The famous maker of the Swiss Army knives, Victorinox, has given me two golden opportunities at once. I have acquired the ultimate portable toolbox, the new SwissChamp knife, and can become the best-loved uncle of the year by giving away my old Champion model to my 12-year-old nephew.
What does the SwissChamp offer that the Champion doesn’t? Well, pliers combined with a wirecutter (finally), a clever miniature screwdriver that stores inside the corkscrew, a small wood chisel, an extra-small screwdriver, and a high-pressure ball-point pen which stores alongside the toothpick. The chisel means a lot to me, but the pliers made the decision to buy inevitable. This is, however, no longer a pocketknife. Its weight and bulk will wear
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away any pocket short of a leather-reinforced pouch. I wear mine in a self-made leather sheath.
— Michel Bel
This thing seems a bit silly until you’ve made it a part of your normal daily wardrobe—like a wristwatch. Once aboard it gets used a lot, mostly as an annoyance-remover. For example, I once used the hacksaw blade on my knife to cut my way out of a locked parking lot after hours. And the corkscrew makes a wonderful knot-untangler. I’ve had one on me now for about 18 years. No regrets.
By the way, the importer has a spare-parts and repair service.
