Why did Macgyver become a cultural icon in America and why was he so well-liked? Everyone admired Macgyver because instead of resorting to violence to solve issues, he would use a paperclip, a bit of gum, and a screwdriver to defuse a bomb. No blood was shed, the bad men were captured, and the day was saved. Moreover, Macgyver was renowned for always carrying a best swiss army knife for travel in his pocket to come to the rescue and solve issues.
The Swiss Army Knife’s creator, Victorinox, has a rich history that dates back to 1884, when Karl Elsener I established a cutlery workshop in Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland. Karl’s mother, Victoria, who had supported his endeavors from the start, and Inox, the Swiss term for “stainless,” were combined to create the firm name. The first Swiss Soldier knife was created in 1891 and distributed to troops and enlisted officers as a tool for maintaining rifles and for opening provisions. It had a wide blade, a larger straight screwdriver, an awl, and a can opener.
The original Soldier knife was used by the army for more than 50 years due to its usefulness and longevity until being replaced by the Alox-handled 93mm Soldier, also known as the Pioneer today. (Warning: spoilers. More than 500 million Swiss Army Knives have been made by Victorinox since the company created the first one in the late 19th century. They are widely used and excel at their intended functions.
How therefore can we compile a shortlist of the top ones bearing that in mind? Yeah, we’ll try our best. These are Knife Informer’s top picks for Swiss Army knives. There isn’t a dud in the bunch, and each model provides a range of tools, depending on the user and the situation.
1. PIONEER X Swiss Army knife
The Victorinox Pioneer was the “civilian” version of the Soldier’s knife introduced in 1961, but unlike some earlier military-to-civilian conversions (such as the M16 to the AR15), the keychain on the Pioneer was the main distinction between the two knives. I assume it’s harder to sneak up on folks when you have a set of keys that jangle. With everything you need and nothing you don’t, the Alox-handled Pioneer Swiss Army Knife has maintained its popularity for years. This 2.47 ounce kit has a big blade, a can opener/small screwdriver, a cap lifter/wire stripper/large screwdriver, and a sharpened awl thanks to a thin two-layer arrangement in the 93mm frame. One that I’ve had for a while is a really useful tool.
They also created a Farmer model, which was based on the Pioneer and added a third layer with a serrated wood saw. Many like the Farmer’s larger grip since it feels more natural in their hands, but how frequently do you really need a saw? Victorinox created the Pioneer X, a factory-produced three-layer Pioneer with scissors, after realizing that individuals were going to great lengths to alter the Pioneer by adding scissors. You may also like some of the Cold Steel Knives from our list, so take a moment to check them out.
The Pioneer X has been the realization of so many SAK lovers’ desires since it was released in 2015. The third row merely increases the weight by 3.35 ounces. Trimming strings, tightening wall plate screws, opening mail, cutting coupons, and other small household jobs are all catered for, and it comes with all the tools you need. The stylish, tough textured metal scales won’t show wear even if they bounce around in a purse. A terrific value and a fantastic piece of EDC gear for either guy or lady.
2. MINICHAMP ALOX Swiss Army knife
The Minichamp, which also made our list of the “Best Keychain Multitools,” merits a position here for fitting so much functionality into such a little space. The 1.56-ounce cellidor-handled variant fits 16 tools into a 58mm (2.2″) container and weights next to nothing. The Alox variant has 14 fewer instruments that are attached to the scale and weighs just 1.39 ounces instead. The MiniChamp has components packed in on both sides and is a three layer tool that is the same size as the common Classic. A caplifter, wire remover, and magnetic Phillips bit tip are all combined into one special multi-function tool on the opposite side of the blade, which has a simple 1.25″ blade and a pair of spring scissors on one side. The tool also includes a letter opener, a tiny screwdriver/ruler, a rounded cuticle pusher, an orange peeler/scraper, and a nailfile/nail cleaner on the opposite side.
The Alox variations omit the tweezers and ballpoint pen for a slimmer profile and less weight, whereas the plastic handled models have them nestled in the scales. There are several variations of the MiniChamp; the Alox version, which was once an exclusive of SwissBianco, is now widely available. Another option is the MidniteMiniChamp, which swaps the tweezers for a tiny LED light that is turned on by depressing a button beneath the Victorinox logo. For more amazing products like this, check out our guide to the WE Knives.
The MiniChamp is a little pricey for a 58mm SAK – the Alox and Midnite versions cost about the same as the much bigger Pioneer X – but it functions like a tiny toolbox and hangs conveniently on a keychain, making life a little simpler.
3. FIELDMASTER Swiss Army knife
Are you trying to find the best Swiss Army knife to bring camping? There are so many SAK variations marketed to outdoor enthusiasts that it’s difficult to answer that. Even the Boy Scouts of America give them out as camping supplies, so that should tell you something! The Fieldmaster, however, is definitely the greatest SAK for camping in my opinion.
It has 15 tools in four layers on both sides and is based on the traditional 91mm SAK frame, which is what most people believe to be the best Swiss Army Knife and what they envision when they think of one. On that side, there has a can opener and a little screwdriver in addition to the 2.45″ clip point main blade. A tiny paring knife, scissors, a cap lifter/large screwdriver/wire remover, and a serrated wood saw are placed opposite those tools. The mysterious “multipurpose hook,” which may be used as a parcel carrier or a lace tightener, is located on the back side of the knife along with a Phillips screwdriver, a sharpened awl, and a punch. The traditional tweezers and toothpick are included on the cellidor scales, along with a keychain attachment. The total weight of the knife is 3.56 ounces.
Depending on your objectives, there is also the almost similar Huntsman that substitutes a corkscrew wine opener for the Philips screwdriver. And then there is the Huntsman Lite, which has the translucent “plus” scales as well as an additional layer with an inline Philips driver, a straight pin, a fine screwdriver nested in the corkscrew, a detachable ballpoint pen, and all of these tools in a compact design.
4. CYBERTOOL M Swiss Army knife
In 2000, when consumer electronics started to take off, Victorinox unveiled a new line of knives made specifically for computer specialists. The inclusion of an inline bit driver and a carrier to store additional bits is the main modification to the classic 91mm Swiss Army Knife frame. Eight bits total—three in the carrier, one in the driver, all of which are two-sided—are present in the knife. These are on the tiny side since they are designed to suit most fittings found on electronics: a Philips #2/Slotted 4mm, Torx #8/Hex 4mm, Torx #10/Torx #15, and Pozidrive #0/Pozidrive #1.
A second bit driver with extra bits, such as a slotted 3/4mm, Torx 6/8, Hex 1.2/1.5, and a Hex 2/2.5mm, is included in some of the wacky SwissChamp variations. These bits may be ordered separately if they better suit your needs. When the tool is closed, the bit carrier is positioned beneath and opposite the driver, preventing the bits from slipping out. The driver has a half-stop so it may be used inline or at a 90 degree angle depending on what you’re doing and is magnetic to hold the bits in place while in use.
Naturally, the remainder of the knife is also very helpful. In addition to the customary toothpick and tweezers, it also has a retractable ballpoint pen and a removable straight pin behind the corkscrew. It also employs the more recent translucent “plus” scales. The Cybertool M has a set of spring pliers with a wire crimper at the base in addition to the regular big and small straight blades, caplifter/large screwdriver/wire stripper, can opener/small screwdriver, and sprung scissors seen on the majority of other 91mm versions. A sharpened awl, a corkscrew with a fine eyeglass screwdriver threaded into it, a multi-purpose hook, and a keychain attachment are all located on the rear of the knife. At 5.42 ounces, the CyberTool is a somewhat heavy knife and is best carried in a belt sheath because it takes up a lot of space in a pocket.
Although there are other variations, the CyberTool M (formerly known as the CyberTool 34) is the basic model. The scissors, pliers, and hook are absent from the CyberTool S (formerly known as Cybertool 29), which is smaller. The CyberTool L (formerly the 41) adds a wood saw, a metal file, and a tiny slotted screwdriver to the back and front, respectively. The CyberTool Lite upgrades the CyberTool M by including an LED light and a magnifying lens. Whatever CyberTool you choose, you’ll be more equipped to disassemble your electronics or fix stuff around the house. Bringing them together once more? You have the choice!
5. EVOLUTION 14 Swiss Army knife
The Wenger brand, the other business that produced Swiss Army Knives before they were acquired by Victorinox in 2005, left behind the Evolution series and the associated EvoGrip variants. 2014 saw the end of Victorinox’s Wenger brand model sales, while several Wenger designs were still produced as part of the Victorinox-branded Delemont line.
The Evo versions had intriguing designs that updated the classic Swiss Army form with a more comfortable hand-filling handle shape for a firmer grip. Similar EvoGrip variations are also available with handles that include high-traction grip inserts. Like other Swiss Army Knives, the Evolution 14 model is in the midst of a large variety of similar versions with small component variances.
The feature set of the three-layer Evo 14 is focused on daily use. Large blades with locking mechanisms are included on the Evolution 14S model, whereas slipjoints are present on the ordinary variants. Instead of a bent spring anchored in the scissors like the Victorinox type scissors, a set of sprung scissors employs a backspring inside the knife and has a “micro serrated” edge that is self-sharpening. In addition to the can opener/small screwdriver and the cap lifter/large screwdriver/wire stripper, which locks into place, the Evo 14 also comes with a nail file and a pointed nail cleaner.
A corkscrew, a keychain, and a sharpened Awl/reamer are all located on the back of the knife. Of course, a toothpick and some tweezers are concealed behind the scales. The Evo comes in a variety of variations. The EvoWood versions, for example, have attractive walnut scales and exclude the tweezers and toothpick. The corkscrew is replaced by a Philips driver in the Evolution 16/16S, otherwise it is identical to the 14. Check out the Evolution series if you like the medium-sized Swiss Army knife but want something a bit different.
FAQs
Certainly, here are 5 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best Swiss Army Knives:
1. What is a Swiss Army Knife?
A Swiss Army Knife is a multi-functional pocket knife that typically features a variety of tools, such as blades, screwdrivers, can openers, scissors, and more. It is named after the Swiss Army, which originally commissioned the knife for use by its soldiers.
2. What are the different types of Swiss Army Knives?
Swiss Army Knives come in a variety of sizes and configurations, ranging from small keychain models to larger, more robust tools with dozens of tools and features. Some common types include the Classic, Huntsman, and SwissChamp models.
3. What should I look for in a Swiss Army Knife?
When choosing a Swiss Army Knife, consider factors such as the number and type of tools, the size and weight of the knife, and the quality and durability of the materials used. It is also important to choose a knife from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of producing quality products.
4. How do I maintain my Swiss Army Knife?
To maintain your Swiss Army Knife, it is important to keep it clean and dry, and to periodically oil any moving parts or hinges. It is also important to sharpen the blade regularly and store the knife in a dry and secure location.
5. Are Swiss Army Knives legal to carry?
The legality of carrying a Swiss Army Knife varies by state and country. In some places, they are legal to carry as long as the blade length is within certain limits, while in others they may be prohibited altogether. It is important to research and understand the laws in your area before carrying a Swiss Army Knife.
Final Words
As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or preferences. However, I can provide some general information about Swiss Army Knives that may be helpful for those interested in purchasing one.
Swiss Army Knives are known for their versatility and durability. They are a popular choice among many individuals for their wide range of tools and compact design. When choosing the best swiss army knife for travel, it is important to consider factors such as the number and type of tools, the size and weight of the knife, and the quality of the materials used.
It is also important to choose a knife from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of producing quality products. Additionally, it is important to research and understand the laws surrounding the carrying of knives in your area before making a purchase.
Overall, a Swiss Army Knife can be a useful tool for a wide range of activities and situations. With proper maintenance and care, a well-made Swiss Army Knife can last for years to come.