Author: Castor S. Benin
Occupation: Tactical Gear Contributor
Location: Based in Bozeman, Montana
This is the 18th blog of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife blog series. You can check the other blogs I wrote from here – https://sakparts.com/blogs/everything-about-victorinox-swiss-army-knife
🔧 Upgrade Your Knife with Trusted Parts: https://sakparts.com
🔍 What Makes a SAK Knife “The Best”?
As someone who’s spent years using, modding, and customizing SAK-compatible knives, I get this question a lot: “Which one is the best Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?”
The answer depends on how you plan to use it — hiking? urban EDC? repairs? camping? There’s no universal winner, but there is a perfect knife for every purpose.
In this guide, I’ll break down my top picks by use-case, the tools that matter most, and how you can take your gear to the next level with quality parts from https://sakparts.com.
🏕️ Best All-Around SAK Knife: The Compact (91mm)
- Why I recommend it: Small footprint, packed with essentials
- Key tools: Combo tool, scissors, pen, tweezers, toothpick, hook
- Ideal for: Everyday carry, glovebox, travel kit
The Compact is often overlooked, but it’s one of the smartest layouts. With fewer layers, it's comfortable to pocket. You’ll only miss extra tools if you're doing major outdoor work.
🪚 Best for Outdoor Survival: The Farmer X (93mm Alox)
- Why I recommend it: Tough, rugged build with functional blades
- Key tools: Wood saw, scissors, can opener, reamer, screwdrivers
- Ideal for: Hikers, bushcrafters, survivalists
The Farmer X is legendary among outdoor folks because of the saw quality and durable Alox scales. If you mod yours with a custom backspring or liner, the performance increases even more.
➡️ Tip: If you’re into modding 93mm models, I recommend snagging upgraded scales from https://sakparts.com for both grip and flair.
🛠️ Best for Urban/Work Use: The Super Tinker
- Why I recommend it: Balanced for office, utility, and repairs
- Key tools: Phillips driver, scissors, two blades, openers
- Ideal for: Handymen, IT workers, apartment dwellers
The Super Tinker strikes a great balance between compact size and functional capability. I’ve used mine to fix eyeglasses, do light electrical work, and even open shipping boxes with ease.
✈️ Best Travel-Friendly Option: Jetsetter (58mm, No Blade)
- Why I recommend it: TSA-compliant (in theory — always double-check!)
- Key tools: USB stick, scissors, bottle opener, screwdriver
- Ideal for: Minimalists, frequent flyers
While you should always confirm local airport policies, the Jetsetter offers a solid “non-knife” option for those who want utility without the hassle of blade bans.
🔗 Want to know more about flying with pocket tools? I covered this in Blog #20: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
🔧 Best Base for Modding: Spartan (91mm)
- Why I recommend it: Simple, clean base to build upon
- Key tools: Two blades, openers, corkscrew, awl
- Ideal for: Modders, tinkerers, collectors
The Spartan is one of the most popular donor knives because it offers just enough functionality out of the box, and leaves room to add your own layers. Whether you're adding Damascus blades, brass liners, or wood scales — start here.
💡 Modding inspiration: Check https://sakparts.com for handmade brass liners, exotic wood scales, and pivot parts that fit perfectly.
🧰 Runner-Ups Worth Considering
- Climber: Like the Compact but with more layers
- Rambler (58mm): Tiny but packed with practical tools
- Explorer: Adds magnifier and inline Phillips — great for tinkerers
These aren’t top picks for everyone, but depending on your use, they may check the right boxes.
🧠 My Take as a Knife Modder
The “best” knife changes depending on who you are and what you do. I’ve carried the Compact on weeklong hikes, used the Super Tinker in tech repair jobs, and modded dozens of Spartans for customers.
What I’ve learned is this: the best knife is the one you’re excited to carry, use, and upgrade. You’ll appreciate it more if you add your personal touch.
That’s why I built my shop, https://sakparts.com, to help others explore that same thrill.
🧭 Summary Table: Choose Based on Use Case
| Best For | Model | Blade Size | Tool Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDC | Compact | 91mm | 15 | Best all-rounder |
| Outdoors | Farmer X | 93mm | 9 | Rugged, saw included |
| Urban/Work | Super Tinker | 91mm | 14 | Great all-purpose tool |
| Travel | Jetsetter | 58mm | 7 | TSA-friendly (no blade) |
| Modding Projects | Spartan | 91mm | 12 | Perfect modding platform |
🗨️ Your Turn — What’s YOUR Favorite?
Leave a comment below telling me what model you carry and why. Got questions about modding a specific knife? I’d love to answer it in the next post.
If you’re looking to make your current knife even better, grab quality SAK-compatible parts at https://sakparts.com — trusted by collectors and builders worldwide.