Best Swiss Army Knives for Climbing

I’m thinking about getting a Swiss Army Knife for climbing/backpacking. I was thinking something like the huntsman because I really like the saw and scissors. Any suggestions?

You can get small river knives, they are the best pure climbing knife but if you want a more all rounder go for something like a Petzl spatha. 

Even 2-3mm cord works reasonably well, it's basically single use but it's super lightweight.

If you want something for ice the petzl multi hook is a good option. 

Multi tools aren't really suited for climbing, they're kinda heavy and you have no use for 90% of the tools on it. I don't need scissors and an awl while climbing, expeditions maybe but if that's what you were after you'd ask. 

Multi tools aren't really suited for climbing, they're kinda heavy and you have no use for 90% of the tools on it. I don't need scissors and an awl while climbing, expeditions maybe but if that's what you were after you'd ask. 

It’s a 21 day climbing and backpacking trip so I kind of want to have some extra functionality. And what happens if a screw gets loose on a gri-gri or helmet wouldn’t you want a small multi tool then? Or is that just “packing your fears”.

I've carried this climbing for years, but It doesn't have a saw or scissors. I've not found myself wishing for either. victorinox.com/us/en/Produc…

I didn't realize until reading this thread that it was too bulky and heavy for climbing... I mostly don't notice it unless I need it for something, but probably also wouldn't want it to be much bigger. 

Matias Z wrote:

It’s a 21 day climbing and backpacking trip so I kind of want to have some extra functionality. And what happens if a screw gets loose on a gri-gri or helmet wouldn’t you want a small multi tool then? Or is that just “packing your fears”.

I think a 3 week trip into the backcountry is long enough to consider adding a small multitool to your essentials kit.  Rather than relying on what works for others you might take a close look at the gear you're taking on the trip and tailor your choice to that.  If you literally have no phillips head screws in your gear then you likely don't need one.  

Consider too what you can improvise and what others on the trip will have.  A $10 pocket uber simple folding knife will often work on flat head screws.  You'll chuff them both up a bit, but what is the likelihood you'll need to try that maneuver anyway?  I almost always go out with a simple ~35g Spyderco folder as my only tool in this category.  I know my titanium spoon will act as a flat screwdriver if I need one, like to swap batteries on an avy beacon (the last instance I can recall using that trick).

I have liked the Gerber products I've used in the past.  Maybe something like this- https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/multi-tools/all-multi-tools/curve-blue-31-000116

Matias Z wrote:

It’s a 21 day climbing and backpacking trip so I kind of want to have some extra functionality. And what happens if a screw gets loose on a gri-gri or helmet wouldn’t you want a small multi tool then? Or is that just “packing your fears”.

If that’s your best example I’d say you’re packing your fears. I assume you have a backup/rappelling atc?

I’ve never needed more than a simple knife. I carry the trango piranha while climbing and a slightly larger knife for cooking/camping purposes. Why two you ask? Saves me from having to dig the knife out of my climbing gear at the end of the day and I failed to put it back more than once. I also have two headlamps for the same reason. 

Climb On wrote:

If that’s your best example I’d say you’re packing your fears. I assume you have a backup/rappelling atc?

I’ve never needed more than a simple knife. I carry the trango piranha while climbing and a slightly larger knife for cooking/camping purposes. Why two you ask? Saves me from having to dig the knife out of my climbing gear at the end of the day and I failed to put it back more than once. I also have two headlamps for the same reason. 

Yeah that makes sense. What is the larger knife you bring?

Matias Z wrote:

Yeah that makes sense. What is the larger knife you bring?

No idea. A 20 year old Walmart grab. 

The spyderco brand mentioned upthread is a solid knife. 

Leatherman Skeletool.  I would not bring it up route but on an extended climbing trip or expedition it comes in handy and its not crazy heavy. Plus you can buy a bunch of different bits to match you needs (eg match your ice tools).  On route I have a folding Gerber that isn't any longer  than my index finger. 

Don’t. Absolutely unnecessary. Unless you are climbing somewhere extremely remote and need to cut cord for rap anchors, you do not need a knife for climbing. Contrary to what Vertical Limit may have taught, an Off Belay knife is never necessary.

I’ve backpacked thousands upon thousands of miles. I quit carrying a knife of any type a long, long time ago.

If you’re set on carrying a knife, bring the smallest, lightest blade you can find. 

The most utility I have seen from a multitool on a climbing trip is the awl for sewing up a portaledge fly and the knife for cutting cheese. Both could be achieved with some 1mm fishing line and a needle. 

If you can't think of when you would use a tool don't bring it. Last time I checked no climbing kit in existence was user serviceable (by EU law it can't be). 

A swiss army knife is pretty great for camping, and daily life in general. I have a 25 year old with saw, no scissors, officer Suisse it says. Fairly heavy use, still basically like new. 

But for climbing a keychain sized Spyderco style with one hand opening,  full or half serrated is what most people use, as do I. Sometimes with the blade taped closed.

I'd get both types of knife. 

Razor blade in the helmet

credit card style multi tool in the wallet if you must bring tools. 

Matias Z wrote:

I’m thinking about getting a Swiss Army Knife for climbing/backpacking. I was thinking something like the huntsman because I really like the saw and scissors. Any suggestions?

I'm getting the sense that you're not just asking about single/multipitch climbing. For that I just keep a single edge razor blade taped inside my helmet. If you need more than that, when I used to teach winter survival skills, I  would tell people to carry TWO knives: 

1) A small SWAK like the "Spartan". It has a corkscrew and I use it as my EDC for over 90% of what I need. 

2) A fixed blade knife. Not huge. But, big enough to build a shelter or use for batoning. Something similar to the Mora "Companion" ( ragweedforgestore.com/colle… ) Even a cheap fixed blade knife will be stronger than any folding knife,

I've been carrying the Tinker version in my front right pocket for the past 35 years whether I'm on trail or at work.  Has a phillips, which comes in handy several times a week.

leatherman micra 1.8 oz. scissors centric, once used the tweezers to pull a cactus needle from a partner's foot in red rocks.

Gerber Dime is a great small multitool with decent pliers if you are worried about repairs and weight. I think it's better than the Leatherman Micra.

For a harness knife, the Spyderco Ladybug is fantastic.

James C wrote:

leatherman micra 1.8 oz. scissors centric, once used the tweezers to pull a cactus needle from a partner's foot in red rocks.

I think I’ve decided on the Victorinox Classic SD it’s cheap and very small. I like the Micra but it is way to expensive.

Yeah they were $19 in 2015 according to my amazon receipt. $50 now, oof.

I usually just carry a small spyderco knife.  The Jester (now hard to find).  Similar to a Ladybug in size.  Good for cutting salami, cheese and the occasional sling or rope (mine's serrated).

If I thought I'd need more than that...

I carry a CRKT cleaver in my back on back country trips. Weighs like 1.5 oz. 

I've cut branches, ropes, and steak with it many times. 

CRKT minimalist