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Victorinox Swiss Army Knives are iconic knives and multi-tools that have earned a reputation worldwide for quality and usefulness. While these knives are still considered classics and are still sought after as everyday carry knives, there are some alternatives that rival the Swiss quality and reputation.
We have selected the best Victorinox Swiss Army Knife alternatives for you to try! These knives are all from reputable knifemakers! (Amazon links)
- Opinel N8 Carbon Pocket Knife
- Swiza Multi-Tool Pocket Knife
- Gerber Armbar Multi-Function Folding Knife
- Boker Plus Tech-Tool Pocket Knife
Victorinox Swiss Army Knives have a big reputation and a widely known name, but other knife manufacturers in the pocket knife and multi-tool sector produce knives of equivalent quality and usefulness. We have put together a list of quality Victorinox Swiss Army Knife alternatives that we recommend as rival products.
If you are interested in checking out the best Swiss army knife alternatives, you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
What Are The Original Swiss Army Knives?
As with many iconic products, there are many copies and knockoffs intended to capitalize on the good reputation of these products. It is no different with the Swiss Army Knife since there are many copies of this knife available that try to catch unwary buyers
The original Swiss Army Knife was made by Victorinox, a Swiss company that was awarded the contract to supply the Swiss military with a knife and utility tool. This contract started in 1891 when the original Swiss Army Knife was produced by Victorinox and issued to the Swiss soldiers.
Not many people are aware that Victorinox was not the only supplier of Swiss Army Knives. In 1893, the Swiss government shared the contract between Victorinox and another Swiss knife manufacturer, Wenger.
As a result, some Swiss Army knives were made by Victorinox and some by Wenger. Both knives are referred to as Swiss Army Knives, and both are considered as original, genuine products.
Victorinox bought Wenger in 2005, and since this date, all Swiss Army Knives have been manufactured by Victorinox.
Is There A Difference Between Swiss Army Knives And Victorinox?
The name Swiss Army knife has become synonymous with the Victorinox brand, and in most cases, when people refer to Swiss Army Knives, they are referring to the knives made by the Victorinox company.
This is particularly true since Wenger, the only other Swiss Army Knife maker, was purchased by Victorinox.
The Swiss government has reserved the name Swiss Army Knife, and the only knives that can lay claim to this title are the ones produced by Victorinox, who still produce these knives today.
The knives have changed design over the years and have improved in both quality and the variety of tools offered on the knives.
TIP: The popularity of Victorinox pocket knives has seen a plethora of fake products being sold as genuine articles. Check out the complete guide on how to spot fake Swiss army knife in the article below:
Real Or Fake Swiss Army Knife: Focus On These 4 Differences
Best Swiss Army Knife (Victorinox) Alternatives
While the quality of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knives is not in any doubt, they are not the only quality pocket knives and multi-tools available in the marketplace.
Many other well-known knife manufacturers produce iconic knives and multi-tools for everyday carry, some of which have a cult following almost as large as Victorinox Swiss Army Knives!
We have put together several alternative everyday carry knives and multi-tools that offer an equivalent quality in manufacture and materials used to Victorinox knives.
Some of these knives have a history that rivals the Swiss Army Knife but never received the same public recognition, but they are still high-quality knives!
Opinel N8 Carbon Pocket Knife
Opinel is a French knife manufacturing company that has been producing its classic wood-handles pocket knives since 1890!
Opinel makes a range of different-sized folding pocket knives, ranging from the No.2 model, the smallest knife at 3.8 inches or 9.8cm, to the large No.13 model, which is an 8.6-inch or 22cm knife.
The Opinel No.8 Carbon Pocket Knife (Amazon link) is the most popular model with a 3.3-inch or 8.5-cm blade. The blades can be made from either high-carbon steel or stainless steel. The wood handles are from a variety of woods, such as oak, olive wood, ebony, African Rosewood, and walnut.
The Opinel pocket knives come with a simple, no-nonsense locking mechanism that can lock the blade in the open position or closed position with a simple twist of the mechanism where the blade hinges open or closed. This locking mechanism is easy to operate and has no fancy moving parts that can easily fail.
This makes for a robust, reliable everyday carry knife, suitable for those who only want a knife blade on their pocket knife.
If you are interested in buying the Opinel No.8 Carbon Pocket knife, check out the latest prices on Amazon.
TIP: Due to the varied uses of pocket knives, what steel is the best choice for these versatile knives? Find out the answer in the article below:
Pocket Knives Blade Steel: The Best One & How To Choose
Swiza Multi-Tool Pocket Knife
Swiza is another Swiss knife brand manufactured and distributed from Switzerland. This pocket knife is modeled on similar lines to the original Swiss Army Knife and comes with several tools in addition to the knife blade.
The blade on this Swiss pocket knife is a 2.875-inch blade made from 440 stainless steel, as are the other tools on this knife.
The features of the Swiza Multitool Pocket Knife (Amazon link) include the following.
- Knife blade
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Reamer
- Wire bender
- A pair of stainless steel tweezers
The ergonomically shaped handle combined with the sure-grip plastic handle scales make this a very comfortable knife in the hand.
If you are interested in buying the Swiza Multitool Pocket knife, check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Gerber Armbar Multi-Function Folding Knife
Gerber is a well-known American knifemaking company that has been producing quality knives since 1939. Gerber has attained a reputation for rugged, well-constructed knives, particularly for the outdoor knife market.
The same quality and robust manufacturing standard is carried over into the Gerber Armbar Multi-Function Folding Knife (Amazon link) production. The company is based in Portland, Oregon, in the USA and has produced knives for the US military.
The features of the Gerber Armbar Multi-Function Folding Knife include the following.
- Stainless steel 2.5-inch blade.
- Corkscrew with foil cutter and lever arm.
- Pry bar.
- Bottle opener.
- Can opener.
- Scissors.
All the tools are made from stainless steel, and the textured, anodized aluminum handles make for a multi-tool designed to handle rough work outdoors.
The blade has a frame lock to securely lock the blade in the open position and prevent the knife from closing unexpectedly when in use.
If you are interested in buying the Gerber Armbar multi-function folding knife, check out the latest prices on Amazon.
TIP: Some pocket knives experience difficulties opening and closing, either when they are new or used over time. Check out the guide on to fix it in the article below:
How To Fix Guide: Open & Close A Pocket (Swiss Army) Knife
Boker Plus Tech-Tool Pocket Knife
Boker is a well-known German knife manufacturer that started out making swords back in the early 1800s and transferred their knowledge of sword making into producing high-quality everyday carry pocket knives.
Boker is also known for its tactical knives, regarded as quality knives in this sector. The Boker Plus Tech-Tool Pocket Knife (Amazon link) is their pocket multi-tool version and makes a good alternative to the traditional Swiss Army Knife.
The Boker pocket multi-tool comes with the following main features.
- 2.75-inch stainless steel knife blade.
- Glass breaker.
- Flat screwdriver.
- Phillips screwdriver.
- Bottle opener with a wire stripper.
- Small serrated blade.
- Scissors.
- Pliers.
- Foldable lanyard hole.
- Pocket clip.
All the tools are made from stainless steel, and the handle scales are made from black synthetic material.
If you are interested in buying the Boker Plus Tech-Tool Pocket Knife, check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Pros And Cons Of Victorinox Knives And Their Alternatives
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is often the go-to choice for many enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Its iconic design and multifunctional tools have made it a staple in the world of compact cutlery.
However, there are compelling reasons to consider alternative pocket knives, which can offer unique benefits over the traditional Swiss Army Knife.
Why Consider an Alternative to Victorinox?
Diversity of Design: Victorinox knives follow a classic design that has remained relatively unchanged. Alternatives, however, offer a wide range of designs that cater to different tastes and requirements. From the sleek and minimalist French design of the Opinel knives to the rugged, outdoor-ready Gerber Armbar, there’s a design for every user.
Specialized Tools: While Victorinox knives are known for their versatility, sometimes the tools included may not align with everyone’s needs. Alternative knives often provide specialized tools that cater to specific hobbies or tasks, such as the Boker Plus Tech-Tool’s glass breaker for emergency responders or the Swiza knife’s ergonomically designed handle for comfort during prolonged use.
Material Choices: Alternatives to Victorinox knives often come with a variety of material options. For instance, the Opinel N8 Carbon Pocket Knife offers blades in high-carbon steel or stainless steel, and handles in a range of woods, allowing for a more personalized tool that can cater to the user’s preference for blade material and handle aesthetics.
Drawbacks of Using a Victorinox Knife
Price Point: Victorinox knives can be on the pricier side due to their brand reputation and Swiss manufacturing. Alternatives can offer similar quality at a more accessible price point, providing value for those who are budget-conscious.
Bulkiness: Some users find Victorinox knives to be bulkier due to the number of tools packed into one unit. Alternatives may offer a slimmer profile for those who prefer a more pocket-friendly option.
Complexity: With the multitude of tools available on a Victorinox knife, it can sometimes be overwhelming or unnecessary for users who require a simpler tool for everyday tasks.
Advantages of Using an Alternative
Innovation: Alternative brands often push the envelope in knife design and innovation. For example, the Gerber Armbar features a unique corkscrew with a lever arm, a tool not commonly found on a Victorinox.
Cultural Heritage: Brands like Opinel carry with them a cultural heritage that might appeal to those who appreciate craftsmanship with a story. The Opinel knife, with its roots in the French countryside, offers not just a tool but a piece of history.
Customization: Many alternative knives offer a degree of customization that Victorinox doesn’t. Whether it’s choosing the type of blade or the material of the handle, users can often create a knife that’s tailored to their preferences.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is an excellent tool with a storied legacy, but exploring alternatives can lead to finding a pocket knife that aligns more closely with personal preferences and specific needs. Whether it’s for design, functionality, or simply to enjoy a different brand’s heritage, alternative pocket knives are worth considering.
Conclusion
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife may be the iconic EDC pocket knife that everyone knows about, but there are some great, quality alternatives around that offer an equivalent, quality product to rival this iconic knife.
Always look for a knife from a manufacturer that has some history in making similar knives to ensure you get a reliable, quality product. The knives we have recommended as Swiss Army alternatives are all from knifemaking companies with established reputations in the knife world!
TIP: A handy sharpening tool for your pocket knife would be a good investment to keep this EDC-type knife ready when you need it. Check out the best pocket knife sharpeners in the article below:
The 4 Best Knife Sharpeners For Pocket Knives