True Blue …
Victorinox’s Huntsman is one of their most popular Swiss Army Knife (SAK) models, certainly here in the UK. The tools on offer are tremendously useful, and it is amusing and educational to watch a few video reviews to see the imaginative ways that have been developed to get the most out of this item. Everyone is familiar with the cheery red Vic scales, and most people immediately understand that a SAK is the legendary “do it all” pocket tool. So, for a nice change, the sapphire blue Huntsman was chosen. In person, the transparent colour is deep and subtle, with the intriguing sensation of “oh, so that’s what they look like inside,” when examining the internal locations of the toothpick and tweezers. A separately purchased nylon pouch from HH will help to keep the gleaming new scales at their best. Reams have been written about the many uses and real life experiences involving SAKs. As much as I like and appreciate a good multitool, and although I at times use both a multitool and a SAK as a truly dynamic duo for DIY projects at home or on a work site, it seems to me that a humble non - locking version of the venerable Swiss Army Knife is often a better choice for daily use, especially since many SAK models, such as this Huntsman, fulfil the necessary requirements to be UK friendly: folding design, non - locking blades and tools, and the length of the sharpened edge not exceeding three inches. These attributes fully comply with current regulations. Or, to be on the safe side, consider that the length of the main blade does not measure more than three inches in the open position, from handle to tip (the correct way to measure the blade length of a folding knife). This one measures 68mm for the main blade, and 73.5mm for the very useful wood saw. So, well below the allowable 76.2mm (3 inches) which current legislation stipulates. And, of course, none of the blades or tools on this particular model lock, despite any claims or opinions to the contrary. Opinions and reviews have their place; but people should endeavour to get their facts straight. Of course, common sense must be used as to where and when you carry your UK friendly pocket knife, obviously not to certain venues or large public events. My kitchen scales declare that this lovely sapphire blue Huntsman weighs 97 grams; my iPhone compares at 199 grams. Considering the outright usefulness of this SAK, the weight is not a huge concern. Replacement parts, such as scissors springs, toothpicks and tweezers, tiny but useful eyeglasses screwdriver (of which multiple types are available), which threads into the corkscrew (another unsung hero of many uses), are inexpensive and easily available on HH (the esteemed first choice for those in the know), as are replacement scales (handles). So if you drop your treasured Huntsman from a height that results in broken scales (the correct cutlery term for handle material that attaches on both sides of a knife), no problem. Search for Victorinox replacement 91mm scales, as 91mm is the closed length of this and many other Victorinox models, and decide whether you want standard scales or plus scales. Plus scale kits from Victorinox include genuine replacement parts: toothpick, tweezers, and a cunning pressurised ball point pen, which the plus scales accommodate in a specially designed slot. To use the pen more comfortably, park it under the somewhat debatable hook tool on the back of your SAK for a very useable grip on the slender pen body. Take the time to research how to replace the scales on YouTube, etc. Here’s a hint. Soak your SAK in a Pyrex beaker filled with very hot water, but not boiling water, for 2 minutes. No more. Scoop your SAK out, and VERY carefully pry the old damaged scales off, and gently attach the replacement scales by using a padded vise. Watch the videos first. If you are interested in a minimalist approach to your SAK, you might like to try the surprisingly handy and reasonably priced Victorinox Waiter (35 grams) or a sleek Alox Bantam (29 grams, and only 6mm thick). Both are also available here from HH. Their clever multi purpose tool performs as designed, efficiently opening both bottles and cans, even tougher tins, like corned beef, for those occasions when the key snaps off partway through as the tin smirks back at you. Show it who’s the boss, with your trusty SAK. This Huntsman model is a wonderful all around choice - affordable, versatile, compact, well made, widely available, and backed by one of the best warranties available today. Thank you, HH, for stocking this one. Delivery service was super quick and professional. Well done!