The Victorinox swiss army knife is simply the best pocket tool! (Edit: no one tool is everyone’s best)
The more I look at alternatives, the more I realize, nothing can give you this much functionality in this small a package, while being so high quality and reasonably priced. Popular (machine-assembled) versions regularly go for $25.
The one caveat is that it falls behind modern knives in terms of safety and ease for opening/closing. I’d love to see a next-gen SAK without nail nicks.
My only real complaint is:
Anyway, these are pie-in-the-sky thoughts. the SAK is a standard by which others look to emulate for good reasons.
I have a Farmer X in green ALOX, a Camper in black ALOX, and the classic Hiker in red ABS and I’m happy with all 3. My Hiker is now my go-to for gathering fatwood in the nearby forest. That saw is perfect for the branches I’m looking for.