REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Many extra functions
REASONS TO AVOID
No pocket clip
No one handed opening
Victorinox Climber Review
A mini tool box for your pocket or backpack; solid construction and a selection of functions that is likely “just right” for you
Credit: Victorinox
RELATED: Best Pocket Knives of 2024
Our Verdict
In extensive testing, we like much of what the Victorinox Climber has to offer. The extra functions are its defining characteristic. To get scissors and openers and some handy tools you sacrifice some portability and ergonomics. We notice the lack of a pocket clip and attributes that enable one-handed deployment. If your knife use is more patient, you won't notice these shortcomings. This is a solid choice for backpacking or for basic every day carry. The primary limitation is in the lack of quick and one-handed blade deployment. You won't get it out and in use as frequently as a knife with one-handed opening and a pocket clip. Nonetheless, the presence of all the other tools and functions will likely earn it a place in many pockets and backpacks.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Is it a pocket knife with extra functions? Or is it a pocket-knife-shaped multi-tool? Or does it even matter? Clearly, we've elected to include it here with other pocket knives. However, it wouldn't be wrong to have included it in our best multi-tool review. The “Swiss Army Knife” is, in many ways, the original “multi tool”. The Climber model from Victorinox is venerable, proven, and compact. It takes up less space in your pocket or purse than many pocket knives but has more functions and features than many multi tools. The construction quality and durability back up the design and our testers reach for the Climber over and over again. It doesn't stand out enough to earn any awards, but it is a reliable and intelligent choice for day-to-day use.
Performance Comparison
Victorinox scissors are very good.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Blade and Edge Integrity
Victorinox doesn't give us a ton of information about the steel and finishing process. We like to “geek out” at least a little on the blade steel, and Victorinox just won't indulge us. When we let go of our nerdier aspirations and just use the Climber, we like what we find. The blades are thin and low profile, but arrive well sharpened and hold that edge as long as anything else. The steel is very easily sharpened with any of a variety of good methods. Decades of experience with Victorinox products validates this assessment, and we have no reason to believe that recent products are any different from the 25 year old knives members of our test team still have in use.
Next to “modern” knives, the Climber blade is slender and dainty looking. But it gets the job done.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Ergonomics
In recent decades, knives have improved greatly in ergonomics. One-handed opening, assisted opening, and slick locking mechanisms really do enhance your experience. Modern knife designs are truly more ergonomic than older styles. The Climber is decidedly “old school” with the attendant usability compromises. You'll find that the assisted opening, one-handed deployment of the Editors' Choice is more user friendly.
The primary ergonomic drawback of the Climber is its lack of one-handed opening.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Portability
Portability is a function of size, weight, carry options, and external texture. For all it packs in, the Climber is pretty small and light. More than half of our tested knives are heavier than the Climber and none have more features. The Climber has a smooth external profile and a key chain loop. Our preferred carry method, though, is not possible with the Victorinox Climber. A pocket clip holds your knife up out of the clutter of your pants pocket. The Climber does not have this. Of our award winners, all but one have a pocket clip.
The selection of tools and functions on the Climber.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Other Features
Here the Climber excels. It has more features than any other knife we tested. Testers love the scissors and bottle opener. Handy folks and those requiring self-reliance like the awl and screwdrivers for quick and dirty field repairs of equipment of all kinds. The tweezers aren't the best available, but they are often better than nothing.
In some ways the cork screw is the defining characteristic of a Swiss Army Knife. It sure is handy for oenophiles.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Construction Quality
In decades of using a whole host of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives our test team has had precious few issues with construction or durability. Our most recent test time with the Climber wasn't really long enough to deduce any particular issues, but our prior experiences lend us the authority to say that the knife will last very very well. Hinges and springs are tight, and will remain so. Even when gummed up with food or dirt, everything works as advertised for years and years.
For casual handy tasks the screwdrivers of the Victorinox Climber work great.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Of all the features on the Climber, most testers used the scissors more than they thought they would.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Value
Given its durability, construction quality, and a plethora of functions, the Climber is relatively inexpensive. Victorinox leverages an economy of scale to make these widely available and quite affordable.
Conclusion
A classic pocket knife for classic and patient applications. The Victorinox Climber lacks some modern attributes, but includes tools and functions that no other pocket knives have. Our scoring matrix is optimized to score pocket knives with a main blade and maybe an extra feature or two. To shoe-horn the Victorinox Climber into this system is a little clumsy. The end result is an overall score that doesn't really reflect its utility. For day-to-day use and most backcountry applications, the Victorinox Climber is nearly perfect. Its primary short-comings, especially as it pertains to backcountry use, is that the plentiful tool selection is harder to clean before and after food prep. Otherwise, all the features are very handy for the self-contained wilderness traveler and in your day-to-day life.
—
Jediah Porter
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