According to reports, Victorinox produces 10 to 15 million SAKs annually and sells them to all over the globe. It is no doubt that this Swiss Army Knife is among the best desired tools for the pocket. Like any other tool the Swiss Army Knife comes with advantages as well as disadvantages. There are good arguments for as well as reasons to not. Examine the two sides of this decision before making your choice.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the distinct benefits of the Swiss Army Knife and its advantages being such a useful pocket tool for many. We will also talk about some disadvantages that you need to be aware of prior to purchasing an SAK for yourself.
Let’s begin by looking at some of the reasons practical which make Swiss Army Knife an amazing pocket tool.
The Reasons to Get an Swiss Army Knife
It is a Swiss Army knife comes in different sizes and is an essential tool for a lot of people. Below are a few benefits of an SAK and the reason you should purchase one to use as an EDC tool.
1. Mobility, Ease of Carrying Social Acceptability, Quality and Price
It is the Swiss Army Knife is a multi-purpose tool that can be carried by a person in all times. The ease of use as well as the superior quality of Victorinox is an extremely cost-effective choice for those looking to purchase a single piece of equipment with multiple functions.
They will give you an excellent understanding of what makes the SAK so well-known all over the globe. These factors are enough to get you to buy an Swiss Army Knife. If you require more convincing reasons, continue reading.
2. Many options for Combination of Tools
There are over 400 designs available of Swiss Army Knives available. They come in various sizes, ranging from the tiny ones that you can clip to your keyring to the heavier and larger models that require an extra pouch to take with your.
Each model comes with numerous tools that can be used for different purposes. The process is usually easier with the proper tool and a SAK lets you to always carry the appropriate tool at hand.
Whatever size or small you’d like the pocket knife you carry around, there’s most likely a Swiss Army knife model that will meet your requirements. All you have to do is spend your time looking to find a model that meets the majority, if not all, of your requirements.
3. Martensitic Steel
One of the main reasons for the huge popularity that this Swiss Army Knife for use as an instrument for the pocket can be attributed to the steel Victorinox makes use of. The steel that they use is unique. Also, the Victorinox Swiss Army knife keeps the alloy composition as well as the manufacturing process secret to the trade.
If you’re thinking whether it’s not the top steel on the market. It is however the most ideal steel to make a multi-purpose tool such as that of the Swiss Army Knife.
Over the course of more than a decade of use I’ve yet to observe corrosion in the main blade, or any other tools in my SAKs.
The high percentage of chromium of the alloy is what makes these tools shining and durable to rust.
Many people consider Vic steel as being soft. However, with consistent use I’ve been able to get by in sharpening my blades each year, if not every two years. The blades will take a sharp edge and are extremely sharp and as sharp as they were when new.
4. Two Blades Small, Large and Large
The majority of large-sized Swiss Army Knife versions feature two blades: the larger main blade, and a smaller and more thin blade. I can remember the first time I received a SAK I was puzzled about the use for the blade. It appeared to be redundant to me. It was a complete ripoff!
Over time, I came to appreciate and appreciate the value of this smaller blade. In the present, I utilize it more frequently because it’s perfect for specific kinds of tasks. It keeps the blades sharp and shiny, and ready to go into action when I require something bigger and larger.
5. Camping And Outdoor Tools
I’m sure the majority of campers carry one Swiss Army knife while camping at least once in their lives. Although some serious campers use specialized tools at times it’s unpractical to carry lots of weight, particularly for short-term journeys.
I typically have two SAKs on me to use for outdoor activities.
I like a medium-sized one with lots of tools, as well as one that is large that has a few larger tools, such as a huge blade, and a large wood saw. It makes me feel more prepared.
This combo lets me utilize the smaller blade for kitchen food preparation , and possibly fix things using screwdrivers when required.
The bigger model is designed for bushcraft use, such as cutting branches, making campfires and so on.
6. Fisherman’s Tools
The Swiss Army Knife makes an ideal tool for fishing enthusiast. From cutting lines to taking hooks off fishermen have relied on it for a variety of tasks. In fact, Victorinox has created SAKs specifically for fishermen. Other models also have required tools that are useful when fishing.
7. First Aid and Tools for Rescue
A small Swiss Army knife includes a variety of equipment needed during an emergency situation, particularly when outdoors and you don’t have an emergency kit with first aid.
Tweezers are ideal to remove debris, glass pieces or gravel to remove minor wounds and cuts.
Knife blades and scissors can be used to cut pieces of cloth to make the bandage needed to cover wounds.
Scissors can also be useful for getting rid of dressings when changing bandages to decrease the risk of contracting an infection.
In terms of tools for rescue, Victorinox makes a dedicated model specifically for this purpose and is called as such, and you’ve got it right – Victorinox RescueTool!
Alongside a seat-belt cutter as well as a window breaker it also comes with glass cutter!
How much else would you require in a device that can put into your pocket? Of course, you could keep one inside your car in case of emergency.
8. A beautiful and attractive gift item
A Swiss knife from the army is the ideal present to someone you love regardless of age and genders. It’s because it can be used in numerous ways, and because it is a tool that has numerous practical uses.
In case you didn’t already know, women love Swiss Army Knives, especially those that are smaller and can carry easily in their purses or on keychains.
Additionally, the Alox models that are medium-sized Alox model is a huge success with women.
9. Useful to Whittling
Whittling is a well-known art and a pastime for many. Although there are tools that can be used for whittling or making things out of wood The two blades that are included in the Swiss Army Knife have proved to be excellent tools for whittling particularly for novices.
Experts generally recommend to use the larger blade to begin cutting and carving, later making use of the smaller blade to create the finer particulars.
Victorinox also has a publication about whittling specifically targeted at children and written by their house expert, Felix Immler.
10. SAK as an weapon
The Swiss Army Knife can be described as an instrument to get work accomplished. Many people would agree that it’s not an instrument but they’re right. If it is used by someone who is not a professional, it could make a pretty poor offensive or defensive weapon.
It does have an edge and the blade is sharp! It also comes with other tools. Could any of them be used to create a weapon in an emergency?
There have been instances when people have utilized knives in their pockets for defensive motives.
In actual fact, when in the hands of an experienced with the right skills, a SAK could prove to be an efficient weapon. Of course, you’ll need specific abilities (and training) to make use of it weapon. Many people are more likely to do not know how to use it effectively. And, what’s more is that they may harm themselves more than their adversaries.
However, someone with specialized training and a high IQ in fighting can utilize a SAK for gain advantage during fighting.
The Reasons You Shouldn’t Purchase an Swiss Army Knife
There are many benefits to having the Swiss Army Knife it’s not an option for all. There are some people who do not carry a SAK around with them nowadays. They usually prefer specific tools over multi-tools. Also, a Swiss Army Knife will not meet the exact needs of all who are who is looking for a pocket-sized tool.
Here’s an overview of the disadvantages common to the Swiss Army Knife and I have heard about every now and then.
1. Blade is too small and thin
The small Swiss Army Knife Model (91mm) features an overall length of 7 cm. A lot of people don’t consider this size adequate for most tasks. Although there are bigger Swiss Army Knives with longer blades (111mm and 130mm models) however, they aren’t suitable for carry in a pocket. There are other pocket knives with similar dimensions and weight, but with a larger blade.
The blade of the 90mm SAK is also significantly smaller than the pocket knife that is specifically designed for it. It’s not enough for cutting through tough materials and you’ll need to use additional force and force in order to cut through.
2. Blade is not locked
It is a frequent complaint about Swiss Army Knives. Although larger SAKs do come with locking blades, there is no locking mechanism is not present in the mid-sized Swiss Army Knives. I would guess that Victorinox deliberately chooses to do this in order to keep medium-sized SAKs in compliance with the regulations regarding lock pocket knives that are banned in some European countries.
A blade that is not locked is ineffective for specific types of work. For instance, when cutting with a slip-joint knife it is not uncommon for the blade to fold inwards.
Be aware of your surroundings whenever you do any bushcraft or woodworking using the slip joint knife.
This is the reason why I keep a bigger SAK along with the liner lock to protect my outdoor activity.
3. Blade isn’t Strong Enough
This point is a result from the two previous points. The thickness and size of the SAK blade, as well as the fact that it isn’t able to lock into place makes it ineligible for tasks that require a lot of force.
The lock with a slip-joint that the majority of the SAK models utilize was not initially designed to be used to be used for power work. Additionally, the small spine makes it not suitable for certain tasks for instance, batoning. It is true that you require an affixed blade with a large spine for batoning, some people do carry pockets knives.
4. Steel Hardness isn’t up to the mark
Experts are often accused by Victorinox that they don’t use the highest quality steel for its Swiss Army Knives. The material is soft and does not maintain an edge over a long period of time particularly when compared with other top-quality multi-tool makers such as Leatherman as well as Gerber.
Victorinox does not reveal the specific content of the steel alloy they employ as well as the specific structure of this steel may not be identical for all the tools that are available in a SAK. If you’re seeking the most durable steel that can be found in the form of a pocket knife, then the Swiss Army Knife isn’t the knife you’re looking for.
5. No Pocket Clip
A pocket knife with no clip to hold it! That’s the Swiss Army Knife to you. I’ve met so many people who don’t think of an SAK as their EDC knife because they couldn’t clip it to their pockets for trouser.
Is there a different tool that performs the same functions similar to that of the Swiss Army Knife?
The disadvantages listed above are applicable to all tool kits, and are not only Swiss Army Knives.
But, some of the disadvantages are unique for Swiss Army Knife however, and you might be wondering what else is available which can solve some of these issues , while maintaining the same quality and function as the Swiss Army Knife.
Conclusion
I’m hoping that you’ve gotten an accurate idea of what Swiss Army Knife might be the best option for you. I’ve covered all the benefits that an SAK has to offer, and the biggest disadvantages. For me, the advantages outweigh the negatives, which is why I’ve amassed numerous SAKs over the years.
Every pocket knife has a compromise of some type. From all the various multi-purpose pocket knives I’ve tried the Swiss Army Knife that is of the proper size and best selection of tools has almost always gave the most bang for your dollar!