You don’t have to search far to find fans of Swiss Army Knives. The multitool from Victorinox has been at the top of its industry and in the pockets of outdoor lovers for decades. And as content creators share ideas across the internet and reality television regularly pushes contestants to the edge of survival, its endless uses and popularity only continue to evolve and grow.
The classic Huntsman reigns supreme amongst these groups. Pros like wilderness guide Joe Bassett of Valiant Outfitters based in both Clay County, Florida, and Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and “everyday carry” enthusiast Raffaele Salera in Melbourne, Australia, are passionate about sharing what they know about emergency preparedness and bushcraft—but they also encourage you to explore the Huntsman for yourself.
That’s because when it comes down to it, no one knows every single thing the Huntsman can do—probably not even its inventor. What we can say for sure is that you’re pretty much always better off with one on you.
Keep reading to see what Bassett and Salera use the Huntsman for—plus get some intel on another Victorinox tool to never leave home without.
Off the top of your head, how many uses does the Huntsman have?
JB: Well, there are 15 tools on the Huntsman, and I can find at least three uses for each of them—so at least 50 or 60.
RS: That’s countless for me. Beyond the knife and saw, whose uses are already endless, you can creatively use the tool for any random thing.
How do you most often use the Huntsman in the wilderness?
JB: I can’t think of a time in the backcountry when I haven’t used the large blade and saw. I use them both to kindle wood—the large blade to make tent stakes, and the saw to cut notches for a hearth board.
RS: For me, it’s straightforward basic camping uses: cutting rope or paracord, opening cans and bottles—food preparation, like slicing, is a huge one—kindling for a fire, trimming branches, and sawing small pieces of wood. Even the scissors get a workout—especially if you’ve got kids with you. I use them to cut tape, fishing line, even a bandage or two.
What are some of the more obscure ways you’ve used the Huntsman?
JB: I’ve fashioned a drawing compass, used the knife as a signal mirror to get someone’s attention, and made a ham-radio antenna from a found wire using the wire stripper.
RS: I’ve used the corkscrew to undo a stubborn knot once, and used the blade as a makeshift spatula. Once I even encountered a kangaroo stuck on a farm fence and, surprisingly, the flathead worked as a pry bar, helping to create space and free its legs.
Who needs the Huntsman most?
JB: The most common situation people find themselves unprepared for is day hiking. Day-hiker rescues account for a huge percentage of search and rescue missions—because there are more people participating in day hikes than there are in overnight adventures, hunting, or mountain climbing, and those people don’t always know what to prepare for.
Every day hiker should carry water, a fire-ignition source, shelter material, and some calorie-dense food. But if they don’t, the Huntsman can be used to fashion a shelter, water, and food solution. The only survival tool that isn’t standard with the Huntsman is fire ignition, which can be easily remedied by adding a ferro rod (a piece of fire steel that produces sparks when scraped against a hard surface).
What’s one other tool you recommend everyone carry?
RS: The Rescue Tool is the boss of bosses—that bright yellow handle for easy visibility, the glass breaker, seatbelt cutter. You can tell it’s not your usual tool. It’s made for emergencies, not just convenience. I’ve got one in my wife’s car and in mine—that’s how highly I recommend it. It literally encompasses the statement “Don’t leave home without it.”
Rescue Tool
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