I ike the serrated version, as the reversed style makes so much more sense. You have the fine edge where you do all your carving and controlled cuts and towards the tip, where you do more draw cuts th Victorinox serrations do really work well!
@@BlankSpot07 the sharpening is the only downside I've found with this blade and even then, if you have the right sharpener, it makes a world of a difference. the steel seems to be very good too, even though Victorinox doesn't advertise what steel they use.
Hi, i've had the victorinox forrester on my belt for the last 25 years. nearly the same model but with pliers. Never a problem, used every day and abused quite a lot. I love it. best multi tool i have ever owned, and i've had a few.
victorinox use x55crMov14(hardness 56,high rust and corrosion resist with life time warranty)..i glad that you start using swiss army knives.i use them from 1987 and never fail.(check my channel for swiss army knife uses and ideas).
@@waynepalmer6743 He actually nailed the steel. You act like employees don't reveal info about production companies. Wether or not it was supposed to be revealed doesn't matter. It's all over the web for you to find.
I think you really underestimate the utility of the saw. An SAK is in my pocket 100% of the time. Even in my pajamas, I mean 100%; they are that useful. Personal favs are the S18 and, for around the office, the Explorer model.
I've had one in camo for a couple of years. Chris underestimates the saw. It's much longer then most multitools offer. You can bring down small trees with it, even build a shelter. If you go in the woods without a saw, you should have one of these with you. Not as light as a Mora but a better secondary blade to carry I think.
NGMonocrom in the u.s. maybe, not in europe. Almost all e.u. countries have it and/or its smaller brother only alluminium version as pocketknife. In e.u. its regarded as one of if not the best pocketknive there is. I can personaly vouch forit too. The multitool is way better then a leatherman too. You can pound on it with a sledgehammer and it wont distort nor break (ive done it as I worked allot with it)
Kit Bloke nay, my friend. Its short for Inoxidable, meaning rustproof, or inoxidizable. Which is still a lie because only certain steels never rust like 4116 Krupp, and the best 416s like on Rolexes and the Spyderco Salt series. Yay
That's kind of what I mean, I should have said French *equivalent* of the word "stainless" steel (most stainless isn't rustproof either). The point being, Inox is a term for a group of steels, not a particular composition.
The trekker is bomb. Especially the saw. It’s definitely longer then any leatherman I’ve seen. And I grew to love the blade with serrations. Didn’t think I would, but Vic knows what they’re doing
I have been carrying my Trekker for several years now. I love the thing. The edge on mine was fine, it gets shaving sharp easily and touches up nicely; not needed a stone on it yet, just a ceramic rod and strop.
Seriously, try the serrated blade. If you look at this knive as a utility knife given to Swiss and German soldiers rather than a "tactical" blade, it's serrations at the front part make total sense. Makes it a super cutter/slicer for everything from rope and cord to bread and tomatoes while the chisel grind towards the handle allows for very powerful and precise cuts. With the non-serrated blade you're missing out on the best utility/camp folder out there, the only one that was done right. Tricky to gut fish or skin deer with, but when it comes to chowing down your prey, that steak knife blade lets you catch up in no time.
It does make sense because serrations require less sharpening. but I did reshape the blade a lose the serrations because I frequently sharpen my knives, and I do believe that a well sharpened non-serrated blade beats serrations any day. BUT if you don't sharpen your knives frequently serrated is better.
I just picked one of these NS versions of this knife up from Amazon, they had plenty in stock. This is a nice pocket knife and am glad to finally get one. Just fyi, I love SAK's so I already had a bent to a positive impression of the knife. As far as the edge goes, I was happy with the edge and was not too thin. I tend to prefer my pocket knives to have a razor edge anyway and strop them to get it when I get a new knife if it does not have one. Great review on this knife Chris, and thanks for the work you do. SAK's are a great all around budget go to knife, they are very good quality for the money and you don't break the bank if you have to replace one. The lifetime guarantee is true to its word as I have had to make use of it too, again just an FYI for those watching the video. So for a good all around knife, whatever style of SAK you get, with a lifetime guarantee that you can use, and for a good price SAK's are hard to beat. Thanks again for the video.
That tool on the back is a "reamer". With the hole, it becomes a reamer/awl. "Firefly" is now available to replace the toothpick. Never hurts to have another ferro rod option in hand/pocket. The Ranger Grip 78 is also non-serrated, the saw blade is a tad longer, with more spine, and the shield on the scales is what releases the liner lock (traditional direction use too) to release the blade.
I bought this same knife recently. Cut some thick cardboard with it, no blade roll. It sharpened easy, 20 degree edge. Keep up the good video work. thanks
One of my all time favorite knives. Mine is right in front of me as I type this. Simple, honest, robust and useful. No extra frills, just the best features. Love it.
Been using those for years, was also my son's first pocket knife! The German and US Armies have versions of the same knife . Seriously though, TRY THE SAW, surprisingly good tool!
I've carried Victorinox knives for years. The tools on those things have fixed more equipment on the fly than I could possibly count. I stopped carrying them only because the knife blades wouldn't hold a edge without sharpening constantly. It sure would be nice if they would upgrade the blade steel. I for one would be willing to pay more for it.
I have owned this knife for a couple of months since I saw Junkyard Fox say it was an awesome tool. So I decided to try it for myself and I couldn't agree with Junkyard Fox enough, great knife all around out in the field. Everything you might need in your normal day right in your pocket.
Even though this vid is dated 2017, I just purchased the Trekker recently to replace my old SAK. I don't carry them anymore cause I live in the city. I keep it on my computer table where it has a 1001 uses. From opening letters, UPS boxes, and many miscellaneous things. A pretty dang good economical knife. Nice review.
It's not too easy to find the NS version for the Trekker. For a while I wanted to buy this exact knife but I ended up buying the serrated one for a lack of availability. However, I'm super stoked. The serrated blade is great for any use, although it is said to be more difficult to sharpen.
You can find the forester is non serrated, actually you cant find a serrated forester at all anymore. The forester is just the trekker with a corkscrew. The reason the trekker is only serrated is because its the current issue swiss armt knife, serrations stay sharp longer in the field
It is my understanding, based on a comment by someone reviewing the Cold steel Pocket Bushman, that it is the 4116 German steel. The comment in the review said that the Bushman had the same steel as Victorinox knives.
VictorINox is the steel. Inox was one of the two innovations that created the Swiss army knife. Inox is a closely guarded secret formula. The front serration put me off, but with use, you get used to it, and I now prefer it. Mine came with the serrations shaving sharp. I prefer it now. The rear smooth edge gives you some real usable space for fine use.
This is Corporals Corner go to knife. The saw is awesome for Bushcraft and the one hand open is a good emergency broken hand/arm prep. Ordering mine soon now that I've got all my big items in my kit covered. Thanks for the review and suggestion about the stock blade finish!
Hi Chris, The "nay-sayer" speaks... lol Yes, I love this knife and fully endorse it. It is well worth $50. I have used it for years and it has never failed me in any way. The blades are hand finished so someone made a big Oooops on yours. I have used mine for years and only had to hone it on a Swiss Army knife steel. Yes it us sharp because I can and have trimmed my beard with it. There are so many serrated blades around because few buy them. They are impractical for bushcraft and everyday work. However, their intended use was for the military - cutting straps, ropes and parachute chords if you end up in a tree. That is why the serrations are at the front. The saw although small cuts like a razor on small wood. It is great for around camp - tent pegs, dingle sticks, traps, etc. It also is a great striker for a ferro rod. (Used the back of the saw blade.☺) The other tools work great too. I have a older model so the reamer has a hole and can be used as an awl... not sure why they changed that. As for the steel type - good luck - finding out what it is is like finding the recipe for KFC. lol So, yes buy one guys and gals you will like. And yes this one is well worth $50. I wish you could have shown this one in action Chris. It ain't fancy but it really works.
Levi Caddell take tootpik out, pop off cover. L Cheap O. Liner had to use screwdriver to vlose it was so stiff. I bent the liner a lil still lil tight. Never again🔪🔪sorry sparky. Case buck camillus crkt, cold steel.......
It is an awl......the eye hole was added for sewing up heavy canvas or similar.The awl is great for putting in an extra belt buckle hole.....drilling holes into wood for....say like starting screws.....etc.
Thanks. I'm looking to get a Hercules or a ranger grip. It's no chopper but is the right knife for the woods.just wish they came with a magnifying glass. Oh yes the one thing everyone forgets about the Swiss army knifes . You can take them apart and build them to your specifications. Can't do that with a Leatherman.
Hi Chris, Victorinox uses 1.4110 ( X55CrMo14) and 1.4116 ( X50CrMoV15) steel, and this is somwhere between 440A and 440B steel. I have a lot of them and some I use over 40 years and they are super if you give them a bit of maintenance! Thx for the vid, greetings from the Belgian Ardennes, Yves.
I just ordered one of these ! I've EDC a Swiss Champ for 30 years! Don't underestimate the saw that little fella will take a lot of use. Great knives! As for the steal???? Not sure but I can tell you ,you can forget your knife in your pocket jump in the creek and dry her out in the sun and it won't rust! Not a speck in 30 years! Clean it and lightly oil it once in a while and it will serve you well.
The Trekker is my go-to EDC knife. I use a kydex neck sheath with it. I have the standard, the NS and the German Army Knife version which does not have the toothpick and tweezers (which fall out when hanging around my neck).
You really can't go wrong with any Victorinox model. I have quite a few of them and I use them a lot in the woods. The Swisschamp is especially nice for outdoor use. On a recent BBQ with friends, the knife was used to cut meat, open packaging etc. The bottle opener was used to open bottles. The small pliers was used to lift some food off the grill, lift the grill grate and so on. If we'd caught any fish that day, I would've used the fish scaler, but we didn't have much luck that day. The steel info can be found online, but it's some proprietary mix that favors corrosion resistance over edge holding. It's pretty much a perfect fit for this sort of blade. It's very easy to maintain, the profile helps it cut food and packaging very well and you never really have to worry about it getting rusty unless you actually let water get inside the slipjoint mechanisms and whatnot.
My dad gave me a Switzerland peace support knife that if yet to see anyone else have, it was serrated, but not anymore. Other than that I like this knife a good bit.
The tool is called a reamer, I believe :) Synonymous with awls, but used typically for lighter, thinner material, like those used in clothing textiles.
Nobody outside Victorinox knows exactly what the steel is. It is very stainless, so it's very corrosion resistant, and it does take a fine edge (which suggests low carbides), but it's not especially hard. That means it doesn't hold an edge for a long time (although being so thin means they cut fairly well even when dulled) but they resharpen easily too, which is of concern for outdoor survival. At a guess, and comparing it to my Cold Steel Eland, I'd say it's similar to the German 4116 stainless that Cold Steel uses on their budget knives.
I've had mine about three year's and Love it! The Swiss Army requested a new issue knife and helped develop it, and now it's issued to the German Army, it has a green handle with the German Eagle, (want that next) I have a good collection of EDC knives, but I use this one Daily.
The standard steel used is 1.4110 though there are variations in the steel type and Rc scale depending on the where the steel is going. For instance the steel used in the blade for the swiss army knife is 1.4110, but for the springs and various steel riggings 1.4021 and 1.4031 are used respectively.
I've been carrying one for about a year, for woods trips. The only thing I found lacking was I wish the saw blade locked in place like the knife blade. The saw blade has a good sharp spine but by not locking, it can't be used to its full potential.
You can build a hell of a shelter with that saw.....if you know what you're doing. I see this knife/tool as a great piece of equipment to add to a small 1-3 day oh shit bag. Especially if you're like me and already have a couple of blades on you as your edc...plus a pew with some extra freedom seeds.
The steel they use is a martensitic stainless steel. Here are the rough specs on the metallurgy. Chromium13 - 15Silicon0.5 - 0.6Carbon0.5 - 0.7Molybdenum0.4 - 0.5Manganese0.4 - 0.5
I’ve carried SAKs daily for well over 30 years and have always found them to be well made useful tools with blades that hold an edge fairly well. Yes they are light duty but even the most basic like like the Spartan or Tinker have a decent assortment of tools and I would much rather carry a SAK than any multi-tool.
I like that victorinox, but I'm slightly put off by the non pocket clip. Also liner lock direction and side of the tool that the blade is located on seems to be set up for lefties. What looks a good competitor, (and check it out ) is the ruike trekker ld32, ruike are somehow linked to fenix. Available on my fenix website. Blade position and operation of liner seem to be more conventional, and blade steel is 12c27 sandvic which is what mora use. G10 scales etc, similar price. I just prefer the victorinox tool combinations.
That pokey thing as you call it is an awl....it just doesn't have the sewing eye hole built in.Actually call this knife a OHT....One Handed Trekker...because of the thumb loop to kick out the blade with one hand.BTW....the saw will cut more than ya think....Great review Chris
I believe that the steel they use is "1,4110" or "X55CrMo14". It's the same steel that the most German kitcheknive factory's use. The can be heattreaded in different way so it can also become a good cheap stainless for outdoor kinves. The German company "Eickhorn" also use it for outdoor knives and it works well. Just google for "1,4110 steel" or something and you will find details about. Greeting from Germany.
Owners of this knife are surprised with a reveiw of this knife that describes the saw basically as useless. You couldnt be more wrong. This saw is one of if not the best saws on a multi tool. alot of times people are buying a saw that happens to have a knife and 10 other functions. Use the dam thing before you do a reveiw. This will up your credibility and get you subs.
Pretty decent looking knife, what I hate about newer multitools is the lack of the basic tools. Leatherman had it pretty much right with their original.
well I found some steel specs on an online knife guide it. steel is 1.4110 (german reference number) very similar to AISI 440 A. C: 0,48-0,6% Si: 1%, Mn: 1%, Cr: 13-15%, Mo: 0,5-0,8% so far the datasheet, the online guide offers the hint that the 1.4110 is slightly modified by adding V up to 0,15%.
I have the Victorinox Swiss Army EVOgrip 18. Use it for hiking along with my Mora bushcraft knife. Like the somthin somthin stainless blade. Use for cutting foodstuff. Happen to like stainless for that purpose. Pretty cool pocket knife...
I never trust a factory edge on a production knife. Some only require a strop, some a hone and strop, some full sharpening,and some complete reprofiling.
I like the Bark River, its kind of alluring. The Swiss trekker looks pretty good and I'm thinking of replacing one of my older Swiss knives anyway. Kool dude, thanks for the info.
In my aerea every boy has to be raised with a Swiss Army Knife in his pocket. So is the law. At least in my aerea in South Germany. I've got my first Swiss Army Knife when I was 10 years old. I still have a more than 30 years old big Swiss Army Knife, the model is similar to the now sold Work Champ model, and I use the crap out of it. Even my mom had a little Swiss knife in her Louis Vuitton purse. The Swiss Tool is my EDC for more than 30 years now.
I have had the serrated version for many years, great folder. I even did some light batoning with it (lock disengaged) for kindling, which it survived. The sturdy locking screwdriver also came in handy a few times. Would prefer the plain edge, the serrations make no sense to me and are hard to sharpen.
The Victorinox serrations are real easy to sharpen on a Sypderco Sharpmaker. There's a video somewhere on RU-vid demonstrating. I think the serrations are good for bread and meat. This is the civilian version of the knife issued to soldiers and I think they anticipated soldiers using them on food. It makes more sense to have the straight edge portion on the bottom so it's easier to work with on wood.
Hello Chris, Thanks for the review. I have been leaning toward the Rangergrip 79 . It seems to be the same as the Trekker except an awl instead of a reamer, and a corkscrew instead of a philips head. I was unaware that the Trekker was available with a straight edge. I will reevaluate, but I do seem to use the corkscrew alot on my camper and rucksack knives. I would also like to thank you for turning me on to the Ontario Rat 1. I have since picked up a Rat 2 as well, and love them both. Take care, Ben from Nova Scotia
