An Incompetent Knife Review

[Texas Star]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA9-jCjOxNc[/ame]




I watch a lot of YouTube knife reviews, inc. some for Swiss Army knives. The following is my opinion, and not presented as anything else.

This is one of a number that tell you very little and should have been produced by someone who knows his subject better. In it, the reviewer uses the can opener for the first time and tells that he doesn't use most of the other tools. So, why does he carry this knife, when he could pocket something slimmer?

Watch and see if you perhaps find uses for tools he shuns.


I was astounded that he avoids the bottle cap lifter and says he opens caps on tables or with the main blade. (!) How does that happen?


Then, he films in the woods at night in a manner that abuses the main blade, cutting wood that should see a saw, and one larger than is on the Huntsman, or an axe.


I guess this is why some don't like Swiss Army knives: they abuse them and don't use the tools as they should be.


He's entitled to tell it as he sees it, but I use every tool on my Huntsman when I carry it instead of a slimmer Victorinox.


For me, the Huntsman is too thick for my pocket, so I use one of ths leather belt pouches that Victorinox sell. Mine is old enough to be of better appearance than the reddish brown (roan ?) color of later pouches. My assortment of pouches also includes a Cordura one for a Camper, a model that can be pocket carried, but I sometimes put one on my belt and carry a larger lockblade knife in my pocket. The really thick ones like the SwissChamp, go in my briefcase (in the nice leather SOS pouch with accessories) or in a pack.


The video is sharp and shows the blades well. Even if the reviewer doesn't use them, you may.


Tell me if you found this video useful.


I picked it partly becuase he does know how to make sharp, clear videos that show the knife well, even as he disparages its tools.


If you've thought about buying a Huntsman model, the visuals here should help you decide if you'd like it.


But I've never before seen a guy make a video in which he tells that he doesn't like most of the blades he demos!


The Huntsman is a good choice, if you don't plan to pocket it. And his red one looks great in the video. Mine is black. I think those are now the only handle colors imported by Swiss Army Brands for this model.

 

[Richard Simmons]

I didn't think it was a bad review. He stated that the knife was a gift so that's why he's using it.

 

[cadmike]

I am a big fan of Swiss army knives and own several. When camping or spending any time outdoors I usually carry my swisschamp in my pocket. The leatherman tools are often superior but a leatherman doesn't fit in my pocket as well as the sak.

Aside from the knife blades, the tools on an sak are hardly ever "the best tool for the job". But will they get you by in a pinch? Absolutely.

At the end of the video it looks like he was trying to drill a hole or notch in that wood, trying to start a fire by hand maybe? The awl would have been a better choice for that job. Or a lighter.

As for the hook, I still haven't found a good use for that. Using the edge of a table to open bottles? Remind me not to buy any used furniture from this guy.

 

[Marshwheeling]

I am opinionated about Swiss army knives, too. Here are some of my opinions:

1. A three-row SAK is too fat for pocket carry. For me, the max is two rows, like a Recruit or Electrician. I have three-row knives that I bought to stash on a motorcycle. I will not wear a knife on my belt. I just don't want to be that guy.

2. The tools on an SAK don't have to be good. They just have to be conveniently portable, and better than nothing in a pinch.

3. That said, the Vic can opener is quite good, better than many kitchen can openers these days, I suppose because they come from China. It is not uncommon for me to pull out the SAK to open a can of beans or tuna after being flummoxed by an OXO.

4. Nevertheless, I prefer the stubby sheepsfoot blade that replaces the can opener on the Electrician, at least for pocket carry. I just don't have much use for a can opener, except at home.

5. I'm going to go out on a limb here, and just say it: the scissors on a Victorinox are ****. I much prefer the scissors on my Micra, or on the old Wenger that I wish I could find. It's around here somewhere. The Vic scissors work well enough, until the spring breaks. I have three SAKs sitting here with broken springs. I could order replacements, I suppose, but it has been a long time since I had nothing better to do.

6. The Victorinox plastic toothpick actually works quite well. All the toothpicks on my plastic SAKs are gnawed crooked as a result. However, I have laid in a good supply of plastic toothpicks from Walgreen's, the French tickler variety with the feathered end that looks like the ribs of a tiny fish. So now I can carry an Alox Farmer or Electrician.

7. Kids today have no use for a cap lifter. They open their beer bottles with a Bic lighter. In Jamaica, the bartenders use a can of pineapple juice. When I was a kid I opened my beer bottles with my teeth, a cool party stunt, but not a good idea in the long run.

8. The reviewer is not from around here. His accent gives him away.

 

[gwpercle]

It didn't take me long to realize that a lot of U-tube video's were made by fools who had no idea what they were talking about or how to shoot a video so you could see what they were doing. These self proclaimed experts were usually idiots like the guy loading 38 S&W for an old top break revolver. He said he was using black powder , the color was black all right but the can was labeled " Bullseye" ! He filled the case , seated the bullet and blew the gun up.....he blamed the "piece of crop, worthless gun" ! No it wasn't the gun...it was the fool making a reloading video.

I've carried SWAK's for decades , I slip them next to my wallet in my back pocket, I find the tweezers very usefull along with every other tool. My favorite was called the Super Tinker, 3 row and at some point in time I've had a need for every blade and tool in it.
This video is your average U-tube...not wonderful , I have seen much worse. It does prove how big limbs and small saws will work you to death. I've seen much worse.
I grade this one a 2 star rating (I'm being nice)
Gary
Leery of U-tube experts

 

[Big Cholla]

I won't soft pedal my review of the "reviewer"; IMHO, he is an egotistical idiot. He doesn't know what he doesn't know about using tools. He has no clue as to the engineered purpose of that knife package and the circumstances in which that this knife should/could be used.

SAKs have a design for everyone's possible needs. I have 6 or 8 of them from two row to four row models. I carry a 'Super Tinker' every day in the pocket of my jeans. I use it every day in performing some kind of job...... My wife carries a single row SAK on her key chain and finds frequent uses. To each their own.

That YouTube review was misleading and useless. ...........

 

[jframejoey]

Love how he says theres no need for the little screw driver/can opener and big screw driver/bottle opener......two of the things that pretty much define a SAK!

 

[Cyrano]

I like the SAKs, and have a small collection. My EDC is the Tinker, a two row knife that's handy in the pocket. I've used all the tools for one thing or another in the 50 odd years I've carried one. I'm on my third one now: the first slipped out of my pocket while riding a Huey in Vietnam, and the second just wore out after 30 years of carry. At one time, while my household goods were en route to somewhere, I remember carving a roast for my family with it.

This guy doesn't know what he's talking about, and using the edge of a table to open bottles isn't the best way to do it. In fact, I think most bottle tops are 'screw off by hand' now. He doesn't know much about the other tools, either.

My only criticism of the SAK is that the knife blades are softer than most other knives, Buck, or Henckels or most Laguioles for instance. You just have to sharpen them more often, which is a small price to pay for everything else that's in the knife.

 

[arjay]

I've always had a sak around since I was a kid,but for a knife I prefer a lock back of the same size.I have a devil of a time putting a decent edge on a sak.

 

[eveled]

You tube collects people who should not be making videos. Recently I watched a video about replacing a flush valve on a toilet. He starts out by saying he is not a plumber rarely does plumbing work, and has never replaced a flush valve before.

Yet somehow he thinks he's qualified to film a tutorial about replace a flush valve?

Like anything else, consider the source before you believe a word. I try to stick to the manufacturers videos.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

"I have a Swiss Army Knife, Therefore I am a man", "I have a Video camera, Therefore I am a Filmmaker!" Why not combine these two facts, and prove to the world that "You are an Idiot!"

I was watching some SAK videos produced by Victronox. They didn't say very much at all, just showed how they thought the tools could be used, I saw practical ideas, I never dreamed of!

Why would you waste time watching any other "training video"?

Ivan

P.S. I didn't let the Amish teach me to drive either!

 

[Mule Packer]

I'll admit that I'm out of the norm here. While a SAK has many practical uses, for some reason, I have always considered them the proverbial "jack-of-all trades, but master of none." Even the blade isn't what I would consider the best of steels.

Hey, don't get me wrong. I carried one for many years. And then one day I said to myself, "Why the heck am I using this little screwdriver when I've got a decent screwdriver in the tool box right behind my seat right here in the pickup?"

I've never used the corkscrew. I've used the can opener twice until I realized once again that I had an actual, easy-to-use real can opener in the grub box behind the front seat of the pickup.

The little saw is practically worthless. I'll have to admit, it's a great novelty item, but has a tough time keeping up with the 30-inch bow saw in my truck.

As to a bottle opener...heck!...everybody knows that's what you use the back of your spurs for!!!

Of course, if I didn't spend so much time in my pickup, I'd probably find the SAK extremely handy.

 

[Texas Star]

I'll admit that I'm out of the norm here. While a SAK has many practical uses, for some reason, I have always considered them the proverbial "jack-of-all trades, but master of none." Even the blade isn't what I would consider the best of steels.

Hey, don't get me wrong. I carried one for many years. And then one day I said to myself, "Why the heck am I using this little screwdriver when I've got a decent screwdriver in the tool box right behind my seat right here in the pickup?"

I've never used the corkscrew. I've used the can opener twice until I realized once again that I had an actual, easy-to-use real can opener in the grub box behind the front seat of the pickup.

The little saw is practically worthless. I'll have to admit, it's a great novelty item, but has a tough time keeping up with the 30-inch bow saw in my truck.

As to a bottle opener...heck!...everybody knows that's what you use the back of your spurs for!!!

Of course, if I didn't spend so much time in my pickup, I'd probably find the SAK extremely handy.

I think you have stumbled upon a Great Truth that I think should be more obvious to more people. The SAK is for emergency use when you don't have access to larger, better tools. Viewed in that light, it has much value.


Whenever I carry some more conventional pocketknife like a stockman or trapper pattern, I find myself needing some tool that I'd have had if I'd taken a SAK.


Many complain about the corkscrew because they don't drink wine. I'm tempted to take a cultural jab at them based on what they drink, but will just point out that if you don't want a corkscrew, just pass on the Spartan model and buy the Tinker, which subs a Phillips-head screwdriver for the corkscrew. That applies to many other similar knives throughout the Victorinox line. But even those unrefined people who eschew wine can use the corkscrew for other things, like loosening knots. I'm sure there are other uses.


And the small screwdriver on the can opener will turn most Phillips screws that I've encountered. If not, they're probably so small that the Phillips screwdriver on the Tinker won't get them, either. The tiny accessory screwdriver that screws into the corkscrew may, however. Unfortunately, I have NOT found it to work well on eyeglasses screws.

 

[Muley Gil]

"I've never used the corkscrew."

When I was an international police officer in Kosovo, I was very popular at parties, cause I carried a SAK with the corkscrew. Seems there were a lot of folks on that mission that liked wine.

Me, I was hooked on the German beer. Didn't need a corkscrew, but the bottle opener did come in handy.

 

[Drm50]

I have never liked Swiss Army Knives, even back when I was a
kid. I always looked at them as a novelty item. SAK, Boy Scout
Knives, Electrician Knives are like carrying around a brick. Like
Marshwheeling I'm not carrying a knife on my belt. The biggest
short coming of these knives, in my opinion, is the main function
as a knife. I've got a P38 and a flat 4 way screwdriver on my
keychain. I carry a carbon handle single blade Case in my pocket.
I use the knife constantly, very seldom use the can opener or
screw driver. I guess it would be handy to have in a tackle box
or glove compartment for emergencies, if no tools were available.
As a kid I toted a Muskrat.

 

[Texas Star]

I have never liked Swiss Army Knives, even back when I was a
kid. I always looked at them as a novelty item. SAK, Boy Scout
Knives, Electrician Knives are like carrying around a brick. Like
Marshwheeling I'm not carrying a knife on my belt. The biggest
short coming of these knives, in my opinion, is the main function
as a knife. I've got a P38 and a flat 4 way screwdriver on my
keychain. I carry a carbon handle single blade Case in my pocket.
I use the knife constantly, very seldom use the can opener or
screw driver. I guess it would be handy to have in a tackle box
or glove compartment for emergencies, if no tools were available.
As a kid I toted a Muskrat.

I agree that P-38 can opener is a good idea and I've carried one in a pocket coin squeezee.


Since 1951, Victorinox has used aluminum spacers, and the basic knives like the Spartan and Tinker are no heavier than a medium sized stockman or trapper knife. I have those, by Case, Puma, and Carl Schlieper. (Eye Brand)


The cut-off line for me is the Camper. It 's just enough thicker and heavier than a Spartan that I usually carry the Spartan, unless pretty sure that I may need a saw that day. Actually , in that case, I'd probably carry the Spartan in a trousers pocket and put one of the former German Army knives in a coat pocket. It has a larger saw.


Marshwheeling has different tastes than I do. But a belt knife is inconspicuous if you wear it in a plain black Cordura pouch. People think it's a cell phone or other electrical device.
If he's concerned with leather pouches making one look like a cowboy or truck driver, I see his point. I don't even drive a pickup or listen to country music. (My computer no longer works for Smilies here. Pretend there's a Laughing one here.)

 

[Drm50]

I agree that P-38 can opener is a good idea and I've carried one in a pocket coin squeezee.


Since 1951, Victorinox has used aluminum spacers, and the basic knives like the Spartan and Tinker are no heavier than a medium sized stockman or trapper knife. I have those, by Case, Puma, and Carl Schlieper. (Eye Brand)


The cut-off line for me is the Camper. It 's just enough thicker and heavier than a Spartan that I usually carry the Spartan, unless pretty sure that I may need a saw that day. Actually , in that case, I'd probably carry the Spartan in a trousers pocket and put one of the former German Army knives in a coat pocket. It has a larger saw.


Marshwheeling has different tastes than I do. But a belt knife is inconspicuous if you wear it in a plain black Cordura pouch. People think it's a cell phone or other electrical device.
If he's concerned with leather pouches making one look like a cowboy or truck driver, I see his point. I don't even drive a pickup or listen to country music. (My computer no longer works for Smilies here. Pretend there's a Laughing one here.)

OK, TS- you have changed my mind. I drive a pick up with tool
box, wear jeans & boots 24/7/365, listen to country all day long.
Will buy a SAK, if they will replace the cork screw with a strap
wrench to open Mason Jars.

 

[Texas Star]

OK, TS- you have changed my mind. I drive a pick up with tool
box, wear jeans & boots 24/7/365, listen to country all day long.
Will buy a SAK, if they will replace the cork screw with a strap
wrench to open Mason Jars.

Unlike Queen Victoria in that famous dinner incident where an off color joke was told, We are amused.

 

[Mule Packer]

If he's concerned with leather pouches making one look like a cowboy, I see his point. I don't even drive a pickup or listen to country music.

Uh, guys...what's wrong with cowboys? I confess, I do drive a pickup truck and listen to country music. But wait a minute...I don't want you to think I'm like some of these single-minded hicks. I actually like two kinds of music...country and western.

 

[Drm50]

Unlike Queen Victoria in that famous dinner incident where an off color joke was told, We are amused.

After running my mouth, today I bought several boxes of misc.
at a garage sale. I am now the owner of a black SAK pattern
made by J.A. Henckels - Friodar, 4 blade + cork screw & awl.
Pins look like they are peened over washers. B-blade has a good
edge, other blades look unused. I have no idea how old it is.