Victorinox Tinker Family: A Comparison

This is a close look at some of the best knives from the legendary Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Company. The Tinker, Super Tinker and Tinker Deluxe. These are kings among EDC knives.

[@robbyritter4245]

I actually used the pliers in my deluxe tinker to fashion a corkscrew out of a coat hanger to open a bottle of wine at a motel one night.

[@kidbach]

MacGyver would be proud.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

That's a great, great story.

[@jamesmcnary4939]

Make a video and recreate it. I’ll watch.

[@tumbleweed6658]

Nice job, I did 20 + plus in the Army and 3 combat tours to boot with all the great knifes out there I always had a Victorionx with me. Thanks for the sharing.

[@matthewmitchell4437]

This video convinced me to get my first SAK model, the Deluxe Tinker! I picked it after months of searching and evaluating and this video just pushed my decision over the edge! Thank you!!

[@AlexBurgueno]

Missing the Tinker Small to have the complete family

[@BluTrollPro]

Thats essentially the Rambler in my opinion, the screwdrivers & a small blade.

[@bdh3949]

@Its Ender I've had the Small Tinker for over 35 years.

[@simonh6371]

Just put Daddy Deluxe with Mommy Super together with some romantic lighting, leave them in your bedroom, maybe they'll get it on and pop out a little Tinker.

[@marycahill546]

Very useful review. At under $22 Canadian right now (May 2016), about the same cost as the tiny Classic sd, I think the simple Tinker should be in everyone's future. Too good to pass up.

[@cahillgreg]

Good advice sister.

[@Jic-s]

Thank you for the video Joben. After watching your video I ordered my first swiss army knife, the Super Tinker.

[@asmodeuskingofdemons]

Judging by your pfp it wasn't your last

[@MrMikeyt65]

my mom was out shopping two Christmases ago and got me a tinker, I love it.I have a lot of knives but this by far gets carried more than the others.Great video.I subbed you.

[@palko16]

Thanks for the video, this definitely helped me make my decision to purchase the Super Tinker to replace my Tinker which unfortunately fell out of my pocket a couple months ago. "This knife has definitely tasted my blood." LOL

[@Lazylizardgear]

I've heard it said that it was originally mean to make carrying string bound parcels. Those are not common anymore, at least where I live. I think Victorniox now calls it a 'multi-purpose hook' It does what hooks do. You can grab and pull anything that fits in it. I've used it occasional for paracord work and things like that when my finger wouldn't fit.

[@RoaringJaguar]

One of the best knife reviews on youtube, and good idea for comparison! I'm a great Victorinox fan, I carry the Camper or the Swiss Champ most of the time. And of course my small Manager. I'm planning to purchase the Tinker Deluxe, practical tools in not so heavy package. But one thing I miss is the wood saw, If you can't be without it, I would go with the Fieldmaster it adds scissors, philips-head, and the saw. But you loose the pliers. So it is pretty hard to decide, thanks for sharing!

[@krovocka]

Wish they would let you create your own model at the factory via their website. They all have what you need and at the same time missing something, haha.

[@rukaks]

Damian ah yes, that is the dream!

[@abhishekshah170]

Damian u know u can do that at the store at Switzerland right?

[@gambet0007]

You can also order custom made from lot of people who take and modify swiss parts, all original ofcourse. I don't remember the name but there was a very large forum for people like this.

[@TheMarkStenson]

Brilliant video. Very informative and covered many questions I had. Thanks.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Thanks for the great video , I just bought this sheath for my victorinox knives like the huntsman and the camper or the super tinker....

[@jonathanwarner1844]

My fave for EDC is the Fieldmaster - the same as the deluxe tinker but with a saw instead of the pliers. The Hiker is similar but without the scissors - both of these are best to take into the countryside IMO. I do agree the cross-head screwdriver is infinitely preferable to the useless corkscrew.

[@daleklein9122]

Jonathan Warner

[@6900pilot]

Totally agree, the fieldmaster is the nicest choice for everyday use, it's a super tinker with a wood saw added. Fantastic piece of kit I'd never be without it.

[@joeywmac]

Awesome video. I bought the Super Tinker when I moved to university and it has proven itself time and time again. I use it on hiking and camping trips, around town and at home. I have used it for everything from whittling, to doing maintenance on my PC to spreading brie on a baguette. I had bought it at a store that carried most of the lineup of Victorinox knives and I'm always glad I chose this one. Also, when I have cause to buy somebody a gift, the tinker is a clear choice.

[@owlobsidian6965]

Great video! Thorough, yet concise.

[@jpowell2197]

Couldn't agree more mate, I've got a super tinker sitting on the coffee table here, and it would easily be the most used pocket knife I've got. Especially the scissors

[@NicholasAarons]

Awesome Video Dude. Keep up the great work. Nick.

[@wescobts]

Excellent review, clear, concise, and relevant.

[@generic53]

I researched and compared them all and I found the most practical for me, with the most tools, is the Swiss Army Victorinox Craftsman.

[@pebble888]

Excellent video and review. And I loved your postscript. I too drew blood from first Swiss Army Knife within like 10 minutes of receiving it. I'm a huge fan of Swiss Army Knives - I think with the arrival of new brand of multitools some have forgotten how good the SAKs really are. Which is a shame. I carry one everyday- usually the Climber (which is the Super Tinker but with a corkscrew instead of screwdriver) but then mix it up with the Compact and Farmer models. I also love the Classic SD and

[@MrPleers]

You just gotta love those Victorinox knifes.I alway,s carry my Swiss champ in my bag(or on my belt).And a spartan in a pocket of my jacket.Almost using them every day.

[@Lellobeetle]

Thanks for the video. I love Victorinox.

[@davidlynchcorelistics295]

Wow! Similar story. I have all 3 aswell. Pestered my parents and got my 1st with 8yrs. Now I'm 34 and still have it

[@SlopedOtter]

I carry a tinker just about everywhere I go, even in college but I have to keep it quiet! Thanks for sharing

[@amosscherrey8988]

Great comparison. Thanks.

[@Randolphsw]

Great vid man. Cheers

[@bluesy92]

I used to carry a Leatherman and a knife. Then switched to a Super Tinker, that I lost. I'm replacing it with a deluxe tinker coming in the mail soon. I miss my super tinker. This line of knives has all the stuff I need in an SAK. I don't care for specialty models over EDC. If I'm doing woodwork, I'll have a saw. I don't need one on my knife. If I'm fixing a computer, I'll have my bitdriver. I don't need a cybertool. I love how these forgo specialty tools, yet include all the basics. Perfect selection.

[@TimelessAmanda]

Great demo video! I am going to get one.

[@kellytownsend3510]

I just ordered the SAK Deluxe Tinker, should be getting it tomorrow. Cant wait.

[@evshrug]

Great, humble little video. I like that you shared your "cut myself!" story at the end, I get the feeling A LOT of boys can point out their scars from their first knives. I'm right handed, and I've got a little crescent in my left thumb to mark my cub scouts youth, plus a thin straight line I somehow got on my RIGHT PINKIE in the same stroke that cut my thumb. And it's so weird how sharp these knives can get, I honestly didn't feel the cuts happen, just saw blood.

[@Lazylizardgear]

Thanks. It's a Suunto Clipper Compass, they're available from any number of places online.

[@VictorC1891]

Bro thanks fore your video comparatione, is very nice and in depth this definitely goes to my Victorinox playlist ;-)

[@michaelcolloton6971]

If my crotch is covered I'm carrying a Tinker. It's been that way for 40+ years. I've lost a couple, given several away, and ruined one, but I've never broken one. I''ve had a Super for several years, and like it, but there's very little I can do with it that I can't do with the original. It's simply the best EDC multitool ever invented.

[@Lazylizardgear]

They're strong enough for what they're designed for, and will last a very very long time if not abused. My oldest one is about 20 years old now and still fine. Like many folding tools with screwdrivers and such if you try heavy tasks like turning frozen rusted screws it can flex the frame and could potentially damage it, but for all normal tasks they're fine.

[@6900pilot]

My favourite of all is the tinker small , what a little beauty of a knife you wouldn't even know its in your pocket. A macgyver favourite.

[@kalvinnoble488]

Great video on these Victorinox pocket knives. I had the Tinker Red, but it got stolen on me where I worked at that time. It got replaced with a Spartan Red. Another great knife of theirs. Am looking at getting their Ranger and their One-handed Multi-tool Trekker. I am interested in what you are using for the knife sharpener (located in your knife pouch) and what you are using as a knife pouch.

[@knifenutification]

hey my first swiss army knife was a tinker as well and it is my favorite pocket knife in my collection

[@AdamKLight]

Dude, I wish I still had the SAKs and other pocket knives I got when I was a kid. I used to lose everything... Great video! I love my Tinker, but I'm considering the Deluxe Tinker. Considering that it weighs as much as a Leatherman Juice S2, maybe not...

[@TheKilld3vil]

Personal rule, if a SAK has a Phillips driver instead of (not in addition too) the corkscrew, it's a Tinker, so that family is a good bit bigger than what Victorinox says.

[@Lazylizardgear]

Hiker looks like a darned good knife. I've got the Fieldmaster which is the same thing plus scissors and it's a great set of tools.

[@alexcerna8087]

Gran video..!! Muchas gracias!! A esta familia puede sumarse el modelo HIKER y FIELDMASTER. Saludos, que estés muy bien.

[@TheMaster47x]

Nice video. My first proper knife was the Victorinox Spartan.

[@330-Backpacker]

just got the super tinker at walmart yesterday. great buy. came with a nice leather hip pouch too.

[@chainheart3]

just made a Victorinox video 1 hour ago XD, great video! keep the god work i really like your videos

[@brunogv9188]

what God has to do with an SAK? Also, i dont think the guy in the video was a Priest, anyway...

[@crisp1506]

Keep up the good work !

[@MegaTubbeh]

Tinker and Hiker are my favourites. :)

[@averageknifeenjoyer3108]

Wow now he's had the tinker 30 years, crazy

[@davidcopple8071]

Great video. I've carried my deluxe tinkerer for around 25 years. I'd love to know where your knife case with the sharpener came from?

[@Lazylizardgear]

That makes sense. I have an Opinel #7, and like it, it fits the friendly looking pocket knife idea very well. I don't think they're as widely recognized in the USA though.

[@cayanezs]

Tinker is also one of my favorites!

[@blacksmith44]

Someone made a video a while back about the perfect universal trio in multi tools for the outdoors: The Ranger/ The Camper/ The Climber/. My version of the perfect trio for the Urban environment: The Deluxe Tinker/ The Super Tinker/ The Tinker/ Perfect version for the Urban environment!

[@Lazylizardgear]

Thanks. It's a Timex Expedition model. I'm not sure which one exactly, they have a lot of varients. Plastic case, nylon band, steel back. with date display and indiglo. It's REALLY nice for the cost of about $30 retail.

[@dtjarks]

I know this is an old video, but I still enjoyed it. It sounds like your brother had a Colonial Mountain Guide. It’s the only one I know of with a hawkbill blade on it. They look very similar to a SAK.

[@armedpartisan]

Get some Flitz metal polish at a hardware or gunstore, and use it on your plastic "scales" on your old Tinker, and it will shine up just like new. I'm sure any kind of polish which is suitable for metal and fiberglass will work. Toothpaste works well at polishing metal and making headlights shiny, that might work too, but I used Flitz.

[@mlandmm69]

That is so interesting my first victorinox was a tinker and was a gift from my mother on my 6th birthday

[@SpacecityEDC]

Nicely done 👍

[@jasonbatson7713]

i just got my tinker today!!!

[@MrAlexjbrooker]

There is also a 84mm tinker now

[@RedeyePerc]

I enjoyed that and have subscribed. I love my Tinker, but would get more use out of a big file instead of the small blade. I use the file on my Cadet more than the main blade.

[@Lazylizardgear]

RedeyeSPR That would be nice.

[@RedeyePerc]

Lazy Lizard Gear Check this one out - (www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/swiss-army/wenger/swiss-army-knives/everyday/evolution-11-swiss-army-knife) It looks like the Tinker with a file. I always forget about the Wenger stuff.

[@munkeysunkle]

RedeyeSPR i'm deciding which knife to get and what attachments i'd need, do you use the file for anything other than nails?

[@RedeyePerc]

munkeysunkle I use the file only for nails. It's pretty mildly abrasive, so I don't think it would work for much else. I do use it all the time, though, so it's worth it.

[@tecnotrog1]

Nice video thanks

[@Lazylizardgear]

@MascisMan1 All the same. It's Victorinox's 88mm frame (3.5") The main blades are about 2.7" with a 2.5" cutting edge.

[@Gadgetdad007]

Just get the Swiss Champ and you are all sorted. 😉

[@1969jmac]

I have the Vic adventurer, love it use it daily. Also have a huntsman and hercules. The herc is primarily used at work and carried on a belt sheath due to size. I like the huntsman thouh I would probably get more use out of the phillips screwdriver than the corkscrew. The Tinker deluxe looks like the perfect fit for me except for the small blade. Do you know what would be the comparable model to the tinker deluxe without the small blade?

[@falcon1487]

Yes small Tinker love it.

[@1969jmac]

I also carry a SAK as my edc. I Have had four or five of both Vics and Wenger, and have weighed out the differences and quality of both brands. In my oppinion I think Wenger SAK's are better, at least for me. I prefer their quality of build over Vics. Currently carrying the Wenger Tradesman closest VIC comaprison model would be the Deluxe Tinker I believe. with a few exceptions. either way the Wenger has always been MY personal SAK Choice.

[@dleandro]

hello good vid, could you tell me where can i get the compass you have attached to your watch band ? thanks

[@petehorn6705]

Small super and deluxe are all great!

[@Lazylizardgear]

@smashandcrashbros doh you're right. I didn't know about that model.

[@sputnikjones6838]

I remember wanting a boy scout knife lol.a Swiss army knife was unheard of by me ,at the time..

[@Lazylizardgear]

I have it now. It's nice.

[@KingsYTP]

Good review. But where is the Tinker Small model?

[@mickieyslim4305]

What kind of watch do u have on I like it.

[@Sam_T2000]

the pliers on a smaller knife are great, but the perpendicular phillips head isn’t great, and I miss the corkscrew for undoing knots, plus the little glasses screwdriver. I wish we could get the pliers added to a Climber or Explorer 🤞

[@RikthDcruze]

There is another one. The Tinker small. That is the standard tinker but a tad bit shorter.

[@Oksimoron-zy9sk]

Nice s.a.k. you have man...of tinker family s.a.k. its also a tinker small😉...nice video 😪

[@tecnotrog1]

Also check out the Pioneer and farmer with alox handles there great to ps I have tinker and super tinker

[@Lazylizardgear]

@Nwon33 I really don't know. It was given to me almost 20 years ago.

[@apocolypse823]

I have the regular tinker and i cleaned it but now the top scale keeps popping up, any suggestions?

[@oatsamusprime9441]

Watching this while trying to decide if I need to upgrade from my Tinker small.

[@Lazylizardgear]

@apocolypse823 Normally these are friction fit, pressed onto little pegs that stick out of the liner... If one of those isn't working right i suggest superglue.

[@name5949]

I've seen this post many years ago but 10 years on and how is the Swiss Army knives holding up I've been using the fieldmaster for many years now it's a outstanding Swiss Army knife anyway I hope your doing well pal

[@Lazylizardgear]

It's about 0.6 inch wide. It's about 0.75 to 1 inch thick from spine to belly, depending on how far the nail nicks for the tools stick out.

[@Bananamansam123]

corkscrew's great for undoing tight knots and suff, i prefer it

[@Lazylizardgear]

@tanthe123 While I own several swiss army knives I don't know anything about collectors value. I think there are forums dedicated to SAK collecting, you might try asking on one of those, or in the Multipurpose Knives section of Bladeforums.

[@HoundNL]

I just miss a nail file, but that's ok, I will go with the super tinker and a classic SD

[@Yosefschannel]

I'm getting the tinker family

[@philifjonk98]

Greta video man keep it upp

[@tanthe123]

hey mate i have a victorinox 3.36 01 that says lausanne and has a little olympics symbol on it with the original box. i was wondering if you knew about its history or its value? :) thanks

[@aphyd23]

I believe the states purpose of the hook is to carry packages that are tied with string. It's great if you come across a wire or cord that you need to pull really hard on.

[@Lazylizardgear]

The Tinker is current $17.46 on Amazon and $15 on Cutleryshoppe, and $16.95 on Knifeworks.

[@jennystill8398]

Do the blades lock? I really would like this but I'm not sure if it's legal in the UK

[@yeezyspphard]

No it doesn't

[@InitialDave]

It's not strictly illegal to have a locking blade, but it falls under the "having a good reason to have it" nonsense, so yes, you are better off without to be on the safe side. The blades don't lock, and are under 3" long, so should be ok. I bought a Tinker Deluxe after finding that my Workchamp was in breach of these rules.

[@predragjo5977]

Does your 20yo SAK have any blade play?

[@Lazylizardgear]

@NJMevec2 Tell them knives are not inherantly weapons, and more than a hand is one. They can both do good and harm. Prove that your knife is a tool by the way you use it and the responcibility you show when doing so. Good luck. I recommend a Lansky Turnbox, I have a video showing how to use one on my channel, or requiring a bit more practice, but being a few dollars cheaper, small pocket stone, they can often be found in stores like Walmart.

[@Lazylizardgear]

@NJMevec2 I REALLY don't recommend the ones that use carbide cutters. They don't go a very good job and remove a lot more blade material each time than other methods. But the diamond rod and ceramic parts of that look ok.

[@vpsaline]

What is the width of the tinker at its widest spot?

[@turskasablja1]

nice video ..any swish knife is good:))

[@Lazylizardgear]

It's some version of a Timex Expedition, they're nice, cheap and reliable.

[@lifenature6402]

I prefer the Compact model.

[@Lazylizardgear]

The same hardware store that supplied the Tinker about 20 years ago.