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Review of the Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp Knife

Updated on December 19, 2015

The SwissChamp

Source

History of the SwissChamp

The Victorinox SwissChamp is a serious knife. First brought onto the market in 1985, it was designed and marketed as the headline pocket tool of the Victorinox range with 33 separate functions contained within its 22 separate tools, all encased within a compact 3 1/2" knife that weighs just 200 grams.

It was, and still is, the perfect knife for any person who likes to get out and experience the great outdoors

The Features of the Swisschamp Knife


  • Large blade - For anything from whittling to cutting some soft Brie
  • Small blade
  • Can opener with small screwdriver
  • Bottle opener with large screwdriver & wire stripper - A great beer buddy
  • Scissors
  • Pliers with wire cutter - Small wire cutters but really useful pliers
  • Wood saw
  • Fish scaler with hook disgorger & ruler
  • Metal saw with metal file & nail file
  • Magnifying glass
  • Reamer with sewing eye
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Corkscrew - When used correctly, it will be your best drinking buddy ever
  • Hook
  • Wood chisel
  • Fine screwdriver
  • Mini screwdriver - If you wear glasses you will eventually need a mini screwdriver
  • Ball point pen - A godsend when filling out visa applications
  • Straight pin
  • Toothpick
  • Tweezers - Great for removing splinters
  • Key ring - Speaks for itself!

New Out of the Box

The SwissChamp's Pros and Cons

Any knife that has so many functions will have some cons for the casual user. Based on my own observations and a dedicated group of users, here are both the pros and cons of owning the Victorinox SwissChamp.

Pros.

  1. 20 separate tools
  2. 33 separate functions
  3. Multi-tool functionality
  4. Lifetime Warranty
  5. Come complete with the micro screwdriver and the ever popular corkscrew
  6. Comes in a presentation box which also includes a comprehensive description of each tool and its uses


Cons.

  1. Is quite a bulky knife and as such can be uncomfortable to carry around in your trouser pocket. The purchase of a sturdy pouch to attach the knife to your belt is a much better option.
  2. The magnifying glass in this knife is made of quite flimsy plastic, so if you drop the knife whilst the magnifying glass is extended you will more than likely snap it clean off the knife. Replacements parts can be difficult to obtain and fit.

The 50 Function SwissChamp XLT

Including the always useful pharmaceutical grade spatula
Including the always useful pharmaceutical grade spatula | Source

The Victorinox SwissChamp XLT

The SwissChamp XLT

Not satisfied with the 33 functions provided by the SwissChamp? Then you really should consider upgrading to the XLT version. The XLT comes with an amazing 50 different functions which includes everything the basic SwissChamp has as well as:

  • A bit wrench and bit case
  • 5mm hex socket
  • 4mm hex socket
  • #0 Pozidrive bit
  • #1 Pozidrive bit
  • 4mm flat head screwdriver
  • #2 Phillips head bit
  • 4mm hex bit
  • #8 Torx bit
  • #10 Torx bit
  • #15 Torx bit
  • And of course a pharmaceutical grade spatula

This is the knife you want to have with you if you end up on a deserted island!

Get Your Own XLT

Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp XLT Pocket Knife, Ruby
Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp XLT Pocket Knife, Ruby
With 50 separate functions, what more could you ask for? Except maybe the amazing XAVT
 

The Amazing SwissChamp XAVT

Source

A Quick Introduction to the XAVT

Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp XAVT

So you didn't think that the SwissChamp series could get any better than the XLT, well the people at Victorinox beg to differ as they designed the XAVT. This behemoth has an amazing 80 functions and apart from the overwhelming Wenger Giant, it is the most comprehensive knife/multi-tool in the Swiss Army world.

Apart from having all the functions of the XLT the XAVT also includes:

  • White LED light
  • Combination tool with cap lifter
  • Watch opener
  • Digital clock
  • Altimeter
  • Barometer
  • Alarm
  • Countdown
  • Timer
  • Thermometer

Just to name a few. If the XLT was the knife you wanted on a deserted island the XAVT is what you want if you found yourself abandoned in a galaxy far, far away. A bit too big to put in your pocket, get yourself a sturdy pouch to attach it to your belt and you will always have access to every tool you will ever need.

This is the ultimate multi-tool.

Other Great Swiss Army Knife Reviews

I have owned a Swiss Army for over 30 years and whenever I venture on even the shortest trip I make sure one of my collection comes with me. If the SwissChamp isn't quite what you are looking for, then check out one of the comprehensive reviews below.

Never be caught out again with the perfect Swiss Army knife.

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