When I was in the Army a few years ago, we stopped at a petrol station for fuel and some snacks, I had my Leatherman on my belt and an elderly gentleman with an accent asked me about my Leatherman, so I obliged in pointing out the tools and even said it can be used as a hammer unlike those plastic knives from Europe...the elderly gentleman pulled out his Victorinox and said, the Leatherman is good buck lacks one important tool...the cork screw....we both had a laugh and it ended up that the gent worked for many years in the Victorinox factory....I felt so humble...
The main Leatherman blade is a very reliable wine bottle opener. There are plenty of videos showing the technique using any suitably sized blade. P. S. I also love my Huntsman.
If you want to use your multitool as a hammer you don’t need a $150 one. Simply buy the Bibury 22 in 1 or one of these $20 tools that come with a hammer head
I've got one when I was about 10 years old. My Dad gave it to me. They had them as giveaway's at the company he worked. And it's still one of my favorite knifes. I'm 47 by the way.
I do have a Huntsman Light that is my backup SAK but my Swiss Champ that I bought my in 1985 (pre hook and pin) has been in my pocket nearly every day since and has saved my bacon many times.
There are many RUclipsrs out there reviewing knives and multitools, but you definitely win the award for best picture quality. Your lighting is superb.
Thanks for this video. Ive carried the Huntsman for at least 45 years. Quality lasts. An Indispensable tool. Always in my pocket on a lanyard of some kind. I never knew about the Pin by the corkscrew. One of my earlier ones came with a mini screwdriver in the corkscrew. I do use the toothpick now and then but will now replace it with a Ferro rod. This knife and a pair of 4" needle nose Vice Grips are so much more useful than any Leatherman could ever be.
Used the huntsman for 2 years now in suburban applications. It’s darn handy. The weight itself is spot on because any heavier and it’s not handy and any lighter and it becomes forgettable.
The parcel hook is one of my favorite and most used tools. I is for mechanics and electrical wiring as well as tight knots. It allows me to grab things in spaces too small for my fingers. I have used the corkscrew for untying knots as well but the hook is far more useful than you would think.
I couldn’t agree more. In fact it’s one of my starting points when looking at any Swiss Army model for purchasing. If it doesn’t at least start with a parcel hook I know I’m probably not interested in the knife as a whole. It’s far more useful than people give it credit for being in my opinion. I’d rather have it than a Phillips driver any day.
A per and always a manager on the keys I edc spartan a manager on the key ring and a spirit in the car I love my Hercules locksmith everest and general all my vic
JasonMakesItAll: This was my second Swiss Army Knife. I bought mine in Switzerland. It is a great one. My very first one was the Tinker. My only reservation about the Huntsman is the Corkscrew. I tend to buy the models without it.
I agree with you that the scissors are a great tool to have on a SAK and I've found the corkscrew does come in very handy for various tasks and no I don't drink wine! ATB Sam Adler from Vietnam
The most useful task for the toothpick in my opinion has been to clear the knife from small debris in the canals between the tools. If use use the saw and get sawdust etc it’s very easy to use the toothpick to clear the dust since it fits pretty well in the canals.
I've had several compact ones, I probably have a few around here somewhere, but they were never worth having, even as an EDC, I always had better for the job. I mean, how often are you really going to use a tiny, one inch blade? Or barely useable scissors? And I've never seen anyone use the tweezers or toothpick except for me.
I upgraded from Climber to Huntsman about 10 years ago and haven't regretted it. I would add that the parcel hook can be used to lift a canteen / hot pot / mug off fireplaces in camps and the awl can make a mean push dagger if you have nothing else to defend yourself and know some basics of self defence. As usual, great video highlighting all aspects of the tool! Thanks!
I have used a huntsman for years and it is a great second choice for me. I went back to the 5 layer knife and got the ranger. I find the file/hacksaw and chisel on the back are both very useful. I clip a small vise grip on my keychain and I'm set better than with a leatherman.
. I use the 4" needle nose vise grips. I don't leave home without it. Especially when bikepacking. So much more useful than the Leatherman. They GRIP!
I've had a Ranger for about 3 decades (actually, I'm on my second as the original went to 'the other place') and I just checked for a pin hole under the corkscrew (one of my most used tools) and sure enough, there it is. Never knew that! Thanks, you learn something new every day. I'll have to experiment with sewing needles to find one that fits. As the old Saami saying goes "if you have a knife and a sewing kit you can survive anything" or words to that effect.
After researching Swiss Army’s entire line up I have concluded that the Huntsman is about the best bang for the buck when it comes to their lighter more compact knives unless you want to get into the big behemoths. I’m surprised everyone doesn’t carry one. Quick, simple, light and easy addition to any pocket and so frikkin handy. I just ordered one.
I'm a Swiss, and I have many years ago checked out for me the same type. If I'm travelling, mostly I have one or two Huntsman as giveaways in my luggage.
Hey Jon, I've seen a few of your reviews of Victorinox knives. I know you don't find much use for the parcel hook but when I first bought my knife I had no idea what it was so I did some searching around. What I found at the time was that apparently some knives back in the day had a crochet hook on for patching holes in clothing. And surprisingly that hook is incredibly good at doing so. I also use it when weaving paracord bracelets and lanyards for an extra tight weave. I prefer the super tinker or the field master.
I recently got back into pocket knives and was trying to remember where I got my love for them. Well that took me back to when I was a young teenager, my Dad rest his soul gave me a victorinox camper, my very first pocket knife which I loved and used all the time. Don’t know what happened to that knife but I just bought the huntsman today and although I would’ve loved to get my original knife the camper, I too couldn’t go past the scissors. Dad had the bigger victorinox the explorer which had the scissors and magnify glass and I just remember the scissors being awesome! Stoked to be a member of the victorinox family again after so many years. Great video, thanks Jon.
I got a huntsman for my birthday from my family. I really love the knife and what really surprised me that I used the scissors way more time then I suggested before. This is a really useful and practical knife, if anyone hesitate to get one, do not! Absolutely worth the price!
RUclips recommended this video, after I searched for a Mora Garberg review. Love that you go straight into the topic and kept it interesting. Very clear description. Subscribed
I carrried the huntsman for a while , then I needed a metal file for a small job, and realised the Ranger was the best option for me, now the Ranger is my EDC. It is a 5 layer, but I find it is still easy enough to carry in the pocket. Thanks for the great vids. Cheers
The huntsman was my first Victorinox purchase. I've loved it even more after I saw your video for the ultratac pocket suspension klips. Bought a few and it has made carrying the Huntsman even better. thanks Jon Gadget 🤘😎
I have owned SAK's for well over 40 years and I disagree with your comments regarding the toothpick. Especially as one gets older the gaps between ones teeth increase and then the toothpick becomes invaluable. Thank you for your videos they are in my opion the best for SAK's. I watched one of you videos sometime back purely by accident, and immediately subscribed.
1.) The Huntsman is my EDC-knife for more than five years now and I never realized the pinhole. Thank you for that information. 2.) I can confirm that there are people that never use the small blade and keep it sharp for emergency. I know it, because I'm one of them. 3.) I think that the toothpick is a very underestimated item. I use it very often and would never swap it for a miniature fire rod. 4.) Although the tweezers are only "ok" in my opinion, they become very useful when you visit a gardening store and a family member gets its hand into a cactus with very, very fine thorns. Carrying a flashlight in addition to the Huntsman helps in such a situation. 5.) What I miss? Tongs! Would I swap the scissors for tongs? No, the scissors are so imported for cutting of a loose thread before your clothes fall apart or for emergency repair of your finger-nails! But I would swap the saw and the parcel hook and maybe the corkscrew to get a Huntsman with tongs.
@@JonGadget Great videos Jon. You have been on auto play for a couple of days. I watched a lot of your videos. You cover some excellent pieces of kit, nice job.
@@allanlarmour7460 Thank you. I had a look at both of them now. The Handyman is very expensive (69,- EUR vs. 39,- EUR for the Huntsman) and it is 6mm thicker and does weight 58g more than the Huntsman. I think it would get uncomfortable in my pocket; I carry my Huntsman every day.
I randomly came across your video, after watching l bought a huntsman and made a point of carrying it. I've carried it now a few months and my god lts the handiest thing l ever seen. Cheers Jon.
Okay Jon...I watched all your videos and decided on this Huntsman for my EDC over the Explorer. Ordered it today from Amazon with black scales for 35 USD. Thank you once again. Great videos with details that other leave out. Plus you make them entertaining as well as informative. Stay well.
Thanks John, that really is commitment! I am glad the information was useful. As a new RUclipsr I am constantly evolving and hopefully improving with audio and editing etc. Great to get this feedback so thank you.
My choice of everyday. I made a pin from cutting a safety pin leaving the eye ring to make it easy to pull out and use. Also use a small magnet stored behind corkscrew to use with it to make a basic compass
The Huntsman (along with the non-one hand opening Forester) is my favorite hiking/camping SAK. And there is nothing cooler than being the one person who can open a bottle of wine when no one remembered to bring a proper corkscrew :)
The Huntsman might be the best outdoor Victorinox knife for you. However if you wear the kife in a leather box on your belt, then you could even take the Ranger. You'll get a metall saw and two other tools on top. If you watch Felix Immler's tips a metall saw has some additional value that the Hunsman lacks. 🤔
I love the huntsman, I recently upgraded to the ranger. I use the parcel hook for a lot of things. Picking up hot pots off of a fire, opening drawers and doors without a handle, tighten bicycle spokes, and tightening my boot strings, along with bending wire. It’s one of my favorite tools
Bought one of these back in 1996 to take on a trip to the back of beyond in British Columbia. It came with a quality leather sheath as standard and it lived on my right hip for three weeks in the backwoods. Awesome tool and yes, I used the scissors to cut my nails. Still got it and still love it.
That was an excellent review, Jon - if RUclips has a category 'Outstanding' then it should go into that. Not only did you talk about each function in detail, but the information about the ferro-rod and the fire tinder on the corkscrew was something I couldn't find elsewhere, so thanks for that. Like you, I compared the 'Fieldmaster' with its Phillips screwdriver and the 'Huntsman' with the corkscrew. (That's the only difference as far as I can see). I decided the Huntsman was much better for me. The corkscrew could be useful to help others who forgot one! Of course, these Victorinox multi-tools are really for emergencies - and very good the tools are. But if you want a real ferro-rod, there are bigger and better ones out there. And there are real scissors, real saws, etc. Having said that the Victorinox is a very clever mixture that can be carried all the time. So multi-thanks, Jon
Started camping with the smaller Hiker and switched to the Camper. Now I have the Ranger Grip 78 and the lighter Trekker both for camping ( Larger saw blades ). I like to use twig stoves when camping , small light weight Titanium backpacking stoves. Primarily the Firebox Nano Gen 2 in titanium. The saw blades make getting ( cutting ) dead , dry wood easy. Also have the Swiss Champ and have had it for more years then I care to tell , carried it at work before retiring.
@Finley Cullen dude it’s too obvious you’ve just made spam accounts. At least make them look real. And wait an hour before using your second account. Or only do it on more popular comments
The Huntsman SAK is great. Since I wear glasses, I also added the small flat screwdriver that Victorinox sell to the corkscrew. I did have to sacrifice some of the waxed tinder to make it fit, but more wax based tinder is in my edc pouch ... never mind the hand sanitizer one needs these days .. great vid! subbed!
I bought my first new Victorinox a couple of years back. I was both impressed and a little bewildered by the range available... spoilt for choice! But the Huntsman was what I chose... right size, no fat, no frills -- except that toothpick. So your suggestion to install the ferro rod is excellent. I was also, I must admit, mildly peeved to realise it had a place for a pin, but no pin. But that is easy fixed. Thanks for a good review, and for your good explanation of the various aspects of each blade/ tool.
I own a hunstman along with a champ and a ranger grip. What an amazing company victorinox is. The founder founded the company so that people would have work and wouldn't need to move from town. 125 years old company, largest knife manufacturer in Europe. I own one of their watches, the swiss heritage and just recently got into their perfume line up which is pretty amazing. To anyone who is interested in swiss army knife uses and tips go check out the master of the sak on RUclips Felix immler. Guy makes crossbows, tables, chairs etc with his sak. And at last, I don't really watch tech/gadget reviews on RUclips, but your smooth voice, charming demeanor Mr John makes it a joy to watch ( kind of like atomic shrimp) furthermore, your shots and lightning are absolutely spot on.
@@JonGadget I like how every layer contains a back spacer on the ranger, I appreciate the efficiency of space. The saw (and in general 91mm victorinox models with a saw layer) is most useful for small bushcraft projects and things like carving absent mindedly while sat around a campfire, so it's nice to have the small chisel on those occasions as well.
I also have the Ranger which is the older version without the parcel hook and the inset camp symbol. It is my trusty multi tool for travel. Now reserved for when I travel with luggage going in the hold. And recently used this Easter where we bought some wine which had a cork rather than a screw top. I also appreciate the screwdriver in the back which perfectly fits in my glasses screw for tightening.
I've daily carried and used a Victorinox Swiss Champ for 47 years, and other Victorinox SAK's I own are the Huntsman, for all the reasons you stated. I also have the corkscrew screwdriver and a tiny magnet that lives in the hook of the hook tool. My two Huntsman were specified with the matt red, non slip scales because one Huntsman lives in my camp cook kit and the other in my FAK. During my time as a motorcycle mechanic I used the small blade to cut into skin to allow the tweezers to locate and extract metal splinters in my hands. I lost count of the times I've done this, for myself and others, always with complete success. The small blade was kept soley for this type of emergency. In my almost half century of Swiss Army Knife daily carry and usage, I've determined that the Swiss Champ is perfect for me, followed by the Huntsman. I would go so far to say that for its quality, size and capabilities, the Huntsman is without doubt the best pocket knife available! As with all Victorinox and Leatherman tools, their uses are limited by imagination only... Edited to add that I have successfully used the pin to remove keys which had been snapped off in locks, be they motorcycle steering locks, padlocks or Yale type door locks. The pin exerts sufficient grip and force on the broken segment (at right angles) that it may be extracted entirely. This was an 'on the road' fix that I had carried out in my workshop using the pointed end of a metal scribe tool, the carefully positioned pin works exactly the same way. I wish Victorinox would make a set of matt black non slip scales to fit the Swiss Champ and Huntsman, that would be an improvement, and while I could fit a pair of matt red scales, my Swiss Champs have always had black scales.
The parcel hook is also useful to pull out tent stakes and lift small pots with wire bail handles. I find all the tools useful, sometimes a little ingenuity and creative thinking helps.
I use the parcel hook for plastic carrier bags, open the tool and loop the handles around it, palm the body of the knife with the hook upwards in your hand. Anyone who has has plastic shopping bag slices knows the struggle lol.
Swiss Champ is the truly the champion. I have used the metal saw to cut through rebar. Magnify glass is great for finding slivers. The pliers are also very hand for small bolts and nuts. But by far the best thing it has that the huntsman does not is the Phillips screwdriver. The geometry really grabs the best. Way better than the best one at the hardware store. I use the toothpick for pressing tiny buttons like the clock in my truck.
I bought the fieldmaster because it has the same tools, except for a corkscrew, for which it has a Philips screwdriver instead. Also replacing the toothpick for a ferro rod is much more useful because the toothpick is probably the least useful tool on a victorinox. If you're outdoors and in need of a toothpick then it's so easy to quickly make one from a twig etc using the knife blade
I still think the corkscrew is worth it for the tiny screwdriver attachment. It's just harder to find something to open or close that kind of tiny screw than it is to make one of the flat screwdrivers work on a Philips screw. I do agree that the farro rod though is more useful than a toothpick in the woods though.
One of my favs. I’ve carried a Victorinox Swiss Army knife most of my life. The huntsman and the Swiss champ. And yes, I’ve opened up a few wine bottles, when no one else brought along a cork screw. My champ is snugged away in the SOS Survival sheath. Which I secure to my fixed blade when out in the bush. Love your vids. Thank you so much.
Nice video, congrats👏👏👏 Despite my 51 years of age, I only became interested in a SAK a few months ago, with the aim of portability. The Huntsman was my first choice, until I met the Ranger. With 1 more layer, this SAK quickly becomes my favourite portable knife: brought ALL resources I really need to my pocket. It came in 1st place in my EDC. Ranger is Simply amazing! Cheers from Brazil.
I'm glad you mentioned the Farmer X. I was thinking of it throughout the video. You made some excellent points about the price, corkscrew, and spaces for a ferro rod and tender. But man I love the inline reamer that's included on most 93's. It's like having a mini folding drill in your pocket. I really wish Vx would include modified versions of it on some 84, 91, and 111 mm models. From an ergonomics standpoint, it's my personal belief that corkscrews and multipurpose hooks are the only tools that should deploy to about 90 degrees.
@@JonGadget Yes, they pay a modicum of attention to customer feedback, but for the most part, it appears that they have shifted most of their attention to other products and the SAK division is on cruise control. I wonder if they have anything like R&D for SAK's other than fancy scales and colors to appease collectors. If I'm right that's a sad state of affairs.
My favorite Victorinox at the moment is probably the Fieldmaster same configuration just that the corkscrew got swabbed for a phillips screwdriver. But I still have the old Huntsman which was the first pocket knife I ever got.
@@JonGadget Understandable. My hiking system includes a designated cook kit with tinder and ferro rod included. But depending on the system the mod makes a lot of sense.
The 111mm Outrider is a worthy challenger to the Huntsman, and that comparison would make a great future video! Very similar tool sets, but with subtle and important trade-offs: price, weight, locking tools, saw length, handle ergonomics, etc. Thank you!
No not for EDC. Your video is "the best outdoor Victorinox you can buy" and you mentioned that weight is less important for outdoors, so by your logic perhaps the Outrider is actually superior for outdoors? I'd love to see your comparison video.
@@themikelee the best outdoor Victorinox (all things considered) - if carrying a locking blade is illegal in the UK (without good reason which can be subjective) and some other countries too, it's hard to recommend as the best - weight and size is less important but still a comparative factor for carrying over a distance - hence my choice
@@JonGadget Stay away from illegal blades, gives nothing but trouble in the most unfortunate moments. The Victorinox one-hand blades (actually the Wengers) are illegal in Germany for instance. So the Huntsman and Outrider are the first choice. I bought the Outrider (bargain on eBay) and the solid grip and larger tools over the smaller Huntsman are worth the higher weight. But it's not an everyday knife, it's a solid bushcrafting knife.
I got one of those as my souvenir when I visited Switzerland and had it engraved with my name at the time. I lost it while camping in my own town but if anyone found it they never bothered to contact me. I still miss that knife. My new one has a locking main blade but they removed the short blade which was my favorite blade to use in any of these knives.
Good review. I always carefully grind the underside of the large screwdriver on all my SAK's, so I can use it as another scraper for the ferro rod. My corkscrew carries the mini screwdriver, essential for fixing my specs! I don't agree about the toothpick, but then I have awful teeth and am always getting bits of bacon stuck in them!
That is a great knife. I have one that I carried for a while. Then it ended up in my day pack because I replaced it with the Ranger. Same knife, but it adds a file (which I use a lot), a mini flat head (that I use to clean stuff with) and a scraper.
Great review! I carry an Explorer on me edc for the magnifying glass and all the other standard qualities. Has a better Phillips as well, but I’m indoors more often then out anyhow,
My first knife was a swiss army knife at my uncles wedding i was the ring bear and I was about 5-6 i felt like rambo lol but years later im 23 and still coming back to them realizing the quality of the gift that was given.
A superb and comprehensive review; I like the way you acknowledged the fact that the Huntsman is more likely to live in a daysack than a trouser pocket due to its hefty build. I myself am a devotee of the Victorinox Spartan. Personally I find the corkscrew a very useful addition, though that probably says more about my lifestyle than Victorinox's design policy.
For me personally it is the Explorer that fits my needs perfectly. It also have the magnifying glass for when your glasses is gone or not enough. With the ferrorod and tinder it's all you need.
I have the Explorer as well, after watching this video, I decided to put my Explorer in my first aid kit instead of the scissors and I will get the Huntsman as my new toy for bush craft and hiking :-) Cant have enough toys :-)
I carry a Huntsman daily along with my main knife. I modified my Huntsman with a set of yellow Plus scales I purchased on eBay. The Plus scales came with a pen, an extra toothpick, tweezers, pin and the eyeglass screwdriver. I modified the scales by adding another hole for a second straight pin before I installed them on my knife. I’m not sure I could get through a day without my Huntsman. I reach for it all the time.
I so agree on your choice. I have also purchased the pocket clip and ferro rod/kindling from watching your channel. Thanks for all the great videos. I so enjoy all of them.
I suppose just about everyone has their own idea about what is important in a knife for outdoor use, and I am no exception. A few decades ago my family spoiled me once with a gift of a Victorinox Swiss Champ, in its leather pouch. I had an SAK and the SC went into a drawer, and I seldom used it. As I got more involved and interested in knives and their uses, I came to realize that, far from being unwieldy and awkward, my Swiss Champ was just that, a Champ, and I've used it more and more over later years. My reasoning is that if I'm ok with 4 layers, I might just as well go the whole hog and use the SC! The extra tools/gadgets in the pouch helped a lot. Recently, I've become seduced with Victorinox's larger knives and after buying and reading Felix Immler's book, I graduated my choices up to the Ranger Grip 78/79 series. Even later I stumbled across the Hercules, and fell in love! I had at last found the knife of my dreams! The Hercules has the extra length and strength and choice of tools that I would, and do, use most often, and excludes those I don't really have a need for. Oh yes, at 200gms it is indeed heavier and it is bulkier, but the extra functionality amply repays one in the outdoors. It means one can, at a push, replace both a small pocket knife, and a 3" blade fixed blade with just one knife - the Hercules, or upgrade one's belt knife from a 3" blade to a heftier 5-6 inch blade. It just extends one's options to a new level. I'd be very interested in hearing your take on my experience! Cheers mate!
Really impressive production value for an up-and-coming channel, great job! I assume you have professional experience, it shows! I was leaning toward a Hiker Wood for outdoor use before this review, but you've convinced me to try the Huntsman instead. Felix Immler has really made me keen on whittling and experimenting with all the different tools since I watched this review the other day, and while I don't use the corkscrew on my heirloom Waiter in my everyday life, there seems to be much more utility for it outdoors than the phillips screwdriver. The hook and scissors seem great for outdoor camping and cooking, too. Cheers!
Thank you Christian - that is really kind of you to say - no professional video experience but keen to produce the best quality content, and I am learning all the time. I do have a lot of product sourcing and assessment experience though. I agree I like the philips for urban but prefer corkscrew for outdoor 👍
I actually started carrying a SAK several years ago because I was searching online for a portable/keyring tooth pick and found the Victorinox Classic SD to add to my keys. I since graduated to a Victorinox climber. I use the toothpicks daily.
I upgraded from a huntsman to huntsman lite around 2005. The pen and Philips head are very useful. However its a shame the actual light is rubbish and instantly runs the battery down. (Btw I also added the fire steel mod about a year ago).
Swiss Army Knives are amazing. I am in love with their saws so I have a Camper and Farmer Alox. Best EDC knives so far and can easily be handed over as a heirlooom.
My go-to companion! I carry one with me at all times. It helps me a lot during the day. My favorite tools (other than the knife) on it are the bottle opener, the corkscrew, and the scissors.
You can replace the scale that holds the toothpick to an other, that holds a pen next to the toothpick. Thats what i've done with every 91mm SAK i have. And i like to add a little flathead screwdriver which can be stored in the corkscrew just like your tinder thing.
The Huntsman was my first SAK. I bought it almost 30 years ago as a reward for acing a job interview. It's still in my rotation. On a side note, what do you think of the Evo Grip version , which I think is maybe the Evo S18?
This is a great knife for EDC and my 2nd Victorinox Swiss knife (Explorer & Huntsman). I do admit that I prefer Letherman Multi Tool's (Wave, Signal, Rebar, Super Tool 300).
I use a huntsman as my EDC. I made a pocket clip so the knife hangs vertical in the pocket. This way, the weight and bulky shape are no problem. I attach the clip with a snap hook so I can easily remove it if it is in the way when using any of the tools. I bought the Victorinox small spectacles screwdriver which sits in the corkscrew. I dont do camping these days but as a handyman I find the huntsman is a great EDC. Thanks for your review, I will check out your others.
The Huntsman is my favorite EDC-knife, always have it with me in a belt pouch. If I'm going Camping or into the wild, I switch to the Outrider, almost the same, but 115mm - the saw is a beast! With the Firefly ferrorod and the Helix tinder, it's a basic survival kit on it's own. I got it in a BOSCH marketing campaign for only 20€ - can't beat that.
I've got only one Victorinox, and it's the Huntsman - chose it because of the size, a useful selection of tools, and most significantly it has the one tool I was always missing in the little Leatherman Micra I'd somehow acquired previously: The corkscrew! Also it has the scissors, the tool I probably use most of them all, and they're really good scissors. I take it whenever I'm traveling - true, you may not bring a corked bottle of wine when hiking, but camping, going to the park, visiting friends with ill-equipped kitchens, or just relaxing in your hotel room, for sure! And there really isn't any tool that can, you know, sort of do the same job. Without it you'll either not be drinking that wine, or you'll be drinking a mess full of little pieces of cork. And it has other uses, as mentioned. I don't remember what it was, but I probably used it to dig something out of a narrow place or something. I wouldn't consider a SAK without it! The parcel hook too, I expect can be useful for pulling stringy things out or up - with some shoes it can probably stand in for a shoe horn. I'm pretty sure I've already used it for something, but if I could ask for one improvement, they should add a nail file like on the Compact. Maybe I should have taken the Mountaineer instead... (The Micra has a file) If I were to nominate a useless item, it would be the can opener. For the past ten years, I believe I've only ever used a can opener for sweetened condensed milk - no other cans have needed it. But apart from alternative uses and the other tools it incorporates, it'll be useful the day the pull tab breaks off that can of food you brought up a mountain. Some of the other tools might do the job, but again, it'd be messy. Incidentally, mine has wooden scales - that means no tweezers, pin, or tooth pick. I have missed none of them, but I can imagine they may be useful; I just preferred the look and the firmer feel of the grip.
Great Channel. I subscribed! The Huntsman was my first Victorinox and I love it. Still, I don't think it is the best because of the main blade which DOES NOT lock! I actually had a cut on my finger once because of that. For outdoor use and general carry, I intend to buy the Locksmith and/or the Ranger Grip 78 which I like much more.
Thanks for the kind comments and the Sub 🙏👍 I do get what you are saying. Here in the UK locking blades are not allowed for EDC which is a factor, and size (I have the Huntsman in a smallish pouch now) is also a factor. The bigger SAK are very capable though I agree.
Love your channel on reviews and I know have a huntsman on the way, like you I’ve had many multi tools, I’ve got a Gerber, had a leather man wingman loved it but don’t really use the pliers like I thought I would so I’m going back traditional because it’s what I’ll use for kayaking, hiking and camping. Ty so much for your reviews
This is a really great review! Thank you! Subscribed. :) The Huntsman was the first pocket knife I purchased myself. It was great but when I chipped the scales I kinda got scared of how "fragile" the cellidor is and I went the alox way. Now I managed to get three ecoline Vics (Spartan, Camper, Huntsman) and I'm thinking about trying them out. I was thinking about the Camper but thanks to your video I'll probably try the Huntsman first. I wish it was a bit slimmer though. :D Regards from the Czech Republic!
I have mine for >=23 years already and it's indeed the best choice. Recently I've added the glasses screwdriver and it's even more awesome and useful. I also don't agree regarding the toothpick, as in my case I'm using it very often, not only for teeth, but also for cleaning or reaching some difficult to reach spaces. The only thing I'd add is a file, e.g. in the back of the hook, as I've seen in some other video.
Very nice review and useful tips! Despite having multiple victorinox knives for many years I learned the purpose of small hole below cork screw only today. Thanks! p.s. For regular daily use I carry Victorinox Explorer - similar to Huntsman but basically trading saw for screwdriver and magnifying a glass and for the real outdoor use have a WorkChamp.
Embarrassing thing happened today with my Huntsman... I was watching a video lecture but got distracted and started playing with the knife and started opening up every tool. The small blade was out and when I opened the scissors the spring on it was super strong and it pushed my thumb right into the small blade. Let me tell ya, that blade is SHARP. The cut bled hard for a very long time even with pressure to the wound, and finally stopped right as I was about to go get it stitched up... My own damn fault, but be careful everyone!
Nup. I have the Victorinox Swiss Champ as my everyday carry. I've had it for about 15 years and it's never let me down. The size is perfect and the tools come in handy pretty much every day.
When I was in the Army a few years ago, we stopped at a petrol station for fuel and some snacks, I had my Leatherman on my belt and an elderly gentleman with an accent asked me about my Leatherman, so I obliged in pointing out the tools and even said it can be used as a hammer unlike those plastic knives from Europe...the elderly gentleman pulled out his Victorinox and said, the Leatherman is good buck lacks one important tool...the cork screw....we both had a laugh and it ended up that the gent worked for many years in the Victorinox factory....I felt so humble...
great story 👍 job for life for many there
Which leatherman knife were you using ?
@@JonGadget
I'd like to see you review the victorinox ranger as I see it as the ultimate sak..
The main Leatherman blade is a very reliable wine bottle opener. There are plenty of videos showing the technique using any suitably sized blade.
P. S. I also love my Huntsman.
If you want to use your multitool as a hammer you don’t need a $150 one. Simply buy the Bibury 22 in 1 or one of these $20 tools that come with a hammer head
I've got one when I was about 10 years old. My Dad gave it to me. They had them as giveaway's at the company he worked. And it's still one of my favorite knifes. I'm 47 by the way.
Not many products have this sort of longevity in their market - Victorinox is an exception!
That's how my dad got ours earlier this year. My dad works at AK steel
I do have a Huntsman Light that is my backup SAK but my Swiss Champ that I bought my in 1985 (pre hook and pin) has been in my pocket nearly every day since and has saved my bacon many times.
When you are 85, you can give it to your son, daughter or some nice neighbour. ;-)
i got one from my dad its one of my most precious items
There are many RUclipsrs out there reviewing knives and multitools, but you definitely win the award for best picture quality. Your lighting is superb.
Thanks Garrett, that is really nice to hear and appreciated 🙏
Best elocution too
Thanks for this video. Ive carried the Huntsman for at least 45 years. Quality lasts. An Indispensable tool.
Always in my pocket on a lanyard of some kind.
I never knew about the Pin by the corkscrew. One of my earlier ones came with a mini screwdriver in the corkscrew. I do use the toothpick now and then but will now replace it with a Ferro rod.
This knife and a pair of 4" needle nose Vice Grips are so much more useful than any Leatherman could ever be.
Used the huntsman for 2 years now in suburban applications. It’s darn handy. The weight itself is spot on because any heavier and it’s not handy and any lighter and it becomes forgettable.
The parcel hook is one of my favorite and most used tools. I is for mechanics and electrical wiring as well as tight knots. It allows me to grab things in spaces too small for my fingers. I have used the corkscrew for untying knots as well but the hook is far more useful than you would think.
I couldn’t agree more. In fact it’s one of my starting points when looking at any Swiss Army model for purchasing. If it doesn’t at least start with a parcel hook I know I’m probably not interested in the knife as a whole. It’s far more useful than people give it credit for being in my opinion. I’d rather have it than a Phillips driver any day.
Another use for the hook when camping is for lifting a billy can from off the fire - (that's what I use it for)
probably the best use of them all (along with carrier bag handle!)
I’ve pulled tent stakes after our stake puller disappeared during a trip.
Pulling the oil plug out of the drip tray when changing the oil is another thing I've used it for.
Make a fire wood bundle holder from cordage, use hook for handle
also a good idea
It was the first knife that I bought with my own money. I still remember walking to my local sporting goods store to buy it 28 years ago.
special memories 😊
Recently lost mine after 30 years..... was still sharp. Got a mounteneer now. Victorinox is just the best
Is it bulky/ heavy in your pocket? Will it fit in the small jeans pocket?
Good choice!
No you don’t
I love the Huntsman. It was my first Victorinox.
For outdoors use, it's hard to beat. If you don't need scissors, the Camper does well too.
Agree - I love the scissor though...
A per and always a manager on the keys
I edc spartan a manager on the key ring
and a spirit in the car
I love my Hercules locksmith everest and general all my vic
i have had one as long as i can remember i got it from my dad a long time ago its one of my most precious items
JasonMakesItAll: This was my second Swiss Army Knife. I bought mine in Switzerland. It is a great one. My very first one was the Tinker. My only reservation about the Huntsman is the Corkscrew. I tend to buy the models without it.
I agree with you that the scissors are a great tool to have on a SAK and I've found the corkscrew does come in very handy for various tasks and no I don't drink wine! ATB Sam Adler from Vietnam
This video was just randomly in my recommended section and I’m very glad it was. Great channel.
Great to hear - thank you 🙏
The most useful task for the toothpick in my opinion has been to clear the knife from small debris in the canals between the tools. If use use the saw and get sawdust etc it’s very easy to use the toothpick to clear the dust since it fits pretty well in the canals.
great suggestion
I have dine this with pet hairs. I did not saw any pets. Though I did black out recently and woke up covered in blood and fur..
I'll remember that! Finally, something I can use it for.
It's best for cleaning underneath your fingernails.
I use a Victorinox toothpick, pretty much daily, to pick out food from between my teeth after eating.
I have three Victorinox knives, we seem to have similar tastes.
EDC: Compact
Outdoors: Huntsman
Keychain: Manager
Great selection there 👍 and thanks for your interest in the channel and comments 🙏
I've had several compact ones, I probably have a few around here somewhere, but they were never worth having, even as an EDC, I always had better for the job. I mean, how often are you really going to use a tiny, one inch blade? Or barely useable scissors? And I've never seen anyone use the tweezers or toothpick except for me.
I upgraded from Climber to Huntsman about 10 years ago and haven't regretted it. I would add that the parcel hook can be used to lift a canteen / hot pot / mug off fireplaces in camps and the awl can make a mean push dagger if you have nothing else to defend yourself and know some basics of self defence.
As usual, great video highlighting all aspects of the tool! Thanks!
Thanks for the great feedback - comparison with Hunstman Lite coming up soon....
I have used a huntsman for years and it is a great second choice for me. I went back to the 5 layer knife and got the ranger. I find the file/hacksaw and chisel on the back are both very useful. I clip a small vise grip on my keychain and I'm set better than with a leatherman.
great feedback - thanks 👍
Sounds like a great option! In my opinion the leatherman is just overpriced Junk!
Hi. Could you say what small vise grip do you have there or name of it. Seems like a greart idea with this ranger knife.
Can I ask what you use the chisel for? I've watched almost all of Felix Immler's videos and haven't seen him use it yet.
. I use the 4" needle nose vise grips. I don't leave home without it. Especially when bikepacking. So much more useful than the Leatherman. They GRIP!
I've had a Ranger for about 3 decades (actually, I'm on my second as the original went to 'the other place') and I just checked for a pin hole under the corkscrew (one of my most used tools) and sure enough, there it is. Never knew that! Thanks, you learn something new every day. I'll have to experiment with sewing needles to find one that fits. As the old Saami saying goes "if you have a knife and a sewing kit you can survive anything" or words to that effect.
Hi Richard, that is great to hear 👍 Thanks for sharing 🙏
After researching Swiss Army’s entire line up I have concluded that the Huntsman is about the best bang for the buck when it comes to their lighter more compact knives unless you want to get into the big behemoths. I’m surprised everyone doesn’t carry one. Quick, simple, light and easy addition to any pocket and so frikkin handy. I just ordered one.
I'm a Swiss, and I have many years ago checked out for me the same type.
If I'm travelling, mostly I have one or two Huntsman as giveaways in my luggage.
@@Worldsoldout They’re the best. Have one in my front pocket as well speak. Sitting here in my dump truck just getting loaded. Gets used daily ❤️
Hey Jon, I've seen a few of your reviews of Victorinox knives. I know you don't find much use for the parcel hook but when I first bought my knife I had no idea what it was so I did some searching around. What I found at the time was that apparently some knives back in the day had a crochet hook on for patching holes in clothing. And surprisingly that hook is incredibly good at doing so. I also use it when weaving paracord bracelets and lanyards for an extra tight weave. I prefer the super tinker or the field master.
I recently got back into pocket knives and was trying to remember where I got my love for them. Well that took me back to when I was a young teenager, my Dad rest his soul gave me a victorinox camper, my very first pocket knife which I loved and used all the time. Don’t know what happened to that knife but I just bought the huntsman today and although I would’ve loved to get my original knife the camper, I too couldn’t go past the scissors. Dad had the bigger victorinox the explorer which had the scissors and magnify glass and I just remember the scissors being awesome! Stoked to be a member of the victorinox family again after so many years. Great video, thanks Jon.
I got a huntsman for my birthday from my family. I really love the knife and what really surprised me that I used the scissors way more time then I suggested before. This is a really useful and practical knife, if anyone hesitate to get one, do not! Absolutely worth the price!
I bought a Huntsman two days ago based on this video. Thank you.
Outstanding information. I've owned this knife for years and never knew about the place for the pin, ferrow rod or tinder. Thank you.
You're welcome - thank you for the feedback 👍
RUclips recommended this video, after I searched for a Mora Garberg review. Love that you go straight into the topic and kept it interesting. Very clear description. Subscribed
That’s great to hear 👍 thank you for the kind comments and the Sub 🙏
Mora garberg is bad ass!
I carrried the huntsman for a while , then I needed a metal file for a small job, and realised the Ranger was the best option for me, now the Ranger is my EDC. It is a 5 layer, but I find it is still easy enough to carry in the pocket. Thanks for the great vids. Cheers
Yes - great option if you need the file 👍
Thanks for not just showing the tools, but also explaining what each one can be used for and why it's there. Very useful for newbie users like myself!
The huntsman was my first Victorinox purchase. I've loved it even more after I saw your video for the ultratac pocket suspension klips. Bought a few and it has made carrying the Huntsman even better. thanks Jon Gadget 🤘😎
Thanks Kixson. Yes, the suspension clips make a world of difference. I am glad to have helped 😃
I have owned SAK's for well over 40 years and I disagree with your comments regarding the toothpick. Especially as one gets older the gaps between ones teeth increase and then the toothpick becomes invaluable. Thank you for your videos they are in my opion the best for SAK's. I watched one of you videos sometime back purely by accident, and immediately subscribed.
A lot of people really appreciate the toothpick 😊 thank you for the kind comment 👍
1.) The Huntsman is my EDC-knife for more than five years now and I never realized the pinhole. Thank you for that information.
2.) I can confirm that there are people that never use the small blade and keep it sharp for emergency. I know it, because I'm one of them.
3.) I think that the toothpick is a very underestimated item. I use it very often and would never swap it for a miniature fire rod.
4.) Although the tweezers are only "ok" in my opinion, they become very useful when you visit a gardening store and a family member gets its hand into a cactus with very, very fine thorns. Carrying a flashlight in addition to the Huntsman helps in such a situation.
5.) What I miss? Tongs! Would I swap the scissors for tongs? No, the scissors are so imported for cutting of a loose thread before your clothes fall apart or for emergency repair of your finger-nails! But I would swap the saw and the parcel hook and maybe the corkscrew to get a Huntsman with tongs.
Great feedback 👍🙏 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I think the " Huntsman" with tongs is called the "Handyman".
@@JonGadget Great videos Jon. You have been on auto play for a couple of days. I watched a lot of your videos. You cover some excellent pieces of kit, nice job.
@@allanlarmour7460 Thanks Allan 🙏
@@allanlarmour7460 Thank you. I had a look at both of them now. The Handyman is very expensive (69,- EUR vs. 39,- EUR for the Huntsman) and it is 6mm thicker and does weight 58g more than the Huntsman. I think it would get uncomfortable in my pocket; I carry my Huntsman every day.
I randomly came across your video, after watching l bought a huntsman and made a point of carrying it. I've carried it now a few months and my god lts the handiest thing l ever seen. Cheers Jon.
Okay Jon...I watched all your videos and decided on this Huntsman for my EDC over the Explorer. Ordered it today from Amazon with black scales for 35 USD. Thank you once again. Great videos with details that other leave out. Plus you make them entertaining as well as informative. Stay well.
Thanks John, that really is commitment! I am glad the information was useful. As a new RUclipsr I am constantly evolving and hopefully improving with audio and editing etc. Great to get this feedback so thank you.
The Huntsman is, by far, my favorite SAK knife, overall. Great review and insights. Thorough. Really enjoyed that.
🙏 thanks for the feedback - really appreciated.
You’re right, I edc a Cybertool L and it is cumbersome lol, but I love that tool set so much.
It is a great tool set - review coming soon 👍
Just purchased my first Swiss Army knife got the huntsman
My choice of everyday. I made a pin from cutting a safety pin leaving the eye ring to make it easy to pull out and use. Also use a small magnet stored behind corkscrew to use with it to make a basic compass
Some ingenious hacks there 👍
Cut down safety pin is a great idea. I don't fish but I guess you could tie a fishing line to the eye ring and bend the pin for a hook.
The Huntsman (along with the non-one hand opening Forester) is my favorite hiking/camping SAK. And there is nothing cooler than being the one person who can open a bottle of wine when no one remembered to bring a proper corkscrew :)
Forester is a good one for outdoor 👍
The Huntsman might be the best outdoor Victorinox knife for you. However if you wear the kife in a leather box on your belt, then you could even take the Ranger. You'll get a metall saw and two other tools on top. If you watch Felix Immler's tips a metall saw has some additional value that the Hunsman lacks. 🤔
I love the Ranger, the tools that the Huntsman don’t have are very useful . The metal saw is perfect for me !
I love the huntsman, I recently upgraded to the ranger. I use the parcel hook for a lot of things. Picking up hot pots off of a fire, opening drawers and doors without a handle, tighten bicycle spokes, and tightening my boot strings, along with bending wire. It’s one of my favorite tools
Been carrying one for the last 25 years, in my personal top ten... but maybe a number one in the cost to performance ratio. Subbed.
Thanks for the Sub 🙏
I,ve carried one since 86, put up with all kinds of jokes, only too hear hay, man let me borrow your knife a minute
@@troyspain7073 Don't lend knives! I´ve learne the hard way! ;D
@@alfreducu1 yeah mosyyt of the time I'll go do it for them, if I don't they cut themselves
Bought one of these back in 1996 to take on a trip to the back of beyond in British Columbia. It came with a quality leather sheath as standard and it lived on my right hip for three weeks in the backwoods. Awesome tool and yes, I used the scissors to cut my nails. Still got it and still love it.
Brilliant to hear Peter 👍
The parcel hook is nice when tying carp rigs. It helps you pull loops tight.
Yes - I can see that, great comment.
My favorite is the Deluxe Tinker. I've used it almost every day without fail.
That was an excellent review, Jon - if RUclips has a category 'Outstanding' then it should go into that.
Not only did you talk about each function in detail, but the information about the ferro-rod and the fire tinder on the corkscrew was something I couldn't find elsewhere, so thanks for that.
Like you, I compared the 'Fieldmaster' with its Phillips screwdriver and the 'Huntsman' with the corkscrew. (That's the only difference as far as I can see). I decided the Huntsman was much better for me. The corkscrew could be useful to help others who forgot one!
Of course, these Victorinox multi-tools are really for emergencies - and very good the tools are. But if you want a real ferro-rod, there are bigger and better ones out there. And there are real scissors, real saws, etc. Having said that the Victorinox is a very clever mixture that can be carried all the time.
So multi-thanks, Jon
Link to the ferro rod and tinder ???
I agree. The best knife/tool/camera/flashlight is the one you have with you when you need it. I carry a SAK Huntsman and an iPhone.
Started camping with the smaller Hiker and switched to the Camper. Now I have the Ranger Grip 78 and the lighter Trekker both for camping ( Larger saw blades ). I like to use twig stoves when camping , small light weight Titanium backpacking stoves. Primarily the Firebox Nano Gen 2 in titanium. The saw blades make getting ( cutting ) dead , dry wood easy. Also have the Swiss Champ and have had it for more years then I care to tell , carried it at work before retiring.
Great info thanks Chuck 👍👍
The idea of an added ferro rod in combination with the wire stripper is seriously amazing!
I was very pleased to discover this as it works so well 👍
@Finley Cullen dude it’s too obvious you’ve just made spam accounts. At least make them look real. And wait an hour before using your second account. Or only do it on more popular comments
@@maxogorman3342 👍
The huntsman is what I keep in my pack for the outdoors. I love it.
me too 👍
The Huntsman SAK is great.
Since I wear glasses, I also added the small flat screwdriver that Victorinox sell to the corkscrew. I did have to sacrifice some of the waxed tinder to make it fit, but more wax based tinder is in my edc pouch ... never mind the hand sanitizer one needs these days ..
great vid! subbed!
Thanks for the sub 🙏 yes, you can go half tinder and still fit mini screwdriver 😃
I bought my first new Victorinox a couple of years back. I was both impressed and a little bewildered by the range available... spoilt for choice!
But the Huntsman was what I chose... right size, no fat, no frills -- except that toothpick. So your suggestion to install the ferro rod is excellent.
I was also, I must admit, mildly peeved to realise it had a place for a pin, but no pin. But that is easy fixed.
Thanks for a good review, and for your good explanation of the various aspects of each blade/ tool.
My go to for hiking. Got the ferro rod replacement for the toothpick and the waxed tinder that wraps around the corkscrew. Perfect.
fantastic 👍
I own a hunstman along with a champ and a ranger grip. What an amazing company victorinox is. The founder founded the company so that people would have work and wouldn't need to move from town. 125 years old company, largest knife manufacturer in Europe. I own one of their watches, the swiss heritage and just recently got into their perfume line up which is pretty amazing.
To anyone who is interested in swiss army knife uses and tips go check out the master of the sak on RUclips Felix immler. Guy makes crossbows, tables, chairs etc with his sak.
And at last, I don't really watch tech/gadget reviews on RUclips, but your smooth voice, charming demeanor Mr John makes it a joy to watch ( kind of like atomic shrimp) furthermore, your shots and lightning are absolutely spot on.
Thanks for the kind feedback and great comments 👍
I'd personally go with the Ranger. I like that file, along with the other tools!
I agree the file is a great addition if you don't mind the increase in size 👍
@@JonGadget I like how every layer contains a back spacer on the ranger, I appreciate the efficiency of space. The saw (and in general 91mm victorinox models with a saw layer) is most useful for small bushcraft projects and things like carving absent mindedly while sat around a campfire, so it's nice to have the small chisel on those occasions as well.
I also have the Ranger which is the older version without the parcel hook and the inset camp symbol. It is my trusty multi tool for travel. Now reserved for when I travel with luggage going in the hold. And recently used this Easter where we bought some wine which had a cork rather than a screw top. I also appreciate the screwdriver in the back which perfectly fits in my glasses screw for tightening.
@@sng2225 great feedback - thanks for sharing 👍
I've got the hiker. It's got everything I need but I would add some scissors to it to make it perfect.
I've daily carried and used a Victorinox Swiss Champ for 47 years, and other Victorinox SAK's I own are the Huntsman, for all the reasons you stated.
I also have the corkscrew screwdriver and a tiny magnet that lives in the hook of the hook tool.
My two Huntsman were specified with the matt red, non slip scales because one Huntsman lives in my camp cook kit and the other in my FAK.
During my time as a motorcycle mechanic I used the small blade to cut into skin to allow the tweezers to locate and extract metal splinters in my hands.
I lost count of the times I've done this, for myself and others, always with complete success.
The small blade was kept soley for this type of emergency.
In my almost half century of Swiss Army Knife daily carry and usage, I've determined that the Swiss Champ is perfect for me, followed by the Huntsman.
I would go so far to say that for its quality, size and capabilities, the Huntsman is without doubt the best pocket knife available!
As with all Victorinox and Leatherman tools, their uses are limited by imagination only...
Edited to add that I have successfully used the pin to remove keys which had been snapped off in locks, be they motorcycle steering locks, padlocks or Yale type door locks.
The pin exerts sufficient grip and force on the broken segment (at right angles) that it may be extracted entirely.
This was an 'on the road' fix that I had carried out in my workshop using the pointed end of a metal scribe tool, the carefully positioned pin works exactly the same way.
I wish Victorinox would make a set of matt black non slip scales to fit the Swiss Champ and Huntsman, that would be an improvement, and while I could fit a pair of matt red scales, my Swiss Champs have always had black scales.
The parcel hook is also useful to pull out tent stakes and lift small pots with wire bail handles.
I find all the tools useful, sometimes a little ingenuity and creative thinking helps.
Good points 👍 totally agree.
I use the parcel hook for plastic carrier bags, open the tool and loop the handles around it, palm the body of the knife with the hook upwards in your hand.
Anyone who has has plastic shopping bag slices knows the struggle lol.
@@OldNavajoTricks thanks for sharing 👍
@@OldNavajoTricks great feedback 👍
I'm wondering how to open the parcel hook? - may be because it's new but I'm havibg trouble getting it out.
Swiss Champ is the truly the champion. I have used the metal saw to cut through rebar. Magnify glass is great for finding slivers. The pliers are also very hand for small bolts and nuts. But by far the best thing it has that the huntsman does not is the Phillips screwdriver. The geometry really grabs the best. Way better than the best one at the hardware store. I use the toothpick for pressing tiny buttons like the clock in my truck.
It's bigger and heavier but you have made me want to look at it again in more detail 😃
I bought the fieldmaster because it has the same tools, except for a corkscrew, for which it has a Philips screwdriver instead. Also replacing the toothpick for a ferro rod is much more useful because the toothpick is probably the least useful tool on a victorinox. If you're outdoors and in need of a toothpick then it's so easy to quickly make one from a twig etc using the knife blade
I agree although I do like the corkscrew to carry the tinder in this one
I still think the corkscrew is worth it for the tiny screwdriver attachment. It's just harder to find something to open or close that kind of tiny screw than it is to make one of the flat screwdrivers work on a Philips screw. I do agree that the farro rod though is more useful than a toothpick in the woods though.
I agree. Fieldmaster.
I use my phillips more than any other tool except the bottle opener.
One of my favs.
I’ve carried a Victorinox Swiss Army knife most of my life.
The huntsman and the Swiss champ. And yes, I’ve opened up a few wine bottles, when no one else brought along a cork screw.
My champ is snugged away in the SOS Survival sheath. Which I secure to my fixed blade when out in the bush.
Love your vids. Thank you so much.
Es una de los mejores modelos de victorinox junto a la fieldsmaster.Excelente vidio👍🏼
👍🙏
Nice video, congrats👏👏👏 Despite my 51 years of age, I only became interested in a SAK a few months ago, with the aim of portability. The Huntsman was my first choice, until I met the Ranger. With 1 more layer, this SAK quickly becomes my favourite portable knife: brought ALL resources I really need to my pocket. It came in 1st place in my EDC. Ranger is Simply amazing! Cheers from Brazil.
I'm glad you mentioned the Farmer X. I was thinking of it throughout the video. You made some excellent points about the price, corkscrew, and spaces for a ferro rod and tender. But man I love the inline reamer that's included on most 93's. It's like having a mini folding drill in your pocket. I really wish Vx would include modified versions of it on some 84, 91, and 111 mm models. From an ergonomics standpoint, it's my personal belief that corkscrews and multipurpose hooks are the only tools that should deploy to about 90 degrees.
I agree - that reamer is brilliant - like you I can thinks of lots of ways Vic could move forward - it seems very slow to make changes
@@JonGadget Yes, they pay a modicum of attention to customer feedback, but for the most part, it appears that they have shifted most of their attention to other products and the SAK division is on cruise control. I wonder if they have anything like R&D for SAK's other than fancy scales and colors to appease collectors. If I'm right that's a sad state of affairs.
@@05generic I agree, which is a shame ☹️
I am a corn farmer and this knive is very esential to me i have been using it every day for eveey thing and its super useful and my faveroute
great to hear
My favorite Victorinox at the moment is probably the Fieldmaster same configuration just that the corkscrew got swabbed for a phillips screwdriver. But I still have the old Huntsman which was the first pocket knife I ever got.
A lot of people do - I would too if it wasn't for the ferro rod and tinder mod 👍
@@JonGadget Understandable. My hiking system includes a designated cook kit with tinder and ferro rod included. But depending on the system the mod makes a lot of sense.
I sent it in to Victorinox and had the corkscrew swapped out for a Philips and now its truly perfect
Do they offer this service? Never heard this before!
The 111mm Outrider is a worthy challenger to the Huntsman, and that comparison would make a great future video! Very similar tool sets, but with subtle and important trade-offs: price, weight, locking tools, saw length, handle ergonomics, etc. Thank you!
Hi Michael I would agree - bigger and heavier but more capable - locking blade is a challenge in UK for EDC though
No not for EDC. Your video is "the best outdoor Victorinox you can buy" and you mentioned that weight is less important for outdoors, so by your logic perhaps the Outrider is actually superior for outdoors? I'd love to see your comparison video.
@@themikelee the best outdoor Victorinox (all things considered) - if carrying a locking blade is illegal in the UK (without good reason which can be subjective) and some other countries too, it's hard to recommend as the best - weight and size is less important but still a comparative factor for carrying over a distance - hence my choice
@@JonGadget Stay away from illegal blades, gives nothing but trouble in the most unfortunate moments. The Victorinox one-hand blades (actually the Wengers) are illegal in Germany for instance. So the Huntsman and Outrider are the first choice. I bought the Outrider (bargain on eBay) and the solid grip and larger tools over the smaller Huntsman are worth the higher weight. But it's not an everyday knife, it's a solid bushcrafting knife.
I got one of those as my souvenir when I visited Switzerland and had it engraved with my name at the time. I lost it while camping in my own town but if anyone found it they never bothered to contact me. I still miss that knife. My new one has a locking main blade but they removed the short blade which was my favorite blade to use in any of these knives.
Good review. I always carefully grind the underside of the large screwdriver on all my SAK's, so I can use it as another scraper for the ferro rod. My corkscrew carries the mini screwdriver, essential for fixing my specs! I don't agree about the toothpick, but then I have awful teeth and am always getting bits of bacon stuck in them!
🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the feedback 👍
Because your review i decide to try huntsman , so far i love it . Thanks and keep good content coming , stay safe .
great to hear - thanks for the feedback
That is a great knife. I have one that I carried for a while. Then it ended up in my day pack because I replaced it with the Ranger. Same knife, but it adds a file (which I use a lot), a mini flat head (that I use to clean stuff with) and a scraper.
Thanks for feedback - great option 👍
I have used my cork screw many times with great outcomes women love it when you are a capable person.and good with your hands 🙂
can't argue with that!
Great review! I carry an Explorer on me edc for the magnifying glass and all the other standard qualities. Has a better Phillips as well, but I’m indoors more often then out anyhow,
Yes the engineers choice, the Philips driver comes in handy all the time and the magnifier gives close to microscope vision
A lot of people love the Explorer - review coming shortly!
My first knife was a swiss army knife at my uncles wedding i was the ring bear and I was about 5-6 i felt like rambo lol but years later im 23 and still coming back to them realizing the quality of the gift that was given.
A superb and comprehensive review; I like the way you acknowledged the fact that the Huntsman is more likely to live in a daysack than a trouser pocket due to its hefty build. I myself am a devotee of the Victorinox Spartan. Personally I find the corkscrew a very useful addition, though that probably says more about my lifestyle than Victorinox's design policy.
Thanks for feedback Jonathan 👍
The Huntsman is my EDC for 10 years now. I love it.
Great to hear 👍
For me personally it is the Explorer that fits my needs perfectly. It also have the magnifying glass for when your glasses is gone or not enough. With the ferrorod and tinder it's all you need.
good choice - and I would like the magnifying glass as a glasses wearer - I need that saw though for chopping bits of wood for fire!
I have the Explorer as well, after watching this video, I decided to put my Explorer in my first aid kit instead of the scissors and I will get the Huntsman as my new toy for bush craft and hiking :-) Cant have enough toys :-)
@@spooky7158 🤣🤣🤣 totally agree
@@JonGadget I actually carry the farmer also in my pack. The explorer is always in my pocket. So when I am out I have the saw too.
@@afternoobtea914 I have a Farmer X Alox too which I also like very much.
I carry a Huntsman daily along with my main knife. I modified my Huntsman with a set of yellow Plus scales I purchased on eBay. The Plus scales came with a pen, an extra toothpick, tweezers, pin and the eyeglass screwdriver. I modified the scales by adding another hole for a second straight pin before I installed them on my knife. I’m not sure I could get through a day without my Huntsman. I reach for it all the time.
Great feedback 👍 thanks for sharing - plus scales are a great mod for this - use them everyday with my EDC Compact.
A really well put together video there mate, you certainly have those presenter qualities! Great job 👍
That's really kind Dan - thank you 🙏
Have had a huntsman as edc for over 4 years, love it.
great to hear 👍
8:44 I have braces and food stucks behind them all the time, so I use toothpick on my victorinox pretty often
well that is a good reason 👍
I so agree on your choice. I have also purchased the pocket clip and ferro rod/kindling from watching your channel. Thanks for all the great videos. I so enjoy all of them.
Great to hear Annie 👍
I'm gonna get my own next month, pretty excited, even though I can't go outdoors very much lol.
I’m sure we will be allowed out soon!
Добрый
@@JonGadget
Allowed lol
Authoritarians are evil.
I suppose just about everyone has their own idea about what is important in a knife for outdoor use, and I am no exception. A few decades ago my family spoiled me once with a gift of a Victorinox Swiss Champ, in its leather pouch. I had an SAK and the SC went into a drawer, and I seldom used it.
As I got more involved and interested in knives and their uses, I came to realize that, far from being unwieldy and awkward, my Swiss Champ was just that, a Champ, and I've used it more and more over later years. My reasoning is that if I'm ok with 4 layers, I might just as well go the whole hog and use the SC! The extra tools/gadgets in the pouch helped a lot.
Recently, I've become seduced with Victorinox's larger knives and after buying and reading Felix Immler's book, I graduated my choices up to the Ranger Grip 78/79 series.
Even later I stumbled across the Hercules, and fell in love! I had at last found the knife of my dreams! The Hercules has the extra length and strength and choice of tools that I would, and do, use most often, and excludes those I don't really have a need for. Oh yes, at 200gms it is indeed heavier and it is bulkier, but the extra functionality amply repays one in the outdoors. It means one can, at a push, replace both a small pocket knife, and a 3" blade fixed blade with just one knife - the Hercules, or upgrade one's belt knife from a 3" blade to a heftier 5-6 inch blade. It just extends one's options to a new level.
I'd be very interested in hearing your take on my experience!
Cheers mate!
Really impressive production value for an up-and-coming channel, great job! I assume you have professional experience, it shows!
I was leaning toward a Hiker Wood for outdoor use before this review, but you've convinced me to try the Huntsman instead.
Felix Immler has really made me keen on whittling and experimenting with all the different tools since I watched this review the other day, and while I don't use the corkscrew on my heirloom Waiter in my everyday life, there seems to be much more utility for it outdoors than the phillips screwdriver. The hook and scissors seem great for outdoor camping and cooking, too. Cheers!
Thank you Christian - that is really kind of you to say - no professional video experience but keen to produce the best quality content, and I am learning all the time. I do have a lot of product sourcing and assessment experience though. I agree I like the philips for urban but prefer corkscrew for outdoor 👍
I actually started carrying a SAK several years ago because I was searching online for a portable/keyring tooth pick and found the Victorinox Classic SD to add to my keys. I since graduated to a Victorinox climber. I use the toothpicks daily.
Huntsman and Huntsman lite are my favorite
I upgraded from a huntsman to huntsman lite around 2005. The pen and Philips head are very useful. However its a shame the actual light is rubbish and instantly runs the battery down. (Btw I also added the fire steel mod about a year ago).
@@danaustin6668 i agree with you 100%
Swiss Army Knives are amazing. I am in love with their saws so I have a Camper and Farmer Alox. Best EDC knives so far and can easily be handed over as a heirlooom.
Excellent video. The additional firelighting equipment is awesome. Didn’t know they existed. Thank you very much for the info 👍🏻👍🏻🇳🇴
Thanks for the great feedback 🙏
My go-to companion! I carry one with me at all times. It helps me a lot during the day. My favorite tools (other than the knife) on it are the bottle opener, the corkscrew, and the scissors.
hi Jon, I really like the lighting in the background. Vic is great, too 😃
Thank you 🙏
You can replace the scale that holds the toothpick to an other, that holds a pen next to the toothpick. Thats what i've done with every 91mm SAK i have. And i like to add a little flathead screwdriver which can be stored in the corkscrew just like your tinder thing.
The Huntsman was my first SAK. I bought it almost 30 years ago as a reward for acing a job interview. It's still in my rotation.
On a side note, what do you think of the Evo Grip version , which I think is maybe the Evo S18?
A lot of people like the Evo18 - I have never owned one but I think I need to try it out!
This is a great knife for EDC and my 2nd Victorinox Swiss knife (Explorer & Huntsman). I do admit that I prefer Letherman Multi Tool's (Wave, Signal, Rebar, Super Tool 300).
Great video I’ve been using victorinox SAK for years and never knew about the tinder and ferro rod thanks 🙏
Thanks for the feedback. They are great additions, especially for outdoor.
I use a huntsman as my EDC. I made a pocket clip so the knife hangs vertical in the pocket. This way, the weight and bulky shape are no problem. I attach the clip with a snap hook so I can easily remove it if it is in the way when using any of the tools. I bought the Victorinox small spectacles screwdriver which sits in the corkscrew. I dont do camping these days but as a handyman I find the huntsman is a great EDC. Thanks for your review, I will check out your others.
The Huntsman is my favorite EDC-knife, always have it with me in a belt pouch.
If I'm going Camping or into the wild, I switch to the Outrider, almost the same, but 115mm - the saw is a beast! With the Firefly ferrorod and the Helix tinder, it's a basic survival kit on it's own. I got it in a BOSCH marketing campaign for only 20€ - can't beat that.
Amazing deal. I would carry one for outdoor but laws here are against that.
Once I can afford to buy an outrider I will be getting one. So dang pretty
I've got only one Victorinox, and it's the Huntsman - chose it because of the size, a useful selection of tools, and most significantly it has the one tool I was always missing in the little Leatherman Micra I'd somehow acquired previously: The corkscrew! Also it has the scissors, the tool I probably use most of them all, and they're really good scissors.
I take it whenever I'm traveling - true, you may not bring a corked bottle of wine when hiking, but camping, going to the park, visiting friends with ill-equipped kitchens, or just relaxing in your hotel room, for sure! And there really isn't any tool that can, you know, sort of do the same job. Without it you'll either not be drinking that wine, or you'll be drinking a mess full of little pieces of cork.
And it has other uses, as mentioned. I don't remember what it was, but I probably used it to dig something out of a narrow place or something.
I wouldn't consider a SAK without it!
The parcel hook too, I expect can be useful for pulling stringy things out or up - with some shoes it can probably stand in for a shoe horn. I'm pretty sure I've already used it for something, but if I could ask for one improvement, they should add a nail file like on the Compact. Maybe I should have taken the Mountaineer instead... (The Micra has a file)
If I were to nominate a useless item, it would be the can opener. For the past ten years, I believe I've only ever used a can opener for sweetened condensed milk - no other cans have needed it. But apart from alternative uses and the other tools it incorporates, it'll be useful the day the pull tab breaks off that can of food you brought up a mountain. Some of the other tools might do the job, but again, it'd be messy.
Incidentally, mine has wooden scales - that means no tweezers, pin, or tooth pick. I have missed none of them, but I can imagine they may be useful; I just preferred the look and the firmer feel of the grip.
Great Channel. I subscribed! The Huntsman was my first Victorinox and I love it. Still, I don't think it is the best because of the main blade which DOES NOT lock! I actually had a cut on my finger once because of that. For outdoor use and general carry, I intend to buy the Locksmith and/or the Ranger Grip 78 which I like much more.
Thanks for the kind comments and the Sub 🙏👍 I do get what you are saying. Here in the UK locking blades are not allowed for EDC which is a factor, and size (I have the Huntsman in a smallish pouch now) is also a factor. The bigger SAK are very capable though I agree.
Love your channel on reviews and I know have a huntsman on the way, like you I’ve had many multi tools, I’ve got a Gerber, had a leather man wingman loved it but don’t really use the pliers like I thought I would so I’m going back traditional because it’s what I’ll use for kayaking, hiking and camping.
Ty so much for your reviews
This is a really great review! Thank you! Subscribed. :)
The Huntsman was the first pocket knife I purchased myself. It was great but when I chipped the scales I kinda got scared of how "fragile" the cellidor is and I went the alox way.
Now I managed to get three ecoline Vics (Spartan, Camper, Huntsman) and I'm thinking about trying them out. I was thinking about the Camper but thanks to your video I'll probably try the Huntsman first.
I wish it was a bit slimmer though. :D
Regards from the Czech Republic!
Thank you Michal for the Sub 🙏 and the great feedback 👍
I have mine for >=23 years already and it's indeed the best choice. Recently I've added the glasses screwdriver and it's even more awesome and useful. I also don't agree regarding the toothpick, as in my case I'm using it very often, not only for teeth, but also for cleaning or reaching some difficult to reach spaces. The only thing I'd add is a file, e.g. in the back of the hook, as I've seen in some other video.
Very nice review and useful tips! Despite having multiple victorinox knives for many years I learned the purpose of small hole below cork screw only today. Thanks!
p.s. For regular daily use I carry Victorinox Explorer - similar to Huntsman but basically trading saw for screwdriver and magnifying a glass and for the real outdoor use have a WorkChamp.
Thanks for feedback and info Martin 👍
I bought my son an EvoGrip Junior when he started Beavers last year, and for Father's day him and his Mum bought me this one. 👌
Embarrassing thing happened today with my Huntsman... I was watching a video lecture but got distracted and started playing with the knife and started opening up every tool. The small blade was out and when I opened the scissors the spring on it was super strong and it pushed my thumb right into the small blade. Let me tell ya, that blade is SHARP. The cut bled hard for a very long time even with pressure to the wound, and finally stopped right as I was about to go get it stitched up... My own damn fault, but be careful everyone!
Ouch!! good to know!
Nup. I have the Victorinox Swiss Champ as my everyday carry. I've had it for about 15 years and it's never let me down. The size is perfect and the tools come in handy pretty much every day.