I only have one hand and will say this. The Champ gets smaller over time. There is not a tool on it I haven't used, and I've been carrying it for over twenty years. I carry it in my pocket, and the only time I notice it is when it's not there. And the pen is great. Twenty + years and it still works, after being immersed in saltwater numerous times. It IS my right hand. BTW, no fish in the desert!! Good review.
@@peacefulteacher they are easier to get at, but in my experience less useful. I LOVE the idea of multitools, I really do. I tried carrying Leathermans on and off for years and always retired them and went back to SAK. In actual use I have never once said “you know what I really need right now? A big, heavy, chunky needle nose pliers and a bunch of other tools that kinda work okay.” The various SAKs have worked better for me.
@@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760 maybe you should just forward your whole resume over to him so he can tell you why your opinion is wrong and all the reasons for it so he can feel better about himself…cause your so entitled. Lol
@@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760 Well I'm different. Just one of many experiences where I'm glad I had pliers: Riding my mountain bike and a tree fell in the woods but the thin branches all laid across the sidewalk. I had a multitool needle nose pliers with wire cutters on me and clipped all of the branches off to clear the sidewalk. Took about 10 minutes. That is one of many situations where I'm glad I had pliers. Untying knots is easier with multitool pliers. On and on you can find reasons to have pliers on you, if you think about it, but you have to actually look for ways to use them unconventionally, not just conventionally. 😁👍 Leatherman tools work much better than "kinda okay". Not sure what tool you had but that is odd to say when many videos on RU-vid show their tools working very well. You can use the diamond file on the Wave to sharpen other blades, fish hooks, etc., just as one example.
They really should have an option to completely customise your own set of tools. There are plenty of options, but never one that has exactly all the tool combinations you want and none of the ones you don't.
I'm a knife nut. I've quite a few SAK's in my collection. My champ gets rotated to whatever vehicle I'm using. Technically not an EDC, but it's ALWAYS close by if I need a tool other than the rotation knife in my pocket. I don't use it often, but I do use it. "Handier than a Swiss Army Knife" is a saying known 'round the world. It's the champ that gets my vote for the best of these two. Your choice is good too. There isn't a bad SAK out there.
@@dionst.michael1482 I have beaten the crap out of many knives, including the Champ. It's my toxic femininity side. I just can't help it...what is wrong with me....I thought I was merely human!!!
Hi Dan I think that the in-line Phillips screwdriver the way to go Mrs bought me an Explorer recently on a trip to Yorkshire 😁😁 That combined with a Manager covers almost all bases Phillips screws beware! Take care Graham
Graham I'm using the victorinox fieldmasder but I'm looking into getting a new victorinox Swiss army knife with the inline driver so it's going to be the explorer 🤔or the victorinox Swiss champ 🤔 because I'm in the UK a Swiss army knife is the perfect EDC for me so I think your right the Phillips inline is the best way to go 👍🏻
Over the years, I've used the Magnifiers in my Swiss Champs many more times for viewing splinters, thorns and glass shards than starting fires. And, the always protected tweezers have an outstanding grabbing edge! Simply lay the opposite side scale against the affected area and the magnifier sits at just the right distance for magnified viewing. Swiss Champ all the way for me!
Great comparison. Thanks. I have the Swiss Champ and love it but it is a sheath carry. The Deluxe Tinker I also have is more manageable in the pocket. May be same size as Handyman. Maybe 15 years ago my daughter was in Switzerland on some kind of study abroad thing and bought a Spartan for me. She had no idea I was even interested in them. Just thought it was cool because it had a corkscrew and since she was in Switzerland. She even had my name engraved. Why not, it wasn't her money. 😂 But I never use it....not because it isn't useful but because I am sentimental and don't want to damage it. Even bought a sheath for it. 😉
Handyman is 2 layers on top of the Deluxe Tinker, as it has an added saw and file. Like you say the Deluxe Tinker is more pocket friendly and beyond that - more than 4 layers - they get a bit bulky. But I do like the toolset on the Handyman. It's equipped like a larger multitool, just on a smaller scale.
I love the Spartan. It’s so lightweight and has no useless tools bulking it up (like the hook lol). I like the separate can opener and bottle opener compared to the compact’s combo tool. I also prefer the corkscrew to the T position Philips screwdriver. So it’s probably my favorite of the 2 layer models (sorry tinker and compact) Only thing missing is the scissors but then it would make it a 3 layer knife like the climber with that darn hook.
About the fire... the huntsman I keep in my camping bag has a firefly in the toothpick slot. It's only there for backup, but it's nice to know the knife has its own flint for making fire.
Dan, thanks. I love SAK's. I have so many of them. I like the Deluxe tinker for carry but I like the phillips more than the corkscrew. But having said that I was edc'ng my swisschamp, but it wore holes in my pockets because of the weight. Now, went back to a pliers based multitool (my snub nosed 2nd gen wave) in a holster. I miss having my swisschamp with me cause it's just so useful ( i used the tweezers, the toothpick, and the pen a lot). I'm glad you mentioned the heat aspect...my swisschamp is in my golfbag in my car, and I'm over in tucson, az
The crazy part is that they call it the Handyman, but they don't include a Philips screwdriver? I would think that the Philips would be one of the most common used tools for a handy man...
I don't think the Swisschamp is an overkill. On trips, I like to double up the Swisschamp with what most people consider more "pocketable" such as the Climber. That said, the Swisschamp may stay at the hotel while I carry the Climber. However, depending on what I'm going to do, it's really not a problem to just carry the Swisschamp in the pocket. I've done it many times. Also, any Victorinox knife that comes with the pliers set will be bulkier, e.g. the Deluxe Tinker. I like those pliers and the scissors. Ultimately, I'm glad that Victorinox knives come in so many combinations that no one is ever let down.
I have a Troubleshooter and a Champion Plus, I just bought the Handyman because it has the tools I miss from both knives. I loved my troubleshooter for it's pliers and file, but greatly missed having a wood saw and mini SD. Nice review 👍
@@bryantherocker It still should have had a proper philips screwdriver instead of the corkscrew, in my opinion. If you paid a handyman to do some jobs around your home and he didn't have a Philips screwdriver in his tool kit but was using flathead screwdrivers as as makeshift Philips driver, then I'm sure you wouldn't at all be impressed. Especially if he said he carried a corkscrew with him instead of a Philips screwdriver. You'd think he was Nuts. That's why if you name a tool for a specific job, IE, Handyman. Then it should contain tools that a handyman would use. Every handyman I've had come to do jobs in my home has never had a corkscrew in his toolkit, especially not instead of a Philips screwdriver
@@alantheloneranger I always appreciate stating the obvious in a sort of ironic way 😂😂😂😂😂😂 not trying to make fun of anybody but it's just funny what you pointed out that the knife is called the handyman and it has a corkscrew instead of a phillips...now I am irish and having a corkscrew is pretty high up on the list.👍🤣👍🤣😂😂😂👍
I’m glad I stumbled upon the Handyman before I pulled the trigger on a Swiss Champ. I really do believe it offers everything I need without any fluff! I just love the size over and above the Swiss Champ for all the tools it still offers! ❤ #SwissArmyNation
The Handyman would be a perfect tool if it had the Phillips. That has to be one of the top used tools, and to leave it out is an unfortunate oversight. Makes me hesitant to get this one despite having everything else. Wish the Craftsman was still available.
Can't understand why they ended this option. The corkscrew is completely useless for me, and the micro screwdriver isn't necessary. Besides, taking one tool to have another makes no sense for me. Good thing I got a Craftsman from a salesman in the nick of the time - it was his last.
There is a solution! As in this video the 3mm flat on the can opner sort of works but limited ? Mod the can opener, cut with a dremel grinder / cutter . And reshape the sides slightly giving you a good flat2.3mm and a 2d Phillips i can say it works very good . Remarkable is it still works as a can opener! I also grind off the keying it just gets in the way . I modified all my SAK apart from Swiss Champ just to make comparison. I even modded the explorer which has a good Phillips . I put up a video with the mod opening a can . Video' victorinox , explorer, huntsman, farmer, climber screwdriver can opener mod ' . It is a easy mod and well worth it . I intend getting another SAK i might do a mod video ?
My favorite is a Ranger (love the saw & file), carry in small belt pouch. Huntsman is also great, but no file. I just ordered a Handyman, look forward to checking it out.
Great video. Was considering a swish champ but you make a compelling argument that’s it’s a little bit overkill. Reconsidering now. Thanks for the advice
Great video as always! I love your vids. Personally, I'd go for the Swisschamp, because it isnt that much thicker and heavier and has a more complete toolset.. i think that getting the Handyman and having to buy some plus scales and all the accessories for it that goes with the Swisschamp right out of the box will cost you the same amount, if not more than just getting the mighty Swisschamp. Both are awesome though, and getting any of the two is a guaranteed win.. both are powerhouse SAKs, and both are pocket-sized toolboxes.
Great comparison. I do carry my Swiss Champ on my hip in a sheath with a mini flash light. It's a nice kit. I even bought the Swiss Eagle which is a knock off of the Champ. It's definitely not a Victorinox but it's functional.
I was fortunate enough to find a BNIB Craftsman last year (same as the Handyman but with a Phillips instead of corkscrew). I initially preferred it over the Champ because it had fewer of the superfluous tools IMO (fish scaler, magnifying glass). But my son recieved a Champ 3 weeks ago and I'm in love with it. Both SAKs ideally need to be carried in a sheath so I'm thinking why not just go with the bigger of the 2? None of the tools on the Champ feel awkward in the hand despite the thickness of the body. I own SAKs of all thicknesses, and when I need anything over 2-layers the Champ gets my vote now.
Hi Dan, another great video! Question: do have a swisstool, or do you have an opinion about them? I'm always debating to get a Swisstool, maybe a Spirit X.
The fish scaler has always been my fav tool to shake my head at. LOL Who would want to clean scales out of a folding knife? But Vx clings to it like a tick! However, the disgorger could be useful and could be added to the end of a new replacement tool like a long package opener for instance(?).
It depends, i regret to dont have the fish scaler cause u can use it to remove the hook from the fish's mounth and trust me, for a fisherman this make a huge difference
interesting things! I myself have an older one (90s?) that looks just like a Handyman, but mine dont’t have the pliers. Do you possibly know which model it can be? (corkscrew has a groove)
I'm a big fan of Victorinox knives and their plier based multitools, but I don't understand why a model called "Handyman" not have a Phillips screwdriver.
Big fan of the Champ, but if you want a slimmer profile, then the Handyman or Explorer are nice to have. Any SAK in your pocket is better than none, and the day you are without one is the day you wished you were carrying your reliable companion.
I have the Champ L, the Techy version of the Champ, which I really do like, even though it's bigger. I DO keep it on a long lanyard and attached to a side pocket of my work bag, so I don't keep it in my pocket. I have another SAK, which I bought many years ago (32 years ago now) and I think it's called "The Adventurer" It looks similar to the Handyman (minus the Saw and nail file). That's a smaller and quite handy SAK. Since I recently bought the Champ L, it;s now stored in the side main door of my car. I actually bought the Champ L, as I though I lost my old SAK, but when the Champ L arrived, I found my old SAK.. lol.
I got a Fieldmaster about two weeks ago and I’m already in love with it. It’s a four-layer knife, identical to the Huntsman except that it swaps out the corkscrew for a Philips driver on the back. I have no experience with any other Victorinox models. The Fieldmaster is just thick enough that I can fully wrap my hand around it, so I got curious how many layers a SAK could have before it started to feel clumsy to me. In your experience, how big is too big?
Someone mentioned that any knife that adds pliers to it is going to be bulky and heavy. I thought that was a good barometer to use so to speak. I settled on a Huntsman personally. Feel me?
@@swissarmydan9354 I got my first Champ in 1982 when I was 12. I lost it on a school hike in woods in 1984, back when having a pocket knife was the norm and perfectly acceptable in school. I replaced it in 1985 with the one that I still carry today. It looks kinda beat up and the pliers are a little loose but the saw still rips through wood and everything works. I'v taken it to Costa Rica, Scotland and England. It is a small part of my life story.
I pried on something and snapped the tip off the can opener screwdriver on my Huntsman. If yours has the same temper, you won’t bend it, you’ll break it.
At this price point, I recommend looking at the SAK Evolution S557 & Evolution Grip S557 ~$90. A little shorter and a different mix of tools. Includes a wrench.
I love my Evogrip S18 and would like to try the S557, however the S557 doesn't have a saw and een file. For a thick SAK that's a dealbreaker for me. The Handyman is the same size as the S557 too.
I like the inline Phillips when I need to get into a tight spot. just today I had to tighten my door knob handles and only the inline Phillips was able to fit in that narrow spot. I also am suffering from the middle age eyes going bad for reading fine print so find the magnifying glass useful. and the fish scaler is the perfect back scratcher. nice thing about victorinox is as you know they have a model for everyone. with sheath carry I don't even notice it. I have several so always keep one in each car for those days I'm not wearing a belt.
Swiss champ also has parcel hook. I noticed your Victorinox don’t look scratched. I bought a Swiss champ in 2017 and have used it maybe 3 times and it is badly scratched.
I like the magnifying glass.I have a Swiss Champ,got a older Explorer coming,and going to purchase a Evolution 23.I collect certain coins among other things and the lens comes in handy.I also like to spend a lot of time in the woods and it becomes a fire aid or helps me see a splinter.Thanks for doing these videos.👍
I laughed out loud when you said you dog was a numbskull, I use the pliers on my deluxe tinker for taking sand burrs out of my retreivers feet, they are great as super tweezers, I love them for fishing also, the wire cutter is just the right size for fish hooks and wire leaders. love the channel ,happy 4th to you and yours!
I just purchased my first SAK and I had a real tough time deciding on which model I would buy not ever having a front pocket edc so I didn’t want to get too big. I didn’t want anything that required a holder or suspension system of some kind. I ultimately bought a black Huntsman that CLAIMS has ‘lockable blades’ but I was really thinking hard on the Handyman for the addition of the pliers specifically. I just didn’t know if it was getting a little large for the front pocket at that point. They look like they’re getting a little big and it would definitely be heavier. I hope I didn’t make the wrong choice or I’ll be getting the Handyman. It’s got really everything you could possibly need without going up to the even larger, heavier, costlier platforms that pretty much need a holster. And hey, who doesn’t love a handy anyhoo?! Nobody! Lol
I was thinking about selling my Handyman and maybe buying a Swisschamp, but your comment made me keep it. Thanks. I wanted to sell it because I am a bit pedantic about look of my tools (some scratches on the dividers) Buying things like this in mall gift shop was bad idea, but you know what? I can keep using mine and in the future I can always send it for repair. It is a great small handy (hehe) tool. You wont be dissapointed.
@@aquiceeo Oh no, if I could do it all over again I would have ordered the Handyman even over the Huntsman I ultimately pulled the trigger on. I kind of missed the boat on this one. I should have done just a little more research but there are just so many options and models to consider. That’s kind of what is so alluring about SAK’s in the first place. Handyman’s are awesome! Definitely thinking about picking one up once I get back to work this season. Definitely a ‘keeper.’ Furthermore, I’m a bit of a perfectionist myself too but I would look upon the condition or state of your Handyman as ‘character.’ Cheers my friend.
Swiss champ = sheath carry is the best way to use it agreed the fish scaler never used and I've had a swiss champ since 85'. Used every other implement on the knife. The phillips is a God send I've tried the can opener blade at times but if the screw is tight no way. The little magnifier is very useful now more that time has caught up with me... But I've a few SAK's and always have used the swiss champ as long as I got a belt. But some smaller one in my shorts at the BBQ to open my Beck's dark is always helpful. Big thumbs up for SC/Belt, pocket carry something smaller. Nylon sheaths last about a year hard use I'ma tradesman so that is my experience with the swiss champ. YMMV
Thanks for watching! Good choice 👍 The Outrider is a badass SAK. If I were going to EDC a 111 mm for utility it would be the outrider. (But I don’t, four layer 91 mm is the biggest I go usually)
The Champ has the corkscrew and eyeglass screwdriver too so you confused me there. FYI that’s a flathead not Phillips head as described. Champ fits “like a champ” in my normal size pocket and weight is perfect but just my opinion. Nice video.
Dan, I agree with you with the Handyman, the hiker, or the fieldmaster for the City. I totally disagree with you about the swisschamp. The lighter have proven many times to have failed when you need it the most. The swisschamp is more for the survivalist. When you lose all your gears for a reason or another; or even worst, you get lost in the woods after a casual stroll, you'll be glad to have this knife on you. I made my swisschamp even more efficient by adding a Ferro Rod (FireFly). For the Corkscrew, here's a tip. When you need some pine sap which is out of reach to make fire, open your corkscrew and screw your knife on a long stick. Open your long knife. Now, you have a spear ready to be used for anything.
The reason the new scales are more brittle is that they are hollowed out, the old ones are more massive. If you take some of them off you can easily see the difference between the new and the old scales.
What I don't like about swiss champ is its fish scale - totally useless for me and newer, not as sturdy, magnifying glass. Also, one may buy swish champ just for a few more bucks than handyman, since swiss champ is pretty often on sale, but not handyman.
Nice comparison. I've been trying to decide which one to go for. I love all the tools on the Champ, but being female, I'm not sure my hands are big enough to deal with the size of that thing. And I don't actually ever go fishing, so I can live without the scaler. And the magnifying glass. I did really want the philips head screwdriver. If I could just add that to the Handyman, I'd have to perfect pocket knife. I love your parting comment.
I carry my Champ on a Victorinox belt hanger every day... it “floats” in my pocket with ease. I like the Handyman but I bought the Champ first so I’ll stick with it.
If you are going to carry the Handyman, you might as well carry the Swiss Champ. I carried the Swiss Champ for several months in my 5th pocket of my pants. It fits there perfectly and you hardly notice you have it on you. I now carry it in my EDC sling bag. I carry the Victorinox Trekker with a pocket clip glued to the scale with 3M tape. The Trekker replaced the need for me to carry a one hand open blade and it has been an awesome EDC tool and knife. Here is a video I did to show how I carry my Swiss Champ. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-m0rTqIyCdg0.html
I don't fish, and don't think I'd ever use the scaler for other purposes. But I do like having a "real" Phillips screwdriver, which is why I carry the explorer. But I also carry a Gerber Diesel because the explorer doesn't have pliers, a saw, or a file.
See my can opener mod video (victorinox explorer,huntsman ,farmer climber screw driver can opener mod ) , works great for opening cans , but is great for phillips .
