Picking out the best Victoriniox Swiss Army Knife is not at all an easy feat considering just how many options Victorinox gives you, and how many variations of those different there are to choose from. There’s no way I could have mad up a list of the top SAKs on my own, so I reached out to you guys, asking which Victorinox options you thought were the cream of the crop.
While I didn’t get anywhere near a streamlined consensus, that’s exactly what I expected. In my opinion, this just goes to show you that the range Victorinox offers when it comes to their products is appreciated, and goes a long way toward helping everyone find their very own ideal, unique or slightly different from the pack.
Victorinox Alox Pioneer Swiss Army Knife – Amazon / eBay
I didn’t personally differentiate between Alox and red scales when counting up the swiss army knives. Even then, you guys were split, choosing Alox sometimes, and red scales on purpose other times. Having a hard time choosing between the two? One thing to note before making up your mind is a point Tiny summed up quite nicely: “Red plastic handles are very calming to non knife people.” From my experience, this is 100% true – and red-handled Victorinoxes will rarely ever get a second glance. Victorinox’s red scales are so embedded in our culture because of their utter ubiquity that they easily slip under the radars of the vast majority of non-knife people. If that’s a selling point for you, make sure to grab red-scale versions of the SAK you want to grab.
Of course, the handles come in other colours (black, blue, yellow…) and styles (wood, see-through plastic…) these days, but again, that’s a whole other ball game. Let me know in the comments if you have a preference between Alox and classic red plastic scales, or if you prefer the new colours and styling options that Victorinox has been releasing.
I wanted to mention, before we get into the top swiss army knives as chosen by our readers, that going by number of Amazon reviews, the 5 most popular Victorinox SAKs are as follows:
Now let’s see how your preferences stacked up…
Reader’s Choice: The Best Victorinox Swiss Army Knives
1. Victorinox Classic
It’s one of those swiss army knives that, as John Z. mentions, always seems to find its way to your pocket. His words on the Classic sum up why I believe many choose to carry it over any other Victorinox Swiss Army Knife: “It’s got enough stuff to be useful but it’s small enough to not cause a panic when I pull it out in “mixed” company (non-knife people).” The perfect multi-tool for those concerned about drawing too much attention. Can’t get better than this ubiquitous little guy.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
2. Victorinox Huntsman
Broadwing mentions that, while he likes and has carried plenty of SAKs, his choice for the top spot: the Victorinox Huntsman. In his words: “My all time favorite is the Huntsman, reason being is the blades and tools are perfect for small to medium jobs, plus it’s not too large or bulky to carry.
An anonymous reader agrees on the Huntsman being a great choice, but disagrees on the pocket-ability aspect. Still, there’s plenty to like about this SAK. In his words: “The Huntsman for office and field compromise. A bit bulky for pocket carry. The corkscrew is used for sewing needle storage (push needle adjacent to screwdriver bit), winding sewing thread around the bit and needles. Pro-tip – use synthetic thread, as natural fibers will be destroyed in time.”
These two are not alone in their preference. BDC details how he came to find the Huntsman, and why it’s also his ideal swiss army knife: “The model he displayed had a wood saw. I failed to understand the value in the model because it had no scissors. When I would be up and about outdoors, I was always wanting to trim my finger and toe nails, digging out splinters and removing dirt from under my finger nails.
Eventually, I asked myself why not find a model that had both features. This was before the internet and personal computers. My investigation led to the Huntsman model. Since that time, I have purchased/restored/gifted/ratholed more than 2 dozen. Most have been purchased on eBay in the last several years as TSA confiscated.”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
3. Victorinox Minichamp
The Minichamp was another popular option amongst our readers. Jay mentioned it was the one SAK he always has in his pocket, also stating: “I have replaced the scales on it so that I have the toothpick again. I do not need the pen as I always have the Fisher bullet pen in my pocket too. It gives me the tools I use the most plus I have a finger nail file handy when ever the wife chips a nail. Sometime I think that’s why she has kept me around for the last 37 years.”
Moral of the story: if you’ve got a wife that appreciates a finger nail file, the MiniChamp may just be your best option, too. ;)
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. Victorinox Tinker
The Tinker is another one of those swiss army knives that manages to find itself into the pockets of quite a few of our readers, thus becoming their de-facto swiss army knife to EDC. John Z. mentinons that with the Craftsman, the Super Tinker is one of the two swiss army knives on the market he loves best. Why? “Both give me all the tools I need and none that I don’t.”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
5. Victorinox Cadet
Yet another well-loved option amongst our readers.
Chris mentions: “I have the Cadet SAK with me most of the time. If it’s not on me it’s in my car. I have had it for many years and find it is all I need.”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
6. Victorinox Executive
Robert Mark White mentions the Victorinox Executive is particularly good if you’re looking for a convenient Swiss Army Knife.
Broadwing mentions, when he used to carry the Executive, “It came in handy for odd jobs at work as was/is non threatening.”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
7. Victorinox Explorer
It does seem that a lot of favourite Victorinox Swiss Army Knives were originally gifts from friends or family members. Mark‘s love for the Explorer started out this way: “I have an Explorer my brother gave me 35 years ago, still going strong. It was my every day carry for years until I switched over to a Delica. I never got much use out of the magnifying glass though.”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
8. Victorinox Pioneer X
Alex mentions that he carries the Mechanic as well as this SAK, “but if I have to choose between these 2 I prefer the Pioneer.”
Why? “It has wider blade, wider bottle opener/flat screw driver, tougher construction, etc.”
9. Victorinox Spirit X
Chris Fyfe mentions the Victorinox Spirit X is one of the top on his list, though he makes note that his favourite changes depending on what he’s doing.
Why the Spirit X? To him, it’s the “best mid sized multitool, for both implement density, and implement quality), when working, or in casual dress (most of the time).”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
10. Victorinox Midnite Manager
Tiny mentions he carries one of these on his key ring. “Camping if I am in the outdoors [..] or if I want something more sheeple friendly than a UKPK.”
He mentions that he’d prefer the swiss army knife it it had a metal saw rather than a woodsaw, but other than that it’s perfect.
Victorinox EvoGrip S18 Swiss Army Knife Multi-Tool – Amazon
Swiss Army Knives Our Readers Carry
We’ve interviewed you guys before, asking what exactly you have in your pockets and packs. The compiled results stating what you guys carry actually goes to show that a lot of you carry Victorinox Swiss Army Knives – the Victorinox Classic came up as the #1 most carried multi-tool among you then, with the Leatherman Wave coming in at a close second.
Other Victorinox SAKs you guys mentioned carrying included the following:
This time, when we asked you guys which SAKs you liked best, and not about which ones you happened to be carrying, the results came out a little differently. Besides the 10 overall faves mentioned above, these were some other SAKs listed as favourites:
- Craftsman
- Cybertool
- Electrician
- Farmer
- Fieldmaster
- Mechanic
- One Handed Trekker
- Signature
- Soldier
- Spartan
A little different, and just goes to show you how much we take advantage of the variety that’s offered to us.
Your Opinion: What’s the Best Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?
What do you think should have come in at the #1 spot?
Do you find it hard choosing between Victorinox’s Swiss Army Knives? Do you have a distinct preference for one over all others, or are you happy to sport nearly any?
Have different SAKs for different tasks? Prefer a specific colour or handle style over others?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I started off with the Classic SD as a young boy and, as I made my way through adulthood, eventually acquired a Swisschamp, an Explorer (my favorite), a Trekker, and a Swisstool Spirit.
Lately, I’ve entertained the thought of EDC’ing a 91mm SAK with the addition of aftermarket titanium scales equipped with a pocket clip (especially for traveling abroad), but I feel the aforementioned models (sans the Classic SD) are too thick or heavy for pocket carry, or prohibited in jurisdictions due to a locking blade or a blade in excess of three inches in length.
I have recently obtained the ubiquitous Spartan and the feature-rich Compact with the intent of carrying either model during my travels (once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted). Both are two-layered models, which make slipping them into my front right trouser pocket easy and comfortable!
Other SAKs on my shortlist are the Pioneer and the Hiker.
That’s one hell of a collection. I love the Explorer & Spartan. Swisstool spirit looks cool but I have so many Leathermans and Gerbers its hard to justify pulling the trigger!
Skipper mk2 with the pliers flicks my switch as I live aboard my yacht.
I do accasionaly need a saw though for cutting PVC pipe or a piece of wood.
It is always clipped into pocket with a plastic carabineer, otherwise, Neptune would have had it years ago.
Is corrosion ever an issue with multitools on a boat?
Having started with a classic SAK in my teenage years, I switched to the Handyman in my early adulthood years. It is one thing I never go out without. Although it is a bit bulky to carry in your pocket, you can easily add it to your bag or briefcase. Even though I don’t use all of its features on a daily basis, I don’t mind having those extras, just in case. Also, it depends on your creativity to use what you have at hand. That said, even a minimalist model is quite versatile
The Swiss Army knife is truly one of the most practical tools that is invented. I don’t recall a situation where my SAK was not helpful. In an urban setting it’s always in my bag, when I’m outdoors I usually carry it on my belt in its leather case.
Nice recommendation, its definitely a smidgen bulky for me but I can see the appeal. Thanks for dropping by!
I have a classic SAK, but unlike the others I have seen, this one has blackened chrome tools on it. I use the hell out of the can opener and screw driver. Whatever it is coated with is durable and shines like new every time
Blackened chrome? Could you link a photo? That said, my SAK’s are still going strong and I have yet to have an issue- although some of them have scratched up considerably.
Victorinox EvoGrip 16. Nearly impossible to find now but has all the essentials including a Phillips head, large blade, scissors, AND NO POINTLESS TOOLS. I hate carrying excess weight and tools I don’t use and this SAK accomplishes this and much more!!
Looks good, I wonder why its so hard to find these days…
I have many Victornox knives. They have always been favorites that I carry often. I have a large family and everyone has at least one Victornox SAK. I have Tinkers, Spartans, Pioneers, a mini champ, an Evo, and Cadets. They all make it into my carry rotation. I don’t know if I have a favorite, but I can say that, no matter what knife I carry on any given day, I also have at least one Victornox SAK in my pocket.
Over a hundred years of production and still successful. Can’t say much more than that. ;)
I have an EvoWood 14 with me pretty much constantly. Corkscrew aside, I use everything on it regularly. It also takes up very little pocket space, I love the wood scales, and imo the serrated mainspring-powered scissors are far better than the traditional Victorinox design.
There was an underlying theme being mentioned in this article: non-knifeys might get scared of a little ol pocket knife. To all the weenies who can’t handle seeing a knife pulled out to cut thread, an apple, file a nail, or twist a screw: please put your pens and keyboards out of sight because more feelings have been hurt as the result of people hiding behind screens and paper while throwing out bold words to no one standing in front of them.
As far as Victorinox knives are concerned, ALOX scales will not pop off over time due to the rivet being installed on the exterior as opposed to the non life threatening red plastic scales that pop onto the rivots. Pioneer X, Cadet, and key chain classic are my go to’s.
Good point about the rivets in the Alox models, I always did feel that they were sturdier (beyond just the mere weight) but your assessment brings up some very good points on durability.
91mms Ranger.
Great option, a bit too bulky for me for everyday but its definitely a lifesaver.
91mm Ranger has all the useful tools the Champ has and can be carried in the watch pocket of any good pair of jeans. It is the Huntsman plus a metal file.
Great article!
So hard to decide… I mean, does it even make sense to try compare and choose between, say, the Classic SD and the SwissChamp? Totally different animals.
I’m 57 now… I got my first SAK when I was seven. So, about exactly 50 years of SAK-packing. It was a Small Tinker. Still have it, still a great knife (there have been some changes; I love my Tinker from the 60s). But, it hasn’t been my daily carry since I was 16 and got a Climber, which was my go-to and much beloved pocket knife for decades. I did the math (avg daily uses * days * years) and figure I’ve used a Climber well over 50,000 times.
But in the past few years I’ve been trying out different models, and the Climber has been knocked out of the top spot. Like I said, I really don’t think you can pick one as the best, but I have four that are best for me in their respective niches.
Rambler! Love this little guy. Considerably better than the Classic SD with virtually no extra bulk. Keyring placement is better and the screwdriver/caplifter is excellent.
Cadet. Just so elegant. Classy but rugged. Super slim. At first I thought I would miss the small knife blade and thought the nail file was frivolous, but I ended up using that nail blade the most of any tool. My nails do get dirty very easily (that’s my superpower, in fact), so I use it for that, but it’s also just a great general purpose probe/pry/screwdriver thingy.
SwissChamp. I’m a firm believer that you only realize the true value of a SAK if you keep it with you all the time. ALL. THE. TIME. So, for decades I stayed away from the big ones. But, with a suspension clip (like the TEK P-7) the SwissChamp is actually fine for pocket carry in all but very lightweight pants. The pliers are the best thing about it. Way more uses than I anticipated. Turns out even the fishscaler/ruler also has a number of uses.
And…
Huntsman. My pick for best all-arounder. Only marginally thicker than the Climber, and it packs the ever-so-excellent wood saw. Mine is decked out with Plus scales, pen, mini-screwdriver, straight pin, a needle and thread tucked under the parcel hook, and a paracord lanyard I made that has a firesteel wrapped in a noose/whip-like knot and a Photon Freedom flashight on the end. With the weight of the firesteel outside my pants, the knife hangs comfortably and vertically in my pocket. Super easy to pull the knife out even when sitting or driving. And, having a good flashlight literally at your fingertips all the time turns out to be almost as useful as having a pocket knife.
The cadet is also a favourite of mine, great choices mate & I really like your mini reviews. Thanks for sharing!
For some years I had two SAK’s always with me: Classic SD and Climber. They handled everything I threw on them without any word of complain and they still look neat. They are not knives – they are my best friends.
But I needed a change and I replaced Climber with a Waiter model and adding Leatherman Squirt PS4 to my city EDC. It all works fine and I have to admit that Waiter is almost as good as I thought it would be. I choose Waiter over the Compact because of the high price of the second one (damn high if You ask me) and I don’t cry about it because I have scissors in Squirt.
No matter what – my old friends: Classic and Climber are always ready to step in act.
So I would say without a doubt:
1. Classic SD: You can’t say anything bad about this baby. Sharp, small and always helpful. I used to weart it on my neck hidden under the shirt.
2. Climber: Everything you really need in the citylife is there. Not too bulky with the right tools. I always preferred corcksrew over the phillips and I used it in many diferent ocasions.
3. Handyman: it’s one hell of a sturdy tool. You may say what you want about those strange pliers/tweezers but they work just fine if You know how to use it properly.
4. Swisstool: I’m not a mechanic so I can do a limited works with my car. And by knowing my skills I can do everything with this boy.
5. Waiter: If You don’t need scissors (or you got Classic SD with you) and You want solid but smal EDC knife – think about this one. You can even put in Your wallet.
But let’s be honest – whatever you choose you win ?
Great list, I love the way the swisstool (spirit) looks- likely I will get one with the sexy black oxide finish. How do you find yours compared to Leathermans?
Sorry for the delay in answering.
I had few Leatherman multitools like Wingman, Wave and Kick. They are good and reliable tools.
Because I’m a big fan of Victorinox I bought SwissTool. And I saw a difference.
SwissTool is a very sturdy and powerful multitool. You feel it’s weight. Polished stainless steel can look like a toy but it’s not. When I hold in my hand I have a feeling that I could dismount a car with it. Without any doubt I would trade any Leatherman for it. There are few cons of course. Sometimes while hard using you will feel it’s a little uncomfortable shape. So better use gloves. But other than that there is no way I would choose any other multitool.
I hope you find my answer helpfull.
Interesting, I think I will go for a swisstool spirit next and see how it holds up. The price does make me a bit shy but hopefully its worth it.
My 1st Swiss Army Knife was a Victorinox Mechanic this was way back in 1996 and it was my father who gave it to me. I carried it all throughout where my work took me and never thought to buy another MT since the Mechanic had everything i needed. It was only in 2014 that i saw a Victorinox Tinker and bought one for it was lighter than my Mechanic. Then my wife gave me a Minichamp for my overseas travels until an airport security guy in Bali Indonesia manning the baggage xray scanners decided he needed a small MT and told me that i couldnt board my flight if i didnt leave my Minichamp to him. Bought myself a Classic when i got home. Then a trip to Manila i bought a Victorinox Climber for its great scissors. Next up i found myself in Macau buying a Victorinox Alpineer. Told my brother who was living in Oslo about my Alpineer who then decided that with my work i could use a Victorinox Soldiers Knife 08 which he gave me one when he came home for a visit. Now im thinking if i really need that Victorinox One hand Trekker with the fine edge blade.
You can never have too many Victorinox’s ;) Sucks about that airport security guys in Bali. :( Stories like this is why I don’t fly with anything I would be upset to lose.
In the past 20 years I’ve carried a number of SA/Victorinox products, and to be honest, they’ve all weighed in at varying levels of excellent. Longevity-wise, the alox models have endured the abuse – where I’ve cracked a few handled on the plastic models – and the Spirit has outlasted all my other multitools but a decade. I did, however, damage the awl when putting a large hole in hardened steel, but was able to regrind it right away.
Needless to say, it’s in the old work bag every day.
Another fine article. Look forward to seeing more content in 2018. Happy New Year!
Thanks M, hope you have a great 2018 too! I can’t say I have ever broken the plastic Victorinox’s in the past but then again, I primarily carry the Alox Pioneer so I don’t have much of a reference point!
Tinker for me. Relatively cheap. Ubiquitous. Easy to find. Although I must say the cadet would be a better choice for day to day carry since I don’t have use for the awl or screw driver all that much. I am still working on the best mechanism to keep this Tinker in my pocket. Right now I just has a small lanyard on it.
I keep a small cheap folding multi tool at my office desk just for the plyers and screw driver. Still, having a SAK in my pocket is nice and I enjoy it just for the feeling – almost like a fidget spinner.
which SAk do tot carry if I may ask?
mine is definitely the Alox Pioneer.
I really like my hardwood Swisschamp too for etc.
Alox Pioneer as shown in the photo ;) its the best looking Victorinox (in my opinion) with great tools for my use and in my experience has been 100% dependable.
I have about 30 models and love them all but these days I really prefer the 84mm SAK’s, they are the smallest edc blade that can still acomplish most daily tasks including food prep. They are even more people friendly, they are cheaper and they ride in the pocket better because they can easily sit horizontal in the bottom of your pocket. Smaller than my index finger but still get a four finger grip in the hand and 95% as functional as a 91mm SAK. My two favourites are the Walker and the Tinker. For the size you really get a whole lot of utility in two layers. They can easily cut an apple in half, open letters, cut boxes, rope, cable ties and whittle a walking stick. I take the walker out bush and the tinker into town and leave my Leatherman in the car.
For anyone who’s interested or needs proof I recently took my 84mn Victorinox walker and classic SD to Thailand. I shot a video to show how useful they were. https://youtu.be/I8Vq8Gnm358
Interesting, ever worried about the legal aspects of EDC’ing outside of your own country?
I do worry about carrying blades abroad but not overly concerned about carrying a SAK as they are pretty ubiqutious and have a non threatening appearance. I believe therin lies their strength for optimal EDC. Noone freaks out if you use one for a task in public, if you whip out a ZT or Cold steel it might be a different story. The Swisschamp is probably the best for travelling and is really in a category of its own. Thanks for your awesome blog really enjoy your articles.
Yep, I have an alox pioneer that has been my companion for many years. Ubiquitous, solid and useful. Great tool.
Cheers for the feedback mate, much appreciated.
I’m partial to the Hunter Pro, but it’s not your average run-of-the-mill SAK. With a single 4″ lock-back blade, orange scales and a belt pouch, it’s more of a minimalistic and light weight pack knife. Not sure if it will spark a fire steel but it could be used for skinning.
I carry the explorer. Mine has a boy scout marking on it. I don’t use the magnifying glass much, but it would come in handy as a backup fire starter.