You're Always Prepared With One of These Expert-Approved Swiss Army Knives

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Swiss Army knives are recognized around the world for their usefulness and are a symbol of versatility. Most of these pocket-sized multifunction tools have knives, but certain versions may also include a wide range of handy instruments from scissors to nail files to corkscrews and screwdrivers.

Around since 1897, these Swiss-made tools gained popularity in the United States after soldiers started bringing them home from Europe during World War II. It is common to think the brand itself is “Swiss Army Knife,” but the originals are produced by Victorinox, which is also known for its luggage and watches. There are other knife and tool brands such as Leatherman, which makes multifunction tools, but Victorinox remains the symbol of preparedness. Its iconic logo and red knife cases are as recognizable as Nike or Coca-Cola globally.

The basic design of the Swiss Army knife hasn’t changed much since its debut, yet the company has found ways to incorporate more and various tools over the years. Today there are over 200 different Victorinox Swiss Army Knives available. Victorinox has tools in a range of sizes from keychain to belt-holstered and there are knives for different professions and hobbies.

Swiss Army knives are also popular because they're affordable. Classic configurations cost less than $50, but it's easy to spend double that on a simple flip-open pocket knife from brands such as Kershaw and Benchmade. The price on a SAK goes up, however, as you add tools and size, though many are under $100. The most feature-packed and specialized SAKs top out just over $200 and the cheapest can be had for around $25.

Choosing a Swiss Army knife for yourself or as a gift can be overwhelming thanks to all the choices, so I have highlighted some key decisions that can help narrow your search. I’ve also tested many of the brand’s iconic knives and share my favorites in a range of categories below.

Best Swiss Army Knives

• Best Overall Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox Fieldmaster

• Best Budget Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox Classic SD

• Best Outdoors/Hiking Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox Ranger 79 M Grip

• Best Travel Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox Jetsetter

• Best Mini Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox SD Classic Alox

How to Choose a Swiss Army Knife

Size

Victorinox categorizes its Swiss Army knives as either small, medium, or large, though many of its offerings are fairly compact. The smallest ones are about the size and shape of a USB thumb drive. Even the largest knives, such as the Huntsman, aren’t any bigger than a roll of quarters, so keep in mind that if you go small with a Swiss Army knife it will be really small.

Those smaller options are great for keychains or tossing in a bag or purse because of their low profiles. The top reason to go with a larger knife is functionality. The knife blades and other tools on the smaller knives can be incredibly tiny, so if you want a larger blade or more practical tools, you may want to restrict your search to the larger ones.

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Tools

There are way too many tools included in the hundreds of Swiss Army knives to list all your potential options here, but there are a few that appear frequently. Knife blades, screwdrivers, scissors, nail files, punches, can openers, and corkscrews are common in the classic knife options. More modern models such as the Cyber Tool house dozens of options like wire strippers, hex drivers, Torx drivers, tweezers, and toothpicks.

Navigating the number of options can be bewildering, but there are enough different combinations that you can usually find a Swiss Army knife with most of the tools you want. Your best strategy is decide on a handful of tools you need to have and then search for a model that, hopefully, includes all of them in the size you prefer. While you can personalize a Swiss Army knife by color, material, and name, you still have to stick to the existing models, so there’s no option to build a knife with just the tools you want.

Locking Blade

Most of the knife blades on Swiss Army knives do not lock out. If you’re used to a traditional locking-blade pocket knife, consider choosing a model with that feature, as it can be challenging to use and a potential safety risk if you’re not disciplined in keeping your fingers away from the blade during cutting tasks.

The non-locking blades have a stiff spring that holds them in position unless a decent amount of force is applied, and there’s no inherent danger in a non-locking blade, but if you’re not comfortable with it, look at the Hunter, Adventurer, or any of the many larger, locking blade options.

How We Selected Swiss Army Knives

For these selections, I evaluated only Victorinox brand knives as they are the only manufacturer of true Swiss Army knives as we think of them today. There are lots of multi-tools on the market, but they are generally much larger than a SAK and fall into a different category. Victorinox has produced many different models over the years, but for the sake of availability, I am recommending only current models. I tested a half-dozen new models in addition to the ones I already owned.

Victorinox Fieldmaster

The Fieldmaster is a medium-sized Swiss Army knife that’s a great all-rounder with 15 functions gained via 9 distinct tools. (Creative types may even be able to devise more than 15 functions, but that’s how many Victorinox claims.)

The Fieldmaster works well as a camping and outdoor knife thanks to its saw, small and large blades, and can opener, but its screwdrivers and scissors are ideal for everyday use, making this a solid choice for almost anyone.

The tool I find myself most grateful for at odd times is the tweezers, which have helped me fiddle with small parts on fix-it jobs and pull tiny cactus spines out of my hands while hiking.

Classic SD

The most affordable SAK may also be the most widely owned: the Classic SD. Slim and small, this knife weighs under 1 ounce and is less than 1 inch thin, so it slips easily into a pocket or bag.

Three of the tools fold out from the body: the small stainless steel blade, which flicks out via nail nick, the scissors, and nail file. You also get a plastic toothpick and tweezers hidden behind the scales, which get used more often than you would imagine.

While the Classic comes in—of course!— the classic red that’s been around more than 100 years, there are nine alternate colorways. Simply said, this is the perfect SAK for everyday life, and won't set you back an obscene amount.

Ranger 79 M Grip

While any SAK is better than none when venturing into the wilderness, the Ranger 79 M Grip stands apart from others in significant ways, making it more practical. Most obvious is its polyamide scales with rubberized grip pads, which makes it easy to keep a firm hold on your tool while wearing gloves or dealing with wet conditions.

The large blade, which comes with an oversized thumb hole enabling one-handed operation (like many modern pocket knives), is clutch when your other hand is occupied with a task. The wood saw, another nod to this knife’s intended use, is complemented by a can opener, screwdrivers, punch/awl, and corkscrew to round out the offerings.

The blade locks out firmly, making it more useful for difficult cutting and prying tasks around camp. This is a larger SAK and it’ll feel heavier in your pocket, but the bigger tools and increased capabilities are worth a few extra ounces.

Jetsetter

The 9/11 terrorist attacks changed air travel drastically—almost overnight—now making it impossible to carry on one’s trusty pocket knife or Swiss Army knife in most countries.

While TSA specifically prohibits most Swiss Army knives, the Jetsetter (per the name) is designed to be air travel-friendly by omitting the usual blade, and equally important, any sharp tools other than scissors.

Obviously, the functionality is limited on this streamlined option, but you still get the very useful scissors, a magnetic combo tool that includes bottle opener and Phillips screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. If you’re checking a bag, any Swiss Army knife can fly below the deck, but if you’re traveling light, the Jetsetter is the best tool you can carry that won’t raise red flags in security.

SD Classic Alox

If you’re looking for a tiny SAK that won’t weigh down your pants or your keychain, this slim version of the classic knife is just over half an ounce and 0.2 inches thin.

You get the essentials: a small blade, tiny scissors, and a nail file with a flat-head screwdriver tip. There’s also a small key ring attached for hook up to a bag or keychain, ensuring this SAK is always with you when you need it, particularly if you don’t like pocket-carrying.

The textured aluminum (Alox, in Victorinox terminology) adds grip, making it easier to hold this miniscule tool, even for larger hands.

WorkChamp XL

People value a Swiss Army knife for the many tools it packs in a small form factor, but that small size can make these gadgets unwieldy for more demanding tasks, especially for folks with larger hands.

If you’re shopping for a SAK for bigger jobs and/or bigger hands, the WorkChamp XL is one of Victorinox’s biggest and most feature-packed tools.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or tradesman, the WorkChamp XL can save you from running to your toolbox for every little task with its 31 listed functions. I won’t list every one of them here, but there’s a focus on actual tools with lots of drivers and cutting tools for wood, metal, and wire. Perhaps the most useful inclusion that doesn’t show up in most smaller SAKs is a small pair of pliers.

Rescue Tool

While it shares the same basic design as traditional SAKs, the Rescue Tool is an oversized, capable take on the SAK purpose-built for emergencies and first responders.

Victorinox developed the Rescue Tool with first responders, and in addition to everyday tools such as toothpick and screwdrivers, there are specialized rescue implements like a glass saw, seatbelt cutter, and glass breaker. The Rescue Tool comes with a canvas pouch for belt carry, but it’s also a great addition to a “go bag” or vehicle emergency kit.

Evoke BS Alox

There is no shortage of options when it comes to modern folding pocket knives, but Victorinox’s Evoke BS Alox is a Red Dot Design Award-winning entry into the everyday carry category.

Unlike SAKs, this isn’t a multi-tool with lots of small tools—it is just a classic drop-point blade that flips out and locks via a secure lockback mechanism. There’s a thumb stud for easy one-hand operation, but it’s removable if you prefer.

There’s a lanyard hole and stainless steel pocket clip, but that's about it. This is designed to be an affordable, stylish pocket knife from the folks that make Swiss Army knives.

Cyber Tool M

The original Swiss Army knife was made for a different time. While the utility of a blade and scissors haven’t gone away, modern technology demands updated functions from a multi-tool.

Victorinox’s Cyber Tool M meets those needs with an electronics-minded 32-function SAK packed with specialized bits and wire tools. You still get a can opener and corkscrew, but the highlights here are a bit driver with interchangeable bits, a wire cutter, and wire crimper. This is a specialized option—perfect for the electronics hobbyist or computer professional who wants their most-used tools at-hand at all times.

Swiss Card Classic

First introduced in 1997, the Swiss Card puts 10 functions into a unique credit-card size package that breaks sharply from the classic SAK design.

Only 4 mm thick, it’s technically a few times thicker than your average credit card, but the SwissCard Classic stows seven essential tools in a supremely thin package you can stash in a pocket or wallet. Believe it or not, the card weighs less than 1 ounce but includes a small blade, scissors, tweezers, toothpick, pin, file, and pen.

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Why is the Swiss Army Knife red?

There doesn’t appear to be a definitive account of why most Swiss Army knives from Victorinox are red (though many alternate colors are now available). While Victorinox doesn’t explain the origins of the iconic red color with white cross logo, it’s likely no accident that it matches the Swiss flag.

Some suggest red was chosen to make it easier to find a dropped knife in the snow or the woods, but it may be simple coincidence that the knives sold en masse as souvenirs to American soldiers during World War II were red.

Can I travel with a Swiss Army knife in my checked luggage?

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration specifically prohibits most Swiss Army knives for carry-on (checked luggage is fine) as it does almost any sharp object and blade.

Victorinox’s Jetsetter is a multi-tool without a blade designed to be air travel friendly, but it lacks any cutting abilities. I have accidentally carried a small Swiss Army knife internationally in a camera bag, but have also had them snatched and disposed of, so given the official policy, your best bet is to put it in checked baggage or simply leave it at home.

What is the SwissCard?

Victorinox’s SwissCard is a design innovation that reforms the multi-tool functionality of the classic Swiss Army knife into a slim, credit card-sized package. There are many forms of the SwissCard and now even a SwissCard Wallet, but the classic SwissCard features 10 functions including a small set of scissors, a pen, a blade, tweezers, toothpick, and more.

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