Best Swiss Army Knife Alternatives: Victorinox Vs The World!
Victorinox may be the big name in town, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more multitool pocket knives worthy of your attention. Find out more here: kcoti.com/38uxyj0
The original Swiss Army Knife has spawned countless competitors for your EDC selection. Makers like Boker, Leatherman, Gerber, Swiza, MKM and more have much to offer and certainly give the trusty SAK a run for its money!
Featured Knives
0:00 Intro
1:12 Schrade Uncle Henry Scout: kcoti.com/38raOk6
3:10 Boker Camp Knife: kcoti.com/3nIthyW
4:44 Swiza Swiss Knives: kcoti.com/34E3JeN
8:53 Boker Tech-Tool: kcoti.com/3pj11DA
13:38 MKM Malga: kcoti.com/3h7EmqQ
16:16 Leatherman Free Series: kcoti.com/3az6XUB
19:31 Leatherman Style: kcoti.com/2KOAi2J
20:48 Gerber Armbar: kcoti.com/3roqT2r
22:57 Spyderco ClipiTool: kcoti.com/3nItz90
Check out the MKM Leather Pocket Sheath: kcoti.com/2JdvOSP
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Victorinox Huntsman in my pocket since 1977 - every day ;-)
How many did you go through and how was the warranty with them? Being that you’ve always had one
@@BloodyMeridianM8 I can't remember precisely but I'd say 6-7 at least, you know a few just got away. I think I've had to use warranty only once, and that was in relation to the little spring on the scissors. Other than that this is a for life purchase if you treat it right. Even the saw I've used to saw over metal pipes without damaging the teeth!!
One of the best models, I have a few myself. A standard one that used to be my edc for many years, an old one that's been modified specifically for carving/bushcraft purposes, and a couple of limited edition models. I carry a cyber tool lite these days as the tools are very useful at work, but it's too thick for pocket carry so it's in a pouch on my belt. Can't beat victorinox, and the huntsman is a great all round model. If they get around to releasing a PS version I'll probably end up getting that too.
@@BloodyMeridianM8 I've had my huntsman for years, never had a warranty issue, or breakage, although it can happen if abused, or sharpened a lot and the blade needs replacing. I did bend the saw once, but I just bent it back and it's still good. They'll give your knife a full service for a small service charge, but you'll also have to cover shipping, replacing any broken or worn parts, and the scales. Luckily for me I can get to their flagship store in London quite easily so I can dodge the shipping costs.
@@billythepigeon7345 thank you!
I've had a Swiss army knife in my pocket form when i was a young boy 30+ years on I've still got a Swiss army knife in my pocket right now because they have stood the test of time outstanding work of art thanks for sharing this with us Pal 👍
Swiza has alot of blade play. I love the one hand main blade opening.
Leatherman Free T4 fan here. Chunky but it carries well and has a surprisingly useful everyday tool set.
My newborn daughter and I have been catching up on some David C. Anderson (Coming at us from the KnifeCenter!) at night to give my wife a chance to get some rest. Big shout out to David for giving the two of us entertainment while simultaneously helping me write up my Christmas list. ;)
Start 'em young! -DCA
@Freddie Hey! new dad: First off; Please have a Very Merry lil'gurley's 1st Christmas,,, Second; May God bless her existence & help guide you the next two decades,,, Last; Keep her safe as you watch your six, please... Have more than a happy, healthy, growing, Happy New Year.
@@carbonitegamorrean8368 Thank you very much! You have a Merry Christmas as well.
Was looking for a good EDC gift. This video made me aware of the Gerber Armbar and earned a thumbs up immediately. Buying two! Thank You!
The Swiza with tick tool should be a serious contender for anyone's EDC in Lyme disease country
Love the scout knife setup. Have an AG Russell pro scout that I rotate into my EDC along with the alox farmer from victorinox. Very useful secondary knife and even primary when in the office.
A seriously nice collection. It's just cool to see, that there is way more companies then just victorinox out there. Thanks for that vid. Just one correction here. The blue swiza knife you held up was actually the D04. The uneven numbers mark the models with the cork screw on the back, the even ones have the phillips screw driver instead. Now, that's rather an addition then a correction, but probably handy to know. Of almost each model line there exists a children's version with a rounded tip, plus by now there is even more different scales available (depending on the model line).
It is worth mentioning that the Swiza knives have stainless steel liners/separation spacers as opposed to the Swiss Army Knives that use aluminum liners. The exception to this is the SAK issued to the Swiss, German and American military, which also uses stainless steel liners. The use of stainless liners add a bit of weight but definately increases strength.
I'm a big fan of the MKM Malga multi tool. Love the swiss army style knife but having m390 makes it great.
Great review, David. Happy Holidays to all y'all.
More of this please, whenever possible. This is my jam.
💯
Love it to, but I’m really wanting a Victorinox or a tool with a similar style, that has a one handed opening blade. Would love to get one that is a slip joint and a locker. Maybe on the slip joint do a similar thing to Spyderco with the finger Choil. And keeps the blade about 3” or less for guys that have crap laws. I don’t suppose you know of any companies that make such tool? I think the Boker tech tools are just begging for a thumbstud.
@@kylethedalek victorinox has multitools with locking main blades.
My mom bought me a Victorianox tinker for Christmas a few years ago and I have it with me every day.
Another great video David, I liken these to story time when I was a kid :) I just sit back and listen with great joy. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas, best wishes from Australia.
Merry Christmas Simon! -DCA
Very nice video with a great collection, I had no idea swiza existed but now I do, thank you!
I recently added the two Spydercos to my collection. Good selection overall! Keep these coming, please.
Great video. Love the alternative options.
Victorinox remains champion in this kind of multi-tool and set a good and firm foot on the plier-based world, BUT, some brands appeared with solutions in a similar vein as this video showed, which helps in competition to remember Victorinox that they were not alone and can't relax. Great show and presentation sir. Merry Christmas, still time.
This is great. Still have my Scout knife from many years ago. I daily carry a SAK Hiker but I'm glad to see you feature these alternatives and options. I'm throwing a few smaller ones on my wishlist for when I need to get the cart up to that free shipping. 😄
Very cool. I habe graduated to larger multi tools over the years amd keep one in my purse with ita two sleeves of bits. I miss a pocket tool however and planned to replace my orig leatherman with scissors. Now I see there are better alternatives with locking tools. This helps woth knuckle busting. Thanks for an informative video.
Loved your video. Just subscribed to this channel. Found this very informative.
Thanks for the great practical comparison. Personally a Victorinox is something every knife enthusiast should have in their collection, however they are so varied I feel its a personal choice thats needed to decide the right one for you. Ie they aren’t always good gifts except maybe a basic model. I bought mine 30yrs ago, it was the thick one with all the bells and whistles. But its too heavy to carry, never been a belt wearer so it ends up living in my travel/work bag at the time so never “at hand” when I needed a tool. A few years ago, around the time I lost the use of my left arm & leg I needed a lighter practical “swiss army knife” to keep in my pocket and went for the Swiza D03. Just wanted to add my use experience of this knife. Having only one hand to use I’m glad you pointed out the fingernail slits are a little proud of the body than you’d expect making it easy to get my finger tip flesh in and pry the tool out easily. This has not led to damage to my finger tips over time. I use this knife a lot. The odd rubber/plastic grip is reassuring to hold and it seems to help avoid it slipping out of my pocket when i sit down. Its also surprisingly “warm” to the touch even in winter and its been sitting on a desk/bench for hours. Its just always comfortable to hold and use and having only the one hand now its important for me to be able to feel confident in the tools I’m holding and using for safe control. I’ve always found Victorinox blades to feel too flexible for me to trust at times I needed to apply more force. The Swiza is more stiff, again giving me confidence. The blade holds its edge really well. The action of the tools opening and closing as well as the unlock button has not deteriorated over time. Its just a reliable tool all round without any of the gimmicks others put into their models that have no real function, its functional simplicity and I went with the D03 model because of the flat and philips head screw drivers, I dont need all the other widgets you can find on other makes and models so i’m not paying for stuff i know I dont need. Like I said i still have my 30+yo Victorinox with everything if i want to show off, but after having a stroke, boasting is not part of my life I waste time on. I appreciate good solid practical designs that will last for what time remains for me. I couldn’t care less how well designed the packaging is on stuff. A tool should remain a tool specific to your needs and one thats close at hand the moment a need arises is really the best one for you. The Swiza has been trouble free and i’ve rarely had the need to sharpen it, when I got it I added a tiny dab of Super Lube to the tools and worked that in for a bit, but never ever had the need to clean grit or disassemble it. Only sharpened a couple of times. So while David covers much in his videos, he cant have personal day to day usage experience of ever tool and knife over years to indicate how they stand up to tasks and what sort of maintenance burdens they can become. There are so many confusing choices on the market with many gimmicks and fad pitches for your money.I hope this might help some of you decide what suits your needs. Cheers.
I use the gerber dime which is very nice and useful. Been using it as a mini EDC for 3 years now and it has been very useful and held up.
It's very nice that you Show some alternatives. It's not about what is better, it's about what someone need or want! For me the quantity and the quality of the very conceived tools in the same size category in combination with history of those SAKs, the price-performance racio and the lifetime guarantee is unbeatable! I love Victorinox! But they are all very nice EDCs!
I love these videos. This is how you make a knife video! No bs, no macho/marine wannabe garbage, just the love for a good knife. Subscribed!
I carried a Victorinox climber on a bike tour in England and France. I used every tool, especially the corkscrew! My EDC now is a CRK small Sebenza and a SAK classic SD in my jeans watch pocket.
Multi-blade pocket knives like Cub and Boy Scout ones are just cool to have. You have to like their looks even if you tend to prefer modern knives. One thing about Swiza knives is all the parts are polished inside and out. Being made of modern materials; you can wash them with soap and water and drop a little oil on them and keep them clean and sterile. Besides they open and close easier than others do. A cork screw works for other things besides bottles. You can loosen tight knots in Paracord and that comes in handy more often than wine corks do. The awl on the Swiza opens boxes and plastic shrink packaging better than a knife blade and it works to cut out patterns in paper among other things too. Thanks for bring the Boker modern line of multi-blade knives to my attention. I already have Swiza models I bought from KnifeCenter. I hope to see more Swiza models because they are lots more than the ones you offer now.
I've never opened a wine bottle with a multi-tool bottle opener, but I've used them several times untying paracord. Helps my sausage fingers out a great deal! -DCA
@@knifecenter When I was young: I discover inside a bottle of wine hides a lot of love if you know what I mean. I have been fond of corkscrews ever since I learn this secret.
I made it life scout. I grew up in middle Tennessee. Fast forward, and I found myself homeless. A 5 dollar Ozark trail scout knife/swiss army was a life saver. I can't tell you the number of camps built and alcohol stoves made with it. And yes, lol, I have opened wine bottles with it. It's wonky, but it works. 🤷
I carry a Swiss Army knife everyday. Started with a Wenger and now use the Victorinox.
I have a few Victoria Knox models, but still can’t bring myself to shelf my original vintage Wenger with locking main blade... still the only SAK like tool I’ve owned with a locking blade
@@shawnpepin7890 you should check out the victorinox Rucksack and Forester models. Both have locking blades and a more ergonomic grip than the typical SAK.
The hammer / opener @ the end of the Gerber tool seems like it would be good for opening / closing paint cans.
I like my armbar but hadn't thought to use it for that. Just went tested it out. It worked fine on full size cans, but slipped a bit on smaller cans of wood stain. The pry section is slightly rounded so it was hard to get a good purchase on the lip. Closing both worked great (as any impact would). Another unexpected use for that part is that I tend to fidget with it. It has a very satisfying snap/click to it.
SAK is one and only!
Very cool and informativ video. Thanks for showing this comparsion to us.
Man, my thumbnails hurt just watching this! Thank you for your sacrifice.
This was such a great video! I have both the Sypderco Clip-It (serrated second blade), and the Leatherman PS which has traveled with me around the world. I use them almost daily! In fact, I combo the Leatherman PS with the Victorninox Cadet, and that's been my go-to for the past several years without fail!
Great video! Thanks!
Have one of the last Wenger's ... when I heard this traditional manufacturer of the army-knive (in deed Victorinox and Wenger are the two swiss companies, which supplied the "original" army-knive since the 1890s) would vanish and be integrated into Victorinox I needed to get one of their knives with the "push the swiss-cross to unlock" feature ;-)
very interesting options, thank you for the video
Excellent presentation.
First knife I ever received while in the Boy Scouts. Still have it and the nylon case it came with nearly 30 years later.
I am Swiss. Here in Switzerland, everbody groes up around Victorynox. All boys get one for their birthday, when they are still quite young. It was the same with me. Them beeing so normal, I developped an attitude that they are somewhat unsexy. Single blade folders, fixblades and everthing that looks "tactical" seemed way more of taste. But today I must say: I still love other stiles better. But a Victorynox (or other multitool) is the only knive I ever really use. I live in a City, I work in an office. I don't go bushcrafting. So basically, I only need a knive to cut and apple and a piece of cheese for snacks. And I am glad to have twizzers and scissors. Other knives for me are just for the liking, for collecting. Also: In almost any situation I normally find myself in, a multitool is the only thing I could pull out my pocket without somebody raising an eyebrow. As a Victorynox really is perceived as a handy tool, and by now means as a weapon.
I got a T4, love it
Planning to get one of those SAK. I go for the Ranger/Huntsman.
I really like that Boker genuine Stag. Gorgeous and crafted. I own a Victorinix super thick army knife. It can do most anything except cook you a steak dinner. Great show. It is obvious you are expert at this and very well spoken
Swiss Army was the first pocket knife I ever owned. I was 11. Dude, you voice is so mellow. You should do books on tape for people that want to doze off while learning something.
My first knife I remember getting was a Victorinox grand prix when I was about 6 years old. Since then I've basically only carried a Victorinox. I retired the grand prix after my military service and use now a modified tinker deluxe or executive
I use that MKM pouch for my Giantmouse GMF1 and CRKT Minimalist for pocket carry ... It works great!
I also have that mkm pouch. Works great for my alox pioneer x!
Swiss army/victorinox and leatherman’s are something I don’t seem to look for or collect but I have a few of both .
Glad I'm not the only one this happens to; I don't actively collect either SAK or LM products but somehow I have ended up with 3 leatherman tools and 5 or 6 SAKs. I don't think I purchased any of them, they were all gifts, items I inherited, or were lost items that I came across. While I don't "carry" a SAK, I do always have one with me. In one of the pouches of my day-pack I always have an explorer model (with a BSA fleur-de-lis logo on the scale) and a leatherman PST-II.
awesome looking multi tools I really like the free t4
Imagine the money a company could make selling "build your own" more where you put the different tools and a chassis into a basket and make exactly what you want
Victorinox already offers that
@@TheKronikone do they? Got a link? First I've heard of this
@@TheKronikone thank you for posting that, I'm going to check that out right after the video.
The only thing is none of them feel right for me apart from the camp knives.
@@TheKronikone As far as i know you can only choose the scales.If you have a link pls send it in
Leatherman PS is a great tool. There's something comforting about knowing you've got some kind of tool in your pocket, even if it's bladeless.
The glass breaker on the Boker is definitely cool
This was a cool one good info everyone should have one of these types of multitools
Nice video. Would you consider doing a comparison of the different scissors available on these and the two types of Swiss Army Knives? I've seen some recent material showing the cutting efectiveness of some of these on paper and 550 cord. The results are interesting, some of the more durable designs may not neccessarily be as effective as cutting. Thanks.
The Leatherman Free T4 lives in my pocket these days. But I also have a Victorinox classic on my Keychain! And I carry the Classic through TSA every time I fly for years now.
Though nothing will replace a Swiss Army knife for me (as I've been carrying one for 30 years), this was a great presentation. BladeHQ are insufferable now!
He means they’re all dumb slobs. And he’s right.
@@delightfulgenius4635 I think he means their presenters are goofy and aren't as professional as knifecenter
I so agree! BladeHQ is mixing so few infos into so much random, non-related ramble! I think a good counter example of guys who get it just right with their goofyness and comical aspect are the boys from "dutch bushcraft knives", hilarious! But you never feel betrayed of your time, while you often do with BladeHQ.
I’m sorry to say but I agree, BladHQ is no an infomercial channel.
Knife expert carries the victorinox, job done, say no more lol
You do a great job very informative much better than blade hq
It is good to know the alternatives of SAK however to get same options from these brands it will cost more than SAK , but really thank you for the added knowledge.
Excellent investigating. Can you cover the Titan folding lock blade knives and where to obtain? Gander Mountain has vended them.
What do we learn from this nice video. Victorinox is still the best. He sais he carry one every day and so do I. My knife of choice is the tinker. Small enough for edc and all the tools I need.
Black tinker 😉
The tinker is the perfect SAK. All killer no filler.
Thank you, DCA. I had NO idea the larger Clip-a-Tool even existed. And I have completely overlooked the Leatherman Free series. I need to rethink that. On an interesting note, Ruike has a set of multitools that parallel the Boker Tech Tools - in fact, I think they make the Bokers.
Yes, I have had the small Ruike on my keyring for about two years, use it at work sometimes when I temporarily misplace my Zancudo. They cut like the devil and very sturdy for the price. Hard to get some stuff here in Australia though unless you want to pay insane prices.
SAK all the way everyday. An EDC just for me, it just has to be! Seriously though, good video. Well thought out and professionally made. A rarity these days.
My favorite is the Böker Tec Tool.
I'd definitely like an MKM Malga without the fork or corkscrew. I was sold on the Malga 6 right up until I saw those.
Agreed 100% I mean come on! A cocktail fork?? What?!?
I like those @5:01. Might buy one this year.
I would be very interested in a knife similar to the tinker but with better blade steel. Key features: A large and small blade Tweezers toothpick would be nice too Can opener Bottle opener Phillips & flatten head a bit holder would be awesome Bottle opener Textured scales would be awesome
Excellent video, which I enjoyed immensely, and watched with great interest! A couple of things, I heard you mention several times about regular SS, vs upgraded ones, and you had said some kind of code, which I wasn't always able to follow, or indeed understand. Any way that you could introduce the differences during your presentation, or even refer to a link in the comments, please? Awesome! BTW, Böker is pronounced BURR-kerr, not BOW-kerr. Thanks again, looking forward to the next one :-)
Love the video!
Swiza might be old as a company, but they only started producing knives a few years ago. Oh and I just was playing with my 1-layer Swiza (main blade + awl). When closing the awl, my thumb pushed the blade over and it crossed path with the awl, yikes.
Recently ord'd (sorry, from different source) two of the Leatherman Free T4's. One as a gift for a family member to carry in her purse, and one for me. Dad was Army, so as kids we had the old military-issue Camillus "multi-tools". What I like about the Leatherman T4's are they're US made, locking blade/tools, and.........no corkscrew. :)
my favorite knife is for when I'm fishing. It has a blade and a hook out. Both are very useful for when I'm crappie fishing.
Well David C. Anderson you have hit on my height of knife collecting...I LOVE multitools! Like you I always have a Swiss Army Knife with me. And I always look for “the next”. Several of these I have owned, HOOOWEVER that MKM is sort of on my list, as you mentioned I would love to see some different tools. The Spyderco you listed last is my absolute favorite multitool. It checked off every box I was looking for. It would be cool of them to revisit that design and change some tools around OR offer a better blade steel, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy that. Thanks DCA!
You are welcome Jake from State Farm!... err, Ohio State! :D -DCA
Good info - thanks!
I like the MKM Malaga (I like very much MKM knives in general). I hope a next version with a possibility to split the side with the knife and the side with the fork (easier when you want to eat and cut) :)
I’ve carried a leatherman crater c33t for 4 years now, love it, no extra bullshit. Sadly they discontinued it, glad I bought a spare!!
A few years back, I had ordered the swiss army knife the had the little pharmacist's scoop. I returned it, but wish I didn't. It's so useful for picking up little things (organizing flower seeds or rhinestone, etc). The best knife I think has a flashlight. I used that every day. Tweezers are nice. I wish swiss army made a little one with pliers. Years ago, I remember seeing replacement toothpicks for swiss army knives that were stainless steel. I can't find them anywhere anymore. I guess it's easy enough to grind a metal toothpick down to the size of the plastic ones..
i’ve had my victorinox champ for 35 years .. still works ..
I have been carrying a Gerber Armbar and it is easily become my favorite multitool, that full size bit driver is killer, I do wish they had either a half stop or locking mechanism for the driver but it’s a small complaint
Thanks. Enjoyable reviews. Skeltool is perfect for me as small, easy multi tool. Clip to belt is great feature.
James Madison :- I don't use the pocket clip on the Skeltool, so I place an extra driver bit under the clip (secured with some electrical tape)...gives me six different bits. Leatherman sells the extra bit kits in Imperial (US), or metric with Robertson style bits.
Swiss Army Farmer X is my goto knife, but I do have a Spyderco clipit with a screwdriver and bottle opener which gets used a lot
These were some cool knives
Cool video! DCA. When are you getting some GEC beer and sausage???
I wasn't familiar with Swiza. I might have to try one. Usually I carry a Victorinox Rambler or Cadet, or Leatherman Squirt PS4.
Love my compact
Thanks for this review, good one. You missed the tweezer on the Swiza. BTW- no way can I close my Swiza one handed.
Love my multi tool swiss knife.Bought it about 25 years ago.Very easy to sharpen but also it is very easy to dull.Seems ever knife I have ever owned is either hard to get a razor edge or easy.There is not much of a middle ground .I do prefer knives that are easily sharpened..
Check out the Ruike LD51B. The entire series looks good!
DCA always does such a great job with these videos. So well done and always very informative.
Nice presentation on SAK alternatives. The Leathermans and really good - personal experience and the the Free model with a large blade (that you have not shown) is a great alternative as well. Nice to see the Boker Tech-Tools and Swiza models...hummmm.... A few years ago Leatherman came out with the absolute top model for picnic... the FLAIR! I have one and its great but sadly has been discontinued. Unfortunately I do not get the Spyderco... seems to me they overextended their hole in the blade design... they look just bizarre.
Nice video, thanks! No need for alternatives. SAK is the king
On the walking dead, Season 10!episode 21 there is a multi tool knife being used has a Phillips and a corkscrew but located in the center. Do you have any idea what knife that is?
Have had a Swiss army knife since I was in the military Use it every day
So…..was that yesterday, a month ago or 60 years ago?
I love this dude always makes top tier knife content
great video thanks
Very complete video.
Them: "How many knives do you want." Me: "Yes."
5:36 I'm really wondering if that black rubber will degrade over time and become sticky and softer. I've had other products with that smooth hard rubber do that and you just have to throw it away. There's no fixing it.
My dream multitool would look a lot like that gerber drive. I want 1/4" bits with some reach and good retention, center driving preferred. Solid scissors stronger than the minis on the style ps, an awl, a can opener, and a locking t-shank blade holder ala leatherman surge. That way you could ditch the blade and fly with it, swap different saw blades or file on demand. That plus knipex pliers wrench, a small pair of channel locks, some insulated needlenose and a utility knife would probably come in not much heavier than the surge. But since it doesn't exist i have a leatherman surge. Plus all the other tools anyway.
David is the knife professor, while the Blade HQ guys are the students cutting up in the back of the class.
Ouch.... Good one though lol... This convinced me to subscribe! 👍
Since carrying my Swiss Army knife I find I use the toothpick more than anything. Wish it was included on more knives.