Since my high school days, I have never been without some form of knife. Usually it’s been some form of folder simply because they are more practical and convenient for my environment. In my younger days, the self-defense aspect of knives is what appealed to me and was reflected in what I bought and carried. Spyderco had just come onto the scene and it seemed like everyone was flicking the damn things open. Sure I had a few traditional slip joint patterns, usually a Schrade Old Timer Stockman. I still have a soft place in my heart for those things and whenever I find a USA Schrade for a decent price, my wallet usually opens up.
Many years and miles down the road I find myself more often than not carrying a Swiss Army knife. My preference is for the Victorinox, but have no reservations about the Wenger products. Maturity has disabused me of the idea of using a folder for self defense. I have nothing against people carrying Tactical Folders, whatever that really means, but I tend to use my pocket knives for more pedestrian tasks than disemboweling opponents. Simply put, the Swiss Army knife fills a very real need for a Utility Knife.
People sometimes advocate for some type of multi-tool and they are certainly very handy. For me I need the knife more than the pliers. Multi-tools are pliers centered and their handles reflect that fact. Tim Leatherman makes a great product, but his handles are square and uncomfortable to use as a knife for extended periods. Swiss army knives are a knife-centered tool and their handles reflect that.
I stress the utility aspect of the SAK because it’s important to remember that it is a tool carried more for convenience, It isn’t a weapon like a tactical folder and it isn’t a pocket toolbox like a multi-tool. Yes, the blades are thin and the steel isn’t exotic, but it cuts well enough and is very easy to re-sharpen. If you are going to carry a cutting tool, you need to be able to sharpen it; it really is that simple. The blades don’t open with one hand, nor are they quick opening, true enough, but it is hard for me to envision where you wouldn’t be able to have time to open it with both hands. The fact that it is a slip joint and that it won’t lock open is cited as a criticism. Relying on the false safety that a lock gives you is to invite people to do things with knives that they otherwise wouldn’t, like using your knife as a pry bar.
For me Swiss Army knives represent a great value. They are affordable, utilitarian, non-threatening and convenient to carry. Except in the most restrictive environments, there are few places that I haven’t been able to carry a Swiss Army knife. For the price of a decent Tactical folder, I can buy two Swiss Army knives and be money ahead.
When it comes to the choice of models to get, my only advice is to be realistic about your needs. I tend to favor no more than 4 layers of tools for ease of carry and weight. My current favorite is the Victorinox Compact. Within this two layer knife is something like fourteen tools. My particularlt favorite feature is the combination can opener/bottle opener/flathead screwdriver/wire bender; It is an efficient tool and one that saves space. If it looks like I am going anyplace remotely wild, I will take the Alox Farmer. I’ve owned my particular Farmer for five years. The blade on the Alox series is thicker and the aluminum scales shrug off abuse that would trash the cellidor scaled models. Although they have discontinued them, I found that the discontinued 108mm patterns were just about the perfect balance in size. weight and efficiency and usefulness without being unduly bulky.
Victorinox Compact. With something like 14 functions packed into a two layer knife, a very size efficient and useful EDC knife for most everyday chores.
The author’s EDC, mostly. Very decidedly non-tactical.
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