Before Gerber, SOG, and Leatherman made the conventional multi-tools as we know them, there was an original. The Swiss Army Knives or SAK: The Original Multi-tool! People worldwide recognize SAK for its versatility and reliability.
Multi-tool SAK Legend
Victorinox has been sharpening its legacy since 1884, when Karl Elsener fired up a humble cutler’s workshop in Switzerland with a bold mission: equip the Swiss Army with a knife that could do it all. By 1897, he nailed it—patenting the Swiss Officer’s Knife. It was a multitool marvel that packed blades, screwdrivers, and can openers into one sleek package.
Fast-forward through a century of innovation, and the brand fused “Victoria” (Karl’s mother’s name) with “Inox” (stainless steel) to become Victorinox in 1921. Today, that iconic red handle isn’t just a tool—it’s a symbol of Swiss precision, rugged reliability, and timeless design.
SAK Pocket Toolbox Extraordinaire
Back in 1986, NASA snagged the Master Craftsman Swiss Army Knife for its astronauts. That’s when Victorinox kicked off production of the Astronaut model, featuring the same excellent tools. They even sold versions with a cool metal inlaid image of the space shuttle, which led to some folks calling it the Space Shuttle model. Notably, SAK became a favorite among astronauts.
The Victorinox Master Craftsman is a neat 91mm Swiss Army Knife sporting Cellidor (that’s just fancy plastic) scales. It’s compact but packs a punch since it’s one of the few smaller knives that includes both a metal file/hacksaw and a wood saw. The latest versions have five tools tucked away on the back, giving it an impressive tool density for its size.
Fun fact: astronaut Chris Hadfield once used his ‘Master Craftsman’ to break into the Russian space station Mir because the previous crew had sealed the hatch up way too tightly. Sadly, the Master Craftsman is no longer available, but no worries! You might want to check out something like the Huntsman instead. It’s a great option and different from SAK.
And who could forget the reality show ‘Survivorman’? Les Stroud made it look easy using his Victorinox Huntsman knife throughout Season 2, tackling challenging environments and pulling off some wild survival projects. He created shelters, started fires, set traps—pretty much anything you can think of, all with just his Swiss Army Knife!
Oh, and speaking of iconic knives, did you know MacGyver’s go-to was a “Tinker” model from Victorinox? He switched it up a bit over the early episodes, and by “Thief of Budapest,” he hands it off and is rocking a “Traveler” model from Wenger in the next episode. How cool is that?
No Worries Travel with a SAK
I’ve traveled a lot, and I’ve never had an officer bat an eyelash at my Swiss Army Knife. Even in places where knives aren’t allowed in checked luggage, those little red gems always seem to be welcomed because the Swiss Army Knife is seen as an essential tool. In the Philippines, I asked a police officer if my Wenger Traveler was okay, and he casually said, “Of course! It’s not a weapon; it’s a Swiss Army Knife. All travelers have them!”
SAK Original Multi-tool Uses
I will elaborate on how I’ve found Swiss Army Knives to be the ultimate all-purpose tools for woodworking and survival. The super sharp main blade has a thin edge that’s perfect for intricate carving and whittling—it’s helped me start more fires than any other knife! That thin edge creates fantastic fuzz sticks for tinder because it maximizes surface area to catch sparks.
The large bottle opener/flathead screwdriver is incredibly versatile, too. It pops off caps, acts as a light pry bar, and I’ve even used it to split small rounds of wood. Plus, that bottle opener can hook onto hot pots or kettles. I had mine modified for striking a ferrocerium rod—super handy!
The awl on the back of most Victorinox SAKs is a game changer for making holes in leather and wood; it’s essential for crafting utensils and traps. I also use it to drill holes in cans for cooking, making it easy to hang them over a fire.
And let’s not forget the wood saw! It’s small and mighty, perfect for notches and precise cuts. I love making a series of cuts and then splitting wood by hitting it against a rock or stump to expose drier wood inside. The saw teeth are great for fraying tinder as well, and believe it or not, it’s the best striker for a ferrocerium rod, too. Just be careful, as it doesn’t lock. Wearing leather gloves helps, and placing a small stick in your palm adds safety.
Recap
The Swiss Army Knife has shown no sign of slowing down in popularity. The SAK holds a special place in many hearts. There is no reason why one shouldn’t be in everyone’s utility drawer, glove compartment, survival kit, or pocket. Featuring an array of sizes and tool options, there definitely is one for everyone—possibly two or three.
The little red knife that can do almost anything has turned into a global icon with staying power!
