Modular Multitools are Coming (Should Victorinox be scared?) 

That was a big brain move of taking the one apart, making the cut-out, and having the ability for all those long tools! I hope Roxon listens and provide a 1/4" bit driver.

Man, one of these multi-tool companies should just hire you as a product development engineer.

About your idea for half of the plier handle for a pocket tool. Instead of a fold out bit driver, you could just have an inline hex slot to fit a bit/extender straight into the end, which will mean you will still have the room for the five long implements.

I think that there are a number of reasons Victorinox don't offer modular knives/multitools. Firstly it's actually a relatively small company, the owner, Carl Elsener, is the great grandson of the founder, Georg Elsener, and his father and grandfather were the owners before him. It's a family business. It's production facility is in the village of Ibach in the mountains of Switzerland, which has a population of just over 4,000. It's about 45 miles from the nearest town or city. Secondly if they did this, nobody would buy more than one Victorinox. As it is many of us buy a number of SAKs for different use cases and situations, I have 10, from the Classic SD to the Swisschamp, also the current Soldier model, amongst others. Those 10 SAKs together (Classic SD, Hiker, Farmer, Climber, Farmer X, Soldier 08, Spartan, Moneyclip, Ambassador, Swisschamp) cost me about the same as one Leatherman Arc, or less than a base model 2 layer Medford American Service Knife which is modular, plus a couple of extra small tools to make an extra layer, and none of those include a woodsaw, scissors, metal file, or inline Phillips, but I have numerous SAKs with those tools. To be honest looking at the tool options on the Medford ASK they seem a bit limited so it's by no means the perfect modular pocket knife. Victorinox are so inexpensive that we can afford to buy a variety of them, and just swap out the entire knife on a day to day basis, instead of having to dismantle and modify them for different use case scenarios. The example using the Medford ASK shows that even when there is a good quality modular pocket knife out there, it doesn't have anywhere near the utility of a bunch of SAKs purchased for the same price or less. If Victorinox were somehow able to make such a knife, it would probably work out way more expensive than just having a bunch of SAKs. To put it into context, here in the UK I can buy a Victorinox Super Tinker for £22. That translates to 25 Swiss Francs, and in that Canton of Switzerland, the minimum wage per hour is 23.90 Swiss Francs! Or the price of a medium pepperoni pizza with a small Pepsi from Dominos in Switzerland. How they can manufacture, ship and retail such a great product for such a low price is just amazing, and I for one hope they continue doing what they are doing.

Damn Roxon is well on its way to become my favorite maker of multitools.

What I want from a folding multitool: - Under 3oz (90g). - 1/4" bit driver. - Scissors (in D2 steel or better, please). - Bottle cap remover. - Scalpel blade holder OR utility blade holder, with thumb stud for easy one-handed opening for tight-handed people, on outermost layer. Locking. - TSA friendly without any blades in the blade holder. - Deep carry pocket clip. - SIM card removal tool. Edit: - Parcel/package opener.

I really hope roxon makes a flex but small like the powerpint. I would buy that in a heartbeat. Thanks for the updates and reviews 👌🏻

As a lifelong reader of Marvel Comics I can never get over the fact that they're called Roxxon! Always makes me chuckle.

Backing you up. Every proposed mod you made to the modular pocket knife made sense and makes me want one immediately, whether I need it or not.

Victoronix has had a multi tool out for 20 plus years and it’s the best. I’ve had them all and their MultiTool is top notch.

Your modification looks more ergonomic to hold while using the implements. It also make more sense from a manufacturing point since they already have to make the handles for the plier based multitool. Manufacturing costs money, re-using a design you already have saves time and money.

Simply using the handle off the Flex is a fantastic idea. What that does too is allow you to carry tools with you that aren't normally on your full Flex and you can swap them between the tools if you so choose.

I prefer Doms idea. The plier end shouldn't neccesary have a folding driver. Make a spacer with a cutout for a 4mm/ 1/4" driver, and fix it with 2 thick screw. Idk how wide the frame is, but should be sturdy enough. Sure, you need an extender, but if you carry a bitkit, its barely any extra. Can be made in a 90 angle, for extra torque, but I'd prefer the in line variant. Or go crazy: Inline 4mm, 90degree quarter inch driver. Ohhgod, it just gets better and better.

That looks very interesting. Hope the final product can take inserts from both sides. Yes it needs more room for long inserts but also allow short ones from both sides. Just like it is on a Swiss Army Knife.

Super yes to longer platform. Roxon should hire you as a consultant.

Well said. Agree with everything you suggest (especially a one-handed, or fast deploy, blade). I would also recommend difference color scales sets (both polymer and metal). Great review, thanks.

Roxon is killing it! Giving the community what it's been asking Leatherman & Victorinox FOR YEARS!

Can't wait for Roxon putting this in production! I also hope that they make different versions with 2, 4 and 6 slots so you have a choice of light and heavy carry.

While I haven't taken one apart my self, from what I've seen with custom Victorinox Swiss Army Knives, all they really have to do is replace the brass pins with a screw and screw post (Like KeySmart and other key organizers do) and beef up the scales to be a bit more user serviceable (ie: not glued on) and sell the components, liners, and springs. It wouldn't be as readily interchangeable like the Flex (slide to unlock, insert or remove tool), but beyond taking the file out to sharpen a knife you're not going to be doing a lot of 'in the field' tool changes. Pick your parts, stack them, screw it together and go. Might have to beef up the implements to fit the screw and posts over the pins, but being able to readily customize would probably be worth the added weight.

Love the enthusiasm. Roxon is gonna be HUGE if they keep this momentum.

I like the smaller form factor though of the prototype. To have it that small with 4 implements but without the plastic bit hindering the use of long inserts would be an instant buy from me!

Yes, I been begging for at least an order to build if not a build your own SAK for years, and yes there’s others but they north, some well north, of $100. Agree with the 5 long slot implementation. Thanks for sharing.

Instead of the 1/4 bit driver my suggestion to them (which I have already provided as feedback) was to just make the pocket knife double ended so that small implements could be used opposite each other

I think there's room for both. I also think that if you're coming at Vic, the pocket clip needs to be forgotten and only added as an option at the end if it can be barely fit in. both options MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST have some basic scale tools like tweezers, toothpick, pen, pin, etc. I definitely see value in their prototype, because for a simple small pocket knife like that, the only long implement I want would be either blade or scissors. (scissors for another bladeless travel knife let's goooo) but I also really like your idea of making a (still substantially larger in the SAK category) half Flex multitool accommodating 5 long tools. different options for different purposes

Very cool but IMO, never gonna beat the tried and true Victorinox. I love my compact and carry it every single day!

Dom, you’re 100% correct on the size… Roxon got it right with the Flex. Especially since they’re using lighter materials for the knife, they might as well make it full size.

Please listen to this man. He knows what he’s talking about, and he’s our voice.

I think long term it would be great to have a lock on each side. If you put a short implement on one side you could put a short one on the other side as well.

Customable EDC can lead to early wear and tear of screw threads, washers, spacers which can compromise safety and chances of loose implements is higher!

This is good news. Victorinox needs a competitor since they haven't been innovating in the last few decades, no new technology, the same steel in all of their tools. Only thing new is the color and design of their scales

That was an excellent walkthrough of *some* of the good reasons why Victorinox does not make anything like this. :D But you're far from the only one who will prefer the frustration of putting together their preferred combination of five or so functions (and very likely spend ten minutes twice a day going back to change some of the tools) in a package size that Victorinox would put ten tools into - ten tools that work out of the box without any hassle, *because* they aren't user-swappable.

Victorinox needs to offer a custom build option. Its honestly idiotic that you cant go online and customize a SAK to your liking. Offer the tooling to the dealers and let them charge a premium for the custom versions. They used to build standard models in front of you at the Mall of America store Victorinox had once upon a time.

I do have a Phantom and having two pocket knives, one with blades and another TSA compliant with scissors and bit driver ( like cybertool but no blades) would be a big game changer and worth $120 .

IMO, the most important tools for slim minimalist multitool are 1. a knife 2. a magnetic 1/4 bit driver 3. bottle opener 4. scissors

Most definitely backing you up! The prototype in its current form, given that it can only hold 4 implements, would have to cost literally next to nothing to even be competitive. Even the smallest SAK has... what.... 3, 4 tools? I simply don't think it would work at all (again, in its current form). Ideally, I would welcome a tool that has lock/tool replace levers on both ends, so that on one end you can have a 1/4" bit holder with one extra spacer, and a long implement and 4 shorter ones on the other end. Or you can have 5 long implements and 5, custom, super stubby ones.

I carried a surge for years when I was in the trades and it did everything I asked of it. Now I carry the wave plus and it seems to fulfill my needs. I could see how the modular systems would be nice if I ever needed a specialty tool. I do like Roxon because you don’t have to mortgage the home to get one.

This is a really cool prototype, and your idea was equally as cool. I was already sold on the Roxon Flex, but now I'm preordering.

I REALY like what they are working on here and yes I think this is going to get better and better. I agree with modifying the clip and Geri g all slots full length. I will be following this system closely. I plan to purchase the end result.

Yeah this is what i want. I carry my half of a supertool 300 similar to this, but would love the ability to choose different tools depending on the day. Definitely would prefer it hold 4-5 long implements. Their prototype is nice too for being smaller and probably lighter. Id buy both.

You make a lot of valid points. My only exposure to Roxon is the Grill multi tool which is great so far. Otherwise, I don’t know much about Roxon knife reliability and longevity. I have used my Leatherman WAVE for nearly 2 decades and love my Swiss Army Knife (Compact), but there is always one tool I wish I could replace (e.g. parcel hook). I would put a mustache comb or something like that. Let’s hope ROXON listens to the folks like you that have great ideas. God Bless!

I love this prototype, it is an optimal compromise to have compact dimensions with at least one long blade and deep carry clip…😍👍

Oh my gosh I CANNOT WAIT FOR ROXON TO RELEASE THAT. I LOVE THE KS2. BEST MULTITOOL DESIGN EVER. I just wish they had slightly better quality control. I had a loose pocket clip and weak detent on my first KS2, but they immediately replaced it for me. I’m willing to put up with any problems because the design is that good. It checks all the boxes.

All great points, Dom, and obviously lots of room for additional improvements, but to compete with Victorinox they are really going to have to get form and function correct. There is a reason why the Compact is so beloved. Sure its cool that you can fit a bunch of tools on this but if the form is too big and bulky, people just aren't going to pocket carry it and for a lot of regular people, that's a no go. The modular system is great, and a pocket knife version is the way to go, but we are still limited to a static frame that realistically isn't that much different then all of the "half" multitool options that are already out there. There is so much potential for them to take a piece out of the SAK market, but they need to put more time into development and understanding why people love Victorinox's so much.

I, an d i think that i was not the only one, once asked the vic service team to give the posibillity for customers to make their own knifes.

For edc folks this is a grail, my only serious endevors though are backbacking and foraging so I care primarily about weight and aesthetics. The victorinox is classy and non-threatening, and it weighs sooo little for the great qulity you are getting

The flex is very cool but this modular system in a pocket knife format has me incredibly excited. Victorinox should be worried.

Modular knives and multi tools are a niche market. Time will tell if it is just a good idea or a good profitable idea.

Agreed that a 5 slot tool with all long slots would be better. It would also be nice to have tweezers/pen/pin in the scales, but not necessary as I'm sure those things will be available as slotted options.

Yes! I agree! A few years ago, I made a nice pocket knife with half of a Multiforce. It would be a great pocket knife, if the implements could be reconfigurable in the fly! I hope someone is listening! Having more than one long tool is a must!

They should not be upset with the critique. They should be paying you to help them with development. I don't like the big plastic spacer. I totally agree with you. I would buy a tool like the one you built. Their pocket knife design is unnecessarily thick/chunky. Good work, I hope they take your idea and run with it.

Your version makes more sense and looks better, in my opinion, too. My perfect one would have a Philips driver, knife blade, scissors and probably a file for the last tool, especially if the end of the file worked as a scraper or light duty flat head driver.

I hope they change the shape to oval-ish like the SAK and other camp knives, its a much more aesthetically pleasing profile and can better appeal to the regular crowd who are familiar with swiss army knives Love the concept, I'd stack this with all the non-knife tools and pair it with a fixed blade for camping!

Really hope Roxon takes this vid to heart, amazing video detailing what they could have.

I agree with every word you said. I'll take the extra length to have 5 long tools. Even just blade and scissors can't work in the little one, which is such a common pairing. I'll probably get whatever they make, but I'll get more of them if it's a 5 long configuration. As for the other end... Put another tool pivot there. Make it large enough for 2 small tools to be head to head, or one long tool and a spacer on the other side. That gives you anywhere from 5-10 slots, depending on size. Now I kind of want to get a Flex and do surgery on it, though I don't know if I have the machinist stomach for it. :-) Maybe a vid on how you did it, for the adventurous?

I don’t need either at this point but I’d use your version over theirs every time.

Hey Dom. They should definitely improve the prototype or go with the half handle idea. I honestly would prefer one not being the half handle and fixing it up as it would be closer to the ROXON KS2 that I am currently carrying. Perhaps one solution would be to make it a little wider to accommodate other tools that would deploy horizontally instead of vertically. Don’t know if doing that is impossible but trying to find a way to fit one more tool preferably one that you would use more by taking it out of the multitool would give it a great addition.

I agree with this. However I have one more suggestion. Make the frame in the exact same way but opposite. So that you can decide if you want it a left handed or right handed frame ( for us lefty’s). Do that and you would revolutionize the market for those out there that have this problem. Just think if you could buy the plier version in a left handed frame as well. If you did this and be the first one to do it….. WOW. No one would have this.

I definitely long for a customizable Swiss knife like that. I think my ideal platform would be something like half of a Leatherman wave. You have room for two long implements, and then two different b sides for inner implements. I'd want a bit driver on one side, and that could be a fixed piece if it needs to be. Then the other side could be customizable small implements.

Ya I think that 1/2 flex is a good idea. I also like the small form factor prototype. I could certainly make do with 2 shorter tools and 2 longer ones. Maybe have both the longer 1/2 flex and the shorter prototype??? Yes quick deploy knife on both is cool

Both options seem equally useful.

Love the concept! I've seen something similar in vintage knives, so a modernisation of the mechanism would be very welcome. Absolutely love your suggestions, and i hope Roxxon take note.

Despite your prototype looking far better I would still carry either a SAK or a "half wave clone" over it. That's being said, I would still buy one as a companion for flex for when I want to carry more large tools than the flex can handle.

I agree with your version and think all they would need to do is make it a bit long overall and put a built in locking bit driver on the other side with room for 5 long tools of our choosing. Do that and I'll take 5 family please.

Great idea. They should make it a true transformer where it can be used as a plier or modular handle assembly

I back u up fully, 100% agreed! I hope they listen to you!

Design of the prototype Size of your modified 1/2 pocket knife No branding on the pocket clip 1/4” bit driver in the back. That right there sounds like a best seller. I’d rock a knife, scissors, saw, multitool blade and diamond file.

Good ideas. Both models are good. I would probably buy both. Waiting for Roxon to filter into Europe.

Having more long implements is very important. The bit driver idea is pretty neat too. Edit: not even 5 minutes after watching this, I came across a video of the Ant Design Zen multi-tool, which has a modular system pretty much identical to the roxon Flex tools, but it has a built-in quarter inch driver and a one-handable blade. Something else up and coming to watch out for.

I like the idea of a half a frame flex tool with 4-5 large implements. But I do want them to release something like the proto along side it. A small 4-5 implement one as well. Not only does it compete with SAK and other smaller tools but some people are restricted by size, or prefer a smaller SAK style of tool. All roxon needs to do is make a small implement scissor and they will cover most of the SAK needs.

CORK SCREW!!! I instantly love this. I’ll buy a bunch of these for different tasks. Cigar cutter and divot tool for golf day. Comb and cork screw for date night.

Your mods are such a good idea! I really hope Roxon is paying attention!

Absolutely sniffling idea . In the past we were reluctant to use a Swiss Army knife heavily, for fear of damaging one of the blades. While the overall appearance was beautiful, at least for me there was a desire to preserve the appearance and save it just for emergencies. Roxon has taken the multitool to the next level, where one can tailor fit, their knife for a particular task or outing. I can invisage my travel toilet kit with a scissor file etc. Another advantage to this idea is that in some cases two tools can be used in congunction with each other. Say removing the magnifying glass and using it separately while doing some delicate work with another blade. A true Swiss Champion killer.

No OEM can satisfy the most thorough (neurotic) EDC RU-vidr. MaxLvl stands alone.

🔧Pliers tool: For this platform, my #1 request would be a small PLIERS tool that could be two layers thick. That would fill in the need that’s missing from this design. With that added, I can finally build my dream TSA-friendly multitool! ✈️

In addition to the plier even if you only had the knife in a left handed version, you could carry all the tools in the plier, for your right handed version. Then carry even more for the left handed version. So you could use them together. You would make a good tool so much more efficient and useful. People could have two modular tools for almost every task you could imagine.

I really hope that Roxon start selling Flex in Europe. It look so great multi tool! And I think there is a market to pocket knife too.

I dont kmow if something like this would replace the couple of swiss army knives i prefer to carry but i will be keeping an eye out and do really like the idea.

I like the shorter length and scales of the prototype but I also agree with a lot of your suggestions. Part of the pocketability advantage of the SAK is that it is smaller than most pliered multitools. I would keep the prototype length but move the pocket clip as you suggested so as to allow for 3 or 4 long implements. It also would be a nice touch to put a spot for tweezers (or pen, etc) in the scale like on Victorinox knives. Room for a bit driver is a great idea too.

ROXON is knocking others out. YES i agree this is a GREAT idea and the applications are endless once you have the implements. I agree with you 100% on taking the handle as is with only 1 change (make it shorter if they cant add the bit in the top section previosly occupied by the pliers

You hit on a lot of key points and I agree with you 100%. If they offer basically half a frame of the pliers just like you said I would buy one and a hot minute. But I also kind of like the look of the prototypes granted they're not going to be able to hold a bunch of full-size implements but I can see in certain casual situations when I don't want to carry a larger pocket knife. Back to the half frame, I agree with you on the bit driver or something like that in there. Or a properly shaped Marlin Spike, could fit on that back side as well. Sorry for bringing up the Marlin Spike again I'm very adamant about it. I also had some ideas for a few other implements. I don't think I've seen what I would consider a small game knife. What I mean by that is a knife with a gut hook at the end. Maybe there's one there and I didn't see it or I missed it. Also a shackle key would not be out of the realm of possibility for people that like to either sail or four-wheel drive. The final tool idea I had was a fishhook disgorger. Its a tool used to get a fish hook out when the fish has swallowed the baited hook. That's all I have for now. Please keep up the good work on this company and tools, I am very interested and I'm definitely buying one of the multi-tools you have earned my subscription and all the thumbs up I can give you.

I like the idea of having a pocket knife and a multitool and then implements that can go back and forth. I do like the idea of something based on half the handle though, I think it even looks nicer and yours is a garage build.

Victorinox is timeless so I don't think. They have anything to worry about. This modular thing is cool though.

Fantastic modification! Roxon please use the Flex’s frame for a pocket knife accommodating several long implements. This idea is just too genius for Roxon not to take note. Wow!

I believe Victorinox has the potential of going modular by making a simple switch from rivets to screws and barrels. Perhaps this would mess up their sales and logistical models for a while, but later, for a customer to be able to customize a swiss army knife himself would he a potential end-game and shock for everyone else, even plier-based makers.

People will always want Victorinox. Vic should, however, research toolsets customers would like added to their current offerings, and expand their available toolsets accordingly (like a Compact with Phillips instead of corkscrew; a sized up Rambler to accommodate a full-sized Phillips; bring back the Manager!; availability of bit holders to run a bit kit; etc) and, crucially, provide the option of a built in pocket clip in each model (locking tools for the American market wouldn't hurt either). If they are savvy in their offerings, they'll have models that are close enough to ideal for potential customers to safisfy a sizeable majority of them. Their brand--too--counts for a lot.

I'd be VERY interested in seeing all the tools/implements tested in as real conditions as possible. The fit of scrrwdrivers to screws etc as well as a seriously honest comparison of its saw against saw of Victoronox and lets say Leatherman. It is nice if we can change the tool setups but the tools need to perform for a guy who uses multitools etc in the field on daily basis. edU versus edC.

Another thing they should consider is bringing out different sizes with different amounts of layers. Some might want a 2 layer version for a dress occasion while others would appreciate a 6 layer version. But putting the clip on the outside seems like a must.

I was just thinking that yesterday. We need a tool that’s like the leatherman t2 but thinner and with longer tools and just longer in general. I’m in maintenance and do renovations and as of now there is no perfect mutitool folding knife. This is awesome and I want one

Roxon needs a 4mm driver to compete with the SAK Cybertool. If Roxon wants to show them up, make a scale that has a built in holder for spare bits that way an important tool slot isn't occupied.

I like your idea more even from a manufacturing point of view, using the same parts for both the pliers and knives allow you to have only one machine for making the handles. In that way you don’t have to compensate a cost of new machinery and by economy of scale you can produce in bulk at a even lower price

th fact that you’re giving this out for free to companies is insane… this is consultant work they should be paying you for!!

I like the concept but I think you've nailed it on the head basically they just need to do as you've done just half the flex all the tooling is there for it and yes some form of quarter inch driver should be designed in

Leatherman in particular needs to get on-board with this idea.

I also feel like the "half flex" would be easier to produce because of more similar parts which could make it cheaper or make it able to add more, like the bitdriver, at no further cost. Also, as a German, please please please keep the option of the two handed blade and don't just replace it. That would be a shame for lots of potential customers. Lastly, about Victorinox and the custom SAKs: I think many of us who are deep into the hobby can forget that most people just don't care that much. Of course enthusiasts would love it, but most people that I know who carry one just throw it in their pocket and it's kind of there. They probably would neither care or notice if you'd remove a layer or add another. Regarding how established Victorinox is with "non-edc people" it would probably be too much work to build a completely new custom system. And adding to that, models couldn't be priced according to their popularity anymore, just look how much the Compact is going for. I don't think that they are either scared or planning on releasing something comparable

Now that's something I'll be buying. They should make that.

Pay attention roxon!! This guy has the right idea!! Great video my friend!!

I like the idea of it being slightly shorter than the flex handle. But they should absolutely change the pocket clip position to allow for all tools to be long.

I personally like the idea of the prototype, maybe something in the size of the leatherman k4, yes it will limit long tool but they can make 2 versions a large and medium and make the longer tools shorter for the medium one. Then you have 2 options because some people like smaller multi-tools and other people like larger multi-tools. I personally don't like something heavy in my pocket and there fore rarely carry my leatherman wave in my pocket

I really like your idea here. But I don't want a folding 1/4" driver. make it so that i have the 5 folding long accessories i can remove from the handle and customize. and make the opposite end have a permanent 1/4" driver!

I think 4 slots is enough. Personally think they need to keep it slim. I would use this as a knife companion: no blade, just a few useful tools like scissors, file/flathead, phillips, awl. I also think they could develop a double ended version that would be optimized for the short tools.