Swiss Champ size

D

Derf

Joined
Jan 29, 2004
Messages
39
I am thinking of getting a Swiss Champ for my son. I have never actually seen one. Are they small enough to carry in your pocket? He does not like to wear belts.
 
Will it fit in a pocket? Yes. Would I carry it in a pocket? No. However, a lot of people have a lot of different ideas about what is "too big" for pocket carry. Some people don't like more than two layers in their pockets. Some people like up to 5. The Swiss Champ is going sit like a brick in his pocket. If you still want one that is loaded with tools, google the Champion Plus model that has now been discontinued. It's the Champ w/o the pliers. That makes it a little smaller, anyway.

Jake
 
Thankyou for your reply. I did not mean to start 2 threads. I thought it didnt work the first time. Is there a way to delete the second one. Mabey one of the moderaters can do that if they want.
 
Yea, I've seen them a little cheaper, but around $45-$50 is what they go for.

Anyway, it is a big knife. Well, not really big, but wide. How old is your son? The Champ is definately heavy in the pocket and feels odd in hand. I always prefered the Ranger. Basically a Swisschamp without the pliers, fish scaler, or magnifying glass (For a magnifying glass a plastic fresnel lense in ones wallet is much better, the fish scaler is useless for most people and the blade can do the same thing, and the pliers are too small to really do anything). The Ranger is a lot lighter and thinner, definately more comfortable to carry and use. Plus they sell the ranger at most Walmarts making them easy to replace if lost.
 
I love the big SAKs. I carried a SwissChamp for years, then worked my way up to a SwissChamp XLT. Having said that... ...very few people are going to be happy carrying a SwissChamp in a pocket. The thing is not only thick, it's quite heavy too. Mine ended up in a belt pouch early on.

Everyone has a different comfort level for bulk and weight. For what it's worth, most people seem to top out at either three layers (Climber, Super Tinker) or four layers (Huntsman, Deluxe Tinker). I would suggest trying a model in that range first.

The SwissChamp is a great knife if you plan to carry it in a belt pouch, briefcase, or backpack.

--Bob Q
 
I have a Super Tinker, and I think it's just about perfect in terms of "bang for the buck" and utility for it's size. Just about ideal for pocket carry.

The biggest SAK I carry regularly is the CyberTool Lite (CyberTool 34 + LED light and magnifier), which is nearly as big as the Champ; it's too big for pocket carry IMHO, and I carry mine in a Vic leather sheath on my belt.

The biggest SAK I can see carrying in my pocket is the Ranger, and even that might be pushing it!
 
Derf said:
I am thinking of getting a Swiss Champ for my son. I have never actually seen one. Are they small enough to carry in your pocket? He does not like to wear belts.
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I'm afraid it's simply going to be a bit large. How old is he? Sit down with him and see what tools he might like in a SAK.
 
He is 12, but he is big for his age( 5'7" 145lbs). I want this to be a xmas present, so if he didnt know it would be better. We are just guessing, but my wife+ I think he wont mind carrying it in his pocket. As far as getting him a smaller one, the whole point is getting the one with all the features. Do they come with a sheath or is that extra? He just might decide to wear it on a belt if he had it.
 
No, they dont come with a sheath but you can easily find one for it.

I got a Swisschamp from my Grandad when they came back from Australia to live in the UK again. I was absolutely made up (prob about 8 at the time) Let me tell you, it doesnt matter how big it is, he will still carry it. My boy is 2 now and he has a Swisschamp waiting for his 5th birthday to come along :D
 
There are plenty of sheaths out there that will work, but for this I would recommend one of the Victorinox pouches. They are available in leather or cordura for around $10.

--Bob Q
 
Derf, SMKW has the Swisschamp plus for 25.00. The only missing thing is the pliers. And IMHO, it would be a pocketfull. You can also order a sheath for it.
 
:thumbup: Thanks for all your help. I am going to get it and go from there. If he decides he wants a sheath, then we will get one.:) :)
 
I carry a SwissChamp in my jeans pocket and haven't noticed any burden. I do keep it in a nylon pouch just to keep lint out.
 
shpshooter said:
Yea, I've seen them a little cheaper, but around $45-$50 is what they go for.

Anyway, it is a big knife. Well, not really big, but wide. How old is your son? The Champ is definately heavy in the pocket and feels odd in hand. I always prefered the Ranger. Basically a Swisschamp without the pliers, fish scaler, or magnifying glass (For a magnifying glass a plastic fresnel lense in ones wallet is much better, the fish scaler is useless for most people and the blade can do the same thing, and the pliers are too small to really do anything). The Ranger is a lot lighter and thinner, definately more comfortable to carry and use. Plus they sell the ranger at most Walmarts making them easy to replace if lost.
Click to expand...

OTOH, I use the magnifier often and it works almost as well as a loupe without having to carry yet another gadget. While I have never used the fish scaler for its intended purpose, it frequently gets deployed to poke, prod or pick up nasty things I don't want to touch with fingers. Also, that's the implement with ruler graduations, sometimes useful. And just when I begin to think the pliers are dispensible, I find something that needs a little pinch or pull. Once I framed and hung a whole photography show (small pieces) using the plier wirecutter on thin guage picture frame wire. Those cute little pliers can handle a surprising number of chores.

In 12 years carrying a Champ, the only tools and accessories I haven't used are the small knife blade, intentionally being saved for emergency purposes, and the tiny backspring mounted screwdriver. It's big, but I am not willing to give up any of its tool selections. Pocket carry is not too comfortable, but this model has been so indispensible I simply accustomed myself to belt carry in its excellent and inexpensive nylon pouch , no matter what the dress occasion. Nobody else seems to notice or care, and most of the time I forget it's there until needed.

Of course, these are personal choices, but I think a Swisschamp (especially with a belt pouch) would be an ideal gift and a thrill for any boy.
 
Lucky kid.I always wanted one when I was his age!That model is now the Champion plus and I managed to buy one the other day 14 years on!
 
It came 4 days after order. It is cool!! It is huge!! I think he will be fine with carrying in his pocket though. I cant help but want one. Locking blades and tools are a must with me though. The pliers are far to light for what i would normally put them through. It is very cool though!!
 
Derf said:
It came 4 days after order. It is cool!! It is huge!! I think he will be fine with carrying in his pocket though. I cant help but want one. Locking blades and tools are a must with me though. The pliers are far to light for what i would normally put them through. It is very cool though!!
Click to expand...

Think of the pliers as big tweezers and suddenly the implement morphs from an itty-bitty to a honker :).
 
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