Big ole' swiss army knives

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OzarkCreekWalker

Joined
Jul 25, 2011
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Does anyone use and like the thick sak models such as the SwissChamp? I'm thinking that it would make more sense to buy a Leatherman if one needed that many tools. thanks
 
I have one of the fatties, but it never gets any love. Too big for pocket carry. But still cool. Might be good for the Man Sack or the glove compartment.

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The Swiss Champ is an icon for Victorinox, however as you guys stated before, if you are gonna carry something that bulky, you are better off going for a Swiss Tool or a Leatherman. For a very similar price, with any of the latter you get locking tools and full-size pliers.

However, I think the Swiss Champ remains a very collectible item, I've seen it offered with scales in very exoctic materials: bone, hardwood, mother-of-pearl, some kind of stag scales and even silver.
 
I got some of those big SAKs too. If you need full size pliers, a SwissTool or Leatherman would be a better option. But if you don't need big pliers and only want a lot of tools, my choice would be a big SAK in a pouch on the belt. I carry SAKs for many years and never had a problem with them having non-locking tools.
 
For quite a few years the only knife I carried was a Vic Champion (yes,the older one) suspended in my pocket by a lanyard. It worked well. On board, I often paired it with a pair of Channellocks and was good to go. Alas, it has escaped into the dusts of time. Now I EDC a Vic Hunter or Rucksack with pocket carry (no lanyard). I know many say the 111mm are too big for the pocket but I disagree. Of course, I don't own a Workchamp either.
 
I currently carry a Swisstool Spirit but i carried a Swisschamp for years.
I still think in terms of weight and size the Swisschamp is the most-versatile-multitool-per-ounce!
If you don't need locking tools or medium to big pliers then you would be well served by the Swisschamp.
 
There's still quite a lot of stuff on the SwissChamp that you won't find on a similar sized LM; sharp awl, chisel, pen, pin, toothpick, fish scaler, magnifying lens etc. All that's missing? large pliers.

Still a tool with plenty of things going for it I'd say.
 
Gareth UK said:
There's still quite a lot of stuff on the SwissChamp that you won't find on a similar sized LM; sharp awl, chisel, pen, pin, toothpick, fish scaler, magnifying lens etc. All that's missing? large pliers.

Still a tool with plenty of things going for it I'd say.
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True... but how often do you need a chisel, pin, toothpick, fish scaler, and magnifying lens? I don't know, you yourself may like those options. For me, the awl is a must. In addition to poking holes in stuff this can do all of those scraping chores that will dull a blade. Back on topic, I don't understand how people hold these big things. Though I must admit, I have been eyeballing a Vic Craftsman and Deluxe Tinker :D
 
I often pack a Handyman , ( about one layer less than the Swisschamp ) , Before that I packed a Ranger and a Huntsman . No real difference in comfort . All but the Huntsman were carried on Monroe Danglers - they don't sit on the bottom of the pocket , very comfortable . My next big Bugger will be a Cybertool 41 .

I like the diversity of tools aboard , all have seen service .

I like the chisel , has got me out of a few jams , hand feel is actually very comfortable .

Chris
 
well those thick models still for sells and in production and it think they're going no where since some people still likes them..

whenever i go out of town, the Craftman would be in my pocket... thats my fav thick SAK.
 
Ozarkcreekwalker:
Many of the tools can be used for other purposes. I've never used the fish scaler for that purpose but I have used the ruler that's engraved on the scaler many times. Most of the tools lend themselves to improvisation: I've used the corkscrew to take knots out of rope and cord. If you have an imagination the tools the Swiss Champ has can be safely used for a myriad of other jobs they weren't originally intended to do. If you can't get past its heaviness and or thickness you lose out on that functionality. Here's mine:
DSCN0417.jpg
 
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I had a SwissChamp for a couple of years before the Cybertool Series came out. I then transitioned over to the 34 and have gone through at least 4 different color variations (Sapphire, Emerald, Onyx, Sapphire (again)) before going to the Cybertool Lite.

I also have a SwissChamp XLT w/c is like a SwissChamp-and-Cybertool-in-one.
 
Stelth said:
Ozarkcreekwalker:
Many of the tools can be used for other purposes. I've never used the fish scaler for that purpose but I have used the ruler that's engraved on the scaler many times. Most of the tools lend themselves to improvisation: I've used the corkscrew to take knots out of rope and cord. If you have an imagination the tools the Swiss Champ has can be safely used for a myriad of other jobs they weren't originally intended to do. If you can't get past its heaviness and or thickness you lose out on that functionality. Here's mine:
DSCN0417.jpg
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Yeah, I'm not doubting their occasional utility, but I like having tools with an intended purpose rather than carrying around those that I will only use once or twice the whole time I have the knife. But as the saying goes, It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
 
I only have 2 S A K's a one hand open trekker and I think a Craftsman I like it and it isn't to bad if I don't have a lot of other stuff in my pockets. I wanted on with a pliers, scissors, a file, and saw. plus other things, very handy tool
 
I carry a SwissChamp for work in a belt pouch, it doesn't get much use save for trimming fingernails, opening cans etc which is light work.

I also carry a 3.0 to 3.6X inch folder as well though I have decided to carry only folders (a fortnight ago) with blade lengths of 3 inches or less to reduce unwanted attention from ordinary people (and law enforcement obviously).

Kind of torn between a CyberTool 34 or 41 (hard to get) and a SwissTool CS Plus, wanted a SAK with bit drivers and range of tools in a SwissChamp (can't be too prepared) that can tighten my EDC folder and spectacles, never owned a multi-tool before, so I am still undecided and besides I can't commit funds to buy any for the rest of 2011.
 
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OzarkCreekWalker said:
True... but how often do you need a chisel, pin, toothpick, fish scaler, and magnifying lens?
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That is a personal call. During the 18 years I have owned a Swisschamp, implements I have used quite often include toothpick, fish scaler (only once for scaling fish, never again!), and magnifier. Marks on the chisel are evidence that it had been used, but I don't remember the occasion, nor anytime I needed the pin or small screwdriver. However, it has never been a big deal for me to carry the Swisschamp, and there is always the chance that someday, one of the dormant implements might be just what you need to resolve some issue. When these things are part of a compact, low weight package, I see no downside to being over-prepared.
 
znapschatz said:
That is a personal call. During the 18 years I have owned a Swisschamp, implements I have used quite often include toothpick, fish scaler (only once for scaling fish, never again!), and magnifier. Marks on the chisel are evidence that it had been used, but I don't remember the occasion, nor anytime I needed the pin or small screwdriver. However, it has never been a big deal for me to carry the Swisschamp, and there is always the chance that someday, one of the dormant implements might be just what you need to resolve some issue. When these things are part of a compact, low weight package, I see no downside to being over-prepared.
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+1. I've carried a Swisschamp for years. I've also carried Cybertools and an XLT. My current EDC is a Champion Plus; going on three years with that one.
 
I've been gradually increasing the thickness of the SAK I EDC since I began carrying them with me; I used to carry a Ranger in my back pocket, then I replaced it by a Handyman because of the pliers, later I changed its scales for a Plus (which include a slot for a pen), then I came up with the idea of hanging my SAK with an Inova Microlight clip in my front pocket, and after that I just felt that using that carrying method I could easily have any other thicker SAK in my pocket without any problem... That's when I got a black SwissChamp and found that the elements missing in the previous models where very handy to me, like the ruler and the magnifying glass. I'm very happy with the SwissChamp and I use it every single day.

Bulk is not a problem when the SAK is suspended inside of a front pocket with the aid of a clip -mine has an Inova clip as I said before, but any other clip serves well.
 
I keep a Craftsman in my car. I had a SwissChamp, but liked the Craftsman tools better.The scissors get a lot of use and I like the pliers and use them, but not much. The toothpick gets a little use and the blade for the very infrequent occasions when I need one and don't have something else in my pocket. Every once in a while, I'll know I'm going somewhere that might require some light tools, but don't want to look like I'm overdoing it with a tool kit and will put the Craftsman in my pocket.

I used to keep a Leatherman in the car, but they rust and don't work that well in my experience and it occurred to me that a pair of vise grips, a crescent wrench and a combo phillips/flathead screwdriver wouldn't take up much more weight, so I made the switch and dumped the weatherman.

Oh, and I have a SwissChamp XLT that I almost never actually carry, though I love it...
 
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