Pocket knives don’t get more iconic or useful than the Swiss army knife. First crafted by Karl Elsener in Switzerland in 1897, it’s the original multi-tool. Whatever outdoor (or indoors, for that matter) activity you are undertaking, a good Swiss army-style knife should be in your pocket ready to help out when you need it.
By packing useful multiple tools alongside a high-quality blade, these knives are an essential part of many people’s lives. They can do everything from cut a climbing rope to strip electrical wire to open a bottle of wine. When it comes to how many functions you need in one knife, there’s a balance to be made between the number of tools and how compact the knife is to carry. The beauty of the Swiss army knife is that you can always improvise as astronaut Chris Hadfield discovered when he used one to gain entry to the Mir space station. “Never leave the planet without one” was his verdict.
Victorinox Swiss Army Climber Pocket Knife
Classic knife with medium number of functions
There are 14 functions crammed effortlessly into this classic example of Swiss army knife. You don’t need to be a climber to find the large and small blades, corkscrew, cap lifter with screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick, scissors, and more useful. Made with tempered steel and housed in that iconic red cover, this is a knife that will never let you down.
SWITCHEDGE 14 Tools in One Black Pocket Knife
Rugged knife with 14 functions
Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, this has 14 everyday tools in one rugged package. When closed, it’s a compact 3.5 inches so easily fits in your pocket or keychain. As well as a large knife, can opener and bottle opener, there’s a saw, fish scaler, screwdriver, corkscrew, nail file and leather punch. The stainless steel tools lock into place for safety when opened.
Uncle Henry 23Uh Traditional Scout Pocket Knife Multi
Classic knife with quality blade
This old-school camp knife is rugged and dependable with a traditional look. Made with a 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel drop point blade, you also get a can opener, screwdriver and cap lifter and awl. It has nickel silver bolsters and staglon handle with an overall length of 6.1 inches.
Bottom line
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Everyone needs a Swiss army knife in their life. They are just too downright useful for so many situations not to carry one on your or have in your kit. Useful enough in the home, they could be a trip-saver when you’re camping or hiking. We would recommend the Victorinox Swiss Army Climber Pocket Knife to most people. It has all the functions you want and some more than you don’t know you need - yet. The quality is as high as ever and it’s as sharp, strong and intuitive to use as ever.
For a traditional-looking knife with fewer functions but plenty of charm, we also like the Uncle Henry 23Uh Traditional Scout Pocket Knife Multi. It has a great quality blade that should stay sharp and see you through many successful camping trips.
