Customer Reviews

Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I saw quite a few reviews here from people who love this model but more or less miss having the scissors. You may want to know that Victorinox makes (at least) 4 slightly different Tinker models: "Small Tinker", "Tinker", "Super Tinker", and "Deluxe Tinker". If the measurement information given above (3 1/4") is correct, then the model sold here is actually the "Small Tinker". The other 3 are full-size models (just 1/4" longer). Trivia aside, what I want to bring to your attention is that the "Super Tinker" model has all the same tools as the "Tinker" plus one - the nifty little scissors! If you're looking for the ideal model that has BOTH the Phillips screwdriver AND the scissors, go with the "Super Tinker" instead.

I carry two pocket knives with me at all times: A Benchmade tactical folder and this knife. I keep the Benchmade on me simply because it's easy to get out and use quickly while your other hand is busy holding whatever it is you're working on (plus the serrations come in handy with tougher material). The Swiss Tinker is a fabulous knife indeed. The phillips screwdriver is a unique departure from the corkscrew (which is also very handy), though it can be a bit akward to use at times. The slim lines and light weight of this knife makes it easy to carry in jeans and suit pants, without making too much of a bulge. Although the scissors in the Swiss knives are without serious competition anywhere in the market, I'm not missing them too much. This knife has been a trusted companion for many years.
One thing I have found about the Swiss knives, though: take off that stupid key ring. If you carry the Swiss in your pocket like I do, the ring will catch every string, wire, and cord in your pocket.

If somebody started a 12-step program for Swiss Army Knife owners, I would probably be hauled into the meeting by my wife....but that's my problem. Swiss Army knives are like cars; they run the gamut from sub-compacts, to sedans, to monster SUV's. Using that analogy, the Tinker would probably rate as a dependable and economical light pick-up truck. It can do a lot of jobs, and take quite a bit of punishment, but understandably, does not have the full complement of bells and whistles (corkscew, scissors, pliers, magnifying glass, etc.) that the bigger and pricier models have. The Tinker represents a reasonably good trade-off among the areas of portability, utility, and cost. Not to brag, but I got mine, new in the box, for $8 at a flea market. The Tinker would be a great knife for the Boy Scout/Girl Scout in your life, or some other responsible young person who can be trusted with cutlery, for camping, hiking, outdoor activities, etc. I carry my Tinker at all times, and I'm known to say a quick prayer of thanks each time it saves me a trip to the toolbox for a phillips head screwdriver, or flat tip screw driver. For the sake of modesty, I won't give a "top ten list" of uses for the tweezers and toothpick; I'll leave that up to you.

I have carried Swiss Army knives for years now. Tried several different kinds, ones with cork screws and without, with phillips screw drivers and without, very slim ones and the mondo big ones that end up wearing holes in all your pockets.

The perfect knife (in my opinion) is this tinker model. I use the phillip screw driver all the time and two knife blades is the right number (one for food and one for everything else). It is big enough, but not so big that it bulky in my pocket.

I have purchased like 20 of these knives too. I keep losing them in security lines here in DC. Still I can imagine being without one for long.

I got my first Tinker in 1975 and wished that it had scissors. Since then, I've used the phillips head screwdriver countless numbers of times (which is not available on most other knives), but never EVER wished that I had a pair of scissors. Another plus is the size. This is the most compact of the Victorinox knives with the 2.5 inch blade. Compact, Useful, Durable...

I bought this knife because I wanted something more than just a blade but didn't want some of those other knives with a bunch of tools that I will never use. I have a Climber and this knife. The climber is in my bag and this one I keep in my pocket everywhere I go. I haven't, like some reviewers, found myself needing a small pair of scissors on my knife but I can see where some would like it. This is a great knife to keep in you pocket.

A very reliable product, exactly what you expect from Victorinox, it will take a pounding and still work like new. It's an excellent minimalistic pocket knife and the corkscrew is not really something you'll miss (unless you drink a lot of wine and champagne, but then you probably already have one anyway). The fact that it doesn't have a pair of scissors is also not that big a problem, if you really need it there are other Tinker models with the scissors and besides, you can probably make do with the knives. Highly recommend this knife for camping and everyday use.

I originally became a fan of the original swiss army via years of watching MacGyver use his to get out of all kinds of sticky situations. This knife has not changed a bit in style or performance since the first one I owned almost 2 decades ago. The tinker provides the basic functionality of a multi-tool without the bulk of some other models. There isn't a day where I don't use this knife at least once. The original swiss army knife is an excellent product, and the low price takes away just about any excuse as to why someone would not buy this product.

Have used this knife for years. It is a great size for your pocket, as many of the others are way too big. I am a contractor and its tweezers come in handy for splinters, the screw drivers have saved many trips to the truck and the tooth pick is always there when needed. Of course the knife is great. Only trouble is forgetting I have it with me when going thru security at the airport, lost 3 knives that way.

4 stars because this is the wrong knife. this is the 3 1/2" version that is sold for less elsewhere on amazon. (search victorinox tinker) i recently donated my third one to TSA. unfortunately i don't leave home without it. great knife, but i wanted the 3 1/4" version as it fits better in my pocket. a little misleading.