Swisschamp Ease of Opening?

[jday2727]

Hi everyone, I've been wondering about getting a SC, but I keep my nails pretty short and don't have real skinny fingers. Before I drop the $, what do you guys think?

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[NetsNJ]

If it is new I really don't think you'll have a problem.  None of the tools are nail breakers on a well maintained swiss champ, but the chisel on the back or awl might be the hardest to extract.  It is a well designed tool, all the tools are placed in ways that are accessible.  (For example, the inline phillips is often difficult to extract on a Wenger, I've never had that problem on a Vic though.)

With a used champ, it really depends on how well it was maintained.  They can be nail breakers but almost always can be brought back to opening with ease with some cleaning and lubing. 

[SAK Guy]

If it is new I really don't think you'll have a problem.  None of the tools are nail breakers on a well maintained swiss champ, but the chisel on the back or awl might be the hardest to extract.  It is a well designed tool, all the tools are placed in ways that are accessible.  (For example, the inline phillips is often difficult to extract on a Wenger, I've never had that problem on a Vic though.)

With a used champ, it really depends on how well it was maintained.  They can be nail breakers but almost always can be brought back to opening with ease with some cleaning and lubing.

Good advice!!! 

I keep my nails short and have RA but have never had a problem with a SC.

[Poncho65]

The tools open up great on mine as well I also keep my fingernails very short

[Aloha]

I also have short nails and non skinny fingers  .  The implements are easy to deploy on my well worn SC.  I will agree however with NetsNJ about the backside tools.  Its such a great SAK.   

[spydutch]

So glad this quesion came up. Was about to ask myself
The thing that keeps me from carrying my SC more often is that it's hard for my big fat thumb with very short nail to open the main blade.
Rest of the tools no problem.

My digit(??) keeps hitting the top of the loupe/ bottle opener preventing me to get a good purchase on the nail nick.



You see? 

Maybe my hands are too big (or my thumb too short  ) for the Champ 

Still  great SAK though 

[Poncho65]

Sometimes I turn the knife around and use my pointer finger nail to access the main blade A little awkward at first but it does the job

[spydutch]

Sometimes I turn the knife around and use my pointer finger nail to access the main blade A little awkward at first but it does the job

Found that out as well, but like you said, a bit awkward and hurting when doing repeatedly (sp?)
But thanx 

[Gohard]

Use my LM to open the SC

[Poncho65]

Use my LM to open the SC

That is definitely from a MT.orger

Using a tool to open another tool

[Smashie]

On a serious note I've found the SC to one of the easiest to open

[JamesJ]

My SwissChamp was new when I got it, smooth and oiled from the factory, but I too have issues with the chisel and awl as well as the thumb issue on the main blade. I don't often use the chisel or main blade on it though. I can always get the tools out without resorting to using another tool.

The main blade is slightly awkward to actually use as well, due to the width of the knife, but it's not impossible.

I've got a Craftsman on the way and I'm curious to see how that feels in hand compared to the SwissChamp.

[Gohard]

Use my LM to open the SC

That is definitely from a MT.orger

Using a tool to open another tool

The tool takes a tool to open a tool?

[shibafu]

That is definitely from a MT.orger

Using a tool to open another tool

They make a special tool for it:
http://www.knifesupply.com/winchester-knife-opener.html
Here's another one:
http://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/roughrider.html

[Gath]

Well  I don't have any problems opening any tools on my SwissChamp and my hand aren't big nor are my nails long. Your nails do toughen up in time, but  the most important thing about using nail nicks in my opinion is technique. you want to keep the knife firmly on your other hand and apply firm pressure to the nick with your nail , preferably so it digs in securely to the upper inner corner of the nick, this way the nick contours to your nail and your nail won't bend as it's supported by your finger on the other side, the tool on the other. this is also part of the light difficulty with the awl and back small screwdriver, as you don't quite have room to use the proper angle from the start.

Mine was indeed a nail breaker when I got it though, had to open some tool with pliers the first few times soaking the gunk, but after a thorough wash and drying and a generous oiling all tools are as good as new. See picture attached for my hand size, my SwissChamp for scale.

[DaveK]

I use the left-side of my right thumbnail to open SAK blades. I never realised that until I just took notice after reading this thread.

I used to bite my nails until they hurt though, and can't recall any issues opening my Swiss champ.

Just get one and have done with it 

[twiliter]

Sometimes I turn the knife around and use my pointer finger nail to access the main blade A little awkward at first but it does the job

This is how I open Pioneer X scissors, pointer finger, it does take some getting used to. Right thumbnail for every other nail nick I have ever used, including the SwissChamp, which is easy with short nails. Old Soldiers (pre '61) are the hardest ones I ever tried. Also, 93mm springs are a little stiffer than 91's by comparison, so if you can open a Pioneer, a SwissChamp should be no problem. 

[Poncho65]

I use the left-side of my right thumbnail to open SAK blades. I never realised that until I just took notice after reading this thread.

I used to bite my nails until they hurt though, and can't recall any issues opening my Swiss champ.

Just get one and have done with it 

I think this may be why I don't usually have trouble opening knives even when my finger nails are very short

[Poncho65]

That is definitely from a MT.orger

Using a tool to open another tool

They make a special tool for it:
http://www.knifesupply.com/winchester-knife-opener.html
Here's another one:
http://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/roughrider.html

Thanks for the links and yes I do also believe that Case and a couple more make picks as well

[Poncho65]

Sometimes I turn the knife around and use my pointer finger nail to access the main blade A little awkward at first but it does the job

This is how I open Pioneer X scissors, pointer finger, it does take some getting used to. Right thumbnail for every other nail nick I have ever used, including the SwissChamp, which is easy with short nails. Old Soldiers (pre '61) are the hardest ones I ever tried. Also, 93mm springs are a little stiffer than 91's by comparison, so if you can open a Pioneer, a SwissChamp should be no problem. 

I did forget to mention that I mainly have to do this after I cut my fingernails very short

[AlephZero]

I use my left hand thumbnail to open the tools, never had any issues