Victorinox MiniChamp Alox

This a quite capable small EDC knife. The MiniChamp offers some unique tools not available on other Victorinox models.
Victorinox MiniChamp Alox - amzn.to/2H18bYL
Victorinox MiniChamp - amzn.to/384bN8s
Victorinox Midnite MiniChamp - amzn.to/2S3OwxG
Victorinox Alox knives:
Electrician - amzn.to/2H6Qmre
Pioneer - amzn.to/2SaZz8y
Pioneer X - amzn.to/3blbiZD
MiniChamp - amzn.to/2vddgur
Farmer - amzn.to/375zBqX
Hunter Pro - amzn.to/2S7ZJ0l
Cadet - amzn.to/2UuKVui
Classic - amzn.to/2UzOZJR
Jetsetter - amzn.to/2vhEvUU
Excelsior Secretary - amzn.to/38aD5tB
Bantam - amzn.to/2Som090
Money Clip - amzn.to/2OAUnZm
Farmer X - amzn.to/2JkqtZx
Swiss Army 1 - amzn.to/2HMgvj9
Swiss Army 7 / Harvester - amzn.to/3oWvlE...

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

I love alox knives! Just like he says, they just seem made better. Currently waiting on my minichamp which is currently in the mail.

[@timsummers870]

The cocaine spoon is useful. I mean, the cuticle pusher is useful.

[@txtoolcrib]

Lol.

[@weworks7811]

A bump of coke.

[@timsummers870]

This cuticle pusher was very useful this morning for scooping the rest of the chapstick from the tube. You know when the chapstick falls below the tube line so you can't normally apply it on your lips unless you scoop it up.

[@nunyabusiness8538]

the tool is also fantastic for scraping bowls or hitting dabs off of

[@ndrthrdr1]

@@nunyabusiness8538 It should be called Dabbing Tool in the description.

[@iamthearmul]

I have this in my EDC. I use cuticle pusher in a pinch for soft edge prytool to open electronics, like laptop with plastic snaps. I have used the orange peeler the most to... peel oranges. I also use the ruler to measure screws, tire thread depth etc. I used the pen quite a lot until the sides of the tool with the pen just detached and got lost. I like the small philips to tighten my eyeglasses screws.

[@JimLBon]

Big fan of the Alox versions. Bigger fan of your reviews. You’re still the only person I’m aware of that reviews tools like these who actually has trade experience and isn’t all 5.11’d up.

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you as always.

[@cpklau]

Thanks for the great review! I've been cutting various types of electrical wires for years by placing them between the knife blade and the index finger then rotate the wire while controlling the pressure, it worked perfectly.

[@txtoolcrib]

You’re very welcome, appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@facecuck9953]

I can open a bottle of beer with dispoable lighter no effort, just takes a little practice

[@DeconstructedWithJosh]

Old Vic should make a Rambler\Manager with the "orange peeler"\box cutter tool replacing the knife. Would be a great multitool for kids and it would also PROBABLY be travel friendly.

[@MrGeforcerFX]

I use the cut and pick as a box opener all the time. It only has a small amount of blade so it cuts down through the tape and doesn't usually go past the cardboard so you don't mess up anything in the box, also less cutting tool out means less chance of a major boo boo cut. I tried it on plastic once and switched to the emergency blade instead since it's sharper and easier to control.

[@mrc2205]

I do use my little orange peeler as a package opener, and I find it great. Also for boxes, just on the tape.

[@cparedes2302]

Great review! Many thanks for posting the video. I currently use a Classic SD Alox on my keychain, but you convince me to try the MiniChamp Alox! Greetings from Guatemala! I agree totally with you on the nail cleaner/nail file... to the point I modified a Sportsman to include scissors so I have a Small Climber (old Alumnus) For the Victorinox package opener, push it forward tip first and then start cutting the plastic slowly by pulling back

[@txtoolcrib]

Thanks for the tip, I’ll give it a try.

[@susansutton2012]

Second sharp blade is for carrying out a tracheotomy. Tool brought over from a discontinued victorinox series.

[@TheTuneAce]

My favorite "multi-tool" setup to compliment a knife (while avoiding carrying a full size multitool) is to pair an alox SAK (usually the pioneer X) with something like a leatherman style PS or gerber dime

[@T.Sizzle]

I was torn between the Alox version and the plastic scaled version. Ended up going with the later due to having the tweezers and pen. It was about half the price too. Just wish Alox versions of SAKs included implements in the scales too.

[@txtoolcrib]

I have taken a real liking to the Alox versions. I think they are really sweet. I know what you mean about sacrificing the scale tools though. Hopefully one day they will remedy that.

[@verveblack]

would be nice if all swiss knives came with info booklets about what each thing can do in detail

[@Hammockrider]

You have to go online for that nowadays

[@magicdave93]

Don’t laugh but I use the cuticle pusher on mine as a hot sauce sampling spoon lol. I really love your in depth reviews, please keep them coming! 👍🙂

[@T.Sizzle]

David Thompson I’m sure some folks have used it to sample illicit substances lol

[@magicdave93]

TC1836 I bet lol

[@txtoolcrib]

Never thought of that! I do like a good hot sauce too.

[@txtoolcrib]

Lol.

[@simonh6371]

You must be really into your hot sauces bro, I can relate to that. I like Encona West Indian, but there's a Jamaican brand which makes a yellow hot pepper sauce (don't remember the name) made from Scotch Bonnet peppers. Tabasco is like vinegar to me lol.

[@uiopuiop3472]

it's really cute, might buy it for the tools it has. thanks for the review!

[@txtoolcrib]

Absolutely, thanks again for watching.

[@yokosomike]

That second blade is a great letter opener.

[@txtoolcrib]

I can see that.

[@cardamundo295]

I think if you twist the wire with your hand the right side closer to the knife blade rather than a bit further away near the screwdriver you might get a cleaner cut. Just an idea! Great video!

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Exactly right.

[@EnricoDePaoli]

I’m so glad I came across your video. I’ve been thinking I had I bad MiniChamp for like almost five years now. Just because I find the spring tension quite weaker than other 58mm in my collection. Specially on the combo tool Phillips cap lifter. You’re the first person who actually brought that to attention. So I guess this is somewhat normal on this model... unfortunately. Thanks for the video.

[@gregshock]

I’ve used every tool on my alox minichamp, except the tiny spatula, but it’s there, if I ever need a tiny spatula.

[@edog82266]

I have one of these going on 5 years. I carry it in an EDC pouch I keep in my pocket. It doesn't get a lot of use since I EDC a LM Wave for work but the nail file and the mini phillips have come in handy quite a few times. Enjoyed the video.

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you very much.

[@xSean145]

You kept saying "the next tool" and i was thinking "how many tools does that little thing have?".😅

[@jerryharris1022]

The Phillips driver on my rambler is magnetized!

[@steveb1972]

Yes the Rambler is my daily carry👍🏼

[@everest9707]

The Phillips driver on this alox minichamp is also magnetised 👍

[@Spanky8402]

This might be my first alox. I really need the phillips driver and this has it. I was looking for a 91mm Alox, but I can't find one with a Phillips driver. 😞

[@Zorzi98]

Nice video! For the wire cutter, maybe you can try holding the wire from the other side when turning it, this will give you the control on the angle of the wire with the blade. I never tried this, though, just a suggestion.

[@HoundNL]

I hope victorinox make a models that has the classic Sd tools + the screwdriver/bottle opener/wire uncap + the box opener

[@a2zedcindia]

They exist, check out the Rambler, Signature models in 58mm. Only bummer not being available in Alox.

[@mingshey]

The “used to be” pharmacist spoon seems to be useful in handling baking soda, when you use it as cyanoacrylate glue hardener/filler.

[@mjnz]

That's actually a really good idea

[@davidlynch4852]

Of all the mini swiss army knives, the Rambler is hands down the best.

[@skovbo65]

The cuticle pusher can also be used to dig out ear wax.

[@txtoolcrib]

Hadn't thought of that.

[@roy-batty]

Goddamn, this did it for me. Pulling a trigger on one. I used thr SAK parcel hook and corkscrew until now.

[@pebble888]

Some of the tools on the mini champ feel somewhat anachronistic. But it’s a nice little model to have. I’d love to see Victorinox do an Alox version of the Manager which combines the strengths of the Classic SD with elements from the mini champ. Thanks again Ben for a good review

[@Bloodroot78]

And every "normal" sized SAK with scissors has the "package hook" on the other side. All SAK's are a little anachronistic. Frankly, when was the last time you had to deal with a flat head screw that wasn't holding a wall plate on a switch or an outlet? Just saying...

[@ModernRegimen]

I really commend you for your clarity and insights on this MiniChamp. I'm in the market for a SAK myself but leaning towards the bigger profiled Camper, Farmer, or Huntsman. Cheers, my friend! You have a new sub :)

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you very much. Really appreciate your subscription too.

[@simonh6371]

I like the larger models and EDC either a Hiker or Farmer...but I always carry a Classic together with one of those, for the tiny scissors primarily which are really effective. Plus I use the small blade on it for opening packaging and try not to use the bigger blades except for bigger tasks. At just 21g/3 quarters of an ounce and with it's tiny size, it's barely noticeable in a coin pocket for example, but punches above it's weight.

[@rhsking05]

Did everyone do coke back in the day or something? “Hey Jack, I’m having a get together this evening. You and Mable should come over. Bring your pocket knife, if you know what I mean (winking)”. lol

[@txtoolcrib]

That's a good question.

[@David_Rafuse]

2:11 "Pharmacist's spoon"...yeeeah...that's it 😏

[@davidfontenot5223]

Easily the best keychain multi tool IMHO. I EDC the Leatherman Surge too, but I miss the eyeglass screwdriver on my Wave and I like the package opener on my LM Wingman too! I don't understand why Leatherman doesn't put the package opener on more tools! I could loose the small flathead and have a near perfect tool if the package opener was there instead. Anyway, Minichamp solves both problems for me and I get a proper nail cleaner and file!

[@1lupus]

A tracheotomy blade, and spatula, and a cotton ball hook. Victorinox simply rename them for a new market. As far as I am concerned, they are respectively a grafting knife, a seed sorter, and a cotton ball hook for getting at my long term seed storage. I use test tubes as a long term sterile storage for my vegetable seeds.

[@Butchthebugman]

Another great review! You could file down the end of that cuticle pusher to make a light duty scraper/pry tool. I filed a notch in the inside curve of the fingernail cleaner on my Leatherman Micra, to make a package opener. It works about as well as the orange peeler, but I agree the one on the Wingman looks like it works better. Keep up the good work!

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you, as always thanks for watching.

[@Hexsyn]

Holy crap you confirmed my conspiracy theory with the pharmacy tools. I am a pharmacist and I found the similarities to the spatulas and cotton ball hooks very suspicious!

[@txtoolcrib]

They work really well for what they were originally designed for. They just changed their functional names to keep up with the times I suppose. They actually work well for a number of different tasks.

[@josehawkins4276]

Cuticle pusher can easily be converted to a chisel using a flat old school knife sharpener

The second blade is actually also from some “medical” knife. I believe was dedicated to tracheotomy. Believe it or not. Quite interesting. Three of those tools come from medical knives.

[@hetrogamr84]

The cuticle pusher can be used as a screwdriver what. Which kind? Try it to you own liking.

[@berzerkzero]

I'm not sure but try the wire stripper from the other side, see if you get better cut.

[@txtoolcrib]

I'll give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@simonh6371]

I like it as I like all Victorinox knives and multitools but I won't get one as I just don't see the point in the ''cuticle pusher'' (which we see was originally a pharmaceutical spoon and no doubt could be quite useful for little doses of Columbian marching powder, which I don't use any more) or the ''orange peeler''. I do understand that the orange peeler could be a good bubble packaging opener, and I know that other manufacturers such as Gerber have a dedicated tool for this purpose which people rate...but I have a Classic SD and the little blade on it does a fantastic job of opening all kinds of packaging including bubble/clamshell packaging. I would like to see a small Vic knife containing the toolset of a Rambler/Manager (Rambler plus pen), with an extra blade like the one on the Minichamp. It would have one layer less than the Minichamp, by dispensing with the orange peeler and cuticle pusher. But I do understand that those Swiss guys are a clever bunch and don't make every permutation of tools in their range, because if they did that, people might just buy one SAK which fits all their needs. As it is, people - such as myself - tend not to buy just one model, but keep adding to their little collections and buy more than just one.

[@berzerkzero]

Have you seen the new knives and multitools from ShotShow? I thinking of getting the Gerber Armbar Driver.

[@txtoolcrib]

I too am interested in the Armbar Drive. I have always thought that a little EDC driver would be a hit.

[@simonforget280]

@@txtoolcrib I'll be also looking at the Gerber Armbar Drive whenever it becomes available. This being said, I am getting more excited with the Spyderco Astute. While unconventional due to its large sweep, I'm sure that knife will be a great cutter, like any inspired Canadian Belt Knife. Keep up your excellent work!

[@berzerkzero]

Also how do you store all your Multitools? I have some in an old cigar box that I lined with felt and the others in a small tray. I'm thinking of trying a wall mounted system next.

[@T.Sizzle]

berzerkzero I 2nd this suggestion and would love to see your complete collection together.

[@txtoolcrib]

I have them scattered out among different drawers in a chest right now, mostly in their cases. I need to build something dedicated to be honest with you.

[@txtoolcrib]

I don't know that I could fit them all in the screen. lol

[@Billman66]

I think that the sheepsfoot/warncliffe blade is meant to be used as a pill buster.

[@everest9707]

This is going to sound weird, but according to victorinox old docs it is to perform a tracheostomy.

[@Hexsyn]

As a current pharmacist, I can't say you're wrong. I'm actually trying to figure out how to get in contact with a custom maker for a multitool pharmacy spatula right now...

[@bengosling4606]

I've used both Victorinox and Leatherman and prefer Leatherman even though Victorinox are great especially the alox I'm using a Bantam atm

[@txtoolcrib]

When it comes to multi tools and knives, these are most definitely my favorite two brands.

[@steveb1972]

The second blade is a medical tracheotomy knife

[@colinmartin9797]

It's not a multitool, but if you can ever find one, the best slipjoint pocket knife I've seen in my entire life (and I will carry in my breast pocket when I work as a paramedic until the day I die) is the spyderco kiwi, the all-stainless version. Goddamn that knife is thought out staggeringly well.

[@txtoolcrib]

I will look into the Kiwi. Thank you.

[@Golack107]

You should buy “Gerber Dime” that one has a pretty good package opener. Do you think is possible remove the package opener from Wickman and put it on the wave plus?

[@txtoolcrib]

I have that model. I still wind the Wingman has a higher quality package opener.

[@simonh6371]

I find the small blade on my Classic SD fantastic for opening packages, including clamshell type plastic packaging, so I don't see the need for a dedicated package opener. That's just my experience & opinion though!

[@Joker-yb6ks]

Mini champ too small for me. 1)go work shop use work champ 2)go office use huntsman alox 3)go champing use swiss champ xlt 4)go party use handyman 5)out station use sprit x 6)go shopping use cybertool L

[@sohamguha]

I wish they replace orange peeler with awl and that cuticle pusher with a chisel

[@bicparker1]

There is this weird dismissive attitude about the “cuticle pusher” tool which I find sad that people miss some opportunities in its utility. I do a lot of woodworking and, among other standard tools, I keep a set of tools in my workshop with a flat or slightly curved spade blade because they are useful for pushing between narrow places without wedging or cutting. If you are cleaning out a slot or needing a temporary spacer to hold things apart, that tool is indispensable for me. It is, interestingly enough, a counter point and complementary tool to the pin found in the SAK Plus scales.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

The other little blade is a Wharncliffe blade. It is a standard for a scalpel, and among other uses and can be used for an emergency tracheotomy. Also, the “pill/cuticle pusher can hold a small bit of snuff or other medicament on the end for a nasal application, wink wink, nudge nudge.

[@davidsiegel9847]

This is a very, very light utility tool for keyring, or just in the pocket. I have the version with the pen and white LED. Simply not comparable to a pocket knife of any traditional size. Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere have made a lot of miniature gentleman kits. The MiniChamp is the best, I think. Which ever version. But critical is that it is not a whittler or boxcutter or tradesman's tool or camp knife etc. It doesn't need the bulk of heavier springs. That would literally double the width. I am not sure about that pharmacist's tools. Might be true, but every effort to track it down has failed me. I am curious. In any event, I have gotten 4 years of good use out of my MiniChamp. Same battery for the LED, and pen going strong. Blades still sharp. Stropping has been enough for such an ultralight user. I have around 65 Victorinox models, and 50 multitools, some Scandinavian and some Finnish fixed blades, some 8 or 10 folders. The MiniChamp is my most used single Victorinox SwAK. If only they would attempt a mini multitool, a tiny Spirit! Interesting, and thanks for the review. Cheers from a chilly, rainy Galilee.

[@txtoolcrib]

That's quite the collection. Anything in your collection that stands out that you would recommend?

[@wayned5872]

That secondary blade is a sheepsfoot blade

[@txtoolcrib]

Thanks.

[@samsum3738]

A small hook instead of the cuticle pusher .

[@timsummers870]

The orange peeler is an excellent tool for what it is meant, not for opening packages. However, the knife blade is excellent for opening packages and anything else one can cut.

[@txtoolcrib]

It wasn’t originally meant as an orange peeler. But like most things, you can adapt them for other uses.

[@tedeng9428]

THE BEST WAY TO USE THE WIRE STRIPPER - If you can be careful enough not to cut yourself and have a lot of wires to strip, leave the blade opposite to the wire stripper open, if possible (depends on the particular model). Also, my description is from a "right-handed" perspective - feel free to swap hands. - Holding the wire in your left hand, extend out the piece you want to strip to your right. Place the blade on the measurement and make one slice across the top of the insulation. - Put the wire stripper notch exactly under the slit, bend the wire downward a bit, using your right thumb to pinch the piece of the insulation against the edge of the wire stripper notch. - Holding the wire firmly in both hands, pull with your right hand. The piece of insulation will tear loose and fall away. - I have done a lot of wiring in my life, much of it professionally, and have done this many, many times. Once you get the hang of it, it's quick and easy to do on most common wires.

[@txtoolcrib]

Any chance you would put out a video to demonstrate your method?

[@tedeng9428]

@@txtoolcrib - Yeah, as soon as I posted that comment, I realized I need to make a video. I have found a video that sort of shows how I do it, but the guy cuts all the way around the wire. I found you only need to cut one side, one cut. If I have a two or three strand wire to strip, I will lay all two-three wires down flat, use the large blade to make the cut across all three at once. Then, I spread them out - STRIP STRIP STRIP - they are done. It takes longer to explain than to do.

[@tedeng9428]

@@txtoolcrib - At the very beginning of this video, this guy does what I do, that is bending the wire over the tool-notch, pinching it with your thumb and pulling. But do this BEFORE - make one single cut down to the wire (if it's multi-strand, like an extension cord, be careful not to cut down hard enough to cut any of the strands). Then put the tool-notch directly under the knife cut, then pinch and pull as shown in the video. The remaining insulation will tear. This works for me on most common wires. On a few occasions, I've encountered really tough insulation that won't tear easily, so I make more than one cut. I almost never have to cut all the way around the wire, like this guy does in his video.

[@tedeng9428]

@@txtoolcrib kzbin.info/www/bejne/a323dKZqaJ6toqs

[@txtoolcrib]

Well, I learned something new. I appreciate you showing me. Might need to do a video highlighting people's techniques for using this tool effectively. Thank you.

[@3204clivesinclair]

No pen... on the alox version!

[@YA-ee9zf]

You put the wire and pull it down it has a cutting edge in it u don’t need the knife

[@NicGoldenEddie]

The little blade is a single scissors blade 👍

[@jobrimar8291]

I’d love to see the 74mm executive as an Alox model, maybe with the Phillips/combi tool added in too. That would be sleek.

[@txtoolcrib]

Sadly, they are ending the 74mm line.

[@Ulixes83]

I think this has too many useless tools like the cuticle pusher and this little knife does not need 2 blades. I wish they would offer some kind of custom shop were you could built your own custom knife with the tools you want.

[@simonh6371]

They won't do that, because they're clever and they realise that if they did that, you'd just buy one SAK which fulfilled all your needs. Instead, they make sure we buy more than just one, in a never-ending quest for the perfect pocket knife.

[@ronnietarnacke5153]

@@simonh6371 that may be part of it . But with the design and the way the spring system works . The way the whole thing has to fit together . You can't just slap whatever tool wherever , with out redesigning it . Even companies like Sog who do custom tool selection . Only give you a couple of choices of tools per layer . Because it has to close and the pliers have to fit . And they don't have as many intricacies to deal with as the victorinox. Victorinox probably could give a very limited customization options. But I don't think it would be cost effective.

[@EricFarmer01]

Best way to strip wire is light it on fire.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Sincerely, the Rambler makes more sense.

[@txtoolcrib]

I’ll look into that one, thanks.

[@reaper3086]

Why

[@facecuck9953]

I enjoyed it, so Fuck off

[@hetrogamr84]

So this alox model has better springs and build quality then the red handle ones??? Did you compare??? I'm talking about the Minichamps models not the larger Victorinox SAKs.

[@jamesrodgers3132]

Look like that package opener is for lefties

[@hetrogamr84]

The two package openers work the same what. That test was crap. I demand a retrial. I'm serious and sober. I'm not a laughing mocker.

[@txtoolcrib]

You demand? Lol, that’s funny!

[@veen9667]

All the utility of tools fromthe Minichamp ,i can do with my teeth.

[@michaell8532]

Enjoyed your review..... Thank you. One the few reviews I've come across that actually tried using wire stripper. BTW. Just purchased the mini champ in red over the Alox. Alox wins hands down on aesthetics. However; those stupid tweezers come in handy once a year! Unfortunately lacking on the Alox, but then again the Alox is thinner..... Horses🏇 for courses.

[@jazzyk4046]

I think the cuticle pusher would be perfect for scooping moisturiser out of main jar and transferring it to a tiny travel - sized jar. Or other such uses. It works great as a mixer tool as well, for example, mixing sunblock with a little foundation in a tiny container to create a tinted moisturizer, etc. Makes things hygienic since you won't need to scoop and mix using your fingers. So yeap, might go for this one instead of the rambler or midnite manager👍 Thanks a lot for this in depth review 👍👍👍

[@txtoolcrib]

Those are actually really good ideas for the utilizing the cuticle pusher. I often try to put myself in the mindset of different users, but I never would have thought of those functions.

[@angelogoreham4155]

The other blade is called a sheep’s foot.

[@satinsangel1688]

So rambler plus, extras that are semi useful / questionable.

[@mattbod]

the Mini champ is too expensive with some pretty useless tools like the ruler and cuticle pusher. They need to make an Alox Rambler.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

*THAT IS NOT HOW YOU USE THE STRIPPER* • Open the Stripper tool • Bend the wire over the Stripper tool holding it against the side of it • With the other hand pull the other end of wire

[@johngalt6838]

Too much bulk.....manager is king and rambler right there if you don't need pen.

[@alvaronavia4768]

4 mm....

[@txtoolcrib]

Did I miss something? Get something wrong?

[@ronnietarnacke5153]

@@txtoolcrib I think you said mm instead of cm . You said the ruler was 1.5 inches or 4mm . 4mm is 0.157 in. But 1.5 in. = 3.81 cm. Which is close to 4 . I noticed it too when you said it . I'm not very versed in metric measurements, but have an approximate idea give or take.

[@jackeddemon]

I love how you get mad that a 58mm orange peeler doesn’t perform like a dedicated full size Leatherman for opening packages. You’re a joke dude

[@hetrogamr84]

The alox scales are not nice. The forbid having tweezers and toothpicks. I find the toothpick very useful my self. And additionally not allowing the flashlights and ballpoint pens. I use the pen very often. In fact I used it yesterday. The aluminum scales are not nice. The are like a mom that doesn't allow pocket knives. Or a government body what. They are in fact mean with their rules and laws. Amen.

[@txtoolcrib]

Wow, okay. Here is the great thing, nobody is forcing you to use them.