Whether you’re on the hunt, on the water, roughing it in the backcountry, or just getting through your day-to-day, a multi-tool should be an essential part of your EDC. The original compact multi-tool is still just as good, if not better, than it was when introduced in the late 1800s. We’re talking about, of course, the legendary Swiss Army Knife™ made by Victorinox.
No matter where your outdoor adventures take you, chances are there’s a Swiss Army Knife™ configuration that’s just right for you. Because it’s made with quality components and construction and backed by Victorinox’s lifetime warranty, you know these tools will be there, and be capable, when you need them.
Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife™
This 15-function classic pocket knife, the Victorinox Huntsman, is what most people envision when they hear “Swiss Army Knife™.” This tool is one of the company’s most classic configurations with the addition of scissors and a wood saw, making it minimalist enough to be carried anywhere (it weighs just 3.36 ounces) while still being able to handle a huge range of tasks around the house, on the job, and, of course, in the field.
The onboard tools, in addition to the saw and scissors, include a reamer, punch and sewing awl, a multipurpose hook, a wire stripper, a large smooth blade, a small smooth blade, a can opener, two screwdrivers, a corkscrew, a bottle opener, and the standard plastic toothpick and metal tweezers.
This is the kind of classic pocket knife you can pass down one day, with the red scales slightly worn, scratched, and a tad faded. You can also feel confident giving it to anyone you care about, new in the box. Every time they use it, for years to come, they’ll think of you.
Victorinox Rescue Tool
The simple and effective Victorinox Rescue Tool is the product of the company’s years of close collaboration with professional rescue workers and first responders who rely on their tools to save lives every day — and for everyday people, too, because you never know when you might need to self-rescue or come to the aid of family members or strangers in an emergency.
This specialized pocket knife is built on the company’s large thumbhole blade platform. While it seems basic, the Rescue Tool actually features 13 functions. The large, lockable, “wavy edge” pocket knife (think light serrations) has a significant thumbhole for easy one-handed opening. Additionally, it features a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, and a shatterproof-glass saw for vehicle extrication tasks. All tools are designed to be fully ambidextrous.
It also has everyday carry capabilities and features a bottle opener, wire stripper, a 7mm screwdriver, a reamer/punch, a 1/2 Phillips screwdriver, tweezers, a toothpick, and a lanyard. And, of course, it comes with bright yellow handle scales that make it easier to find when you need it, as well as a nylon sheath.
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X Plus Ratchet
Yes, the maker of the O.G. multitool also makes modern multitools, or more accurately, plier-based multitools. The Swiss Tool Spirit X Plus Ratchet is a sleek, stainless steel take on this larger multitool concept that features a remarkable 36 functions in an extremely compact package.
The ergonomic all-steel multitool and a carrier housing several driver bits and a mini ratchet all come housed in a handsome leather belt pouch. This is a terrific EDC multitool for outdoorsmen who also find themselves doing a good amount of repairs on the fly, even electrical work.
The entire package includes, among other tools, a large blade, two screwdrivers plus the bit driver and seven bits, needle-nose pliers, a metal saw, a 7mm chisel and scraper, two cable cutters, a wire bender and a stripper, two wire cutters (hard and soft wires), and more. It weighs in at 7.4 ounces — not bad at all for having all those tools on board.
Victorinox Climber
You can’t find a more classic Swiss Army Knife™ than the Victorinox Climber. A slightly modified version of the original “Officer’s Knife,” it has everything you need and nothing you don’t, with the absolutely classic Swiss Army Knife™ red scales.
With this versatile multi-tool, you can dress a deer, repair a tarp, crack the can on a hobo dinner around the campfire, snip off that annoying thread on your collar, or save the day by being the only one with the power to open a bottle of wine.
The svelte 2.9-ounce pocket knife houses a large smooth blade, a small blade, a corkscrew, a reamer/punch/sewing awl, scissors, a hook, key ring, tweezers, a toothpick, a can opener, a bottle opener, a 3mm and a 6mm screwdriver, and a wire stripper. All the basics, all in one place.
Victorinox Camper
If the Huntsman model above seems about right but you only need the most robust tools, definitely check out the Victorinox Camper. It features the same handy wood saw, large and small smooth blades, a bottle and can opener, two screwdrivers, a reamer/awl, and a corkscrew, but this configuration keeps the bulk to a minimum by omitting the scissors and the multipurpose hook found on the Huntsman.
The ultra-affordable Camper is ideally suited for weekend warriors with a pile of tents and camping chairs in the SUV, or as a constant companion for any hunting pack or vest. It’s the perfect compact multi-tool to slip into a cubby hole in your truck or that fifth pocket in your jeans that you don’t know what else to do with. It’s classic, simple, and it works.