CUTTING EDGE TECH

The Ultimate Guide to Your Next UK-Legal Pocket Knife

Swiss Army Knives come in all shapes and sizes — Which Victorinox should you buy?

Photo by Paul Felberbauer on Unsplash

My father gave me my first pocket knife while I was still of primary school age.

This probably sounds somewhat unusual to the modern parent. But this was around 1980. We lived in a rural community. It was expected that every boy was brought up to use a knife safely and responsibly.

Dad knew what he was doing.

The world has moved on over the last few decades.

But let’s not lose sight of the fact that these marvellous gadgets are tools. Those who own a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife would likely be surprised at the thought of it being used for anything else.

Since that first penknife, I’ve collected something approaching a hundred models.

Ranging from vintage pieces inherited from family up to the most modern multitools today’s technology provides. I’ve pretty much got one of everything.

Whether you’re reading this as you look forward to your next summer camping trip or the Christmas gift period, you’re asking yourself, “Which Swiss Army Knife should I get?”

So many options are available. It can be overwhelming.

I own and regularly use most of the types on offer. Today, you will read why three specific models stand out as firm UK-legal favourites.

Let’s cut (sorry) to the chase.

A Little Background Info

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife has become something of a cultural icon.

But if the topic of pocket knives is new to you, it’s worth looking at a few details.

History

The story of the world’s favourite pocket knife began in 1884 when Karl Elsener, a knifemaker from Ibach, Switzerland, founded the company that would later become Victorinox.

In 1891, the Swiss Army needed a pocket multitool for its soldiers. Elsener got the contract and created the “Soldier’s Knife”. It featured a blade, screwdriver, can opener, and reamer. The latter is a tool a little like an awl but useful for scraping as well as making holes.

In 1893, another Swiss company, Paul Boéchat & Cie (later Wenger), also secured a contract to produce a knife for the Swiss Army.

For decades, Victorinox and Wenger were the two primary suppliers to the Swiss Army, each with its loyal following. While both companies produced high-quality knives, they developed distinct reputations.

(I own one Wenger. I like it for the differing tools and the blade profile. It has a more distinct “belly” to the cutting edge.)

The rivalry ended in 2005 when Victorinox acquired Wenger.

While the Wenger brand was eventually phased out, some of its products and features continue to exist in lines produced by Victorinox.

Legality

A note on the legal carry of pocket knives in the UK.

All countries have their own laws. Some consider the UK law to be draconian, but a close inspection of some state laws in the US shows that we don’t have it too bad.

The main area of legislation in the UK is Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

The following is commentary from me, not legal advice:

Essentially, you are free to carry a pocket knife in a public place in the UK if the blade folds, does not lock in an open position, and is of length 7.62 cm or less.

If your knife does not follow these guidelines, the law states you must be able to demonstrate a reason why you are carrying it. For instance, a chef on the way to work.

“Just in case it comes in useful” is not a valid reason.

Any private area you enter (museums, theatres, etc.) has the right to stop you from taking your knife onto their premises, even if it is acceptable in public.

Some specific knives are banned outright.

Versatility

That said, the Swiss Army Knife can be the single most useful thing you will ever carry.

From simple, single-bladed models to the mighty Swiss Champ variants like the XAVT and XXLT.

Some of these beasts shock your pocket in two ways: price and bulk!

So, you’ll probably not be carrying one of those.

But the one you do carry will enable you to tackle most of life’s little tasks and jobs.

It all depends upon making a wise choice of which one to get.

Or, you know, in my case, attempting to get them all!

My Top Three

I own several larger models and, yes, even some with locking blades.

But for my “Every Day Carry” (EDC), I’ve found that the smaller knives are easier to take around while still offering almost all the functionality I need.

From years of use, I’ve selected the following three as ideal choices for those looking to combine utility with convenience.

1. 58 mm — The Rambler

Image by Author

The Classic SD might be the bestselling pocket knife in the world, but the Rambler’s extra combo tool adds so much more.

The Phillips screwdriver is perfect for those tiny screws that seem to hold the world together: Kids’ toys, kitchen appliances, electronic goods, the list goes on.

Easy to attach to your house keys and almost everything you will likely need on your average day.

Features:

1. Blade
2. Scissors
3. Tweezers
4. Toothpick
5. Bottle opener
6. Nail file
7. Flat screwdriver
8. Magnetic Phillips screwdriver
9. Wire stripper
10. Keyring
11. Height: 10 mm
12. Length: 58 mm
13. Width: 20 mm
14. Weight: 30 g

Buy The Rambler on Amazon

2. Two-Layer — The Pioneer

Image by Author

A bit of a surprise for any newcomer who only knows the classic red cellidor scales.

It has simple functionality, but the blade is noticeably beefier than similarly sized cellidor models, and the aluminium scales make it virtually indestructible.

Features:

1. Blade
2. Can opener
3. Screwdriver 3 mm
4. Bottle opener
5. Screwdriver 7 mm
6. Wire stripper
7. Reamer/punch
8. Keyring
9. Height: 12 mm
10. Length: 93 mm
11. Width: 23 mm
12. Weight: 71 g

Buy The Pioneer on Amazon

3. Three-Layer — The Super Tinker

Image by Author

My stepdaughter bought me mine and gave it the glorious name of “Tinkerbell”.

Anything thicker than this three-layer model might be too bulky for everyday carry.

Instead, this marvel packs a punch in a pocketable size.

And swapping the famous but outdated corkscrew for a full-size Phillips screwdriver is the icing on the cake.

Features:

1. Blade, large
2. Blade, small
3. Can opener
4. Screwdriver 3 mm
5. Bottle opener
6. Screwdriver 6 mm
7. Wire stripper
8. Reamer/punch
9. Scissors
10. Phillips screwdriver 1/2
11. Multipurpose hook
12. Keyring
13. Tweezers
14. Toothpick
15. Hole to keep a straight pin
16. Height: 17 mm
17. Length: 91 mm
18. Width: 26 mm
19. Weight: 84 g

Buy The Super Tinker on Amazon

Now You’ve Got the Tools You Need To Get the Tool You Need

You will find something to suit almost everyone in those three.

But if you have more specific needs, seeing the options available with these established favourites will give you a jumping-off point for making your own choice.

And if you end up going deep down the rabbit hole, here’s a pro tip for choosing another model:

Look up the product details of the Swiss Champ and make a note of all of its tools.

Then, over a month, write down when you could have used any of those functions from day to day.

You’ll likely end up with a list of about a dozen different tools.

Then pop onto your retail site to see which Victorinox model offers everything you need.

And if it turns out to be the XLT, then I am so, so sorry.

Please note: Today’s article contains affiliate links to the products I discuss.

If you make a purchase using my link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

It’s another great way for us to support each other.

Thanks

Mark

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