Favorite Swiss Army Knife: EDC, Backpacking, Camping?

[kennethsime]

So, what is your favorite Swiss Army Knife? Are you loyal to either Victorinox or Wenger? What is your most-carried model? Do you use another model for specific activities like camping?

I'll start: I've always had Victorinox, and am somewhat loyal to them when it comes to SAKs. The tools on the Wegner (and even Leatherman's and other multi-tools) just look "off" after seeing and using the Victorinox designs on several different models, although I'm sure they work just as well. Kinda like the Native ligthweight FRN looks a little off after seeing the gen-4 bi-directional FRN on enduras, delicas, stretches, dragonflys, etc.

I started out with a Sportsman (have had several) for edc (when I was a kid) later picked up a Huntsman for camping/backpacking, have also carried a Swisstool (still my favorite multi-tool, although it got "lost" by a friend), and the last one I had was a Classic SD on the keychain which fell off about a year ago. The Huntsman is the only one left, and it needs to be replaced (untimely fate on account of an encounter with brake fluid).

[Jazz]

I have to say Victorinox. The can opener also doubles as a great Philips screwdriver, so you don't need one with that on the side, which are hard to use anyway. Makes all the difference in the world. Vic also seems more robust, or something. I like the Spartan, Camper, and Huntsman, all with Swisschamp scales so they'll accept the pin and pen.

[kbuzbee]

I voted neither because I don't own a SAK. Nothing against them but, for me, the niche is filled by Leathermans.

Ken

[SpyderNut]

I voted neither because I don't own a SAK...

But, but, what do you mean? I thought about everybody had a few of those laying around. :D Don't worry, though. I'll just have to send you one of mine. I can't stand to see a fellow Spydie brother without a SAK to his name. :p (Although, I hear you on the Leatherman. I have a few Micras stashed away in about every coat pocket, console, and glove box!)

But on a serious note, I'd vote for Victorinox simply because they offer the Stayglow series. (Think Moonglow of Spyderco and you get the basic idea). I have a Stayglow Rambler that I EDC along with my Dragonfly Salt (PE). I can't live without it!

[kbuzbee]

But, but, what do you mean? I thought about everybody had a few of those laying around. :D Don't worry, though. I'll just have to send you one of mine. I can't stand to see a fellow Spydie brother without a SAK to his name. :p

Appreciate the love, brother!

Ken

[JD Spydo]

I don't know if you would actually qualify this as a "Swiss Army Knife" per se or not. But "VICTORINOX" company who by court decision has been declared the official "Swiss Army Knife" has a tool that I personally consider even just a bit better and a little more versatile than your average Swiss Army Knife.

Anytime I take in outdoor activities I always have my VICTORINOX Swiss Tool multitool with me. The SWISS TOOL is equiped with 2 great knife blades along with several very useful and practial tools as well. If I were in a true survival situation I would certainly want a Swiss Tool over most anything else in that category.

I have owned several multitools over the years but for some reason I've never found or used any multitool that I feel is superior to the SWISS TOOL. There are several models of the SWISS TOOL multitool and all of VICTORINOX's multitools are superb in my opinion. Now I do like many of Victorinox's Swiss Army knives but I've yet to find one of them that I like as much as I do the SWISS TOOL multitool.

[xceptnl]

I voted Victorinox because I have an affinity for the Alox handled models. I agree with Ken that a leatherman can fill that role (maybe even better). That is why I might only have a SAK on me 6 days a month, but my Charge AL is always on my person (provided I am wearing pants).

[kbuzbee]

Anytime I take in outdoor activities I always have my VICTORINOX Swiss Tool multitool with me.

Now I DO have one of those, and yes, it's terrific. It was my go to pocket tool for many years. It's been (mostly) replaced by a Leatherman Charge XTi these days but the Swisstool is still as good as it ever was.

Ken

[araneae]

I prefer the Wengers for their blade shape. They are slightly more robust than Vic blades, with a little more belly. I also prefer their can opener- I find it more efficient. I like the serrated backpacker. http://www.wengerna.com/serrated-backpacker-16444 I find it to be a compact SAK for the outdoors.

Day to day, I might prefer a Vic Cadet in Alox. It's nice and slim.

[phillipsted]

I voted neither because I don't own a SAK. Nothing against them but, for me, the niche is filled by Leathermans.

Ken

+1. Same with me too, Ken. I've got a couple of small ones stuck in drawers around the house - but they always seems a poor compromise. The knives weren't that good and the tools were awkward (and sometimes unsafe to use!).

I'll take a Leatherman or SOG Multitool coupled with my Para 2 any day of the week.

TedP

[Evil D]

I carry a Victorinox Spirit everyday and absolutely love it. It's the nicest multi tool I've ever used.

[ASmitty]

I've owned many of both. I have a hard time passing a SAK display in a store without buying a new one. Even if it's a model I already have. A person can never have too many Tinkers or Spartans IMO. I voted Victorinox because that is what I usually EDC. I carry one with me EVERY day (in addition to my larger single blade folder). For EDC, it is almost always a Climber model. As Jazz said above, the small flat screwdriver can double as a Philips screwdriver and the backside screwdriver can be hard to handle. Also, I prefer the corkscrew on the back as it allows me to be able to carry the mini screwdriver that tucks in it. My best friend AND my wife wear glasses, so it's always nice to have a mini screwdriver handy. I also keep an older model side locking Fireman in the glove compartment of my truck for the bigger jobs I've occasionally encountered while out and about.

[IG-88]

I LOVE SAKs :)

Specially the Alox models, but I have some Celidor aswell. Since I was kid I had a SAK. My favourite models are the 93mm Alox Soldier, 84mm Alox Cadet, 84mm Golfer and the 91mm Compact

[Knivesinedc]

My favorite A Victorinox Alox Pioneer that my grandpa gave me.

[kennethsime]

Man that is a great collection IG-88! It seems like the Alox models are super popular, which makes sense. I've still never carried one, I like the corkscrew, tweezers, and toothpick too much I think. But they sure are nice and thin.

I've heard complaints from Leatherman fans that the Victorinox multi-tools use a softer steel for their tools, causing them to strip. Has anyone ever encountered this with the SwissTool or Spirit? I carried my ST for about three years and never had any problems.

[Jimbro]

Nice collection. I have a Classic on my key chain and a huge XAVT which serves as more of a conversation piece. The Classic is used in crowds so as not to scare NKP.

[OldSarSwmr]

I have had a Vic Classic with me for over twenty years. I like giving them as gifts to "NKP" to show them that knives are a tool and that they don't have to be "scary". What can I say, people love the scissors. :D
Vic Alox were both of my son's first knives, followed shortly by a Spyderco Dragonfly!

[JD Spydo]

Now I DO have one of those, and yes, it's terrific. It was my go to pocket tool for many years. It's been (mostly) replaced by a Leatherman Charge XTi these days but the Swisstool is still as good as it ever was.

Ken

The only other Swiss Army knife I had that would compete with either one of my Victorinox SWISS TOOLs was a Victorinox "Champ" model knife. It was a Swiss made Victorinox model that I truly wish I never would have sold. I got it originally from a guy I used to know in Germany. I don't think those "Champ" models are even available in the USA as far I know>> because I've never seen one for sale over here in the USA at all.

But that was truly the king of the Swiss Army Knives in my opinion. There is a lot of good to be said for Swiss Army knives because when I was younger I cut my teeth on Buck, Ka-Bar, Case and Swiss Army knives of many varieties.

[kennethsime]

The only other Swiss Army knife I had that would compete with either one of my Victorinox SWISS TOOLs was a Victorinox "Champ" model knife. It was a Swiss made Victorinox model that I truly wish I never would have sold. I got it originally from a guy I used to know in Germany. I don't think those "Champ" models are even available in the USA as far I know>> because I've never seen one for sale over here in the USA at all.

But that was truly the king of the Swiss Army Knives in my opinion. There is a lot of good to be said for Swiss Army knives because when I was younger I cut my teeth on Buck, Ka-Bar, Case and Swiss Army knives of many varieties.

Was it this model, listed at REI? Can't tell if it's any different from the SwissChamp.

[zed4130]

Mines the swisschamp as a good UK legal sak,i also carry a tinker both these knives on danglers but generally carry the champ in a Victorinox pouch with a solitaire, i've also got 10 Leatherman's and a sog and a few more multitools but UK laws are a pain so I'm modding a leatherman kick by swapping the blade with a file and adding scissors,I'll carry my grasshopper for its blade :)