Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife
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Description of Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife
From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army Knife a century ago comes the Champion Plus, a complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, picnic enthusiasts, and people all trades--all neatly contained in a single implement. Measuring just 3-1/2 inches long, the Champion Plus is stylishly cased in the famous red Swiss Army body that's recognized around the world. More importantly, the pocket knife contains 30 stainless-steel tools appropriate for just about any occasion. The standard camping tools include a large blade, a small blade, a corkscrew, a can opener, a bottle opener, a small screwdriver, a large screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, and a toothpick. And that's just the beginning, as the Champion Plus also offers a punch reamer, multipurpose hook, wood saw, fish scaler, and hook disgorger. In short, there's no better accessory for camping, hunting, and fishing trips.Should the basic tools not cut it, the Champion Plus steps up with a host of extras, including a metal file, metal saw, fine screwdriver, mini screwdriver, and chisel scraper. Add in such tools as a ruler, nail file, nail cleaner, magnifying glass, pressurized ball point pen, straight pen, sewing eye, and key ring and you're well equipped for everything from repairing holes in tents to reading the fine print on instructions.
As with all Victorinox items, the Champion Plus is made to exacting standards, with 60-plus individual parts and 450 steps going into its construction. Victorinox attends to every detail, from selecting the finest materials to performing the final inspection. In addition, each individual tool has been hardened in a different way to stand up to its designated use. Such care is unmatched, and is why the Champ series is recognized by such international experts as the New York Museum of Modern Art and the State Museum of Applied Art in Munich, both of which have selected it for their "excellence in design" collections. Outfitted with a nylon handle and an aluminum housing, the Champion Plus carries a lifetime warranty.
 The Champion Plus measures just 3-1/2 inches long and contains 30 useful tools. |
Champion Plus Features:
- Large blade, small blade
- Corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener
- Small screwdriver, large screwdriver
- Reamer, punch
- Key ring, tweezers, toothpick
- Scissors, multi-purpose hook
- Wood saw, fish scaler
- Hook disgorger, ruler
- Nail file, nail cleaner
- Metal file, metal saw
- Fine screwdriver, chisel/scraper
- Phillips screwdriver
- Magnifying glass, straight pen
- Pressurized ball point pen
- Mini screwdriver, sewing eye
About Swiss Army Knives
In 1884, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener set up shop in Ibach-Schwyz, installing a waterwheel in Tobelbach Brook to run his grinding and polishing machines. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener's mother, and "inox," or stainless steel. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The original product dates to 1897, when Elsener patented the Swiss Officer's and Sports Knife he supplied to the Swiss Army. Following World War II, American servicemen and women shopping in PX stores shortened the name to Swiss Army Knife, which lives on in English-speaking countries around the world and has become a metaphor for versatility.
Sports reviews of Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife
Customer Review: The Swiss Army Champion Plus lives up to its name
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I have a thing for the real Swiss army knives and decent multi-tools, and this Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife is the one that sits in my camera bag, ready to go at all times. It's perhaps one of the best all-around tools that a pro or amateur photographer could look for as far as versatility goes.
There have been many times that this well-designed tool has come in handy in the field, and on a number of occasions it's been the one single item that has made the difference in a good day when shooting photos in the woods or wilderness. This knife isn't overly large, and even though it has a number of tools, it's quite manageable. The design has been proven over the years, and it's quite well thought out. Every single tool here has proven to be usable and easy to access once it has been used for awhile.
I'm not going to go through all of the tools that this handy Champion Plus Pocket Knife has, but read the specs and use your imagination. The large and small blades do just what is expected. The ruler is marked in inches & centimeters, and is located on the fish scaler/hook disgorger tool. There's a small multipurpose hook tool on the reverse of the knife that's quite handy for carrying heavy plastic grocery bags (twist and loop them), keeping them from cutting into your fingers. Works fine with clothes on a hanger as well.
[Note: see the photo with notes that I've posted here for a graphic breakdown of these tools and blades.]
Not well noted is the fact that it comes with a handy small micro screwdriver that's stowed within the corkscrew, so don't lose it. The tweezers are quite handy (for removing splinters or holding small parts) and these, along with the toothpick and ball point pen refill, can be picked up as spare parts from Victorinox if and when needed.
Some might prefer the Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife because it has pliers, but I prefer the larger needlenose pliers in a regular multi-tool such as the lightweight Leatherman Kick Pocket Multi-Tool or the Gerber Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier for really getting the job done. If either of those seem too large, there's always the super compact Gerber Clutch Mini Pliers Tool, which can be carried in a pocket at all times.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the money
- Made from high quality Swiss stainless steel
- Excellent assortment of tools, all in one small package
- Has a lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Blades don't lock, so be careful!
It should be noted again that all of the blades and tools are crafted from stainless steel, and it's still made entirely in Switzerland... and it has a lifetime warranty from a company that know how to back it up.
Tip: if you get one of these, spend about fifteen minutes familiarizing yourself with it, opening and closing all of the tools, and "exercising" them. Gently spray some WD-40 with the red nozzle tip into each of the joints so that they'll move freely in the field when you need them. Doing this will make it pay off with years of service for you.
This Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus lives up to its name. It's a great tool, an excellent value, and a splendid gift for just about anyone.
Customer Review: It's a good knife. Read how It changed my life!
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
It was the summer of 1944 and I had just been expelled (in disgrace) from the Swiss Army. As for possessions, I had little more than the clothes on my back, my Grover-Trophy Metal Kazoo (Standard) and of course my trusty, military issued Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife.
Just days earlier, I had been certain that I was destined for military greatness. You see, I had acquired a rifle and several thousand rounds of ammunition, while on leave in Italy some six months prior. It occurred to me that if I could demonstrate to the military high command how potentially useful a rifle could be for military stuff... perhaps they would consider investing in some and possibly even issue them to our troops. Don't get me wrong... each of us dogfaces valued our Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife... the primary weapon issued to all of us Swiss fighting men at that time. As terrific as these little knives were, we felt insufficiently armed when we hunkered down in our battle trenches, waiting for enemy sharpshooters to run out of ammo before we dared to charge them... knives drawn... teeth bared.
When not afield facing down the invading Nazi hordes, my assigned duty post was that of the solitary guard of a large warehouse which was situated in a remote corner of our military base. Each day, I walked the perimeter of that big old warehouse, my Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife drawn and at the ready. Since acquiring the rifle, my evenings and weekends had been spent diligently practicing my marksmanship inside that very warehouse. By then, I had fashioned it into my own private, makeshift firing range. I fired round after round into the wooden crates that filled that warehouse from floor to ceiling... determined to hone my skills.
A day came when I was at my post and saw an approaching motorcade. It was none other than King Victorino X, King of Switzerland accompanied by an entourage of our small but proud nations' highest military officials. I closed the blade of my trusty Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife, quickly stashed it in my pocket, made a snappy salute and stood at full attention in the presence of His Majesty and my superior officers.
I was ordered to open the doors of the warehouse so the King could inspect the contents of the warehouse. Which as my bad luck would have it turned out to be the entire supply of the King's royal cheese! As I learned later, each of these prize cheeses had been made with several gallons of Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz (available here on Amazon for $77.76 per gallon). The cheeses had been crated in wooden boxes and stored in this warehouse so that they could age to perfection. The King was... shall we say... somewhat angry to discover every box shot full of holes from my months of secret target practice.
I was immediately dismissed from the Army (and the country). The cheese was all but ruined. No longer fit for the king, and shot full of holes, it was sold to delicatessens around the world to be used on sandwiches by commoners. It still tastes pretty good with ham on rye if you ask me.
Customer Review: More useful then you may imagine
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
The Victorinox Swiss Champ Plus is a very well designed multi-tool. The more you carry it, the more it will endear itself to you by proving it's worth in the field as well as in the workplace or at home. At first glance some of the tools may seem superfluous, but in the long run you may very well use some of these tools even though you originally never imagined yourself being in a position that requires them. Fit and finish are first rate, as is always the case with Victorinox products. It amazes me that Victorinox is able to offer this tool at such a fantastic price while still manufacturing in Switzerland.
This tool is basically the same as the Victorinox Swiss Champ, minus the pliers. Losing the pliers gives you a tool with a considerably smaller profile which is therefore more pocketable, and as such I consider this more of a trade-off then a negative. If you plan to carry in a toolbox or glove compartment, you might very well choose the regular 'Victorinox Champ', while the 'Champ Plus' will be better suited to people who prefer to carry a tool on their person at all times.
Speaking of weight and size, this is at the very limit of what I would consider pocketable. It *will* fit in your pocket, but the weight may bother you depending on the type of slacks you wear. For dressy trousers in particular there may be some concern, less so with jeans or more casual trousers such as Dockers. A belt sheath is another method of carry that can alleviate concerns of the tool feeling too heavy in your pocket, but of course the trade off is a belt sheath is a bit of an eye sore in business or dress environments. Overall the size and weight is still smaller then a Leatherman Wave or other similar plier based multi-tools, so it is definitely small enough to carry on you if you are so inclined to do so.
Recommended Highly:
Every guy should have one of these on his person or close by, and you *will* be the hero and 'save the day' numerous times in your life as the months and years roll by. Take it with you to work, take it with you on dates, take it camping, take it everywhere you go (except the airport, unfortunately). Ounce for ounce, the Victorinox Champ Plus packs a huge punch. The Victorinox Champ Plus may very well become your best friend. Just give it a chance and carry it on you for 30 days, and you might wonder how you ever got along without one.
Pros:
-Value for the money
-Fit and Finish
-Encourages ingenuity and problem solving
-Useful and numerous assortment of tools in a small package
-Workplace/people friendly (not as likely anyone will accuse you of carrying a weapon versus a dedicated knife)
-Lifetime Warranty
Cons
-Size and weight are at the upper limit of what I consider comfortable 'pocket size'
-No one hand opening or locking blades
-No included belt sheath for those who prefer that over keychain or pocket carry
*Other multi-tool and Swiss Army Knife recommendations that you should consider:
Victorinox Farmer (if you prefer a more spartan approach)
Victonrinox Executive (very slim and lightweight)
Victorinox Explorer plus (good compromise between size and versatility)
Victorinox Compact plus (one layer smaller then the Explorer, but with similar tool selection)
Victornix Manager (for keychain carry)
Leatherman Charge TTi (if you need pliers, one hand opening and/or locking blades)
Customer Review: Great for camping and around the house
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
[Update: since this initial writing, I did go back and purchase another as a gift for one of my sons. I'm not sure which of us likes this knife more.]
Let me start by admitting that I purchased this one on a whim. I found it as a Gold Box deal for under $20. I couldn't pass it up and thought I would use it as a gift for one of my elder sons. After it arrived and I took some time to look it over, it found its way to my pocket where you can find it most days.
Others have written comparisons to other models, and have highlighted specific tools. I'll try to add a few things that helped make this one of my favorite knives.
- Right off the bat, there's no beating the style of can-opener that you'll find on this and every other Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. I've used both types (on Wegner and Victorinox models) and this one wins, hands down.
- I wear eyeglasses, and the mini screwdriver that is nested in the corkscrew is perfect for tightening up the screws on my glasses. You can either use it separately, in your fingers, or you can flip it over and thread the blunt (handle) end back into the corkscrew, allowing you to use the full knife as a handle. That simply makes it easier to use.
- I don't use the hook for carrying tied packages, but find it invaluable for removing hot pots from over a fire. No more burnt fingers from the water pot for me!
- I like having both the larger and smaller cutting blades, especially for whittling.
- The scissors are larger than those on the Classic (I have one on my key ring), so I find them easier to use, especially for cutting fabric or larger sections of paper (like coupons from the in-store flier).
- The number of screwdriver tips makes this knife a wonderful tool to have on-hand for quick tinkering. The phillips head is suprisingly versatile. I was able to use it on extremely small wood screws, and it works very well on computer case and mounting screws (I'm a techie by trade, and love having this one with me at the office).
- The one feature I thought I would never use, the ballpoint pen, actually came in quite useful a few days after pocketing this knife. I was at a product launch meeting and I didn't have a pen (I had counted on the vendor giving away logo pens, but they ran out). The pen nests into the same groove as the hook (albeit at the opposite end), making for a suprisingly comfortable and easy-to-use writing instrument.
- Finally, since I've been wilderness camping for more than 25 years, I like having the magnifying glass as a good weather fire-starter.
This is the knife that sits in my pocket most days of the week. I also take it on all of my weekend camping trips and hikes. I do like some other knives for other occasions (I prefer, for example, my Centurian {also by Victorinox} when I'm canoeing in the BWCA since I can use the longer {4"} blade to fillet fish and since I like the thinner profile stuffed into my pocket while sitting in the canoe). This is a fantastic, all-around knife. You can't go wrong for the price (even if $60). It's well-worth it and bound to become a favorite.
Customer Review: 15 years later and still the best tool I've ever owned.
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I currently own two Champion Plus models, one is brand new, the other I've used daily for 15 years and just retired. I cannot express how much respect I have for Victorinox and I think this particular model is the very best one they've ever made (I've owned 6 other models of their Swiss Army knives). After a decade and a half of use, I've discovered a number of intangible qualities about this knife that I've found in no other multi-tool.
I won't get into the superiority of the individual Victorinox tools here, but if you are unfamiliar..they are all extremely well designed, well made and rugged. Victorinox blades are among the best you'll find on any knife of any price range.
So the question is...why the Champion model?
Well for starters, despite the number of tools on it, the knife's handle is remarkably ergonomic. In fact, when you hold the knife in your hand, it feels like you're holding a standard screwdriver handle. This means, the knife has a phenomenal grip for using every tool on it. You can actually spin this knife around in your hand easily when using the screwdrivers, just like you would with a full size screwdriver. Needless to say, you can also get a really great grip when using the saw or hacksaw (on the metal file), and I've used mine to cut through some really difficult to sever branches and pieces of metal.
Secondly, this knife has virtually everything that you need for everyday use. Some might find fault with the lack of pliers on this model, but I do not see it as a downfall. I don't particularly care for the Victorinox pliers, which are a bit too small for anything heavy duty. I don't think you can really replace a real pair of pliers, because you often have to use another tool in conjunction with pliers, something you couldn't do if depending solely on the Swiss Army knife as your pliers, or with the Leatherman-style multi-tools.
The handle of this knife is what makes it superior to many multi-tools as well, which are often ackward to hold when using the tool. This knife's handle is small enough to fit into tight spaces where multi-tools might be a difficult fit as well. You can hold this knife with your fingertips in a tight spot and turn it. The versatility is unbelievable.
My newest model of this knife is even better than the old one, which is really exciting. First, the magnifier is much bigger and clearer on the new model. The addition of the pen as one of the pull out tools is neat as well. Otherwise, they haven't changed the design much since I purchased my previous one in 1994.
In conclusion, you simply cannot go wrong with this knife. I've used mine to repair everything from picture frames to electric guitars, clothing to computers. And yes, I've even fixed the kitchen sink before with this tool. I wouldn't dream of tackling any task, from camping to craft making, without this being in reach. I think you'll feel the same way when you get yours.