- Stainless steel construction encased in polished Cellidor/ABS scales provides sleek durability
- Knife contains 7 functions to equip you for any adventure (Blade, Nail File, Screwdriver, Scissors, Key Ring, Tweezers, Toothpick)
- Length 2.3" (58mm) Height 0.4" Weight 0.8oz
- Precision engineering makes this knife highly versatile yet compact to optimize functionality
- Made in Switzerland: Victorinox provides a lifetime guarentee against defects in material and workmanship
Swiss Army Classic SD - Features include: Small blade, Scissors, Nail file with screwdriver tip, Toothpick, Tweezers, Key ring, Life time warranty, Size: 58 mm | 2 1/4 inch. Available in Red, Blue, Black, Green, White, Yellow, and Pink Camo.
By D. Reinstein
For many years now, I have carried one of these small Swiss Army knives on each of my two key rings - one for work and one for home. Barely a day goes by when I do not take one of them out of my pocket to use once or twice - to quickly file down a broken nail, to tweeze out a small splinter, to cut open a small item with the scissor of something larger by cutting the wrapping tape with the knife blade - the toothpick is used daily! I cannot imagine being without one. Of course, I own larger and more multi-purpose knives, but when it comes to carrying something this handy on a key chain or ring, you just can't beat them!
There are two major (authorized) manufacturers of Swiss Army knives: Victorinox, the maker of this particular favorite of mine and Wenger, a reliable alternative brand that makes many similar and some even nearly identical models. I have used both over the years and have found there to be absolutely no appreciable differences in the quality, durability or pricing of the knives. With so many models to choose from, it probably makes sense to decide which features you need and then shop both brands for the best price you can find. But back to the knife at hand, the SA Classic SD Pocket Knife.
This is the one of the smallest knives in the Victorinox line. Measuring only about 2 1/4" long and about 1/4" wide, it adds little by way of heft to a key ring. It is a compact knife containing a total of 6 equally compact tools. This is not for the big things. This is a small knife with small tools to deal with small things. With expectations appropriately set, it is unsurpassed in it's usefulness as a basic daily tool.
The Tools
There are compartments on the outer casing of knife - each containing a small appliance. One is home to a small white toothpick that I have found to be entirely satisfactory - except that after a year or two of use, I seem to lose them. I think the molded shape wears a bit over time and repeated use and no longer holds itself snugly in the allotted compartment. They can be easily and inexpensively replaced though at any fully stocked retailer of the knives. On the opposite side of the knife is a compartment housing a micro-tweezer. Because it is so very small and light, it cannot be used as a regular tweezer, but only for light-duty needs. These include, I am pleased to report, removing small splinters and picking up objects too small for my increasingly clumsy fingers!
There are three tools that fold into the knife itself, one of which has two uses - actually providing a total of four useful mini-tools. These include 1) a flat spring loaded scissor, a regular blade and a nail file (which, as a guitar picker, I use almost daily) topped with the fourth tool, a screw driver head, small enough to be used for either flat screws or Phillips head screws - providing that they are small enough. Don't misunderstand - the smallness of the tools does not render them either token or useless, but their size is a factor in their usability in real day-to-day life.
Maintenance
This is nearly a non sequitor, but in the interests of completeness, I will briefly address it.
Years have gone by before anything beyond simple removal of dust and cleaning the instruments is required. One time, a blade seemed to be sticking just a tad and a quick and very short burst of WD40 took care of it - permanently. The knife is build to last until you decide you no longer want or need it.
Value
There are few things in life built for frequent use without planned obsolescence being figured into their design. This little pocket tool set is, happily, among them. For somewhere around $9., you can have something actually skillfully made that will serve you well and for a good long time. How many things can any of us really say that about?
I love mine and would feel not only unprepared, but somehow naked - or at least disabled - were I to leave home without one.
There are two major (authorized) manufacturers of Swiss Army knives: Victorinox, the maker of this particular favorite of mine and Wenger, a reliable alternative brand that makes many similar and some even nearly identical models. I have used both over the years and have found there to be absolutely no appreciable differences in the quality, durability or pricing of the knives. With so many models to choose from, it probably makes sense to decide which features you need and then shop both brands for the best price you can find. But back to the knife at hand, the SA Classic SD Pocket Knife.
This is the one of the smallest knives in the Victorinox line. Measuring only about 2 1/4" long and about 1/4" wide, it adds little by way of heft to a key ring. It is a compact knife containing a total of 6 equally compact tools. This is not for the big things. This is a small knife with small tools to deal with small things. With expectations appropriately set, it is unsurpassed in it's usefulness as a basic daily tool.
The Tools
There are compartments on the outer casing of knife - each containing a small appliance. One is home to a small white toothpick that I have found to be entirely satisfactory - except that after a year or two of use, I seem to lose them. I think the molded shape wears a bit over time and repeated use and no longer holds itself snugly in the allotted compartment. They can be easily and inexpensively replaced though at any fully stocked retailer of the knives. On the opposite side of the knife is a compartment housing a micro-tweezer. Because it is so very small and light, it cannot be used as a regular tweezer, but only for light-duty needs. These include, I am pleased to report, removing small splinters and picking up objects too small for my increasingly clumsy fingers!
There are three tools that fold into the knife itself, one of which has two uses - actually providing a total of four useful mini-tools. These include 1) a flat spring loaded scissor, a regular blade and a nail file (which, as a guitar picker, I use almost daily) topped with the fourth tool, a screw driver head, small enough to be used for either flat screws or Phillips head screws - providing that they are small enough. Don't misunderstand - the smallness of the tools does not render them either token or useless, but their size is a factor in their usability in real day-to-day life.
Maintenance
This is nearly a non sequitor, but in the interests of completeness, I will briefly address it.
Years have gone by before anything beyond simple removal of dust and cleaning the instruments is required. One time, a blade seemed to be sticking just a tad and a quick and very short burst of WD40 took care of it - permanently. The knife is build to last until you decide you no longer want or need it.
Value
There are few things in life built for frequent use without planned obsolescence being figured into their design. This little pocket tool set is, happily, among them. For somewhere around $9., you can have something actually skillfully made that will serve you well and for a good long time. How many things can any of us really say that about?
I love mine and would feel not only unprepared, but somehow naked - or at least disabled - were I to leave home without one.
By C. T. Mikesell
After 14 years of service my Victorinox mini-Swiss Army Knife (SAK) has finally begun to show its age: the toothpick went missing, the enamel casing cracked, the insignia fell off. So I've bought another (the original sits in a drawer, its knife blade as sharp as ever, the screwdriver still perfectly utile, the scissors are gummed up but could probably be cleaned out with some rubbing alcohol).
For versatility and simplicity it's hard to beat this item. Sure there are SAKs with more blades and tools, but the simple knife/screwdriver/scissors combination is going to meet the vast majority of your needs (ok, it doesn't have a bottle opener: use a door strike plate, MacGyver). The toothpick is so-so, but I can't count the number of times I've needed to tweeze something and used the SAK tweezers when I couldn't find the bathroom set. The key fob, while not the most exciting of features, does provide a convenient way to carry the SAK around with you.
This item is sure to please. I love mine. You'll love yours. Buy one for someone else - they'll love theirs.
For versatility and simplicity it's hard to beat this item. Sure there are SAKs with more blades and tools, but the simple knife/screwdriver/scissors combination is going to meet the vast majority of your needs (ok, it doesn't have a bottle opener: use a door strike plate, MacGyver). The toothpick is so-so, but I can't count the number of times I've needed to tweeze something and used the SAK tweezers when I couldn't find the bathroom set. The key fob, while not the most exciting of features, does provide a convenient way to carry the SAK around with you.
This item is sure to please. I love mine. You'll love yours. Buy one for someone else - they'll love theirs.
By B.P.
This particular pocketknife has become one of my personal favorites for many reasons. For it's small size it might appear to be a sissy, but it will out do any single blade or three-blade pocketknife of comparable dimension with it's extra utilitarian options.
When all tools are folded in, the unit measures about two and a forth inches long or a little more that five and a half centimeters. Weighing just a few grams, it's a pocketknife that is basically so light; you won't even notice you're carrying it. Comes with a single blade which is about one and a half inches long (3.5 cm), a nail file with a regular screwdriver head, toothpick, tweezers, scissors and a tiny key ring for attachment, not to mention the Swiss Army quality.
Often inside or out, I'm doing some kind of small project that involves typical constructive handy work, and have come to love the tweezers on this contraption. So nice to have that on hand the moment I get a splinter, especially when dealing with a painfully nasty one from fiberglass. I can just reach into my pocket; use the tweezers to pull out the sliver right on the spot, thus preventing infection and further aggravation. The least useful tool for me on this pocketknife has been the toothpick, I never seen it as anything grand, but it's there anyway and doesn't take up too much space.
All tools except the toothpick are made of stainless steel, and I was particularly impressed with the scissors, made in good quality construction that will enable it to last for a long while. The toothpick on the other hand is made of a plastic, durable enough for it's designated task. To use them, the toothpick and tweezers slide out of their slots and detach from the complete unit itself. This might create a potential for loss with these pieces, if they're not returned to their rightful slots after use. But the only other draw back that I can see with this pocketknife is the small size might make it hard to operate. If you're not very nimble with your fingers, catching the groves on the tool edges to open them might be a little difficult. But generally speaking, all features are easy to pull open and put into position when desired.
Although it's not exactly intended for heavy-duty work, it's still a fantastic all-purpose tool well adapted for everyday encounters, like simply opening a box or envelope, cutting a string with a tight knot, or whittling a stick for roasting marshmallows. This little gadget provides the tool necessities and will save the day many times over. Plus the smaller compact size makes it travel a lot easier in the pocket and the transparent blue color makes it stylish and unique from its Swiss kin. Simply made for resourceful people with a strong desire for things of ingenuity and practicality.
When all tools are folded in, the unit measures about two and a forth inches long or a little more that five and a half centimeters. Weighing just a few grams, it's a pocketknife that is basically so light; you won't even notice you're carrying it. Comes with a single blade which is about one and a half inches long (3.5 cm), a nail file with a regular screwdriver head, toothpick, tweezers, scissors and a tiny key ring for attachment, not to mention the Swiss Army quality.
Often inside or out, I'm doing some kind of small project that involves typical constructive handy work, and have come to love the tweezers on this contraption. So nice to have that on hand the moment I get a splinter, especially when dealing with a painfully nasty one from fiberglass. I can just reach into my pocket; use the tweezers to pull out the sliver right on the spot, thus preventing infection and further aggravation. The least useful tool for me on this pocketknife has been the toothpick, I never seen it as anything grand, but it's there anyway and doesn't take up too much space.
All tools except the toothpick are made of stainless steel, and I was particularly impressed with the scissors, made in good quality construction that will enable it to last for a long while. The toothpick on the other hand is made of a plastic, durable enough for it's designated task. To use them, the toothpick and tweezers slide out of their slots and detach from the complete unit itself. This might create a potential for loss with these pieces, if they're not returned to their rightful slots after use. But the only other draw back that I can see with this pocketknife is the small size might make it hard to operate. If you're not very nimble with your fingers, catching the groves on the tool edges to open them might be a little difficult. But generally speaking, all features are easy to pull open and put into position when desired.
Although it's not exactly intended for heavy-duty work, it's still a fantastic all-purpose tool well adapted for everyday encounters, like simply opening a box or envelope, cutting a string with a tight knot, or whittling a stick for roasting marshmallows. This little gadget provides the tool necessities and will save the day many times over. Plus the smaller compact size makes it travel a lot easier in the pocket and the transparent blue color makes it stylish and unique from its Swiss kin. Simply made for resourceful people with a strong desire for things of ingenuity and practicality.
By K. Varraso
I've been carrying these little knives on my keychain for over twenty years. These pocket knives have done terrific service all this time, opening packages, cutting up fruit, removing splinters and all of the light-duty chores that this minature knife was designed to to. My only complaints are not the knife's fault: (1) when I remove the knife from my keychain, it's doomed. I'll lose it before it ever gets the chance to return to my purse, and (2) cow orkers and the like "accidentally" pick them up, and they disappear forever. Airport security considers these knives to be deadly weapons, although the only danger would be from a plane crew laughing themselves to death at the sight of a hijacker trying to overcome someone with a two inch long knife. But for trimming an errant nail or cutting an apple into manageable chunks, this is a great little tool.
By totallyfrozen
I've given several Victorinox Classic SD knives as gifts. Other than my first Vic (the Huntsman) which I bought at a department store, I buy all my Vic Swiss army knives from this seller (Swiss Knife Shop). I bought THIS knife through Amazon because I didn't want any engraving on it and I was bundling my order with other things. Most often I buy my Victorinox knives directly from the seller because if you buy directly from their website (not here on Amazon) you can get engraving on the knife--and they always offer free shipping. Besides the Victorinox quality, the engraving is what makes them such great gits. For example, I've given these Classic SD knives to my soldiers (with last name engraved) when one would surpass all his platoon-mates in certain skills tests. I've never given one as a gift and seen disappointment on the recipient's face. I give these to friends and family too.
I bought this Classic SD with Stayglow scales as part of a (Altoids-type) survival tin I'm assembling. I chose this knife for my survival tin primarily because it's the perfect size to fit in one end of a Sucrets tin and it will glow in the dark after exposure to light for awhile. While not very large, it has several tools that will be useful to get things started in a survival scenario (beyond the obvious blade). In the unlikely event that I (or someone using one of my kits) gets separated from their other knives, if I (they) still have this kit, there is at least ONE knife still available.
I've used the nail file on these Vic Classic SDs to strike sparks from a fire steel and it works just great! I've also used the edge of the nail file to scrape off magnesium shavings from a Doan Magnesium Fire Starter Tool and it works great at that job too!--Notice I used the nail file for those tasks and not the blade; save the sharp blade for things that require a sharp blade. Tweezers and scissors to help with threading and tying fishing line or threading a needle for sewing. You just have to use your imagination and improvise. While it's not going to the best choice for a pry bar, there are hundreds of uses you can get out of this little pocket knife. All the tools have uses and are well designed. In my opinion, anyone who doesn't see the toothpick as worthwhile simply lacks imagination. Either that or they've never been in a situation that required them to use next to nothing to change their circumstances and get out of the bad situation. The value of this little tool is limited mostly by your own imagination.
The Victorinox knives with the celluloid scales (e.g. the traditional red ones) have the Victorinox shield embedded and made of stainless steel. On these Stayglow knives, the shield is PAINTED on the scale with red and white paints. Personally, that doesn't detract from the value or attractiveness of the tool to me.
I'm very pleased with the quality of this Victorinox knife (and this seller) and I'll be ordering more of these.
I bought this Classic SD with Stayglow scales as part of a (Altoids-type) survival tin I'm assembling. I chose this knife for my survival tin primarily because it's the perfect size to fit in one end of a Sucrets tin and it will glow in the dark after exposure to light for awhile. While not very large, it has several tools that will be useful to get things started in a survival scenario (beyond the obvious blade). In the unlikely event that I (or someone using one of my kits) gets separated from their other knives, if I (they) still have this kit, there is at least ONE knife still available.
I've used the nail file on these Vic Classic SDs to strike sparks from a fire steel and it works just great! I've also used the edge of the nail file to scrape off magnesium shavings from a Doan Magnesium Fire Starter Tool and it works great at that job too!--Notice I used the nail file for those tasks and not the blade; save the sharp blade for things that require a sharp blade. Tweezers and scissors to help with threading and tying fishing line or threading a needle for sewing. You just have to use your imagination and improvise. While it's not going to the best choice for a pry bar, there are hundreds of uses you can get out of this little pocket knife. All the tools have uses and are well designed. In my opinion, anyone who doesn't see the toothpick as worthwhile simply lacks imagination. Either that or they've never been in a situation that required them to use next to nothing to change their circumstances and get out of the bad situation. The value of this little tool is limited mostly by your own imagination.
The Victorinox knives with the celluloid scales (e.g. the traditional red ones) have the Victorinox shield embedded and made of stainless steel. On these Stayglow knives, the shield is PAINTED on the scale with red and white paints. Personally, that doesn't detract from the value or attractiveness of the tool to me.
I'm very pleased with the quality of this Victorinox knife (and this seller) and I'll be ordering more of these.
By Barry
This review is for the Alox version (aluminum scales instead of plastic)...
This knife is missing the toothpick and tweezers when compared to the regular version with plastic scales. But what you get instead is a knife that is only ONE HALF as thick! 99.9% of the functionality of this knife is in the 3 main tools (rather than the toothpick or tweezers). This thing is so amazingly slender that you can carry it around in your front pocket all day every day and never even feel that it is there. It will not rub in an irritating way like most things carried in pockets. Also, it will not show a lump in your pants.
The fine aluminum scales look sleek and elegant and are even suitable for engraving. The scales are well textured without being abrasive and provide a secure, comfortable grip. It is perfect as an executive pocket knife. It is also the perfect pocket companion for people who don't want or like to carry a pocket knife, but still may need to open a package or envelope, trim a loose thread, clean a fingernail or turn a screw once in a while. Let's face it, tool use is what sets us apart from the beasts. Mine has been carried daily for 7 years and still looks perfectly new. I sharpen it when needed and it will shave hair. With this great pocket companion at hand, my life is made a little easier and more pleasant each day.
My preference for this version is not a criticism of the standard plastic Classic knife, of which I have several. That is also a great product. I just feel that the Alox version takes a great concept to its ultimate refinement. If they tripled the price, I would still be a fan.
[update:] Carried daily now for 13 years and still as happy as ever with this great tool. One of the best purchases of my life. The only time I don't carry it is when I fly in a commercial airliner, where it is not allowed. I missed having it so much that I took another Victorinox Classic and sawed the knife blade off so I could carry that.
[July 2016, update 2:] I have carried this particular one now daily for going on 16 years. Counting previous ones owned, I am an owner for 34 years. Still as much of a fan as ever. I have replaced the scissor spring in my current one twice now. Inexpensive and easy. I just sharpened it up again and it works better than new and looks the same also (photo attached). I never stop finding uses for it on an almost daily basis.
The scissors comes in handy for cutting packages open, clipping hangnails, grooming hairs, snipping threads, removing hang tags, and along with the file, can repair a broken fingernail. The screwdriver fits slot head and the common #2 Phillips head screws. It is also good for prying and can clean under fingernails. I recommend squaring off the polished tip by touching it to a grinder (or filing it). The knife can cut cord, open boxes or envelopes, etc. I can't really overstate what a nice, useful, easily carried item this is. I have tried several other small multi-tool devices thinking they would be even more useful, but none can match the efficiency of this one.
This knife is missing the toothpick and tweezers when compared to the regular version with plastic scales. But what you get instead is a knife that is only ONE HALF as thick! 99.9% of the functionality of this knife is in the 3 main tools (rather than the toothpick or tweezers). This thing is so amazingly slender that you can carry it around in your front pocket all day every day and never even feel that it is there. It will not rub in an irritating way like most things carried in pockets. Also, it will not show a lump in your pants.
The fine aluminum scales look sleek and elegant and are even suitable for engraving. The scales are well textured without being abrasive and provide a secure, comfortable grip. It is perfect as an executive pocket knife. It is also the perfect pocket companion for people who don't want or like to carry a pocket knife, but still may need to open a package or envelope, trim a loose thread, clean a fingernail or turn a screw once in a while. Let's face it, tool use is what sets us apart from the beasts. Mine has been carried daily for 7 years and still looks perfectly new. I sharpen it when needed and it will shave hair. With this great pocket companion at hand, my life is made a little easier and more pleasant each day.
My preference for this version is not a criticism of the standard plastic Classic knife, of which I have several. That is also a great product. I just feel that the Alox version takes a great concept to its ultimate refinement. If they tripled the price, I would still be a fan.
[update:] Carried daily now for 13 years and still as happy as ever with this great tool. One of the best purchases of my life. The only time I don't carry it is when I fly in a commercial airliner, where it is not allowed. I missed having it so much that I took another Victorinox Classic and sawed the knife blade off so I could carry that.
[July 2016, update 2:] I have carried this particular one now daily for going on 16 years. Counting previous ones owned, I am an owner for 34 years. Still as much of a fan as ever. I have replaced the scissor spring in my current one twice now. Inexpensive and easy. I just sharpened it up again and it works better than new and looks the same also (photo attached). I never stop finding uses for it on an almost daily basis.
The scissors comes in handy for cutting packages open, clipping hangnails, grooming hairs, snipping threads, removing hang tags, and along with the file, can repair a broken fingernail. The screwdriver fits slot head and the common #2 Phillips head screws. It is also good for prying and can clean under fingernails. I recommend squaring off the polished tip by touching it to a grinder (or filing it). The knife can cut cord, open boxes or envelopes, etc. I can't really overstate what a nice, useful, easily carried item this is. I have tried several other small multi-tool devices thinking they would be even more useful, but none can match the efficiency of this one.
By nytexano
A small Swiss Army knife has been my constant companion for the last 30 years. It's uses are myriad & often. They last like objects made 'like they used to make them'. This one is a lot more attractive than it's predecessor which, although still useful, is showing it's 28 year age.
By Skycats2
I had the original solid red Victorinox that was borrowed and never returned (It was about 10 years old and still going strong!)so I purchased this one. I came back and bought about 6 more in sapphire, amethyst, and red for Christmas gifts. Everyone loved them! Small in size, but a real workhorse, and easily hangs on your keyring without excessive bulk. It came in handy opening the boxes that were taped, and the blade easily opened the plastic packaging that comes on most items now. I definitely recommend this product. If you have very large hands or need a larger blade, buy a larger knife; otherwise, this is the one you want.
By GLADLY THE BEAR
this is a little knife with scissors. I cut myself the first day. Did I mention it was a knife. Use Caution as it is a knife. Oh yeah, it has a toothpick you will lose and tweezers you will never use. but hey, you might use them; there simply is no guarantee. But there is no guarantee in life either. So, deal with it.
By Cindy L. Gordon
I got this little pink gem as a X-mas gift about 10 years ago (give or take a few years) from my sis-in-law. I have used it more than I ever thought that I would. Plus my son uses it. My friends all know that I have it wirh me & they've used it too. While the scissors are tiny, they are sharp enough & great to have on hand for cutting out coupons while standing in line at the grocery store. It's also nice to have a little nail file for when your nail chips or breaks. That way you can smooth it down before it gets snagged. This stays on my keychain at all times (unless someone is borrowing it). one side of the outside has finally came off. I think because it got cracked a little from me dropping my keys so much. Other than that, it's still in great shape.
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