germany you can buy beer and wine at 16 years and tobacco and spirits at 18, so we have to be a little bit more careful with sharp pointy things 🤣

[@SquireSCA]

Here you can buy an ar15 at age 18, but have to be 21 to buy beer and wine….

[@carltonbirds]

Do you review hat’s?

[@SquireSCA]

Hats? Is that a typo? Not sure what you mean...

[@ace03cobra67]

Do they still sell that knife ?

[@SquireSCA]

I believe so... www.victorinox.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/Locksmith/p/0.8493.M

[@realdanielhorvath]

Note for the lock mechanism:Victorinox engineers are left handed😅

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, sure seems like a weird way to do it, when most of the world is right handed. haha

[@realdanielhorvath]

@@SquireSCA Well, as a left handed I would be happy with it, although in many vids they show that the blade aren't that secure as expected even out from factory. It has the same kind of wobble than my 10+ years old Ukrainan Folding Knife except that knife is more than ten years old, and it was thrown, batoned, and handled like a fixed blade. Unfortunately it doesn't produced anymore and I didn't even see similar ones

[@SquireSCA]

@@realdanielhorvath Yeah, the lockup on the Victorinox is rather loose, but I do feel that it is pretty safe unless you are really abusing it. The large Alox Hunter I have is a lockback and its very tight, but the SAK style knives do move around a bit.

[@JavierBonillaC]

I have a Swiss Army Sentinel. It has the lock on the wrong side. Made for left handed People. How can such knowledgeable company ma,e THAT mistake? You see how you had to close it with 2 hands?

[@SquireSCA]

I totally agree! The way the lock bar is oriented, is perfect for left handed people. All of the locking SAKs I have are that way... Most of the world is right handed... lol

[@freman007]

Look at how it fits into their model design. It is designed to be pushed away from the edge of their tool. You couldn't push it towards the outer liner. And yes, Victorinox do want you closing their knives with both hands.

[@rabadabadoo491]

if not the locksmith maybe the recue tool or hunter XT 🤔

[@SquireSCA]

I finally got my hands on a trekker, but had to settle for the non one handed opening...

[@rabadabadoo491]

@@SquireSCA I've the one hand trekker in tan grip but it does have the serrated blade, its great for family camping trips. I would like an outrider with plain edge one hand blade. With a secondary fully serrated blade without the one hand opening hole.

[@bunyan6101]

Dude. Carry a fixed blade with a Swiss in the pocket.

[@SquireSCA]

Can't carry a fixed blade, a SAK, a gun, spare ammo, wallet, keys, etc... These days I am carrying a Leatherman ARC or a Skeletool CX...

[@daverobertson623]

Nice video, I must admit I far prefer the Rangergrip, although the extra size may put off some people. For an EDC in the city, Pioneer X Alox without a doubt.

[@vladspb_]

Climber with some nail file

[@SquireSCA]

I am pretty pleased with the Locksmith, now that I got the main blade re-profiled to a sharp clip point...

[@lifeofjoyandcreation]

I think you should go for 80% perfection. Paretorule.

[@simon277]

It seems they never make the 'perfect' combination, maybe some sort of marketing strategy.

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, all those combinations except the specific one that I want. haha Ruike makes some nice swiss style knives... Sandvic steel, liner lock, pocket clip... But if you want a philips screwdriver instead of the cork screw, you have to get one of the giant 5 layer models that weigh a ton... If you want the smaller 2 or 3 layer pocket friendly models, you can't get a philips... I have one of the larger ones with the philips and its too large for EDC... I am considering buying a smaller one, and then taking it apart and replacing the cork screw from the small one, with the philips from the larger one. They are put together with screws, rather than rivets, so its easy to disassemble and put them back together...

[@diegolainfiesta]

They will not make it, because by doing what they do, they just sold you 2 knifes.

[@SquireSCA]

That's true. I love the one handed Trekker, if it didn't have a serrated blade.

[@diegolainfiesta]

I have made the calculations and the only way you can get the SAC you want, is to build it yourself. This SAC size once you eliminate the serrated blades you are left with very few options. Today I bought the Outrider and Locksmith.

[@SquireSCA]

@@diegolainfiesta I actually did just that. I went with the Ruike 2 layer design... Nicer Sandvik steel, thumb stud and liner lock, G10 scales, pocket clip and because they use screws instead of rivets, I was able to remove the cork screw and replace it with a Philips screwdriver. I made a video of that. It's what is in my pocket right now actually.

[@diegolainfiesta]

Nice. Yes, I saw it. I was considering sending the SAKs back and get the Ruike. It is a far better option.

[@astaschak]

This is my biggest gripe with Victorinox, out of the 2 dozen or so models I have, not one of them is perfect. It's always the case where if they would add this or change this one tool to that tool it would be perfect. It's almost like they strive for almost perfect on every model. I'm sure Swiss uses will differ from my American uses. I'm definitely not the only one to complain about having a dozen almost perfect knives either though. I recently found out that the locksmith was being discontinued and its one of the models that's really close to being just right for me. I haven't wanted to spend the 111mm price for one though. Seems like I gotta just buy one and deal with the price. That price range has just so many great knives and tools and there's always something I want a little bit more that I buy over a large Victorinox.

[@SquireSCA]

Well, I did find a solution if you look through my recent videos... I picked up a Ruike LD21, that was perfect except that it had a cork screw instead of a philips screwdriver. So I got that, and then swapped out the tools. Ruike assembles theirs with screws, so you can easily take them apart to clean them, or, to change out the tools for ones that you want. It's not cheaper to do it that way, but in the end you can get exactly what you want...

[@astaschak]

@@SquireSCA alright cool, I planned on looking through your videos later anyways, I just found you looking up victorinox. I'll check out that Ruike as well. Thanks.