If you are looking for multitool, you can use our relevant section to choose right model for yourself. Similarly, catalog with convenient filter should help with the selection of "Swissman".

Historical digression

Both "Swissman" and multitool have rather interesting story. Background of creation of these tools were seriously different, therefore, conceptually, these are quite different accessories and this aspect is also better to consider when choosing.

Army assistant

Swiss knives were historically first to appear. Their creation is associated with the name of Karl Elzner. In fact, the prototypes of this product existed even in Ancient Rome. And 40 years before the formal release of first “Swissman”, folding knife with additional accessories, such as screwdriver and an awl, was even mentioned in the novel “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville, and it was published in 1851. But both in Rome and for whalers multifunctional tools were created only individually to order.

It was Swiss Karl Elsner who launched mass production of such knives in 90s of 19th century, and also patented his invention. First Swiss knives were called army or soldier knives. They were ordered from Karl Elzner by local army, and all because its soldiers needed screwdriver to disassemble Schmidt-Rubin M1889 rifle. Military often lost separate tools. Folding pocket knife with additional accessories looked like great solution.

Later on, inventor continued to improve his product, so soon additional tools appeared on either side of handle. Functionality has grown, but at the same time, use of only two springs has made the accessory lighter and more compact than the debut samples. In addition, corkscrew has become an obligatory attribute of the "Swissman". Models with this tool are called "officer's knife", because uncorking bottles of wine is the prerogative of not ordinary soldiers, but army commanders.

By 125-year-old from date of first Swiss release Victorinox presented its modification to progenitors.

Even before beginning of 20th century, Elsner patented his invention, and little later he began to produce multifunctional models for yachtsmen, farmers, students, etc. In 1905, in honor of his mother, Karl created Victoria company, and later abbreviation inox, denoting stainless steel, was added to its name. Manufacturer Victorinox exists today, holding status of market leader in Swiss knives. And those, in turn, have become household name for multifunctional folding devices.

Victorinox knives and multitools

From tool in glove compartment to “survival tool”

Multitools in usual representation today (based on pliers) appeared approximately 80 years later than Swiss knives. Their inventor is American engineer Tim Leatherman. He had old car Fiat 600D, in which he went to travel around Italy. The car needed frequent maintenance, but Tim didn't have good set of tools, because it cost half that Fiat. Leatherman also had to spend night in inexpensive motels, where various domestic troubles sometimes arose, then socket sparked, then furniture or plumbing malfunctioned.

As result of Italian travels, engineer came up with idea to create universal tool that will cope with various tasks, including rather difficult ones that are not amenable to ordinary folding knives. Since it is almost impossible to add really powerful, large (and effective) pliers to "Swissmen" that already existed at that time, Leatherman decided to take them as the basis of his tool, and added other accessories to handles, including blade and pincers. In 1980, first Mr. Crunch was released. New York Times writes about invention, but novelty is not in great demand.

First successful Leatherman multi-tool does not look like relic of the past even today.

Leatherman continues to improve product, making the jaws of pliers folding, in general, tool becomes little less bulky and more concise in design. Concept of multitool is also changing somewhat, because second model is called Leatherman PST, that is, pocket survival tool. Against background of oil crisis and popularity of doomsday ideas in American culture in 80s, this positioning turns out to be successful. This multitool begins to be mass-produced, over time Tim has his own factory, and Leatherman brand currently holds status of trendsetter in the field of multifunctional tools.

Popular Swiss knives

Many functions and focus on universal use

Today, conceptual ideas of Swiss knife inventors and multitool are no longer so relevant. For example, Schmidt-Rubin M1889 rifles are simply not used, and modern cars increasingly require highly specialized tools for maintenance. True, screwdriver, which is always at hand, can come in handy in variety of everyday situations, to say nothing about uncorking bottle of wine.

In general, the multitool and the "Swissman" today have lot in common. These are multifunctional products that in one way or another cover wide range of applications, including the following:

  • short forays into nature;
  • fishing or hunting;
  • complete trips;
  • minor repairs;
  • basic maintenance of bicycle or motorcycle;
  • solving tactical problems, etc.

For example, each of these products looks interesting and worthy as gift, especially if we consider the products of reputable brands. True, it is possible that as result, both multitool and “Swissman” may face similar fate - it will gather dust unnecessarily somewhere on shelf. In order to better understand which tool will really turn out to be useful and in demand, you need to start not from the versatility and abundance of functions, but from what particular user actually needs. Plus, it is important to decide on the nuances that still distinguish the multitool from the Swiss knife.

Key differences between "Swissman" and multitool

Main difference, of course, lies in design features of these tools. "Swissman" is primarily folding knife, that is, there is always blade, which is the main function (accessory), and all other tools are an addition to it. Multitool in vast majority of cases is built around pliers. As rule, this is fairly large, powerful power tool that, in addition to flat jaws for holding and clamping, has recesses for gripping round parts, wire cutters, etc.

Cutting Multitools

At same time, some "Swiss" also have pliers, such as Victorinox Handyman model, but as folding tool. Many multi-tools have blade or even several (let's say with smooth and serretoid cutting edge). Opinion that latter knives are limited in functionality due to their small dimensions is erroneous. Classic "Swissman" most often has blade length of 63 or 70 mm, for medium-sized multi-tools it is no less, and for large ones it is even more. Plus, in practice, they cope with cutting, planing and other tasks in approximately the same way.

Swiss knives also have pliers, but their effectiveness in practice will be different.

Other differences that also play role:

  • dimensions. Swiss knives in most cases are more compact and suitable for pocket wear. The medium-sized multitool is larger, it is more convenient to carry it in case - complete or additionally purchased, including fixed on belt. But there are exceptions rule - so-called multifunctional key fobs : they are not bulky and almost imperceptible on bunch of keys;
  • handle features. Classic "Swiss" Victorinox almost always has plastic lining (exception is the Alox series with aluminum). They are more comfortable when used in cold weather. Multitools most often have bare metal on the handles, which “cools” the hand. At same time, there is double, thicker handle, which in practice is little better suited for power work (although this is all very individual and depends on the size of the user's palm);
  • joint type. Traditional army knife and its compact modern "Swiss" versions are equipped with slip-joint mechanism. There is actually no rigid blocking of blade in open form, therefore, during power work, arbitrary closing and injuries to fingers and hands are possible. Multitools often use simple but reliable liner lock, which provides effective protection against accidental folding;
Slip-joint knives and multi-tools
  • set of exclusive features. There are also typical differences here, which we will discuss in more detail below. By the way, when user really needs certain unique accessory, then dilemma “multitool or Swiss knife” is resolved almost by itself.
Classic Swiss is more compact than classic multitool.

Exclusive "Swissman" and multitool functions

What accessories are available only "on board" Swiss knife or rarely appear in multitools:

  • magnifying glass - (usually plastic), which can be useful both for making fire in nature in sunny weather, and for detailed examination of small objects;
  • corkscrew, which once became distinctive feature of officer models;
  • tweezers are popular tool for working with small details. As rule, it is made removable, not folding;
  • toothpick. Accessory for oral hygiene. Convenient for hiking, also usually removable and made of plastic;
  • needle or pin. This accessory can be used for variety of purposes, including cleaning nozzles, marking (scratching) various surfaces, or even fighting cramps;
  • nail file - manicure device for nail trimming;
  • a flashlight is a light source, usually with LED elements and a battery for power supply.

Still, “Swissmen” are occasionally equipped with ballpoint pens, pharmaceutical spatulas, or even digital watch with altimeter, like the Victorinox SwissChamp XAVT model.

Modern Swiss knives are complemented by displays with clocks, alarms and other functions.

Exclusive multi-tool features and features that are missing or rarely found in Swiss knives include not only pliers, but also following items:

  • Needle nose pliers are tool for holding small items. As rule, this is not separate tool, but pliers with thin, elongated jaws for gripping;
  • wire cutters. Most often they are integral part of pliers;
  • bit adapter. This is screwdriver with interchangeable bits, which are usually also included in package and increase versatility of application. Classic "Swiss" are not equipped with bit holders, but in modern models they can occasionally be found.
With set of bits, multitool will replace almost any screwdriver.

Optimum Applications

In general, multitool and Swiss knife can be used in urban environment and in nature, on vacation and during work, for self-care or for solving variety of household tasks. But, as they say, the nuances matter a lot.

Given the Swiss ancestry, folding knife has something of status and even aristocratic.

It is believed that compactness and lighter weight of “Swissman” is slightly better suited for hiking conditions, especially for those tourists who take into account every gram and cubic centimeter of space in backpack. Good readiness for outdoor use is also emphasized by exclusive functions, ranging from corkscrew to toothpick, needle or flashlight. There is an opinion that blades and saw blades of Swiss knife are usually "sharpened" for working with wood, and for multi-tools - for plastic, various building materials. In fact, in practice, they behave approximately same way with different materials.

Traditional functionality of multi-tools includes pliers, wire cutters and screwdrivers, and if you add bit holders, wrench, stripper and file here, you will get kit rather than for “survival” in difficult conditions, but for minor repairs, solving everyday household tasks, be it tightening loops furniture or bike maintenance.

In general, the Swiss knife copes well with motley, but not very difficult tasks, and the multitool - with more power, repair and household tasks. First is usually convenient to carry in pocket of clothes, and second is better to place in backpack or pouch, store in glove compartment of car, under the seat of motorcycle. Relatively speaking, if you have responsible bike trip, outings with technically complex devices - from spinning to kayaks or boats, then it is better to have multitool on hand, but just for outdoor recreation or hiking without extreme sports, high-quality Swiss knife will do.

With multitool, you can safely go on any adventure.

As a conclusion

So, if you need a knife and additional accessories, priority is compactness, comfort at typical simple everyday tasks, it is preferable to choose "Swissman". If you often use pliers, periodically you need to do strength work, then you can recommend multitool.

For specific needs, you can mark the required functions (tools) in our selection by parameters. And from the proposed range, choose appropriate model of either Swiss knife or multitool.

If you don't know what to choose - first specify functions (tools) you need.

It is also worth considering that both tools can successfully complement each other in practice. Reliability and durability primarily depends on manufacturer. If we consider products of "pioneers" Victorinox and Leatherman, then quality is approximately at same high level and it definitely will not cause any complaints.

We also note that in garage or for serious home repairs, you need complete set of tools with real pliers and full-sized screwdrivers. Similarly, for life outside the city or in country, one cannot do without a normal hacksaw and / or ax-cleaver. That is, Swiss knife, and multitool is an addition to serious tools, which, unlike the latter, is always at hand.