The Swiss Army Knife: A pocket-sized genius, and the ultimate outdoor essential

The Star

23-06-2025

Compact and pocket friendly, the Swiss Army Knife appeals to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
FOLDED into countless pockets and clipped to endless packs, the Swiss Army Knife has earned its reputation as the outdoorsman's trusted companion.
For campers, hikers or anyone who finds joy in the open air, this multi-tool is more than a gadget – it's a symbol of preparedness.
First crafted in Switzerland by Victori­nox, the Swiss Army Knife blends simpli­city with function.
Its sleek profile hides a surprising number of tools, all folded neatly into a compact aluminium handle.
Even the most basic model, known as the Soldier's Knife, offers eight essential implements, each designed with the needs of outdoor life in mind.
Unfold the main blade and you'll find a slender, 6.9cm stainless steel edge.
A pair of aluminium-handled Swiss Army Knives made by two companies from Switzerland.
It doesn't lock, but it's corrosion-resis­tant and easy to control, perfect for slicing fruit, cutting rope or prepping campfire meals.
With gentle hands and the right task, it holds its edge well and when it eventually dulls, a few strokes on a sharpener is all it takes to restore its bite.
But the blade is just the beginning.
Flip open the bottle opener and you'll also discover a flathead screwdriver at its tip – ideal for quick repairs on gear or tightening loose screws on a hiking pole.
Below it, a small notch doubles as a wire stripper, capable of easily peeling back the coating on rubber wires.
The can opener, another fixture of the Swiss Army Knife, may seem like a relic to anyone born after the 1980s.
But once you get the hang of its curved edge, opening tinned food over a campfire becomes second nature.
The 6.9cm blade on this knife is corrosion resistant and very easy to maintain.
On the tip of the can opener, you'll even find another small flat screwdriver, perfect for those fiddly little screws that always seem to come loose when you're far from home.
As you move up the range, the Swiss Army Knife only gets better.
More advanced models include miniature scissors – handy for cutting thread, fishing lines or bandages – and a wood saw sharp enough to help with small ­kindling when the fire's gone cold.
Some variants even feature tweezers, toothpicks or nail files, proving that ­attention to detail is part of the knife's DNA.
With over a hundred different models to choose from – ranging from minimalist to maximalist – there's a Swiss Army Knife for every pocket, every pack and every personality.
Yet, no matter how many tools are packed into the frame, the knife's appeal remains rooted in its elegance and utility.
A fully-deployed Victorinox Soldier's knife.
Unlike other outdoor blades, it's not meant to intimidate.
There's no tactical flair, no aggressive design – just honest craftsmanship.
That's why you'll find it everywhere: clipped to keyrings, nestled in glove compartments or tucked into travel bags.
It's a knife that's been welcomed at scout camps, survival treks and even Sunday picnics.
In the outdoors, every ounce matters.
Every item in your kit must earn its place.
The Swiss Army Knife, with its blend of form and function, does exactly that.
Whether you're slicing a block of cheese, tightening a screw or just cracking open a cold drink by the river, this little red tool has got your back.