Owner Review by Joshua Esteves

Owner Review Victorinox Classic Multi-tool
October 13, 2006

Name: Josh Esteves
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Height: 6’ 3” (191 cm)
Weight: 265 lb (120 kg)
Email address: jandk1800(at)yahoo(dot)com
City, State, Country: Modesto, CA USA
Backpacking Background: I started backpacking five years ago, mostly day hiking and overnight trips with a few multi-day trips and one solo 3 day trip. I started backpacking in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and recently returned to California and have been hiking the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains and the Sierras. I started backpacking as a heavy weight (over a 65 lb pack for a overnight trip) but now consider myself a lightweight backpacker (10-15 lb base weight).   I have found that lightweight backpacking allows me to carry all my gear and my son at the same time.
Product information
A. Manufacturer: Victorinox
B. Year of manufacture: 2005
C. Manufacturer's URL: http://www.swissarmy.com
D. Listed weight: not listed
E. Weight as delivered: 0.7 oz (21 g)
F. Size: 2 ¼”(58 mm)
   G. Color: Red, also available in a wide range of colors.
   H. Tools:
       Small Blade
       Scissors
       Nail file with screwdriver tip
       Toothpick
       Tweezers
       Key ring
   I. MSRP: $16.50
       The Victorinox Classic is a minimalist knife designed to be carried in the user’s pocket. The small blade comes sharp, holds its edge well, and is easy to sharpen. The scissors can be used on a wide variety of materials and cut surprisingly well. The nail file is, well, a nail file. The screwdriver tip, however, is very useful and comes angled so it can be used on either slotted or Philips screws. The toothpick and tweezers are both inserted into the handle of the knife and stay in better than previous models. The tweezers and toothpick are also color coded so they can be distinguished from each other while still in the knife. The key ring is too small to hold any more than one small key but it allows the knife to be attached to a larger key ring. The knife also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Field Conditions
   I tested the Victorinox Classic on various terrains from mountainous forests, to sandy coastal terrain and even on rocky ground above tree line. I have used the Classic at elevations from sea level to 12000 ft (3600m). I have used it on day hikes, overnight trips, and extensively at work on a daily basis. I have never used the Classic at below freezing temperatures, I have, however, used it in rainy and wet weather.
Field Use
      I try to maintain a low pack weight and purchased the Classic as an inexpensive way to cut pack weight. I was skeptical as to how well it would hold up and I wasn’t sure it would be enough knife.
   The small blade and scissors performed exceptionally well. The blades come sharp and are easily sharpened. The small blade is a bit too small and makes cutting larger objects a task. The length of the blade caused me to butcher food at camp rather than getting a clean cut, but I wasn’t concerned with my presentation, I just wanted to eat. The scissors did the same basic thing. While cutting fabric I wasn’t able to get a good straight cut but again on the trail performance is more important than appearance and the Classic did the job.
   For testing sake I cut my finger and toe nails with the scissors and filed them with the Classic’s nail filer. They didn’t look like a fancy manicure but the Classic could cut and file a broken nail on the trail.
   I get wood splinters a lot and have found that the tweezers aren’t really adequate. They lack a strong tip and are hard to get a good grip with. I found that using the small blade to get the splinter exposed allowed the tweezers to get the splinter out. I don’t use the toothpick much, and since I used it for work I won’t put it in my mouth.
   The little screwdriver tip really surprised me. It was the first time I had seen the flat Philips tip. I have used it on screws of all many sizes over the past few months and have found that it performs best at smaller screws, but can handle screws of larger sizes. At one point I used it on a screw that had been inserted fairly tight and I cranked the Classic with all I had, the Classic appeared to be on the verge of breaking but the screw came loose. The knife still works great I just don’t abuse it as much any more. One thing I don’t like about the screwdriver is that when I have the Classic attached to my keys, they tend to get in the way. I fixed that by putting a clip on my key ring and I just unclip the knife when I use it.
   I think it is kind of funny to list the key ring as a tool. It’s only real purpose is to allow you to attach the Classic to something else. I have lost several small knives and like the key ring because it helps me keep track of the knife, but I really don’t see why it should be listed as a tool.
   I found that for its size, the Classic is surprisingly easy to open and use. I have not tried to open it with gloves so I can not say how that would work. I have had to sharpen the small blade a few times and it was easily done. There is no rust on the knife after several months of use, just the typical dust and grime in the cracks. None of the tools feel flimsy, but the scissors don’t open as well as when they were new.
Summary
   I was looking for a small, light weight multi-tool, and the Victorinox Classic was an excellent fit. I don’t like carrying around the large bladed knifes or the bulky multi-tools so the small size of the Classic works great for me.




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