When it comes to tools that combine versatility, practicality, and durability, the Swiss Army Knife stands out. This classic multi-tool has been a trusted companion for adventurers, DIY enthusiasts, and everyday users alike. Here’s why I believe it’s essential to have on hand, along with my preferred model for everyday use.
Why?
Having a Swiss Army Knife on hand means you’re prepared for anything, whether it’s tackling an impromptu repair, enjoying a picnic, or embarking on a hiking trip. The convenience of having multiple tools in one handy device can save both time and effort.
Not to mention that some variations can be tiny, legal to go with you anywhere, including through the airport security and in the cabin, yet more than light enough to carry comfortably on your keychain.
Take, for example, the Victorinox Jetsetter, a bladeless tool that includes scissors, Tweezers, a toothpick, a bottle opener, a wire stripper, and a magnetic Phillips screwdriver 0/1. And all that in 22 grams! That means you get 6 practical tools just by putting the tiny Jetsetter on your key ring. Because it’s bladeless, you’ll likely be able to take it on board when you fly.
My choice(s) for the Every Day Carry (EDC)
For my everyday model, I prefer one that balances practicality with a lightweight design, ensuring it’s always at my side when needed. However, I also carry another on my keychain at all times. So, my ideal EDC Setup is:
1. Victorinox Companion S Alox
Victorinox Companion S Alox is an Alox version of the Jetsetter. The reason I prefer it to the Jetsetter is, of course, the Alox scales, which, in my opinion, are essential if you want a more durable, slimmer, more compact tool.
Alox scales are made of extremely durable anodised aluminium that resists scratches, dents, and cracking far better than Cellidor. In addition, Alox scales offer a noticeably tougher, slimmer, and more premium-feeling build than Cellidor, making them ideal for minimalist everyday carry.
For keyring tools, both features are very nice to have. Alox scales trade away scale tools like tweezers and the toothpick, but in return, you get superior durability, grip, and long-term wear resistance. For a keyring tool, that is a great trade-off, in my book.
So the Companion S Alox still has the same scissors, a bottle opener, a wire stripper, and a magnetic Phillips screwdriver 0/1. And all that in 17 grams. Since it’s bladeless, you can leave it on your keyring when you fly. And you can probably take it literally everywhere – and that is something you want from a keychain tool – you don’t want to have to take it off when you fly or go to a concert or something. That is why I chose the Victorinox Companion S Alox over, say, a Mini-Champ Alox, which might have a lot more tools, but what good are those tools if you can’t actually take them with you?
2. Victorinox Explorer
This might surprise a lot of Every Day Carry (EDC) enthusiasts, but the Victorinox Explorer is my knife of choice for every day. Why? Well, let’s see. It’s a Pocket Knife with 16 functions, but many other models have even more functions. But the Explorer includes a magnifying glass and a Phillips screwdriver.
First, let’s look at which tools are included: both Large & Small Blades, Corkscrew, Reamer, punch and sewing awl, Scissors, Phillips screwdriver 1/2, Multipurpose hook, Magnifying glass, Tweezers, Toothpick, Bottle opener, Can opener, Screwdriver 3 mm, Screwdriver 6 mm and Wire stripper.
But other tools are almost standard, so let us focus on the two key advantages: the true Phillips Screwdriver. This tool in the Explorer is available as an In-Line version, making it more comfortable and effective than the back‑spring version.
The second tool, which makes the Explorer stand out, is a High-Quality Magnifying Glass, which can be a life-saver – okay, not a life-saver, but still very useful to a glasses wearer like me. It’s not very practical for reading longer texts, but you can certainly use it to read labels and small print when you’ve forgotten your glasses, or they’re not powerful enough.
At 4 layers, I find the Explorer strikes the perfect balance: it has all the tools essential for modern city life without being overburdened with outdoor tools like a metal file, a fish descaler, or a wood saw.
However, since the Explorer does feature a large Blade, you might want to take extra care to check whether you are allowed to carry it wherever you are planning to go. For example, in Germany, as far as I understand, it is permitted to transport a knife through so-called weapon-ban areas, such as public transportation, if it can only be reached with more than three hand movements, meaning you need to have it in a closed container inside your backpack, for example. But since this is a tool for urban carry, I don’t see any problem with that.
To be honest, it’s so useful that even if you were not allowed to take it out with you at all, it would still probably be worth getting.
