Geek Prepper Survival Skills when SHTF!
I’ve carried a Swiss Army Knife daily since the 70’s. I had grown comfortable with the traditional design, but now they offer an updated design. Before I could decide if I liked this new design, I needed to see the new styled Swiss Army Knife Trekker compared to the Hiker!
Swiss Army Knife Trekker Compared to the Hiker
I just had to see how the new style of Swiss Army Knives measured up against the traditional Swiss Army Knife design. Is this redesign just a cosmetic change or was there some magical difference between this style and the older, traditional, classic style?
I just had to solve this mystery.
I went out and bought a Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker. It has an almost identical configuration to my current EDC Swiss Army Knife, the Hiker and according to Victorinox, it is the official field knife for the German Army.
I really wanted to see that Trekker compared side by side with my trusty Hiker!
The Data
| Trekker | Hiker |
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The Blades
The first thing I noticed was the blade difference. The Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker isn’t just a cool name, it actually can be opened with one hand.
I have to admit, that is a pretty good change!
Once I opened the blades on both knives there was another obvious difference.
A serrated blade
The blade on the Trekker was partially serrated. I’m on the fence about the serrations, but it’s not a deal breaker.
The Trekker’s blade is also not as pointy. I guess this is ok, because I can’t recall the last time I was dead set on trying to stab anything with my Hiker.
Now for the really good news. The Trekker‘s blade locks open. It’s has a locking blade. My prayers have been answered. This feature really raises the value of this knife!
Ok, as awesome as one-handed opening and a locking blade are, we can’t stop here. There’s more doo-dads to look into.
Bottle Opener and Large Screwdriver
The screw driver on the bottle opener attachment is much larger. I know on many occasions, that a larger flat screwdriver would have been very helpful. This is a nice update.
Another item of note, the bottle opener and large screwdriver also lock open!
Can Opener and small Screwdriver
The can openers shape had changed a bit, but that’s about it.
minor difference in can opener shape
Wood Saw
The Wood Saws both have the alternating teeth and excellent bite. It offers just enough gap space to prevent clogging.
The length of the Trekker’s saw is longer and the angle of it makes sawing even easier than it is with my Hiker. This says alot, because my Hiker has a fantastic saw!
Phillips Screwdriver
I love having a Philips screwdriver, but I will never understand the positioning of it on the Swiss Army Knives. Thanks for including one, but isn’t there a better way?
Seriously? We’re still putting the Phillips screwdriver here?
The Reamer or Awl
This is the tool that always seems to cut me. If it’s not closing on my fingers and cutting them, then I find myself trying to push it closed the wrong way, cutting myself anyway.
No sewing eye on the Trekker.
This is a handy tool, to poke holes in leather or canvas, it’s too bad that the Trekker doesn’t have the sewing eye. I’ve only used that sewing eye, on the hiker, a couple of times, but I like the idea of having it there.
Conclusion
Due to the one-handed opening and the locking knife blade, I think the Trekker is the winner here, if you are OK with it being an inch longer. It didn’t beat out the Hiker by much, because it’s a hard knife to top!
Maybe neither the Trekker or the Hiker appeals to you, but there’s probably a Swiss Army Knife that’s right for you!
Certainly in the UK and I think alot of other countires as well the trecker is illegal to carry. It is locking and beyond the specified maximum length. If it is legal in your country and you don’t want whilst travelling go for it but be aware if you do not have a very good reason to carry it you will be prosecuted if caught.
While true, that is mostly because knife laws in the UK are archaic and seek to be a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Anywhere there is violence towards others, particularly with “weapons”, that is a people problem, not a problem with knives/guns/lightsabers/etc.
That being said, it’s too bad the locking blade and length make this illegal in the UK; a lot of bushcrafters would get some serious (legitimate) use from a tool like this.
You really don’t understand why the Phillips is where it’s at???? It gives you a t-grip which is stronger and it’s centered allowing you to apply pressure while starting a screw. That is perfection.