According to reports, Victorinox produces 10 to 15 million of their Victorinox Swiss Army knife each year and exports them to all over the globe. It is no doubt that it is true that the Swiss Army Knife can be described as one of the top desired tools for the pocket. Like any other tool it is not without its flaws. Swiss Army Knife offers advantages as well as disadvantages. There are good arguments for the use of this knife, as well as arguments against it. Look at the two sides of this investment prior to making your choice.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the distinct benefits of the Swiss Army Knife and the reason for which is it is a pocket-friendly tool that works for many. We will also talk about some disadvantages and things to be aware of prior to purchasing the SAK you want.
Let’s begin by looking at some of the practical aspects which make Swiss Army Knife an amazing pocket tool.
There are many reasons to get an Swiss Army Knife
It is a Swiss Army knife comes in different sizes and is an essential tool for many. Here are a few benefits of an SAK and the reason you should buy one for yourself to use as your EDC tool.
1. Mobility, Ease of Carrying Social Acceptability, Quality and Price
This Swiss Army Knife is a multi-purpose tool that can be kept on the person throughout the day. The versatility of the tool as well as the superior quality of Victorinox makes it the perfect choice for those looking to buy one tool with multiple functions.
This will give you an excellent overview of the factors that make the SAK so popular across the globe. These factors ought to be enough to make you want to buy an Swiss Army Knife. If you’re looking for more convincing reasons, continue reading.
2. Many options for Combination of Tools
There are over 400 different models that are Swiss Army Knives available. They come in various sizes, ranging from the tiny ones that you can clip to your keyring to the heavier and larger models that will require bags to carry with your.
Each model comes with numerous tools that can be used for different purposes. It is often easier to complete tasks using the appropriate tool and a SAK enables you to always carry the correct tool in your bag.
However big or small you would like the pocket knife you carry around, there’s likely to be a Swiss Army Knife model that is suitable for your needs. It’s just a matter of spending your time looking to find a model that meets the majority, if certainly not all of your requirements.
3. Martensitic Steel
One of the major reasons behind the enormous popularity that this Swiss Army Knife in its use tool for your pocket can be attributed to the steel Victorinox employs. The steel that they use is unique. Also, Victorinox retains its alloy composition and manufacturing process as a trade secret.
If you’re wondering that it’s not the most durable steel on the market. It is however the most ideal steel to make a multi-purpose tool such as one like the Swiss Army Knife.
Over the course of more than a decade of use I’ve yet to notice any signs of corrosion on the main blade, or any other tools within any of my SAKs.
The high chromium content within the alloy make the tool glossy and impervious to rust.
Many believe that Vic steel as being soft. But , with regular use I’ve managed to make it work in sharpening my blades each year, if not every two years. It’s surprising that the blades will take a sharp edge and are super sharp, and just as sharp as they were when new.
4. Two Blades Small, Large and Large
The majority of large-sized Swiss Army Knife designs come with two blades, the big main blade and a smaller and less slender blade. I can remember the first time I received a SAK I was I was a bit confused as to the purpose for the blade. It appeared to be an unnecessary tool to me. What a mistake!
Over time, I came to appreciate and appreciate the usefulness of the second smaller blade. Today, I use it more often because it’s perfect for particular types of work. It keeps the blades sharp and shiny, and ready to go into action whenever I require something more long and more powerful.
5. Camping And Outdoor Tools
I’m sure that most campers only carried one Swiss Army knife while camping at one point in their lives. While some serious campers use specialized tools at times but it’s not practical to carry lots of weight, particularly on short-term excursions.
I normally have two SAKs on me for outdoor activities.
I prefer a medium size that has a variety of tools, as well as an extra large one with a few more tools, such as a large blade, and a large wood saw. I feel that I am well-equipped.
This allows me to utilize the smaller blade in the kitchen to help with food preparation , and possibly fix things using the screwdrivers, if needed.
The bigger model is made for use in bushcraft, for cutting branches, making campfires etc.
6. Fisherman’s Tools
The Swiss Army Knife can be an ideal tool for fishing enthusiast. From cutting lines to taking hooks off fishing enthusiasts have used it for a variety of tasks. This is so much, that Victorinox has developed SAKs that are specifically designed for fishermen. Other models also have required tools that are handy when fishing.
7. First Aid and Tools for Rescue
A small, Swiss Army Knife includes a variety of equipment needed during an emergency, but especially when outdoors and you do not have an aid kit for first aid.
Tweezers are great to remove debris, glass pieces or gravel, to treat small cuts and wounds.
Knife blades and scissors are helpful in cutting pieces of cloth into an apex to cover wounds.
Scissors can also be useful for taking dressings off while changing bandages to decrease the risk of contracting an infection.
In terms of tools for rescue, Victorinox makes a dedicated model specifically for this purpose and is called as such, and you’ve guessed it, Victorinox RescueTool!
Alongside a seat-belt cutter as well as a window breaker it also comes with an glass cutter!
How much else would you require in a device that can carry into your pocket? Of course, you could keep one inside your vehicle for any emergency.
8. A beautiful and attractive gift item
A Swiss army knife makes the perfect gift to someone you love to all ages and genders. This is due to the fact that it can be used in many ways and because it is a tool that has numerous practical uses.
In case you didn’t realize, women adore Swiss Army Knives, especially the ones with smaller sizes that they can carry easily in their purses or on keychains.
Additionally, the Alox models that are medium-sized Alox model is a huge success with women.
9. Useful to Whittling
Whittling is a well-known art and a pastime for many. Although there are tools that can be used for whittling or making things out of wood The two blades of the Swiss Army Knife have proved to be excellent tools for whittling particularly for novices.
Experts typically recommend making use of the larger blade to begin cutting and carving, after that, employing the smaller blade for more precise particulars.
Victorinox also has a publication about whittling specifically targeted at children and written by their house expert, Felix Immler.
10. SAK as an weapon
An Swiss Army Knife can be described as an instrument to get work accomplished. Many people would agree that it’s not an actual weapon however they’re not wrong. If it is used by an amateur, it can make a pretty poor offensive or defensive weapon.
However, it does have the blade, however and the blade is sharp! It also comes with other tools. Are any of these tools able to be used as weapons in an emergency?
There have been instances when people have utilized knives in their pockets for defensive motives.
In the hands of a skilled with the right skills, a SAK is an extremely useful weapon. Of course, you’ll need particular abilities (and training) to make use of it weapon. The majority of people not use it properly. And, what’s more is that they’ll harm themselves more than their opponent.
Someone with training and an IQ for fighting can utilize a SAK for gain advantage during the fight.
The Reasons You Shouldn’t Purchase the Swiss Army Knife
There are many advantages to owning an SAK, it’s not suitable for all. Certain people I know don’t have a SAK in them any more. They usually prefer dedicated tools to multi-tools. Also, a Swiss Army Knife might not always meet the demands of every person seeking a pocket tool.
Here’s an overview of the most common drawbacks to the Swiss Army Knife and I am aware of often.
1. Blade is Too Small and thin
The small Swiss Army Knife version (91mm) comes with an overall length of 6 to 7 centimeters. A lot of people don’t consider that size sufficient for the majority of tasks. There are bigger Swiss Army Knives with longer blades (111mm and 130mm models) but they aren’t sufficient for carrying in pockets. There are other pocket knives that are similar in size and weight, but with a larger blade.
The blade that is the main component of a 91.5mm SAK is also significantly smaller than the blade of an individual pocket knife. It’s not suited to cut through thick materials and you’ll have to exert additional force and force in order to cut through.
2. Blade is not locked
This is a common complaint made against Swiss Army Knives. Although larger SAKs do come with locking blades, a locking mechanism isn’t present in the smaller Swiss Army Knives. I’m guessing Victorinox intentionally does this in order to keep medium-sized SAKs in compliance with the regulations regarding locks on pocket knives within some European countries.
A blade that is not locked is ineffective for certain kinds of jobs. For instance, while cutting with a slip-joint knife often, the blade tends to fold inwards.
Be aware of your surroundings when doing any type of woodworking or bushcraft using an e-slip joint knife.
This is the reason why I have a larger SAK and the liner lock to protect my outdoor activity.
3. Blade isn’t Strong enough
This point is a result from the previous two points. The thickness and size of the SAK blade, as well as the fact that it isn’t able to lock into place makes it ineligible for tasks that require a lot of force.
The lock with a slip-joint that the majority of the SAK models use was not designed originally for use in power production. Additionally, the narrow spine makes it not suitable for certain tasks such as batoning. You need an affixed blade with a large spine for batoning, there are times when people use the pocket knife.
4. Steel Hardness isn’t Up to the Standards
Experts frequently accuse Victorinox that they don’t use high-quality steel to make the production of their Swiss Army Knives. The material is soft and does not keep an edge for long particularly in comparison to other multi-tool manufacturers that are of high-quality, such as Leatherman and Gerber.
Victorinox does not provide the specific content of the steel alloy they employ as well as the specific structure of this steel isn’t identical for all the tools used in the SAK. If you’re seeking the most durable steel that can be found in the form of a pocket knife, then it is a Swiss Army Knife isn’t the tool you’re looking for.
5. No Pocket Clip
A pocket knife with no clip to hold it! That’s the Swiss Army Knife that you can use. I’ve seen a lot of people who don’t think of an SAK as their EDC knife because they can’t attach it into their trouser pockets.
Are there other tools with the same functions like The Swiss Army Knife?
The disadvantages listed above can be applied to a wide range of pockets tools and not only Swiss Army Knives.
However, some negatives are unique only to Swiss Army Knife however, and you could be wondering whether there is a different tool to solve some of the issues , while keeping the same quality and function as an Swiss Army Knife.
Conclusion
I hope that by now , you’ve got an idea of what Swiss Army Knife would be the best option for you. I’ve covered all the benefits that an SAK has to offer, and the most obvious negatives. My view is that the benefits outweigh the negatives, which is why I’ve amassed numerous SAKs throughout the years.
Every pocket knife has a compromise of some kind. From all the various multi-purpose pocket knives I’ve used the Swiss Army Knife with the appropriate size and best selection of tools has almost always gave the most bang for your dollar!
