The knives are super handy, and I have different uses for the small and large ones. I use the small blade for all the messy or tough jobs. If I get a package covered in that ridiculously sticky packing tape, I'll always use the small blade without a second thought because I know it's going to get covered in that gummy residue. It's also the blade I use for tasks that I know will dull the edge, like cutting through tough plastic zip ties or the hard plastic straps on a heavy box. I'm essentially sacrificing the small blade's edge to keep the large one in perfect condition. I use the large blade for clean tasks only, so it's always sharp and ready to go when I need precision. When I'm out on a hike and want to slice up an apple or some cheese for lunch, I know the large blade is clean and hasn't been used on anything gross. It's also what I use when I need a truly clean cut, like slicing through a new piece of cordage without fraying it or neatly opening an important letter. I always have one perfectly sharp, clean blade ready when it really matters, and another knife for the dirty stuff.
The flathead is great as a screwdriver, but I use it for all sorts of other tasks, too. It's perfect for easily popping the tab on a drink can, prying open a key ring to add a new key, getting into the tight battery compartments on remotes, or even breaking the vacuum seal on a new jar of jam. Instead of hurting your nails or trying to get a short nail under the edge, the flathead can make these tasks painless. The flat head gives you leverage, so you don't need to use brute force. For a drink can, for example, just slide the tip of the screwdriver under the tab right near the hinge and apply gentle upward pressure. Always point the tool away from your body in case it slips. It's also a good idea to use the right-sized flathead for the job, like the smaller one for more delicate tasks, and to give it a quick wipe-down before and after using it, especially around anything you're going to eat or drink.
One of the most overlooked yet incredibly useful tools on a Swiss Army Knife is the reamer, or as it's more commonly known, the awl. It's that sharp, pointy tool that's not quite a blade and not quite a screwdriver. It's great for prepping a surface for drilling. When I've tried to drill a hole on a smooth surface, the drill bit sometimes walks and skitters across the surface before it bites in. The awl makes sure this doesn't happen. Instead of marking your spot with a pencil, take the tip of the awl, place it exactly where you want your hole, and give it a firm press and a little twist to create a dimple in the material. This tiny guide hole can seat the tip of your drill bit and keep it exactly where it needs to be as you begin to drill. It's great for starting screws in a finished piece of wood, too, as it helps the threads bite without splitting the surface. Just be sure the piece you're marking is secure, and always keep your other hand safely out of the way!
One clever use for a SAK that many people overlook is using the hook to fix a slipped bike chain. If your chain comes off while riding, you can use the hook to pull the chain back onto the gear safely. There's no need to get your hands covered in grease at all. Just guide the chain into position and gently rotate the pedal forward. It's quicker, cleaner, and surprisingly more efficient. Despite being a small tool, it demonstrates the versatility of these tools.
Camping with my dad years ago, we forgot a can opener. Only had canned chili. He pulled out his old Swiss Army knife and showed me the can opener tool. I had no idea what it was, I always thought it was just a weirdly shaped blade. You hook it under the edge of the can, rock it forward, repeat. Takes time, but it works. Since then, I've used that little tool for opening paint cans, cutting zip ties, even fixing a bike brake cable. PS: Safety tip: always cut away from your body (learned that the hard way lol).
One of my favorite, lesser-known uses for a Swiss Army knife is as a makeshift bottle opener. While it's an obvious function, what many don't realize is how effective the corkscrew can be for opening stubborn twist-off bottles when you're caught without a traditional opener. Simply use the corkscrew to grip the edge of the cap, gently twist to loosen it, and pop it off with ease. Pro tip: Be careful not to twist too aggressively—gentle pressure prevents damaging the cap or spilling the contents. I've used this trick on camping trips, during BBQs, and even at parties where I forgot to pack an opener. It's simple, quick, and always gets the job done in a pinch. A Swiss Army knife isn't just for the big tasks—it's about those unexpected moments when you need to improvise!
I've found the flat-head screwdriver on my Swiss Army knife to be perfect for cleaning grout lines between tiles - just angle it at 45 degrees and gently scrape away the grime. When cleaning baseboards, I use the bottle opener hook to get into those tricky corners where dust builds up, but be careful not to scratch the paint!
I discovered that the small screwdriver on my Swiss Army knife makes an amazing emergency phone stand when I'm watching product demo videos during business trips. I just flip it out at a 45-degree angle, lean my phone against it, and boom - perfect viewing angle without having to carry extra accessories.
When showing houses, I often use my Swiss Army knife's awl to check for wood rot by gently prodding suspicious areas around windows and door frames. The thin point helps me identify potential issues without causing visible damage, and I always recommend buyers get a proper inspection if I find anything concerning.
The screwdriver on my Swiss Army knife has become invaluable for quick adjustments to my camera gear and tripod setups during our AI video shoots - especially when I'm capturing those viral sports edits in challenging locations. When I'm working solo on location, having this multi-tool means I don't have to lug around a separate toolkit, and I can make quick fixes without disrupting the creative flow of a shoot.
During property inspections, I always use my Swiss Army knife's magnifying glass to examine suspicious spots for potential mold or wood damage, which has saved me countless times from missing critical issues. Just yesterday, I used the file tool to smooth out a rough cabinet edge during a walkthrough, a quick fix that made the unit more presentable to potential renters.
Swiss Army Knife + shoelace = emergency belt (yes, really). If you've ever popped a button or busted a belt loop mid-day, here's a wild fix: use your Swiss Army Knife's reamer to poke two small holes near the edge of your pants, thread a spare shoelace through, and secure it tight. The reamer (that punchy, awl-like blade) makes a clean hole in fabric without tearing it apart. Pro-tip: Use the flathead screwdriver to tuck or tighten the knot, especially if you're wearing jeans. Is it stylish? Absolutely not. But it'll keep your pants up, and your dignity intact, until you get home.
Phone stand — Snap the knife's key ring attachment and the small screwdriver over the corner of your phone for a mini phone stand. Just feed the key ring through your phone's case, and now it's at the same perfect angle for hands-free video calls or movies. Pro tip: Make sure the phone's screen is face up to prevent accidental damage when placed face down. Emergency seatbelt cutter - On rare occasions, you may need to cut a seatbelt in an emergency (whether you're a driver or passenger), the tiny blade on the Swiss Army knife can serve the purpose. Just be careful that you are using it to cut only the belt, not any other items as well. Safety tip: Get comfortable with it in a safe environment. Wine opener replacement - If you don't have a corkscrew in the house, gently remove the cork from your wine bottle with the nail puller. It's not as easy as a specially designed corkscrew, but in a pinch, it does the job. Pro-tip: Be consistent in the pressure you apply and try not to break the cork into the bottle. Screwdriver for automobile interior repairs - When your car's dashboard rattles or when a small screw falls out, use the flathead screwdriver to tighten it up. The small size means you can even bring it in on the road for tight spots that a larger screwdriver doesn't fit into. Tip: Be sure to turn the screw the right way when tightening to avoid stripping. Mini hammer - When you have a solid, durable knife, the butt of the Swiss Army Knife handle can function as a mini hammer (with emphasis on "mini"). It does the job for lightly tapping fingernails or quickly adjusting in a tight space. Note: Do not use this on delicate items—it's a tool, not a sledgehammer.
As someone who's carried a Swiss Army knife on jobsites, camping trips, and DIY projects for years, I'm always finding new ways to use it beyond the basics. Here are some clever uses you might not know: 1. Mini Wire Stripper: If you need to strip a bit of electrical wire and don't have a proper tool, use the scissors or the small blade. Gently score the insulation in a circle, then pinch and slide it off. Pro tip: Go slow—don't squeeze too hard or you'll nick the wire itself. Safety: Always cut away from yourself, and never attempt on live wires. 2. Quick Screw Starter (Awl Tool): The awl/punch tool is perfect for starting a pilot hole in wood or drywall when you need to screw something in but don't have a drill handy. How-to: Press the awl against your mark and twist it back and forth to make a starter hole. Pro tip: Great for hanging pictures or mounting hardware in a pinch. 3. Makeshift Pry Tool: The bottle opener or flathead screwdriver can be used as a mini pry bar for lifting up paint can lids, gently popping trim, or even prying open battery covers. Safety: Don't force it too hard—Swiss Army tools aren't built for heavy prying, but they're perfect for small jobs. 4. Emergency Tweezers for Splinters: The tiny tweezers stashed in the handle work wonders for pulling out splinters or ticks after a day in the yard or workshop. Pro tip: Sterilize with an alcohol wipe or flame before using. 5. Fish Scaler as a Zipper Puller: The fish scaler or the hook tool can help fix a stubborn zipper by giving you extra grip. How-to: Hook the tool through the zipper tab and gently pull—great for stuck jacket or tent zippers. 6. Nail Cleaner and File for DIY First Aid: Use the nail cleaner/file to tidy up split nails or rough spots on the job, reducing the chance of hangnails or snags. 7. Parcel Carrier Hook: Many Swiss Army knives have a multipurpose hook—use it to carry grocery bags, paint cans, or packages without digging the handles into your hands. How-to: Hook the handle and let the knife take the pressure—it's surprisingly effective. The best part about a Swiss Army knife is its adaptability, but always use the right tool for the job when you can. Treat your knife as a backup, and keep it clean and sharp for safety and longevity.
As a Swiss national with a small collection of Swiss Army knives that I accumulated since I was a Boy Scout in Zurich, I found three interesting and fun hacks to utilise a basic Swiss Army knife in your daily life. For these three hacks, I have used the Victorinox basic knife, called Huntsman: 1. Loosen and open up a tight knot with the corkscrew Have you ever struggled to open up a tight knot, such as on your shoes? Solution: 1. Open your corkscrew in your Swiss Army knife. 2. Take your knot and slowly screw the corkscrew into it between the knot. Make sure you do not pierce through the rope that makes up the knot, but go through the gap. 3. Once the corkscrew has a grip on a part of the knot, pull on it and loosen the knot. 4. Now, unscrew the corkscrew and open the knot. Pro-Tip: Ensure the spiral of the corkscrew is larger than the rope, as you do not want to damage the string, but rather loosen it. That means skinny cords are more suitable for the corkscrew, and if you have a thick rope, feel free to use the chisel or multipurpose hook to loosen the knot's gap. 2. Can opener with small screwdriver to peel oranges or use as a staple remover Do you want to peel an orange or remove a staple, but worry about having smelly nails from the peeled orange or not having a staple remover around? Solution: 1. Open the tool "can opener with small screwdriver" in your Swiss Army knife. 2. Take your orange and push the can opener into the orange skin. With a straight line, go down the orange. Make sure you only go skin deep and not into the orange. 3. For the staple opener, use the same tool and turn your paper so that the back side of the staple is visible. 4. Insert the small screwdriver underneath the bent staple and straighten it. 5. Turn your paper over again and carefully remove the staple. Pro-Tip: Make sure to wipe the can opener dry after peeling the orange, so the Swiss Army knife lasts longer. 3. Smartphone stand with the multipurpose hook Want to have a stand for your smartphone, but don't have one? Solution: 1. Open the multipurpose hook and turn the Swiss Army knife so that the hook points downward. 2. Carefully lay the Swiss Army knife on the table with the hook, so that it stands by itself on the table. 3. Lean your smartphone on the Swiss Army knife and enjoy watching your videos. Pro-Tip: If the smartphone slips down, ensure you use a non-slip surface, such as a textile or leather surface.
The Swiss Army knife awl feature can create starter holes in wood or other materials. When you need to drive a screw or nail into a tough surface, using the awl to puncture a pilot hole can make the process much easier. Just apply firm pressure and twist the awl to create an initial hole, which will help guide the screw or nail without splitting the material. Another practical application is using the toothpick, often included in the knife's design. This can be a lifesaver for quick cleaning tasks, like dislodging food particles from between teeth after a meal. Or if you find yourself in a pinch, the toothpick can be used to test the doneness of baked goods. Insert it into the center of a cake or bread, and if it comes out clean, you're good to go. The file feature is often overlooked but can be useful for smoothing rough edges on wood or metal. If you've just completed a DIY project and notice splinters or sharp edges, using the file can give your work a polished finish. Always use it in a steady motion and apply consistent pressure to avoid damaging the material.
I never thought a Swiss Army knife would become part of my work toolkit, but here we are. I even carry it in my backpack wherever I go. 1. Phone Stand in a Pinch How: Flip out the large blade and the file, then balance your phone at a slight angle between them. It works great on planes or trains when you want to watch something hands-free. Pro tip: Wrap a napkin around the blades so your phone doesn't slip or scratch. 2. Improvised Wire Stripper How: Use the small blade or scissors to gently score around a wire, then peel off the insulation. Safety tip: Always hold the wire away from your body and work slowly — you're stripping the wire, not your thumb. 3. Cracker for a Frozen Lock How: Use the can opener tip to chip at ice buildup inside a door or padlock. It's surprisingly precise. Pro tip: Don't force it — chip gently and warm the lock with your hands or a lighter if needed. 4. Tiny Screwdriver for Glasses or Gadgets How: Some Swiss Army knives have a flathead screwdriver hidden in the corkscrew. It's perfect for glasses or laptop ports. When: Right when your glasses loosen mid-meeting — or when a tech demo goes sideways. 5. Emergency Nail File / Cuticle Cleaner How: That rough edge on the file? It's not just for metal. Bonus: Also works for removing dirt from under your nails after fixing a server in a dusty basement. It's not glamorous, but having a tiny versitile tool with you just makes life easier.
1. Splinter Remover (sewing eye tool or tweezers) How to utilize it: -Grasp surface splinters gently and remove them using the integrated tweezers, which are often kept in the handle. -To better expose deeper or more stubborn splinters, carefully lift the skin around the splinter with the sewing eye tool, which is a pointed awl with a tiny hole. Pro Tip: -Before using, sterilize the tool tip with alcohol or a lighter flame. Before attempting to grasp the splinter, gently squeeze the skin on both sides to bring it closer to the surface. Safety Reminder: Sanitize the area after working in a positive light. To avoid infection, don't dig too deeply. 2. DIY Fire Starter (Ferro Rod + Saw or File) How to utilize it: -Strike a ferrocerium rod with the saw or file's spine, not its teeth. -To create sparks, hold the rod near dry tinder (such as cotton, birch bark, or wood shavings) and firmly drag the spine downward. Why It Works: The majority of Swiss Army saws and files feature a 90deg, rough edge that is ideal for producing sufficient friction to ignite ferro rod sparks. Expert Advice: -Avoid using the blade because it can harm the edge and is frequently too smooth. -Before relying on it outside, practice a few times at home. A Safety Note: -Avoid striking flammable objects or your body. No matter where you are, make sure the fire is safe and legal. 3. Cheese Slicer (Using the Hooked Edge of the Can Opener) How to utilize it: -Using the can opener tool's curved portion, lightly and smoothly move it over a block of semi-soft cheese, such as gouda or cheddar. -To make thin slices, apply even pressure. Why It's Useful: Ideal for a campfire snack or hiking snack when you don't have a knife or slicer. Pro Tip: -To ensure more even slicing, chill the cheese first. -To prevent rust or residual odors, clean the tool right away after use. Safety Tip: -Avoid hard cheeses as they can cause the tool to slip and keep fingers away from the blade path.
As a veterinarian, I often recommend that pet owners keep a Swiss Army knife on hand when hiking or travelling with a dog or any pet. It's a compact, practical tool that can be incredibly useful when traveling with pets or dealing with unexpected situations at home. Many people don't realize just how versatile it can be in caring for animals. One of the most helpful features is the built-in tweezers, which are ideal for removing ticks or splinters after time spent outdoors. To safely remove a tick, grasp it close to the skin and pull steadily—then clean the area and monitor for any signs of irritation or infection. The small scissors or blade can also be used to trim away matted fur, cut out burrs, or shape gauze in an emergency. These tools can be particularly helpful in the field when you don't have access to your usual grooming or first aid supplies. Always use caution when working near your pet's skin, and do your best to keep them calm and still. The knife's screwdriver, pliers, or blade can also be used to make quick repairs to crates, harnesses, or leashes—especially useful on road trips or hikes when gear unexpectedly breaks. It's also handy for cutting rope, opening food packaging, or preparing pet meals on the go. Just remember to thoroughly clean the blade after any food use to prevent cross-contamination. While a Swiss Army knife should never replace a full first aid kit or proper veterinary care, it's a smart, multi-functional tool that can bridge the gap in many real-world situations. I recommend keeping one in your glove compartment, backpack, or travel bag. With proper care and safe handling, it's one of the simplest and most reliable tools a pet owner can carry.
I advise my clients who frequently need to film themselves with their phones. I call it the the Emergency Phone Stand Open the large blade and corkscrew at perpendicular angles. Boom—instant phone stand for video calls or watching movies. Pro tip: The corkscrew angle adjusts for portrait or landscape mode. I discovered this during a client pitch when my laptop died. Saved the meeting, landed the account.