Multi-functional knife & tool also called Totoku knife or multi-tool. It is instrumental in daily life and outdoor scenes such as camping and mountain climbing. There are various types of Totoku knives, and many choices depend on the number and combination of tools, size, shape, and other characteristics.
The representative is Victorinox, born in Switzerland. There are many models of the company's products that suit the purpose. From the standard size that fits comfortably in your hand to the mini size and card size convenient for traveling, there is also a super multi-functional model that stores more than 80 tools, so it is fun just to look at it. Besides the size, the skeleton design and limited edition are also attractive. We also have a wide variety of items with different materials whose handles are made of aluminum or wood.
With so many choices, beginners who choose Totoku knives for the first time wonder which one to buy. Here, we will introduce models that are convenient for Outdoorsmen to have. Before comparing the actual products, let's first understand what kind of function the Totoku knife has for each purpose.
Flat-blade screwdriver, reamer, pliers, hammer, etc.
Scissors, files, clips, key chains, etc.
Features useful for outdoor activities and survival
Knives, saws, multi-hooks, carabiners, etc.
Can opener, bottle opener, wine opener (corkscrew), etc.
Whistles, lights, and more.
Victorinox began in 1884 in a workshop on cutlery in Ibach, Schwyz, Switzerland. After that, he introduced Soldier knives (both army knives and military knives) to the Swiss army and expanded his business. The officer knife "Original Officer and Sports," which became the prototype of the current multi-tool, was also born from this period.
The company name of Victorinox is a combination of the founder's mother, Victoria, and stainless steel Inox.
Victorinox, which started from the workshop, has been a leader in the production and sale of multi-tools, Totoku knives, and multi-functional knives from its founding to the present. It has become so popular that there are collectors and loyal users all over the world.
Victorinox has a history of more than a century. Let's start with the standard model that represents the company.
Classic
0.6223
Victorinox's super classic tool. It has small blades, scissors, files, and other functions that are useful in everyday situations. A wide variety of designs and color variations are also attractive.
Soldier
A popular model with a limited edition. The origin of the Soldier is named after the model adopted by the Swiss Army in the past. It is helpful not only in daily life but also in various outdoor scenes such as camping and mountain climbing.
climber
1.3703
Originally sold as a "Traveler," it is equipped with 14 tools convenient for both travel and outdoor scenes. It is light and easy to carry.
Huntman
1.3713
A model equipped with 15 functions that are convenient for outdoor scenes, such as scissors and saws. You can also cut twigs and cut ropes.
Swiss Champ
1.6795
Equipped with 33 functions. It is a standard model that follows the functionality of the "Officer Knife," which was the forerunner of the company's multi-tools.
Wenger, which manufactures the same Totoku knives and multi-tools as Victorinox, and has a similar logo. Both Victorinox and Wenger were born around the same time and have co-existed for many years as the two largest manufacturers in Switzerland. In 2013, Victorinox integrated Wenger's knife business. Wenger knives are still manufactured and sold as a Victorinox brand.
Such respect for Wenger can be seen from the fact that the conventional logo is used.
Wenger
0.6423.91
Founded in Switzerland, the same as Victorinox. Wenger, which we have been working with, has become a subsidiary of Victorinox over time. This Victorinox version of Wenger is a model that adopts the conventional name and logo, and you can see the excellent relationship between the two companies. The scissors of this model have a wave blade (micro serration).
We have introduced the representative products of Victorinox, including Wenger. It's certainly convenient for everyday use, DIY, and travel companions, but when it comes to camping cooking, I sometimes feel that it's not easy to use because the knife has a short blade length. Therefore, I would like to recommend a model with a large blade among Victorinox.
Knives are indispensable for outdoor cooking at camping. It can be used not only to cut ingredients such as meat, fish, and vegetables but also to make bonfires with twigs when cooking on a bonfire. If this knife is short, it will be inconvenient because you will have to insert the blade into the ingredients many times.
We recommend the Totoku knife, which has a large blade and has a wide range of uses for camping. The handle is easy to hold, and there is also a model equipped with a lock mechanism, which is unique to the large blade model and can be used safely.
Here, the blade of the knife is not serrated (serration/wave blade), but a shape like a general all-purpose knife, and I chose a type that is easy to use for cooking at camping and BBQ. With this one, you don't have to bring a kitchen knife to reduce your luggage. You can also unplug the bottled beer and open the can. Even the ingredients are crunchy and can be used as cutlery when used with a spoon or fork. Especially in camping, we recommend a model that can be used in multiple ways.
The length of the blade is about the same size as Opinel # 7 (about 8 cm), so if you are a regular user of outdoor knives, you will find them easy to use.
Picnicker NL
0.8353
The Victorinox Picnicer NL is best camping multi tool and equipped with 11 functions suitable for simple outdoor cooking and rice, such as camping and picnics. The blade is long and easy to grip. Safety is also taken into consideration, such as being equipped with a lock mechanism.
Wine master
0.9701.63
As the name of the wine master, it is a tool knife with a two-step lever cork punch. The cork is hard to break because it is made of a long coil, and even an unfamiliar person can easily handle it. A unique leather pouch is also included.
Work Champ XL
0.8564.XL
A tool knife with abundant functions in the series. Thirty-one tools are useful in every scene.
Outrider
0.8513
A tool knife made for enjoying the outdoors. It has 14 useful outdoor features such as a saw.
Trail master
0.8463
A tool knife useful for a wide range of purposes, from leisure activities such as hiking and picnics to full-scale long trails. The sturdy handle has 12 functions. It even has a function to cut the wire, which is useful in case of emergency.
Foreigner NL BK
0.8363
It is a tool knife with the best functions for people who spend time in nature such as forests and forests. It can be fired and is also suitable for bushcraft. With a key ring.
Hunting
0.8573
A tool knife that is also active in the field of hunting. A special gutting blade with a curved blade shape allows you to dismantle the killed prey on the spot efficiently.
Hunting XS Grip
0.8331.MC9
A popular model in the Victorinox Hunter series. The curved shape is suitable for handling prey and making fire.
Ranger Grip 78
0.9663.MC
A tool knife is featuring a stable grip. The thumb hole on the grip allows you to handle the knife with one hand quickly.
Ranger Wood 55
0.9561.63
A tool knife that uses wood for the handle. It is equipped with a large blade with a lock function and a saw.
Finally, I would like to introduce Totoku knives other than Victorinox. Leatherman (LEATHERMAN) is famous as a multi-tool with pliers, but it is a brand with a strong impression that it is a handy tool packed with many functions in a compact size that fits in your hand. There are also some knife-main tool knives in such a product group.
Leatherman introduced here has large and small blades, but all of them have good knives. It has a lot of functions and is convenient as a multi-tool and an outdoor knife.
Since it can be folded and stored compactly, it does not take up space even if it is put in a backpack. The small size can be used by quickly taking it out of your pocket, making it convenient for fishing. It is an item that makes me think, "There are other ways to choose other than Victorinox!"
FREE K4
The 84mm blade is the tallest and thickest of Leatherman's tool knives. Although it is an authentic knife, it has nine types of storage functions and is highly versatile.
FREE K2
A tool knife developed with a one-handed operation in mind. By pressing the base of the knife with your thumb, the tool is designed to be triggered, so you can smoothly perform a series of operations such as using and storing.
FREE T4
Free series that fits in your pocket. It's so light that it's convenient to carry. Although it is small, it has 12 types of attached functions and is helpful in various scenes.
FREE T2
The most standard model in the series. The number of functions is limited to 8 types, which is the minimum necessary, and it is compact and light. In addition, all tools have a lock function, making it one that is also safe.
If the knife or scissors are dirty after using them for cooking or playing, wipe them clean before putting them away. If you store it in the handle as it is, dirt difficult to remove will adhere to the inside. As a result, it becomes difficult to take out the tool, and in the worst case, it leads to rust, which leads to deterioration of functionality and sharpness. * Although it is hard to rust because it is a stainless steel blade, it deteriorates depending on the condition.
Even if you don't have time, it is recommended that you wipe off the dirt quickly and take good care of it after you get home. The company also sells special oils and knife sharpeners. Please refer to the company's website for maintenance methods and sharpening methods.
In addition, Victorinox products are covered by a "lifetime warranty for repairs or replacements due to failures caused by materials or manufacturing processes." However, this does not apply to scratches, deterioration over time, misuse, or failure due to use other than the original purpose. If it still breaks ... consult a Victorinox shop.
The "LTJ mark" is engraved on the tool body on the products sold by Leatherman TOOL JAPAN LTD., an authorized domestic importer of Leatherman. With this stamp, you can get a 25-year warranty in Japan.
It is illegal to carry knives, kitchen knives, and other knives, including Totoku knives and tool knives, without good reason, such as work. Article 22 of the Firearms and Swords Possession Control Law states that "no one should carry a blade with a blade length of more than 6 centimeters except for business or other justifiable reasons." Because it is set, there is a risk of conflicting with the Firearm and Sword Law, even for outdoor purposes. In addition, even if it does not fall under the Firearms and Swords Act, it may be subject to police crackdown and regulation as a violation of the Minor Crimes Act in some cases.
Until you reach the field, keep the blade in a storage case such as a gearbox so that you cannot remove it immediately. It is entirely NG to carry. Of course, carry-on on an airplane trip is also NG. Storage at home is also hazardous if a small child accidentally touches it, so be careful when storing and possessing it.
Victorinox / Picnicker NL
A multi-tool that is convenient to have one. Multi-tools are roughly divided into those that mainly use tools and those that mainly use knives. In the former, the pliers are in the center, and each instrument is often stored in the grip, and in the latter, both the knife and the tool are pulled out from the handle.
Leatherman (LEATHERMAN) is famous when it comes to multi-tools with pliers, but Victorinox (VICTORINOX), which has a history of more than 130 years, is a pioneer when it comes to Totoku knives and Swiss Army knives (Soldier knives).
The Swiss army used the Victorinox Soldier Knife in 1891. The officer knife, a multi-functional knife that adds functions to the soldier knife, is said to be the prototype of the existing multi-tool (the company patented it as an "original officer and sports knife"). The company's products have been loved by people worldwide to this day, more than a century later.
It is said that there are hundreds of Victorinox products, including color variations. Victorinox is also attractive because you can find products for various occupations and purposes.
Victorinox's outdoor products include the famous "Camper" for camping enthusiasts, the "Climber" for mountain climbing, and the "Fisherman" for fishing, but this time we will introduce the "Picnicker NL."
Swiss made multi-tool, Victorinox "Picknicker NL (Picknicker)"
Victorinox products are divided into "small," "medium," and "large" according to size, and Picnicker NL is classified as significant. It is a popular product with a large handle that is easy to grip, a long blade, and a secure blade lock mechanism.
The long blade makes it very convenient for camping and BBQ cooking. With a general multi-tool, it often cannot be used as a kitchen knife, and it tends to require a different knife ... but with just one Picnicker NL, most ingredients can be cut. It's different from the Santoku knives used at home, but it's about the size of a fruit knife, and it's easy to grip, so it's easy to use.
In addition to the large blade also comes with a can opener, a can opener, and a cork punch, and the Picnicker NL is exactly what you need for outdoor cooking.
The Picnicker NL has 11 different functions in a total length of 111 mm, a height of 16 mm, and 105 g. The following is a list of all the functions.
The length of the blade is about 80mm. It is the same length as Opinel # 7. When not using it as a knife, store the blade in the handle and pull it out when using it. Once pulled out, it automatically locks, and the blade cannot be retracted unless the lock is released. You can use it with confidence because the knife blade does not move unexpectedly while you are using it.
Use by pulling out the blade from the handle. The length of the blade and the handle that is easy to grip is one of the features.
You can store the knife by unlocking the back.
In addition to knives, it has other functions often used in camping and BBQ, such as opening cans and unplugging beer and wine. Of course, it is an item that comes in handy at home.
The grip end is equipped with a bottle opener.
The cork remover is in the middle, so it's easy to use.
A can opener right next to the blade. In Japan, the number of canned foods that require can openers has decreased considerably, but they are still active when traveling abroad. It is a convenient function to have.
With so many Victorinox products, it's hard to decide which one is convenient for camping. If you don't need a saw, scissors, or a screwdriver and want to use it mainly for outdoor cooking in the camp, we recommend this Picnicker NL.
The excellent point is that it is lighter than other Victorinox multi-tools. With this one, you don't have to bring other knives, wine openers, corkscrews, etc., so you'll have less luggage (and more minor things left behind).
SPEC:
Height: 16mm
Length: 111mm
Weight: 105g
Scale material: Polyamide
Blade with lock
Color: red, black
Carrying a knife without good reason is prohibited by law. Please keep it in a gearbox and manage it until you reach your destination, such as a campsite. If you carry it in a ready-to-use condition, such as in your pocket or bag, you may be exposed to the law on your way to and from the campsite. Also, be careful about storing it so that small children do not use it by mistake.
Contact our Shieldon(pocket knife manufacturer) sales representatives to have more multifunction knife.
Article source: Recommended Totoku knife (Swiss Army knife) summary! If you are an outdoor man, you want to have one. | Shieldon
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