This is a lot better than my old WWII style stainless steel field pocket knife. I used to have a Camillus made in 1967 but that got stolen when I was in the mid 1980s when I was in the US Army. I got a gift from the US Air Force when I worked for them as an assistant Small Arms instructor in 2002. They gave me a Gerber Tool. Fantastic but to heavy and needed a carrying pouch. I carried that Gerber Tool in Iraq during combat operations and worked real well for everything. Sucked being inside my pocket. So it went on my body armor and combat load. The Victorinox has everything what an old infantry soldier like me likes for everyday use. I just got mines today and I plan to carry it in my pocket for my long road trips and camping trips in my state of Nevada and adventures in the Grand Canyon and National Parks of Northern Arizona. I say this is a well thought of design for the infantryman. Cheers!
Stephan L = Very curious? I just got one that is Bundeswehr issue Victorinox knife. Did you have to turn these back in after you finished your military service? Mines is in very good shape because looks like the only item they used was the knife and nothing else. I am glad to own one now. This is to be used as my everyday carry when going out and about and road trips.
You probably need a license to even carry that while in the military in the UK! I have this model I carry along with my 6 inch bladed Cold Steel Ti Lite in the USA. Love the freedom here.
I have the old version bought it in the 80s. As age crep up, the corkscrew became very important. I got the wind scredriver for my glasses. Pro tip, get a few spare screws. Very hany hiking camping
People make fun of corkscrews but they are needed when they are really needed and they weigh little. The Waiter model SAK weighs the same as the Bantam without the corkscrew, both at 1.2 ounces! So why not have it? Yes the tiny screwdriver is an option and there are also Ferro rods that fit in there too! Now they make other drivers as well! I have used the tiny screwdriver on my glasses and flipped dip switches and used reset holes...some reset holes were too small so I used the pin some make fun of too! The package hook...well I still haven't found a use for that yet!
I just bought both of these and a surplus Italian pocket knife from a European dealer (Finland supposedly) for far less then what I could local here in the states. For 76USD shipped I am willing to wait a month to get genuine issue for the collection.
The new German Army knife is so well designed that the US military adopted it with minor modifications. The US version's metal is black anodized, and the scales have traction pads, but otherwise it is the same knife.
@@ronaldmercer9616 I'm not sure on the terminology, but a US marked version of this knife was available for purchase by US military staff. It also isn't available to civilians through general retail like the German army version.
Hi Humble, I only came across your channel today. Right away I could tell that you have the type of style that I really like, I am happy to be your newest subscriber. Thank you for the good reviews.
On the new issue knife, the reason Voctorinox put a lock on the "screwdriver" is because it's oversized in all three dimensions and they have classified it a pry bar. Giving it a lock adds rigidity. As pry bars go it isn't much, but with the length of the knife it's far longer than the, less than useless, mini pry bars every one likes to carry on their key chains.
Humble Trekker Bushcraft It's a good folding knife, I wouldn't hesitate to take it bush crafting. It's not just a German army knife, the civilian version is called the "one handed Trekker", It's been standard Swiss Army issue since 2005 and the US Army just started issuing them this year. They all have different scales, (handles) and the US version has the metal blacked, but they are all the same knife. Cheers!
@@michaelkulman7095 Key chain pry bars are Barbie and GI Joe's tool of choice for breaking into doll houses houses to fund their drug habits. Not good for much more than that.
@@ScorpionRegent Pink Corvettes also cost a lot of money and all those clothes! Leave Joe out of this! Barbie has an expensive lifestyle, drugs or no drugs!
Is the old style one east german as the prussian eagle on crest by any chancethat is the chequred scales for grip and do the vivtrinox scales fit the chinese copy
I love the old and the new models but I find the bottle opener at the tip of the wood saw rather unsafe, not to say a goofy move from Victorinox. Why not put it at a separate row, just like every other model?
You do appreciate that the Chinese one is an imitation? The originals were made by Victorinox under the Mauser brand name? Also marketed as the Victorinox 108mm Safari series. Good knives, also largest Victorinox you can EDC under UK law. Cutting edge is exactly 3" (71mm).
They are still made. Good knife. I owned an original Mauser back in the 1990's. Lost it, saw a Safari in my local knife shop about a year ago. Needless to say it went home with me.
Have they loosened the laws a bit? I almost got arrested for a Victorinox Trailmaster (two handed version) on a visit about 7 years ago. They did confiscate and destroy it.
In the UK you have to have lawful excuse if the cutting edge exceeds 3" (71mm) or it locks. That means work, religion or a sporting purpose. Otherwise it is a no-no.
I found it here www.amazon.se/Mil-Tec-B0056MGOSE-Bw-fickkniv/dp/B0056MGOSE/ref=asc_df_B0056MGOSE/?tag=shpngadsglede-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=476616775631&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4304840058477080127&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1012212&hvtargid=pla-564814829998&psc=1
The link he gave you is for the Chinese knockoff of the old one. A while ago I came across new (unused) German Army knives (the new style 2004 one) but I can't find them now. However Finnish outdoor supplier varusteleka.com sell both the old and the new style, original issue surplus German knives. The old ones weren't just made by Victorinox but by a number of European contractors, including Adler and I.C.A.R. so if you order one from varusteleka you aren't guaranteed to get a Vic. The same knife is issued to the Swiss Army too, since 2008, called simply the Victorinox Soldier. (pre-2008 the Soldier i.e. knife actually issued to Swiss soldier was the alox knife, now called Pioneer. It's identical except for the scales which are obviously without the German eagle and made from olive green nylon too, but with black lines at each end for more grip - looks like Adidas stripes - and a Swiss army shield with a cross in. These are widely available, brand new, for under £40. The civilian equivalent is the Trailmaster. It has the same toolset, except that the scales are celidor, like the traditional SAKs, except I don't see them in red, just in black or camouflage. This has toothpick and tweezers like most SAKs.
Personally i like the old model.. More useful blade without the damn serrations, and the saw is far sharper and more aggressive on the old knife as well, with the added bonus of a match striker\file on it only thing the new one has that i wiah the old one had is the screwdriver that replaced the corkscrew
I found that I don,t like the serrated blade of GAK 08. It would better to have the plane blade. The serrated is cutting not so good like the plane. And for me left hand the one-sided sharpening is not good enough.
So I have a question and I wonder if you would not mind helping me out here, I only recently bought mine half a month ago, and after a less then stellar handling on my part I had to wash it in hot water but that was a very minimal issue, I then dried it, oiled it works just fine now, heck I think the blades open and close even faster now the before, as there was some dust in it when I bought it, but I have noticed a small gap in between one of the nylon handle grips the 1 without the SA logo, and noticed its a bit just like the one my SAK Spartan as that is the part were the tweezers are located, should I be worried or is this normal?
It’s hard to tell without seeing it my self. I expect it is nothing to worry about. If it really worries you , can you take it back to where you bought it?
@@verysurvival If I were to send you a photo would that help and if so how also I did not buy it at Victorinox store and I think my receipt is no longer valid,
It's a far better knife once you grind off the comedy serrations on the main blade !!!! What where victorinox thinking to give such a great knife a blade more suited to a bread knife !!!!
+Humble Trekker honestly no one can copy the Swiss Army knife well and keep the price so low, that's why other decent manufacturing companies just develop their own multitools, thanks for the upload.
Have the German and Swiss Soldier Knive from 1987... and the USA and tne UKA Soldier Knive. The Mercator is nice, WW 1+2. The Germany BW Soldiers buy in the 70' Teufelskerle Pocket Knives from Solingen, now Production end. Teufelskerle Taschenmesser. scharferladen.de
This is a lot better than my old WWII style stainless steel field pocket knife. I used to have a Camillus made in 1967 but that got stolen when I was in the mid 1980s when I was in the US Army. I got a gift from the US Air Force when I worked for them as an assistant Small Arms instructor in 2002. They gave me a Gerber Tool. Fantastic but to heavy and needed a carrying pouch. I carried that Gerber Tool in Iraq during combat operations and worked real well for everything. Sucked being inside my pocket. So it went on my body armor and combat load. The Victorinox has everything what an old infantry soldier like me likes for everyday use. I just got mines today and I plan to carry it in my pocket for my long road trips and camping trips in my state of Nevada and adventures in the Grand Canyon and National Parks of Northern Arizona. I say this is a well thought of design for the infantryman. Cheers!
You can use the oversized screw-driver as a mini prybar, and a scraper. Make it a locking tool, and it becomes more useful for those tasks.
both are good knifes, i get the old pattern in during my National Service in the Bundeswehr, i still have it! I buy the new Version last year.
Stephan L great interesting to read. Thanks !
Which do you like more?
Stephan L = Very curious? I just got one that is Bundeswehr issue Victorinox knife. Did you have to turn these back in after you finished your military service? Mines is in very good shape because looks like the only item they used was the knife and nothing else. I am glad to own one now. This is to be used as my everyday carry when going out and about and road trips.
first knife i ever had was one of those original german army knives , bloody loved that knife , and recently got another old one ,still like it a lot
cool.
You probably need a license to even carry that while in the military in the UK! I have this model I carry along with my 6 inch bladed Cold Steel Ti Lite in the USA. Love the freedom here.
Yeah but our women can get an abortion on the way to work any time they feel like it . I prefer that type of freedom, enjoy your little toys 🧸 bro
I have the old version bought it in the 80s. As age crep up, the corkscrew became very important. I got the wind scredriver for my glasses. Pro tip, get a few spare screws. Very hany hiking camping
People make fun of corkscrews but they are needed when they are really needed and they weigh little.
The Waiter model SAK weighs the same as the Bantam without the corkscrew, both at 1.2 ounces!
So why not have it?
Yes the tiny screwdriver is an option and there are also Ferro rods that fit in there too!
Now they make other drivers as well!
I have used the tiny screwdriver on my glasses and flipped dip switches and used reset holes...some reset holes were too small so I used the pin some make fun of too!
The package hook...well I still haven't found a use for that yet!
Just ordered the new model German knife because of your video. I also subscribed because I like your style in your videos. Thanks again from America!
I am sure you will like it
I just bought both of these and a surplus Italian pocket knife from a European dealer (Finland supposedly) for far less then what I could local here in the states. For 76USD shipped I am willing to wait a month to get genuine issue for the collection.
Varusteleka, I leave nearby 😊
Sweet knives. Awesome video too. -Corey @PREPARED 2 THRIVE
The new German Army knife is so well designed that the US military adopted it with minor modifications. The US version's metal is black anodized, and the scales have traction pads, but otherwise it is the same knife.
Cool
Not adopted by the military they only received a NSN from the supply agency
@@ronaldmercer9616 I'm not sure on the terminology, but a US marked version of this knife was available for purchase by US military staff. It also isn't available to civilians through general retail like the German army version.
Hi Humble, I only came across your channel today. Right away I could tell that you have the type of style that I really like, I am happy to be your newest subscriber. Thank you for the good reviews.
+CanadianCuttingEdge Thanks mate, I really appreciate the sub and the comment
+CanadianCuttingEdge I'll be checking you out too
On the new issue knife, the reason Voctorinox put a lock on the "screwdriver" is because it's oversized in all three dimensions and they have classified it a pry bar. Giving it a lock adds rigidity. As pry bars go it isn't much, but with the length of the knife it's far longer than the, less than useless, mini pry bars every one likes to carry on their key chains.
+ScorpionRegent thanks that's really good to know
Humble Trekker Bushcraft It's a good folding knife, I wouldn't hesitate to take it bush crafting. It's not just a German army knife, the civilian version is called the "one handed Trekker", It's been standard Swiss Army issue since 2005 and the US Army just started issuing them this year. They all have different scales, (handles) and the US version has the metal blacked, but they are all the same knife. Cheers!
A pry bar of any kind might save a lot of knife tips!
Good point on the leverage here compared to key chain ones.
@@michaelkulman7095 Key chain pry bars are Barbie and GI Joe's tool of choice for breaking into doll houses houses to fund their drug habits. Not good for much more than that.
@@ScorpionRegent Pink Corvettes also cost a lot of money and all those clothes!
Leave Joe out of this!
Barbie has an expensive lifestyle, drugs or no drugs!
Is the old style one east german as the prussian eagle on crest by any chancethat is the chequred scales for grip and do the vivtrinox scales fit the chinese copy
I love the old and the new models but I find the bottle opener at the tip of the wood saw rather unsafe, not to say a goofy move from Victorinox. Why not put it at a separate row, just like every other model?
I have nicked my self on it
You do appreciate that the Chinese one is an imitation? The originals were made by Victorinox under the Mauser brand name? Also marketed as the Victorinox 108mm Safari series. Good knives, also largest Victorinox you can EDC under UK law. Cutting edge is exactly 3" (71mm).
Tell me more I'm interested
They are still made. Good knife. I owned an original Mauser back in the 1990's. Lost it, saw a Safari in my local knife shop about a year ago. Needless to say it went home with me.
Have they loosened the laws a bit? I almost got arrested for a Victorinox Trailmaster (two handed version) on a visit about 7 years ago. They did confiscate and destroy it.
X3RUBIM what were you doing for them to look for it?
In the UK you have to have lawful excuse if the cutting edge exceeds 3" (71mm) or it locks. That means work, religion or a sporting purpose. Otherwise it is a no-no.
Nice blades - nice video thanks for sharing atb John
Good review , I'm a big fan of Victorinox :) Is that a marlin spike on the British one ?
Yep a Marlin spike vid is up now
TY good intel excellent collection of blades
I like the old style German army knife. Well made. Are they still made?
+General Steven D. Lee 5683 not made any more . You have to look on the second hand market to find one
Google Victorinox 108mm :-)
www.varusteleka.com
WTF? How come everybody but us in the states gets a knife in the service?
I’ve been trying to get hold of the new one where did you get it I’ve search the web
I found it here www.amazon.se/Mil-Tec-B0056MGOSE-Bw-fickkniv/dp/B0056MGOSE/ref=asc_df_B0056MGOSE/?tag=shpngadsglede-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=476616775631&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4304840058477080127&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1012212&hvtargid=pla-564814829998&psc=1
@@verysurvival cool thanks
The link he gave you is for the Chinese knockoff of the old one. A while ago I came across new (unused) German Army knives (the new style 2004 one) but I can't find them now. However Finnish outdoor supplier varusteleka.com sell both the old and the new style, original issue surplus German knives. The old ones weren't just made by Victorinox but by a number of European contractors, including Adler and I.C.A.R. so if you order one from varusteleka you aren't guaranteed to get a Vic.
The same knife is issued to the Swiss Army too, since 2008, called simply the Victorinox Soldier. (pre-2008 the Soldier i.e. knife actually issued to Swiss soldier was the alox knife, now called Pioneer. It's identical except for the scales which are obviously without the German eagle and made from olive green nylon too, but with black lines at each end for more grip - looks like Adidas stripes - and a Swiss army shield with a cross in. These are widely available, brand new, for under £40.
The civilian equivalent is the Trailmaster. It has the same toolset, except that the scales are celidor, like the traditional SAKs, except I don't see them in red, just in black or camouflage. This has toothpick and tweezers like most SAKs.
Personally i like the old model.. More useful blade without the damn serrations, and the saw is far sharper and more aggressive on the old knife as well, with the added bonus of a match striker\file on it only thing the new one has that i wiah the old one had is the screwdriver that replaced the corkscrew
It’s lighter too
@@verysurvival also less bulky
I like the old better as well. Not a fan of serrated blades.
I found that I don,t like the serrated blade of GAK 08. It would better to have the plane blade. The serrated is cutting not so good like the plane. And for me left hand the one-sided sharpening is not good enough.
fair comment, cheers mate!
Plain is simple, Planes fly. Victorinox makes non serrated versions.
awesome video!
Thanks!
Cool 😎
So I have a question and I wonder if you would not mind helping me out here, I only recently bought mine half a month ago, and after a less then stellar handling on my part I had to wash it in hot water but that was a very minimal issue, I then dried it, oiled it works just fine now, heck I think the blades open and close even faster now the before, as there was some dust in it when I bought it, but I have noticed a small gap in between one of the nylon handle grips the 1 without the SA logo, and noticed its a bit just like the one my SAK Spartan as that is the part were the tweezers are located, should I be worried or is this normal?
It’s hard to tell without seeing it my self. I expect it is nothing to worry about. If it really worries you , can you take it back to where you bought it?
@@verysurvival If I were to send you a photo would that help and if so how also I did not buy it at Victorinox store and I think my receipt is no longer valid,
You can email me
@@verysurvival Ok, were to
thehumbletrekker (at) gmail.com
My father still has the old German army knife in great condition,but he broke the blade doing smth stupid and that's really sad
That’s a shame
It's a far better knife once you grind off the comedy serrations on the main blade !!!!
What where victorinox thinking to give such a great knife a blade more suited to a bread knife !!!!
does anyone know if the MFH brand for the old model is just a Chinese scam or if it is legit?
its a chinese copy. not as good quality as origonal
Hi. It is definitely Chinese crap.
Chinese or not i daily use my mfh and the steels still pretty good
You got a good Chinese copy, most of them don't even work!
well the scale fell off a week later, and the copy of dutch army is utter crap, have videos on both, check them out, thanks for watching
+Humble Trekker honestly no one can copy the Swiss Army knife well and keep the price so low, that's why other decent manufacturing companies just develop their own multitools, thanks for the upload.
I agree 100% , if you buy copies you don't even save that much money, it is always worth buying victorinox and when they were still around wenger
Have the German and Swiss Soldier Knive from 1987... and the USA and tne UKA Soldier Knive. The Mercator is nice, WW 1+2.
The Germany BW Soldiers buy in the 70' Teufelskerle Pocket Knives from Solingen, now Production end.
Teufelskerle Taschenmesser. scharferladen.de