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Buyer’s Guide: Why & Which Swiss Army Knife You Should Buy

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A Swiss Army Knife is an iconic pocket knife and one of the predecessors to the modern pocket multitool. The knife was first developed in 1891, but does it still have relevance today, and how do you purchase the genuine product?

Swiss Army Knives have developed a cult following due to their quality and versatility as a small pocket multi-tool. The product has evolved and improved over the years to make this knife still popular worldwide today. Buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you get a genuine product.

Swiss Army Knives have a long history, but their popularity has not waned over the years. This popularity is due to the product being made from quality materials and designed to provide a wide range of useful tools. The knife has proved useful for soldiers, outdoorsmen, and even as an everyday carry pocketknife that is still relevant today.

If you are interested in checking out different amazing Victorinox knives you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).

Buyer’s Guide: Why & Which Swiss Army Knife You Should Buy
Buyer’s Guide: Why & Which Swiss Army Knife You Should Buy

What Is A Swiss Army Knife?

The Swiss Army Knife was developed in 1891 by the Swiss company Victorinox when they were awarded the contract to supply the Swiss Army with a military-issue knife.

The idea was to produce a compact knife that is lightweight and easy to carry but with useful tools packed into the design of the knife. It was the first knife designed for the military with several tools, other than the blade, incorporated into the knife’s design.

For a time, Swiss knife manufacturer, Wenger, shared the contract with Victorinox to supply knives to the Swiss military. As a result, there are some of these knives manufactured by Victorinox, and some by Wenger.

Swiss Army Knives come in different configurations with different tools included on the knife depending on the intended application of the knife.

The steel used to manufacture the blades and other tools on the knife is stainless steel, making the knives robust and resistant to wear and corrosion. This makes these knives ideal for use in rough, outdoor conditions, where other materials would suffer damage.

Swiss Army Knives became popular after the World Wars when other soldiers saw these knives issued to the Swiss military and saw the value in these well-constructed multi-tools.

What Is A Swiss Army Knife Used For?

The uses of a Swiss Army knife depend on the tools included in the design of the knife. The original knife issued to the Swiss Army included a knife blade, a flat screwdriver, a can opener, and a reamer.

Over the years, the manufacturer has produced Swiss Army Knives with different activities in mind, from fishing to boating, camping, and survival.

These knives are known to incorporate tools such as scissors, pliers, wood saws, metal saws, fingernail files, magnifying glass, tweezers, a toothpick, awls, large and small knife blades, bottle openers, and fish scalers.

As a result, the tasks that a Swiss Army Knife can be used for will be determined by the tools included with the knife. This makes it important to select a model carefully, to find out which knife has the tools you would need most frequently.

Why Is The Swiss Army Knife Famous?

The Swiss Army Knife gained worldwide popularity mostly after World War II after soldiers returned home from the war with these knives.

The reliability and quality of the manufacturer of the knives bolstered the reputation of the knives, and their popularity grew to iconic status.

The Swiss Army Knife is a product that has proven itself to be a quality item that is robust and delivers on what the company promotes that the knife can do. 

Swiss manufacturing has a reputation for attention to detail and making products intended to last a lifetime, rather than cheap, disposable items.

The reputation for reliability, quality Swiss manufacturing, and the versatility of the tools included in the knives quickly established the Swiss Army Knife as a leader in the pocketknife industry. The quality of the design also makes these knives lightweight and easy to carry.

TIP: The Swiss Army Knife is an iconic pocket knife. The popularity of this pocket knife has seen a plethora of fake products being sold. Check out how to spot fake Victorinox knives in the article below:
Real Or Fake Swiss Army Knife: Focus On These 4 Differences

Why Buy A Swiss Army Knife?

Why Buy A Swiss Army Knife?
Why Buy A Swiss Army Knife?

If you like to carry a pocket knife to be prepared for everyday life and have a useful tool available at all times, you may want to consider a Swiss Army Knife as your knife of choice to carry in your pocket.

There are several reasons why a Swiss Army Knife makes sense over other types of knives for this application.

  • Lightweight. The knives are light and easy to carry.
  • Versatile toolset. The number of tools incorporated into the knife makes it a compact, versatile multi-tool in a small footprint design.
  • Socially acceptable. A pocketknife may be more socially acceptable to carry than a larger knife secured to your belt.
  • Practical. It may be more practical to carry a smaller knife in your pocket that is easily hidden rather than a larger knife, which is more cumbersome both to carry and conceal.
  • Legal to carry. In some locations, carrying a large knife is not legal. A pocket knife the size of a Swiss Army Knife is legal in most places.
  • It works. The tools may be small on the knife, but they all work and are tested in the field for durability. It may take a little longer, but you will get the job done with one of these knives!

These features have contributed to the continued popularity of these knives, to the point that many manufacturers make knock-off knives to try and capitalize on the reputation of the genuine Swiss Army Knife.

Always make sure you are buying your knife from a reputable supplier, or you may be disappointed in a substandard product.

TIP: Some Swiss army knives experience difficulties opening and closing, either when they are new or used over time. Find out the complete guide on how to fix a Swiss army knife in the article below:
How To Fix Guide: Open & Close A Pocket (Swiss Army) Knife

The Best Swiss Army (Victorinox) Knives

Best Swiss Army (Victorinox) Knives
Best Swiss Army (Victorinox) Knives – I own this knife (Amazon link), and it is amazing!

The range of knives produced by Victorinox can make it a little difficult to make a choice as to which knife will suit your needs the best.

We have selected some examples of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives that we find most useful to help you decide which version would be suitable for you.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife – Bantam Pocket Knife

If you are looking for an elegant, low-profile EDC pocket knife with a more minimalist design, then the Bantam is likely to be a top choice for you.

At only 3.3 inches, or 84mm, the Bantam Swiss Army Knife (Amazon link) is easy and unobtrusive to carry, while maintaining maximum usefulness in a small package.

The knife comes with the following features.

  • Large folding blade
  • Can opener
  • Bottle cap opener
  • Flat screwdriver
  • Wire stripper
  • Toothpick
  • Tweezers
  • Keyring

If you are interested in buying the Victorinox Bantam Pocket Knife check out the latest prices on Amazon.

Victorinox Swiss Army Rangergrip Multitool

If you are looking for an outdoor knife, suitable for survival tasks, but still not overly bulky and cumbersome, then the Rangergrip configuration would be the ideal Swiss Army Knife selection.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Rangergrip knife (Amazon link) is not only useful as an outdoor survival knife but also suitable for craftsmen who need a handy tool on the job site.

This variation of the Swiss Army knife includes 12 versatile features, making it one of our favorite picks. Our favorite feature is the one-hand-opening lock blade, which is a key feature of this tool.

  • 3.9″ Locking blade
  • Can opener
  • Small screwdriver
  • Bottle Opener
  • Large locking screwdriver
  • Wire stripper
  • 4.2″ Double-cut Wood Saw
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Punch or reamer
  • Key Ring
  • Tweezers
  • Toothpick

If you are interested in buying the Victorinox Ranger Multitool Pocket Knife check out the latest prices on Amazon.

TIP: You may have your pocket knife with you at all times, but you may not have sharpening tools with you at all times to keep your knife sharp. Find out how to sharpen a pocket knife in the article below:
6 Best Ways: Sharpening A Pocket Knife With & Without Stone

Victorinox Swiss Army Hunter Pro Alox Knife

If you are not into all the add-on tools on a knife and prefer a robust blade only on your pocketknife, Victorinox has got you covered in that department, too.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Hunter Pro Alox knife (Amazon link) has a single locking blade and is the epitome of sleek, elegant, yet functional design. Because the blade is the only tool on the knife, it is given extra weight, making it robust and durable for most outdoor and hunting tasks.

The scales on the handle are made from embossed aluminum rather than the traditional red plastic scales. This further enhances the durability of the knife, and the handle does not become slippery when wet.

If you are interested in buying the Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox Pocket Knife, check out the latest prices on Amazon.

Victorinox FAQs

Victorinox FAQs
Victorinox FAQs

Q: What makes a Swiss Army Knife different from other multi-tools? 

A: Swiss Army Knives are unique due to their compact design, the variety of tools they offer, and their unmatched quality. Originating from Switzerland, they are known for their precision engineering and versatility, making them a staple in the multi-tool market.

Q: How do I know if my Swiss Army Knife is genuine? 

A: Genuine Swiss Army Knives are manufactured by Victorinox or Wenger. Look for the brand logo on the knife and purchase from reputable dealers.

Q: Can Swiss Army Knives be taken on airplanes? 

A: Regulations may vary by airline and country, but generally, Swiss Army Knives must be placed in checked luggage. They are not allowed in carry-on bags due to their blades.

Q: How should I care for my Swiss Army Knife to keep it in good working condition? 

A: Keep your knife dry, clean the tools after use, and oil the hinges regularly. Sharpen the blades as needed, and store in a dry place. For a step-by-step maintenance guide, see our article on caring for your Swiss Army Knife.

Q: Are Swiss Army Knives legal to carry everywhere? 

A: Knife laws vary by location. Swiss Army Knives are legal in most places due to their size and tool variety, but it’s important to check local laws before carrying one in public.

Q: What are the most useful tools on a Swiss Army Knife? A: This depends on your needs, but commonly used tools include the blade, scissors, screwdrivers, and can openers. More specialized tools like magnifying glasses and USB sticks are available on certain models.

Q: How do I choose the right Swiss Army Knife for me? 

A: Consider the tasks you’ll use it for most often. If you’re outdoors frequently, look for a knife with a wood saw and a sturdy blade. For everyday carry, a knife with a blade, scissors, and a screwdriver might suffice. Check out our buyer’s guide for more tips.

Q: Can Swiss Army Knives be personalized or engraved? 

A: Yes, many retailers offer personalization options for Swiss Army Knives, making them great gifts. You can have a name, initials, or a message engraved on the knife.

Q: What is the warranty on a Swiss Army Knife? 

A: Victorinox offers a lifetime warranty against any defects in material and workmanship. For more information on the warranty and how to use it, visit the official Victorinox website.

Q: How can I sharpen the blades on my Swiss Army Knife? A: Use a whetstone or a sharpening steel for best results. Hold the blade at a 15-20° angle and slide it across the stone. 

Conclusion

A Swiss Army Knife is a timeless design that has become an icon in the world of pocket knives and general EDC knives.

The quality of the product, as well as the proven usefulness of the tools, ensures its continued popularity globally.

The selection of components available in modern Swiss Army Knives makes them a popular choice across a wide variety of applications since you can select a combination of tools that best suits your needs.

Many iconic creations lose validity in modern times and retain only collectible value, but this is not true with Swiss Army Knives. They remain popular due to their continued high quality and usefulness!

TIP: While Victorinox 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. Check them out in the article below:
Best Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Alternatives You Should Try