Best Swiss Army Knife in 2024
Scrolling the Internet to try to find the best Swiss Army Knife on the market? Look no further. I’ve done all the hard work so that you can easily breeze through this article and find out what’s best for you.
This multi-tool device is incredibly versatile and useful. Not just for survival scenarios, where it can support you in areas like shelter, food, or first aid, but also for everyday tasks like opening packages, making minor repairs, opening cans during picnics, or tightening screws on your DIY projects.
In a way, it is the quintessential survival kit item: very easy to carry in your pocket and so versatile that it can allow you to overcome an insane amount of obstacles and adversities.
From fixing or substituting broken gear to cutting bandages, removing splinters, cutting away clothing to treat a wound, procuring food, cutting firewood, fixing tent poles, signaling for help, cleaning fish, removing hooks, adjusting eyeglasses, and so many others.
Simply put, if you don’t bring one of these pocket knives into a survival scenario, there’s a good chance you’ll feel as frustrated as when you can’t find your smartphone charger and your battery is low.
What Are the Best Swiss Army Knives?
Knowing that a multi-tool is an essential survival kit item is the easy part. The hard one is to find out which one to get in a market where there are literally thousands of options.
The Swiss iconic brand Victorinox (founded by Karl Elsener in 1884) has some of the best knives on the market, but US brands like SOG, Leatherman, and Gerber have also developed some fantastic multi-tool pocket knives, so in the end the decision will come down to your personal preferences.
What I can assure you is that by picking any pocket knife from this list, you will be getting a great tool for your survival kit.
1. Victorinox Swiss Champ – Most Comprehensive
This Swiss Champ pocket knife isn’t just a tool that you can carry inside your pocket; it is basically a survival companion. It’s tailored for those who desire several features in a single reliable tool. Many preppers and outdoor enthusiasts look at the Swiss Champ as one of the best Swiss army knives on the market.
Key Benefits
A large set of over 30 tools, mostly tailored for survival scenarios, and in a mere 3.6 inches of closed length, including a large and small blade (~2.5 inches and 1.6 inches), a screwdriver tip (Phillips and flathead), a can opener, a bottle opener, scissors, tweezers, pliers (needle-nose), a nail file, a key ring to attach the device to your keys, a magnifying glass, a wood saw, and even a corkscrew (Ok, I’ll admit that the latter is probably not an essential tool for survival, but it might come in handy if you happen to find shelter in a wine cellar).
Compact design, maximizing utility without unnecessary bulk.
Victorinox‘s trusted quality ensures reliability in dire situations.
Pricing
Medium range price, that actually appears cheap when we consider its comprehensive toolset and the quality addition to your prepper’s kit.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
With all the tools it offers, this model stands out as a particularly reliable solution, both for everyday tasks and unexpected challenges.
Built to last.
Cons:
Might feel a bit overwhelming for beginners.
2. Leatherman Wave Plus – Best All-Rounder
When unpredictability meets preparedness, you get the Leatherman Wave+.
A balanced blend of essential tools ensures you’re ready, whether in the wilderness, during an urban crisis, or simply for outdoor activities.
Key Benefits
18 essential tools for survival, from cutting to repairing, including a couple of blades (a large blade with ~2.9 inches and a serrated blade), pliers (needle-nose and regular), wire cutter and wire stripper (which can turn out to be quite useful tools), screwdriver tip (Phillips and flathead ), can opener, bottle opener, wood and metal file or scissors.
Quick access to tools, ensuring timely response.
Durable build for rugged situations.
Pricing
Premium price, premium quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Versatile for various survival scenarios.
Robust build for reliability.
Cons:
Might be weighty for some.
3. Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier – Quick-Response Champion
Speed can be the difference between life and death. With its quick deployment, the Diesel Multi-Plier ensures you’re always a step ahead of the unexpected.
Key Benefits
Rapid one-handed opening for swift action.
Sturdy build to withstand tough survival challenges.
Essential tools for both urban and wilderness crises, including a large blade (~2.5 inches), pliers (needle-nose), wire cutter and wire stripper, scissors, screwdriver (Phillips head screwdriver and flathead screwdriver) and bottle opener.
Pricing
A bit on the higher side, but offers a nice balance between affordability and survival-focused features.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Quick tool access can be crucial in emergencies.
Built for resilience.
Cons:
Quite a significant closed length, at 4.92 inches.
4. Victorinox Swiss Army RescueTool – Cautious Prepper’s Choice
In a life-threatening situation, every second counts. The RescueTool, designed with input from emergency professionals, ensures you have the right tool at the right moment.
Key Benefits
Specialized tools like seatbelt cutter and window breaker for rescue scenarios, and quite a large blade (~4.4 inches), screwdriver (Phillips and flathead screwdriver), can opener, tweezers and scissors.
Designed for quick, intuitive use during high-pressure situations.
Bright design ensures easy visibility, even in low light.
Pricing
Also bit on the higher side, but its specialized tools make it invaluable in rescue scenarios.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Tailored for life-saving actions.
High visibility can be a lifesaver in itself.
Cons:
More specialized; less adapted for everyday carry.
5. Leatherman Surge – Toughest of the Bunch
For those who understand that survival isn’t just about enduring but thriving, the Surge is your robust companion, ready to tackle the harshest challenges.
Key Benefits
21 tools designed for rugged survival scenarios, including large scissors, both a large blade (~3.1 inches), and a serrated blade for versatile use, pliers (needle-nose and regular), wire cutter and wire stripper, screwdriver (flathead and Phillips screwdriver), can opener, bottle opener, scissors, wood saw and other useful tools.
Extra strength and durability for demanding situations.
Pricing
Premium pricing for a premium tool, designed for those who take survival seriously.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Built for the toughest challenges.
Wide range of tools for comprehensive preparedness.
Cons:
I wouldn’t go as far as claiming it is a large pocket knife, but it is definitely bulkier than other options.
6. SOG PowerLock EOD – Best Tactical Design
For those who value tactical efficiency, the SOG PowerLock EOD delivers. With its black oxide finish and robust design, it’s a tool that means business.
Key Benefits
Compound leverage system for increased gripping strength.
EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) tools for specialized tasks, as well as a large blade, pliers (needle-nose), wire cutter and wire stripper, screwdriver (flathead and Phillips screwdriver) and scissors.
Durable construction with a black oxide finish for reduced reflection.
Pricing
Priced moderately, it offers specialized tools that can be invaluable in certain survival scenarios.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Tactical design for specialized tasks.
Robust build with a non-reflective finish.
Cons:
Might be an overkill for everyday carry.
7. Victorinox Tinker – Budget Gem
For those who need reliable functionality without breaking the bank, this Victorinox Knife is the go-to choice. It offers essential tools in a Victorinox compact design, with just 3.6 inches of closed length.
Key Benefits
Contains 12 functions, covering the basics for survival, including a large and small blade (~2.5 inches and ~1.6 inches), screwdriver (Phillips and flathead screwdriver), can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, scissors, tweezers, nail file, key ring, and a toothpick for personal hygiene.
Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.
Victorinox quality at an affordable price, with the typical Cellidor® scales.
Pricing
The Tinker is quite an affordable option, making it a great entry point for those new to multi-tools.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Affordable without compromising on quality.
Lightweight, compact and easy to carry.
Cons:
Limited toolset compared to more expensive models.
What Is a Swiss Army Knife
Sometimes called Officer’s knife, the Swiss Army Knife is a versatile tool that has become an essential piece of EDC (Everyday Carry) gear for many, and originated in Switzerland in the late 19th century.
Initially designed to cater to the needs of the Swiss Armed Forces, it quickly gained global recognition for its multi-functional design.
Today, it’s not just a tool; it’s a symbol of preparedness, combining various tools ranging from blades to screwdrivers, ensuring that its user is equipped for a multitude of tasks.
How Can a Swiss Army Knife Benefit You
In the world of survivalism and disaster preparedness, a Swiss Army Knife stands out due to its versatility and the importance of some of its key features.
Imagine being in a situation where you need to cut, screw, tweeze, or simply use a bottle opener – this tool will definitely come in handy.
Its compact design ensures it doesn’t take up much space, making it an essential item in any survival kit.
Moreover, in daily life, it proves its worth countless times, from simple tasks like opening packages to more complex ones like fixing gadgets.
Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Researched
Analyzing with depth to find the best Swiss Army Knives and their alternatives, we based our research on the following factors:
Pricing: We looked at the cost of each product, ensuring a range that caters to both budget-conscious and premium seekers.
Features: We evaluated the variety and usefulness of tools in each product . A screwdriver and a nail file or a nail clip don’t really have the same relevance. And the same could be said about the blade vs. tweezers.
Negatives: We identified the main shortcomings or missing tools that could be crucial in survival scenarios.
Support or Refund: We checked if the brands offer warranties, customer support, or refund policies, ensuring you get value for your money.
Wrapping Up
In the world of disaster preparedness, Swiss Army Knife models and its alternatives are indispensable allies.
Their multi-functional design ensures you’re equipped for so many situations, be it in the wilderness or an urban setting.
I believe in being prepared for the unexpected, and this kind of tools are a testament to that philosophy.
Stay cautious, stay safe, and always be prepared. Take a look at my other blog posts, and reach out if you feel like it.
FAQ
Are Swiss Army knives illegal in the US?
In the United States, the legality of carrying a Swiss Army Knife varies by state and even by municipality. Generally speaking, the most popular Swiss Army Knives are considered tools rather than weapons due to their multi-functional design.
However, some states or cities might have restrictions based on blade length or specific functionalities. A small blade pocket knife will typically be OK, but it’s essential to check local regulations and ordinances before carrying any knife, even one as generally accepted as a Swiss Army Knife.
What is so special about a Swiss Army knife?
The best Swiss Army knives are renowned for their versatility and craftsmanship. They combine multiple tools into a single, compact design, making them invaluable for various tasks, from everyday carry to survival situations.
Their durability and the reputation of Swiss craftsmanship make them a favorite among many preppers. Outdoor enthusiasts are also quite fond of this reliable tool because some of its key features can come in handy with a simple reach of your pocket.
What kind of device is a Swiss Army knife?
A Swiss Army knife is a multi-tool pocket knife. It typically includes a blade and various other tools like screwdrivers, scissors, tweezers, and even a can opener, all folded into a compact design. The tools available can vary widely based on the model.
Are Swiss Army knives issued to the Swiss Army?
Yes, the original purpose of Swiss Army knives was for use by the Swiss military. The tool was designed to help soldiers with tasks like opening canned food and disassembling rifles.
While the design of the best Swiss Army Knives has evolved and diversified over the years, the Swiss military still issues a version of the knife to its soldiers.
Which Victorinox Swiss Army Knife was used by MacGyver?
Many fans of the show often wonder about the specific model MacGyver used, given its iconic status in the series. When people wonder about what might be some of the best Swiss Army knives, it’s not uncommon to remember how MacGyver used to fix things during the series and overcome difficult situations with the help of this small tool.
And the answer is… he (mostly) used the Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker, our Budget Gem.
How many Victorinox Swiss Army models are there?
More than you need to know, to be honest. Besides the ones we’ve covered in this article, like the Swiss Champ, there’s also the Victorinox Cadet Alox (with the durable alox scales), the Victorinox Spartan, the Victorinox Super Tinker (similar to the Tinker, but… a Super Tinker), the Classic SD, and much more tools for everyday carry. For outdoors, the Victorinox Huntsman makes for a great pocket knife companion as well.