The Swiss Army knife is the most carried tool on the planet and the one with the worst carry solution: it sits at the bottom of a pocket with no clip, or on a keyring where it fights the keys. The best Swiss Army knife for EDC is the one with the tools you use and a way to carry it that puts it in your hand. This guide picks five, from keychain to full multitool, and covers the two clips we make that fix the carry problem.
1. Victorinox Classic SD
The keychain knife: blade, scissors, file, screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick, 0.7 ounces. The most useful thing on most keyrings. Carry it on a SwissLinQ, which docks it to the ring and lets you detach it with one motion to use it without the keys in the way. $6.99.
2. Victorinox Tinker
The 91mm everyday standard: two blades, Phillips and flat drivers, can and bottle openers, awl, at 2.2 ounces and about $30. The one to buy if you do not know which to buy. Add a SwissQlip deep-carry clip and it rides at the top of the pocket like a modern folder. $19.99.
3. Victorinox Huntsman
The Tinker plus scissors, saw and hook. The most tools per ounce in the 91mm line, and the SwissQlip fits it.
4. Victorinox Spartan
The minimalist 91mm: two blades, openers, awl, corkscrew. Thinner than the Tinker. SwissQlip compatible.
5. Victorinox SwissTool or Spirit
When you need pliers: the SwissTool is the full-size Victorinox multitool, and the Spirit is the lighter, rounder one. Both need a belt sheath, and we mold one for each: SwissTool sheath, Spirit sheath, $29.99.
How to carry a Swiss Army knife
- Keychain models (58mm): SwissLinQ on the keyring.
- 91mm models: SwissQlip, a deep-carry pocket clip that attaches without modifying the knife, in chrome or black. Fits the Tinker, Spartan, Huntsman, Camper, Climber, Explorer, Fieldmaster, Hiker, Ranger, Swiss Champ, Cybertool, and most other 91mm models.
- SwissTool and Spirit: a molded kydex belt sheath.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Swiss Army knife for everyday carry?
The Tinker for most people, the Classic SD on the keys, the Huntsman if you want scissors and a saw.
Can you put a pocket clip on a Swiss Army knife?
Yes. The SwissQlip attaches to most 91mm models without drilling.
Does the SwissQlip fit the Classic?
No. The Classic is 58mm; use the SwissLinQ keychain holder.
Is a Swiss Army knife a multitool?
A knife-based one. For pliers, the SwissTool or Spirit.
Is Victorinox better than Leatherman?
Different tools. Victorinox for a light knife with extras, Leatherman for pliers.
The bottom line
A Tinker with a SwissQlip in the pocket and a Classic on a SwissLinQ on the keys covers most of EDC for under $60.
Related reading
Best Swiss Army knives with a pocket clip
How to add a pocket clip to a Swiss Army knife
The 8 best mini multitools for EDC
