Got myself a SwissChamp Plus 2 weeks ago and finally decided to review it. It's my first review so bear with me on this one.
Ok, lets start with looks.
Pros:
The design is very precise. Each tool has a great looking mirror finish, and the red plastic scales have a glossy feel, which is very grippy.
Altogether the knife looks and feels solid, reliable and well-built.
Cons: It's a bit hefty, but that's not really an issue for me. I would say it is more pocket-sized than the SwissChamp(with the pliers) which is around half a cm thicker and it feels comfortable in my pocket
Tools
Altogether this knife has 21 tools with 30 different functions, packed into 8 layers.
I will separate the tools into 3 different sections: Top tools
Bottom tools
And detachable tools
(Warning: the tools are a bit hard to open at first. They will loosen up after awhile, and victorinox advises to open and close the tools in warm water before lightly oiling the joints.)
Top Tools:
Large Blade:
the blade opens up from the right( if you're seeing from the side of the victorinox logo).
It is ground and tempered to a hardness of RC 56 and i can tell you first hand that it is pretty sharp. It is about 3 inches long and quite thin.
There is a generously large nail nick on most of the tools for you to open them from. There is also a tang stamp on the bottom of the blade that says "Officier Suisse" on one side and "Victorinox Swiss Made Stainless Steel" on the other.
This tells you that it is a genuine knife from Victorinox, not some cheap chinese knockoff.
Small Blade:
This blade is shorter than the large one at about an inch and a half long
It is used mostly for precision work as you can hold it closer to your body for carving, etc
It is thinner and sharper than the large blade.
Nail file, Metal file, Nail cleaner and Metal saw:
This tool has two files: the softer nail file, and the harder, tougher metal file,(on the side with the nail nick) The nail file is used generally for, well, your nails.(duh) The metal file can be used for filing down burrs and other smooth objects to keep a smooth edge. I have used the nail cleaner plenty of times to dig out gunk beneath my nails and it worked fine.
Wood Saw:
This wood saw has a very aggressive cutting pattern that cuts deep into the wood. It can be used for trimming kindling and sawing small twigs. However, don't expect it to saw a log with its 3 inch long diameter.
To open it, the top part sticks out so you and insert a fingernail and pull it out.
Fish scaler, Hook disgorger and Ruler :
I haven't really used the scaler or disgorger yet, as i don't really fish. However, i have heard around the web that people say its very effective. The ruler is 3 inches long, and its to probably satisfy the anglers craze over the length of their catch
Scissors:
Now who doesn't love scissors? And this scissors in particular are super sharp and can cut through almost anything. The spring is also very strong. The cutting edge is about 2 and a half inches.
Can opener and small screwdriver:
This design works the best for me compared to other models such as Leatherman.
It cuts deep into the metal and I can open a can in 1min tops.
The small flathead is an added bonus and is quite tough too. However, some might complain that it is too short. But you will realize that most of the time, you won't need to reach far to unscrew stuff.
Phillips Screwdriver:
This screwdriver will fit most screws and is quite strong. Its about 3cm
I have also realized that it also sort of locks in the 90 degrees position. I think this is probably
for added leverage.
Magnifying Glass:
The frame of this glass is made out of plastic, instead of the older ones which were made out of metal. The lens is quite big, and it could be useful for observing wildlife when you are out camping or perhaps light a fire if you forgot to bring matches.
Bottle Opener, Wire Stripper and Large screwdriver:
The bottle opener works fine on all sorts of caps, and opens them very easily. I for one am glad that Victorinox did not try and combine the can opener and bottle opener, like Leatherman, otherwise it would just puncture the cap of the bottle. The large flathead is also handy for big screws, and the wire stripper works well too.
Bottom Tools:
Corkscrew:
Well, i don't really drink wine regularly, so i haven't used the the corkscrew yet.
However, the tip does feel sharp, and it would be useful for those awkward parties where the
host frantically searches the drawers for a corkscrew to open that bottle of champagne.
Wood Chisel:
The tip may not look like it, but it is actually pretty sharp. I am certain that it would able to carve wood excellently(if I ever get to using it). In fact, i even heard that a french family on holiday carved out an entire chess set out of logs using just the chisel, saw and knife on his SAK
Awl/Reamer with sewing eye:
It punches well, and through most materials, and the sewing eye could be used for some minor repairs.
Detachable Tools:
Mini-Screwdriver:
This clever little screwdriver fits neatly into the corkscrew and is fine enough to fit those pesky little screws on the joints of eyeglasses.
Straight Pin:
I don't think a pin can be reviewed, so i will just say that it serves its purpose.
Toothpick:
The plastic versions are way better than those old metal ones that they used back than.
Tweezers:
It came with the wood saw way back than, to remove the splinters received from woodwork.
Key Ring:
Being Pretty big for a key ring, it replaced the old shackles used.
Taking care of it:
Just lighty oil the joints and give it a good wipe every now and then and it should function fine. But beware, the joints and the inside of the knife will collect with dust and fluff after a while, so remember to remove it.
The bottom line:
If you're thinking of getting this knife, go ahead. If you're grappling between what knife to get, get this one. I assure you that it will not fail you. It is now at such a cheap price in amazon, which makes it even better to get this knife.
So there you have it: the Victorinox SwissChamp Plus
Please give your opinion, and feel free to point out my mistakes.
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