Swiss Army Model 1 An Essential Tool
It is inevitable that at some point in your life you will need a knife. It is not a matter for debate. The only chance you have of avoiding this perhaps, is you are a member of the 1% of the 1% and are never at any moment without your entourage of security, personal assistants, nannies, drivers, maids, butlers, private chefs, grounds keepers, mechanics, pilots, lawyers, and fixers. If that sounds like you, you should probably just stop reading now.
For the billions of other people in the world, this is article is for you. The knife is one of the fundamental human tools, along with fire, and the wheel. It is something that has defined our development and is incorporated in most occupations in some form or fashion to this day. Consider physicians, factory workers, logistics workers, culinary professionals, construction personnel, electricians, engineers, agriculturalist, forestry workers, fishermen, beauticians, and barbers all make use of knives. The list could continue endlessly. I want to emphasize we are talking about a knife as a necessary tool, demanded by the laws of reality that do not change according to social peeves, legislative action, or the base line character of your surrounding population.
This is true if you are any kind of traveler, and especially so as soon as you divert from the pre-approved tour rout to explore the countryside, markets, harbors, and kitchens of the locals to which you have ventured. Being able to free yourself from trapped or tangled clothing, a jammed seatbelt, or tangled lines, is a matter of safety. So is the ability to provide first aid. Being able to cope with packaging, basic food prep, thorn tangled hair or clothes, personal grooming, or basic repairs is also a necessity.
So, of all the knives in the world, which one has the greatest balance between practicality and social acceptability? A knife you can carry across borders, through city streets, and wilderness trails, that will give you the greatest functionality and flexibility without raising eyebrows, or worse, landing you in jail?
The Victorinox Swiss Army Model 1 ALOX (SAK 1) in my experience, is by far and away the most functional and carriable knife on the planet. It is a slip-joint knife meaning that it is a folding pocketknife without a hard lock when the blade is either open or closed, and is not considered a knife that can be opened with one hand. This makes it generally acceptable even in the UK where restrictions are some of the most draconian in the world. With a blade length of 70mm or 2.75 inches, it falls well within the dimensions allowed in most jurisdictions worldwide, but still provides enough length to accomplish most utilitarian and emergency tasks. The blade is stainless which is a must for use in diverse environments. The handle scales are textured aluminum providing excellent grip and durability.
The SAK 1 is the most rugged and minimalist offering in the traditional Victorinox line. You may wonder why I recommend this as opposed to a more gadget laden model. The reason is simple and two-fold: carry ability and usability. The more additional features you add to a knife the larger and more complicated to use it becomes. In the event you need a knife you want to focus on safe handling and not fiddling with your gear.
This leads us to a lot of the misconceptions that surround slip joint knives, and specifically Swiss Army knives. First, slip joint knives can easily be opened with only one hand given a bit of practice. The method can be employed with the left or right hand in differing variations and blade deployment begins before the knife clears your pocket. It is neither slow nor cumbersome. The nature of the slip joint system also means the knife can be closed and stowed as quickly as the most advanced double action automatics. With a bit of practice, you can easily disengage the blade one handed and drop the tool back in your pocket, out of sight, and out of mind.
Another myth surrounding the SAK 1 is that the slip joint design and slightness of the blade eliminate the tool’s ability to be used as a puncturing implement, like an awl or ice pick. This is also untrue. You can, pierce and drain a coconut with just about any slip joint knife, using the correct technique; the SAK 1 being no exception. It will also allow you to punch holes in leather. The old shoe test demonstrates that the only thing inhibiting these tools puncturing capacity is how far you can push the knife into a material due to friction against the scales, not the length of the blade or the slip joint pivot. The ability to use the knife as a very effective can opener goes a step further and shows not only the penetrative capability but also the edge retention and overall ruggedness of the tool.
A third performance myth is that the blade cannot be used as a pry tool. While it isn’t the best situation to be in, you can absolutely manage light to moderate prying tasks with your knife. This can be shown in the bottle opening test. The key here is to mind the tip of your blade is not doing all the work, placing you at risk of breaking your knife, and that the blade is positioned in such a way that you will not compromise the slip joint and cut yourself, or snap the knife at the pivot.
A final misconception about these knives is that you cannot twist them. This is also not the case. If used correctly, you can bore a hole straight through a small piece of timber, or more importantly you can use the blade as a corkscrew and handily open a bottle of wine.
In the realm of the emergency gourmet not only can the SAK 1 perform as a pick, a can opener, a corkscrew, and a bottle opener, but it is also a great stand in for a paring knife, filet knife, boning knife, cheese knife, and oyster knife. It is not the best substitute for a chef’s knife, but it will certainly do for an alfresco adventure, or an impromptu market side snack.
As an emergency tool, it can most certainly cut through seatbelts, clothing, and heavy rubber (stripping a windshield). It functions as an emergency fire starting aid, allowing you to baton kindling, make fuzz sticks, and use ferrocerium rods.
Another advantage to the SAK 1 is that they are affordable, costing much less than a typical American clip knife. They are also easy to find, being available at stores worldwide. These great little knives are one of the most versatile and affordable tools you will ever own. They not only make your travels more fun, but they can also really make the difference in a pinch.
Don’t wait till your next vacation or camping trip, go ahead and order one today. You can find them on Amazon, at the Victorinox Website, and many other locations. Lastly, you are responsible for the safe handling and storage of your tools. Always follow proper safe handling and storage procedures. Always be courteous and follow the law.
Here's a reference page with five credible legal sources regarding the international carrying and transportation of a Swiss Army knife. These sources provide insight into laws and guidelines for travelers:
References
International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA. (n.d.). Dangerous Goods Regulations Manual. Retrieved from https://www.iata.orgProvides global airline guidelines on carrying knives and sharp objects in checked and carry-on baggage. Swiss Army knives are typically prohibited in carry-ons.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
TSA. (n.d.). What Can I Bring? - Swiss Army Knife. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibringClarifies rules for transporting pocketknives on U.S.-based flights. Swiss Army knives must be placed in checked baggage.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
EASA. (n.d.). Passenger Rights & Prohibited Items. Retrieved from https://www.easa.europa.euOffers safety guidance for passengers flying within the EU. All sharp objects, including Swiss Army knives, are generally banned from cabin luggage.
UK Government – Gov.uk.
UK Home Office. (n.d.). Buying and carrying knives. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knivesOutlines knife laws in the UK. Swiss Army knives with blades under 3 inches (non-locking) are legal to carry without a good reason, but restrictions apply at airports.
Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs.
Department of Home Affairs. (n.d.). Prohibited and Restricted Items – Knives. Retrieved from https://www.homeaffairs.gov.auDescribes import and transport regulations for knives, including pocketknives. Swiss Army knives are generally permitted if declared and packed in checked baggage.