A very interesting video because for me, I'm 'medical' in a helicopter emergency service where once I performed minor surgery on a casualty who had a fish bone caught in his throat. I used an SAK awl with some fine thread to ease out the offender, took a while though the casualty was sedated. ...I have a number of SAKs, but this mini champ has definitely got my interest, and not just for peeling oranges! 😋 Regarding the nail file tool, I used a fine diamond rod to make an angled edge in one side so the tool could easily be used to cut the jacket of copper wire. Also I carry a small magnet situated , ie behind the corkscrew because magnets always come in handy and you can magnetize a philips of flathead driver. Wishing you all the best, Wendi UK. 🌻 PS. Toothpaste will polish off most scratches on the red plastic scales, also clean to a shine some blades.
One trick I've learned with the MiniChamp is to fold out both the bottle opener and the nail file for some added stability when cutting with any of the blades. It sounds silly but try it! Each of the two tools will essentially counteract the folding mechanism of the other and they're not going anywhere. The added length effectively makes the mini a full-sized Victorinox and it'll sit quite firmly in your hand.
Sur ces mini couteaux une bonne solution est d'utiliser une boucle en cordelette sur l'anneau : on passe le petit doigt dedans et ça permet de positionner le couteau fermement en bout de main pour peler une pomme ...
Couldnt see anyone else say it but might have missed it. The Wire cutter is actually used in combination with the knife. The wirestripper keeps the cable in place, then you let the knife "fall on" the wire. Turn the Wire around and pull :)
Forgive me if I missed you mentioning, but FWIW the combo tool ( w/the phillips driver), is also slightly magnetized. It's a nice little handy plus as well.
Thanks so much for the history of the physicians knife and the incorporation of some of the tools into the mini champ alox. It adds provenance to the evolution of the current knife. Well done!
As an urban carry, the pen is mightier than the knife. A pen earned its importance at the bank when someone has stolen the last pen or the remaining pen is being used by an extremely slow user. The pen earns its place when the waitress has delivered the bill to your table but given an overworked pen without ink. I carried that attractive Alox Classic for years until I finally surrendered to plastic scales.
@@JonGadget The cellidor scaled version of this also has the pen on one side and a red LED flashlight on the other side. It's called the Midnite Minichamp.
Felix Immler showed a trick using the toothpick on the nail nick to open up the SAK if you have broken/weak nails, or your hands are disabled in some way.
I've carried the base mini champ for years and I love it. I've always thought about pulling the trigger on the Alox version but I just haven't been able to justify it since my current SAK is still a workhorse. The hooked blade is an excellent package opener and an overkill letter opener. One day I'll buy one but for now, I'll stick with old faithful.
Excellent video on the Alox Mini Champ. I have the red handle version and like it a lot, although I don't carry it much. I am a retired nurse and regarding the "cuticle pusher". That blade can be seen on many versions of the old "Doctors pocket knives" and from my research, I believe that it was indeed originally for scooping powders for perscription mixing. The pill counting/separating came along later. Again, thank you for another great, informative video.
Comment #2: The 'cuticle pusher' isn't the most useless tool at all. I normally use it to scoop lip balm when it falls below the tube line. You know when that happens and you can no longer apply the lip balm? You can use that tool to scoop it up. When it comes to creativity, the sky is the limit. There are no useless tools on a Victorinox knife. The name 'cuticle pusher' is misleading.
Great review, Jon! Loved the history behind the medical tools. I feel the orange peeler would also be excellent as a fish gutting tool in a pinch. Can easily hook in and open the belly without getting into all the gunkies
I actually carry a midnight mini champ myself. It’s truly one of my favorite mini tools, what with the pen and all. If you extend the main screwdriver it makes it a full sized pen to write with, the light is bright enough to help you around in a dark place, and the rest of the tools have seen good use.
I really appreciated the history of where the tools originated. I purchased the midnite manager and I'm currently waiting for its arrival. love the versatility of having the toothpick and tweezers but the ALOX does look the business. Great review mate.
First of all, its an AMAZING review! But what probably is more important for you, your video is fantastic! Audio, Lighting, Background, Cuts, Close-Ups, Content, just every little thing seems perfect! Cheers from the Victorinox Country, Switzerland
Hi Dave, thanks for the feedback, that's really nice to hear, it does take a long time to edit these videos so I'm really happy when people take time to let me know they appreciate it 🙏
Carried a black one on my keychain for many years, it had aged really well for the disproportional abuse it has received over the years. The black coating was gone but it had some character. After I moved to Vietnam I kept it with a carabiner at my moped key for some time and just noticed I lost them. Watched this great review while shopping for similar tools. Decided to buy another one at the end of the day. Thanks for the content and hope the person who found it on the street also puts it to some good use.
@@JonGadget Forgot to mention. You can deploy that useless spatula to extend the length of the handle, specially for the precision blade. As they open in different directions it will not close on itself. I find this useful not to give me more grip but to have more control when doing detailed work. The spatula resting on the back of your hand gives more stabilisation. Great work, keep them coming!
Hi! Just found this amazing channel! I’m a Swiss Army knife enthusiast since i was a 8 years old scout and Mcgyver fan… I own different Victorinox, the huntsman, the camper, the cadet alox and this mini champ alox… this particular knife has a story, I bought it when I got lifetime job as “prize” and memorabilia. I bring it everywhere with a necklace, its my daily pocket knife, cause in Italy is not recommended to bring a “larger” knife like the 91/84 mm ones… there is not indeed a misure that is considered 100% legal, it depends on circumstances and places you are in, eg. when you are in public offices or banks they are not allowed 😢. I wanted to share a bit of my love for the victorinox and in particular this model and to thank you for the great amazing channel… Saluti dall’Italia 🇮🇹 ❤️ 🇬🇧
Fwiw, the cuticle-pusher/coke-spoon also works excellently at cleaning out earwax, if you have the dry type (sorry if that’s tmi). I have used the little metal cuticle pushers that come with cheap nail kits for years for this purpose; it’s great to see it incorporated into a keychain tool I can keep on my person.
Great description of this tool but that "orange peeler" is actually part of the emergency cricothyrototomy procedure. The precision blade is used to make the first incision through the skin and the first puncture in the intercostal space right below the Adam's apple. The pointed hook is to jab through that space and 'hook' the cartilage so it can be pulled open enough to place the tube of a ball point pen as an emergency breathing tube. I was a medic in the army. Great videos too btw. Really like your ability to maximize effectiveness and efficiency with the space given. Subscribed 👍
Thanks really fascinating Trace - thanks for the feedback - presumably this cuts through the cartilage as you pull it out? Thanks for also for the sub 👍
The medical powder tool is actually quite accurate. Back in those days, capsules weren’t around. So many meds came in powder that was just in a bottle. The med was dispensed in scoops (the powder tool) and was then mixed in either tea or alcohol and drank. So, not to fill capsules but rather dose “pre-capsule”. As a healthcare provider, I think I need one of these for nostalgia sake. I have so many SAKs as it is, so why not. Great vid, thank you 👍
You really need to start getting royalties from Victorinox because this is the 3rd video I've watched that resulted in an almost immediate buy. Well done and keep it up
So, that's it, I was going to get my first Victorinox SAK today, and I had bought the Classic SD Alox, then I decided to look around for reviews, and after your video I cancelled the purchase and I'm now getting an Alox Minichamp. Really good review.
Although I love the completeness of the mini champ in 58 mm department. I believe that the rambler manager is a better suit for the size paired with nitecore tube. I had a rambler and swapped the pen scales of a signature into it making a DIY Victorinox Manager. I feel like for the most of the job it does have the most useful tools. Recently save a life with its help.
Amazing video again, Jon Gadget! I had no idea the Alox would be this much thinner. Got it on the wishlist now I would also like to point out that I appreciate the timestamps a lot 😌
Thanks Eyal as always. Great to get your feedback. Also, good to know you like the time stamps as it takes a bit of time and an extra step to get these in. I think sometimes people just want to jump to the conclusion which is fine by me.
@@JonGadget You know what, this SAK isn't leaving my head. I use this type of flat spoon (we call it "lab spatula" here) about twice a week to measure powders on a scale in my labaratory, and the spatulas keep getting lost. The citrus peeler / plastic opener looks very useful to me (the oranges are great here 🍊) The sharp tip knife looks amazing. It's a shame Victorinox Israel isn't selling this at the moment. Hope I find a way to get one soon!!!
@@ELaster1 sounds like you are the perfect person for this one! I don't know how it works but are you not able to purchase from US or UK? I purchase quite a lot of things from the US that are not available here.
@@JonGadget Postal and Customs services here are horrific unfortunately. Anything blade-related can be confiscated by them without notifying you and you have nothing to do about it most of the time -- OH you have a new upload must watch!
Great review and nice to see the history on some of the tools. This has been my pocket EDC 10+ years now. I have tried the others but the combination of size and unique tools makes this the best choice for pocket carry. I have about 15 other Swiss Army Knifes of the larger variety but they some how just don’t cover the everyday aspects like this one does. Everyone who knows me knows I have this on and I always get asked to use it!!! This is the best EDC ever!
I have this knife. Regarding the totally useless 'Cuticle Pusher', I have actually begun to find it useful!! How? As a replacement fingernail! My thumb nail became quite weak and cracked recently and I started using the cuticle pusher instead and it works a treat. Opening up very firm clips on boxes, opening can pulls, even levering out the awl on a Ranger Grip which I find difficult even when my nail is normal! Basically, where using a fingernail is difficult, try the cuticle pusher.
Thanks for sharing your experience and well considered pros & cons. I use the cuticle pusher / pill sorter as a spatula when applying baking soda to CA glue in order to accelerate curing.
Just in case someone would find too uncomfortable the Victorinox pen, a valid alternative to the Manager is the Rambler: exactly the same except for the pen.
I already have all three mini champ's, and I'm eventually going to end up with both the Manager and Rambler. I'm just a nut when it comes to anything to do with Victorinox.
Great review. Today I bought a minichamp for my keychain in replacement of my midnite manager (broken over several years of use). This video helped me on my decision. Thanks!
Outstanding reviews Jon. I just found the Mini Champ Alox at a great price on Amazon and ordered it. It's been on the radar for years. SAK fit and finish is always a joy to behold. Every SAK has an understated resonance that inspires.
I recently acquired a Mini Champ, and what immediately struck me was that all the cutting tools open to the same end, and all the "blunt" tools to the other. My reason for getting a Mini Champ was actually solely because it is the only 54 mm knife that has the main blade opening away from the split ring - so that you can leave it on a chain/lanyard whilst using it.
Hello Jon: You make a convincing argument for the Mini Champ Alox. I worry about the weight of the knife on my key chain. A heavy key chain will damage the ignition switch on your automobile. However, you have convinced me to buy one for my pocket and not for my key chain.
Love your videos. The Executive also has an orange peeler. I carried one most of my life. I now carry the Alox Cadet with a Classic, I like the larger tools
Nice review. I find the Classic SD has the crucial tools for me: knife, scissors, and nail file. I used to carry a Rambler, but I found that I never used the combination cap lifter/small Phillips driver. Not once, and I carried that Rambler for years. Eventually I just came to prefer the smaller size of the Classic. I must say....that orange peeler tool does look useful......
Thanks for the excellent review here - those Minichamp tools are very nice. One correction though - the Manager, which is my keychain Victorinox of choice - actually DOES have a nail file on the back side of the flathead screwdriver and you can use the flathead as a nail cleaner, so it's really only missing the secondary blade, cuticle pusher, and orange peeler of the Minichamp. Personally, I find the tweezers an essential tool, so I've never been able to justify the Alox Minichamp. However, I am considering the regular Minichamp and seeing if I can replace the pen scale with a standard toothpick scale. That might slim it down enough for me to justify the slightly thicker profile of the Minichamp on my keyring. Would appreciate comments on whether or not this idea would actually work. Thanks.
Very nice video! Thank you for the high quality recording, careful script and interesting comments. I carry a Manager as my EDC and couldn't be happier. I also considered the minichamp but it has many tools I don't consider as useful, and the manager offers the tweezers and a very useful pen on top of that. You never know you need it until you do, and I find it super nice to have it always with me. The combo tool is magnificent, I love it. The scratches you mention are quite subtle (8 months with mine) but I personally believe they add to its "personality"? I sure don't mind them. I also carry a veri tiny nitecore tiki flashlight and a dual type a and type c usb flash drive. Thanks again for the effort, it is appreciated :)
To use the wire stripper, open that tool and the knife blade then close the stripper with the wire in its slot, then also close the blade on the wire and gently rotate the whole knife around the wire, cutting the insulation before pulling it away.
I love that little minichamp and have carried it for years in a small pouch on my belt that also holds a leatherman squirt. They both fit snugly and perfectly together in the pouch and you can attach the pouch to the belt without unbuckling the belt. The pouch has a snap/velcro closure and the pouch itself is very rugged nylon. Heavy snaps on front and back--the pouch is bomb proof. I have several of these pouches but can't tell you the name or where I bought them. Probably an Army/Navy store but I don't recall. A quick search on the Internet did not turn it up. Love your videos!
Not sure about the Alox MC but the Manager Phillips head screwdriver has a magnetic tip. This does not come in to play very often but occasionally can be very useful for picking up tiny items like a pin or small piece of metal you dropped down in a groove. My way of choosing is by what I have used/needed over a long period of time. For me the scissors and pen and bottle opener (cap lifter) have proven very useful over time.
WOW, Incredible review......You sold me!!! on the Alox Mini Champ. I recently retired, (kind of) my Executive that I've carried for 30 years. I started carrying the Classic SD again, but after seeing this review, I know I will be much happier with the Mini Champ in Alox. plus it will be closer in size then the mini SD is to my Executive...58 vs 74mm. Thank you again for introducing me to this knife. Funny you mention about the "Pill" blade on the Minichamp, I always felt the same way for 30 years about the "Orange Peeler" on the executive....I don't think I ever peeled a single Orange, LOL......
My preferred every day mini knife was the Manager until I picked up a mini champ alox this year. Some of the tools are overkill but it is still nice to be prepared. And I don't really miss the emergency pen in the Manager.
Jon, I watched your video and found this knife interesting . I’m a Gizmo kind of guy and your question on the pill sorter or cuticle tool could also be used as a scrapper if you sharpened the end . When I look at the price of single purpose knives , a knife @ $66.00 with multiple tool functions is a bargain . Besides , it’s a gentleman’s knife . Who doesn’t want to be a gentleman. 😁 FYI this is the second item I have purchased based on your reviews .
Great video, thank you! I’m a big fan of wharncliffe blades and have been carrying them for years, but this will be the smallest one I have. I’ve done a ton of research on SAK’s the last couple of months, and have a Huntsman and Explorer, but thanks to you I’ve picked up a Compact and this mini champ Alox. Really appreciate your expertise, and learn the most from you as well as Felix Immler.
NEW TO YOUR CHANNEL! I LOVE IT… because you do such a great review AND list every detail with links is Paramount, ! I just purchased this Champ knife and I am absolutely sure I will like it and I also got the Key Smart clips from your other video. I really think you are the best person to do what you do and you are very easy to listen to and understand. Also love your background……..Cheers from the US
This cuticle pusher is very useful for chemists who often weigh in tiny amounts of fine cristalline or powdrey chemicals on a microgram scale for calibtation solutions and many more...and is referred to as a spatula. I also use it to mix epoxy two component glue or to handle small objects that you do not want to handle or contaminate with your fingers, like nuts, washers, tiny screws or unknown substances.
This is my keychain tool. I've had it 2-3 years and it still looks brand new. I also have that same setup with the Compact and the dangle clip (or whatever it's called).
Great video! The Manager does have the nail file, though. At least mine does. I personally don’t see a lot of value in the additional blades the Minichamp has over the Manager, but I do love the alox scales. Not only do they look great, they’re durable and thin. SAK’s are great, but let’s be honest - the cellidor scales on the common ones just don’t fare that well when they’re banging around with other items in your pocket. An Alox manager would be great - the small phillps / cap lifter blade is a great addition to the blades on the classic.
Agreed, the nail file on the classic works great. Even though the tip is technically a small screwdriver, it works great for nail cleaning. Victorinox polishes and smooths their metal so nicely, their small flatheads actually work better at cleaning nails than the purpose-built nail cleaner on my Leatherman Micra (which has a sharp edge to it). I was thinking of upgrading my classic to the manager. But Tom’s talking me into keeping the classic (I do use that pen) and adding a minichamp. You really can’t go wrong with alox, for all the reasons he gets into. Even the alox liners are made with noticeably higher quality metal.
Really good video Jon. I have found the smaller Alox knives quite hard to get hold of as they seem to be highly sought after. I have a Classic in Alox which is brilliant but I now have a mission to get the Mini Champ.
Not that most viewers are ever likely to use it for this function, but in an emergency one would use the wharcliff blade to perform a cricothyrotomy, not tracheotomy (which is more difficult and has higher risk of complications). Great review! 😎
My Personal favorite " WAK " is the " tinker " I use all the tools on it , from time to time ( granted some more than others ) . I save the large blade for anything to do with food. The most used tool is the small blade , for cutting everything else I cut with the knife .
If I ever decide to buy this tool, I could use the "cuticle pusher" to handle small amount of sodium bicarbonate(aka baking soda) powder as the hardener/filler for cyanoacrylate adhesives. I always enjoy your detailed review.
Thanks Jon, very interesting about the historic use of the tools. The Alox version is nice but I am leaning to the Midnite Manager /Signature lite as when I don't need a powerful torch I can leave both torch and pen and prybar /cap lifter out of my pocket carry apart from the keys. I do find the package opener useful as I have the Gerber Dime in a pouch which has come in useful for blister packs - far safer than trying to use scissors or a knife!
Great feedback. Good choice and everyone has their own specific requirements. I always carry a Rovyvon a8x (as you might have seen in a previous video) so lite versions not as important for me - especially as they affect the size quite a bit.
I love my Ruby red midnight manager. I wear three piece suits every workday and it resides in my vest pocket. The pen the light the Phillips the scissors the knife the file. Missing the tweezers and tooth pick tho and would like a measuring scale in the backside of file. Will never use peeler or pill sorter
Nice video. I have the Midnight Manager, which replaces the twizzers on the Manager with a flashlight. I might consider the Alox Minichamp and put them in rotation with my keychain.
Great video!! Love the MiniChamps! My EDC it's a model with cellidor scales, but often switched to a beautiful Alox model. The one I never left back it's the Classic Alox, a very slim model, no matter which other multitool or knife I carried that day
This is a wonderful video, very nicely produced and informative! I definitely will be picking up one of these if they are still in production! Great job!
That cuticle pusher is awesome for loosening stuck jar lids. If you sharpen the bottom front edge of the spoon it's great for scraping out rounded stuff and whittling
I have had various Mini Champs since they were released and the Alox is by far the best. My first ever celidor Mini champ fell on to a road and was run over destroying the scales but the carcass is still going strong. The Alox is robust and wont scratch in contact with coins keys etc but the short run of various colours of Alox were not so robust. Fascinating about the origins of some of the tools ( I never knew there was a medics SAK)
Hi Michael...on this Alox version, there aren't stamps on the small knife and the cuticle pusher... compared to original Mini Champ, there were 3 stamps...since which model and version that Victorinox discarded the stamps?
A very medical knife : a courette scraper (not a pill sorter) when you sharpen the curve, a Wharnciffe fine scalpel, a fleam (for openning a vein for 'bleeding' not for peeling oranges)
A very interesting video because for me, I'm 'medical' in a helicopter emergency service where once I performed minor surgery on a casualty who had a fish bone caught in his throat. I used an SAK awl with some fine thread to ease out the offender, took a while though the casualty was sedated. ...I have a number of SAKs, but this mini champ has definitely got my interest, and not just for peeling oranges! 😋 Regarding the nail file tool, I used a fine diamond rod to make an angled edge in one side so the tool could easily be used to cut the jacket of copper wire. Also I carry a small magnet situated , ie behind the corkscrew because magnets always come in handy and you can magnetize a philips of flathead driver. Wishing you all the best, Wendi UK. 🌻 PS. Toothpaste will polish off most scratches on the red plastic scales, also clean to a shine some blades.
Thanks for the great insight and feedback 👍
One trick I've learned with the MiniChamp is to fold out both the bottle opener and the nail file for some added stability when cutting with any of the blades. It sounds silly but try it! Each of the two tools will essentially counteract the folding mechanism of the other and they're not going anywhere.
The added length effectively makes the mini a full-sized Victorinox and it'll sit quite firmly in your hand.
great idea - thanks for passing that one on 👍👍
Genius man. Did u find it out on your own? Very useful trick. Don’t hesitate to share some more
I also find this trick to be useful when operating the scissors as well as the blades. This design of the layout must be on purpose.
Sur ces mini couteaux une bonne solution est d'utiliser une boucle en cordelette sur l'anneau : on passe le petit doigt dedans et ça permet de positionner le couteau fermement en bout de main pour peler une pomme ...
A great upgrade or customisation would be to swap out the standard blade for a full size 91mm pen blade 😀
background aesthetic everything about these video's is just high quality and an actual review
Thank you for the kind comment - really appreciated 🙏
@@JonGadget yes, compliments on your lighting and video work. Very professional
@@j78987 really kind, thank you 😀
Couldnt see anyone else say it but might have missed it. The Wire cutter is actually used in combination with the knife. The wirestripper keeps the cable in place, then you let the knife "fall on" the wire. Turn the Wire around and pull :)
Wow now i understood after years of owning a swisschamp . Thanks a lot
Forgive me if I missed you mentioning, but FWIW the combo tool ( w/the phillips driver), is also slightly magnetized. It's a nice little handy plus as well.
Good point which I forgot to mention 👍
Thanks so much for the history of the physicians knife and the incorporation of some of the tools into the mini champ alox. It adds provenance to the evolution of the current knife. Well done!
Thanks Bruce 👍
As an urban carry, the pen is mightier than the knife. A pen earned its importance at the bank when someone has stolen the last pen or the remaining pen is being used by an extremely slow user. The pen earns its place when the waitress has delivered the bill to your table but given an overworked pen without ink. I carried that attractive Alox Classic for years until I finally surrendered to plastic scales.
Good argument. Manager is a good choice.
@@JonGadget The cellidor scaled version of this also has the pen on one side and a red LED flashlight on the other side. It's called the Midnite Minichamp.
Pen's are everywhere now. The appear out of nowhere. I don't remember buying a pen, yet I always have had one.
@@moslimislam5714 it's a Bic lighter for the writer
I have to agree with Mr. Gadget’s choice and logic.
One of my most used tools on a swiss army knife is the toothpick. Just comes in so handy. Scissors get a lot of use too.
I hear you! I use the toothpick all the time.
Felix Immler showed a trick using the toothpick on the nail nick to open up the SAK if you have broken/weak nails, or your hands are disabled in some way.
Tweezers as well. I’ve removed many splinters with it over the years.
I've carried the base mini champ for years and I love it. I've always thought about pulling the trigger on the Alox version but I just haven't been able to justify it since my current SAK is still a workhorse. The hooked blade is an excellent package opener and an overkill letter opener. One day I'll buy one but for now, I'll stick with old faithful.
Excellent video on the Alox Mini Champ. I have the red handle version and like it a lot, although I don't carry it much. I am a retired nurse and regarding the "cuticle pusher". That blade can be seen on many versions of the old "Doctors pocket knives" and from my research, I believe that it was indeed originally for scooping powders for perscription mixing. The pill counting/separating came along later.
Again, thank you for another great, informative video.
Thanks for the feedback, great to get your insight 👍
The "cuticle pusher" is an excellent tool for removing limescale around taps, without damaging the chrome or enamel.
It's a cocaine spoon.
Coke.
Comment #2: The 'cuticle pusher' isn't the most useless tool at all. I normally use it to scoop lip balm when it falls below the tube line. You know when that happens and you can no longer apply the lip balm? You can use that tool to scoop it up. When it comes to creativity, the sky is the limit. There are no useless tools on a Victorinox knife. The name 'cuticle pusher' is misleading.
nice 👌
but you should switch to a beeswax or beef tallow-based lip balm (which usually come in little pots), and ditch the chemically stuff 👍
I push my cuticles with it daily.
I thought this tool was originally sharpened in the medical tool as a courette (scraper).
Felix would sharpen it and carve a spoon😅
@@Sam_T2000Burt’s bees comes in a traditional lip balm package and they’re as natural as it can be
Victorinox Philips-head screwdrivers have a _phenomenal_ tip. Every last one of them.
Great review, Jon! Loved the history behind the medical tools. I feel the orange peeler would also be excellent as a fish gutting tool in a pinch. Can easily hook in and open the belly without getting into all the gunkies
This has got to have everything I like about Victorinox into one great package and for only 50 quid! What a must buy. ❤
This has rapidly become my favourite channel.
Another superb review 👌🏼
That is really kind of you to say 🙏
Great video and historical information about the tools included on this product. Thank you for your consistent creative content.
Thanks Chris for the feedback 🙏
I've just bought one yesterday and it's currently on it's way to me. Super happy such a knife exists, and at a reasonable price too!
Best knife review I've seen! Got to have one now.
Thanks Dave for the great feedback 👍🙏
The Mini Champ is on my knife wishlist. I have watched a dozen or so videos. Yours is by far the most informative. Thank you.
Thanks Richard 🙏
I actually carry a midnight mini champ myself. It’s truly one of my favorite mini tools, what with the pen and all. If you extend the main screwdriver it makes it a full sized pen to write with, the light is bright enough to help you around in a dark place, and the rest of the tools have seen good use.
@@dakotasummers1585 great feedback - have you compared it with the Midnight Manager for a slightly smaller package?
@@JonGadget the only other mini victorinox I have is a Classic, I carry an Explorer as my full sized Sak, and I haven’t found a pair I’d rather have
@@dakotasummers1585 a lot of people like the Explorer - not many SAKs have the magnifying glass - I may end up getting one too.
I really appreciated the history of where the tools originated. I purchased the midnite manager and I'm currently waiting for its arrival. love the versatility of having the toothpick and tweezers but the ALOX does look the business. Great review mate.
I just bought this in an Amazon sale. This review convinced me.
First of all, its an AMAZING review! But what probably is more important for you, your video is fantastic! Audio, Lighting, Background, Cuts, Close-Ups, Content, just every little thing seems perfect!
Cheers from the Victorinox Country, Switzerland
Hi Dave, thanks for the feedback, that's really nice to hear, it does take a long time to edit these videos so I'm really happy when people take time to let me know they appreciate it 🙏
Carried a black one on my keychain for many years, it had aged really well for the disproportional abuse it has received over the years. The black coating was gone but it had some character. After I moved to Vietnam I kept it with a carabiner at my moped key for some time and just noticed I lost them. Watched this great review while shopping for similar tools. Decided to buy another one at the end of the day. Thanks for the content and hope the person who found it on the street also puts it to some good use.
Good to think someone might be delighted with their find 😊 thanks for sharing
@@JonGadget Forgot to mention. You can deploy that useless spatula to extend the length of the handle, specially for the precision blade. As they open in different directions it will not close on itself. I find this useful not to give me more grip but to have more control when doing detailed work. The spatula resting on the back of your hand gives more stabilisation.
Great work, keep them coming!
@@soupappreciator8977 great feedback 👍 thanks for sharing
Been looking for a keychain knife for a while. You've sold me on the Alox.
Hi! Just found this amazing channel! I’m a Swiss Army knife enthusiast since i was a 8 years old scout and Mcgyver fan… I own different Victorinox, the huntsman, the camper, the cadet alox and this mini champ alox… this particular knife has a story, I bought it when I got lifetime job as “prize” and memorabilia. I bring it everywhere with a necklace, its my daily pocket knife, cause in Italy is not recommended to bring a “larger” knife like the 91/84 mm ones… there is not indeed a misure that is considered 100% legal, it depends on circumstances and places you are in, eg. when you are in public offices or banks they are not allowed 😢.
I wanted to share a bit of my love for the victorinox and in particular this model and to thank you for the great amazing channel… Saluti dall’Italia 🇮🇹 ❤️ 🇬🇧
Fwiw, the cuticle-pusher/coke-spoon also works excellently at cleaning out earwax, if you have the dry type (sorry if that’s tmi). I have used the little metal cuticle pushers that come with cheap nail kits for years for this purpose; it’s great to see it incorporated into a keychain tool I can keep on my person.
Is the cutical pusher good? As a cutical pusher
You just found the perfect use point for me. Cotton buds are useless on dry wax 😅
Wonderful historical aspect of the review.
Your background with the gadget shop etc makes you my go to Swiss knife channel first up.😃👏👏👏
thanks - that's great to hear 👍
I love your work Johnathon! Many thanks! 🙂👍🏆
Great description of this tool but that "orange peeler" is actually part of the emergency cricothyrototomy procedure.
The precision blade is used to make the first incision through the skin and the first puncture in the intercostal space right below the Adam's apple. The pointed hook is to jab through that space and 'hook' the cartilage so it can be pulled open enough to place the tube of a ball point pen as an emergency breathing tube. I was a medic in the army.
Great videos too btw. Really like your ability to maximize effectiveness and efficiency with the space given. Subscribed 👍
Thanks really fascinating Trace - thanks for the feedback - presumably this cuts through the cartilage as you pull it out? Thanks for also for the sub 👍
The medical powder tool is actually quite accurate. Back in those days, capsules weren’t around. So many meds came in powder that was just in a bottle. The med was dispensed in scoops (the powder tool) and was then mixed in either tea or alcohol and drank. So, not to fill capsules but rather dose “pre-capsule”. As a healthcare provider, I think I need one of these for nostalgia sake. I have so many SAKs as it is, so why not. Great vid, thank you 👍
You really need to start getting royalties from Victorinox because this is the 3rd video I've watched that resulted in an almost immediate buy. Well done and keep it up
Thanks for the feedback Calvary - I am focussing on good ones 😀
Thank you so much for this video. Because of your presentation I bought one and I’m really satisfied. Jo from Québec.
That's great to hear Jo - thanks for the feedback
So, that's it, I was going to get my first Victorinox SAK today, and I had bought the Classic SD Alox, then I decided to look around for reviews, and after your video I cancelled the purchase and I'm now getting an Alox Minichamp.
Really good review.
Hahaa me too!!
This is the best review of the mini champ I’ve seen. Definitely will purchase to add to my EDC.
Thank you for the kind comment 😊 I'm glad it was helpful.
Although I love the completeness of the mini champ in 58 mm department. I believe that the rambler manager is a better suit for the size paired with nitecore tube. I had a rambler and swapped the pen scales of a signature into it making a DIY Victorinox Manager. I feel like for the most of the job it does have the most useful tools. Recently save a life with its help.
I bought it based on this video and it absolutely doesn't disappoint.
Amazing video again, Jon Gadget!
I had no idea the Alox would be this much thinner. Got it on the wishlist now
I would also like to point out that I appreciate the timestamps a lot 😌
Thanks Eyal as always. Great to get your feedback. Also, good to know you like the time stamps as it takes a bit of time and an extra step to get these in. I think sometimes people just want to jump to the conclusion which is fine by me.
@@JonGadget
You know what, this SAK isn't leaving my head.
I use this type of flat spoon (we call it "lab spatula" here) about twice a week to measure powders on a scale in my labaratory, and the spatulas keep getting lost.
The citrus peeler / plastic opener looks very useful to me (the oranges are great here 🍊)
The sharp tip knife looks amazing.
It's a shame Victorinox Israel isn't selling this at the moment. Hope I find a way to get one soon!!!
@@ELaster1 sounds like you are the perfect person for this one! I don't know how it works but are you not able to purchase from US or UK? I purchase quite a lot of things from the US that are not available here.
@@JonGadget
Postal and Customs services here are horrific unfortunately. Anything blade-related can be confiscated by them without notifying you and you have nothing to do about it most of the time -- OH you have a new upload must watch!
@@ELaster1 I didn’t realise, what a pain 😕
Great review and nice to see the history on some of the tools. This has been my pocket EDC 10+ years now. I have tried the others but the combination of size and unique tools makes this the best choice for pocket carry. I have about 15 other Swiss Army Knifes of the larger variety but they some how just don’t cover the everyday aspects like this one does. Everyone who knows me knows I have this on and I always get asked to use it!!! This is the best EDC ever!
It seems strange, but i carry a champ and a mini champ daily, and use them both quite often
I have this knife. Regarding the totally useless 'Cuticle Pusher', I have actually begun to find it useful!!
How? As a replacement fingernail! My thumb nail became quite weak and cracked recently and I started using the cuticle pusher instead and it works a treat. Opening up very firm clips on boxes, opening can pulls, even levering out the awl on a Ranger Grip which I find difficult even when my nail is normal! Basically, where using a fingernail is difficult, try the cuticle pusher.
Fantastic video I learned a lot. I peel my oranges 🍊 with the can opener
Hi Howard, I might give that a go!
this is the best review of the mini champ on TH-cam.youve done a great job mate.
Wow, thanks! much appreciated
After watching several videos on this knife I decided to purchase one. I wanted to let you know your video was by far the best review. Thank you! Jeff
My mini chanp alox lives on my housekeys and I use it daily without fail, the best knife I've ever owned.
Thanks for sharing your experience and well considered pros & cons.
I use the cuticle pusher / pill sorter as a spatula when applying baking soda to CA glue in order to accelerate curing.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
Just in case someone would find too uncomfortable the Victorinox pen, a valid alternative to the Manager is the Rambler: exactly the same except for the pen.
I already have all three mini champ's, and I'm eventually going to end up with both the Manager and Rambler. I'm just a nut when it comes to anything to do with Victorinox.
@@blacksmith44 Simply, they are too cute and we never have enough Victorinox around!
Quality breakdown as always 👍
Great review. Today I bought a minichamp for my keychain in replacement of my midnite manager (broken over several years of use). This video helped me on my decision. Thanks!
I'm pleased it was useful - thanks for the feedback
Outstanding reviews Jon. I just found the Mini Champ Alox at a great price on Amazon and ordered it. It's been on the radar for years. SAK fit and finish is always a joy to behold. Every SAK has an understated resonance that inspires.
Jon this video got me too buy several of the mini champ’s for myself and wife, and daughter.
I'm glad it was useful 👍
I recently acquired a Mini Champ, and what immediately struck me was that all the cutting tools open to the same end, and all the "blunt" tools to the other.
My reason for getting a Mini Champ was actually solely because it is the only 54 mm knife that has the main blade opening away from the split ring - so that you can leave it on a chain/lanyard whilst using it.
great feedback Mike
The rambler also has this feature in 58 mm 😃
@@fredelmo and hence the rambler variations like the manager and midnight manager
Enjoyable reviews, keep after it sir!
Hello Jon: You make a convincing argument for the Mini Champ Alox. I worry about the weight of the knife on my key chain. A heavy key chain will damage the ignition switch on your automobile. However, you have convinced me to buy one for my pocket and not for my key chain.
It is a really nice and well made knife. I’m sure you will be delighted.
Great video quality!
Love your videos. The Executive also has an orange peeler. I carried one most of my life. I now carry the Alox Cadet with a Classic, I like the larger tools
Nice review. I find the Classic SD has the crucial tools for me: knife, scissors, and nail file. I used to carry a Rambler, but I found that I never used the combination cap lifter/small Phillips driver. Not once, and I carried that Rambler for years. Eventually I just came to prefer the smaller size of the Classic. I must say....that orange peeler tool does look useful......
Thanks for feedback Jack 👍
I like your website it is very informative and you make it very interesting
I have to check this one out it seems very useful.
It's a lot of tools in a very small form 👍
Thanks for the excellent review here - those Minichamp tools are very nice. One correction though - the Manager, which is my keychain Victorinox of choice - actually DOES have a nail file on the back side of the flathead screwdriver and you can use the flathead as a nail cleaner, so it's really only missing the secondary blade, cuticle pusher, and orange peeler of the Minichamp. Personally, I find the tweezers an essential tool, so I've never been able to justify the Alox Minichamp. However, I am considering the regular Minichamp and seeing if I can replace the pen scale with a standard toothpick scale. That might slim it down enough for me to justify the slightly thicker profile of the Minichamp on my keyring. Would appreciate comments on whether or not this idea would actually work. Thanks.
thanks for the feedback - the pen is on a slide-out mechanism so won't be able to be swapped out with a 'normal' scale tool
Very good presentation and video. Enjoyed it.
Very nice video! Thank you for the high quality recording, careful script and interesting comments.
I carry a Manager as my EDC and couldn't be happier. I also considered the minichamp but it has many tools I don't consider as useful, and the manager offers the tweezers and a very useful pen on top of that. You never know you need it until you do, and I find it super nice to have it always with me. The combo tool is magnificent, I love it.
The scratches you mention are quite subtle (8 months with mine) but I personally believe they add to its "personality"? I sure don't mind them.
I also carry a veri tiny nitecore tiki flashlight and a dual type a and type c usb flash drive.
Thanks again for the effort, it is appreciated :)
Thanks for the kind feedback and for sharing - sounds like ideal carry choices
To use the wire stripper, open that tool and the knife blade then close the stripper with the wire in its slot, then also close the blade on the wire and gently rotate the whole knife around the wire, cutting the insulation before pulling it away.
I love that little minichamp and have carried it for years in a small pouch on my belt that also holds a leatherman squirt. They both fit snugly and perfectly together in the pouch and you can attach the pouch to the belt without unbuckling the belt. The pouch has a snap/velcro closure and the pouch itself is very rugged nylon. Heavy snaps on front and back--the pouch is bomb proof. I have several of these pouches but can't tell you the name or where I bought them. Probably an Army/Navy store but I don't recall. A quick search on the Internet did not turn it up. Love your videos!
sounds ideal 👍
Being a veterinarian, I love this little knife. Thanks
thank you
Not sure about the Alox MC but the Manager Phillips head screwdriver has a magnetic tip. This does not come in to play very often but occasionally can be very useful for picking up tiny items like a pin or small piece of metal you dropped down in a groove.
My way of choosing is by what I have used/needed over a long period of time. For me the scissors and pen and bottle opener (cap lifter) have proven very useful over time.
I've got a version of this knife , non alox, which has all these tools and a pen, tweezers and tooth pick. Just brilliant.
WOW, Incredible review......You sold me!!! on the Alox Mini Champ. I recently retired, (kind of) my Executive that I've carried for 30 years. I started carrying the Classic SD again, but after seeing this review, I know I will be much happier with the Mini Champ in Alox. plus it will be closer in size then the mini SD is to my Executive...58 vs 74mm. Thank you again for introducing me to this knife. Funny you mention about the "Pill" blade on the Minichamp, I always felt the same way for 30 years about the "Orange Peeler" on the executive....I don't think I ever peeled a single Orange, LOL......
Thanks again Sonny - really pleased channel is useful for you 😊
My preferred every day mini knife was the Manager until I picked up a mini champ alox this year. Some of the tools are overkill but it is still nice to be prepared. And I don't really miss the emergency pen in the Manager.
It is a very well put together and compact tool 👍
Jon,
I watched your video and found this knife interesting . I’m a Gizmo kind of guy and your question on the pill sorter or cuticle tool could also be used as a scrapper if you sharpened the end .
When I look at the price of single purpose knives , a knife @ $66.00 with multiple tool functions is a bargain . Besides , it’s a gentleman’s knife . Who doesn’t want to be a gentleman. 😁
FYI this is the second item I have purchased based on your reviews .
Great video, thank you! I’m a big fan of wharncliffe blades and have been carrying them for years, but this will be the smallest one I have. I’ve done a ton of research on SAK’s the last couple of months, and have a Huntsman and Explorer, but thanks to you I’ve picked up a Compact and this mini champ Alox. Really appreciate your expertise, and learn the most from you as well as Felix Immler.
Thanks for the great feedback - really appreciated 🙏 Great choices there. I am also a big fan of Felix, he is the true expert 😊
Hello yoo choob!
@@davidsaxby5400 🤣🤣🤣
Hi great review the phillips is magnetic on the end.
Very true 👍 I meant to mention that!
Great informative video. The history aspect is a lovely touch.
Great review! Thank you
Thank you
Very useful and informative review :) thanks :)
🙏
NEW TO YOUR CHANNEL! I LOVE IT… because you do such a great review AND list every detail with links is Paramount, ! I just purchased this Champ knife and I am absolutely sure I will like it and I also got the Key Smart clips from your other video. I really think you are the best person to do what you do and you are very easy to listen to and understand. Also love your background……..Cheers from the US
This cuticle pusher is very useful for chemists who often weigh in tiny amounts of fine cristalline or powdrey chemicals on a microgram scale for calibtation solutions and many more...and is referred to as a spatula.
I also use it to mix epoxy two component glue or to handle small objects that you do not want to handle or contaminate with your fingers, like nuts, washers, tiny screws or unknown substances.
This is my keychain tool. I've had it 2-3 years and it still looks brand new. I also have that same setup with the Compact and the dangle clip (or whatever it's called).
Great stuff 👍
It's called a suspension clip. Great invention.
Great video! The Manager does have the nail file, though. At least mine does. I personally don’t see a lot of value in the additional blades the Minichamp has over the Manager, but I do love the alox scales. Not only do they look great, they’re durable and thin. SAK’s are great, but let’s be honest - the cellidor scales on the common ones just don’t fare that well when they’re banging around with other items in your pocket. An Alox manager would be great - the small phillps / cap lifter blade is a great addition to the blades on the classic.
all good points Kevin
Agreed, the nail file on the classic works great. Even though the tip is technically a small screwdriver, it works great for nail cleaning. Victorinox polishes and smooths their metal so nicely, their small flatheads actually work better at cleaning nails than the purpose-built nail cleaner on my Leatherman Micra (which has a sharp edge to it).
I was thinking of upgrading my classic to the manager. But Tom’s talking me into keeping the classic (I do use that pen) and adding a minichamp. You really can’t go wrong with alox, for all the reasons he gets into. Even the alox liners are made with noticeably higher quality metal.
Fun and informative 😃 Thanks 👍
Really good video Jon. I have found the smaller Alox knives quite hard to get hold of as they seem to be highly sought after. I have a Classic in Alox which is brilliant but I now have a mission to get the Mini Champ.
it is really nicely put together 👍
In my opinion the now (unfortunately) discontinued rambler alox is the best one. Great size/tools balance
it was good - manager is also great option.....
Great review, I’m going to end up picking one up and adding it to my keys for sure!
Not that most viewers are ever likely to use it for this function, but in an emergency one would use the wharcliff blade to perform a cricothyrotomy, not tracheotomy (which is more difficult and has higher risk of complications). Great review! 😎
My Personal favorite " WAK " is the " tinker " I use
all the tools on it , from time to time ( granted some more than others ) .
I save the large blade for
anything to do with food.
The most used tool is the small blade , for cutting everything else I cut with the knife .
great feedback - thank you 👍
If I ever decide to buy this tool, I could use the "cuticle pusher" to handle small amount of sodium bicarbonate(aka baking soda) powder as the hardener/filler for cyanoacrylate adhesives. I always enjoy your detailed review.
that's an interesting use-case! thanks for the kind comment
Great review! The SAK trivia is a nice touch.
Thanks Mike
I would replace the cuticle pusher with a miniature metal saw. But I think I'll be buying it anyhow. Thank you for your very detailed presentation!
Thanks Jon, very interesting about the historic use of the tools. The Alox version is nice but I am leaning to the Midnite Manager /Signature lite as when I don't need a powerful torch I can leave both torch and pen and prybar /cap lifter out of my pocket carry apart from the keys. I do find the package opener useful as I have the Gerber Dime in a pouch which has come in useful for blister packs - far safer than trying to use scissors or a knife!
Great feedback. Good choice and everyone has their own specific requirements. I always carry a Rovyvon a8x (as you might have seen in a previous video) so lite versions not as important for me - especially as they affect the size quite a bit.
The Midnite Manager is the way to go indeed for me personally as well.
I love my Ruby red midnight manager. I wear three piece suits every workday and it resides in my vest pocket. The pen the light the Phillips the scissors the knife the file. Missing the tweezers and tooth pick tho and would like a measuring scale in the backside of file. Will never use peeler or pill sorter
Entertaining (packaging that is “the opposite of frustration free”) and as always informative. Excellent video sir. Thank you!
Thank you Timothy - feedback appreciated 😃
Nice video. I have the Midnight Manager, which replaces the twizzers on the Manager with a flashlight. I might consider the Alox Minichamp and put them in rotation with my keychain.
Manager and Midnite Manager both really good too
Great video!!
Love the MiniChamps!
My EDC it's a model with cellidor scales, but often switched to a beautiful Alox model.
The one I never left back it's the Classic Alox, a very slim model, no matter which other multitool or knife I carried that day
you can go far wrong with a Classic Alox 👍
Thanks for your informative video
Excellent review thanks
This is a wonderful video, very nicely produced and informative! I definitely will be picking up one of these if they are still in production! Great job!
That cuticle pusher is awesome for loosening stuck jar lids. If you sharpen the bottom front edge of the spoon it's great for scraping out rounded stuff and whittling
I got this for the cuticle pusher! It works great
I have had various Mini Champs since they were released and the Alox is by far the best. My first ever celidor Mini champ fell on to a road and was run over destroying the scales but the carcass is still going strong. The Alox is robust and wont scratch in contact with coins keys etc but the short run of various colours of Alox were not so robust. Fascinating about the origins of some of the tools ( I never knew there was a medics SAK)
Thanks for the comment Michael, interesting stuff 👍
Hi Michael...on this Alox version, there aren't stamps on the small knife and the cuticle pusher... compared to original Mini Champ, there were 3 stamps...since which model and version that Victorinox discarded the stamps?
A very medical knife : a courette scraper (not a pill sorter) when you sharpen the curve, a Wharnciffe fine scalpel, a fleam (for openning a vein for 'bleeding' not for peeling oranges)
On the Mini Champ with the plastic scales the cuticle tool can be used to extend the length of the knife, making the retractable pen easier to use.
Great suggestion 👍