Does Victorinox Have A Big Problem With The Venture? 

This quote is straight off the Victorinox Website….”A fixed-blade bushcraft knife in an adventure league of its own. Developed by outdoors experts, this reliable piece of specialist kit makes light work of any challenge.”

Well, you are using your knife wrong. You have realized this knife is part of the 3 cutting edge philosophy in Sweden and other countries. They would laugh at you if you were using this knife to split wood by batoning. You use an axe or hatchet for that. You also have a smaller knife for intricate work. The US idea of using a knife for all these tasks is just not how others outside the US think. Also, it wasn't the way early American settlers used their knives. There is a difference between survival type knife design and bushcraft designed knives. Using a knife for a for a purpose it wasn't designed for doesn't work well.

I see your points, but the Garberg is honestly intended to be more of a survival knife. The Vic is more of a camp/bush craft knife. Felix Immler has a couple of videos highlighting its intended uses and techniques for it, he helped design it.

I’d love to see Victorinox start using 14c28n in other blades, especially kitchen knives. It’s about time for an upgrade and I can’t think of a better steel for Victorinox.

1:02 2:37 I'm not in the market for a bushcraft knife specifically but I've gotta say, that's innovative, well executed and makes me want one fo r my collection. I always like seeing new features added to knives. ESPECIALLY if it replaces an obscure, limited purpose tool like a hook knife. Well done victorinox.

I have owned one since its release. I put it through a serious batoning session early on with absolutely no blade deformation. My test was to use a 4” length cut from a 4x4 post. After POUNDING away I realized I wasn’t making much advance only to realize that I was passing through a knot. So I eventually just stopped. I have absolutely no visible deformation whatsoever and I performed two such sessions using a 4x4 post section. Maybe yours does in fact have a heat treatment issue. But, your concern is well taken. I will never ever brutalize my knife as I did initially. Going forward I will instead use my Tops Tahoma Field knife which is built for torture. I love my VV and it truly excels doing kitchen work and other slicing tasks. It also excels with a ferro rod. I am so happy with my VV.

Great review! Not that many reviews for this knife yet in english but i've watched a bunch in other languages with subtitles. I was gifted a pro version of the venture and it is probably the best slicing fixed blade out of the box that I have used. That being said the edge is very thin so I probably wont be using it for harder tasks unless it's an emergency. The worst part for me has easily been the sheath. Even after doing all the sheath "mods", the sheath is just frustrating to use. IMO if the blade is in the sheath the rest of the knife should just slide all the way in no matter what and should not require additional fidgeting. As it is now I feel like I "mis-sheath" it like 1/3 the time when not carefully looking at it.

Joker needs more exposure. Criminally underrated company

Good for the camp kitchen where your not planning to put it through usage that is too tough, the Ruike Jager is still one of my favorite budget camp knives though at the price point that it comes in at, And it'll handle anything you throw at it for a blade of its size. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable.

If you want the best cutting knife i have ever had, then the Venture is your choice. If you want to do heavy duty wood splitting(batoning) and other one tool survival stuff you have to get another knife. In combination with an axe you will be very happy with the venture outdoors. I love it but this is only my opinion and you have to ask yourself what you want to do with your knife( i would never ever do batoning with one of my knives, therefore the axe was invented)

Years ago when I went through Scouting we learned Toten'chip that dealt with when and how to use a knife, axe, and saw. Batoning with a knife was considered poor, if not unsafe, tool use. Sure you can use a knife to baton, just like you could use pliers to remove bolts. But, you gotta admit that seeing poor tool use makes one cringe.

Amazing that this country was settled by frontiersmen and homesteaders using basically kitchen knives. Probably because they used knives for slicing tasks and axes or hatchets for chopping tasks. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I think I will stick with my Mora Classic 2, Victorinox Farmer X, and my Kalthoff Carving Hatchet.

The Venture is made for whitling & cooking.

Thanks for your honest review. Bantoning is a must. I have the Moakniv Companion went with me to hell and back no blade deformation only one time I had to sharpen it.

I can see first time bushcraft knife buyers buying the Venture, but for those of us who already have several bushcraft knives, it doesn’t make much sense. I’d definitely take my Campero over the Venture any day of the week, but it doesn’t get much use either since I have my Lionsteel knives. I know they cost more, but they are really hard to beat imo. The Lionsteel M5, T6, and B35 have dominated all my other knives for about the last year and a half now. The only other knife that still gets used much is my TJ Schwarz Overland.

This knife is not meant to be anything like the garberg. I love scandi knives and use them almost exclusively, but I got the venture as a complete impulse buy after seeing a number of people roasting it online and honestly I found it to be so amazing. The sheath is weird, but I really have such a great experience using this knife. I think for most people who go hiking and backpacking this is a fantastic option.

Felix mentioned, that its not designed for hard abuse tasks but instead optimized to be a aggresiv slicer for woodworking. Check felix channel and his many bushcrafting projects using only swiss army knives. The guy designed a knife for his needs and his needs never were a knife for heavy abuse.

i bought one not too long ago, i bought it based on the reviews that it is like a kitchen knife. When i finally got the knife. it brought back memories from the time when i was a young boy. i remembered people in our household use our german kitchen knife for general tasks around the house, not just cooking. cutting string. cutting the garden hose. cutting strings or the common rope, so on and so forth. so basically this is like a beefed up kitchen knife with a different handle and point. i bought this because i wanted that kitchen knife cutting/slicing capability in utilitarian role at home or in camp. and it turned out to be correct, for me, thanks in part of this review and other reviews on youtube. for survival/bushcraft, i’ll use my other knives. for the curious about the handle material. feels so similar to victorinox’s cheap chefs knives and pairing knives.

Thank you for the candid review of this knife. I was looking at purchasing one but after seeing this, I will need to do a bit more research. Thanks again for sharing!

It looks like a well designed knife, I can appreciate a thinner blade, they make better slicers and are much handier for fine tasks. If the blade were a tad thicker and the grind a little steeper you would likely see less edge deformation. I make full flat, convex and scandi grind knives and have learned the hard way how far you can go before failure. each grind has a particular strength and weakness. If they intended to compete with the Garberg they made a mistake, its a different type of knife altogether.

Certain knives can baton, and certain knives can’t. I’ve found “in general”, that the thicker scandi grind knives can baton well, where the thinner flat or hollow grinds don’t. Right tool for the job and all that.

Very fair review. I've got one and imho it *is* a decent outdoor kitchen knife with a terrible sheath, particularly if you are using the drill bit. Its competition is the Mora Kansbol/ 2000 which is much cheaper, has a sturdier more versatile blade and a better sheath. It does not compete with the Garberg. The Condor Terrasaur does that nicely

it's disappointing to pay so much for a knife and have fail points whether handles, blades or sheaths that makes ya not want to pick them up and use them again. I do like the looks of the knife and would have no problem at all using a good sturdy kitchen knife for outdoor tasks. The Joker knife however 👍 thanks for the reviews

So close but no cigar. I love the full flat.

The knowledge and experience the Swedes and Mora have with Steel and Knife blades isn't easily replicated just like that.

Aaron, an interesting competitor in this bushcraft/camp knife space is the Ruike F118 (pronounced "rake" I believe). It is a full tang, high saber grind, 4.3" knife with 14C28N steel. Ruike is oddly an offshoot of Fenix flashlights. It is currently available on Amazon for about $80 but used to be $70 when I purchased one. I find it to be a very good camp knife, although I put my own edge on it. It may not a great bushcraft knife, but I don't really bushcraft seriously. The sheath is very good. It would be interesting if you could have a comparison video of this knife and the Mora Garberg.

This knife is not meant for baton use. The co-designer of the knife Felix Immler even admits that.

Blade ends at 0.4mm, it's normal for it to get crushed, it happened to me too, it can be easily restored with the Dc4

It's a kitchen knife with light bushcraft capability. I still prefer my Fallkniven S1 when it comes to small fixed blades

G'day Aaron, I do like the hex driver, the ergos look pretty good and usually 14C is a reliable choice; though for primary and secondary blades, my priority is wood processing, over food prep/consumption, on the trail, usually sabre ground jobs, sometimes a scandi. Personally, I'll have the ol' Ranger 78 too, but if you really value a food knife in your pack, just throw in an Opinel, for next to no weight, or cost for that matter. Cheers Duke.

The grind on the mora is beautiful

Hey Aaron, what can i say, maybe its marketed the wrong way, i mean "for any situation". But the bottom line is its a great outdoor food prep knife. You could build a fire (without batoning), cut the groceries, make a wooden spoon etc. Not bad, not bad at all

Do a side by side with one of the Victorinox bushcraft knives that were made in Spain.

Get just the knife for $75 --and pick up a third party decent leather sheath w/ dangler for $30 and you're good to go. I see it as a good camp kitchen blade. Bring your favorite scandi for bangin' around in the bushes. Two knives are fundamental, in my opinion.

I bought a Joker Bushcraft knife and am quite satisfied with it.

I would like to inquire whether the issue with my Victorinox knife was an isolated defect or if there have been other reported cases with the same problem. It would be beneficial an update video or any information regarding this issue. It appears that this may be a first-generation version that doesn't quite meet expectations, leaving room for improvement in future batches, whether it involves the heat treatment, or the blade geometry - whatever the root cause of this problem may be. (and improve the sheath)

Seeing the Joker Campero side by side, the choice is obvious to me. Now i might want to sand down the Campero handle ss the micarta slabs, i find, are a little too thick, but the blade shape is near the same, only thicker snd fad more sturdy

One should use the right tool. Splitting wood-Hatchet.

Was really excited for this knife. I would of ordered it last week if I lt was avaliable l. Thank you fir saving me a 100 bucks. Huge bummer

I am satisfied with my Morakniv Garberg.

Personally I would compare the Venture with the Kansbol and not with the Garberg. Kansbol is designed for light Tasks, such as the Venture is mostly for carving. More like a crafting knife, less Bushcraft Heavy duty. Guess the Venture would make a nice allround fishing knife.

Felix Immler on RU-vid, who was involved in the design, says it’s only for very light batoning if at all. It’s just not made for it, not a fatal flaw.

wow great vid, thanks. btw victorinox doesnt want to say what steel they use because its their own secret steel they make

You're not wrong this time. Cheers 👍

It is a similar size/ weight / thickness to the Old Hickory Fish and Game Kephart style knife that you beat the crap out of with no problem....But, like you said....with the full flat grind, both the Venture and O H Kephart are better for food prep/ fine work.

Its not made for batoning, that's the reason... Its not too soft, its not made for it.. Every tool have its purpose...

Very balanced review Aaron. Thanks Firstly, Victorinox is aware of the sheath issue - what they'll do about it remains to be seen. (Even Felix Immler is quite critical, but has a fix for it that is easy to do.) [Note: I do think the whole "rattle" issue is way over-played, as it does not rattle when riding on the hip! No-one walks around camp waving a sheath around. The problem of the entry of the knife into the sheath, however, would annoy me! ] Your assessment of it being for " lightweight use" is probably valid. I'd very much like to hear what Victorinox says about that, if you should be willing to let them do an examination. However, with my not being an adherent of the "only one knife" school of thought, I'd say I wouldn't be batoning that size wood anyway! I'd use my Trail Master for that! Then, I have a question re the comment by FreedomFox below: I was under the impression that some/several/many of their knives have been made from this Sandvic steel for many years. What is the actual situation? The quote below really annoys me (and probably Felix as well, judging from his tone of voice in his video). It's clearly a case of an over-zealous Marketing dept wanting to make maximum sales! (Which is silly, as the knife has been sold out in Europe within a very short time, and is even now difficult to source!) Pitching a knife like this is a tricky business! Is it as good as a Scandi knife for carving etc? Of course not. Is it as good as a Chef's knife for slicing? Of course not. Is it good at heavy wood related tasks like batoning? No, of course not - you just demonstrated that! Is it good at shaping wood, cutting it, and general camp tasks? Well yes, probably better than good! In other words, the knife has been designed to perform in exactly the same arena as all Victorinox knives - it is after all the SAK of knives! ;-) This knife therefore follows in exactly the same knife philosophy as most other Victorinox products. So why pitch it as a specialist bushcrafting knife, which is a highly specialised field, with very stringent requirements? If one is going to play with the big boys, you'd better know the rules, and have the capabilities within those rules, or one is likely to be an also-ran. Their Marketing needed to have stuck to their highly successful niche area ( which they are dominating anyway), and pitched it there! Pitching an expensive product into a specialist market and not sticking to the rules by which they will be judged by those folk is dodgey at best. I must say I really like the knife; the shape, the features, the functionality, the size ( I would have liked a slightly thicker blade), the weight, and I would like to have one to try out. Cheers mate!

When you get this sort of deformation, try lowering the edge angle a bit. I don’t have one, but I’m assuming Victorinox probably uses a pretty typical factory edge angle on this knife. When you pair that with pretty thin geometry behind the edge it can lead to this sort of deformation in some uses. The secondary edge angle is probably too steep or obtuse, causing unnecessary forces on the thinner grind. Fine for normal cutting, but the extra forces will be exaggerated during battoning (especially if you’re dealing with stuff like pin knots). The relatively obtuse edge will cause too much friction initially. Thus, bending/deformation of the edge up beyond the apex and secondary bevel could occur. If you lower the edge angle (make it more acute), this will reduce the initial friction and slightly increase the thickness behind the edge (it’ll still remain much thinner relative most other production blades because they usually have overly thick primary grinds AND obtuse secondary edge angles). Now the forces won’t be so uneven and it will help prevent this sort of wavy deformation. Most any potential deformation should now be at the edge apex, which is much easier to remedy. For a better explanation, I highly recommend watching this old video by Cliff Stamp addressing this exact topic, which I have paraphrased in my comment. It is called “Knifechete: Gavko - a little use and some commentary”, particularly from about 4:35 minutes in. However, it could also be that this knife, due to the treatment of the steel in various stages of manufacturing, just lacks the necessary hardness and strength that would allow a thinner geometry to withstand batonning. Something 60-62 Rc might be better for the higher strength and resistance to plastic deformation you get from higher hardness. Spyderco’s AEB-L Mule Team is still available and I know those are run 62-63. The point was to hit what other production companies aren’t hitting. Check out Big Brown Bear’s video on the AEB-L Mule. AEB-L is basically the same as 14C28N. The latter is just a more stainless version of the former.

As far as batoning goes, for years I've used my victorinox camper to start the split and then use wedges. Trust me... when someone is thrown into a real survival situation you'll never want to beat on the back of your knife. The realization of the situation kinda keeps you from doing that.

If I will be fixed knife guy, I will choose Spyderco Mule for cutting task like food prep and Ontario RAT 7/ Gerber Strongarm or something smaller like Böker Caracal fixed for hard work in wood. I can switch this Victorinox with any folder with full flat grind at ease 😊

*_Victorinox - Fail_* _Good Video!_

NOTHING will replace a Scandi grind knife for me. $10-20 Moras fit the bill.

Still anxiously awaiting your take on the CS Republic...

A point re cutting at 09:41 onwards, edge should be presented perpendicular to piece cut. This ensures secondary bevel angle is properly presented to piece. If edge is slanted a lesser edge angle is used, thus potentially more wear. Slant to vertical and approaching near 0°, as in slice, which is where those carbide come in handy !, AL.

I'm a fan of spear points for some reason. Really want this knife. But I also really want the new leatherman arc.

Excellent control

My big Rowan Junglas did the same thing batoning through a not very large piece of soft, green acacia. Pretty common for plades to warp when batoning, especially if there is a knot or fork in the wood.

oh and further note, I also did not at all understand why they made the blade so thin and delicate but a full tang at the same time, it does not make any sense at all, except that Victorinox lacks really knowledge in true bushcrafting or it was just plain Marketing ... Even Felix Immler is not commenting on it and only uses it for light task, which honestly you could mostly do with a SAK Outrider too :)

So during development it wasn’t going to be a bushcraft knife. It was a general use camping knife, and as a camping knife it is good. Victorinox then decided that it should be a bushcraft knife to have in conjunction with a hatchet which would take care of the wood aspect of bushcraft and then you wouldn’t baton with the victorinox. Then they decided to not mention the axe or hatchet and just ran with the bushcraft aspect and it’s really not a bushcraft knife.

You going to be at blade show in SLC in a few weeks?

Man that sucks, I was really looking forward to that knife. Definitely don’t seem near tough enough, which is odd because 14c is pretty darn tough.

Yeah I'll get an old hickory for 20 bucks and make a sheath.

I was about to punch someone when you tossed the Morakniv at the beginning. I think I’ve developed an unhealthy relationship with that knife.

It's a picnic bushcraft knife and you can baton through cheese no problem.

My initial impression was damn that thing looks like a cheap steak knife.

For rough duty I would choose the Garberg. För lighter duties the Victorinox would do as well.

Good review. I've been very disappointed with the Mora Garberg personally, so I'm still looking....

If you like the blade shape of the Vic Venture and you want to abuse the knife.... use a Joker Ember F or a Joker Bushcrafter and it won't fail. I would compare the Venture more with the Mora Kansbol than the Garberg. Other concept, same use.

What do you expect for a flat grind?

Felix Imler, the guy who helped design that knife has explained, several times, that IF you want to baton with this knife (which clearly is not designed for that) then you have to do it inverted. You fix the knife and thump on the wood. I disagree with the initial thought; I don't think Victorinox expects people to stop using Moras over these. I think they know their market and how we love to have many knifes. They designed a lighter, nimbler knife which could go GREAT next to a more robust Mora and an axe/saw. Great video, man! cheers

I don't think "glorified kitchen knife" is fair. Just looking at it, you can see it's not made to hammer through wood. Anything up to that will be fine. Still, the 14C28N deformed rather than chipped, because it's a tough steel.

The description into the website is too optimistic but basically is a good knife with some McGyver skill.

I think the biggest bushcraft knife failure was Spyderco's entry into the realm with that O1 model that had a tendency to snap where the blade met the handle because they skeletonized the tang and botched the heat treatment. Mine snapped while carving a set of tent stakes during its first outing. Absolute garbage knife.

They shouuldn't have tried to sell this knife for hardcore users, they should have just said it was their new camping knife and that's it... no over expectations = no dissapointments... and what can I say, i'm not a hardcore user and I love this knife... 100% of it

I just don't think this knife is designed for batoning. It could be made to handle it by giving it more thickness behind the edge. You need to treat it as applying force only with your hands and take the benefit of the edge geometry to reduce cutting force.

Thanks for the video! I own a Venture, and I only use it for carving, food prep. I find this knife should be compared with the Mora kansbol and not the Garberg. For tougher jobs I use the Victorinox Master L. Expensive but great knife (made by Muela spain) I have a Joker Canadiense flat grind same steel as the Campero and Venture. It is way more robust. In terms of carving and cutting the Venture is a great knife. Also practical in wet conditions. Cheers !👍

Aaron is definitely a 90degree spine and baton guy. Lol

I learned batoning through dutch bushcraft knives watching them maybe 10 yrs ago. Never would have thought of that. With that being said, Victorinox make pretty blades and I actualy saw this knife last week. It was going to be my small game processing knife. But that’s about it. I would not reach for these knives as a stand alone tool and are, for me, just edc. Nothing against them, except for maybe the price of this knife since its the same price as the garberg, but their knives just cant take the abuse imo. But i will be getting one bc i love the flat grind and the blade shape.

I have the exact same edge wave! And I didn't even batton anything, I only did some very light carving. I don't think it was the battoning in your case... I contacted Victorinox in Switzerland and they directed me to a representative in my country. They asked for the knife back to "analyze it". I hate returning stuff so I decided to keep it as is (my wave is smaller then yours)... I'm really disappointed with Victorinox, I don't think I'm buying a knife from them again. I agree, it's basically a glorified kitchen knife.

I'd say, that's enough reason to send it back. Either for replacement or refund.

I have the Garberg and I prefer the Bushcraft Black and the 2000 over it. I have a huge collections of SAKs and I love Victorinox but I probably won't be buying one of these. I say that now, let's what the future holds. Thanks for posting.

An excellent critique making very good points. Garberg and Venture have different grinds. I might carry both. Felix and team put a lot of thought into the Venture so I want to try it. I don't entirely get the garberg but I love the Mora HD companion. The symbolic and behavioral brand attachment compels me to want a Venture. I don't think my life will ever hang on the choice of knife I am carrying but I do enjoy the thought experiment. The venture is a light duty knife in comparison to most knives being recommended for bushcraft. Point taken. A good knife for whittling while the gun-bearers assemble my sedan chair? Oops, I dropped my cigarette holder. Where is my monocle? What? It appears that the bearers are climbing that tree using their swedish knives. Is that a . . .

It looks like it could be compare to a Mora Pro S in terms of usage and blade thickness.

Have you seen the introduction video from Felix Immler he clearly said that the knife wasn't designer to hard use and only light batoning and not what you put it through no knife with that thin edge will hold up to being hammered through that kind of knarly wood you forced it through. The knife is designed for carving and food prep, not to replace an axe.

Would believe its to thin on the edge that is a shame iv been waiting for a sak fixed blade

Great review! I love how much thought you put into these, and how honest and unbiased you are. I can tell you really wanted this one to do better. ✌️

Does Victorinox warranty cover this kind of damage?

i hope victorinox expands the venture line and adds some new knives in different sizes and grinds.

Time to share an easy fix of the Garberg sheath. Yes, out of the box the knife is a bit loose and can fall out of the sheath. Super easy to fix. Put the sheath on a sturdy surface (stone or whatever) and place some of your body weight on it, right at the top end (where the strap is). Just place the palm of your hand on it and lean forward. If it doesn't work instantly try again. You need to make it give a little, deform just slightly, because the locking mechanism in that sheath is based on pinching the knife in place. (You can easily see and feel two little bumps inside the sheath, that are supposed to grip the knife on both sides of the handle - like half an inch from the top of the sheath). I got this idea a couple of years ago and the knife has been sitting tight ever since. (An even better method is probably to use a heatgun - but I was afraid to ruin the sheath with too much heat...) Good luck with your Garberg!

well that sucks I was wanting this one for the same reasons

Yeah I'm back in 85' waiting for them to do an upgrade on steel and downgrade on price! (Until then I'll let them keep the crown with traditional SAK slip joints)

Great video very helpful.😢 Can you please do a compare Venture vs Kansbol head to head.

It's a good blade. general use it's a little pricey for 75$ .

What's with the jimping near the point?

I am not a big fan to baton with a knife either but in an emergency yes. I would definitely have more faith in a stronger knife than the venture. Big fan of the other Victorinox products.

Looks useful

look at the new mauser knife...

You were trying to shove the garberg through the apple instead of slicing from the edge.

That's disappointing. I haven't had the chance to see one in person I'm not convinced its too thin. It could be, and switching over to the slightly convex grind could be the ticket. They are running the steel a bit soft IMO. It would be better at 62. My personal 14c28n knife is run at 63 with thinner stock but a convex grind and I've not had these issues even with the hardwoods we have on the east coast. I've come to expect better from Victorinox because I've put my Pioneer through worse without issues and its pretty darn thin behind the edge and at the tip. The only time I've had this problem was with actual kitchen knives, stainless Opinels which should be better than they are, and my CS Bushman right after converting it to a convex grind which was an easy fix. I'd suspect HT first vs just jumping on the it needs to be a pry bar bandwagon. But that's based on pictures and specs. Hopefully they get it sorted out as it's got the potential. Personally I'm not a fan of the Garberg, I want a knife not a froe. It's not a good knife as this video sort of shows. But the Venture should have held up to the tasks shown without issue. YMMV

good vegetable knife