Longtime Swisschamp Users, Review/Comments Please?

I got a Swisschamp for my 10th birthday. Prior to that, I'd had a SAK with far fewer tools. I used the Champ for all manner of things as I grew up, in the process somehow managing to break the tip off of the main blade and lose the pen. Nevertheless, it was a very useful tool, with the pliers and scissors definitely seeing the most use. Both saws were also very handy from time to time. In fact, the only tool I don't remember using much, if at all, was the fish scaler/ruler.

In the past, I'd not thought much of multi-tools, always preferring the champ. That was until a friend got me the current Leatherman Wave as a gift. Having all the tools lock was certainly an improvement (among others), and after 14 years of great service, the champ has retired to a box of memorabilia.

Looking back, I can't believe I was toting around such a heavy hunk of steel as a kid. The champ was certainly a staple of my backpack.
 
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Got my first Champ aged about 12, and carried it for many years, very similar findings to report as Iron_Dreamer; every blade except the fish scaler well used, and tip of the main blade missing. Got retired to my desk drawer about 10 years ago when I wanted to carry less weight, but still an amazing tool.

I've just ordered a brand new one actually which will live in a mini BOB bag in my car. :)

I should add that despite meaning to buy one for a while, I still haven't ventured into Leatherman style multi tool territory yet, so can't compare with them from personal experience.
 
When did the swisschamp get added into victorinox's line? And Which version was the all around best/toughest?
 
How does it look? ......Worn, but still going! The balde has seen quite a bit fo wear from sharpening. Tha handle shavent been shiny in years, and there are some nice character marls in the handles.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
When did the swisschamp get added into victorinox's line? And Which version was the all around best/toughest?
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The Swisschamp was introduced in 1985.

"Best" is entirely a matter of opinion. Some prefer the lower magnification level of the newer plastic manifier over the older high power glass magnifier. Some prefer the trouble-free use of the riveted scissors over the older and easier to take apart screw-together scissors.

"Toughest" is bit easier to define. The glass magnifier is tougher than the newer plastic one. The older main blade style with the larger tang is tougher than the newer skinny main blades. Yet the newer stainless steel file is tougher than the older case hardened bendy nail file. Even the pliers have changed slightly over the years. I guess it's a matter of which tools you need to be tougher.
 
How much does the Swiss champ weight? I carry a Leatherman Wave some times but I also have a Swiss champ. I never can figure out which one weights most. I know that sounds Dumb but its true.
 
I'm growing to love mine. My brother carries the one i gave him around everywhere. I tried to get him to carry his schrade toughtool but he wouldnt, so i'm happy hes prepared a little at least. I pair it up with a 110 and swisstool now.
 
My dad used to use one and he said that it is one of the best Swiss army knifes ever made.
 
I bought my Swisschamp shortly after they came out. I EDC'd it for a few years but eventually got tired of the weight. I've always had it close by (in my vehicle) and now it lives in a side pocket of my Maxpedition Typhoon. I use it a few times a month. If I ever lose it I will replace it immediately.
 
Man I messed up. I meant to say I carry a Leatherman Blast sometimes, not Wave, and I cant tell how, which one weighs more. The Blast or the Swisschamp. Sorry. I have a Wave but it stays in my truck.
 
I have a champion plus from my grandpa for Christmas last year when I was 12. He gave it to me after I was gawking over his old champion original from his military days. From his I have decided that I like the old mag glass better and if I ever see one at the thrift store I will buy it with ought hesitation. I am also edcing a wenger alpine pack packer and like the champion better. The wood saw is better and the only thing I like more about the wenger is how it locks. Yeah so I've been carrying it everywhere for the past 9 or so months and have used everything except the fish scaler. Before that I was using a colonial knockoff from the 60's great knife actually but Vic has much better quality. As for the wenger I ground the serrations to make a half serrated half normal. Scales are fairly scratched up even though its only been in service for 6-9 months.
 
I have an authentic Victorinox Swiss Champ, and I've carried and used it regularly for about 8 years now.

I replaced the scales with aluminum ones from Amazon, and I replaced the plastic toothpick with an aftermarket ferroceramic firestarter rod.

I love this thing, especially when I travel.

The tweezers and magnifying glass are good for removing splinters, the scissors are great for emergency sewing repairs if on splits a seam in clothing, and I've used the pliers to pull burrs from my socks and ticks off my skin.

It's great for a lot of things, but it seems more about convienence.
 
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