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Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Review

A tiny, multi-function pocket knife
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victorinox classic sd swiss army pocket knife review
The Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is an Everyday Carry (EDC) must have.
Credit: Kyle Hameister
Price:  $24 List
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Manufacturer:   Victorinox
By Jediah Porter & Kyle Hameister  ⋅  Nov 18, 2023
52
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#18 of 21
  • Blade and Edge Integrity - 30% 4.0
  • Ergonomics - 20% 3.0
  • Portability - 20% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 5.0
  • Other Features - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

Our lead tester and writer was raised in a practical, outdoors-oriented family. One of his earliest "rite of passage" memories was the gift of his very own Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife. In years of usage and testing, now compared against the best of the best, this tiny, multi-purpose knife has earned its perch as a top-ranked pocket knife. The rest of our test team agrees. Even when compared to much larger and much more expensive knives, it fares very well. The OutdoorGearLab testing team heartily recommends the Victorinox Classic SD knife for everyday carry for those who are otherwise reluctant to carry a knife. If you're the person who asserts that you'll never need a knife handy, we challenge you to stow this small device on your keys and keep tabs on the times your pride requires you to overlook its handiness. Eventually, you will relent and fully embrace the productivity and utility you gain as a pocket knife carrier.
REASONS TO BUY
Small
Portable
Well-constructed
REASONS TO AVOID
Not made for heavy-duty use
Editor's Note: We recently retested the Classic SD, adjusted its award, and updated this review on November 18, 2023, with additional media highlighting key aspects of this timeless knife.

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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A diminutive pocket knife with some helpful featuresThis thin knife disappears in (or on the edge of) your pocket, tackles most tasks, and is easy on your walletA simple, well-made, especially portable option in today's knife market. Small and light enough to forget it's on you, strong enough to work in a pinchAn affordable, tactical knife that isn't nearly as well constructed as other knives in our lineupFor your backpacking or picnic kit, or for carrying loose in your pocket every day at a fantastic price
Rating Categories Victorinox Classic... Kershaw Leek Gerber Paraframe Mini Albatross EDC Tactical Opinel No. 8
Blade and Edge Integrity (30%)
4.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
6.0
Ergonomics (20%)
3.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
Portability (20%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
Construction Quality (20%)
5.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Other Features (10%)
6.0
0
0
4.0
0
Specs Victorinox Classic... Kershaw Leek Gerber Paraframe Mini Albatross EDC Tactical Opinel No. 8
Weight 0.8 oz 3.1 oz 1.6 oz 3.8 oz 1.5 oz
Blade Length 1.4 in 2.9 in 2.2 in 2.5 in 3.3 in
Blade Material Proprietary stainless steel (between 440A and 420) Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel High carbon stainless steel 440 stainless steel Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel
Handle Material Plastic 410 stainless steel Stainless steel Stainless steel Beech wood
Blade Style Drop point, straight edge Drop point, straight edge Drop point, straight edge Drop point, straight edge Clip point, straight edge
Blade locks closed? No Yes No No Yes
Opening Style Fingernail Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud; back-of-knife finger tab Fingernail Assisted, flipper Fingernail
Lock Mechanism None Frame lock Frame lock Liner lock Virobloc ring
Carry Style Keyring Pocket clip and lanyard hole Pocket clip Pocket clip None
Closed Length 2.3 in 4.0 in 3.1 in 3.9 in 4.3 in
Overall Length 3.8 in 7.0 in 5.25 in 6.5 in 7.6 in
Thickness (w/o pocket clip) 0.4 in 0.3 in 0.3 in 0.4 in 0.8 in
Other Features or Functions Scissors, nail file, small screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick, key ring None None Seatbelt cutter, glass breaker None

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is a tiny, multi-purpose, well-made piece of equipment. If you hardly have room in your pocket or purse for more than a car key and a house key, the Classic SD should slide in virtually unnoticed. Unnoticed, that is until you need it. Despite the toy-like stature, this little tool packs in function and quality at a very affordable price. It is nearly the smallest in our test but comes with features, each very useful and functional, despite their tiny stature. If you are looking for a knife to virtually disappear on your keychain but roar to practical life whenever you need to tackle some light-duty task - (this could describe a significant portion of the world's citizens) - look no further than the Victorinox Classic SD. If this knife doesn't satisfy your needs, you'll probably want to study up on our best multi-tools review.

Performance Comparison


The Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is perfect for light-duty tasks, such as opening the mail.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Blade and Edge Integrity


Victorinox brings a long history of well-made blades to the table. The blade is slim and short and therefore isn't suitable for extended cutting or laborious tasks. However, it is more than adequate for most household and office tasks. Upon initial deployment, the blade seems flimsy. However, in years and years of usage, our testing team has yet to see any failures.


The Swiss Army is well known for two things: Swiss men between the ages of 19 and 34 are required to be trained and equipped to defend their neutral country, and the government commissions the construction of official Swiss Army knives from two domestic manufacturers. Victorinox is one of those producers. Both manufacturers must mark near the base of the main blades of the official knives. The Classic SD model is labeled there with the simple designation "Victorinox Swiss Made Stainless."


This understated description of the blade material belies its sophisticated and reliable construction. The steel is a proprietary blend but works very well. It holds an edge consistently and sharpens easily.

victorinox classic sd swiss army pocket knife review - the victorinox classic sd swiss army knife is a classic for a...
The Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is a classic for a reason. Versatile and time-tested, despite its diminutive size.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Ergonomics


The Classic SD knife is designed to optimize compactness and versatility. As such, it is not the most ergonomic knife in our test. You won't spend hours cutting with the Classic SD. You won't choose to saw through thick ropes or dress wild game. However, all tools are easily deployed and can be operated to their intended capacity. Each of the three main tools (blade, file/screwdriver, and scissors) is equipped with a simple fingernail cut out and pulls out smoothly with minimal pressure. Even after years and years of pocket-living, the tools fold out easily and smoothly.


A toothpick and a pair of tweezers are encased in the sides of the Classic SD. Each of these pulls out completely and stows away with just a "friction fit" holding them in. It is a testament to the quality of construction that this friction grip remains tight throughout the life and use of a tool like this. Careful and close manufacturing tolerances hold the tools when necessary but give them up when the user wishes to use them. The other tiny knives are similarly compromised in ergonomics. Tiny tools are harder to use than optimally sized ones. We accept this inherent decrease in ergonomics for the symmetrical gain in portability.

The famous leaf-spring action of the Swiss Army scissors are prone to misalignment over time, but are nonetheless a time-honored feature that's always at the ready.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Portability


The Classic SD Swiss Army Knife packs a lot of versatility and usefulness compared to other knives we tested. The Classic SD comes right out of the box equipped with a tiny split ring. Threading the included split ring onto your existing key chain leaves the knife free to rotate and nest in amongst your keys while carrying. And then, in usage, you also have some freedom from the keys.


The scissors open to the end opposite the key chain. This leaves the keys completely out of the way of scissor usage. The blade and nail file open on the end, adjacent to the key ring attachment.


In application, provided you carry no more than five or six keys, you just grasp the whole bundle (keys, ring, knife handle) together while using the blade or file.

victorinox classic sd swiss army pocket knife review - eminently portable, the classic knife virtually disappears on most...
Eminently portable, the Classic knife virtually disappears on most key chains.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Construction Quality


Again, the toy-like specifications belie the durability and quality of this inexpensive knife. Victorinox produces the Classic SD on an economy of scale. Corners are not cut. Rather, they count high volume sales through generations spreading the love with gifts of Classic SD knives.


The high-quality stainless steel throughout, firmly affixed, and colorful side plates, combined with smooth operating hinges, resulting in a tiny tool that inspires confidence. Aside from misplacing tweezers and toothpicks, our testers have had no trouble with the integrity of the Classic SD knife.

victorinox classic sd swiss army pocket knife review - the suite of features on the classic is just right for daily use in...
The suite of features on the Classic is just right for daily use in most settings. Note the tiny tweezers and toothpick in the foreground.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Other Features


In day-to-day use, especially for those in more cosmopolitan or business settings, the small suite of tools on the Classic SD is all one needs. When carried primarily for personal grooming, the Classic SD is essentially a comprehensive tool in a micro package.

victorinox classic sd swiss army pocket knife review - the hidden tweezers in the handle scales of the classic sd swiss...
The hidden tweezers in the handle scales of the Classic SD Swiss Army Knife come in surprisingly handy.
Credit: Ashley DiRuggiero

The blade, file, and scissors rival even the most complete manicuring kits. And you can slice an apple with it. And cut your fishing line. And tighten the squeaky screw under your office chair. And tweeze that paper clip from between the keys of your computer keyboard. And trim the corners from your tent repair tape. And the list goes on and on.

victorinox classic sd swiss army pocket knife review - lead knife reviewer jediah porter as a kid with his victorinox...
Lead knife reviewer Jediah Porter as a kid with his Victorinox Classic. The tiny handle is just right for small hands. Larger hands will mainly use the knife for lighter duty tasks.
Credit: Mike and Becky Porter

Should You Buy the Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army?


Our testing team's long history with the Victorinox Classic SD knife inspires nostalgia for those first youthful feelings of independence and usefulness. Our lead test editor owned one as a kid and was asked to test one for OutdoorGearLab. In both sessions with the knife, his recommendation would be the same. This is an excellent knife for anyone who otherwise wouldn't bother to carry a blade or pocket tool. We find it remarkable that Victorinox can afford to distribute such a quality piece of equipment at this affordable price. It will last you as long as you can keep track of it, and you'll readily replace it when misplaced.

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?


While the Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is truly a classic pocket knife, it likely won't hold up to the requirements of many looking for a daily carry knife. While other options won't have the suite of tools featured on the Classic SD, a knife like the Gerber Paraframe Mini offers similar micro-scale functionality at a similar price point. Another exceptionally portable knife we love as an everyday carry is the Leatherman Skeletool KB.

Jediah Porter & Kyle Hameister