Victorinox Swiss Army Hiker Knife with Firestarter and Pouch
After losing my beloved Swiss Army Knife this winter I went searching for a replacement. With a slew of new manufacturers on the market, I knew that the choice was not going to be an easy one. Having owned my previous Victorinox ‘Hiker’ model Swiss Army Knife for more than ten years it had accumulated a lot of great memories, gotten me out of more than a few jams and just been reliable from day one. Next to a pair of hiking boots I would say your knife may be the one piece of gear that you come value most. One that gets better each time you use it. One that’s very personal and emanates a long list of adventures which you relive each time you pick it up.
Turns out my decision this time was an easy one. My previous ‘Hiker’ Swiss Army Knife contained all the tools I had ever needed over the past decade or so (see the list below) and it had never let me down. So why would I trust any other brand other than the iconic Victorinox Swiss Army Knife? After all they have been making knives since 1884 and all their products come with a lifetime warranty.
(click for larger view)
My new Swiss Army Knife Hiker model is the exact same as my previous one, although it came bundled with a belt pouch and a fire starter—two items that would also come in handy. The 3mm cord that I attached to the knife’s key ring may be green this time instead of the previous blue version I had on my old knife but other than that it looks and feels pretty much the same. I know that my new knife doesn’t contain all the old memories as the previous one but it’s nice to know that I can start accumulating new ones.
Price: $60 CAD
Tools:
- large blade
- small blade
- can opener with small screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- bottle opener with large screwdriver and wire stripper
- reamer
- wood saw
- tweezers
- toothpick
The included pouch is fairly small and provides a secure place to store the knife but I prefer a piece of 3mm cord tied to the knife’s key ring so that if I drop it it’s easier to spot (especially in deep snow.)
It also comes with a fire starter which can be handy for wet camping trips and emergencies.
