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Best Swiss Army Knives

Best Victorinox Swiss Army Knives

Since their invention in 1897, Victorinox Swiss Army Knives have become a symbol of versatility, durability, and quality. They’ve become an essential tool for soldiers, astronauts, outdoor enthusiasts, tinkerers, and explorers alike. For more than 125 years, Victorinox has dedicated themselves to putting the right tool for any job into your pocket. Along the way they’ve cultivated an attitude of independence, creativity, and ingenuity among their customer base. For a deeper look into the incredible history of Victorinox, the Swiss Army attitude, and some of the amazing things people have done with a Swiss Army Knife, take a look at our article “Swiss Army Knife: Everything You Need to Know About This Iconic Tool.”

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best Swiss Army Knives organized from the fewest to the most number of tools. While there are literally hundreds of models to choose from, we believe that the best Swiss Army Knife strikes the perfect balance between size and function. The best Victorinox knife for you will offer a range of useful tools without being too bulky or heavy.

For your consideration, here are our top eight picks for the best Swiss Army Knife:

1. Classic SD

The Classic SD is proof that good things really do come in small packages. Even though the Classic SD has the fewest tools of any knife on this list, this keychain sized knife is a favorite among Swiss Army Knife enthusiasts. Its seven functions have been carefully chosen to bring the most utility to your EDC setup while taking up the least amount of space. Even if you carry a Victorinox, or another knife with more tools, the Classic SD is an amazing option to keep on your keys or in the center console of your car. Priced at $19.95, this is arguably the best knife you could pick up for under $20.

  • Closed Length of 2.28″
  • Weighs 0.80oz.
  • 1.50″ Blade
  • Nail File
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Scissors
  • Keyring
  • Toothpick
  • Tweezers

Have a few more questions? Just want a closer look? Check out our Classic SD Review to learn more.

2. Nail Clip

Featuring all the same implements as the Classic SD, the Victorinox Nail Clip adds a fold out nail clipper. As anyone who has ever had a hangnail can tell you, having a nail clipper handy is always useful. Capable of handling the usual wide range of tasks you expect from your Swiss Army Knife, the Nail Clip adds personal hygiene to the list. This knife’s compact size and keyring make it another seamless addition to your EDC lineup, simply throw it on your keychain and forget about it until you need it. Its compact sized combined with the Nail Clip’s sturdy construction and budget-friendly price point have earned this knife its place among the best Swiss Army Knives.

  • Closed Length of 2.50″
  • Weighs 1.31oz.
  • 1.75″ Blade
  • Nail Clipper
  • Nail File
  • Nail Cleaner
  • Scissors
  • Keyring
  • Toothpick
  • Tweezers

3. Cadet

When you see Alox in the title of a knife, it means that it has aluminum scales. Aluminum is a low density metal that provides a nice heft to the knife without weighing it down. It’s also tremendously strong and durable, which goes a long way extending the life of your knife. The Victorinox Cadet Alox is almost as thin as the Classic SD, but with more tools. Featuring a 2.50″ blade, the Cadet Alox is more comparable to a typical pocket knife in size, but with a level of versatility that only SAKs can provide. Measuring 3.30″ long, this knife rides the line between being a pocket carry and an addition to your keychain.

  • Closed Length of 3.30″
  • Weighs 1.60oz.
  • 2.50″ Blade
  • Nail File
  • Nail Cleaner
  • Can Opener
  • Small Flathead Screwdriver
  • Bottle Opener
  • Large Flathead Screwdriver
  • Wire Stripper
  • Keyring

4. Pioneer X

One of Victorinox’s most popular Swiss Army Knives, the Pioneer packs 9 tools between its aluminum scales. Based off the 1961 Victorinox Soldier, the Pioneer X was upgraded with a pair of precision scissors. Its durable Alox scales not only make this knife as sleek as it is versatile, but they ensure the longevity of this knife — helping you rest assured that you can rely on this Swiss Army Knife year after year. If you feel like the scissors are a little too much for you, take a look at the Victorinox Pioneer. The Pioneer features all the same tools and materials as the Pioneer X, but without the scissors. As a result, the Pioneer is almost an ounce lighter and about 1/10th of an inch thinner.

  • Closed Length of 3.62″
  • Weighs 3.30oz.
  • 2.75″ Blade
  • Reamer
  • Can Opener
  • Small Screwdriver
  • Bottle Opener
  • Large Screwdriver
  • Wire Stripper
  • Keyring
  • Scissors

5. SwissCard

Perhaps one of Victorinox’s most unique designs, the SwissCard isn’t designed for your pocket, but into the credit card slot of your wallet or purse. The SwissCard manages to pack 10 day-saving tools into a lightweight and durable package that weighs just one ounce. Since the SwissCard is designed to fit into your wallet, you still have plenty of room in your pockets or purse for a more traditional pocket knife. No matter what your loadout is or where you’re heading, the SwissCard is a trustworthy and handy addition to your gear.

  • Closed Length of 3.19″
  • Weighs 1.00 oz.
  • Letter Opener (Blade)
  • Scissors
  • Straight Pin
  • Tweezers
  • Toothpick
  • Pressurized Ballpoint Pen
  • Ruler (in/cm)
  • Nail File
  • Flathead Screwdriver

6. Super Tinker

Our favorite thing about the Victorinox Super Tinker is the Phillips head screwdriver. The addition of this tool brings a whole new level of versatility to the Super Tinker. As the name implies, the Super Tinker is the ultimate tool for people who like to build and fix things themselves. MacGyver, the hero of DIY enthusiasts everywhere, had a preference for the Super Tinker’s younger brother, the Tinker. Like the Pioneer, there are two variations of Tinker. The Super Tinker features a pair of scissors, while the Tinker doesn’t. We can’t prove it, but we think that if MacGyver had a pair of scissors on his Swiss Army Knife, a lot of his televised adventures might have gone a lot smoother.

  • Closed Length of 3.58″
  • Weighs 2.40 oz.
  • 1.50″ Blade
  • Small Blade
  • Multipurpose Hook
  • Reamer/Punch Tool
  • Tweezers
  • Phillips Screwdriver 1/2
  • Keyring
  • Can Opener
  • 3mm Flathead Screwdriver
  • Scissors
  • Bottle Opener
  • 6mm Flathead Screwdriver
  • Wire Stripper
  • Toothpick

7. Huntsman

With over a dozen unique functions between the iconic red scales, the Victorinox Huntsman fits the look of the quintessential Swiss Army Knife. With a saw, large blade, scissors, and corkscrew, the Huntsman makes an excellent campsite companion that is sure to be endlessly useful. Despite bringing 15 tools to your disposal, the Huntsman remains compact and light enough to comfortably tuck into your pocket or add to your pack without being cumbersome. All of these features combined made the Huntsman an easy addition to our list of the best Swiss Army Knives.

  • Closed Length of 3.58″
  • Weighs 3.50 oz.
  • 2.75″ Large Blade
  • Small Blade
  • Corkscrew
  • Can Opener
  • 3mm Flathead Screwdriver
  • Bottle Opener
  • 6mm Flathead Screwdriver
  • Wire Stripper
  • Reamer/Punch Tool
  • Keyring
  • Tweezers
  • Toothpick
  • Scissors
  • Multipurpose Hook
  • Wood Saw

8. Compact

The Victorinox Compact is one the knife community’s favorite pocket multi-tools, and for good reason. The Compact has the same number of tools as the Huntsman, but is a full 1.20 ounces lighter and 0.20″ thinner. This knife is able to shed so much weight and girth because Victorinox has packed all 15 implements in just two layers instead of the three layers required on the Huntsman. The Compact is the embodiment of versatility and durability, and we believe it strikes the absolute perfect balance between size and function.

Our favorite part of the Compact is the five-in-one tool opposite the blade. While it doesn’t look like much, the design of this implement is nothing short of genius. Victorinox has combined the bottle opener, can opener, wire stripper, and flathead screwdriver into a single tool. The screwdriver is shaped to fit both flathead and Phillips screws, which increases the Compact’s utility without adding any additional weight. The point of an everyday carry tool or knife is to have a reliable tool that can be used for a wide variety of tasks. Whether those tasks can include cutting, slicing, opening, tightening, or even writing, the Victorinox Compact is up to the challenge.

  • Closed Length of 3.58″
  • Weighs 2.30 oz.
  • 2.75″ Blade
  • Scissors
  • Bottle Opener
  • Can Opener
  • Screwdriver (Flathead and Phillips)
  • Wire Stripper
  • Multipurpose Hook
  • Nail File
  • Mini Screwdriver
  • Pin
  • Tweezers
  • Pen
  • Toothpick
  • Keyring

Conclusion

In short, there’s nothing not to love about Victorinox Swiss Army Knives. From their iconic red scales and white seal to the hundreds of different tools and models, Swiss Army Knives really do have the right tool for any job. Just as impressive as their endless utility is their affordability. Our list of the top eight best Swiss Army Knives range in price from $20 to $60, easily affordable on any budget.

From the office to outer space, Swiss Army Knives have proven themselves to be essential companions for any endeavor. It’s an incredible thing when you can get an awesome multi-tool for just a few bucks. The features are so handy and it’s honestly the type of thing where you don’t realize how much you need one of these in your life until you own it, carry it, and live with it.