My dad bought me a Spartan when I was just a young fella, I loved that thing- It was my kitchen essential as well as my EDC and it went everywhere with me, all over Europe all over the Middle East but I sadly lost it in my early 30s when I had to unload and unsuitable partner. By then I had a Swiss Champ which I still love and take traveling. Currently EDC a Huntsman in the summer and a 1970s model c champion in winter. Love your videos mate.
Thank you, Sir! I’ve never had a Swiss Champ! I keep looking at them n then thinking it’s just going to be too bulky for me to be bothered to carry it… I really must pick one up to try one! Sorry to hear you lost your trusty old Spartan! I do really like the Huntsman - that’s usually what I’ll take out to the woods with me - great knife 👍
Six out of 54 SAKs I own are Spartans. They range from 58mm to 74mm, 84mm, 91mm, 93mm, 111mm and a couple other lengths. The tool combination I carry will depend on what my day is looking like. I’ve watched videos on other brands but I always end up buying a Victorinox. It’s good bank for your buck.
Yeah so many variations depending on the situation! I think SAKs are a bargain compared to other options. Paired with a pair of the Knipex cobra xs is a much better set up for me than a Leatherman 👍
What I like about the spartan is that all the tools have no compromises, even the corkscrew. You don’t need to reach for a proper tool, none are emergency tools. But the back Philips screwdriver on the tinker is a compromise, you’d use a proper Philips head screwdriver if you had it, and you’d use proper scissors if you had them. I had a compact but I didn’t feel the love. I could go on. That’s why I carry a spartan and when out in the garden, a huntsman, because the emergency tools like the saw are actually very good. All the best.
Definitely agree about the backside Phillips - very very compromised tool imho, severely limited in really world usefulness. Don’t agree about the Compact’s scissors though, I think those are fantastic and use them all the time. The Spartan is a cracking piece of kit though, as you say. And Huntsman is my number one choice for a day out in the woods 👍
Love the tourist and would say I prefer the size but the thing which stops me carrying that more is the lack of plus scales/pen slot on the smaller models. The pen is dead useful to me so I usually carry the 91mm knives with plus scales. Although I actually prefer the Sportsman over the Tourist (replaces small blade with the file/2D driver tip).
Compact for me. I'm not a handyman type, so it has all the tools I need for daily life as a dad with a mindless hard labor warehouse job. It really come into its own outside of work for the most part. If I had a job that requires specific tools, I'd consider a different one for edc, like the Pioneer I carried as a retail worker.
I do love the compact as well - really excellent to have the scissors. I think any SAK will provide wonderful service tbh 👍 Thank you for the comments 🙂
Me too. Haven't had it long but I've used almost everything on it already. People advocate putting a needle in the pin slot and carrying thread. I tried it but it turned out the needle was marginally thinner than the pin so it went in too far and only the tip of the eye of the needle was poking out. And not enough to grab it with tweezers. I needed to use the pin to get that dang needle out of my scale. So that's the issue of whether I carry a pin or a needle in there, settled, from now on.
My dad gave me a Spartan, red transparent scales. I've had it as a tool in my house for 10 years. I had to tape the scales and the main blade have a lot of scratches, but i sharpen it reguleraly. It look like crap but it works and I want it that way...gives it sort of identity
Yes! I love to see these tools with ‘the marks of life’ on them - they are tools to be used and not just ornaments or collector’s items for me! I like it when they get a bit of character on them 👍👍
I carry mine to work almost every day, either the Spartan or Compact. I've upgraded my Spartan with plus scales so i can have an ink pen, straight pin, and mini screwdriver. Great knife! I love it!
I agree the Climber is more useful with the scissors. Still love the classic Spartan tho, and many would argue if u have a knife blade (or 2) then you can get by without scissors. Those Vic scissors are really fantastic though!
I've been carrying my Spartan for 10 years now but I need scissors sometimes so I ordered a Climber, picking it up today and will see how it works for me. Cheers!
The large flathead, as some people know, can take a 1/4 inch drive socket which can allow you to use a much more broad array of bits. I usually carry a Victorinox Tinker, but i've been thinking about switching over to the Spartan just for the added versatility of the corkscrew.
Yeah I did know that about the flathead - never felt the need to try it yet though. I like the Deluxe Tinker a lot but would rather have the corkscrew - the position of the Tinker’s Phillips really limits its usefulness imho ✌️
I've just acquired a Spartan Wood. It looks really classy as well as having the tools we all know and love. The only question I have is whether it'll supplant my 84mm Sportsman in current pride of place. The extra length is quite noticeable, even if it weighs the same and is the same thickness as the Sportsman
Have to say, I absolutely LOVE the sportsman and choose it always over the Spartan nowadays. The file tool is more useful vs the secondary small blade to me as a small Phillips driver, general prodding/poking tool as well as its file use. And i do prefer the slightly smaller size too.
Light in the pocket, urban and useful in the wild. This is the one I chose even knowing nothing about it's history. It has everything I need. And I had no budget limit, I could have bought a heavy monster. I just bought one for my life, for use. I don't want to collect. This is the one.
''Is this all you REALLY need?'' Almost. I have been carrying one for years everyday on a ring with my keys.Endless uses; I work with tourists & often a luggage repair just requires a screw driver. What a bargaining chip when the cry goes up ''Anyone got a bottle opener?'' and so on. Another item I like to carry if I take a bag is a pair of light long nosed pliers. Cheers from Australia
yeah, a really versatile tool to have i think! I, too, carry a small set of pliers - have you tried the Knipex Cobra XS - so small & light but extremely durable & useful! Thanks for the comments!
The Spartan does seem like an almost perfect EDC tool, especially with plus scales. I wouldn’t miss the scissors very often, and one could always carry a Classic SD to cover that, and also gain a nail file which I think is another needed tool. I wish Victorinox would just put the hook/file from the Compact on ALL models that use a hook, and that would just solve it (for me). If they did, then a Climber with plus scales would become the perfect EDC for me. As for the Compact itself, I’ve always seen it as more of a compromise than anything else. It costs too much and sacrifices too many tools to remain thin. But maybe I’m not giving it enough credit for being thin. Apparently people love that about it and choose it over a Climber in order to have the scissors. I don’t think a Climber is too thick at all though, as I’m currently carrying a Ranger as my EDC knife.
Thank you for the comments - I agree with all you’ve said 👍 I have been carrying a compact for the past few weeks though and have come to appreciate it, though I’d replace that hook with the awl any day given the choice, and the combo tool is much inferior to the separate openers on other models. I agree about the climber - for me it’s just about the best combo of tools for most situations 👌
Duane, you hit the nail on the head for me - the Tourist (84mm version of the Spartan) and discontinued smooth alox Companion (same toolset as Classic SD, just a few mm thick, available on eBay) combo covers all the edc necessities.
I am one of those who can’t do without the scissors. So I prefer the Compact or the Climber over the Spartan, since I don’t use the blades very often in my urban environment. And when I’m carrying a “Spartan”, I prefer its 84mm versions, the Tourist and/or the Sportsman, because they are even more unobtrusive in the pockets, and the Sportsman has a really good nail file.
Yeah the scissors are undeniably useful! Tbh I’ll normally choose a Compact in urban environments nowadays. Ah the Sportsman! One of my favourites, and I do definitely prefer it over the Spartan: as you say the slightly smaller form is great and I find that file more useful than the second small blade - it’s a great file, makes a good general ‘prodder’ tool and the tip is an excellent 2D Phillips driver too. Thank you for your comments 👍✌️
I do find the Compact the best EDC for me. I use scissors frequently and seldom need an awl. I also use the file on the hook almost daily. The hook itself gets used surprisingly often to snag wire and even tea bags that have fallen into hot water.
The compact and the tinker, all of them, are the best for edc. I use a Deluxe Tinker for edc and i have like 11 models, like midnite manger, huntsman... No discuss Victorinox is the best in the business
The advantage of the compact is the scissors ✂️ Very useful for sure! The rest of the toolset is better in the Spartan imho. Different strokes for different folks I guess 🤷♂️
@@accoutrements4469 The best is the Sportsman cause it has a file so you can do something you can't do with the Spartan with it. And it's lighter and smaller ! The compact is very good but expensive and has no awl...
I've owned and sometimes carried an explorer for some years now. And when i do carry it i love it. However.... I've come to the realisation that the reason i only 'sometimes' carry it and not 'always' carry it is that it is a bit weighty/bulky in my pocket. Always use bottle opener, corkscrew, and blades. I use the scissors sometimes but not as much as the other tools. I'm considering the spartan or the climber. Would i really miss the scissors if i went for the smaller, lighter tool? I normally carry it on weekends away and when camping. Would love to hear opinions from peole who've had same decision to make.
Hiya - great comments, thank you, and ‘scissors or not’ has always been something I’ve struggled with, more especially since seeing soooooo many RUclipsrs, etc., saying they can’t cope without the scissors. Well, I think I CAN cope without scissors for the most part when I’ve got a nice sharp blade with me. Realistically the ONLY task I regularly NEED scissors for is nail cutting, and if I need to cut my nails than I’ll go to the drawer and get a SAK with scissors for that task. For pretty-much ALL my general day to day cutting tasks then a sharp blade is enough. For camping/weekends away… hmm, I think a 58mm model (with scissors) on your car keys or in a small pocket is plenty for scissors if combined with a your 91mm model of choice. I do like the Camper model for camping, or the Huntsman which adds scissors but is a fair bit bigger than the camper. I guess it always depends on what you’re doing doesn’t it. Scissors are definitely nice to have but not absolutely essential IMHO. In urban environments nowadays I usually carry either the 58mm Manager, 84mm Alox Cadet, 84mm Sportsman or sometimes the Compact.
The best survival knife is the one you carry, when an emergency occurs, so my EDC-Victorinox needs a saw and the toothpick is replaced by a "Firefly"-ferro-rod and the corkscrew filled with "Helix"-tinder. I don't mind the additional bulk and carry a "Camper" or "Huntsman" - when hiking, I take the 115mm "Forester" or even an "Outrider". I LOVE the scissors, they are actually the most used tool. I don't like to throw them in my pocket, I almost always have a belt pouch.
Ive still not bought any of the tortoise gear Ferro rod stuff - I hate the idea of the tinder becoming ‘fluffy’ inside the corkscrew - does that happen? I will have to get one of the sets though - such an awesome idea! I tend to avoid locking knives for outside, even though the chances of getting stopped by the police are very low I’d rather not risk it due to uk knife laws, so my favourite for outdoors stuff is definitely the huntsman. Thank you for commenting 🙂
@@accoutrements4469 - the Tortoise gear (Fire-Ant and Helix-tinder are now sold under Victorinox' brand too) are well protected, I carry the Helix-tinder for 6 months now and only some of the wax at the edges has worn off, no fluffing up by itself. In Germany locking blades (e.g. Forester, Outrider) are no problem, but one-hand-opening blades are. Stay safe
@@accoutrements4469 I agree. I have many and always carry one. I usually carry the Ranger but sometimes I carry a more basic model. Very handy without the connotation which some other knives project.
I use them all the time. And they don't scare folks when they see its just a swiss army knife, unlike some other more 'tactical' looking tools/knives :o)
Yeah Tourist is good too - I actually prefer the Sportsman as I find the file tool more useful than the second small blade: it’s a useful file, a good general ‘prodder’ and the tip makes a great 2D Phillips driver 👍
Here in 🇮🇳 india sak is not cheap.. BTW.. I carry my Spartan from 2ys with Fire ant.. N I m the first indian who bought.. Mini tool fire ant.. On lounch.. In India 😊😊
One thing for sure is that Spartan is really good.. I have not touched or held, even use it, but I do know that it's a good EDC if you know how to utilize a knife properly.. No scissors whatsoever... However, most people use scissors all because there are times rather than a knife is either it"s easier, or chances, the laws. All in all a good one. Not to mention! It's only 2-layered SAK, cutting will be as precise and accurate than a bulked swiss army knife, as well as the other tools mentioned.
It’s a great knife for sure. I do actually prefer the Sportsman over the Spartan: just slightly smaller and replaces the second small blade with a file tool which can serve a variety of uses 👍
Carried a Spartan for years. Cork screw was used more often to open knots than used on corks. Currently carry the Tinker. Phillips bit is used quite often. I do have Huntsmen in my get home bags
Huntsman is great - my first choice if I’m out in the woods for more than just a short walk 👍 I wish more SAKs had an inline Phillips - I find the backside Phillips a wee bit limited in use because of its position - can’t get into tight spaces with it 🤷♂️
Yeah, great knife, and good to hear about using the blade for scissor tasks - I do sometimes think that scissors, whilst absolutely a very useful tool, are sometimes a wee bit overstated: a knife blade is a much more useful and essential tool imho 👍✌️
I have carried the Spartan (one I got for a couple of quid with Weetabix tokens on a packet!) for about 25 years. Great tool. Never lets you down. Mine doesn't have the pin (or pin hole) though. I just upgraded to a Delux Tinker but I still feel the need to keep the Spartan in my pocket due to the lightness. I will adjust?!
Wow - a weetabix promotion!? That’s crazy! And super cool! Couldn’t imagine that happening nowadays! Lol My Spartans often get neglected as I think I need something more… but I do still think they’re a brilliant light and slim option for edc.
It misses one tool i use fairly often. But for that reason there's it's "twin" the sportsman. I often work with metal pieces that aren't deburred because they are either inside the housing of an electonic item, or are inside an electronic cabinet. And i hate it when my fingers hook onto clothing items. So the nail file of the sportsman gets it's fiar share of use in my case. (but mine is a older model with the "diamond" style nail file instead of the "file like" nailfile the current vic homepage shows.)
The Compact has nail file on hook. There are a scissors and pen, too. 2 line knife and weights only 64 grams. The best EDC knife for me! I also have a Spartan, but I want to give away it- if have no scissors, it isnt my Victorinox.
@@MSkachenite The compact may have the advantage of the pen, but i have a "inka pen" dangeling from a belt loop anyways as it also has a pressurized cartridge and i can replace he ink cartridge. And i prefer the corkscrew as mini flathead storage. (i wear glasses, and with frames that got their lenses changed a few times this little screwdriver can be a valid help. Also i prefer the big flathead and small flathead of the normal bottle and can opener over the combitool of the Compact. And the scissors aren't that important to my use. The good thing is that they make that many different models to fit our different needs. (The only improovement would be a "configurator" on their homepage where you could choose every single tool and they made the knife then.)
I agree with almost everything you say ? Only I would go a stage further , the whole point of a small simple SAK , is small and compact? In other words the same as the 91mm spartan but even slightly more compact 84mm Tourist, or even more simple Recruit? The can opener /3mm screwdriver, can be modded to improve both can opener and screwdriver to a great 3mm/Phillips? My video ' victronox explorer, huntsman, farmer, climber screwdriver can opener mod ' .
Ah, the Sportsman! As much as I think the Spartan is a great pocket knife I must admit I’ll chose the Sportsman any day of the week! One of my all time favourites! That file tool is so useful as a general prodder/poker & Phillips screwdriver as well as its intended file function. The secondary small blade on the Spartan can come in very useful but the file tool is MORE useful imho. 👍
@MSkachenite You can cut finger nails once a week at home, where you have good scissors. You don’t need it in a pocket every day and everywhere. And you can cut a paper with sharp knife.
@@TriggiSpiner I cant cut finger nails once a week when I am at home, because I very often go to other cities for my job. Sometimes I spent night in hotels. My finger nails do not grove "by the schedule" to cut them stright once a week. If I want precisious paper cut, I prefer scissors or office knife, not SAK knife. I cut with scissors not only paper and nails- thread, tape, grapes (to many pieces) and many other materials needed scissors. If I brought with me only knife without scissors- there are offered so many much cheaper chinese or russian production. If I brought SAK on EDC, it must be with scissors or no SAK anymore. The weight difference between Spartan (56 grams, without scissors) and Compact (64grams, with scissors) ir only 8 grams.
I have The Spartan- there lack scissors. For me The Compact is better EDC knife. Scissors, corkscrew, pen, openers, tweezers, toothpick and only 64 grams!
I’ve never had an explorer! I LOVE the inline Phillips driver on that, but honestly couldn’t see myself EVER using that tiny magnifying glass (be cool to start a fire with one though I guess!) - shame that’s not swapped for a different tool 🤷♂️
@@accoutrements4469 I thought the magnifier was a joke, but I am catching myself using it -even just for fun, to look at small print on LL Bean catalogues and stuff.
@@accoutrements4469 I painted a 1:48 scale figure yesterday using the magnifier. The most powerful magnifier at home. And yes, Victorinox would sell more knives if they switched to inline phillips.
I do like the tourist very much, but I’d rather carry the 84mm Sportsman any day which replaces the secondary small blade with the file tool - great as a file, small Phillips driver and general light duty prodding/poking tool 👍
Too big, too heavy, too expensive, overkill for my personal urban edc needs, plus we’re not allowed to carry locking blades out in public in the uk 🤷♂️
My dad bought me a Spartan when I was just a young fella, I loved that thing- It was my kitchen essential as well as my EDC and it went everywhere with me, all over Europe all over the Middle East but I sadly lost it in my early 30s when I had to unload and unsuitable partner. By then I had a Swiss Champ which I still love and take traveling. Currently EDC a Huntsman in the summer and a 1970s model c champion in winter. Love your videos mate.
Thank you, Sir! I’ve never had a Swiss Champ! I keep looking at them n then thinking it’s just going to be too bulky for me to be bothered to carry it… I really must pick one up to try one!
Sorry to hear you lost your trusty old Spartan!
I do really like the Huntsman - that’s usually what I’ll take out to the woods with me - great knife 👍
I also lost a perfectly good house and a half decent car. But life's a bitch and then you marry one@@accoutrements4469
Sorry to hear that!! Yeah, you never know I suppose 😕
Six out of 54 SAKs I own are Spartans. They range from 58mm to 74mm, 84mm, 91mm, 93mm, 111mm and a couple other lengths. The tool combination I carry will depend on what my day is looking like. I’ve watched videos on other brands but I always end up buying a Victorinox. It’s good bank for your buck.
Yeah so many variations depending on the situation! I think SAKs are a bargain compared to other options. Paired with a pair of the Knipex cobra xs is a much better set up for me than a Leatherman 👍
What I like about the spartan is that all the tools have no compromises, even the corkscrew. You don’t need to reach for a proper tool, none are emergency tools. But the back Philips screwdriver on the tinker is a compromise, you’d use a proper Philips head screwdriver if you had it, and you’d use proper scissors if you had them. I had a compact but I didn’t feel the love. I could go on. That’s why I carry a spartan and when out in the garden, a huntsman, because the emergency tools like the saw are actually very good. All the best.
Definitely agree about the backside Phillips - very very compromised tool imho, severely limited in really world usefulness. Don’t agree about the Compact’s scissors though, I think those are fantastic and use them all the time. The Spartan is a cracking piece of kit though, as you say. And Huntsman is my number one choice for a day out in the woods 👍
Spartans are great for edc, but I always thought a Tourist is better. Exact same toolset as the Spartan, but in a smaller package(84mm vs 91mm).
Love the tourist and would say I prefer the size but the thing which stops me carrying that more is the lack of plus scales/pen slot on the smaller models. The pen is dead useful to me so I usually carry the 91mm knives with plus scales. Although I actually prefer the Sportsman over the Tourist (replaces small blade with the file/2D driver tip).
Compact for me. I'm not a handyman type, so it has all the tools I need for daily life as a dad with a mindless hard labor warehouse job. It really come into its own outside of work for the most part.
If I had a job that requires specific tools, I'd consider a different one for edc, like the Pioneer I carried as a retail worker.
I do love the compact as well - really excellent to have the scissors. I think any SAK will provide wonderful service tbh 👍 Thank you for the comments 🙂
I vote for Compact, too.
Spartan has no scissors, and its big minus for me.
@@MSkachenite right. I carried a spartan and a minichamp for a while. Those tiny scissors just don't cut it, compared to the bigger ones.
Nowadays I choose the compact over the Climber every time for general edc - it's a brilliant tool. Just wish the combo tool was a tiny bit sturdier
Me too. Haven't had it long but I've used almost everything on it already.
People advocate putting a needle in the pin slot and carrying thread. I tried it but it turned out the needle was marginally thinner than the pin so it went in too far and only the tip of the eye of the needle was poking out. And not enough to grab it with tweezers.
I needed to use the pin to get that dang needle out of my scale.
So that's the issue of whether I carry a pin or a needle in there, settled, from now on.
My dad gave me a Spartan, red transparent scales. I've had it as a tool in my house for 10 years. I had to tape the scales and the main blade have a lot of scratches, but i sharpen it reguleraly. It look like crap but it works and I want it that way...gives it sort of identity
Yes! I love to see these tools with ‘the marks of life’ on them - they are tools to be used and not just ornaments or collector’s items for me! I like it when they get a bit of character on them 👍👍
I carry mine to work almost every day, either the Spartan or Compact. I've upgraded my Spartan with plus scales so i can have an ink pen, straight pin, and mini screwdriver. Great knife! I love it!
I always upgrade to plus scales! I prefer the Compact over the Spartan for general daily use these days. Both great models though!
I have a couple Spartans but, I prefer the Climber. Scissors come in handy.
I agree the Climber is more useful with the scissors. Still love the classic Spartan tho, and many would argue if u have a knife blade (or 2) then you can get by without scissors. Those Vic scissors are really fantastic though!
I've been carrying my Spartan for 10 years now but I need scissors sometimes so I ordered a Climber, picking it up today and will see how it works for me. Cheers!
Those scissors are really good - the absolubest I've seen on any multitool 👍
*absolute best
Good video! Spartan is my favourite. Great edc, Will be usefull in the city or in the nature. Long and proud tradition. Real classic and all I need
A slim, light, cheap and extremely useful pocket knife for sure! THE classic SAK 👍
I used to carry Spartan but one day I got the climber .. now i could not go back to Spartan.. the siccors are really an upgrade
Scissors are great to have for sure! ✌️
The large flathead, as some people know, can take a 1/4 inch drive socket which can allow you to use a much more broad array of bits. I usually carry a Victorinox Tinker, but i've been thinking about switching over to the Spartan just for the added versatility of the corkscrew.
Yeah I did know that about the flathead - never felt the need to try it yet though. I like the Deluxe Tinker a lot but would rather have the corkscrew - the position of the Tinker’s Phillips really limits its usefulness imho ✌️
I never knew this. I’m going to try it out! Thanks!
It’s a handy thing if u need it for sure!
I carried a Spartan for ages. Great knife, but I replaced it with a Camper. That saw is such a bloody useful tool.
A Hiker is even better, that Philips screwdriver can be really useful nowadays, instead of that outdated corkscrew.
I love the Camper - I definitely take a saw equipped SAK if I’m heading out into nature 👍
I've just acquired a Spartan Wood. It looks really classy as well as having the tools we all know and love. The only question I have is whether it'll supplant my 84mm Sportsman in current pride of place. The extra length is quite noticeable, even if it weighs the same and is the same thickness as the Sportsman
Have to say, I absolutely LOVE the sportsman and choose it always over the Spartan nowadays. The file tool is more useful vs the secondary small blade to me as a small Phillips driver, general prodding/poking tool as well as its file use. And i do prefer the slightly smaller size too.
Light in the pocket, urban and useful in the wild. This is the one I chose even knowing nothing about it's history. It has everything I need. And I had no budget limit, I could have bought a heavy monster. I just bought one for my life, for use. I don't want to collect. This is the one.
Thanks for sharing!
''Is this all you REALLY need?'' Almost. I have been carrying one for years everyday on a ring with my keys.Endless uses; I work with tourists & often a luggage repair just requires a screw driver. What a bargaining chip when the cry goes up ''Anyone got a bottle opener?''
and so on. Another item I like to carry if I take a bag is a pair of light long nosed pliers. Cheers from Australia
yeah, a really versatile tool to have i think! I, too, carry a small set of pliers - have you tried the Knipex Cobra XS - so small & light but extremely durable & useful!
Thanks for the comments!
I've just got a white spartan and I love it, it's great, slim, non threatening, nice looking with a basic but useful set of tools. Cheers 👍
non threatening?
@Luca Arama Not a scary looking, non threatening, toy like, but still very useful 👍
@@TheStoyanbahchevanov The non threatening look of Victorinox, even Alox models, is an underrated asset for EDC where I live
@@takkC I agree, I'm in the UK 😁👍
Its a brilliant knife & will help anyone out in so many situations! THE classic model, really.
The Spartan does seem like an almost perfect EDC tool, especially with plus scales. I wouldn’t miss the scissors very often, and one could always carry a Classic SD to cover that, and also gain a nail file which I think is another needed tool. I wish Victorinox would just put the hook/file from the Compact on ALL models that use a hook, and that would just solve it (for me). If they did, then a Climber with plus scales would become the perfect EDC for me.
As for the Compact itself, I’ve always seen it as more of a compromise than anything else. It costs too much and sacrifices too many tools to remain thin. But maybe I’m not giving it enough credit for being thin. Apparently people love that about it and choose it over a Climber in order to have the scissors. I don’t think a Climber is too thick at all though, as I’m currently carrying a Ranger as my EDC knife.
Thank you for the comments - I agree with all you’ve said 👍 I have been carrying a compact for the past few weeks though and have come to appreciate it, though I’d replace that hook with the awl any day given the choice, and the combo tool is much inferior to the separate openers on other models.
I agree about the climber - for me it’s just about the best combo of tools for most situations 👌
@@accoutrements4469 you’re welcome. BTW, I subbed and clicked the bell!
@@duanebledsoe7566 Thank you, Duane! 😃
Duane, you hit the nail on the head for me - the Tourist (84mm version of the Spartan) and discontinued smooth alox Companion (same toolset as Classic SD, just a few mm thick, available on eBay) combo covers all the edc necessities.
@@bradmiller3647 yeah, the Tourist (or the Sportsman) are fantastic!
I am one of those who can’t do without the scissors. So I prefer the Compact or the Climber over the Spartan, since I don’t use the blades very often in my urban environment. And when I’m carrying a “Spartan”, I prefer its 84mm versions, the Tourist and/or the Sportsman, because they are even more unobtrusive in the pockets, and the Sportsman has a really good nail file.
Yeah the scissors are undeniably useful! Tbh I’ll normally choose a Compact in urban environments nowadays.
Ah the Sportsman! One of my favourites, and I do definitely prefer it over the Spartan: as you say the slightly smaller form is great and I find that file more useful than the second small blade - it’s a great file, makes a good general ‘prodder’ tool and the tip is an excellent 2D Phillips driver too. Thank you for your comments 👍✌️
Vic Spartan - a real EDC! indoor & outdoor 🙂 Great vid, many thanks.
Cheap, reliable, gets most jobs done - brilliant!
I do find the Compact the best EDC for me. I use scissors frequently and seldom need an awl. I also use the file on the hook almost daily. The hook itself gets used surprisingly often to snag wire and even tea bags that have fallen into hot water.
I must admit, I do now find myself favouring the Compact over the Spartan due to the scissors. 👍
The all-purpose hook (parcel hook) can be invaluable when tying fishing rigs in the cold
Yeah, I like it when folks say about their genuine uses for it 👍
Tengo 5 Spartan de diferentes colores,es una herramienta especial.Un saludo desde Argentina
Yeah Spartan produced in so many colours and very cheap - a great knife!
The compact and the tinker, all of them, are the best for edc.
I use a Deluxe Tinker for edc and i have like 11 models, like midnite manger, huntsman...
No discuss Victorinox is the best in the business
I agree, Victorinox offers un eatable quality for the price. Thank you for the comments 🙂
My favourite is the compact
The advantage of the compact is the scissors ✂️ Very useful for sure! The rest of the toolset is better in the Spartan imho. Different strokes for different folks I guess 🤷♂️
Way to expensive. The Hunstam is cheaper and have more tools.
@@accoutrements4469 The best is the Sportsman cause it has a file so you can do something you can't do with the Spartan with it. And it's lighter and smaller ! The compact is very good but expensive and has no awl...
@@tm2bow653 Totally agree on the Sportsman. Such a great minimal EDC!
@@tm2bow653 yes yes yes I absolutely love the Sportsman! I don’t know why it’s not a much better known model 🤷♂️
I've owned and sometimes carried an explorer for some years now. And when i do carry it i love it. However.... I've come to the realisation that the reason i only 'sometimes' carry it and not 'always' carry it is that it is a bit weighty/bulky in my pocket. Always use bottle opener, corkscrew, and blades. I use the scissors sometimes but not as much as the other tools. I'm considering the spartan or the climber. Would i really miss the scissors if i went for the smaller, lighter tool? I normally carry it on weekends away and when camping. Would love to hear opinions from peole who've had same decision to make.
Hiya - great comments, thank you, and ‘scissors or not’ has always been something I’ve struggled with, more especially since seeing soooooo many RUclipsrs, etc., saying they can’t cope without the scissors. Well, I think I CAN cope without scissors for the most part when I’ve got a nice sharp blade with me. Realistically the ONLY task I regularly NEED scissors for is nail cutting, and if I need to cut my nails than I’ll go to the drawer and get a SAK with scissors for that task. For pretty-much ALL my general day to day cutting tasks then a sharp blade is enough. For camping/weekends away… hmm, I think a 58mm model (with scissors) on your car keys or in a small pocket is plenty for scissors if combined with a your 91mm model of choice. I do like the Camper model for camping, or the Huntsman which adds scissors but is a fair bit bigger than the camper. I guess it always depends on what you’re doing doesn’t it.
Scissors are definitely nice to have but not absolutely essential IMHO.
In urban environments nowadays I usually carry either the 58mm Manager, 84mm Alox Cadet, 84mm Sportsman or sometimes the Compact.
The best survival knife is the one you carry, when an emergency occurs, so my EDC-Victorinox needs a saw and the toothpick is replaced by a "Firefly"-ferro-rod and the corkscrew filled with "Helix"-tinder. I don't mind the additional bulk and carry a "Camper" or "Huntsman" - when hiking, I take the 115mm "Forester" or even an "Outrider". I LOVE the scissors, they are actually the most used tool.
I don't like to throw them in my pocket, I almost always have a belt pouch.
Ive still not bought any of the tortoise gear Ferro rod stuff - I hate the idea of the tinder becoming ‘fluffy’ inside the corkscrew - does that happen? I will have to get one of the sets though - such an awesome idea!
I tend to avoid locking knives for outside, even though the chances of getting stopped by the police are very low I’d rather not risk it due to uk knife laws, so my favourite for outdoors stuff is definitely the huntsman. Thank you for commenting 🙂
@@accoutrements4469 - the Tortoise gear (Fire-Ant and Helix-tinder are now sold under Victorinox' brand too) are well protected, I carry the Helix-tinder for 6 months now and only some of the wax at the edges has worn off, no fluffing up by itself. In Germany locking blades (e.g. Forester, Outrider) are no problem, but one-hand-opening blades are.
Stay safe
@@mannihh5274 that’s great, thank you very much for the information! 👍
I have many, but the ONLY one i'am carrying every day is the spartan.
I do love the Spartan but the one I’m mostly carrying at present is the 84mm Sportsman: do you like that one?
Spartan is my best friend.
The Spartan is such a classic! And so cheap and useful there's no excuse to not have one! Or multiples! 🤘
SAK - So uncool it's cool. A real gentleman's accessory.
Never ever been a question of coolness IMHO - purely about utility, and SAKS pack a massive puch for their size and cost I reckon ✌️✌️
@@accoutrements4469 I agree. I have many and always carry one. I usually carry the Ranger but sometimes I carry a more basic model. Very handy without the connotation which some other knives project.
Yeah, very useful & widely accepted as a non-threatening tool: partly why i like 'em so much!
The SAK just sits there until you need it and it's quite handy. So underrated...@@accoutrements4469
I use them all the time. And they don't scare folks when they see its just a swiss army knife, unlike some other more 'tactical' looking tools/knives :o)
Love the spartan, and the tourist which is the same thing only in 84mm…
Yeah Tourist is good too - I actually prefer the Sportsman as I find the file tool more useful than the second small blade: it’s a useful file, a good general ‘prodder’ and the tip makes a great 2D Phillips driver 👍
Here in 🇮🇳 india sak is not cheap..
BTW.. I carry my Spartan from 2ys with
Fire ant.. N
I m the first indian who bought.. Mini tool fire ant.. On lounch.. In India 😊😊
That’s cool!! I still haven’t bought the fire ant set - the price always puts me off! Verrry cool though! Thank you for the comments! 🙂
One thing for sure is that Spartan is really good.. I have not touched or held, even use it, but I do know that it's a good EDC if you know how to utilize a knife properly.. No scissors whatsoever... However, most people use scissors all because there are times rather than a knife is either it"s easier, or chances, the laws. All in all a good one. Not to mention! It's only 2-layered SAK, cutting will be as precise and accurate than a bulked swiss army knife, as well as the other tools mentioned.
It’s a great knife for sure. I do actually prefer the Sportsman over the Spartan: just slightly smaller and replaces the second small blade with a file tool which can serve a variety of uses 👍
Huntsman has everything Spartan has plus saw and scissors.
The Huntsman is fantastic! Definitely my first choice for a walk in the woods 👌
Carried a Spartan for years.
Cork screw was used more often to open knots than used on corks.
Currently carry the Tinker. Phillips bit is used quite often.
I do have Huntsmen in my get home bags
Huntsman is great - my first choice if I’m out in the woods for more than just a short walk 👍
I wish more SAKs had an inline Phillips - I find the backside Phillips a wee bit limited in use because of its position - can’t get into tight spaces with it 🤷♂️
Spartan every day. It also gives me the satisfaction of doing scissor tasks with a knife as an added bonus.
Yeah, great knife, and good to hear about using the blade for scissor tasks - I do sometimes think that scissors, whilst absolutely a very useful tool, are sometimes a wee bit overstated: a knife blade is a much more useful and essential tool imho 👍✌️
I have added a Swiss Card to the slim front pocket wallet to back up the Spartan with scissors, pen, and file,
Nice, that’s a good way to add extra handy items. Don’t think I’ve ever had a SwissCard.
All I need and been carrying my present one for 7 years. ✝️🦉
That’s great! 👍
I have carried the Spartan (one I got for a couple of quid with Weetabix tokens on a packet!) for about 25 years. Great tool. Never lets you down. Mine doesn't have the pin (or pin hole) though. I just upgraded to a Delux Tinker but I still feel the need to keep the Spartan in my pocket due to the lightness. I will adjust?!
Wow - a weetabix promotion!? That’s crazy! And super cool! Couldn’t imagine that happening nowadays! Lol
My Spartans often get neglected as I think I need something more… but I do still think they’re a brilliant light and slim option for edc.
It misses one tool i use fairly often. But for that reason there's it's "twin" the sportsman.
I often work with metal pieces that aren't deburred because they are either inside the housing of an electonic item, or are inside an electronic cabinet.
And i hate it when my fingers hook onto clothing items. So the nail file of the sportsman gets it's fiar share of use in my case.
(but mine is a older model with the "diamond" style nail file instead of the "file like" nailfile the current vic homepage shows.)
The Compact has nail file on hook. There are a scissors and pen, too.
2 line knife and weights only 64 grams. The best EDC knife for me!
I also have a Spartan, but I want to give away it- if have no scissors, it isnt my Victorinox.
@@MSkachenite The compact may have the advantage of the pen, but i have a "inka pen" dangeling from a belt loop anyways as it also has a pressurized cartridge and i can replace he ink cartridge.
And i prefer the corkscrew as mini flathead storage. (i wear glasses, and with frames that got their lenses changed a few times this little screwdriver can be a valid help.
Also i prefer the big flathead and small flathead of the normal bottle and can opener over the combitool of the Compact.
And the scissors aren't that important to my use.
The good thing is that they make that many different models to fit our different needs.
(The only improovement would be a "configurator" on their homepage where you could choose every single tool and they made the knife then.)
@@nirfz The Compact has corkscrew.
@@MSkachenite My bad, you are of course correct abou the corkscrew.
I love the sportsman! Highly underrated little knife! 👌
I agree with almost everything you say ? Only I would go a stage further , the whole point of a small simple SAK , is small and compact? In other words the same as the 91mm spartan but even slightly more compact 84mm Tourist, or even more simple Recruit? The can opener /3mm screwdriver, can be modded to improve both can opener and screwdriver to a great 3mm/Phillips?
My video ' victronox explorer, huntsman, farmer, climber screwdriver can opener mod ' .
I do love the Tourist and even more so the Sportsman! I’ll check out your video - be keen to see a better Phillips mod on the can opener! 👍😃
@@accoutrements4469 See a more recent video 2 weeks ago. With more detail ' Victorinox Angler black plus scales and modification ' .
I'd like a Spartan with a file like the Sportsman. With plus scales it would be just perfect.
Ah, the Sportsman! As much as I think the Spartan is a great pocket knife I must admit I’ll chose the Sportsman any day of the week! One of my all time favourites! That file tool is so useful as a general prodder/poker & Phillips screwdriver as well as its intended file function. The secondary small blade on the Spartan can come in very useful but the file tool is MORE useful imho. 👍
@@accoutrements4469 What I like about the Spartan is its name... They should give its name to the Sportsman by the way. :)
@@accoutrements4469 This is the answer i was looking for! more tools over more knives any time!
Ha ha - you're quite right! "Sportsman" doesn't quite do that wonderful little knife justice does it!!
Nice, but I feel there’s no point in carrying a SAK if it doesn’t have SCISSORS…
I'm the exact opposite lol... If I have a blade , I don't need scissors.
@@mikenadanada7430 You cant cut your finger nails with knife blade. You cant cut a paper with knife blade. Scissors are most precisious.
@MSkachenite You can cut finger nails once a week at home, where you have good scissors. You don’t need it in a pocket every day and everywhere. And you can cut a paper with sharp knife.
@@TriggiSpiner I cant cut finger nails once a week when I am at home, because I very often go to other cities for my job. Sometimes I spent night in hotels. My finger nails do not grove "by the schedule" to cut them stright once a week.
If I want precisious paper cut, I prefer scissors or office knife, not SAK knife.
I cut with scissors not only paper and nails- thread, tape, grapes (to many pieces) and many other materials needed scissors.
If I brought with me only knife without scissors- there are offered so many much cheaper chinese or russian production.
If I brought SAK on EDC, it must be with scissors or no SAK anymore.
The weight difference between Spartan (56 grams, without scissors) and Compact (64grams, with scissors) ir only 8 grams.
@@MSkachenite But most people don't live your live. I have scissors but don't use them lol))
Yeah 90% of the time it all you need 👊
Yeah, verrrry useful 👍
I have The Spartan- there lack scissors.
For me The Compact is better EDC knife. Scissors, corkscrew, pen, openers, tweezers, toothpick and only 64 grams!
I’ve got to agree with you! Must say, I barely ever grab a Spartan nowadays - the Compact is, as you say, a better urban edc knife 👌
I carry spartan with the Swiss card.
Nice - that covers a helluva lot of bases! 👍
You need an Explorer.
I’ve never had an explorer! I LOVE the inline Phillips driver on that, but honestly couldn’t see myself EVER using that tiny magnifying glass (be cool to start a fire with one though I guess!) - shame that’s not swapped for a different tool 🤷♂️
@@accoutrements4469 I thought the magnifier was a joke, but I am catching myself using it -even just for fun, to look at small print on LL Bean catalogues and stuff.
Good to hear you’re using the magnifier! I do wish an inline Phillips was on more SAKs…
@@accoutrements4469 I painted a 1:48 scale figure yesterday using the magnifier. The most powerful magnifier at home. And yes, Victorinox would sell more knives if they switched to inline phillips.
Great to hear of genuine uses for the Victorinox tools! 😃
Victorinox 8.4mm Tourist Model Better Edc S.A.K.
I do like the tourist very much, but I’d rather carry the 84mm Sportsman any day which replaces the secondary small blade with the file tool - great as a file, small Phillips driver and general light duty prodding/poking tool 👍
@@accoutrements4469Yes Sir; 84mm Victorinox Sportsman Awesome.
The Sportsman and Trourist are both great choices imho! 👍
Just carry a leatherman wave or surge you can't go wrong
Too big, too heavy, too expensive, overkill for my personal urban edc needs, plus we’re not allowed to carry locking blades out in public in the uk 🤷♂️
We dont need another bulkier multitools in our pocket
Climber for me
I used to love the Climber but have gone off it recently - I always go for the compact over the climber for edc nowadays 🤷♂️✌️