@@johnhenson4054 The corkscrew is way more useful & the drivers on the bottle & can openers are ironically better than the 3D phillips. It’s the bias towards “proper tools” that makes you perfer the 3D Phillips. The best phillips driver that victorinox makes is actually on the Rambler. If you really want a “proper” phillips, get the Rambler. It’s not uncommon to carry both a medium & small Victorinox for different, light to medium-duty tasks.
@@johnhenson4054 The best phillips Victorinox makes is ironically on the Rambler. The Climber is the best medium-sized SAK that Victorinox makes at the moment. The Rambler is likewise the best small-sized SAK Victorinox makes at the moment. It’s not uncommon to carry both a medium & small-sized SAK together for different purposes. If you have a specific job, trade or hobby, it’s best to use compact dedicated tools for that.
Guess I discovered this by accident. My 1st SAK, mid 70s, was a Champ picked up in Tijuana for ten bucks. Local leather worker made a belt pouch. I carried it EDC for a couple years.
Exacly .. i have explorer for that !! My swisschamp is now in my " personal museum " on my books shelf looool. I use it occasionally formini wood saw !
The best phillips driver Victorinox makes is surprisingly on the Rambler. If you really wanted to, you can carry both the Climber & the Rambler without any noticeable difference. As for a pair of pliers, the 4 inch xs cobra from Knipex comfortably fits inside a pair of jean’s small pocket (the pocket above the right-side pocket).
The Climber is probably the best value for money EDC victorinox knife. The only thing is it doesn't come stock with the plus scales (pin, pen, mini-screwdriver). But finding one used and replacing the stock scales with plus scales, makes in perfect. Considering it is cheaper than the Compact even if it has one more layer is pretty good.
You're right about the combotool. I used to carry a Compact until I had to face a larger Phillips screw (essentially the kryptonite of the combotool). So I tried the Climber (the one which I never before understood the appeal of) and that's when I realized the other upsides of it as opposed to the Compact. 3-layer SAKs are more comfortable in the hand than 2-layer ones. Two blades are better than one. I also found uses for the awl that's missing from the Compact. And even though the Climber doesn't have the ballpoint pen and the nailfile my Manager has both (they're even more comfortable to use than the ones on the Compact).
Agreed! The 3-layer feels like the perfect thickness for grip. And I love that damn little pen knife! I use it probably more than anything else. Although, like you I found a use for the awl (putting holes in te bottom of a flower pot.) And I'm a huge fan of the Manager. Very underrated little knife. I did a whole video on it.
I’ve carried a Climber for almost 20 years, but recently switched to the Compact. It is much more expensive, sure, but for my urban daily use, it has all I need and adds a (not great, but usable) nail file and I still didn’t come up a Philips screw that I couldn’t deal with the combotool. If outdoors, I still go with the Climber but most often choose the Handyman. I recently got a custom made Yeoman that I’m about to try EDC. The Compact is to the Climber as the Yeoman is to the Explorer: you got essentially the same capabilities, with one less layer (and losing the small blade and awl both of which I almost never need in the urban environment).
For me, the Explorer is the most underrated SAK, and my go-to EDC. It has an in-line Philips (so much better than the T-Philips IMO), scissors, two blades, the opening layer (better than the combo tool IMO), and even the corkscrew and awl regularly come in handy! I sometimes switch to my Compact when wearing shorts, but I’m surprised that not more people talk about the Explorer. I’ve even used its magnifying glass to read tiny text on labels.
I bought a Swisschamp a month ago as my 10th Victorinox, for a pretty good price to be honest as well and I am impressed by it, none of my other SAKs have metal file, inline Phillips or the pliers so I wanted to find out how good and useful those are, also I like that it fits no problem in the 5th pocket of my jeans. It only cost £8/$10 more than I'd pay for a Leatherman Squirt and it's much much better than one of those. But like you say, hardly anyone needs that entire toolset on a daily basis. Also I stopped buying pliers based multitools after buying my Knipex Cobra XS which I do like to have on me and I do use, maybe not every day, but a few times each week. Apart from that the tools I use most on SAKs are the blades, especially the small blade for opening packaging, the scissors, the bottle opener for bottles of Heineken and as a general pry bar, and the can opener as an occasional Phillips screwdriver and also for limited prying applications, it fits particularly well under the screwtop lid of a jar of pickles for example to release the air with that nice pop sound. So my Climber fits the bill for that. Mine is with black plus scales including a pen, with a pocket clip on the scales (not that SwissQlip which costs more than the knife). Together with the Knipex that's pretty much all I need for general urban EDC.
P.S. agree with you about the Compact, even though here in the UK I can get one for about the equivalent of about $42, not $60. Actually about the same as I paid for my Climber with the separate plus scales with pocket clip attached. But it lacks the small blade which I use a lot, the awl which is the most useful of the 3 back tools, and I think the combotool on it is even more awkward to use on Phillips screws than the combotool on my old style German Army Knife (not a Vic unfortunately). Liked this vid a lot and if you have more content like this I'll definitely subscribe.
yeah I haven't used the Compact myself but that I'm not sure I could deal with the combo tool. I do think for most people though it's probably just fine if the price wasn't so inflated
Yeah I love my Swisschamp, I use it at home all the time. It's just too boss for me to carry around. I tried for almost a year. The philips and the file are top notch--the saw too for that matter. As yes, I've been using the hell out of that pen knife on my Climber the past few weeks. I love that little knife. Sharp as hell out of the box and stays that way for a long time. I'm glad you also brought up the knipex. I bought a pair too and I agree 100%- would rather have them than a leatheman or the like.
I carried the climber for years & liked it but I always thought there was something better then I found the super tinker, it's the climber but with a Phillips screw driver, for me much more practical ❤
@Curly's Curated EDC Video Podcast the center fold Phillips has come in handy in most of my repairs around the house, it has saved, me from walking back to the toolbox many times, I find it more useful then the cork remover, but both are good to have , mahalo
I discovered the Climber about 18 months ago. I was using the Huntsman in my EDC, I had three and lost one. I went to buy a replacement, and saw the Cilmber, which is basically a Huntsman without the wood saw, which I have never ever used. After a few weeks carrying the Climber I was that impressed I added a set of titanium-alloy scales to replace the red cellidor scales. Purely a vanity thing, but I like the added heft the t-a scales bring. I also have an older Champ, with the grey plastic magnifier, but I don't carry that outside as I like the grey glass so much I'd be gutted if I lost it.
I know what you mean about the Alox scales. I looked at those knife and contemplated. I can do without the toothpick (most of us can) but I honestly use the tweezers enough that I went with the red. I am contemplating buying some black scales with grip off of Etsy.
Regarding the hygiene of the toothpick. 2 things. I have a titanium toothpick in a long capsule on a keyring I keep in my coat pocket with many other items on it. I use it quite a lot. I also carry a little spray bottle of 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol that I use for my hands, my glasses, general other things like cleaning glue off of blades and surfaces and I often use it to sanitise my toothpick. I just ordered a Climber and a Compact as I have a brother's birthday coming up and I can't decide which one to keep for myself.
SAK Climber with plus scales and you can use jigsaw blades with hack (carry the Leatherman t-shank file and saw) then pair it up with knipex 6” pliers (the ones with orange grips). Perfection
You are spot on about Victorinox quality... nothing else compares, even Leatherman. I carried a Leatherman Juice S2 for years, for the pliers. What I came to realize, is that I seriously don't need to have them. Nowadays, it's a Victorinox Explorer... great combination of all the tools you have plus an in line philips and a magnifying glass that I end up using more frequently than I ever thought.
I boil EDC down to this: There is what you definitely need. There is what you will need a few times a week. There is what you will need in a pinch. There is what you might need once a week or so. Then there is what you will need in an emergency. ....Some stuff on you and some in your vehicle. EDC for everyone is going to be different. Some only need a small knife. Some need a big multitool. Some need more. Some don't need anything but carry all the expensive/fancy EDC items they can just to try to look cool. I fall into the category of "Need More". Because I do bigger and heavier tasks as well as small and light tasks, I have ended up having to carry more. I also like to be prepared for emergencies. I ended up having to carry a multitool (like the wave but not a letherman), a Gerber Dime, a folding knife and a Vic Swiss Champ. I use each one at least five times a week and have used almost every tool on each. Then there is the stuff that I run into at least two or three times a week that, if I don't have, I need to run to a store to buy again because I never have it with me. But I already have a dozen+ at home. Duct Tape and electrical tape are perfect examples. It sucks to not have it and have to buy another roll in a pinch. I ended up with a lot of rolls of tape at home that had a few feet taken off of each. So now I carry 12 feet of each. I do have to carry a few other things with me as well. My backpack is a little heavy but it has nearly everything I need at least three times a week. Everything else is in my vehicle.
totally agree. If Victorinox made a model with, scissors and opener layer, maybe a corkscrew and hook and plus scales, I'd buy that for $20-$25 all day
I carry a Climber for about 2t years as my go to edc. Recently got the powerpint not as a replacement but an addition. The 1/4 driver and pliers mainly. But the Climber or Huntsman do 95% of anything i need
I don't think the Compact is over priced at all... 91 mm plus scales cost around 17.99$; large pen cost 3.79$; Climber cost 45$. Total before shipping: 66.78$ Compact : 59$ The Compact is reasonably priced. The best phillips offered by victorinox is the inline found on the rambler. So if we are really concerened about a phillips then the Rambler is a must own. I also own an explorer with an inline phillips, and it is subpar compared to the one on the Rambler. Attempted to tighten screw on a door knob with the explorer, and the explorer was just too bulky to properly tighten, but the Rambler worked like a charm.
The ranger is another under-appreciated model... it's much smaller and more compact than a champ, but has the saw and the file, as well as all of the back tools that the champ has... Good camping knife. (5 layer design)... (vs 8 on the champ, and 2 of those extra 3 layers are very thick (the pliers and 3d screwdriver layers)) looks like 7 because of the dividers, but I count the fish scaler layer as the 8th layer.
I believe the "density" difference you noticed when tapping is that non-plus scales have the cut out for the pen inside the scales still, but just don't have the opening. With the swisschamp that hole is filled with the pen. What you are hearing is the hollow pen slot inside the non-plus scales. As a side note, I now carry a climber with plus scales - in my opinion the best EDC victorinox
Climber is great for a tri-layers .hook, scissors.. . Explorer (quadri layers) is great too (climber+ magni-lens + phillips screwdriver in a compact ssize. 3 or 4 layers dont change handgip and maniability
Great video man I agree the climber is also my favorite, if you get a little bit older one the scissors layer won't have the parcel hook on the backside and it will just be a beautiful solid chrome back bar instead 🤌 also I recently did my first custom sak and I replaced the blade layer on it with the metal file.
The Hiker is identical to the Climber, but it has a Phillips screwdriver instead of the corkscrew. Infinitely more useful. I always replace the toothpick with a Firefly ferro rod.
125+ years of making Swiss precision tools, and up until recently, was the world leader in sheer number of knives made by a single company in the course of a year. Hard to argue with.
Yeah I was almost as torn on the saw as I was on the philips head. I pretty much never use the saw but its just damn cool. It's a great saw. But I guess I have my SwissChamp for that.
The Hide & Drink (H&D) leather belt pouch is perfect for the SwissChamp and it's really cheap on Amzn. I like to carry that and a mini champ, for complimentary coverage, in a zippered leather pouch with two knife/flashlight holding bands H&D also makes in my front pocket. I usually don't need most of the tools on the two champs, but man, when I do need a rare tool it's so much better to have them than not.
I think I might start keeping a "use journal" (or several) for keeping track of what I use on my SwissChamp. I might also extend the idea to other things like my clothes. The idea would be to go through it later and figure out what I need based on what I actually use.
I didn't like the Sog powerpoint as well. I think it has great pliers and is a great size. I also like the bit-end at the end. But the peripheral tools on the side aren't as good as Victorinox. Victorinox has better scissors, better knives, better files, better everything. The only thing the Sog had going for it was the pliers. But the tools of the SOG are brittle, sharp, dangerous and cheap looking. I think a dream tool is something like the Sog pliers with Victorinox peripherals.
The only bummer about the bit driver is having to carry around bits. It's a cleaver tool with a lot of short comings. The best solution I've found so far is a SAK with a pair of Knipex Cobras. Some other folks have said they do just this. That's a great combo. Have you tried the Knipex?
While I agree that the Compact is overpriced, you have to consider that they add the plus scales with pen, pin, and mini screwdriver into that price. Adding those 3 things to a $30 knife can end up being another $20-$30 with shipping. Still agree it should be cheaper though. Love my Climber, but using the can opener on phillips has proven to be annoying and tedious. So I started carrying the Explorer.
I carry a Handyman I've modified with Plus scales. I don't find too much difficulty carrying it, but it is hooked to my belt, hanging in my pocket, so it's different from just dropping it in a pocket. When I've tried dropping it in my pocket it has been a bit noticeable.
I recommend you take a look at the Evolution 14, which is lighter than the Climber but carries more tools. The Compact used to be my EDC, but I've been carrying the Evo 14 or Evo 17 for many months, and find myself more often able to deal with little problems as they arise, which is what a multi-tool is all about.
I love all victorinox models, but i went with the alox version farmer X, it feels sturdy, better grip doing outdoor stuff, blade is thicker also the big flathead/bottle opener, and in my honest opinion, i wouldnt buy a victorinox if it didnt have the scissor its really a must, they are incredible good!
I suggest you to add the Leatherman Rebar to the Climber. It's the best match: Locking tools, pliers, saw, file and long phillips from the Leatherman. Knife, scissors, hook, corkscrew, needle etc from the Climber. Resume: Quality and personal use: Vic. Tools and hard use: Leatherman
Appreciated your video. I did not know about the fire ant accessory. I think I might have to get a pack of them. I picked this knife up for %50 off at my local hardware store. I was curious to learn more about it. Glad I decided to get it. Thank you for the video.
I agree with you. I've been carrying the Climber for years and it's a great EDC knife/multitool. I'd like the try the Compact to see if I can notice the difference between 2 layers and 3.... but the prize of the Compact.... maaaan, maybe it is the pin, the pen and the mini screwdriver that make it so expensive.... u_u Great video anyways! Cheers!
if you like the 2d phillips on the climber, the classic sd screwdriver I believe also does 2d phillips. (don't get me wrong, I like the 91mm models myself cause I like the larger tools)
I have had a champ since 1997,unfortunatly it recently got lost 🤡,like you said on your champ video review i only used half of the tools and carry my EDC in my pocket so wrote out a list of what i used most and what 3 and 4 layered tools were on offer as i wanted to lighten and slim down the 'load',the 2 layered tools didnt quite do it for me and I narrowed it down to 2 knifes,the 3 layered climber and the 4 layered explorer both with the scale tools.i went for the explorer as it has the same tools as the climber but for the sake of another layer which i didnt feel much differnce in has the front end phillips which for me is useful,it also has the magnifying glass which like you i only look at my skin with 😂😂,at the end of the day you carry what works for you...great videos bud enjoyed watching them.......(p.s,as soon as my explorer landed i ordered the swiss champ too....need to have a champ in my life,it just wont live in my pocket😉😉😉)
When people compare prices between the Climber and the Compact they always seem to to the Climber at cut down price and the Compact at full retail. The Climber is £39, Compact £51 on Vic’s website. If you were to buy plus scales with the pen and pin then it would put the Climber at £55. I got the Compact for £34.95 inc. shipping. I’ve ran all the tools through the ringer and it’s still in perfect condition. I understand the hate that it got but the price point has always been skewed against the Compact.
@6:18 I disagree; the compact is not "very overpriced" it has plus scales and costs so much because it is hand-assembled, and it has the unique nail-file on the parcel hook (not found on any other SAK); installing the pin and pen is not automated, hence, these are more expensive to produce as is the Compact parcel hook. All plus-scale knives cost more. How much would you pay for a hand-assembled knife? @12:40 noted above Victorinox can't add the pin to knives that are machine produced that's why so few come with it. (Watch Jon Gadget's video of his Victorinox factory tour. Hand assembly is explained @4:40 through @5:48.) If you want to add a pin get a Dressmakers pin #22 size:20 1-1/4" long in Nickel-plated steel. For me, the Compact is the knife I carry just going around town. I have many SAKs to choose from... To each his own. For me, I love the compact, it was worth $59 to me and was not a rip-off owing to the unique features in a very compact-carry knife.
When you closed the spine tools, it caught on your keyring : if you put a smaller ring in place of the stock one, you shouldn't have that happen anymore.
I have a juice S2 by leatherman. Too bad they’re discontinued. Personally I’ve found it truly is everything you need. I can’t go victorionox because the pliers are too valuable to me.
I don’t think there’s any multi tool manufacturer that consistently comes close to the quality and for the price as Victorinox. There’s no perfect SAK for me the Electrician comes pretty close and the Nail Clip 580 is the only SAK I EDC all the time. Here’s a weird thing I just discovered: the Electrician Plus (super rare apparently) it was a wood saw ! 🤨 what an odd tool to put on an Electrician?! Now Victorinox have a made an Electrician with the file but it’s only available to members of a collectors club I believe. A file makes more sense than a saw. Now an Electrician X with scissors would sell the hot cakes flying off a shit covered shovel.
Excellent video and you keep doing you. I personally prefer the down to earth videos instead of the “this is the best thing since sliced bread” ones. I also like that you actually use your stuff and report back on how it does. Keep it up! I’m with ya on carrying less stuff in my pockets if I don’t have too. I’ve seen some people carry way too much stuff, in my opinion, that they don’t need. Finally, I too “layer” what I carry. Other, maybe bigger things, go in my Fanny pack or small sling bag.
Seriously, I see some load outs and I think where is your wheelbarrow! 🤣 Layering helps a ton, at the very least to calm the OCD parts of my brain. Thanks also for the encouragement. I figured some people would hate the format, but I enjoying doing them the way I do. I'm happy to hear some folks enjoy watching them too.
I don't think the Climber is "one of the least appreciated SAK's" at all.... It's quite the opposite, the Climber was always a best seller, way more than the Compact. The Compact only grew in popularity in the last decade or so, due to the internet, forums and youtube
I kinda like the disappearing in the pocket thing, but I watched you video and i kinda like the idea of having the climber on my waist band. Might give it a shot. Wish it didn't mean buying so many damn clips. 🤣
@@CurlysCurated Oh NOOOO, so many clips for all the things in your life. Lol. Works great for Bluetooth earbud cases, flashlights, knives, ect. I'm SURE you'll find a use for them, even if only for their actually purpose, cable management.
1 minute into the video and it's already a "I'm not saying anything, I'm not here to argue, I'm not here to be right"... Okay 🙂I'm not here to watch this video, I'm not here to comment, I'm not here to win, I'm here just to leave this comment and leave the video @00:50, bye.
you would probably love the SAK Yeoman but not the price for 1 now because they have long been retired for decades. It's a Compact with an extra layer with the phillips and magnifying glass. Stupidly over priced. $200-ish for 1.
Hey buddy 👊 I enjoyed your video, very authentic 👌 The Climber is such a great EDC 💪 I use the Tortoise 🐢 tinder & firesteel in mine, which enables you to still carry the micro screwdriver 🪛 😉 I think there is an embedded firestarting video near the end, or it may have been the Camper... If you're interested, the link is below: th-cam.com/video/rKqPpO56Tw0/w-d-xo.html&si=-3s4ksEPVKRkwY1Q Atb Gus 👍
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The climber is the best edc knife hands down. Been carrying one for 20 years everyday
That's a solid endorsement. I hope mine lasts just as long. Love it so far.
Yep, I have one for 17 years, best urban EDC knife!
I think the super tinker beats it due to the Phillips head
@@johnhenson4054
The corkscrew is way more useful & the drivers on the bottle & can openers are ironically better than the 3D phillips.
It’s the bias towards “proper tools” that makes you perfer the 3D Phillips.
The best phillips driver that victorinox makes is actually on the Rambler.
If you really want a “proper” phillips, get the Rambler.
It’s not uncommon to carry both a medium & small Victorinox for different, light to medium-duty tasks.
@@johnhenson4054
The best phillips Victorinox makes is ironically on the Rambler.
The Climber is the best medium-sized SAK that Victorinox makes at the moment.
The Rambler is likewise the best small-sized SAK Victorinox makes at the moment.
It’s not uncommon to carry both a medium & small-sized SAK together for different purposes.
If you have a specific job, trade or hobby, it’s best to use compact dedicated tools for that.
As I said : The Swiss Champ gives you a taste of all the tools, and then you can choose the ones you like and get the model that has what you want. 👍
you were 100% correct. Basically you have to discover what you actually use versus what sounds handy to have.
Guess I discovered this by accident. My 1st SAK, mid 70s, was a Champ picked up in Tijuana for ten bucks. Local leather worker made a belt pouch. I carried it EDC for a couple years.
@@dougbotimer8005 It's my EDC at work, where I repair medical equipment. Fantastic, compact, carry. Nice pick up, especially for the price. 👍
Exacly .. i have explorer for that !! My swisschamp is now in my " personal museum " on my books shelf looool. I use it occasionally formini wood saw !
The best phillips driver Victorinox makes is surprisingly on the Rambler.
If you really wanted to, you can carry both the Climber & the Rambler without any noticeable difference.
As for a pair of pliers, the 4 inch xs cobra from Knipex comfortably fits inside a pair of jean’s small pocket (the pocket above the right-side pocket).
The Climber is probably the best value for money EDC victorinox knife. The only thing is it doesn't come stock with the plus scales (pin, pen, mini-screwdriver). But finding one used and replacing the stock scales with plus scales, makes in perfect.
Considering it is cheaper than the Compact even if it has one more layer is pretty good.
You're right about the combotool. I used to carry a Compact until I had to face a larger Phillips screw (essentially the kryptonite of the combotool). So I tried the Climber (the one which I never before understood the appeal of) and that's when I realized the other upsides of it as opposed to the Compact.
3-layer SAKs are more comfortable in the hand than 2-layer ones. Two blades are better than one. I also found uses for the awl that's missing from the Compact. And even though the Climber doesn't have the ballpoint pen and the nailfile my Manager has both (they're even more comfortable to use than the ones on the Compact).
Agreed! The 3-layer feels like the perfect thickness for grip. And I love that damn little pen knife! I use it probably more than anything else. Although, like you I found a use for the awl (putting holes in te bottom of a flower pot.)
And I'm a huge fan of the Manager. Very underrated little knife. I did a whole video on it.
I’ve carried a Climber for almost 20 years, but recently switched to the Compact. It is much more expensive, sure, but for my urban daily use, it has all I need and adds a (not great, but usable) nail file and I still didn’t come up a Philips screw that I couldn’t deal with the combotool.
If outdoors, I still go with the Climber but most often choose the Handyman.
I recently got a custom made Yeoman that I’m about to try EDC. The Compact is to the Climber as the Yeoman is to the Explorer: you got essentially the same capabilities, with one less layer (and losing the small blade and awl both of which I almost never need in the urban environment).
For me, the Explorer is the most underrated SAK, and my go-to EDC. It has an in-line Philips (so much better than the T-Philips IMO), scissors, two blades, the opening layer (better than the combo tool IMO), and even the corkscrew and awl regularly come in handy! I sometimes switch to my Compact when wearing shorts, but I’m surprised that not more people talk about the Explorer. I’ve even used its magnifying glass to read tiny text on labels.
I bought a Swisschamp a month ago as my 10th Victorinox, for a pretty good price to be honest as well and I am impressed by it, none of my other SAKs have metal file, inline Phillips or the pliers so I wanted to find out how good and useful those are, also I like that it fits no problem in the 5th pocket of my jeans. It only cost £8/$10 more than I'd pay for a Leatherman Squirt and it's much much better than one of those. But like you say, hardly anyone needs that entire toolset on a daily basis. Also I stopped buying pliers based multitools after buying my Knipex Cobra XS which I do like to have on me and I do use, maybe not every day, but a few times each week. Apart from that the tools I use most on SAKs are the blades, especially the small blade for opening packaging, the scissors, the bottle opener for bottles of Heineken and as a general pry bar, and the can opener as an occasional Phillips screwdriver and also for limited prying applications, it fits particularly well under the screwtop lid of a jar of pickles for example to release the air with that nice pop sound. So my Climber fits the bill for that. Mine is with black plus scales including a pen, with a pocket clip on the scales (not that SwissQlip which costs more than the knife). Together with the Knipex that's pretty much all I need for general urban EDC.
P.S. agree with you about the Compact, even though here in the UK I can get one for about the equivalent of about $42, not $60. Actually about the same as I paid for my Climber with the separate plus scales with pocket clip attached. But it lacks the small blade which I use a lot, the awl which is the most useful of the 3 back tools, and I think the combotool on it is even more awkward to use on Phillips screws than the combotool on my old style German Army Knife (not a Vic unfortunately). Liked this vid a lot and if you have more content like this I'll definitely subscribe.
yeah I haven't used the Compact myself but that I'm not sure I could deal with the combo tool. I do think for most people though it's probably just fine if the price wasn't so inflated
Yeah I love my Swisschamp, I use it at home all the time. It's just too boss for me to carry around. I tried for almost a year. The philips and the file are top notch--the saw too for that matter. As yes, I've been using the hell out of that pen knife on my Climber the past few weeks. I love that little knife. Sharp as hell out of the box and stays that way for a long time.
I'm glad you also brought up the knipex. I bought a pair too and I agree 100%- would rather have them than a leatheman or the like.
I carried the climber for years & liked it but I always thought there was something better then I found the super tinker, it's the climber but with a Phillips screw driver, for me much more practical ❤
basically the closest knife possible. How that center-fold philips worked out for you? I was never a fan myself.
@Curly's Curated EDC Video Podcast the center fold Phillips has come in handy in most of my repairs around the house, it has saved, me from walking back to the toolbox many times, I find it more useful then the cork remover, but both are good to have , mahalo
I discovered the Climber about 18 months ago. I was using the Huntsman in my EDC, I had three and lost one. I went to buy a replacement, and saw the Cilmber, which is basically a Huntsman without the wood saw, which I have never ever used. After a few weeks carrying the Climber I was that impressed I added a set of titanium-alloy scales to replace the red cellidor scales. Purely a vanity thing, but I like the added heft the t-a scales bring. I also have an older Champ, with the grey plastic magnifier, but I don't carry that outside as I like the grey glass so much I'd be gutted if I lost it.
I know what you mean about the Alox scales. I looked at those knife and contemplated. I can do without the toothpick (most of us can) but I honestly use the tweezers enough that I went with the red. I am contemplating buying some black scales with grip off of Etsy.
Climber is my wife's garden knife. Trimming stems, leaves, cutting weeds, ect. Sleek little thing.
Yeah, I kinda love it
Regarding the hygiene of the toothpick. 2 things. I have a titanium toothpick in a long capsule on a keyring I keep in my coat pocket with many other items on it. I use it quite a lot. I also carry a little spray bottle of 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol that I use for my hands, my glasses, general other things like cleaning glue off of blades and surfaces and I often use it to sanitise my toothpick.
I just ordered a Climber and a Compact as I have a brother's birthday coming up and I can't decide which one to keep for myself.
SAK Climber with plus scales and you can use jigsaw blades with hack (carry the Leatherman t-shank file and saw) then pair it up with knipex 6” pliers (the ones with orange grips). Perfection
You are spot on about Victorinox quality... nothing else compares, even Leatherman. I carried a Leatherman Juice S2 for years, for the pliers. What I came to realize, is that I seriously don't need to have them. Nowadays, it's a Victorinox Explorer... great combination of all the tools you have plus an in line philips and a magnifying glass that I end up using more frequently than I ever thought.
I boil EDC down to this:
There is what you definitely need.
There is what you will need a few times a week.
There is what you will need in a pinch.
There is what you might need once a week or so.
Then there is what you will need in an emergency.
....Some stuff on you and some in your vehicle.
EDC for everyone is going to be different. Some only need a small knife. Some need a big multitool. Some need more. Some don't need anything but carry all the expensive/fancy EDC items they can just to try to look cool.
I fall into the category of "Need More".
Because I do bigger and heavier tasks as well as small and light tasks, I have ended up having to carry more. I also like to be prepared for emergencies.
I ended up having to carry a multitool (like the wave but not a letherman), a Gerber Dime, a folding knife and a Vic Swiss Champ.
I use each one at least five times a week and have used almost every tool on each.
Then there is the stuff that I run into at least two or three times a week that, if I don't have, I need to run to a store to buy again because I never have it with me. But I already have a dozen+ at home.
Duct Tape and electrical tape are perfect examples. It sucks to not have it and have to buy another roll in a pinch. I ended up with a lot of rolls of tape at home that had a few feet taken off of each. So now I carry 12 feet of each.
I do have to carry a few other things with me as well.
My backpack is a little heavy but it has nearly everything I need at least three times a week.
Everything else is in my vehicle.
totally agree.
If Victorinox made a model with, scissors and opener layer, maybe a corkscrew and hook and plus scales, I'd buy that for $20-$25 all day
I carry a Climber for about 2t years as my go to edc. Recently got the powerpint not as a replacement but an addition. The 1/4 driver and pliers mainly. But the Climber or Huntsman do 95% of anything i need
I don't think the Compact is over priced at all...
91 mm plus scales cost around 17.99$; large pen cost 3.79$; Climber cost 45$.
Total before shipping: 66.78$
Compact : 59$
The Compact is reasonably priced.
The best phillips offered by victorinox is the inline found on the rambler. So if we are really concerened about a phillips then the Rambler is a must own.
I also own an explorer with an inline phillips, and it is subpar compared to the one on the Rambler. Attempted to tighten screw on a door knob with the explorer, and the explorer was just too bulky to properly tighten, but the Rambler worked like a charm.
The ranger is another under-appreciated model... it's much smaller and more compact than a champ, but has the saw and the file, as well as all of the back tools that the champ has... Good camping knife. (5 layer design)... (vs 8 on the champ, and 2 of those extra 3 layers are very thick (the pliers and 3d screwdriver layers)) looks like 7 because of the dividers, but I count the fish scaler layer as the 8th layer.
Totally agree its literally 2mm thicker then the huntsman 21g heavier but its worth having that file/nail clleaner/metal saw and chisel.
I believe the "density" difference you noticed when tapping is that non-plus scales have the cut out for the pen inside the scales still, but just don't have the opening. With the swisschamp that hole is filled with the pen. What you are hearing is the hollow pen slot inside the non-plus scales. As a side note, I now carry a climber with plus scales - in my opinion the best EDC victorinox
Interesting,in theory you could diy cut an opening for the pen in non plus scales?
Climber is great for a tri-layers .hook, scissors.. . Explorer (quadri layers) is great too (climber+ magni-lens + phillips screwdriver in a compact ssize. 3 or 4 layers dont change handgip and maniability
Great video man I agree the climber is also my favorite, if you get a little bit older one the scissors layer won't have the parcel hook on the backside and it will just be a beautiful solid chrome back bar instead 🤌 also I recently did my first custom sak and I replaced the blade layer on it with the metal file.
I carry a Huntsman. I used the saw at work today to breakdown a 3 meter wooden crate.
The Hiker is identical to the Climber, but it has a Phillips screwdriver instead of the corkscrew. Infinitely more useful. I always replace the toothpick with a Firefly ferro rod.
You mean the Super Tinker?
125+ years of making Swiss precision tools, and up until recently, was the world leader in sheer number of knives made by a single company in the course of a year. Hard to argue with.
agreed!
Wouldn't work for me. My needs always change..... So I have to many knives now
Vicky seldom makes mistakes
The World Leader
The Fieldmaster is my goto. Being able to cut wood & pvc , coconuts etc is cool! :) or the Evogrip.
Yeah I was almost as torn on the saw as I was on the philips head. I pretty much never use the saw but its just damn cool. It's a great saw. But I guess I have my SwissChamp for that.
The Hide & Drink (H&D) leather belt pouch is perfect for the SwissChamp and it's really cheap on Amzn. I like to carry that and a mini champ, for complimentary coverage, in a zippered leather pouch with two knife/flashlight holding bands H&D also makes in my front pocket. I usually don't need most of the tools on the two champs, but man, when I do need a rare tool it's so much better to have them than not.
I think I might start keeping a "use journal" (or several) for keeping track of what I use on my SwissChamp. I might also extend the idea to other things like my clothes. The idea would be to go through it later and figure out what I need based on what I actually use.
I didn't like the Sog powerpoint as well. I think it has great pliers and is a great size. I also like the bit-end at the end. But the peripheral tools on the side aren't as good as Victorinox. Victorinox has better scissors, better knives, better files, better everything. The only thing the Sog had going for it was the pliers. But the tools of the SOG are brittle, sharp, dangerous and cheap looking. I think a dream tool is something like the Sog pliers with Victorinox peripherals.
The only bummer about the bit driver is having to carry around bits. It's a cleaver tool with a lot of short comings. The best solution I've found so far is a SAK with a pair of Knipex Cobras. Some other folks have said they do just this. That's a great combo. Have you tried the Knipex?
I do like/prefer the corkscrew for urban/camping use. It’s part of my everyday.
While I agree that the Compact is overpriced, you have to consider that they add the plus scales with pen, pin, and mini screwdriver into that price. Adding those 3 things to a $30 knife can end up being another $20-$30 with shipping. Still agree it should be cheaper though.
Love my Climber, but using the can opener on phillips has proven to be annoying and tedious. So I started carrying the Explorer.
I carry a Handyman I've modified with Plus scales.
I don't find too much difficulty carrying it, but it is hooked to my belt, hanging in my pocket, so it's different from just dropping it in a pocket.
When I've tried dropping it in my pocket it has been a bit noticeable.
I recommend you take a look at the Evolution 14, which is lighter than the Climber but carries more tools. The Compact used to be my EDC, but I've been carrying the Evo 14 or Evo 17 for many months, and find myself more often able to deal with little problems as they arise, which is what a multi-tool is all about.
I love the S14 but the scissors are not that good. I do love the locking feature
I love all victorinox models, but i went with the alox version farmer X, it feels sturdy, better grip doing outdoor stuff, blade is thicker also the big flathead/bottle opener, and in my honest opinion, i wouldnt buy a victorinox if it didnt have the scissor its really a must, they are incredible good!
A while back, I had a victorianox that had no blade. I also believe they do some TSA safe products with no blade.
I suggest you to add the Leatherman Rebar to the Climber. It's the best match:
Locking tools, pliers, saw, file and long phillips from the Leatherman.
Knife, scissors, hook, corkscrew, needle etc from the Climber.
Resume: Quality and personal use: Vic. Tools and hard use: Leatherman
Appreciated your video. I did not know about the fire ant accessory. I think I might have to get a pack of them. I picked this knife up for %50 off at my local hardware store. I was curious to learn more about it. Glad I decided to get it. Thank you for the video.
My Climber is nice, but I prefer the Huntsman. My current EDC is the Alox Farmer X.
I agree with you. I've been carrying the Climber for years and it's a great EDC knife/multitool. I'd like the try the Compact to see if I can notice the difference between 2 layers and 3.... but the prize of the Compact.... maaaan, maybe it is the pin, the pen and the mini screwdriver that make it so expensive.... u_u Great video anyways! Cheers!
unless you live in a chateu in the french countryside the climber makes no sense when the super tinker replaces the cork screw for a philips
if you like the 2d phillips on the climber, the classic sd screwdriver I believe also does 2d phillips. (don't get me wrong, I like the 91mm models myself cause I like the larger tools)
I have had a champ since 1997,unfortunatly it recently got lost 🤡,like you said on your champ video review i only used half of the tools and carry my EDC in my pocket so wrote out a list of what i used most and what 3 and 4 layered tools were on offer as i wanted to lighten and slim down the 'load',the 2 layered tools didnt quite do it for me and
I narrowed it down to 2 knifes,the 3 layered climber and the 4 layered explorer both with the scale tools.i went for the explorer as it has the same tools as the climber but for the sake of another layer which i didnt feel much differnce in has the front end phillips which for me is useful,it also has the magnifying glass which like you i only look at my skin with 😂😂,at the end of the day you carry what works for you...great videos bud enjoyed watching them.......(p.s,as soon as my explorer landed i ordered the swiss champ too....need to have a champ in my life,it just wont live in my pocket😉😉😉)
When people compare prices between the Climber and the Compact they always seem to to the Climber at cut down price and the Compact at full retail. The Climber is £39, Compact £51 on Vic’s website. If you were to buy plus scales with the pen and pin then it would put the Climber at £55. I got the Compact for £34.95 inc. shipping. I’ve ran all the tools through the ringer and it’s still in perfect condition. I understand the hate that it got but the price point has always been skewed against the Compact.
I have glasses so wanted to keep the micro screwdriver, so use the corkscrew tinder and Firefly fire steel replacing the toothpick.
@6:18 I disagree; the compact is not "very overpriced" it has plus scales and costs so much because it is hand-assembled, and it has the unique nail-file on the parcel hook (not found on any other SAK); installing the pin and pen is not automated, hence, these are more expensive to produce as is the Compact parcel hook. All plus-scale knives cost more. How much would you pay for a hand-assembled knife?
@12:40 noted above Victorinox can't add the pin to knives that are machine produced that's why so few come with it. (Watch Jon Gadget's video of his Victorinox factory tour. Hand assembly is explained @4:40 through @5:48.) If you want to add a pin get a Dressmakers pin #22 size:20 1-1/4" long in Nickel-plated steel.
For me, the Compact is the knife I carry just going around town. I have many SAKs to choose from... To each his own. For me, I love the compact, it was worth $59 to me and was not a rip-off owing to the unique features in a very compact-carry knife.
When you closed the spine tools, it caught on your keyring : if you put a smaller ring in place of the stock one, you shouldn't have that happen anymore.
I think I'll probably just through a lanyard on there like all my other Swisses. Seems to keep the ring out of the way.
I appreciate the podcast talk. Amazon sells stuff, you don't. 👍
It' so boooooring. Everybody basically making ads. 😆
Tinker small is my go too
soooo similar. Plus I like the name Tinker better. Sounds cooler.
The compact cost so much because it’s a two layer making it lighter and is a very popular EDC knife.
Yeah it's pretty much a hype tax. Kind of a bummer it would be a great knife at $30, but at 60 its a rip-off
Thumbs up for the chill voice and doing things your own way :)
Actually Victorinox gives you a lifetime warranty as well and their service is awesome! 😉
Have you seen the Knipex XS pliers? They’re perfect minimalist edc.and would beautifully compliment a victorinox.
CLIMBER WITH PLUS SCALES is best for edc
I have a juice S2 by leatherman. Too bad they’re discontinued. Personally I’ve found it truly is everything you need. I can’t go victorionox because the pliers are too valuable to me.
No worries buddy! Do what u do best! Respect!👍
Thanks 👍
Why not trying the Super Tinker. It’s my EDC and is just perfect. But if you also need a hand saw you could try the Hiker.
I don’t think there’s any multi tool manufacturer that consistently comes close to the quality and for the price as Victorinox.
There’s no perfect SAK for me the Electrician comes pretty close and the Nail Clip 580 is the only SAK I EDC all the time.
Here’s a weird thing I just discovered: the Electrician Plus (super rare apparently) it was a wood saw ! 🤨 what an odd tool to put on an Electrician?! Now Victorinox have a made an Electrician with the file but it’s only available to members of a collectors club I believe. A file makes more sense than a saw.
Now an Electrician X with scissors would sell the hot cakes flying off a shit covered shovel.
I love the Camper,it has the wood saw 👍
Excellent video and you keep doing you. I personally prefer the down to earth videos instead of the “this is the best thing since sliced bread” ones. I also like that you actually use your stuff and report back on how it does. Keep it up!
I’m with ya on carrying less stuff in my pockets if I don’t have too. I’ve seen some people carry way too much stuff, in my opinion, that they don’t need.
Finally, I too “layer” what I carry. Other, maybe bigger things, go in my Fanny pack or small sling bag.
Seriously, I see some load outs and I think where is your wheelbarrow! 🤣 Layering helps a ton, at the very least to calm the OCD parts of my brain.
Thanks also for the encouragement. I figured some people would hate the format, but I enjoying doing them the way I do. I'm happy to hear some folks enjoy watching them too.
I don't think the Climber is "one of the least appreciated SAK's" at all.... It's quite the opposite, the Climber was always a best seller, way more than the Compact. The Compact only grew in popularity in the last decade or so, due to the internet, forums and youtube
Have you seen my video on adding a pocket clip to your Vic's? Might help you get more pocket time with either the Champ or Climber. 🤓
I kinda like the disappearing in the pocket thing, but I watched you video and i kinda like the idea of having the climber on my waist band. Might give it a shot. Wish it didn't mean buying so many damn clips. 🤣
@@CurlysCurated Oh NOOOO, so many clips for all the things in your life. Lol. Works great for Bluetooth earbud cases, flashlights, knives, ect. I'm SURE you'll find a use for them, even if only for their actually purpose, cable management.
I always carry more than one. Always!🕵️♂️
Pair it with the Knipex cobra xs.
Try the mini champ
Climder nice tull.
I like long videos!
Hi Friend! 👋
🌊
1 minute into the video and it's already a "I'm not saying anything, I'm not here to argue, I'm not here to be right"... Okay 🙂I'm not here to watch this video, I'm not here to comment, I'm not here to win, I'm here just to leave this comment and leave the video @00:50, bye.
you would probably love the SAK Yeoman but not the price for 1 now because they have long been retired for decades. It's a Compact with an extra layer with the phillips and magnifying glass. Stupidly over priced. $200-ish for 1.
OMFG 9 minutes to get to the point of the video!
Compact new in canada is about 75$ 🤬
Hey buddy 👊
I enjoyed your video, very authentic 👌
The Climber is such a great EDC 💪
I use the Tortoise 🐢 tinder & firesteel in mine, which enables you to still carry the micro screwdriver 🪛 😉
I think there is an embedded firestarting video near the end, or it may have been the Camper...
If you're interested, the link is below:
th-cam.com/video/rKqPpO56Tw0/w-d-xo.html&si=-3s4ksEPVKRkwY1Q
Atb Gus 👍