Swiss Army Knives - The Original Life Hacker
It’s funny how memories can be imparted on objects we choose to carry with us throughout life. Some objects are worth keeping and taking forward with us, and for me, the Swiss Army Knife is among them.
I was given my first Swiss Army Knife on my seventh birthday, a medium sized “Angler” version. It’s one that I’ve used on countless hikes, camping trips, once to get me out of trouble while sailing, and frequently to open boxes with each time I’ve moved over the years. Every time I pull it from my pocket, I’m connected with the present, analog world my smartphone knows nothing about, feeling capable with this original life hacker in my hand.
While there’s quite a bit that I could write about Swiss Army knives, I’ve put together this simple guide to get you acquainted with the product line and features.
Victorinox Pocket Knife Sizes
Small
Just under 2 and half inches long folded, priced from $20-$50.
Small sized Swiss Army knives typically have three to four tools, and because of their size, can be comfortably worn on your key chain. Contrary to what some say, you can not bring this or any other Swiss Army knife on a plane. TSA doesn’t allow any knives for carry on, so just stick it in your checked luggage. At their low price point these models have become popular gifts for groups. One that I have is in fact a wedding favor.
Small Victorinox pocket knifes include the Classic, Ambassador, Rally, Signature, Rambler, and Manager. These small sized knifes also sport the largest selection of finishes, which are nearly limitless.
Medium
Roughly 3 and half inches long folded, priced from $30-$160.
Medium sized Victorinox knifes really helped define what Swiss Army knives are. The utility of having 5+ tools in a “palm of your hand” three and half inch cassette, changed the game. Medium sized knifes hit that sweet spot of compact utility. Like all sizes in the Victorinox line, each knife is configured with a different set of tools. While common tools like the main blade and screw driver appear in all versions, specialized tools appear in version often named after what they’re best used for: hunting, camping, fishing, climbing etc.. Versions from least complex to most complex:
4 tools the Waiter, Recruit, Cadet, Pioneer
5 tools: Farmer, Compact
6 tools: Tourist, Tinker, Sportsman, Spartan
7 tools: Camper, Hiker
8 tools: Climber, Angler, Super Tinker
9 tools: Fieldmaster, Huntsman
14 tools: Cyber Tool
16 tools: Swiss Champ
Large
Roughly 4 and a half to 5 inches long folded $35-$300.
Large sized Victorinox knives have many of the tools found in the medium sized knives, but with a larger handle for better grip and a locking blade. These are a great choice if you are in a line of work, or do activities where you use a knife often. Large sized Victorinox knives include the Forester, Alpiner, Sentinel, Trailmaster, Rescuetool, Swiss Cheese Knife, Rucksack, Hunter, Outrider, Hercules, SwissChamp, and Skipper.
Victorinox Handle Finishes
While classic Red remains the most popular, there are roughly seven more common finishes that you can choose from depending on the particular style of knife. Silver and Blue Alox Scale finishes, and the crystaline finishes in either red, blue or silver are some of the more recent additions, but honestly I’m seeing limited editions popping up here and there like Gold, Camouflage, and Orchid Violet. The small pocket knife category has the largest variety of patterns and themes including pink, floral, bicycle themed, nature themed, even one looking like a chocolate bar. There’s probably one for every personality.
Validity and Quality
The knives I own were crafted by Victorinox, the original maker of the Swiss Army Knife since 1884. Only two companies, Victorinox and Wegner are regarded as true Swiss Army Knife makers, due to their exceptional quality and that they are entirely made in Switzerland.
There are few places in the world that take quality control as seriously as the Swiss. Every millimeter of raw steel that enters the Victorinox factory is inspected and tensile tested before entering production. The steel then undergoes re-inspection at each stage of grinding, stamping, polishing, and assembly, by workers that use their eyes so much as an artist would, and instruments like that of a scientist. The result, something beautiful like a piece of crafted fine jewelry, while at the same time symbolizing ruggedness, resourcefulness, and utility.