SwissChamp

Kwon Kwang · Jan 5, 2016

I see a lot of discussion about smaller SAKs, but anyone else carry a SwissChamp? It's my only proper multi tool. I used to have a Leatherman Wingman, but I gave it to my brother in law since I loved this so much. I've had mine for a couple years. It's not on me every day, but I carry it quite often. It's always been dependable, and on days I haven't carried it, I often wish I was.

The basic SwissChamp is the largest practical SAK Victorinox makes, and I got it because I wanted as much functionality as possible. I carry mine on my belt, in a leather sheath with a steel in it.

gadgetgeek · Jan 5, 2016

I have smallish hands, so a swisschamp to too large for me to reasonably use. By the time I've gotten to a tool that size, I want full pliers. but I will admit, its harder to find more tools for the size than a swisschamp.

stabman · Jan 5, 2016

It's totally awesome!
There's one in my backpack at all times. :thumbup:

znapschatz · Jan 5, 2016

For several years, this was my only SAK. I carried it every day on my belt, first in a leather, then nylon sheath. The neighbor kids called me "Knifeman." That would be the case today had it not been for getting acquainted with Leatherman. At first, I alternated, but eventually LT won out, and a Super Tool took the Swisschamp's place. Eventually, I only used it when traveling to where locking blades were not legal to carry, or for some other special purpose, but I need those bigger pliers.
These days there are a few Vics that I carry from time to time, but absent the Leatherman, I could easily return to the Swisschamp.

SAKsRCool · Jan 5, 2016

I still have my Swisschamp that was my 2nd knife purchase when I turned 18 (legal age here to buy knives). My 1st purchase was a Vic Executive. This was back in 93. It was sort of a backpack, desk drawer tool. It did accompany me on a trip to Europe in 98.
If I go with belt carry I prefer a pliers based tool and honestly, I've gone to the smaller leathermen like the squirt/juice/pulse for pocket carry of a multitool over the past 5yrs or so.

bt93 · Jan 5, 2016

4 layer SAK's are as big as I can handle in my pocket, so my choice is the Explorer Plus. The Swiss Champ is great though, I've handled a few but yet to drop the hammer to buy one.

SAK Guy · Jan 5, 2016

Handy in a necker too......

Kydex%20necker%20Swiss%20Champ_zpsgqpoikxh.jpg

GCG199 · Jan 6, 2016

I have two of them from over 20 years ago.

I keep one at work, hanging on the wall with some other tools.

collim1 · Jan 14, 2016

I love the Champ, and if I had one I can only imagine I would spend hours every night opening and closing all the tools on it.

However, more than three layers is a sheath knife for me, and if I have to carry a pouch I want the "real knife" blade of the one hand Trekker, not a champ.

I imagine I will still end up buying one some day just because it is such a cool model.

znapschatz · Jan 14, 2016

collim1 said:
I love the Champ, and if I had one I can only imagine I would spend hours every night opening and closing all the tools on it.

LOL! During the several years it was my only SAK, I used to spend hours (often, not every night) doing just that (or read), usually when plunked down in front of the TV while my wife watched some of her favorite shows about which I cared next to nothing. Or, sometimes I would play with the 'champ during down times during the day. I consider finger toy to be one of the legitimate functions of a Swiss Army knife, not only a handy time waster but good for calming the nerves.
These days, I find Leatherman more useful for most of my life situations, and since I can't carry everything, the champ spends most of its time in my multi-tool box. But I still use SAKs where appropriate.

collim1 said:
However, more than three layers is a sheath knife for me, and if I have to carry a pouch I want the "real knife" blade of the one hand Trekker, not a champ.

For me, the OH Trekker has just about replaced all other SAKs for daytime use, especially but not only while doing yard work. But unlike the S'champ, a pouch isn't necessary because it dangles right behind the wallet in my LF pocket where it nestles sweetly until needed. For knockabout, though, it's overkill.

collim1 said:
I imagine I will still end up buying one some day just because it is such a cool model.

Should be in everyone's collection.