The 10 best Swiss Army Knives put to the test
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These 10 Swiss Army Knives are fundamentally different: Depending on the pocket knife model, there are different functions, sizes and designs – and the price is also very different.
It is not easy – especially for beginners – to find a matching Swiss Army knife. You probably ask yourself: Which pocket knife suits me? How do the knives differ?
No matter whether large or small, expensive or cheap – in this Swiss Army Knife Test you will find the perfect multitool for your needs.
First of all I will present to you the 10 best Swiss Army Knives 2020 in a brief overview, before I go into detail about my 5 favorite knives.
About Swiss Army Knives
The essentials:
Functions
Before buying a Swiss Army knife, pay attention to the exact functions and not just the number of features. If needed, make a list of the features you desire.
Popular Features
A branch saw, scissors or corkscrew are in high demand, but are not built into every Swiss Army Knife.
Length of the blade
The blade length and size of the pocket knife cannot be seen on the product photos - pay attention to the technical data!
Handling
The typical "ABS" plastic handle are cheap and robust - but can become slippery during rough work. If you use the knife outdoors, you should choose a non-slip ergonomic handle.
The best 10 Swiss Army Knives 2020 put to the the test
 | Victorinox Huntsman 15 Tools, 6 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Classic SD 7 Tools, 5 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox SwissChamp 33 Tools, 7 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Ranger Grip 12 Tools, 9 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Hiker 3 Tools, 6 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox Blade only, ca. 13 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Mountaineer 18 Tools, ca. 8 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Waiter 9 Tools, ca. 7 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Ranger Wood 10 Tools, 11 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Army Knife 10 Tools, 10 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1.Victorinox Huntsman - Best Pocket Knife In 2020
- All-Rounder Pocket Knife
- Excellent value for money
- Swiss Made Quality Knife
- Incl. scissor and a wood saw
- All in All 15 Functions
First of all, I want to present to you what I think is the best Swiss Army Knife 2020: The Victorinox Huntsman convinces with an outstanding price-performance – and all important functions are included.
Since Victorinox is clearly the market leader in the field of Swiss Army Knives and camping knives, it is worth knowing more about the knives from the Swiss manufacturer before buying. For this reason, I have created an article especially for you about Victorinox pocket knives.
By the way, the Victorinox Huntsman is one of the brand’s bestsellers. This all-purpose pocket knife is perfectly equipped for outdoor adventures, camping, climbing and much more.
The shell material is not only extremely durable, but also pleasantly light. As a result, the Swiss pocket knife weighs only about 97 grams!
The most important feature of a Swiss Army knife is of course the blade. This Swiss Army Knife even has multiple blades of two different lengths. A shorter blade for fine work and a large blade with a total length of 6.8 cm – of which 6 cm are sharp.
This Victorinox pocket knife has a total of 15 functions. Here is an overview of all the features of the Swiss Army Knife:
- Big Blade
- Small Blade
- Can opener
- Screwdriver
- Bottle opener
- Wire stripper
- Awl
- Corkscrew
- Scissors
- Wood saw
- Multipurpose hook
- Toothpicks
- Tweezers
- Keyring
Of course, blades and tools are made of stainless steel. The ABS shell is firmly glued and can withstand all weather conditions.
I also like the pocket knife optically. The red color is chic and a hallmark of Victorinox.
My only criticism: Unfortunately, no case is included with this pocket knife. It’s a shame, because this Swiss Army Knife is perfect for everyday use.
With a pocket knife case you can carry the knife on your belt. Your Swiss Army Knife is always ready to hand there – I therefore recommend you this Victorinox leather case for the Huntsman .
If you want to learn more about the different pocket knife cases: I wrote you a detailed article here.
Another disadvantage of this pocket knife: The blades are not locking into position. You must be careful when working with this knife, so the blade does not fold and cut your fingers. However, this is the case with almost all Swiss Army Knives.
All in all, the Victorinox Huntsman pocket knife has convinced me with a good mix between price and features. With this knife everything important is included and the Swiss Army Knife is still pleasantly handy – and affordable!
Pros
- Affordable Swiss Army Knife
- Lang-Lasting Quality Knife
- All Essential Functions
- Perfect For All Applications
Cons
- No case included
- Blade not locking
2. Victorinox Classic SD - Extreme Small Pocket Knife
- 7 Functions
- Short Blade
- With scissor & nail file
- Perfect for the keychain
- Affordable Swiss Army Knife
Now I want to introduce you to a small pocket knife, which you can simply always & everywhere carry with you. This tiny Swiss pocket knife is only 6 cm long and hardly noticeable at 22 grams – the knife is perfect for the key ring.
The Swiss quality can convince even in miniature format. The pocket knife from Victorinox is a practical little helper – for a very reasonable price. However, there are sufficient functions for such a small knife:
- Small Blade
- Nail file with screwdriver
- Tweezers & toothpick
- Small scissors
- Keyring
The disadvantage of this small knife is, of course, that it is not easy to handle. Example: It is difficult for me to grip the notches on the blade with short fingernails.
The nail file on this Swiss Army knife works, but because of the length it is only a temporary solution. The blade cannot be locked into position, but it is still held sufficiently by the spring pressure in this model.
My conclusion: This small pocket knife costs less than 15 euros and is definitely worth the money. The biggest advantage is that you can always have this tool with you. The pocket knife is also suitable as a small gift for your best friend.
Pros
- Perfect on the go
- Incl. nail file & scissors
- Small & affordable Swiss Army Knife
Cons
- Bad handling
3. Victorinox Swiss Champ - Versatile pocket knife
- One small and one big blade
- High-End Swiss Army Knife
- Incl. wood saw, pliers & scissors
- All in all 33 functions
After I have just presented you an extremely small Swiss Army Knife, I want to present you the very different: This Swiss Champ is an extremely versatile multitool . The Victorinox Swiss Champ has more than 30 functions!
This pocket knife is a pocket-sized tool box. In my opinoin, this XXL Victorinox knife is very suitable for campers, for example. As usual, the model from Switzerland impresses with Victorinox quality and optimal corrosion resistance.
This makes the all-rounder ideal for outdoor activities. Of the 33 functions , I have selected the most important ones for you in an overview:
- Big & small blade
- Corkscrew
- Can & capsule opener
- Wire insulator
- Fish scaler with fishing release
- Big & small screwdriver
- Magnifying glass
- Wire cutter
- Wood saw
- Nail arrows
Unfortunately, no case is included with this Swiss Army knife. I would strongly recommend a leather case to you, because of the size of this pocket knife. The tool quickly becomes uncomfortable in your pants pocket. Of course, a case is also useful for hygienic reasons. I have here selected a leather case that matches this large Swiss Champ pocket knife.
My conclusion: The Victorinox Swiss Champ has my absolute all-rounder recommendation. The extensive pocket knife is a bit expensive, but has all the functions you need.
Of course, the build quality is again at the highest level. You invest around 70 dollas for a Swiss Army Knife, which will remain for many years to come.
Pros
- Varied features
- High quality processing
- Perfect multipurpose tool
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
4. Victorinox Ranger Grip - High Quality Outdoor Pocket Knife
- 12 functions
- Long, lockable blade
- Erconomic, non-slip handle
- Outdoor Swiss Army Knife
The Victorinox Ranger Grip 55 primarily differs from the other Victorinox models in two ways. On the one hand, the two-component grips are non-slippery, on the other hand, this model has a lockable blade. Here are the most important functions:
- Lockable blade
- Long wood saw
- corkscrew
- screwdriver
- cans & amp; Capsule opener
- toothpicks & amp; Tweezers
Among the highlights of this knife are of course the lockable blade and the long wood saw. Since the blade can be locked, you can safely deal with rough outdoor tasks. There is no risk of the blade hurting your fingers and accidentally cutting yourself.
I especially like the ergonomic handle of this Swiss Army Knife. It is not without reason that the pocket knife bears the name “Grip” in its name. This knife offers good handling even with wet or sweaty hands. Thanks to a total weight of 166 grams , the pocket knife is relatively heavy.
Since the knife is relatively long at just under 13 cm, it is very unlikely that you already have a suitable case at home. After some searching I found a holster that the Victorinox Ranger Grip 55 fits perfectly into.
The Victorinox Ranger Grip 55 convinced me with a good price-performance The knife is worthwhile if you mainly use the blade of your pocket knife. Also, this Swiss Army Knife is a good choice for outdoor adventurers or hunters.
Do you want to discover more hunting knives? I have selected the best hunting knives for you. You will also find an extensive buying guide in that article.
Pros
- Locking blade
- Non-slip handle
- Long blade & wood saw
- Perfect for outdoor adventures
Cons
- Too big for your pants pocket
5. Victorinox Hiker - Small Outdoor Pocket Knife
- Including 13 Tools
- Made in Switzerland
- Victorinox lifetime warranty
This Victorinox Swiss Army Knife includes 13 important tools. This pocket knife is much thinner than the Victorinox Huntsman and therefore even more practical and elegant.
In my opinion this ist the perfect pocket knife – if you dont miss the corck screw. Overall the Victorinox Hiker provides a good set of tools, while remaining small.
There is not much to add. The Victorinox Hiker simply is a good choice. Also this pocket knife is very affordable: You pay ~ 25 Dollar for this model.
Pros
- With screwdriver
- Affordable pocket knife
- Small & thin pocket knife
Cons
- No corck screw
How to spot a high quality pocket knife?
Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you right at the beginning: There is – and will never be – an ultimate best pocket knife.
Pocket knives are made for a wide variety of applications. In this buyer’s guide you will find out, wich knife fits you best.
1. The different functions of a Swiss Army Knife
Before buying a Swiss Army knife, you should definitely think about the functions you really need. It is super annoying if you have a pocket knife with too few functions – like forgetting the can opener when camping.
But on the other hand a pocket knife with versatile functions is expensive, carries a lot of weight, can be unwieldy and takes up a lot of space in your backpack. “The more features, the better” does not always apply.
It also depends on the circumstances under which you want to use your Swiss Army Knife in the end. A heavy and bulky pocket knife is no problem at home or in the caravan. In this case the main purpose is, that the knife can handle all tasks. When hiking or mountaineering, however, it is important to carry as little weight as possible.
In the end, only you know exactly which functions are needed and wich Swiss Army Knife suits your needs. Here is an overview of the most important functions of Swiss Army Knives:
- Big Blade
- Small Blade
- Corkscrew
- Mini screwdriver
- Normal screwdriver
- Grooving-sewing awl
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wire stripper
- Scissors
- Combination pliers
- Wire cutter
- Fish scaler
- Angler
- Inch scale
- Wood saw
- Nail file
- Hacksaw
- Metal file
- Magnifying glass
- Multipurpose hook
- Toothpicks
- Tweezers
- Ballpoint pen
- Keyring
2. The Blade of a Swiss Army Knife
Basically, the blades of the Swiss Army Knife differ by 4 characteristics you have to pay attention to before buying:
1. How long is the usable length of the blade?
With a Swiss Army knife, the specified blade length does not always correspond to the sharpened part of the blade. Fortunately, the values are very similar.
Before buying a Swiss Army knife, you definitely need to know how long the blade should be. Here you can ask yourself the following questions:
- For which applications is the pocket knife needed?
- How long does the blade have to be?
- How much sensitivity is needed when handling the Swiss Army Knife?
Many bigger pocket knives even have two blades of different lengths. This allows you to do fine & rough work with the same Swiss Army Knife.
Also, depending of your local law, you have to choose a small blade length, so you are allowed to carry the knife legally.
2. Is the blade lockable or not?
Basically, a locking blade means that the blade of your pocket knife snaps into position and can only be released by pressing a button for example. A pocket knife with a fixed blade makes rough work, for example in the outdoor area, possible & safer.
If the blade of your pocket knife cannot be locked, working is only safe in one direction. The blade collapses in the other direction and can injure your fingers.
A closure of inferior quality also creates a risk of injury with a Swiss Army knife with a fixed blade. Therefore, you should definitely pay attention to the robust workmanship and quality, if you buy such a pocket knife.
3. How well is the blade protected against corrosion?
In the meantime, corrosion is not an issue for any Swiss Army Knife anymore, because almost all Swiss Army Knives are made of stainless steel. However, it is important to know, that there is never 100% protection against rust – the process is only extremely slowed down.
4. What is the shape of the blade and the Swiss Army Knife itself?
There are hardly any differences in the shape of the blade itself. For example, the Victorinox pocket knives mostly use an all-rounder shape. Only in single & amp; The blade shape is adapted in special cases – for example with hunting pocket knives.
3. The Handles
The handles of a Swiss Army knife should not be underestimated. Ultimately, the material, the size and the shape of the handles determine how well the knife is in your hand. For this reason, I want to present you the three most common handle materials and their greatest advantages and disadvantages.
1. ABS plastic shells
These handles are used most frequently by Swiss Army Knives – for several reasons. First of all, the plastic handle is light and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, many colors are possible – there are even transparent plastic handles.
The plastic is hard and does not break even in the event of a fall. Your Swiss Army Knife will have a few quirks after a while – but the knife is still useful.
The handles are also resistant to water and light. The Victorinox pocket knives with the red handle scales hardly change color even after a few years.
However, the simple handles made of ABS have one disadvantage. The pocket knife can quickly become slippery. Of course, this becomes a problem especially in outdoor use.
The so-called two-component handle scales are a compromise. These are ergonomically shaped and also provided with non-slip plastic. As a result, the Swiss Army Knife fits better in the hand – such a pocket knife is somewhat more expensive.
- Advantages of the plastic handles:
- Cheap & light
- Weatherproof
- Large selection of colors
2. Swiss Army Knife made of metal
The Swiss Army Knives from the Victorinox Alox Collection are made from stamped aluminum. Of course, the metal handles are protected against corrosion.
In my opinion, the Swiss Army Knives with handles made of metal look even better than the typical knives with plastic handles. However, the robust handle scales are also somewhat more expensive than the comparable plastic models.
- Advantages of the steel handles:
- Hard & stable
- Neat design
- Firm Material
3. Pocket knife made of wood
Some knife manufacturers offer Swiss Army knives made of wood. The advantage here: An attractive look meets 100% renewable materials. In addition, the wooden handles in the hand feel particularly pleasant.
Victorinox, for example, offers Swiss Army knives with walnut wood from European forests in the Wood collection. The knives look classy and are produced in an environmentally friendly manner. On Amazon you can find many more wooden pocket knives from the Victorinox Wood collection .
The biggest disadvantage of a wooden knife is of course the durability of the materials. Wood is a natural material that is constantly attacked by moisture and sweat. In my experience, a wooden pocket knife will not last long, especially in tough outdoor use. These pocket knives are more interesting as a piece of jewelry or for collectors.
- Advantages of the wood handles:
- Vintage design
- Natural feeling
The top 10 Swiss Army Knives at a glance
| Victorinox Huntsman 15 Tools, 6 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Classic SD 7 Tools, 5 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox SwissChamp 33 Tools, 7 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Ranger Grip 12 Tools, 9 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Hiker 3 Tools, 6 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox Blade only, ca. 13 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Mountaineer 18 Tools, ca. 8 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Waiter 9 Tools, ca. 7 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Ranger Wood 10 Tools, 11 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Army Knife 10 Tools, 10 cm Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |