Finest Swiss Military Knives of 2023

You may need heard the Benjamin Franklin quote, “A jack of all trades is a grasp of none.” But individuals neglect the remainder of the quote, “… however oftentimes higher than a grasp of 1.” The unabridged quote completely describes a Swiss Military Knife. It’s normally not the perfect software for the job, however it might probably do exactly sufficient to resolve most issues. 

I’ve been testing the capabilities of the perfect Swiss Military Knife fashions, in addition to a couple of options, to seek out those that strike the appropriate steadiness of portability and functionality. Listed below are my picks for the perfect SAKs:

Soar to EDC Gear to Pair with Your SAK

How I Selected the Finest Swiss Military Knives



The six SAKs (and one various) I’ve chosen have wonderful options you’ll use on a regular basis and are straightforward to hold in a pocket. As a result of there are such a lot of succesful Swiss Military knives in the marketplace, on the finish of every evaluate you’ll discover a suggestion for the same SAK which may peak your curiosity as effectively. 

Victorinox has a SAK taste to swimsuit any style, and in my quest to seek out the perfect of their over 250 variations, I chosen knives that steadiness operate with sensible wants. Sure, the large Swiss Champ XLT is a really cool gadget, however fully impractical for most individuals. 

For the three SAKs and the options I examined, I used each operate the instruments needed to see how they carried out: I reduce wire ties, paper, and 550 wire with scissors. I carved wooden and reduce cardboard with the knives. I turned screws with the screwdrivers. You get the thought.

Utilizing all of the features helped me consider their usefulness and supply data on what every is greatest for. I additionally carried the multi instruments to see which of their many options I used probably the most and the way sensible they had been in every day life. 

Finest Swiss Military Knives: Opinions & Suggestions

Finest General: Compact




Key Options

• 14 instruments
• My Favourite Instruments: Knife, pen, tweezers, bottle opener, 5mm screwdriver, 1.5 mm screwdriver, pin
• Weight: 2.3 ounces 
• Size: 3.6 inches (measured)
• Width: 0.95 inches (measured)
• Thickness: 0.57 inch (measured)
• Value: $59

Execs

• Glorious options to measurement ratio
• The mini screwdriver might be swapped for a ton of various Mini Instruments

Cons

• Retains some legacy options I didn’t discover helpful just like the corkscrew and file

The Compact is filled with a variety of helpful instruments, whereas nonetheless remaining gentle and skinny. I discovered the traditional massive blade wonderful for opening packages, gentle wooden use, slicing cordage, or slicing up an apple. It’s straightforward to open utilizing the nail nick and easily swings out till it snaps into place. There’s a great quantity of spring stress to maintain the blade open. Though, it’s nonetheless not a locking blade so be careful for backbone stress, particularly when popping out of a reduce. 

The largest shock is how helpful I discovered the pen. You’re not going to make use of it to write down an essay, however it’s helpful for these conditions whenever you want a pen in a pinch. I used it on the put up workplace, to signal checks, and jot down fast notes. The scissor is one other favourite. It simply cuts via 550 wire, zip ties, and duct tape. It has sufficient management to chop out intricate shapes in paper or only a straight line. My solely criticism with the scissor is that it’s more durable to drag out than the opposite instruments as a result of it sits low. I bought some use out of the big flat head, bottle opener, in addition to the mini software, and so they’re good to have. I didn’t use the hook, corkscrew, toothpick, and tweezers, however given sufficient time I’m certain they’d finally come in useful.

Should you want a Phillips head screwdriver as a part of your SAK, the Tinker is one other nice possibility. 

Finest for the Outside: Huntsman

Key Options

• 15 instruments
• Favourite Instruments: Knife, noticed, scissors, 6mm screwdriver, tweezers, 3mm screwdriver
• Weight: 3.4 ounces
• Size: 3.6 inches (measured)
• Width: 1 inch (measured)
• Thickness: 0.77  inch (measured)

Execs

• 15 instruments that weigh as a lot as most 3.5-inch folding knives
• Two knives means that you can maintain one blade razor sharp and use the opposite for more durable use

Cons

After I’m tenting or searching, I’ll normally have a set blade for duties like making ready firewood or cleansing sport. Whereas a multi software, just like the Swiss Military Knife Huntsman, takes on the lighter slicing roles and offers further utility. The Huntsman has a big and small blade. So you should use one for whittling a tent stake and maintain the opposite clear for slicing up cheese. The noticed isn’t going to course of firewood like a Silky PocketBoy, however does get via branches round 2-inches in diameter and does an ideal job slicing notches. I discovered it most helpful for initiatives when it is advisable to reduce a small department at a precise size—fairly than simply snapping it—like when making a pot tripod. 

Whereas I don’t have a lot use for a can opener, its sharpened edge is ideal for slicing tape on packages. I after all get good use out of the scissors and enormous flathead, which might take gentle prying. If Victorinox packaged the Huntsman with the Fireplace Starter Mini on the corkscrew, this could be an superior possibility for a one and completed outside knife. However whereas we watch for that to occur you’ll be able to decide up a 3 pack for $32. 

Should you don’t want a noticed, try the Explorer, which has lots of the similar instruments with a magnifying glass as a substitute of a noticed. It additionally has a Phillips screwdriver. 

Finest Mini: Rambler

Key Options

• 10 instruments
• Favourite Instruments: Knife, scissors, Phillips screwdriver, flathead, and tweezers
• Weight: 1.1 ounces
• Size: 2.3 inches (measured)
• Width: 0.75 inch (measured)
• Thickness 0.4 inch (measured)

Execs

• Simply slips right into a fifth pocket or attaches to a keychain
• All the hottest instruments in a really small knife
• Surprisingly helpful for its measurement

Cons

• Knife can solely do the lightest slicing duties 

After I noticed the Rambler on the Victorinox web site I believed I lastly discovered the proper SAK. After all, I didn’t take a look at its dimensions earlier than ordering. However regardless of its small measurement it’s nonetheless probably the greatest Swiss Military Knives I’ve used. It has nearly every little thing I exploit for every day life: screwdrivers, scissors, and a knife for opening packages. The bonus file, tweezers, toothpick, and bottle opener are good to have. 

The small measurement is a profit and a hindrance. The scissor takes two to 3 snips to get via 550 wire versus one of many bigger SAKs. The knife is slim and skinny, so I wouldn’t suggest it for powerful jobs. Regardless that, in my check it sliced via thick cardboard and cordage with just a bit extra effort than the Compact’s massive blade. The Phillips screwdriver is helpful, however it’s restricted in use to issues like opening battery compartments—you gained’t be driving wooden screws with it. The good thing about its measurement is you can simply carry a Rambler along with an EDC knife.  

Should you’re searching for a easy, non-locking knife to go together with your Rambler, try the Case Sod Buster Jr. It’s a wonderful USA-made slip joint for below $60. Or for those who’d like minimalist SAK with a contemporary look, try the Basic SD Alox. 

Finest with a Locking Blade: Trekker

Key Options

• 12 instruments
• Favourite Instruments: Knife, wooden noticed, Phillips screwdriver, 3mm/7mm flathead screwdriver, tweezers, and bottle opener
• Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Size: 4.4 inches
• Thickness: 0.7 inches

Execs

• One handed opening
• Liner lock 

Cons

• Some customers gained’t just like the wavy edge 

A locking blade can do more durable duties with out concern of it changing into a finger guillotine. Victorinox makes 79 fashions with locking knives, however the Trekker has the good thing about a one-handed opening blade, and it is available in below 5 ounces. Different locking choices push the 6 ounce mark and take up much more pocket actual property. Should you don’t want a Phillips screwdriver and like a plain-edge blade, the Forester M Grip is one other nice selection. 

Finest Screwdriver: Cyber Device M

Key Options

• 24 instruments
• Favourite Instruments: Bit driver, scissors, 5 flathead screwdrivers, knife, and pliers
• Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Size: 3.6 inches
• Thickness: 1.1 inches

Execs

• Bit driver and bit holder
• Nice for retaining in a bag or EDC software equipment

Cons

• Pliers aren’t able to laborious duties 

Discovering the perfect Swiss Military Knife for you is all about discovering the one which has options you’ll use in every day life. If you end up needing a small torx, hex, or screwdriver on a regular basis, the Cyber Device M is a wonderful selection. It has a bit driver and bit holder included into the SAK. You’ll additionally get pliers, two knives, scissors, and a bunch of flat-head screwdrivers. 

My two options to the Cyber Device L aren’t made by Victorinox, however they’re each incredible choices for those who want a screwdriver on a regular basis. The Large Thought Designs Bit Bar Inline is an EDC screwdriver that holds three bits and offers loads of torque for cussed threads. The one draw back is that it’s round $100. The Leatherman Sign has a bit driver along with its needle-nose pliers, knife, noticed, bottle opener, and extra.

Finest with an LED: Huntsman Lite

Key Options

• 21 instruments
• Favourite Instruments: LED, massive knife, small knife, noticed, scissors, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdrivers
• Weight: 4.3 ounces
• Size: 3.6 inches
• Thickness: 1 inch

Execs

• Over 21 instruments, however nonetheless below 4.5 ounces
• Simple to hold

Cons

• Wish to see this mannequin with a locking blade

If you would like a SAK with a variety of options, however don’t desire a boat anchor, the 4.3 ounce Huntsman Lite is my prime decide. You’ll be able to simply carry this knife on a regular basis and it will additionally make an ideal companion for the outside. It has lots of the similar options of the Huntsman, but additionally features a Phillips screwdriver and an LED flashlight. The flashlight isn’t going to gentle up the woods, however it’s vibrant sufficient to make use of inside a tent or automotive, and it will make an ideal backup to your tenting flashlight. 

Desire a smaller Swiss Military Knife with an LED? Try the Signature Lite. 

Finest SAK Various: Leatherman Free T4

Key Options

• 12 instruments
• Favourite Instruments: Knife, scissors, pry software, small flathead, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, bundle opener, file, tweezers, and bottle opener
• Weight: 4.3 ounces 
• Size: 3.6 inches
• Thickness: .68 inches
• Value: $70

Execs

• One-handed opening and shutting
• Instruments lock open
• Each software could be very helpful 

Cons

• Thicker and heavier than most SAKs
• Knife and scissors aren’t as slicey as a SAK

The Leatherman Free T4 is a well-thought-out multi software with nice options for laborious use. There’s no wasted house on ineffective instruments or ones that you need to consider inventive makes use of for—just like the SAK corkscrew. The instruments lock open and might be deployed and closed one handed. They’re a lot sturdier instruments than you’ll discover on a Swiss Military Knife. The beefy nature of the instruments is nice for sturdiness, however it held them again in my reduce check. Whereas the Huntsman’s and Compact’s knives melted via thick cardboard, the Free T4 took extra effort to make the identical reduce and would cling up within the cuts. The scissors had been the most important distinction although. The SAK scissors go proper via 550 wire and zipties, however the Free T4 scissors might barely reduce paracord after six cuts. 

Should you’re searching for a multi software that has sturdy instruments, one handed opening, and a great locking mechanism, the T4 is an efficient possibility. However for those who’re primarily all for a knife that slices effectively and scissors which can be sharp, I’d take a look at one of many SAKs. One other various for those who simply want a knife and screwdriver is the Milwaukee Fastback 6 in 1, which has a bit driver and folding/locking utility knife. 

Finest EDC Gear to Pair with a Swiss Military Knife

On a regular basis carry is all about having gadgets in your person who resolve issues with out the load or bulk of carrying round a software roll. For many conditions a Victorinox Compact is all I want, however I’m much more succesful when it’s paired with a flashlight, pen, ultralight energy financial institution, pocket organizer, and Knipex Pliers. 

The Streamlight micro stream is rechargeable and has a two means clip so it might probably connect to a hat brim or pocket. Knipex pliers are gentle and compact, whereas nonetheless having the ability to securely grip and tighten nuts higher than the needle nostril pliers you’ll discover on most multi instruments. The Nitecore energy financial institution is the lightest 10,000 mAh energy financial institution I’ve discovered, and juices up an iPhone with some energy to spare. 

The factor that brings this complete equipment collectively is the pocket organizer. I do know it looks as if a dorky dad factor, however I’m telling you it’ll change your life. I carry the pliers, pen, flashlight, powerbank, and charging cables in it. It retains them from simply being free objects, jangling in my pocket. I additionally like that every one my EDC gadgets are packed and straightforward to seize within the morning. I put the organizer in a single entrance pocket and the Compact within the different for straightforward entry. 

Select the Finest Swiss Military Knife

Instruments

You will get Swiss Military Knives with only a knife or with over 35 instruments. Take into consideration the instruments you employ on daily basis and which of them will help you out of a jam. With that data, narrowing down the perfect Swiss Military Knife for you turns into a lot simpler. 

Sharpening

When your knife turns into boring, use one of many greatest knife sharpeners, just like the Works Sharp Precision Alter to sharpen your SAK at a 15 to twenty diploma angle per aspect. 

Modding a Swiss Military Knife

One of many cool issues about SAKs is that they’re straightforward to customise with aftermarket scales and add ons. Listed below are a number of the widespread mods for Swiss Military Knives:

• Scales (aka covers) in titanium, micarta, G10, and wooden
• Lanyards
• Pocket Clips
• Instruments: You’ll be able to ship your knife out to a SAK customizer for software swaps

Learn Subsequent: The Finest Multi Instruments of 2023

Why Belief Outside Life?

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Closing Ideas on the Finest Swiss Military Knives

The Swiss Military Knife has been a trusted software since 1897—a 12 months older than OL—and that unique knife had six instruments: a punch, can opener, small blade, corkscrew, massive blade, and screwdriver. It gave the soldier or citizen a variety of utility in a small bundle. The trendy SAKs proceed that legacy and, for my part, the seven greatest Swiss Military Knives I’ve chosen execute that unique design premise.