The Victorinox Climber, and why it’s my favorite

Hello my name is Mark Coffman, I am a watchmaker located in Texas and I have a passion for pocket knives, wristwatches, and every day carry items.
My goal in my KZbin channel is to show my audience interesting items, and make interesting videos that shed some light on what can be the best EDC items you can add to your every day carry.
I also on occasion will restore pocket knives and multi tools, and in many cases I do make videos on these restorations!
If you ever would like any watch repair work done or would like to discuss anything that I’ve shown on the channel in this video send me an email!
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[@DrSec56]

Your title states its a Climber. But your narration mentions its a Huntsman. The knife shown in the video is a Climber. A Huntsman is the same as a Climber except it has a saw blade. I have had several Vitorinox Climbers as an EDC over many years.

[@ashab1]

It would only make sense if he shown the compact.

[@danc2651]

My victorinox top 4 is #1 climber #2 camper #3 pioneer #4 cadet Merci beaucoup 👍

[@pudimdecana51]

I’ve owned a SAK Climber since my early 20s, but never carried it much. Through the years I also somehow acquired (I honestly don’t remember) a Pioneer Alox and a Classic (before the SD). Now in my late 40s I rediscovered the joy of carrying them around. I’m building up my collection, with a Compact, a Manager, a Minichamp Alox and a Handyman, but the Climber or the Compact are my choices for pocket EDC, together with one of the smaller 58mm on a keychain.

[@BernardoBerndsen]

It's one of my favorite too! I wish they would add the file on the back of the utility hook on all models; add some plus scales, even better. Great video!

[@JBass33]

Good video explaining the Climber. The lighting was also perfect. My Climber, with a pocket clip, is my EDC.

[@markcoffman494]

Thank you I’m glad that you like this one. Tried to explain it the best I could. The lighting in this is my old set up I think my new set up is substantially better

[@capoleader3793]

Definitely the best set up Sak! I carry this every day its awesome

[@MishaRGB]

THe video quality is right on the money, I got this piece for myself after I watch the video. Thank you

[@RikthDcruze]

Climber is the most noble of the swiss knives...

[@grrwuff4099]

Agree 100% - versatile and compact. My (blue) Vic for my everyday shoulder bag... Primary uses: Scissors for verything personal hygiene + band-aid sizing + precision cloth and paper cutting, toothpick (home + away), tweezer for splinters. Occasional for: Screwdriver, can opener, corkscrew. Seldom use: Knife - really!!! Enjoy 😋

[@KnifeDetector]

I love SAKs. There are just so many choices :) Every time I think I have a favorite, I change my mind to whichever one I am carrying at the moment :) The lighting is great :)

[@markcoffman494]

Thank you for the feedback! I’m trying to keep up with making videos

[@robhead22]

I love your choice for your favorite SAK. THAT WAS GREAT. Thank you!

[@markcoffman494]

So glad you enjoy it!

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

My Victorinox top 3 are: 1. Manager 2. Compact 3. Climber

[@diegolainfiesta]

Think the same. I have the manager and climber and just 2 days ago bought the compact. 😎

[@ironman2326]

Lighting is great!... I'm going to get one of these!

[@BootsWalken]

If only they'd use the parcel hook from the compact with the fingernail file on it. Not sure why that's not the standard parcel hook since it has an extra use.

[@ashleygovender4104]

Very nice video. I just bought a climber. Enjoying it. Durban, South Africa

[@swissarmydan9354]

Nice review, brother. You’re right, the Climber is a great value.

[@markcoffman494]

It’s an Honor to have you comment on my video, I love your videos you’re a definite king in collecting for me. I am glad you agree so it is a great great knife

[@charlesdudek7713]

Just ordered a translucent blue Huntsman and a black Spartan. The Climber is going to be my next purchase. While I was watching your excellent video I fixed a zipper on my sweatshirt with the help of my Leatherman Squirt which is my favorite micro muti-itool.

[@markcoffman494]

I’m glad I could help you make a purchase. Thank you so much for the compliments trying my best on my video quality.

[@sanchopancho8329]

The climber with the nail file instead instead the small blade would be the perfect EDC Victorinox for me. The small can opener screwdriver is often to big for small toy screws. the nail file fits perfect to many small screws.

[@conan5885]

Or... you could get a Rambler for your keys, and get a great smaller Phillips that fits those screws, and added bonus of a small backup scissors and blade, as well as a good nail file with extra flathead 😉

[@sanchopancho8329]

@@conan5885 good idea, ty :) I´m thinking about modding myself a Vic knife. I will buy a Ranger and dissemble it. So the result will be a knife like the Spartan but with the metall saw/file. thickness is then like a compact and half layer smaller then the climber.

[@conan5885]

@@sanchopancho8329 you mean something like a Vic Clipper? Like a Camper but the metal saw instead of the wood saw? You don't need a Ranger for that... Just get a Mountaineer end remove the scissors layer 😉

[@sanchopancho8329]

@@conan5885 yes Like the Clipper. The mountaineer Costs Here only 10 Euro less. So i thought i will use an extra Tool from the Backside from the Ranger. Then i have an extra Tool as Well on the backside

[@conan5885]

@@sanchopancho8329 Oh i see Didn't rebember that, I really dont care for any of the back layer tools from both saw"s, so i didn't even thought about it... But yes, in that case it has to be a Ranger.

[@gelartab]

Thanks! Your video made me decide to buy Climber. I own Sportsman and it has helped me in so many situations and still think it's one of the best EDC options, but I also always wanted scissors.. I wish there was 84mm Sportsman with added scissors.. I also would like to own a Climber Small but it is too expensive and not worse the money I would pay for that small size difference. I also thought about Compact but it is expensive and lacks Awl and separate can and bottle opener options so I go with the Climber.

[@cjschaff5793]

I agree I have many climbers in my collection

[@markcoffman494]

They are wonderful tools and have everything I need for the day.

[@keshavarzparsa8143]

Great Enjoyed every second

[@markcoffman494]

I am so glad. I have done a few recent Victorinox videos so check them out. I hope you subscribe if you haven’t already

[@anilkarakaya9343]

I have this in my shoulder bag everyday. I like compact more for being 2 layer and only trading reamer and small blade whilr having all the other things(and pen). But climber has the best set of features imo if you dont care about it being 2 layer

[@dYrOiUs]

Great video! Thinking about picking up a Climber myself, as the first SAK for me. The Mountaineer and Huntsman are awfully tempting, however, i think it's worth losing the saw/file to make it thinner. Can always buy a second one later on... I'll have to check out your other reviews before purchasing!

[@rafaelperez1111]

Una de mis favoritas. 👍🏼🇨🇭👍🏼

[@tonyb.badilla4674]

Excelent video

[@adammcguinness9950]

I clicked on this video thinking it was for the Climber. The Huntsman is my favourite SAK also. All the tools I need and none I don’t.

[@ricardodelgadoetchepar8405]

Great video, today I met your channel and you have a new subscriber.

[@attiladerwaldschrat5375]

Hi Mark, nice vid. My favorit SAK for my EDC is the Compact. It has only 2 layers but contains the most important tools for me. With a yellow scale "plus" easy to find and you have in it a pen and a pin too. Greetings from Germany, Attila

[@chriscon8463]

I’ve always thought that the Compact would be even more perfect if offered in 84mm!

[@anoNEMOs]

Great review. I just decided to buy a Climber, rather than a Compact.

[@markcoffman494]

The compact is so expensive now, can’t justify it.

[@ricardodelgadoetchepar8405]

@@markcoffman494 All right, especially if we take into account that the difference with the Compact is only one layer and removes screwdrivers. I can't find a justification for it.

[@catfishdog]

I've been carrying a Climber since the mid-80s. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th one; I've given the others to people that admired them. My current one is a pre-hook model that I bought NOS from ebay in 2001.

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

Great knife have 2 of them.

[@tx.tactical3165]

I use to have the climber but now I use the huntsman.

[@GlockNinja]

My second favorite Victorinox is the Huntsman. My first favorite is the Swiss Champ.

[@dannys7773]

i like a climber, if you only can have one knife, you cant go wrong with Climber. i have started with compact so i skipped climber and went straight for his bigger brother Mountaineer, as climber and compact are way to simillar. Gotta say, its probably the most underrated knife for urban enviroment where you dont need wood saw (menal saw can still do the same job, just slower if you really need it)

[@MrPlownds26]

I encounter more Phillips screws than corked bottles of wine which is why I chose a Super Tinker

[@marklawrence855]

I have this one ,but also have 3 compact, and ended up always carry the compact

[@jorgechaves2164]

I agree. Climbers are great, but its a no brainier to rather carry a Compact as it offers pretty much the same functionality in a slimmer package. Compacts are more expensive though, so this is the only factor for me that would influence which of two to buy.

[@willemjordaan9439]

Did you know of the pinhole behind the bottle opener, always a good idea to put a pin in there :-) Not many people know about this .

[@jeremiah1164]

Explain please

[@jeremiah1164]

Explain it boy. I ain't waiting

[@Unwillingnes]

@@jeremiah1164 under the cork screw when it's open is a small hole that can fit a straight pin

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

What part of that did you not understand lol Anyways, if you open your Philips screwdriver or Corkscrew, there’s a TINY hole which has room for a sewing needle or something (Compact has two)

[@willemjordaan9439]

@@jeremiah1164 Sorry for the late reply, not a lot on you tube. Have a look under the cork screw, there is a pinhole for a needle, nice for removing splinters and that and the tweezers is magic for those jobs 🙂

[@crux314]

Nice lighting. It would be awesome you do a comparison between the huntsman and the farmer x.

[@markcoffman494]

You should check out a few of my more recent videos. The lighting and the audio quality is much better. I haven’t felt the need to compare those to. The difference is a pretty self evident. However if you browse through my channels videos you’ll find a lot of different comparisons and historical knives many restorations and reviews.

[@Mike-kc8rl]

Agree on the climber? They are very good value sometimes cheaper than the spartan too.

[@anilkarakaya9343]

Spartan misses scissors which is a bummer

[@DIXIDAWG]

Huntsman has 4 layers with the saw.

[@markcoffman494]

Ah which one is this one

[@markcoffman494]

Climber

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

All that plus I saw Huntsman for the win

[@gelartab]

Is the awl a little rattly side to side between liners on every Climber ?I've tested several ones before buying.. In my practice 84mm models have much more stronger spring tension..

[@markcoffman494]

I’ve never had any rattle. 84 mm springs are usually shorter and have more tension behind them.

[@SpaghettiNachos]

I think I'm getting this one instead of the tinker. I'm in more situations where I need a cork screw more than a philips head

[@mattd.1042]

you can use the can opener tip for philips head, I use it all the time and it works great

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

And you can also carry a micro flathead in the corkscrew. Great for glasses or watches that have tiny screws

[@artemisxo6734]

been carrying one for years, even my mom uses one

[@theaylesburycyclist8756]

I use a Huntsham as an EDC

[@MrPsiman]

Please do a video of the Stay Glow Climber

[@mikeeygq]

Stick a mail file on this puppy and it’s perfect

[@MFRiley]

Does this knife come with the small screwdriver in the corkscrew stock? I see there's one in the thumbnail. I just ordered one from Amazon, and it did not come with that small screwdriver.

[@markcoffman494]

Nope it doesn’t come with it. That’s a stock photo from Victorinox

[@MFRiley]

@@markcoffman494 thanks for the reply! Looks like a lot of the plus scales kits come with them. Might be my next purchase.

[@johnnoodles2155]

Great video - short but lots of good info! Also good video and sound quality and your voice isn't hyperactive nor sleepy (something that can ruin a whole video)! ...and the can opener (small screwdriver) fits perfectly most phillips screws so I also prefer to have the corkscrew instead of the phillips screwdriver - more versatility overall!

[@markcoffman494]

Thank you! I have been working on what tone of voice will be best for videos. Thank you for the comment!

[@bishop6426]

Hi Mark: I like your channel and just subscribed. I know this is an older video but at the beginning you referred to this SAK as a Huntsman rather than a Climber. Confusing. Probably nothing can be done about it at this point.

[@oskarknutsson479]

I think the sheath is great if you're more of a 'casual' and don't use it to the degree of wear and tear 😅 Also I just purchased this fine piece of equipment after years and years of using my SPARTAN! I didn't spare my spartan or treat it kindly! They're great tools that you can be rough with, as long as you still use it the proper way ofcourse lol. Anyway I missplaced the spartan so I thought it time to get a new one

[@richie6329]

My only complaint about these knives is the magnetic blades that snap shut, if you have your finger in the way it can do some serious damage so (most commonly) your pinky finger, I basically always have a cut on my pinky but I still love my SAK climber

[@Vpentrov]

Can confirm from experience.

[@conan5885]

"magnetic blades that snap shut"...??? "Magnetic"? what the hell are you talking about? Nothing in this or most SAK's are magnetic, even less the blade. That's just the force/tension of the back blade closing it shut. I've been using SAK's for roughly 40 years and never cut myself with one. It's just a case of getting used to safely closing the blades

[@Richard.357]

Great video, helped me decide... I hope you realise that at the start of the video said it was a huntsman,

[@aleksandarmastilovic1425]

This is climber!

[@markcoffman494]

I know I made a mistake 😅

[@aleksandarmastilovic1425]

But nice rewiev!

[@user-ke2wz1hj5w]

Super tinker with corkscrew.

[@tinglydingle]

Forgive a potentially stupid question but what are plus scales? I assume the scales refers to the red plastic parts, but what's the significance of "plus?" The Victorinox logo?

[@markcoffman494]

Not a stupid question at all! I’m just glad you didn’t correct me on saying that was the wrong model in the video. If you look down below, you’ll see nobody else except people saying that I mentioned it to the wrong model. Amazing how people will hold to my work. Plus, scales refer to the ability to add additional tools within the Scales. Plus, scales from Victorinox allow you to have a toothpick. Tweezer sat and a pen, along with a sewing needle in the scale.

[@Dragon_Camp_Cooking_]

Great looking knife I never owned one I want something with good scissors are the ones on this knife larger then the ones on the small keychain size knife

[@pmc000001]

Yes; the scissors on this Climber (91 mm) knife, are larger than the ones on the small (58 mm) keychain size knives.

[@Dragon_Camp_Cooking_]

@@pmc000001 thanks I will be ordering one soon

[@pmc000001]

@@Dragon_Camp_Cooking_ Sounds great, and best wishes; the Climber is one of my favorites, as well.

[@MannysCorner]

I surprised no one pointed out you called this knife a huntsman at the beginning of the video.

[@markcoffman494]

Are you kidding? Look at the comments!😂 this is an older video. And many people have crucified me for getting wrong.

[@MannysCorner]

@@markcoffman494 Sorry I didn’t look that deep in the comments, I should have known better.

[@phil-good]

It’s a Climber !!!

[@markcoffman494]

At this point, I have kept this video up so people can just continue corrected me in the comments.

[@Kos1067]

I want one

[@markcoffman494]

These sell for I think $25-$35

[@luporis2375]

@@markcoffman494 I bought my Climber here in Norway for 299 NOK (35 dollars). Great knife, my favourite.

[@frank234561]

The explorer is better cause it has the scissors, magnifying glass and the inline phillips. It also has the corkscrew. The inline phillips is the best feature. Hands down.

[@markcoffman494]

I have one that’s better than this one. The Spartan light.

[@frank234561]

@@markcoffman494 No scissors or magnifying glass. lol. That's a deal breaker for everyday carry. The inline phillips is nice though.

[@coyoteblue9733]

I'm confused the title of the video says climber you're calling it a Huntsman which is it?

[@markcoffman494]

It’s the climber, I got my SAKs mixed up

[@coyoteblue9733]

@@markcoffman494 I have decided to buy one for national knife day

[@jimcolucy]

Have a victorinox that u would love send you a photo to see if you could find out the model. It does have a screw in the scissors so it kinda old

[@markcoffman494]

Send the photos to my email ✌️ [e-mail]

[@chaoscommentary2179]

Does anyone know if there is a Swiss Army knife that is 3 layers thick that has scissors and a saw the smallest one I can find is the 4 layer huntsman

[@markcoffman494]

There is a two layer one called the walker, but you would have to have that probably custom made

[@motrock93b]

I have a Camper, which is three layer with a saw, but no scissors. I pair it with a Classic SD, which is always on my keychain and has scissors. The two are a great pocket friendly compliment, and the SD's file is also a great ferro rod striker/fat wood scraper.

[@Pritam043]

Will this SAK fit in Altoids tin ?

[@markcoffman494]

Why would you want it with your mints

[@Pritam043]

@@markcoffman494 Oh...no no 😂😅 Actually my Altoids tin is empty. I want to use it as every day carry container of essential items which I use daily. That's why I asked

[@blacksmith44]

It's showing the Climber over head on the video, but yet you announced it as the Huntsman. I own two Huntsmen,and that one wasn't a Huntsman, that was a Climber. Lol.

[@tm2bow653]

It would be my favorite if it had a file

[@produtorcomunica782]

You say huntsman, but show climber. Cool man. "Ato falho".

[@markcoffman494]

It’s called a mistake

[@produtorcomunica782]

@@markcoffman494 Yes man, y see, good job.

[@gromkour5341]

What’s a reamer?

[@markcoffman494]

Google it 👍

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Why is the video captioned “The Climber” but your intro comment says it’s “The Huntsman”. And it’s clearly a Climber!

[@markcoffman494]

This video keeps getting great comments like this. It’s called a simple mistake. Read the rest. The comments of people trying to correct me. I keep the video up. Just keep the comments coming in. This was a simple mistake in one of my earlier videos. I was learning about Victorinox and Knives, and easily made the mistake of calling it another knife it is not.

[@eileensalimbene4264]

Corkscrew? add mini driver

[@alz722]

The video title says Climber but the video was about a huntsman?

[@markcoffman494]

Yes I made a mistake. Look at all the other comments pointing this out as well. Thank you so much for the comment I hope you enjoy the channel and check out a few other videos I’ve made.

[@tinsoldier5621]

It says climber not huntsman. This would be okay if it had a say and magnifying glass

[@tylernicks9992]

If it had a Phillips head screwdriver on it, then it would be complete

[@markcoffman494]

Purchase a super tanker that’s exactly what you’re looking for

[@tylernicks9992]

@@markcoffman494 thanks buddy, I’ll look into it

[@tylernicks9992]

@@markcoffman494 ahhh I just saw where you sacrifice your corkscrew blade for the phillips. I wish we could have both

[@allemander]

Why does the title say Climber but you start the video saying the Huntsman is your favorite?

[@markcoffman494]

It’s called a mistake

[@allemander]

@@markcoffman494 Ah, ok. Thanks for clarifying. I’ve been enjoying your videos. Take care!

[@dwainsw4076]

The caption refers to this knife as a climber and you referred to it as a huntsman. Can you clear it up?

[@markcoffman494]

Early video by me. It’s the climber

[@lampexxl8599]

Wait, did I miss something? Why does the title say "Climber"?

[@markcoffman494]

You should probably read the rest of the comments. This is a very early video of mine and I made a simple mistake of calling this a different knife.

[@lampexxl8599]

@@markcoffman494 Oh all right, I only read a few comments but couldn't find anything about it. ;)

[@markcoffman494]

@@lampexxl8599 check out more of my Swiss army videos, you’ll find they are much better

[@toolsgear2695]

The lack of a Phillips bit is a deal breaker for me.

[@markcoffman494]

Check out my most recent video, I have a new favorite

[@6900pilot]

The explorer I think is a beauty especially if your into Philips heads as it has the Philips next to the can opener on the front rather than on the back so it's much easier to work screw heads, plus it has a cork screw also on the back plus I love the magnifying 🔎 😀

[@IsraelMagalit]

Huntsman???

[@markcoffman494]

Climber

[@stephroll9708]

Title says Climber , go figure

[@markcoffman494]

You should read the other comments. I have made a mistake in what the knife name was. You are again another person telling me it was a mistake🙄