I have owned and carried a Swiss Army knife for thirty-five years. My present knife, a SWISS CHAMP (the subject of this review) was given to me by my wife for my 50th birthday and never leaves my side. As an ambulance man for twenty years, I have lost count of the number of times I have used my knife in innumerable situations, to repair equipment that has broken, cut off clothing, cut oxygen tubing etc etc and off duty it’s uses have been countless. HISTORY The Swiss Army knife has been with us since 1884, some one hundred and twenty years. The firm who makes this famous knife re-named it in 1921 after the founder’s mother, Victoria Inox. The ubiquitous VICTORINOX has now become synonymous with quality utility knifes. The soldier’s knife was first delivered to the Swiss Army in 1891 and since that time has been the instrument of choice not only by the military but many civilian organisations and individuals. There are many accounts of incidents were these knives have been crucial in successful survival and rescue situations and to the essential to the success of many of the most remarkable adventures and discoveries of mankind. To a lesser extent there are accounts were the corkscrew attachment has proven to be a lifesaver on a picnic. THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE SWISS CHAMP Large blade Small blade. Can opener and small screwdriver Bottle opener with large screwdriver and wire stripper Reamer, punch and sewing eye Key ring Tweezers Toothpick Scissors Hook Wood saw Fish de-scaler, hook disgorger and ruler Fine screwdriver Chisel Straight pin Mini screwdriver Pliers and wire cutters Nail file, nail cleaner, metal file and metal saw Magnifying glass Phillips screwdriver Pen
MAINTAINANCE and CLEANING All Swiss Army knives come with a life time guarantee which I have never yet had to use; every one of the knives I have owned over years are still in my position and although very worn and battered still work perfectly. The more fragile or easily lost parts such as the springs on the pliers and scissors and the small screwdriver which is cleverly stores in the cork screw, are readily available from any stockist, and there are always some wherever in the world I have travelled and cost only a few pence or more often than not given and indeed fitted free. To clean the knife you simply wash it in warm soapy water, working any attachments that may have become stiff. to free them. To dry it let it drain and dab with a soft cloth. To keep the attachments free, lubricate with a little thin sewing machine or shaver oil wiping any excess with a tissue. To sharpen the blades use a sharpening stone on both sides at an angle of 15°-20°, you can also for about £7- £10, buy a small diamond steel which is absolutely marvellous and well worth the expense. That really is all the maintenance you will ever have to contend with. USAGE Well, where can I start, the phrase “as useful as a Swiss Army Knife” was coined because the uses to which this knife can be put are limitless, and as new developments in every day life come about then a new use is found. Take the hook for example, I use this to; hang the knife up to dry, pull the ring-pull lids off cans, carry heavy carrier bags without them cutting your hand untying knots, removing muddy and bloody boot laces and many other tasks. The Swiss Champ is a rather bulky item which takes a little while to get used to especially if you are used to one of the smaller models but with a little perseverance the knife soon becomes familiar and easy to use. As a large item it can be difficult to carry in the pocket and the optional leather carry case is almost a necessity. THE FUTURE Whilst at my local Victorinox stockist I came across some of the latest incarnations, the Cyber Knife, Cyber Card, The Flame which has a lighter which has a blue flame which is windproof (better than rubbing two boy scouts together to start a fire) and the USB Knife which as well as the usual blades has a 64Meg USB memory blade. Well the say that it’s a jungle out there. The Swiss Champ is available in red or black and its average price is around £50. I can’t recommend this product enough its usefulness is limitless even if you don’t buy this particular model hang the expense and buy one that suits you but above all remember to carry it at all times YOU NEVER KNOW.
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