They should offer a custom shop where you pick what tools you want on your Victorinox. Despite all their models I still can't find one that I think is satisfactory.
I have the same complaint. I’m probably going to buy a couple eBay beat up models and work on building my own. If that doesn’t work I’ll save up for a custom made one.
How you possibly made a video like this without any awkward cuts and brought so many good points to the table is absolutely crazy! Great work! Always glad to see you post :)
@4Sandrix I did not intentionally copy someone else's video, or multiple videos from one or more creators. I would like to know whose videos you're talking about, though, because there is always a risk of inadvertent plaigerism, but it's not ok. My thoughts are definitely shaped by the conversation that occurs on YT, and I do worry about that - I have occasionally thought I have had an original thought, and then find it in rewatching someone else's video, so I would definitely not say it is impossible. What I have had is 2 months with limited YT, lots of time to think about this question, and multiple "practices." That all being said, I think I'm right - and even if I'm not, I think that other people who think about the situation would likely come to the same conclusion, making multiple videos with the same thoughts probable. But please do let me know who you're talking about so I can see if I've seen the videos in question.
I bought an original Leatherman when it first came out a long time ago. It still works , and I don’t need another new one. Same for my Swiss Army knife.
Lol you're like my husband. Same multitool for years and years. And when he temporarily lost it, he went and bought a copy of the same exact thing. I think it's better to be like you than like me, but I'm still like me. But I do think your way is better. I often think I would be perfectly happy just carrying the Swiss champ and ignoring all of the rest of this. But somehow I can't.
I agree with victorinox being okay too although they could play with toolsets and introduce new implements to keep things fresh. Leatherman on the other hand. I’ve bought 4 tools in 3 years and two had defects like a slightly marred blade and dull files. Q/A could be better. I worry about them as their lunch will be eaten in the low to mid range. Innovative disruption in business often starts like this. Legacy company abandons market segments to newcomers who do it cheaper. Legacy goes upscale and sells less but tries for premium. Market shrinks for them. Newcomers take over. Looks like the Multitool market that is happening now.
@@thevineclimber Disruptive innovation it is a business term developed at Harvard. Examples include cheap foreign cars that keep getting better, Uber, cellphone cameras,etc. It starts with newcomers to market being Good Enough for consumers. They are not a threat but eventually win as they continue to get better. Usually tech related but could apply here. Eg cars.
Better steel yes. Some countries forbid locking folders (Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, etc.) I don't know how many knives they sell to those countries.
The same steel that Victorinox uses will still last you a life time of use. Don't be delusional in thinking some "super steel" is going to suddenly save the day. All it will do is drive price up and the only people that will buy it are those that will never use it. Safe queen's.
@@odie2763I EDC a Victorinox for years but kept breaking them - yes doing things they weren't meant to do - so switched to Old Timer a few years back. I still sometimes miss a tool that was in the Victorinox but to be honest mostly just need a knife so it's not been a big handicap and they last a lot longer. If Victorinox would make a stronger knife I would consider switching back.
@@timduncan6750have you tried the 93mm Alox models? They have thicker heavier duty tools. Ive done some things with them that i have broken the cellidor models on with no discernable damage to the Alox model. For their size itll handle anything you should be doing and even a little that you shouldnt. Lots of people fail to remember that pocket knives and multitools are simply convenient comprises, where you dont/cant have or cant reliably use a fixed blade, or lineman pliers, dont have a screwdriver set in your pocket etc. Theyll work in a pinch and theyve gotten to the point of being fairly robust with the likes of Leathermans ST300 or Surge and others that will handle almost as much as the proper tool for the job. I feel like most people expect too much from a convenience point.
Victorinox sadly is facing serious issues as a company in Europe due to ludicrous knife laws. The good thing is that this may bring more innovation to Bladless Swiss Army knives/multi tools and may even resurrect some of the old Wenger style tools. The bad news is that the European market is not good and it costs a lot of money to manufacture these knives in Switzerland. See Swiss Bianco‘s recent video regarding these issues.
I thought sak's mostly escaped the laws for now, barley. I guess it's worse than I thought. I thought It was the public perception of any blade that's the problem.
@@jack_m100 Definitely when it comes to the 91mm models. Several countries don't like locking blades outside forests, Germany for example makes carrying one-handed knives with locking blades a gamble ans so on. But as the 91mm knives have neither of those functions, they are totally fine (outside high security areas of course).
Victorinox, they are fine, its just that we for some reason have decided that certain colors are for women, and other colors are for men (which is a dumb social construct). Leatherman worries me. Price hikes, lack of availability, retiring a lot of products in a relatively short time, the many clones (some of them with better features).
Apparently one of the only big crises thay victorinox faced was airport security changes after 9/11. It apparently killed their corporate branded knives. Companies used to give SAK's as gifts to employees, or clients as advertising. After 9/11, those orders just stopped. You can see it in the second hand market, you can find tonnes of old branded SAKs, but very few newer ones. To be honest, im really surprised that its taken them this long. Im looking forward to it, as i always have an EDC knife, but i like to carry a SAK, but the blade is redundant.
In an interview, tim leatherman said that leatherman sales plummeted after 9/11 as well as people didnt want to buy them because theyd get confiscated.
@andrewdarowski1975 You make a great point! If you carry a separate knife and don't want a knife on your SAK as a backup, you will save an entire layer for most knives. I just got a really cool... escort I think? I will have it on the channel soon. It looks awesome and is branded, but it's an old model.
First off, in Europe you can fly with a Victorinox SAK (up to 91mm), you can even buy them once you passed airport-security. 😁 I think down the line Victorinox gained a lot after 9/11 because the little red SAK is socially far more acceptable and raises less of an issue if you pull it out. But 9/11 is also a major reason why Victorinox has grown its lineup of life-style products.
@@etherealicer lol I want to fly in Europe just because it would be so surreal! That is a really interesting point, which I have not heard before. If knives are all bad and scary, but your knife is not scary, then you'll win!
If Victorinox is coming out with bladeless models, they should try to make the perfect EDC keychain model, because the Jetsetter isn't it. The Jetsetter doesn't even have a fingernail file. I usually have a Manager on my keys, and I never use the knife on it because I have other knives on me. I would like one on my keychain that I never have to worry about getting confiscated because it slipped my mind before going to the airport. So I'd take the Manager model and remove the blade and add something. Or come up with a totally new model in the size of the old Executive and Ambassador. Or maybe change up the Midnite Manager and greatly improve the flashlight. BTW, I saw NexTool in a comment section under a review of the Mini Sailor Scissors stating that they're about to release a TSA friendly version of their Mini Sailor. It's going to be called the Mini Sailor Lite. I'm guessing that might be with a flashlight. I do believe NexTool is a sister company of NexTorch, a flashlight brand.
Wow, that's a really good tip!Ican't wait to see what Nextool comes out with! I could not agree more. The Jetsetter is inadequate. I broke the blade off a manager in a video which was regarded with mixed reveiws and several unsubscribes, but it has been on my keychain ever since! I think it will be the featured guest in my next video.
@@thevineclimber I did something similar but I used a dremel with a metal cutting disc and turned the blade into a mini screwdriver instead. I'd suggest this next time ;)
Absolutely agreed that it's a mistake to only have "feminine" colors on the Companion. It's a solid tool set for anyone, male or female, but so are many other models. They need to stick to the core 91mm platform, so they can offer all the colors of the rainbow. A Manly Red(tm) Companion is just as valid as a Girly Pastel Swirl(tm) Huntsman. They should not couple the tool set to the demographic they want to market it to. The more they can standardize things, the more they can make units that are customizable and accessorizable. And accessorizable means repeat customers. :-)
Happy Saturday Gary. The new Companion is a great knife for us guys too & I bought 2 New York style ones at a discount & replaced the scales on one with Rubi red translucent Plus scales and added them to my EDC rotation ( in place of the Climbers in my EDC rotation)
Great to have you back and contributing with excellent commentary on this subject. Interesting time to be for EDC, isn't it? I think Leatherman has lost it's way a bit. It doesn't matter that a tool include the newest, hottest item, if the quality isn't there it brings into question everything they produce. Because it's Leatherman, people tend to overlook the smaller issues that add up to eventually that tool not being the go to, one-to-grab, nice-in-the-hand, dependable EDC multitool, and it becoming a very expensive lesson learned item left in a drawer. It's sad really. I think they are living off their reputation of being innovative and great quality, rather than actually demonstrating that today. When I saw Mark Coffman's video about SAK's coming new lineup I thought it was just for places with strict blade laws. After a bit I became more excited and realized the possibilities. Speaking strictly EDC, I always thought carrying both my single blade, one-handed opening pocket knife and my useful SAK was a bit redundant. I'm not in a survival situation, nor do I build or repair things for a living. Also, I always bring up the fact that I'm a small person with small pockets, so typically I would end up choosing one over the other depending on what my day would entail. Having a bladeless SAK, may mean I wouldn't have to choose. I could see this working out well for other scenarios as well, like hiking, hunting and camping, where I might want a larger, better blade while still carry my reliable SAK. This is very interesting indeed for SAK.
I got a leatherman PST in 83 and used it for 31 yrs as a cop….never failed me even sawed through a pair of thumb cuffs some kid put on his brother….i think it was even on sale and was only 15 bucks as I recall…I still have it and gave it to my son who is an engineering student and also gave him his own Swiss Army explorer knife too….that was a lot more….bought and used Gerber knives in the army too….its developing a name and reputation that’s important, but seems all kind of name brands have lost their way…
Wow that's a great story! Yeah, reputation is so important, but it can be lost! I think all the companies you listed can save theirs, but it will take a bit of work from some of them. It sure was nice of you to give your son you PST!
I’m glad to get your take on this, and as always, you make great points! I think for many of us, the problem is that we want Victorinox and Leatherman to focus on a product line(s) that we consider to be their “core,” but they’re not doing it. Maybe we have ideas that we think are good, and we think lots of people agree, but after years, no progress. Common examples for Victorniox: alternative steels, replace the hook or corkscrew, more bladeless tools, more customization to the tools, more customization to the look, etc. Personally, I’m the most interested in the 58mm 91mm form factors, and I don’t think they’ve been trying many new things lately in this size that are intended for me. I think they tried a lot more new tools and new tool configurations in the 80s and 90s (look how many tools are retired!), but that was back before the internet-it was harder to find information on new tools, and I was also too young to buy them anyway. It’s not that they’re not innovating at all. I’m thrilled that you like the new Companion, and I’m really glad that they successfully made a tool that appeals more to women. My concern is, if they’re trying to bring in a new demographic, the price of the Companion seems like it might be way too high for a new, casual user to want to try it. I don’t really understand why they have to charge so much for it when it doesn’t seem like it would be any more costly for them to produce than their normal 91mm knives. I also think the Hunter and Venture lines are cool, but they’re targeted more at the bushcraft crowd, and that’s not really me. They’ve also made a lot of knives for collectors, but they’re really expensive and not meant to be practical. I want to see both companies trying new ideas, in their main product lines, for their average users, and I feel like they’re just not doing a whole lot of that, despite all the great EDC content on TH-cam giving them plenty of ideas. That’s my lament. On the other hand, I just got my Roxon Flex in the mail, completely customized to my taste, for about $70, and I’m super happy with it so far! I want to have that same excitement about a new Leatherman or Victorinox, but it’s been rare. Their new tools have been either way too pricey, not in their core product lines, or both. Give us something cool to talk about every year, that we might actually buy! Instead what do they do? Mass retirement of our favorite tools such as the Squirt PS4, the Manager, etc.
As far as what I think they’re actually doing, I’m not sure, but based on the emails I get from both companies, I think Victorinox has been pushing their luggage and watches a lot for the last few years (which are probably a higher profit margin for them), and both companies have been doing lots of expensive collector edition models, which again I have to assume are higher profit margin at those prices. Being a collector myself, I don’t have any problem with them appealing to collectors as long as it’s not at the expense of innovation in their core lines, but my annual multi tool budget is only about $100, which means most of their stuff is a little out of my price range.
I wish victorinox would take a page out of leatherman’s book by offering a Diamond file. In my opinion a mountaineer with a Diamond file would be perfect.
I think the inflation has some role in this too. I agree with you, and in addition to that I wanted to point out the fact that the prices of multi tools have risen here in EU by around 50% in general. I can't stomach that and avoiding purchasing any new models.
I had a surge that I just can’t get the rattle out of. Plus I still maintain that the replaceable cutters are to save them money on warranty and make a little more cash in selling the actual cutter units. As for victorinox, why they havent ever put a pocket clip option on their mainline celador models (aside from a few outliers) has always mystified me. They could even sell it as an attachable tool, fitting in the tweezer or toothpick hole.
Wow, thank you so much for stopping by! Very interesting thought about the cutters. I think we often forget how many decisions these companies make which need to be chalked up to the profit motive. A pocket clip is always a welcome addition and I'm surprised that they only have like the one model with 1. Interesting, it really shouldn't be that hard to do that. Maybe the scales can't take that kind of pressure on them all the time? They are pretty easy to take off.
I have daily carried 3 different SAK's since 1970, and until last year when I moved up to a Champion Plus, they just rode in my pocket. With the Champion Plus I decided to add a lanyard to assure it wouldn't get lost. I had my wife teach me to crochet a tubular stitch and used 60 feet of 2 mm Dyneema and turned it into a 2 ft lanyard. This is far superior to a paracord lanyard which must be totally taken apart to be used. I can take off just as much cordage as I need and tie it off very quickly. The 2 mm Dyneema has a break strength of about 500 lbs, but it doesn't have any stretch, unlike nylon paracord.
Glad your back on TH-cam. I bought myself a Farmer X, the Huntsman, and my favorite the 111mm Workchamp which I EDC. Waited 74 years before buying my first SAK. Just never really saw any SAKs that caught my eye. Big mistake on my part. Please don’t stay off so long next time. Thankyou.
I'm so glad I found your channel! I very much appreciate your perspective as both a lover of Swiss Army knives and a woman. Your thoughtful and well informed commentary reflects a viewpoint that is underrepresented here. Thank you! I agree that it's a good idea for Victorinox to go bladeless. I'm also really glad to see that they're finally ditching the can opener that nobody uses. Maybe the parcel hook should go too? As for the EDC tools, it would be great to see them add a flashlight that can crank our some real lumens. also, I could make a case for adding a bit driver that uses 1/4 inch bits...
I think part of what is perceived as an issue is due to complacency. There’s so much on the market these days, and so many new designs and ideas, it seems like Victorinox is getting old and stale. But when I think about it, even though I have dedicated folders and multitools, the thing that gets used 90% of the time is my victorinox huntsman. They don’t need to change, because what they already offer is fantastic. We see new things and options and think Victorinox has fallen behind because they’re not innovating with their consumer base in mind, but that’s because they don’t need to. They already offer what people want; useful, quality tools at affordable prices. I would be sad to see them move away from that, like what Leatherman seems to be doing. Though a Huntsman with a 14c28n blade would be awesome!
I am too - I have been thinking about that quite a bit.... Making tools for a specific outdoor tasks that don't need a knife. It's weird, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a lot.
Almost left this rabbit hole because I am a user and not a collector but kept you and Jon Gadget for entertainment value. The Victorinox video was interesting. I think you have hit on somerhing. From a user perspective both Leatherman and Victorinox have too many products and they may be realligning to make more sense. Two odd stories. All the women I know who carry tools have Leathermans. I went into a high end knife shop which sold American knives only. Benchmade and the like. After some conversation he asked what I carried. He was really interested in my Roxon ks2elite having never seen one and was kinda imperessed. I got to handle an Arc which had come in the week before. $230 !!! Not edc for me.Too heavy and too expensive. Also being a user I had the tool I need although I looked into the Roxon Flex. Since you asked last time after a month I an very happy with ks2e. Hmave used every tool including glass breaker to shatter a block of ice for drinks. Can't wait for your review of this tool. Got my wife a Roxon M3 so she will quit borrowing mine for the scissors. Glad to have you back.
I don't usually carry a Firefly, but I am one of those EDC people that does not really subscribe to the idea that I always need to be able to start a fire. I carry one on my rangergrip when I go camping though.
I discovered Dominic's channel a couple of months ago and it open my eyes to a segment of EDC that I never knew existed. I am part of the EDC community that carries a self defense tool which requires you to be economical with what else you carry. When you start at 20-30 ozs before you get to any other items it puts a limit on what can comfortably carry on your person and I do not want to carry some form of pack. That means smaller light weight highly versatile tools. If that is what Victorinox is going to provide then I think they will find a profitable market in the US. The other factor Americans need to understand that many European countries have much more restrictive knife laws than the US so eliminating the knife opens up a market. In addition, for frequent flyers having multitool that you can have on your person or your carry on baggage is also a positive feature.
One of Jon Gadgets big complaints what Victorinox being a lifestyle brand. Theyve been a lifestyle brand for years and years now. I think they really know what theyre doing and what sells. Morakniv, Opinel have been around over 100 without substantive changes and they are still going strong. There are enough variations with the tool set and types of tools that what else would they do to change. Yes, the new opener with the Companion is nice, and youd be foolish to think that wont be included in a regular release at some point. Just look at all the imitators out there, Swiza, Boker's Tech Tool, none of them have come close to Victorinox.
That's a really good point and part of the reason is because they're able to do this more cost-effectively. You make an excellent point about Mora and Opinel. These are quality brands with their roots in history that have their manufacturing processes down so well, that it's not too expensive for them to make their knives. With each of these products, the quality and style speaks for itself.
Hey Anne, great to have you back. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Victorinox come up with as bladeless tools. I suspect the Companion's package opener would do 95% of thr cutting jobs I have when I'm in the office, and feel a lot less out of place with my colleagues.
1) Glad you're back & talking about all this! 2) Unfortunately, the bladeless tool is meant for cyclists: WTF! (it's in the press release) 3) All they need to do is RELEASE THE FREAKIING CELLIDOR COMPANION & a freaking 1/4 hex bit adapter tool! It's ridiculous to be paying $75+ for the Companion when a Climber is $30! 4) The only thing that makes sense to me on why they're delaying the Cellidor Companion, is that they're trying to (a) decide what models will have the new boxcutter tool or (b) they're making changes in they're production line to make up for the new boxcutter tool available on all models. Don't know really... They're silence is just baffling and it makes me think they're just going to focus more on being a "lifestyle brand". I hope with all my heart it's not the latter.
I am a female and bought the Grey, Dark Blue and Yellow SAK Companion because it wasn't pink, bright or frilly looking. The other two colors, especially the pink one (Paris), didn't appeal to me. I wish Victorinox came out with more exciting colored Alox scales besides silver and black on their bigger knives, like the Farmer X and Pioneer X instead of just putting cool Alox colors only on the SD Classics. The latest brown Alox scales for 2024 are pretty hideous looking imho. I had pay over $100 to get a Pioneer X in Tiger Orange Alox, which was only released for one year and its one of my favorite SAKs. I also own a Blue Alox Cadet from DLT Trading, which was an exclusive from them but wish that Victorinox made Bright Blue and Orange as a regular color in the Alox line from the Farmer X on down. For the SAK plastic scales, I love scales that use colors beyond their classic red and resent paying extra to get to get SAKs in white, blue, forest green or sapphire blue (which I do own but paid $20 to $40 more). None of these colors is 'feminine' but are a lot more interesting to to look at than just having red plastic SAKs. FYI, I own 35 SAKs. As for Leatherman, I've given up on them bc they are too expensive. I buy made in China clones, which are often less than 25 percent of the cost of a Leatherman. I am a huge knife collector and own only one pink knife, which is a Civivi Quibit. I don't own any knives that are flowered or frilly looking, i.e. made exclusively for a female. I don't think marketing knives so they are frilly and flowerly to appeal to some females is the issue to attract them to knife and multitool buying, as much as females are not socialized to carry EDC knives and multitools from a young age. From a young age, you'll see young boys carrying a SAK or pocket knife, whereas its just not common to see girls doing that. I was in the Campfire Girls, expecting to use knives and SAKS and none of the activities we were involved necessitated us to carve, cut, make knots making or anything involving adventure, survival and camping fun. I was quite disappointed. Tool and weapon carrying is still very much considered a male thing to do for the most part starting in elementary schools for boys. FYI, I got my first pocket knife at 5 yrs of age because I asked my dad for one. I still have it 55 yrs later.
Hi Happykt! Hi Kich! I do totally get where you are coming from.I know I talk a lot about wanting to have knives that appeal to women, but I also know that many women who want knives don't want "girly" knives. It took me a long time to come around to my current perspective. As a kid, I felt that pink and other such girly colors were pushing me to do and be things that did not appeal to me. But later I discovered that part of that was that I felt superior to girls who wanted to be girly girls. Like my choice to be adventurous and strong was better, but it's not - its just less common. Even later I realized that by me defining my more boy-like traits as better than other people's more girl-like traits that I was actually reinforcing the stereotype that boys are better than girls. This is of course, just my own journey and no comment at all on anyone else. But once I had come to realize that I really was acting like and maybe even believing that boys on average are better than girls. I really put some time into learning to appreciate character traits that I didn't have and eventually realized that I actually did have some of those character traits, but had been suppressing them simply because I was caught in the idea that masculine is typically better than feminine. This opened up a whole new world for me. I don't like pink still but I can appreciate it now. I love flowers. And I really appreciate that I have a whole slew of character traits to pull from depending on what the situation calls for. And that is truly just my own journey. I think that there are a lot of people out there who are a lot more relaxed and comfortable with themselves than I think I started off being. OK so to go back. I totally agree that females are not socialized to carry EDC knives and one thing. I really owe to my dad is that he taught me how to use all sorts of tools from a very young age. I hope we socialize all kids to carry tools and we all make the world a tiny bit better all the time. I wish we all would find ourselves prepared to help others and ourselves. I really thank you for your description of the Campfire Girls. My Girl Scout experience really stunk, too, and I have always believed that I would have LOVED doing Boy Scout stuff. I love that you still have that pocket knife. That is precious.
I think you're spot-on about both Leatherman and Victorinox! Selling "aspirational" tools is a good move - when my son was wanting a decent quality multi-tool I instantly thought of Leatherman - my collecting stopped about a decade ago and while some models were still available most were not - I saw in the ARC announcement that it very much looked like a "premium" offering - after buying my son a P2 and P4 I looked at the offerings again and eventually decided I wouldn't be "collecting" them anymore but I WOULD save my pennies, nickels, dimes and dollars for an ARC probably before Christmas. In the meantime I would get a couple of the "knock-offs" to see how good/bad they were - while I wouldn't rely on them to "save my life" they find their way in to the center console of my vehicles. I have about the same take as you on Victorinox - they appear to be in the "brand" business not really the knife or multi-tool business - again that's probably a smart move - many looking for a SAK will pay a few dollars more for the real thing but others don't really care. If they basically take the same approach as Stanley did about a year ago and the marketing guy also did for Crocs then they'll be successful - it could dilute the brand and cause quality to suffer - we may have to get the pre-marketing SAKs and give any fads some time to die down...
A CadetX would be perfection. Make it the first alox with a parcel hook on the back side for pulling tent stakes and call it the thru-hiker. The companion is the closest thing we have and is great but yeah, I just spent $90 on a hideous knife to only have to turn around and order new scales for another $20. I think the biggest improvement for Vic would be to start offering their products with barrel nuts instead of rivets so the end user could easily replace scales with aftermarket options. That is what most of us are doing anyway and would be a solution to the barrier of entry for people who don't have access to a drill press. Not to step out of my lane here but - I would feel a little infantilized and pandered to as a woman. It's like they are saying you all can't manage to snap a couple of pieces of plastic to their product.
Bladeless is something that should be made. It will allow us to travel with the tool. But for me I don't really care about outdoors and EDC as something needed for when I get out of my home. My EDC is oriented towards my job. And since I do that towards my job this is just making my work environnement more convenient. As for the tools I believe if they do something oriented for DIYers, hobbyists and professionnals. There is a market for that and for this will be more interesting.
There is nothing so unassuming as a good old well worn, red handled, 2 layer SWK. It offends virtually no one. Accidentally made it through TSA with one. I looked down and saw my knife in the basket and thought, dang, sure hate to loose that one. To my happy surprise, it made it through. So ubiquitous as to be almost invisible : ) Thanks for your vid! Liked and subscribed!!!
First as always, love your videos! I think you make excellent points here and I agree. Last of all I can’t say I’m as excited by a bladless knife. Though I did get this hammer less hammer the other day, no hammer head on it, but what a great handle! 😜😜😜
I would like to ask you to write to Victorinox and ask them to bring back the scientist, Even if it’s just a limited edition , Lots of Victorinox collectors would love this as an EDC .
Thoroughly enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this video! Thank you for making it! I agree with you that Victorinox has already achieved perfection. This is such a rare occurrence and it isn't a bad thing. They have not peaked. We all just get to bask in the SAK perfection 😊
No idea what they are focused on, I never had a Leatherman except a Squirt. But I think it's worth a look what modders do and why they do. I heard a lot of request like putting scissors in 84mm models. Modders do it. Once I wanted to use the bottle opener's large screw driver in right angle position (cool idea that it has one), but the soft aluminum liners couldn't take the torque. Modders use some better liner materials. By the way cutters, OCD is kind of pandemia these times, all Victorinox liners got ugly cut marks. Couldn't it be smoothened? Modders do it. And the scale materials. Cellidor looks so cool, but just look at it and it get scratched. Leave it in your car in hot days and it melts. What do modders do? They make titanium panels, micarta panels, G10 panels and more. I think before Victorinox turns to bikers' tools some of these items need to have a look at.
The 93mm alox models address a lot of issues for me, theyre pretty robust for their size, have heavier duty tools, and overall seem to have nicer finishing. Its like having a solid block of metal but not annoyingly heavy or angthing. I would like to see them expand that line a little more and add a model or two with the file or the pliers from a delux tinker. Add an inline phillips screwdriver maybe, or even experiment with an Alox 111mm model or two like the locksmith or Soldier and have a one hand beefy rescue, emergency tool thatll take some real abuse without beinding or snapping like the plastic scaled models tend to do.
I can understand what you’re saying about Leatherman, they’re like aspiring to be kind of like what Rolex is in the watch industry, which is a premium brand that everyone wants. However, the problem with Leatherman is their quality is on with dog poop. I went through six different Leatherman charge TTI titanium, the flagship Leatherman product last year and I couldn’t find a single one that was made decent. it even got to the point where I was buying from both Blade HQ and KnifeCenter and asking them to open the package and to inspect it and I was giving them details on what to look for even after that the items they sent we’re still garbage because you couldn’t open or close the pliers without them getting bound up on the internal tools. last month I bought a knifeless rebar and you couldn’t open any of the tool clumps.. If Leatherman is trying to get into the quality product game, they’ve got a long ways to go because their dog Doodoo
Victorinox should try making super high end tools with g10 scales, super steel knife blades like lc200n which would be easy to sharpen like they like it, but would have twice the edge retention, and it’s even more stainless and tough, and scissors made of m390 so they stay sharp forever because not many people will sharpen scissors.
I’m a little underwhelmed with the companion. It’s not the edc I thought it would be. I think the biggest thing that bugged me was making the small blade a file with the filing end facing the main blade. So I feel like the file scratches the blade any time I have to take it out. It doesn’t seem as well thought out as other models. This is my 4th 91mm model, and even though the Swisschamp is my most used bc it lives in my kitchen drawer, I’m learning that I still prefer a 58mm for EDC. They just get used a lot more for me. Ps I love your channel as another female into SAK, glad to see you’re back!
Interesting. As a young man while visiting Panama on a cruise in the late 1960s I bought 2 early Victronix Swiss Army knives as an alternative for camping. Back then they were higher priced utility folders. Truth is I had thought the mini scissor was cute. Had I thought about it more I probably wouldn't have. They had the same flaw as my Boy Scout pocket knife. The big blade had no lock and over time produced some bad cuts using it (or trying to) on work and camping tasks. In all honesty I found (and still find) my old Cub Scout pocket knife superior to all 3 as it's main blade has a lock. Of course today giving an 8 or 9 year old a pocket knife is not acceptable and probably illegal too, but in the early 1960s many young Americans got Cub Scout pocket knives. I wound up losing one of the Swiss Army knives when it was stolen from a gym locker, and I gave the other one away to a friend that needed a knife and I told her she could keep it, since I had my already ancient Cub Scout knife nearby. I believe today the 2 models I had bought are called the Huntsman and the Climber, Regarding the Leatherman tools. I guess I was one of their first customers. I have a half dozen of their older multi tools I got in the 80s and early 90s including a blued version. I don;t think they had started model naming the multi tools yet when I started buying them. They look kind of like the Bond model, but without a lanyard loop. They just say Leatherman, Portland and have a trademark #. I try to always keep at least one in my car and my truck, the tractor tool box and my fishing tackle box. I have an early Super Tool version too. Again I really like the fact the blades lock on the Super Tool model. Living on a farm property the Leathermen get a fair bit of use almost every week. Everyone is correct about the quality control slipping as time went on. I also bought one of their first Wave models. In about 2 weeks the screwdriver blade snapped in light use. I still have it, but am not going to the trouble or returning it. I just stopped buying the Leatherman name and started buying the lower cost knockoff and clones instead. Pep Boys used to carry low priced ($6ish) knock offs as did some other locations. None of the knock offs have broken on me the way the early Leatherman Wave did. I mostly just give the knock offs to friends to keep in their glove boxes. .I think the early Leathermen are great tools in spite of not being able to lock a blade open. To me, folding pocket pliers were a great idea. I also have no idea why Leatherman didn't put the same blade lock mechanism on the Super model on the early small models. My leather belt pouches are showing their age, lettering and finish fading, etc. But the Leatherman multitools themselves are holding up just fine. I found a nixe nylon belt pouch with a velcro closure for the Super Tool.
Wow, what an interesting comment! Thank you so much for posting it here! It sounds like you have quite a collection of early Leatherman models. That's awesome!! It's a cool story... I would love to go to a museum of multitools where you can play around with them. :)
As a woman I was also very happy when they released the companion with a female target. The knife/tool market is heavily geared towards men so having something that feels like it’s made especially for women is very appreciated. As a non-outdoorsy woman I would love more in the 74mm range. Currently I have an Executive living in my pocket decorated with washi tape.
Yeah! That is so cool. Plus I love that the washi tape protects the scales a bit. The 74 mm size to me is a sweet spot. The tools are a little bit larger for doing more things than the 58 mm size. And yet it just fits seamlessly into pockets or anywhere. Can't believe they discontinued it.
@@thevineclimberthanks for suggesting the washi tape. I’m not brave enough to change scales so I really like the tape and there’s an endless selection of patterns available. I’m not sure if it comes in different widths but the pack of tape I got from Target fits 74mm scales perfectly without having to trim it.
its tough for companies, because there is always a niche audience that has a louder platform and voice than the masses. No one can ever be happy in this day and age.
Victorinox has great quality but it's high time they upgrade their blade steel and expand the capabilities of their plier based tools. I have a Swiss Tool on my belt and a Farmer X in my pocket daily but I still really hope they come out with some upgraded materials, exchangeable bits, replaceable cutters, etc
Yes, the exchangeable bits would be great! I guess I don't mind the steel; I probably don't use them hard enough? I enjoy sharpening my knives, but it usually only takes a very short time to get them nice and sharp. I really would like a Magnacut SAK though!! Lol seems like an oxymoron.
@@thevineclimber I use mine a lot. In fact, when I had my channel (I foolishly deleted it when the ex gave me the choice between her or the channel), I had a whole video series showing how to survive with a SAK and I sharpened the knife I used to demo those skills into oblivion because SAKs just don't hold an edge very long when you use them daily. I'm thinking about restarting the channel since my wife has said she'd be down to be my camera person
I ❤my surge. If ya can’t handle the weight of the surge, then get the wave. The surge is more heavy duty tho, if that’s what your looking for. I do love SAKs too but I just think they are a light duty knife. I need something that locks as well. I wore the wave for 4 years before graduating to the surge. I never looked back and gave the wave away.
Nice! I hate to admit I have a... fake Surge. :( I should just bite the bullet and get a real one, I suppose... My husband has carried his Charge for approximately ever and has apparently never wanted another multitool.
@@thevineclimber if you do get the surge an aftermarket clip is what I went with, that is much more secure. In the description it mentions that it fits more snug I believe on Amazon, can’t remember what the brand was called but there was a TH-cam video on it and dude put the link in his video.
I got the Volty I for my Wave, and they now offer a Volty II which adds a continuity tester and thermometer to the voltmeter function. The Volty's fit in place of the reversible screwdriver bit.
Another great discussion Ann. I can completely understand what you meant about Victorinox catering the Companion to women first. I know quite a few of my viewers had mixed feelings about a tool designed for women. Personally I didn’t care that it was catered towards women, my interest was strictly in the tool set. I would love to see Victorinox bring a number of non-bladed versions to the market. I’ve been an advocate for Leatherman doing exactly the same thing in their Wave. Hopefully we’ll see both of these companies venture down that path.
Hi, and thanks for coming by! Yeah, unfortunately, the world is the way it is, and I'm mad I can't carry a knife at work, but I'm unwilling to cede all "tool ground" to those who wish to control and infantilize us. It is what it is. If I had a bladeless Swiss champ, I'd just keep it on me all the time and carry some kick-ass separate knife when I wasn't at work, and probably be the better for it. I carry a knifeless rebar at work and honestly, I wish the tools were outside-opening. I wish I could just ditch it but I can't because it looks cool lol. Like I said, I'm glad you didn't dis the Companion because of its womanly background. You are a gentleman. But, let's hope for some new colors... honestly it's hard to think of a better EDC toolset for most folks... Thanks again. 😀
We want real working equipment! My sakvics are my daily use tools!!!!!!! My leatherman super decades old is always on my hard work farm pants! Not used much with lighter and quick to deploy sakvics and moras and joker small pocket knives for trimming and scraping and poking into tiny places! So glad you are well and so positive and well informed. Few research as well as you do! Silly old men do love beauty, but may keep it in pocket till the judgmental youngins mosey on down the road! Lol
@ralphhale732 That's great! Thanks so much for coming by!! I recently got an Escort, which your site assures me is a similar toolset, at an antique store. Such a functional SLIM toolset. I just love it. I bet the Princess is SO sleek. I would love to see it come back - but I can't live without my tweezers, so I guess it won't become my EDC. Say, would you ever consider being interviewed on-camera? I actually don't have a good way to do that, but it would be SO interesting to hear about SAK Wiki from the inside...
I wish that Victorinox would start a build your own custom SAK program like some other companies do with their knives. I own 5 SAKs but still feel like I don't have the perfect one yet. I bought a Leatherman Arc to replace my aging Wave, which moved out to the car. I would have been happy to have it in a lesser steel for less money. I don't think that I wouldn't have gotten the Arc if I hadn't gotten a Free P4 for my birthday a couple of years ago. The P4 was a disappointment and felt like a rough first draft of the Arc. The few things that I liked about it are what convinced me to upgrade. The P4 has moved out to my wife's car. I hope that Leatherman gets back into the keychain space. I bought a Style PS for travel and started carrying it all of the time because it made a great companion to other pieces. The scissor spring broke, and I've been waiting to send it in because I know that they will replace it with a Micra, which isn't it.
Thanks for your comment! I think many people feel that way about custom SAKs - it would be great to have them! Of course, you can buy one now from a modder. I always wonder if Victorinix were to make them, I bet the price would be the same as if you bought one from a modder now! Interesting what you said about the Free P4. It makes sense why they discontinued it! I have my dad a Style PS a long time ago and it has gotten beat to heck. I know you CAN put a Micra on a keychain, but mine will never go there because I'm not going to let a $50 tool get beat up like that! Thanks again for leaving such a thoughtful comment!
@@thevineclimber I imagine that a custom SAK from Victorinox would be pricey, but it would be backed by the manufacturer's warranty, and you could trust that it would be made to their standards.
They do that on purpose. You bought 5 mass produced tools. One custom one would've done it but that's more work for them and they sell four less products.
Hey it’s good you are back! Please use your connections ;) and let them know that a Companion in regular cellidor and alox would be great to have as a more accessible option! Also a single layered bladeless with the opening tools and corkscrew would be very handy!
Hi Anne, great video on a very interesting topic. I agree, that Victorinox has no quality problem. The got a massive problem on bringing Innovation into their core product, which has':t changed since the early 90s. On one hand, they know they have to innovate, on the other hand they got a very good product combined with a very conservative company culture and mindset. Maybe a bladeless tool would be the chance to come up with ground breaking ideas......
Aah, Anne's back, the voice of sanity and reason. All Victorinox need to do is have every SAK available with every scale colour way, ( not including limited edition) then no one feels left out.
Victorinox has the rare privilege of being an enthusiast brand. With that, comes the responsibility to cater to the enthusiast first. Bring back the scientist. Alox Compact. Alox Rambler. Also, look at the mod community that they don’t engage with at all. Sell loose parts instead of letting some guy on eBay do it. Offer, a layer by layer build-your-own web interface. As for growing outside that market… instead of trying to make special knives for women, make all your knives unisex respected objects like Yeti or Carhartt. I think they’re neglecting the gift market. Offer custom engraving from the factory like yeti does. Not sure where this rant came from, but love hearing your thoughts on this stuff!
Bladeless for air travel is needed. For instance their nail clip, file, scissors combo would be wonderful for air travel, but it has a knife blade which makes it confiscatable.
Leatherman signal is great tool that completely sucks. Loose tools that rattle and jaws that constantly get caught up while folding back into position. Had one on my last deployment and it stayed on base after my second patrol. I still have it but it's a truck carried tool now
I agree with you about Leatherman, I think they are moving toward focusing exclusively on the high end, premium material, “must have” multitool. Personally, I think a lot of companies in the knife/multitool world are doing the same thing…which is frustrating. As for Victorinox, I too watched Jon’s video and left a comment agreeing with him. I think Victorinox could pick up where Leatherman is leaving off: smaller multitools, bladeless multitools. I would love to see a Swisstool Spirit in a SOG powerpint size with one handed opening like the Leatherman P2 and P4. I think you are right in that most knife people are looking more toward EDC rather than adventure. I for one want the Victorinox quality in some newer models or bring back some older models that were discontinued. As a SAK lover, I would love to see them bring back the 74 mm, more offerings in the 84 mm line, and put that package opening tool from the Companion on more models. That thing is great! Thanks for the video.
Agree that backlash of "female-targeted" products is silly. Reminds me of complaints about women's TV channels (Lifetime, etc). "but why aren't there men's channels?" Bro, you mean like espn? Also as a man, I need to get a SAK Companion. That toolset rocks.
I never understood people’s love for Leatherman. I had one of the classic models and it started developing rust all over with no mistreatment whatsoever (apart from living in Ireland’s constant rain). I have dozens of knives and I’ve never had that happen before or since. Great analysis btw. Subbed
Having lived in Washington and Oregon and in the late 90s. My Leatherman was always wet. That era of Leatherman just needed to be cleaned and oiled occasionally to get the grit out and I never had an issue with rust. I have always thought the blades were subpar on both knives and carried a fixed bladebut, the Leatherman's other tools made it perfect for my job and many times I could complete what I needed without pulling my toolbags out. I still keep it in my car and use it on a regular basis. My sons Leatherman just doesn't seem to have the same quality and went more for style.
I have a SAK Camper and a Leatherman Crunch amongst other knives. Knife laws make it difficult to carry the Crunch because of its locking blade. I’d rather swap the blade for something else. The Crunch is good in terms of quality but it must be 10yo now so I guess it is before any current quality issues. The SAK is fine for EDC, but I’d happily swap some of the tools out. A custom option would make a lot of sense, as I don’t really need a farrier tool or a corkscrew as an EDC. The idea of making a premium custom ordering option is great. I think that would tap into the whole “what’s in your EDC pouch” market.
@@thevineclimber - Maybe they’re treating the modding scene like some of the motorbike companies. One of the bike companies sells a model that is built for companies to buy and do low volume custom jobs on them. I want to say Yamaha but I’m not 100% certain.
The absolute bestseller, by a huge margin, and the backbone of their business is the Classic. So, women were always big in the mix. I'm really hoping Vic does give us a blade-less range. And I really hope for more 91mm models with nail-files (and I think the urban crowd will appreciate that, the urban jungle does not need wood-saws and can openers but nail-care).
Many thanks given for a great video. I must say that I never aspired to have and carry a Leatherman. Too bulky for a pocket and no desire to wear a belt case. All I need is carried in my pocket with a Victorinox Compact. No belt sheath required. Quality that will last decades with minimal care. Whatever the company wishes to focus on is of no concern to me any longer. I have purchased enough replacement back-ups to last my lifetime. It is a shame though...a tremendous amount of history is going up in a cloud of scented cologne.
Discontinued the newer squirt for the older micra in new color which scissors sck und which feels flimsy and cheap and clackers around in the pocket. Then they made no version but discontinued the compact and awesome looking Juice. Just ridicilous. I dont need full size tools and the only good smaller ones and mini ones are gone
Felix Immler's Venture in 14C28N is the first new blade steel in decades for Victorinox. While in "knife world", 14C28N is considered a budget knife steel, among the best in knives in the $40-$80 range, I'd expect the 14C28N at 59 HRC in the Venture to cut 3 times as much material before requiring sharpening as the 1.4110 at 56 ± 1 HRC in all Victorinox folding multitools. Its a quantum leap forward. That may not matter to most. But I've been deterred from buying any Victorinox SAC in the larger 136 mm (Hunter Pro/Evoke), 130 (Ranger), or 111 mm (25 models with locking blades) sizes, as the blade steel is so outclassed by competitors, including knives I already own. If Victorinox were to just update the 3 (or 4) large blade styles on these models to a blade steel from the last 60 years (and the Venture's steel/heat-treat would be a good fit), these models would immediately become a lot more competitive. The Companion is nice for a 3-layer. As a guy with failing eyesight who routinely tightens Philips head fasteners, I'd rather see the return of the Yeoman. Till then, the Explorer will do.
Great video and great takes. I agree that Leatherman is "triming the fat" to focus on being the tool everyone aspires to get, probably mostly do to the Chinese brands now quickly catching up on design and quality on more budget minded tools since Leathermans older patents have expired. It would be nice to see a revitalization of the juice line though. I also agree that Victorinox has almost perfected their offerings. I think it would be great if Vic brought back some older models like the yeoman as well as push innovations in tool implements such as with the companion package opener. Last time I chatted with a Vic rep at smkw dealer days he thought that the companion would be coming probably in 2024 in a base red scale model so I'm hoping that drops soon. And it's about time Vic just made every model in plus scales.
An innovation that I think would be stellar is a custom tool selection. I don't know how feasible this would be, but also don't think it would be impossible. For example I'd love to have a cybertool with driver & bits, scizzors and mini pliers slap it on with Alox scales and that's it. A ui could select size, select scales, then go layer by layer with what tools can fit together or across from each other.
I'm not sure what you mean with 'Outdoor Adventure crowd' but both are commercial companies trying to make money so they at least try to listen to popular demand and have a variety of models/options. If women want more girly colors and they think the market is big enough they make them. If a model doesn't sell well or no longer sells well they get discontinued. The knifeless options are due to rules and regulations in both air travel and some countries laws.
Aah, that was kind of my interpretation of Jon Gadget's complaint. I could have phrased it better. I agree. Both companies are trying to make money buy appealing to people. As an EDC person, I'm really glad the EDC community is growing so that there is a larger market for these companies to make cool products for. Thank you for your comment!
Victorinox and Leatherman have the “luxury” of having a fanbase that not only are users but many are also collectors and admirers. With social media their collective input is enormous and it would be a huge mistake not to take advantage of this kind of feedback. Not many companies have this kind of loyalty. The Companion is a great EDC, and Victorinox seems to have gone for the “added value” with it. If it had regular scales, it would be sold for about the same as a compact, but with the wooden and styled scales, it is much more expensive. Having options targeted at women is great, and I don’t think it is detrimental to their previous mostly masculine audience. Anyway… lets hope for the best! Cheers, Anne
If you're not a blue collar worker, there's no such thing as an "aspirational tool". I own three high end, old series Leatherman tools. I don't "aspire" to own a US$300 Arc, it's just a very similar tool at a stupid price....
I agree, I think Leatherman has overestimated how valuable these tools actually are. Multi tools are convenience items, they are not pro-grade like snap-on and they are not a status symbol.
@@atomicsmith Well, they have some status, like any well engineered tool has. BUT, they don't have practical value that exceeds their function. Because a $30 Chinese clone is almost identical in quality and abilities.....
I agree with Victorinox quality and I like that they are looking to expand their market towards women. I think Leatherman has dropped some of it’s less expensive tools (like the Juice) because it wasn’t cost effective to have a lifetime warranty on a tool that, most likely, is going to break. I think they were forced to choose between dropping the lifetime warranty or focus on more expensive, more durable tools. Glad you’re back 😊
Thanks Jack! I look forward on getting caught up on your videos. You make an excellent point about the less expensive multi tools not doing so good with a really long warranty from a financial perspective. Perhaps they will make a smaller juice-sized tool that is high quality and deserves its long warranty period!!
I am a huge fan of Victorinox, and own around 15.... It would be a nice change if they offered a range of "higher end" options, with upgraded steels and upgraded scales. I don't personally mind the steel, because it is easy to sharpen, but I did upgrade to G10 scales because I melted the original ones on my EDC with carburetor cleaner... I imagine a line with scales in G10, Micarta, Carbon fiber, etc., and better steel, perhaps up to something similar to Magnacut. Perhaps an optional main blade, like the customized "Spydernox" knives
With the popularity and proliferation of modern locking blades, it makes sense to have a blade-less "sidekick" tool of sorts available, so that carrying both doesn't feel redundant. I hope they take this opportunity to innovate on some new tools. I'd love a diamond sharpener and a 1/4" bit holder / driver, though I certainly won't hold my breath. Also I'd like to respectfully disagree on Victorinox lacking "aspirational" tools. The SwissTool & SwissTool Spirit are incredibly well-engineered multitools. I initially glossed over them in favor of Leatherman, but once I picked one up I was blown away. Appreciate the authenticity behind these videos. Cheers.
Great video Anne. I watched Jon Gadget's video and felt the same disappointment - that maybe Victorinox have lost their way. I think it's time for them to consider what their core customer base want - as well as expanding their lifestyle branding. The bladeless tools are one big step in this direction. I would love to see them move away from the almost compulsory Flathead/cap lifter & can opener combination. They could easily replace this with the combination tool from the bantam and add in the new package opener. I am a huge Victorinox fan and want them to do well. For Leatherman it is tricky..... I would love to see the smaller tools come back with non-locking blades... The sales of the Gerber Dime must have rocketed...in the absence of the Squirt/juice.... and the clones are getting better all the time!!!
Hiya, MB! Nice to hear from you!! Could not agree more. I bet you that Leatherman will come out with a P-series architecture Juice-sized tool. At least I hope they do. I have to agree that the combination tool from the Bantam is a really good can opener and a fine cap lifter. While I detest it as a Phillips screwdriver, if you are combining it with the package opener tool, which already has the 2 dimensional Phillips screwdriver on it, then I am a big fan of your plan. Thank you very much for the lovely comment. :)
They should offer a custom shop where you pick what tools you want on your Victorinox. Despite all their models I still can't find one that I think is satisfactory.
I think, they want- you will try to search for your best SAK and will purchase many of their knives. 😀
I own 7 SAK's
I have the same complaint. I’m probably going to buy a couple eBay beat up models and work on building my own. If that doesn’t work I’ll save up for a custom made one.
@MSkachenite LOL it's working!
@micahwest5347 I think that is a great idea. I want to do that, too, but lack the chutzpa.
I agree - but I guess that the cost might be the same as the modder. :(
How you possibly made a video like this without any awkward cuts and brought so many good points to the table is absolutely crazy! Great work! Always glad to see you post :)
She did it by stealing an entire video topic and talking points from another channel. Search for leatherman victorinox and sort it by upload date.
No, her points are different from the videos she commented @@4Sandrix
@@pev9950 I'm not talking about the ones she mentioned.
@4Sandrix I did not intentionally copy someone else's video, or multiple videos from one or more creators. I would like to know whose videos you're talking about, though, because there is always a risk of inadvertent plaigerism, but it's not ok. My thoughts are definitely shaped by the conversation that occurs on YT, and I do worry about that - I have occasionally thought I have had an original thought, and then find it in rewatching someone else's video, so I would definitely not say it is impossible.
What I have had is 2 months with limited YT, lots of time to think about this question, and multiple "practices."
That all being said, I think I'm right - and even if I'm not, I think that other people who think about the situation would likely come to the same conclusion, making multiple videos with the same thoughts probable.
But please do let me know who you're talking about so I can see if I've seen the videos in question.
@@4Sandrix I did the search you suggested and didn't find anything I watched along these lines, but the YT search function is kinda nerfed.
I bought an original Leatherman when it first came out a long time ago. It still works , and I don’t need another new one. Same for my Swiss Army knife.
Lol you're like my husband. Same multitool for years and years. And when he temporarily lost it, he went and bought a copy of the same exact thing. I think it's better to be like you than like me, but I'm still like me. But I do think your way is better. I often think I would be perfectly happy just carrying the Swiss champ and ignoring all of the rest of this. But somehow I can't.
I think victorinox will end up being fine...but Leatherman...yea they need work.
I agree with victorinox being okay too although they could play with toolsets and introduce new implements to keep things fresh. Leatherman on the other hand. I’ve bought 4 tools in 3 years and two had defects like a slightly marred blade and dull files. Q/A could be better. I worry about them as their lunch will be eaten in the low to mid range. Innovative disruption in business often starts like this. Legacy company abandons market segments to newcomers who do it cheaper. Legacy goes upscale and sells less but tries for premium. Market shrinks for them. Newcomers take over. Looks like the Multitool market that is happening now.
@maxlvledc Yeah.... I can see a path forward for Leatherman, but it always looks to me like the company will get smaller. Thanks for stopping by!!
@@peteylok1 Oh, that's interesting. Is that a thing? Because I'm gonna guess that is what's happening if it is.
@@thevineclimber Disruptive innovation it is a business term developed at Harvard. Examples include cheap foreign cars that keep getting better, Uber, cellphone cameras,etc. It starts with newcomers to market being Good Enough for consumers. They are not a threat but eventually win as they continue to get better. Usually tech related but could apply here. Eg cars.
@@peteylok1 interesting. This is going to be interesting to see. I really want an Arc. Maybe I'll go get one tonight!!
Victorinox could easily come up with another premium product line - 1) use a better steel 2) more models with locking blades.
Better steel yes. Some countries forbid locking folders (Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, etc.) I don't know how many knives they sell to those countries.
The same steel that Victorinox uses will still last you a life time of use. Don't be delusional in thinking some "super steel" is going to suddenly save the day. All it will do is drive price up and the only people that will buy it are those that will never use it. Safe queen's.
@@odie2763I EDC a Victorinox for years but kept breaking them - yes doing things they weren't meant to do - so switched to Old Timer a few years back. I still sometimes miss a tool that was in the Victorinox but to be honest mostly just need a knife so it's not been a big handicap and they last a lot longer. If Victorinox would make a stronger knife I would consider switching back.
@@timduncan6750have you tried the 93mm Alox models? They have thicker heavier duty tools. Ive done some things with them that i have broken the cellidor models on with no discernable damage to the Alox model. For their size itll handle anything you should be doing and even a little that you shouldnt. Lots of people fail to remember that pocket knives and multitools are simply convenient comprises, where you dont/cant have or cant reliably use a fixed blade, or lineman pliers, dont have a screwdriver set in your pocket etc. Theyll work in a pinch and theyve gotten to the point of being fairly robust with the likes of Leathermans ST300 or Surge and others that will handle almost as much as the proper tool for the job. I feel like most people expect too much from a convenience point.
@@odie2763You'll be glad you had that Super Steel, when Steel Luther shows up
Victorinox sadly is facing serious issues as a company in Europe due to ludicrous knife laws. The good thing is that this may bring more innovation to Bladless Swiss Army knives/multi tools and may even resurrect some of the old Wenger style tools. The bad news is that the European market is not good and it costs a lot of money to manufacture these knives in Switzerland. See Swiss Bianco‘s recent video regarding these issues.
Simple enough solution: refuse to comply.
No government has a right to tell the public they cannot have a pocket knife on them.
@@JustinCase-em6ql Germany here. I'm doing my part ;-)!
I thought sak's mostly escaped the laws for now, barley. I guess it's worse than I thought. I thought It was the public perception of any blade that's the problem.
@@jack_m100 Definitely when it comes to the 91mm models. Several countries don't like locking blades outside forests, Germany for example makes carrying one-handed knives with locking blades a gamble ans so on. But as the 91mm knives have neither of those functions, they are totally fine (outside high security areas of course).
Victorinox, they are fine, its just that we for some reason have decided that certain colors are for women, and other colors are for men (which is a dumb social construct).
Leatherman worries me. Price hikes, lack of availability, retiring a lot of products in a relatively short time, the many clones (some of them with better features).
Apparently one of the only big crises thay victorinox faced was airport security changes after 9/11. It apparently killed their corporate branded knives. Companies used to give SAK's as gifts to employees, or clients as advertising. After 9/11, those orders just stopped. You can see it in the second hand market, you can find tonnes of old branded SAKs, but very few newer ones. To be honest, im really surprised that its taken them this long.
Im looking forward to it, as i always have an EDC knife, but i like to carry a SAK, but the blade is redundant.
In an interview, tim leatherman said that leatherman sales plummeted after 9/11 as well as people didnt want to buy them because theyd get confiscated.
@@imawesome734 isn't that funny? Now we are SO used to going through all of our stuff before we go on a plane!
@andrewdarowski1975 You make a great point! If you carry a separate knife and don't want a knife on your SAK as a backup, you will save an entire layer for most knives. I just got a really cool... escort I think? I will have it on the channel soon. It looks awesome and is branded, but it's an old model.
First off, in Europe you can fly with a Victorinox SAK (up to 91mm), you can even buy them once you passed airport-security. 😁
I think down the line Victorinox gained a lot after 9/11 because the little red SAK is socially far more acceptable and raises less of an issue if you pull it out. But 9/11 is also a major reason why Victorinox has grown its lineup of life-style products.
@@etherealicer lol I want to fly in Europe just because it would be so surreal!
That is a really interesting point, which I have not heard before. If knives are all bad and scary, but your knife is not scary, then you'll win!
If Victorinox is coming out with bladeless models, they should try to make the perfect EDC keychain model, because the Jetsetter isn't it. The Jetsetter doesn't even have a fingernail file. I usually have a Manager on my keys, and I never use the knife on it because I have other knives on me. I would like one on my keychain that I never have to worry about getting confiscated because it slipped my mind before going to the airport. So I'd take the Manager model and remove the blade and add something. Or come up with a totally new model in the size of the old Executive and Ambassador. Or maybe change up the Midnite Manager and greatly improve the flashlight. BTW, I saw NexTool in a comment section under a review of the Mini Sailor Scissors stating that they're about to release a TSA friendly version of their Mini Sailor. It's going to be called the Mini Sailor Lite. I'm guessing that might be with a flashlight. I do believe NexTool is a sister company of NexTorch, a flashlight brand.
Wow, that's a really good tip!Ican't wait to see what Nextool comes out with!
I could not agree more. The Jetsetter is inadequate. I broke the blade off a manager in a video which was regarded with mixed reveiws and several unsubscribes, but it has been on my keychain ever since! I think it will be the featured guest in my next video.
@@thevineclimber I did something similar but I used a dremel with a metal cutting disc and turned the blade into a mini screwdriver instead. I'd suggest this next time ;)
Im so happy seeing you again! I always love your perspective. Thanks for the video!
Wow thank you, Xiaoyu!! 😀
Absolutely agreed that it's a mistake to only have "feminine" colors on the Companion. It's a solid tool set for anyone, male or female, but so are many other models. They need to stick to the core 91mm platform, so they can offer all the colors of the rainbow. A Manly Red(tm) Companion is just as valid as a Girly Pastel Swirl(tm) Huntsman. They should not couple the tool set to the demographic they want to market it to. The more they can standardize things, the more they can make units that are customizable and accessorizable. And accessorizable means repeat customers. :-)
Happy Saturday Gary. The new Companion is a great knife for us guys too & I bought 2 New York style ones at a discount & replaced the scales on one with Rubi red translucent Plus scales and added them to my EDC rotation ( in place of the Climbers in my EDC rotation)
I like thecNew York companion colours to be honest, I think I could pull them off lol
Great to have you back and contributing with excellent commentary on this subject. Interesting time to be for EDC, isn't it? I think Leatherman has lost it's way a bit. It doesn't matter that a tool include the newest, hottest item, if the quality isn't there it brings into question everything they produce. Because it's Leatherman, people tend to overlook the smaller issues that add up to eventually that tool not being the go to, one-to-grab, nice-in-the-hand, dependable EDC multitool, and it becoming a very expensive lesson learned item left in a drawer. It's sad really. I think they are living off their reputation of being innovative and great quality, rather than actually demonstrating that today. When I saw Mark Coffman's video about SAK's coming new lineup I thought it was just for places with strict blade laws. After a bit I became more excited and realized the possibilities. Speaking strictly EDC, I always thought carrying both my single blade, one-handed opening pocket knife and my useful SAK was a bit redundant. I'm not in a survival situation, nor do I build or repair things for a living. Also, I always bring up the fact that I'm a small person with small pockets, so typically I would end up choosing one over the other depending on what my day would entail. Having a bladeless SAK, may mean I wouldn't have to choose. I could see this working out well for other scenarios as well, like hiking, hunting and camping, where I might want a larger, better blade while still carry my reliable SAK. This is very interesting indeed for SAK.
I got a leatherman PST in 83 and used it for 31 yrs as a cop….never failed me even sawed through a pair of thumb cuffs some kid put on his brother….i think it was even on sale and was only 15 bucks as I recall…I still have it and gave it to my son who is an engineering student and also gave him his own Swiss Army explorer knife too….that was a lot more….bought and used Gerber knives in the army too….its developing a name and reputation that’s important, but seems all kind of name brands have lost their way…
Wow that's a great story! Yeah, reputation is so important, but it can be lost! I think all the companies you listed can save theirs, but it will take a bit of work from some of them. It sure was nice of you to give your son you PST!
@@thevineclimber better than sitting in a box with all my other army and police stuff
I’m glad to get your take on this, and as always, you make great points!
I think for many of us, the problem is that we want Victorinox and Leatherman to focus on a product line(s) that we consider to be their “core,” but they’re not doing it. Maybe we have ideas that we think are good, and we think lots of people agree, but after years, no progress. Common examples for Victorniox: alternative steels, replace the hook or corkscrew, more bladeless tools, more customization to the tools, more customization to the look, etc.
Personally, I’m the most interested in the 58mm 91mm form factors, and I don’t think they’ve been trying many new things lately in this size that are intended for me. I think they tried a lot more new tools and new tool configurations in the 80s and 90s (look how many tools are retired!), but that was back before the internet-it was harder to find information on new tools, and I was also too young to buy them anyway.
It’s not that they’re not innovating at all. I’m thrilled that you like the new Companion, and I’m really glad that they successfully made a tool that appeals more to women. My concern is, if they’re trying to bring in a new demographic, the price of the Companion seems like it might be way too high for a new, casual user to want to try it. I don’t really understand why they have to charge so much for it when it doesn’t seem like it would be any more costly for them to produce than their normal 91mm knives. I also think the Hunter and Venture lines are cool, but they’re targeted more at the bushcraft crowd, and that’s not really me. They’ve also made a lot of knives for collectors, but they’re really expensive and not meant to be practical.
I want to see both companies trying new ideas, in their main product lines, for their average users, and I feel like they’re just not doing a whole lot of that, despite all the great EDC content on TH-cam giving them plenty of ideas. That’s my lament. On the other hand, I just got my Roxon Flex in the mail, completely customized to my taste, for about $70, and I’m super happy with it so far! I want to have that same excitement about a new Leatherman or Victorinox, but it’s been rare. Their new tools have been either way too pricey, not in their core product lines, or both. Give us something cool to talk about every year, that we might actually buy! Instead what do they do? Mass retirement of our favorite tools such as the Squirt PS4, the Manager, etc.
As far as what I think they’re actually doing, I’m not sure, but based on the emails I get from both companies, I think Victorinox has been pushing their luggage and watches a lot for the last few years (which are probably a higher profit margin for them), and both companies have been doing lots of expensive collector edition models, which again I have to assume are higher profit margin at those prices. Being a collector myself, I don’t have any problem with them appealing to collectors as long as it’s not at the expense of innovation in their core lines, but my annual multi tool budget is only about $100, which means most of their stuff is a little out of my price range.
I wish victorinox would take a page out of leatherman’s book by offering a Diamond file. In my opinion a mountaineer with a Diamond file would be perfect.
I think the inflation has some role in this too. I agree with you, and in addition to that I wanted to point out the fact that the prices of multi tools have risen here in EU by around 50% in general. I can't stomach that and avoiding purchasing any new models.
💯 inflation has EVERYTHING to do with it.
OMG!!! i can’t wait for a bladeless Victorinox! i think your video about it definitely made some noise their way. Thank you for voicing that out 🥰
I had a surge that I just can’t get the rattle out of. Plus I still maintain that the replaceable cutters are to save them money on warranty and make a little more cash in selling the actual cutter units.
As for victorinox, why they havent ever put a pocket clip option on their mainline celador models (aside from a few outliers) has always mystified me. They could even sell it as an attachable tool, fitting in the tweezer or toothpick hole.
Always surprises me how often I find you on these smaller channels
@@brandensutton2324he was small once...
@@airadaimagery692 I remember 🖖😁
Wow, thank you so much for stopping by! Very interesting thought about the cutters. I think we often forget how many decisions these companies make which need to be chalked up to the profit motive.
A pocket clip is always a welcome addition and I'm surprised that they only have like the one model with 1. Interesting, it really shouldn't be that hard to do that. Maybe the scales can't take that kind of pressure on them all the time? They are pretty easy to take off.
I have daily carried 3 different SAK's since 1970, and until last year when I moved up to a Champion Plus, they just rode in my pocket. With the Champion Plus I decided to add a lanyard to assure it wouldn't get lost.
I had my wife teach me to crochet a tubular stitch and used 60 feet of 2 mm Dyneema and turned it into a 2 ft lanyard. This is far superior to a paracord lanyard which must be totally taken apart to be used. I can take off just as much cordage as I need and tie it off very quickly. The 2 mm Dyneema has a break strength of about 500 lbs, but it doesn't have any stretch, unlike nylon paracord.
Glad your back on TH-cam. I bought myself a Farmer X, the Huntsman, and my favorite the 111mm Workchamp which I EDC. Waited 74 years before buying my first SAK. Just never really saw any SAKs that caught my eye. Big mistake on my part. Please don’t stay off so long next time. Thankyou.
I'm so glad I found your channel! I very much appreciate your perspective as both a lover of Swiss Army knives and a woman. Your thoughtful and well informed commentary reflects a viewpoint that is underrepresented here. Thank you!
I agree that it's a good idea for Victorinox to go bladeless. I'm also really glad to see that they're finally ditching the can opener that nobody uses. Maybe the parcel hook should go too? As for the EDC tools, it would be great to see them add a flashlight that can crank our some real lumens. also, I could make a case for adding a bit driver that uses 1/4 inch bits...
I think part of what is perceived as an issue is due to complacency. There’s so much on the market these days, and so many new designs and ideas, it seems like Victorinox is getting old and stale. But when I think about it, even though I have dedicated folders and multitools, the thing that gets used 90% of the time is my victorinox huntsman. They don’t need to change, because what they already offer is fantastic. We see new things and options and think Victorinox has fallen behind because they’re not innovating with their consumer base in mind, but that’s because they don’t need to. They already offer what people want; useful, quality tools at affordable prices. I would be sad to see them move away from that, like what Leatherman seems to be doing. Though a Huntsman with a 14c28n blade would be awesome!
I'm looking forward to seeing Victorinox' selection of bladeless tools, especially the cyclists tool 😊
No blade ? That's like a guy who lost his penis
I am too - I have been thinking about that quite a bit.... Making tools for a specific outdoor tasks that don't need a knife. It's weird, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a lot.
Almost left this rabbit hole because I am a
user and not a collector but kept you and Jon Gadget for entertainment value. The Victorinox video was interesting. I think you have hit on somerhing. From a user perspective both Leatherman and Victorinox have too many products and they may be realligning to make more sense. Two odd stories. All the women I know who carry tools have Leathermans. I went into a high end knife shop which sold American knives only. Benchmade and the like. After some conversation he asked what I carried. He was really interested in my Roxon ks2elite having never seen one and was kinda imperessed. I got to handle an Arc which had come in the week before. $230 !!! Not edc for me.Too heavy and too expensive. Also being a user I had the tool I need although I looked into the Roxon Flex. Since you asked last time after a month I an very happy with ks2e. Hmave used every tool including glass breaker to shatter a block of ice for drinks. Can't wait for your review of this tool. Got my wife a Roxon M3 so she will quit borrowing mine for the scissors. Glad to have you back.
Adding the Firefly fire starter in place of the toothpick really completes the SAK as an EDC/Survival knife.
I don't usually carry a Firefly, but I am one of those EDC people that does not really subscribe to the idea that I always need to be able to start a fire. I carry one on my rangergrip when I go camping though.
I'm so happy you're back! It's great to see you again.😊
Hi Louzher!! Thank you!!
I discovered Dominic's channel a couple of months ago and it open my eyes to a segment of EDC that I never knew existed. I am part of the EDC community that carries a self defense tool which requires you to be economical with what else you carry. When you start at 20-30 ozs before you get to any other items it puts a limit on what can comfortably carry on your person and I do not want to carry some form of pack. That means smaller light weight highly versatile tools. If that is what Victorinox is going to provide then I think they will find a profitable market in the US. The other factor Americans need to understand that many European countries have much more restrictive knife laws than the US so eliminating the knife opens up a market. In addition, for frequent flyers having multitool that you can have on your person or your carry on baggage is also a positive feature.
One of Jon Gadgets big complaints what Victorinox being a lifestyle brand. Theyve been a lifestyle brand for years and years now. I think they really know what theyre doing and what sells. Morakniv, Opinel have been around over 100 without substantive changes and they are still going strong. There are enough variations with the tool set and types of tools that what else would they do to change. Yes, the new opener with the Companion is nice, and youd be foolish to think that wont be included in a regular release at some point. Just look at all the imitators out there, Swiza, Boker's Tech Tool, none of them have come close to Victorinox.
That's a really good point and part of the reason is because they're able to do this more cost-effectively. You make an excellent point about Mora and Opinel. These are quality brands with their roots in history that have their manufacturing processes down so well, that it's not too expensive for them to make their knives. With each of these products, the quality and style speaks for itself.
Hey Anne, great to have you back. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Victorinox come up with as bladeless tools. I suspect the Companion's package opener would do 95% of thr cutting jobs I have when I'm in the office, and feel a lot less out of place with my colleagues.
Thank you!! Yeah, I agree - I wouldn't CHOOSE not to have a blade, but the package opener does a lot of things! I think we should give them ideas.
1) Glad you're back & talking about all this!
2) Unfortunately, the bladeless tool is meant for cyclists: WTF! (it's in the press release)
3) All they need to do is RELEASE THE FREAKIING CELLIDOR COMPANION & a freaking 1/4 hex bit adapter tool! It's ridiculous to be paying $75+ for the Companion when a Climber is $30!
4) The only thing that makes sense to me on why they're delaying the Cellidor Companion, is that they're trying to (a) decide what models will have the new boxcutter tool or (b) they're making changes in they're production line to make up for the new boxcutter tool available on all models. Don't know really... They're silence is just baffling and it makes me think they're just going to focus more on being a "lifestyle brand". I hope with all my heart it's not the latter.
I LOVE you, I mean your TH-cam channel SOOOOOO much! ❤
I am a female and bought the Grey, Dark Blue and Yellow SAK Companion because it wasn't pink, bright or frilly looking. The other two colors, especially the pink one (Paris), didn't appeal to me. I wish Victorinox came out with more exciting colored Alox scales besides silver and black on their bigger knives, like the Farmer X and Pioneer X instead of just putting cool Alox colors only on the SD Classics. The latest brown Alox scales for 2024 are pretty hideous looking imho.
I had pay over $100 to get a Pioneer X in Tiger Orange Alox, which was only released for one year and its one of my favorite SAKs. I also own a Blue Alox Cadet from DLT Trading, which was an exclusive from them but wish that Victorinox made Bright Blue and Orange as a regular color in the Alox line from the Farmer X on down. For the SAK plastic scales, I love scales that use colors beyond their classic red and resent paying extra to get to get SAKs in white, blue, forest green or sapphire blue (which I do own but paid $20 to $40 more). None of these colors is 'feminine' but are a lot more interesting to to look at than just having red plastic SAKs. FYI, I own 35 SAKs. As for Leatherman, I've given up on them bc they are too expensive. I buy made in China clones, which are often less than 25 percent of the cost of a Leatherman. I am a huge knife collector and own only one pink knife, which is a Civivi Quibit. I don't own any knives that are flowered or frilly looking, i.e. made exclusively for a female. I don't think marketing knives so they are frilly and flowerly to appeal to some females is the issue to attract them to knife and multitool buying, as much as females are not socialized to carry EDC knives and multitools from a young age. From a young age, you'll see young boys carrying a SAK or pocket knife, whereas its just not common to see girls doing that. I was in the Campfire Girls, expecting to use knives and SAKS and none of the activities we were involved necessitated us to carve, cut, make knots making or anything involving adventure, survival and camping fun. I was quite disappointed. Tool and weapon carrying is still very much considered a male thing to do for the most part starting in elementary schools for boys. FYI, I got my first pocket knife at 5 yrs of age because I asked my dad for one. I still have it 55 yrs later.
Similar experiences here.
Hi Happykt! Hi Kich! I do totally get where you are coming from.I know I talk a lot about wanting to have knives that appeal to women, but I also know that many women who want knives don't want "girly" knives. It took me a long time to come around to my current perspective. As a kid, I felt that pink and other such girly colors were pushing me to do and be things that did not appeal to me. But later I discovered that part of that was that I felt superior to girls who wanted to be girly girls. Like my choice to be adventurous and strong was better, but it's not - its just less common. Even later I realized that by me defining my more boy-like traits as better than other people's more girl-like traits that I was actually reinforcing the stereotype that boys are better than girls.
This is of course, just my own journey and no comment at all on anyone else. But once I had come to realize that I really was acting like and maybe even believing that boys on average are better than girls. I really put some time into learning to appreciate character traits that I didn't have and eventually realized that I actually did have some of those character traits, but had been suppressing them simply because I was caught in the idea that masculine is typically better than feminine.
This opened up a whole new world for me. I don't like pink still but I can appreciate it now. I love flowers. And I really appreciate that I have a whole slew of character traits to pull from depending on what the situation calls for.
And that is truly just my own journey. I think that there are a lot of people out there who are a lot more relaxed and comfortable with themselves than I think I started off being.
OK so to go back. I totally agree that females are not socialized to carry EDC knives and one thing. I really owe to my dad is that he taught me how to use all sorts of tools from a very young age. I hope we socialize all kids to carry tools and we all make the world a tiny bit better all the time. I wish we all would find ourselves prepared to help others and ourselves.
I really thank you for your description of the Campfire Girls. My Girl Scout experience really stunk, too, and I have always believed that I would have LOVED doing Boy Scout stuff.
I love that you still have that pocket knife.
That is precious.
I think you're spot-on about both Leatherman and Victorinox! Selling "aspirational" tools is a good move - when my son was wanting a decent quality multi-tool I instantly thought of Leatherman - my collecting stopped about a decade ago and while some models were still available most were not - I saw in the ARC announcement that it very much looked like a "premium" offering - after buying my son a P2 and P4 I looked at the offerings again and eventually decided I wouldn't be "collecting" them anymore but I WOULD save my pennies, nickels, dimes and dollars for an ARC probably before Christmas. In the meantime I would get a couple of the "knock-offs" to see how good/bad they were - while I wouldn't rely on them to "save my life" they find their way in to the center console of my vehicles. I have about the same take as you on Victorinox - they appear to be in the "brand" business not really the knife or multi-tool business - again that's probably a smart move - many looking for a SAK will pay a few dollars more for the real thing but others don't really care. If they basically take the same approach as Stanley did about a year ago and the marketing guy also did for Crocs then they'll be successful - it could dilute the brand and cause quality to suffer - we may have to get the pre-marketing SAKs and give any fads some time to die down...
You bring the best energy to your videos
A CadetX would be perfection. Make it the first alox with a parcel hook on the back side for pulling tent stakes and call it the thru-hiker. The companion is the closest thing we have and is great but yeah, I just spent $90 on a hideous knife to only have to turn around and order new scales for another $20. I think the biggest improvement for Vic would be to start offering their products with barrel nuts instead of rivets so the end user could easily replace scales with aftermarket options. That is what most of us are doing anyway and would be a solution to the barrier of entry for people who don't have access to a drill press. Not to step out of my lane here but - I would feel a little infantilized and pandered to as a woman. It's like they are saying you all can't manage to snap a couple of pieces of plastic to their product.
Bladeless is something that should be made. It will allow us to travel with the tool.
But for me I don't really care about outdoors and EDC as something needed for when I get out of my home.
My EDC is oriented towards my job.
And since I do that towards my job this is just making my work environnement more convenient.
As for the tools I believe if they do something oriented for DIYers, hobbyists and professionnals. There is a market for that and for this will be more interesting.
There is nothing so unassuming as a good old well worn, red handled, 2 layer SWK. It offends virtually no one. Accidentally made it through TSA with one. I looked down and saw my knife in the basket and thought, dang, sure hate to loose that one. To my happy surprise, it made it through. So ubiquitous as to be almost invisible : ) Thanks for your vid! Liked and subscribed!!!
Awesome! Thanks! Lol I took a newly minted bladeless model through the TSA recently and they didn't even open it to look!!
First as always, love your videos!
I think you make excellent points here and I agree.
Last of all I can’t say I’m as excited by a bladless knife. Though I did get this hammer less hammer the other day, no hammer head on it, but what a great handle! 😜😜😜
It was good to hear your thoughts on this👍Have a great weekend, Anne!
I've been carrying a Victorinox Handyman daily for 10 years. It's still going strong
I have a ton of SAKs. I generally even buy custom scales for them. I have Leathermans too. But, the SAK is so easy to carry and very useful.
Yes, and I think pretty stylish too! Those custom scales are really nice looking. 👌
I would like to ask you to write to Victorinox and ask them to bring back the scientist,
Even if it’s just a limited edition ,
Lots of Victorinox collectors would love this as an EDC .
Would love it if they would bring back the scientist. That was named the ultimate tiny EDC for me, I think!
Thoroughly enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this video! Thank you for making it! I agree with you that Victorinox has already achieved perfection. This is such a rare occurrence and it isn't a bad thing. They have not peaked. We all just get to bask in the SAK perfection 😊
No idea what they are focused on, I never had a Leatherman except a Squirt. But I think it's worth a look what modders do and why they do. I heard a lot of request like putting scissors in 84mm models. Modders do it. Once I wanted to use the bottle opener's large screw driver in right angle position (cool idea that it has one), but the soft aluminum liners couldn't take the torque. Modders use some better liner materials. By the way cutters, OCD is kind of pandemia these times, all Victorinox liners got ugly cut marks. Couldn't it be smoothened? Modders do it. And the scale materials. Cellidor looks so cool, but just look at it and it get scratched. Leave it in your car in hot days and it melts. What do modders do? They make titanium panels, micarta panels, G10 panels and more. I think before Victorinox turns to bikers' tools some of these items need to have a look at.
The 93mm alox models address a lot of issues for me, theyre pretty robust for their size, have heavier duty tools, and overall seem to have nicer finishing. Its like having a solid block of metal but not annoyingly heavy or angthing. I would like to see them expand that line a little more and add a model or two with the file or the pliers from a delux tinker. Add an inline phillips screwdriver maybe, or even experiment with an Alox 111mm model or two like the locksmith or Soldier and have a one hand beefy rescue, emergency tool thatll take some real abuse without beinding or snapping like the plastic scaled models tend to do.
I can understand what you’re saying about Leatherman, they’re like aspiring to be kind of like what Rolex is in the watch industry, which is a premium brand that everyone wants.
However, the problem with Leatherman is their quality is on with dog poop. I went through six different Leatherman charge TTI titanium, the flagship Leatherman product last year and I couldn’t find a single one that was made decent. it even got to the point where I was buying from both Blade HQ and KnifeCenter and asking them to open the package and to inspect it and I was giving them details on what to look for even after that the items they sent we’re still garbage because you couldn’t open or close the pliers without them getting bound up on the internal tools. last month I bought a knifeless rebar and you couldn’t open any of the tool clumps..
If Leatherman is trying to get into the quality product game, they’ve got a long ways to go because their dog Doodoo
Victorinox should try making super high end tools with g10 scales, super steel knife blades like lc200n which would be easy to sharpen like they like it, but would have twice the edge retention, and it’s even more stainless and tough, and scissors made of m390 so they stay sharp forever because not many people will sharpen scissors.
I’m a little underwhelmed with the companion. It’s not the edc I thought it would be. I think the biggest thing that bugged me was making the small blade a file with the filing end facing the main blade. So I feel like the file scratches the blade any time I have to take it out. It doesn’t seem as well thought out as other models. This is my 4th 91mm model, and even though the Swisschamp is my most used bc it lives in my kitchen drawer, I’m learning that I still prefer a 58mm for EDC. They just get used a lot more for me. Ps I love your channel as another female into SAK, glad to see you’re back!
Interesting. As a young man while visiting Panama on a cruise in the late 1960s I bought 2 early Victronix Swiss Army knives as an alternative for camping. Back then they were higher priced utility folders. Truth is I had thought the mini scissor was cute. Had I thought about it more I probably wouldn't have. They had the same flaw as my Boy Scout pocket knife. The big blade had no lock and over time produced some bad cuts using it (or trying to) on work and camping tasks. In all honesty I found (and still find) my old Cub Scout pocket knife superior to all 3 as it's main blade has a lock. Of course today giving an 8 or 9 year old a pocket knife is not acceptable and probably illegal too, but in the early 1960s many young Americans got Cub Scout pocket knives. I wound up losing one of the Swiss Army knives when it was stolen from a gym locker, and I gave the other one away to a friend that needed a knife and I told her she could keep it, since I had my already ancient Cub Scout knife nearby. I believe today the 2 models I had bought are called the Huntsman and the Climber,
Regarding the Leatherman tools. I guess I was one of their first customers. I have a half dozen of their older multi tools I got in the 80s and early 90s including a blued version. I don;t think they had started model naming the multi tools yet when I started buying them. They look kind of like the Bond model, but without a lanyard loop. They just say Leatherman, Portland and have a trademark #. I try to always keep at least one in my car and my truck, the tractor tool box and my fishing tackle box. I have an early Super Tool version too. Again I really like the fact the blades lock on the Super Tool model.
Living on a farm property the Leathermen get a fair bit of use almost every week. Everyone is correct about the quality control slipping as time went on.
I also bought one of their first Wave models. In about 2 weeks the screwdriver blade snapped in light use. I still have it, but am not going to the trouble or returning it. I just stopped buying the Leatherman name and started buying the lower cost knockoff and clones instead. Pep Boys used to carry low priced ($6ish) knock offs as did some other locations.
None of the knock offs have broken on me the way the early Leatherman Wave did. I mostly just give the knock offs to friends to keep in their glove boxes. .I think the early Leathermen are great tools in spite of not being able to lock a blade open. To me, folding pocket pliers were a great idea. I also have no idea why Leatherman didn't put the same blade lock mechanism on the Super model on the early small models.
My leather belt pouches are showing their age, lettering and finish fading, etc. But the Leatherman multitools themselves are holding up just fine. I found a nixe nylon belt pouch with a velcro closure for the Super Tool.
Wow, what an interesting comment! Thank you so much for posting it here!
It sounds like you have quite a collection of early Leatherman models. That's awesome!! It's a cool story...
I would love to go to a museum of multitools where you can play around with them. :)
All great points, tend to agree. Missed you.
Terrific commentary! On target!
Change is always difficult for most people to accept. I am cautiously optimistic about the future of SAK. Time will tell. BTW, new subscriber here.
As a woman I was also very happy when they released the companion with a female target. The knife/tool market is heavily geared towards men so having something that feels like it’s made especially for women is very appreciated. As a non-outdoorsy woman I would love more in the 74mm range. Currently I have an Executive living in my pocket decorated with washi tape.
Yeah! That is so cool. Plus I love that the washi tape protects the scales a bit.
The 74 mm size to me is a sweet spot. The tools are a little bit larger for doing more things than the 58 mm size. And yet it just fits seamlessly into pockets or anywhere. Can't believe they discontinued it.
@@thevineclimberthanks for suggesting the washi tape. I’m not brave enough to change scales so I really like the tape and there’s an endless selection of patterns available. I’m not sure if it comes in different widths but the pack of tape I got from Target fits 74mm scales perfectly without having to trim it.
its tough for companies, because there is always a niche audience that has a louder platform and voice than the masses. No one can ever be happy in this day and age.
Victorinox has great quality but it's high time they upgrade their blade steel and expand the capabilities of their plier based tools. I have a Swiss Tool on my belt and a Farmer X in my pocket daily but I still really hope they come out with some upgraded materials, exchangeable bits, replaceable cutters, etc
Yes, the exchangeable bits would be great! I guess I don't mind the steel; I probably don't use them hard enough? I enjoy sharpening my knives, but it usually only takes a very short time to get them nice and sharp. I really would like a Magnacut SAK though!! Lol seems like an oxymoron.
@@thevineclimber I use mine a lot. In fact, when I had my channel (I foolishly deleted it when the ex gave me the choice between her or the channel), I had a whole video series showing how to survive with a SAK and I sharpened the knife I used to demo those skills into oblivion because SAKs just don't hold an edge very long when you use them daily. I'm thinking about restarting the channel since my wife has said she'd be down to be my camera person
I ❤my surge. If ya can’t handle the weight of the surge, then get the wave. The surge is more heavy duty tho, if that’s what your looking for. I do love SAKs too but I just think they are a light duty knife. I need something that locks as well. I wore the wave for 4 years before graduating to the surge. I never looked back and gave the wave away.
Nice! I hate to admit I have a... fake Surge. :( I should just bite the bullet and get a real one, I suppose... My husband has carried his Charge for approximately ever and has apparently never wanted another multitool.
@@thevineclimber if you do get the surge an aftermarket clip is what I went with, that is much more secure. In the description it mentions that it fits more snug I believe on Amazon, can’t remember what the brand was called but there was a TH-cam video on it and dude put the link in his video.
If you need to know I can check my records, for which clip it was, let me know:)
I got the Volty I for my Wave, and they now offer a Volty II which adds a continuity tester and thermometer to the voltmeter function. The Volty's fit in place of the reversible screwdriver bit.
Well it's about time, young lady! 😁 Glad to see you back.
Hey Stpetie! Nice to see you!!
HeybStpetie! Nice to see you! 😊 Thanks!
Yup, new Arc wire cutters crack cutting a coat hanger.
My old Surge, Signal, and Wave Plus do the trick. Each tool is 1 third of the price of one ARC.
Another great discussion Ann. I can completely understand what you meant about Victorinox catering the Companion to women first. I know quite a few of my viewers had mixed feelings about a tool designed for women. Personally I didn’t care that it was catered towards women, my interest was strictly in the tool set.
I would love to see Victorinox bring a number of non-bladed versions to the market. I’ve been an advocate for Leatherman doing exactly the same thing in their Wave. Hopefully we’ll see both of these companies venture down that path.
Hi, and thanks for coming by! Yeah, unfortunately, the world is the way it is, and I'm mad I can't carry a knife at work, but I'm unwilling to cede all "tool ground" to those who wish to control and infantilize us. It is what it is. If I had a bladeless Swiss champ, I'd just keep it on me all the time and carry some kick-ass separate knife when I wasn't at work, and probably be the better for it.
I carry a knifeless rebar at work and honestly, I wish the tools were outside-opening. I wish I could just ditch it but I can't because it looks cool lol.
Like I said, I'm glad you didn't dis the Companion because of its womanly background. You are a gentleman. But, let's hope for some new colors... honestly it's hard to think of a better EDC toolset for most folks...
Thanks again. 😀
We want real working equipment! My sakvics are my daily use tools!!!!!!! My leatherman super decades old is always on my hard work farm pants! Not used much with lighter and quick to deploy sakvics and moras and joker small pocket knives for trimming and scraping and poking into tiny places! So glad you are well and so positive and well informed. Few research as well as you do! Silly old men do love beauty, but may keep it in pocket till the judgmental youngins mosey on down the road! Lol
Would love to see the companion in classic colors or with plus scales. The live to explore series feels like Kathleen Kennedy sat in on those meetings
The Companion has plus scales already.
All they need to do is offer the standard colour options and have that at say £40.
We recently updated the Princess page in SAKWiki - Interesting to see it the latest version here on your video. PS. Nice vid as always
@ralphhale732 That's great! Thanks so much for coming by!! I recently got an Escort, which your site assures me is a similar toolset, at an antique store. Such a functional SLIM toolset. I just love it. I bet the Princess is SO sleek. I would love to see it come back - but I can't live without my tweezers, so I guess it won't become my EDC. Say, would you ever consider being interviewed on-camera? I actually don't have a good way to do that, but it would be SO interesting to hear about SAK Wiki from the inside...
@@thevineclimber Hi Anne replied to your MTo email account
I wish that Victorinox would start a build your own custom SAK program like some other companies do with their knives. I own 5 SAKs but still feel like I don't have the perfect one yet.
I bought a Leatherman Arc to replace my aging Wave, which moved out to the car. I would have been happy to have it in a lesser steel for less money. I don't think that I wouldn't have gotten the Arc if I hadn't gotten a Free P4 for my birthday a couple of years ago. The P4 was a disappointment and felt like a rough first draft of the Arc. The few things that I liked about it are what convinced me to upgrade. The P4 has moved out to my wife's car.
I hope that Leatherman gets back into the keychain space. I bought a Style PS for travel and started carrying it all of the time because it made a great companion to other pieces. The scissor spring broke, and I've been waiting to send it in because I know that they will replace it with a Micra, which isn't it.
Thanks for your comment! I think many people feel that way about custom SAKs - it would be great to have them! Of course, you can buy one now from a modder. I always wonder if Victorinix were to make them, I bet the price would be the same as if you bought one from a modder now!
Interesting what you said about the Free P4. It makes sense why they discontinued it!
I have my dad a Style PS a long time ago and it has gotten beat to heck. I know you CAN put a Micra on a keychain, but mine will never go there because I'm not going to let a $50 tool get beat up like that!
Thanks again for leaving such a thoughtful comment!
@@thevineclimber I imagine that a custom SAK from Victorinox would be pricey, but it would be backed by the manufacturer's warranty, and you could trust that it would be made to their standards.
They do that on purpose. You bought 5 mass produced tools. One custom one would've done it but that's more work for them and they sell four less products.
Hey it’s good you are back! Please use your connections ;) and let them know that a Companion in regular cellidor and alox would be great to have as a more accessible option! Also a single layered bladeless with the opening tools and corkscrew would be very handy!
Hi Anne, great video on a very interesting topic. I agree, that Victorinox has no quality problem. The got a massive problem on bringing Innovation into their core product, which has':t changed since the early 90s. On one hand, they know they have to innovate, on the other hand they got a very good product combined with a very conservative company culture and mindset. Maybe a bladeless tool would be the chance to come up with ground breaking ideas......
if leatherman wants to be a luxury brand, you have that you should not be breaking when you use it
Aah, Anne's back, the voice of sanity and reason. All Victorinox need to do is have every SAK available with every scale colour way, ( not including limited edition) then no one feels left out.
Hi Tim - thanks! I try. Yes I agree. Yellow Explorers and green Super Tinkers and Black Compacts... heck yeah!
I bought my wife and daughter companions for Christmas. Their first Victorinox products and they love them! The colors helped lol
Oh, that's so awesome. I'm so glad to hear that. I gave one to a friend of mine for Christmas, and she used it a ton around church. 👍
Victorinox has the rare privilege of being an enthusiast brand. With that, comes the responsibility to cater to the enthusiast first. Bring back the scientist. Alox Compact. Alox Rambler. Also, look at the mod community that they don’t engage with at all. Sell loose parts instead of letting some guy on eBay do it. Offer, a layer by layer build-your-own web interface.
As for growing outside that market… instead of trying to make special knives for women, make all your knives unisex respected objects like Yeti or Carhartt. I think they’re neglecting the gift market. Offer custom engraving from the factory like yeti does.
Not sure where this rant came from, but love hearing your thoughts on this stuff!
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. Always stay safe out there. 😊
Thanks! If I don't handle a knife in a video I am less likely to injure myself on screen, anyway.
Bladeless for air travel is needed. For instance their nail clip, file, scissors combo would be wonderful for air travel, but it has a knife blade which makes it confiscatable.
Yes, that would be a great one!! Totally agree. :)
Well said! Not a flaw in you assertion that I can see.
Wow that's my kind of comment! Thanks!!
Leatherman signal is great tool that completely sucks. Loose tools that rattle and jaws that constantly get caught up while folding back into position. Had one on my last deployment and it stayed on base after my second patrol. I still have it but it's a truck carried tool now
Your video pretty much sums up the comments I left on Jon Gadget's video ♥
I wish they’d bring back the 74mm knives, in many models and colors… wouldn’t there be a nice little market for those?
As a woman, I like the idea of having a girly, and masculine version of each model of a knife!
Totally! Let's just welcome everyone!
I gave my wife and daughter and daughter in law Kershaw Leeks in pink. I gave my stepson's wife one in blue because that's her color.
@@grantdavis5992 ooh, I like the leek, too. I'm pretty sure that's the one I have. Very nice and sharp, point tip good for all sorts of things.
After 9/11 Victorinoxs sales dropped 30%. They had to diversify. To many people dependent on the company.
I agree with you about Leatherman, I think they are moving toward focusing exclusively on the high end, premium material, “must have” multitool. Personally, I think a lot of companies in the knife/multitool world are doing the same thing…which is frustrating. As for Victorinox, I too watched Jon’s video and left a comment agreeing with him. I think Victorinox could pick up where Leatherman is leaving off: smaller multitools, bladeless multitools. I would love to see a Swisstool Spirit in a SOG powerpint size with one handed opening like the Leatherman P2 and P4. I think you are right in that most knife people are looking more toward EDC rather than adventure. I for one want the Victorinox quality in some newer models or bring back some older models that were discontinued. As a SAK lover, I would love to see them bring back the 74 mm, more offerings in the 84 mm line, and put that package opening tool from the Companion on more models. That thing is great! Thanks for the video.
Agree that backlash of "female-targeted" products is silly. Reminds me of complaints about women's TV channels (Lifetime, etc).
"but why aren't there men's channels?"
Bro, you mean like espn?
Also as a man, I need to get a SAK Companion. That toolset rocks.
I never understood people’s love for Leatherman. I had one of the classic models and it started developing rust all over with no mistreatment whatsoever (apart from living in Ireland’s constant rain). I have dozens of knives and I’ve never had that happen before or since.
Great analysis btw. Subbed
Having lived in Washington and Oregon and in the late 90s. My Leatherman was always wet. That era of Leatherman just needed to be cleaned and oiled occasionally to get the grit out and I never had an issue with rust. I have always thought the blades were subpar on both knives and carried a fixed bladebut, the Leatherman's other tools made it perfect for my job and many times I could complete what I needed without pulling my toolbags out. I still keep it in my car and use it on a regular basis. My sons Leatherman just doesn't seem to have the same quality and went more for style.
I have a SAK Camper and a Leatherman Crunch amongst other knives. Knife laws make it difficult to carry the Crunch because of its locking blade. I’d rather swap the blade for something else. The Crunch is good in terms of quality but it must be 10yo now so I guess it is before any current quality issues. The SAK is fine for EDC, but I’d happily swap some of the tools out. A custom option would make a lot of sense, as I don’t really need a farrier tool or a corkscrew as an EDC. The idea of making a premium custom ordering option is great. I think that would tap into the whole “what’s in your EDC pouch” market.
I like that idea, too, but I'm guessing it would be as expensive as ordering from a modder!!
@@thevineclimber - Maybe they’re treating the modding scene like some of the motorbike companies. One of the bike companies sells a model that is built for companies to buy and do low volume custom jobs on them. I want to say Yamaha but I’m not 100% certain.
The absolute bestseller, by a huge margin, and the backbone of their business is the Classic. So, women were always big in the mix.
I'm really hoping Vic does give us a blade-less range.
And I really hope for more 91mm models with nail-files (and I think the urban crowd will appreciate that, the urban jungle does not need wood-saws and can openers but nail-care).
You make a very good point. Also, think how easy it would be for them to incorporate the hook with the nail file on it like is on the Compact!
Many thanks given for a great video. I must say that I never aspired to have and carry a Leatherman. Too bulky for a pocket and no desire to wear a belt case. All I need is carried in my pocket with a Victorinox Compact. No belt sheath required. Quality that will last decades with minimal care. Whatever the company wishes to focus on is of no concern to me any longer. I have purchased enough replacement back-ups to last my lifetime. It is a shame though...a tremendous amount of history is going up in a cloud of scented cologne.
Discontinued the newer squirt for the older micra in new color which scissors sck und which feels flimsy and cheap and clackers around in the pocket.
Then they made no version but discontinued the compact and awesome looking Juice. Just ridicilous. I dont need full size tools and the only good smaller ones and mini ones are gone
What model Casio are you wearing? Details please! Great commentary on Victorinox.
I have some tools, both brands, I’d love to send for you to review if you’d like. Love your take on things!
Felix Immler's Venture in 14C28N is the first new blade steel in decades for Victorinox. While in "knife world", 14C28N is considered a budget knife steel, among the best in knives in the $40-$80 range, I'd expect the 14C28N at 59 HRC in the Venture to cut 3 times as much material before requiring sharpening as the 1.4110 at 56 ± 1 HRC in all Victorinox folding multitools. Its a quantum leap forward.
That may not matter to most. But I've been deterred from buying any Victorinox SAC in the larger 136 mm (Hunter Pro/Evoke), 130 (Ranger), or 111 mm (25 models with locking blades) sizes, as the blade steel is so outclassed by competitors, including knives I already own. If Victorinox were to just update the 3 (or 4) large blade styles on these models to a blade steel from the last 60 years (and the Venture's steel/heat-treat would be a good fit), these models would immediately become a lot more competitive.
The Companion is nice for a 3-layer. As a guy with failing eyesight who routinely tightens Philips head fasteners, I'd rather see the return of the Yeoman. Till then, the Explorer will do.
Offer the scientist again
Agree!!!!
You have a productive gullet and I appreciate that.
What on earth does that mean?
@@thevineclimber
I’ll leave it to your imagination.
Just know it is appreciated. 🤗
Great video and great takes. I agree that Leatherman is "triming the fat" to focus on being the tool everyone aspires to get, probably mostly do to the Chinese brands now quickly catching up on design and quality on more budget minded tools since Leathermans older patents have expired. It would be nice to see a revitalization of the juice line though. I also agree that Victorinox has almost perfected their offerings. I think it would be great if Vic brought back some older models like the yeoman as well as push innovations in tool implements such as with the companion package opener. Last time I chatted with a Vic rep at smkw dealer days he thought that the companion would be coming probably in 2024 in a base red scale model so I'm hoping that drops soon. And it's about time Vic just made every model in plus scales.
An innovation that I think would be stellar is a custom tool selection. I don't know how feasible this would be, but also don't think it would be impossible.
For example I'd love to have a cybertool with driver & bits, scizzors and mini pliers slap it on with Alox scales and that's it. A ui could select size, select scales, then go layer by layer with what tools can fit together or across from each other.
I'm not sure what you mean with 'Outdoor Adventure crowd' but both are commercial companies trying to make money so they at least try to listen to popular demand and have a variety of models/options. If women want more girly colors and they think the market is big enough they make them. If a model doesn't sell well or no longer sells well they get discontinued. The knifeless options are due to rules and regulations in both air travel and some countries laws.
Aah, that was kind of my interpretation of Jon Gadget's complaint. I could have phrased it better.
I agree. Both companies are trying to make money buy appealing to people. As an EDC person, I'm really glad the EDC community is growing so that there is a larger market for these companies to make cool products for.
Thank you for your comment!
Victorinox and Leatherman have the “luxury” of having a fanbase that not only are users but many are also collectors and admirers. With social media their collective input is enormous and it would be a huge mistake not to take advantage of this kind of feedback. Not many companies have this kind of loyalty.
The Companion is a great EDC, and Victorinox seems to have gone for the “added value” with it. If it had regular scales, it would be sold for about the same as a compact, but with the wooden and styled scales, it is much more expensive. Having options targeted at women is great, and I don’t think it is detrimental to their previous mostly masculine audience.
Anyway… lets hope for the best! Cheers, Anne
Hey, I love the new colors and releases! 😂
If you're not a blue collar worker, there's no such thing as an "aspirational tool".
I own three high end, old series Leatherman tools.
I don't "aspire" to own a US$300 Arc, it's just a very similar tool at a stupid price....
I agree, I think Leatherman has overestimated how valuable these tools actually are. Multi tools are convenience items, they are not pro-grade like snap-on and they are not a status symbol.
@@atomicsmith Well, they have some status, like any well engineered tool has. BUT, they don't have practical value that exceeds their function. Because a $30 Chinese clone is almost identical in quality and abilities.....
I agree with Victorinox quality and I like that they are looking to expand their market towards women. I think Leatherman has dropped some of it’s less expensive tools (like the Juice) because it wasn’t cost effective to have a lifetime warranty on a tool that, most likely, is going to break. I think they were forced to choose between dropping the lifetime warranty or focus on more expensive, more durable tools. Glad you’re back 😊
Thanks Jack! I look forward on getting caught up on your videos.
You make an excellent point about the less expensive multi tools not doing so good with a really long warranty from a financial perspective. Perhaps they will make a smaller juice-sized tool that is high quality and deserves its long warranty period!!
This video was amazing!!!🎉❤😊
Erica!!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Please leatherman bring back the Crunch (lost mine) juice and squirt asap. Forget about colors
I am a huge fan of Victorinox, and own around 15.... It would be a nice change if they offered a range of "higher end" options, with upgraded steels and upgraded scales. I don't personally mind the steel, because it is easy to sharpen, but I did upgrade to G10 scales because I melted the original ones on my EDC with carburetor cleaner... I imagine a line with scales in G10, Micarta, Carbon fiber, etc., and better steel, perhaps up to something similar to Magnacut. Perhaps an optional main blade, like the customized "Spydernox" knives
With the popularity and proliferation of modern locking blades, it makes sense to have a blade-less "sidekick" tool of sorts available, so that carrying both doesn't feel redundant. I hope they take this opportunity to innovate on some new tools. I'd love a diamond sharpener and a 1/4" bit holder / driver, though I certainly won't hold my breath.
Also I'd like to respectfully disagree on Victorinox lacking "aspirational" tools. The SwissTool & SwissTool Spirit are incredibly well-engineered multitools. I initially glossed over them in favor of Leatherman, but once I picked one up I was blown away.
Appreciate the authenticity behind these videos. Cheers.
Great video Anne. I watched Jon Gadget's video and felt the same disappointment - that maybe Victorinox have lost their way. I think it's time for them to consider what their core customer base want - as well as expanding their lifestyle branding. The bladeless tools are one big step in this direction. I would love to see them move away from the almost compulsory Flathead/cap lifter & can opener combination. They could easily replace this with the combination tool from the bantam and add in the new package opener. I am a huge Victorinox fan and want them to do well. For Leatherman it is tricky..... I would love to see the smaller tools come back with non-locking blades... The sales of the Gerber Dime must have rocketed...in the absence of the Squirt/juice.... and the clones are getting better all the time!!!
Hiya, MB! Nice to hear from you!!
Could not agree more. I bet you that Leatherman will come out with a P-series architecture Juice-sized tool. At least I hope they do.
I have to agree that the combination tool from the Bantam is a really good can opener and a fine cap lifter. While I detest it as a Phillips screwdriver, if you are combining it with the package opener tool, which already has the 2 dimensional Phillips screwdriver on it, then I am a big fan of your plan.
Thank you very much for the lovely comment. :)
Great takes! Subd!