EDC is all about having the right tool for the job. Multi-tools take that a step further by putting the right tool for a number of different tasks into one compact body. When it comes to keeping your bases covered, one of the most trusted brands of multi-tools is Victorinox, thanks in no small part to their Swiss Army Knife becoming an essential tool to carry since it was invented for the field in 1897. And in the past century Victorinox has only gotten better at what they do, now offering plenty of different variations of the tried and true tool.
If you’ve never owned a Swiss Army Knife (SAK), picking your first one out of Victorinox’s extensive catalog can be daunting at first. Many of the models have specialized tools for specific uses, but they all share a common core of tools for general EDC. To make the decision easier, we’re highlighting the 5 most-carried SAKs among our readers in this guide. As we’ll be comparing tried-and-true models, you can’t go wrong with any of the picks below.
Finding the Right SAK for You
When selecting a SAK, keep these considerations in mind. You’ll want…
- The right size: SAKs come in all shapes and sizes, and while they generally fall into a few categories, each knife will differ in length and weight thanks to their tools and purpose. We have a handy chart below to help you choose among our picks.
- Enough tools to cover your bases: Your main reason for getting a SAK is to ensure all your daily tasks can be addressed, so make sure the one you pick is able to do so with its complement of tools. Is the knife large enough? Do you need a pair of scissors or a corkscrew? These are the things to look for when narrowing down your choice of knife.
- Unique tools for unique needs: While there are some common tools across the SAK catalog, each model is built for a specific theme or purpose. Some of them are suited more for the outdoors, while others for repairs under your desk. Consider these unique tools if you have a special task that needs addressing.
- Your preferred grip: You often have a choice between thicker cellidor or ABS handles in the iconic Victorinox colors or the lightweight and robust aluminum oxide (Alox) handles (and sometimes, even wood) for your SAK. The former’s colorful thickness gives the knife space to fit in an extra pair of tweezers and/or toothpick, while Alox scales lower the knife’s weight and give it a beautiful metallic texture. Sometimes those tools are useful to have in exchange for the extra thickness, so give your SAK an extra thought if you think they’ll come in handy.
Top 5 Most Popular Swiss Army Knives
Victorinox Cadet |
Victorinox Pioneer |
Victorinox Spartan PS |
Victorinox Climber |
Victorinox Huntsman |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Length: 84 mm | Length: 93 mm | Length: 91 mm | Length: 91 mm | Length: 91 mm |
| Material: Alox | Material: Alox | Material: ABS/Cellidor | Material: ABS/Cellidor | Material: ABS/Cellidor |
| # of Tools: 9 |
# of Tools: 8 | # of Tools: 13 | # of Tools: 14 | # of Tools: 15 |
| Unique Tool: Nail file/cleaner | Unique Tool: Reamer | Unique Tool: Lanyard | Unique Tool: Scissors | Unique Tool: Wood saw |
| Buy ($42.50) | Buy ($81) | Buy ($38.50) | Buy ($45.50) |
Victorinox Cadet Alox
If you’re looking for a low-profile tool to handle basic but frequent everyday tasks, then the Alox Cadet might be the way to go. The aluminum oxide scales trade toothpick and tweezer storage for a lower profile, improved durability, added grip, and a bit of visual interest. The Cadet’s slim, flat design means there’s virtually no bulk when you slip it into your pocket. At just 3.3” when closed, the Cadet is one of the smaller and more portable offerings on the list. But it still packs a punch with 8 essential tools: a 2.4” blade, screwdriver, can opener, and bottle opener just to name a few. Thanks to its useful selection of tools for general utility, more compact frame, and highly durable handles, the Alox Cadet earned its spot as one of the most carried Swiss Army Knives among our readers.
Victorinox Pioneer Alox
The Victorinox Pioneer is a medium-sized pocket tool hits the sweet spot between practicality and convenience. Measuring 3.7” when closed, it’s equipped with 7 useful tools including a large blade, can opener, wire stripper, and a reamer. If you liked the Cadet but have space in your pockets for something a little larger, the Pioneer might be for you. It offers larger blades and ditches the nail file in favor of the reamer, which comes in handy if you need to poke a new hole in a belt or open packaging. It’s useful for all around poking and prodding, sparing your blades any damage and saving them for precision work. When you’re really putting in work on tougher tasks the ribbed scales also provide good grip so you won’t slip. At 71 grams the Pioneer isn’t barely noticeable in your pockets, but it’ll be there for you when you need it. It’s discreet enough for the office yet versatile enough to have your back on weekend adventures and DIY projects alike.
Victorinox Spartan PS
If a good blade is the main tool you’re looking for in a SAK check out the Spartan PS. Whether you want to slim down your carry with an all-in-one option or you just want something to supplement your main knife should you forget it at home, this all-black everything tool might be the way to go. With steel tools that appear different shades of black depending on how the light hits it thanks to a Polispectral coating process, the Spartan PS is practical as it is cool. Every one of the 13 tools from the trusty blade to the corkscrew is coated in the special black giving it a sleek and discreet appearance perfect for EDC in and out of the office. At 3.6” when closed the Spartan PS isn’t exactly a large tool and since Swiss Army Knives don’t come with pocket clips, the attached lanyard is a great way to quickly retrieve it when you need your SAK in a pinch.
Victorinox Climber
Sometimes your day isn’t so average and you might find some use for a few specialized tools in your arsenal. That’s where the Victorinox Climber comes in. Along with the usual suspects that come with their multitools like large and small blades and scissors, you also get a few tools that can come in handy when you’re out and about. One example of this is the corkscrew on the side which is of course great for opening bottles of wine, but is also helpful when untying stubborn knots in shoelaces or ropes. If you find daily uses for some of these tools, the Climber is still compact enough to easily toss in your pocket for EDC. But as its name suggests, it’s more of a catch-all adventure tool for rock climbing or whenever you really don’t know what you’re going to come across. The Climber is a great pickup for anyone that has some pocket space to spare and wants to cover as many bases as possible.
Victorinox Huntsman
When you think of a Swiss Army Knife you probably picture their smaller offerings similar to the Cadet, not the powerhouse that is the Victorinox Huntsman. As you might have guessed from the name this tool was made for the woods. It weighs only 97 grams so whether you toss it in your pack or your pocket it shouldn’t be hard to carry. You’ll get 15 tools inside including a wood saw for slicing through thin branches and a multipurpose hook which is perfect for hanging fish for transport. You also get a can opener which is a must-have when camping, and an awl that can be used for drilling small holes into trees to set up snares. Just in case you’re really out there. With all its offerings this tool is one of the more heavy duty SAKs available. If you’re going to be outdoors for any amount of time the Huntsman is the tool you want by your side.
What’s your favorite Swiss Army Knife? Let us know in the comments below.
This is a sponsored post presented by Victorinox Swiss Army.
