Just for the record. I don't watch KZfaq videos for the most part. I listen to them when I'm busy doing chores. You Do A Wonderful Job! Thank you

You said not to expect good quality but the quality of your video and the clarity of your voice was amazing! Thank you!!

Awesome comparisons! That new package opener tool is way more impressive than I thought it would be originally. Have a great weekend, Anne!

The minichamp one was originally a doctors tool, its called a cotton pick, its for opening pill bottles and pulling the packing cotton than keeps the pills from bouncing around in transit

I find this video super useful! Well done!

Hi Anne, once again, a nice video. My personal recommendation for opening packages is still the blade. Exept for the hard plastic clamshell packaging. I used to use the pruning blade for those but I've had my share of "near misses" just like you in the video so for that the new package opener tool is a much safer option and I think it really excels in that role.

The new Victorinox package opener is the most versatile (plastic, cardboard, adhesive tape, sheet of paper, colson collar, etc.) and the safest to use. It will smell like lavender! :)

Thanks again, Anne. I, as usual, enjoyed the video and appreciate you posting them.

Interesting comparison - thx for showing. Rule #1 for knife security: NEVER cut towards you, ALWAYS cut away from you. Especially plastic packaging is molded, so it's not of even thickness all around, that makes it unpredictable. To my experience, the best way to deal with the clamshell packaging is the blade (preferably the small one) in the chestgrip. At home I always use heavy duty scissors or tin snips on them.

Zibra Open-it is a great tool for opening tough packaging. Sorry to stray away from SAKs.

Very nice .... Thank you .

The orange peeler began life as a label cutter from pill bottle. Great run down.

I grinded (wrong word?) a hook blade on the inside of the can opener, like you said, and it's literally one of the best things about the sak now. I strongly recommend it if you have a dremel, it doesn't take away the can opening functions of the blade, but adds so much more potential. You just need one sanding drum attachment for the dremel, that's all

Love your videos, so good!

I didn't even know any the Companion😮! It's funny though because one of the reasons I carry a knife is to open packages. Now this package opener is going to make my blade more obsolete😆

I cheered when the Harvester’s pruner made an appearance. FTW

great video! Something I haven't seen yet!

Very nice collection!

Great Video.

I just found your channel, great comparison, very helpful!

Interesting comparison 👍

I think one important thing tpeople (who haven't made the excperience themselves yet) can also learn from your tries is "always cut away from your own hands". Please stay safe, you don't need to risk injuries to provide us with informative and fun videos! While i have used the can opener for many things, i never tried to open packages with it. But i would have pushed to cut with the round part that is supposed to cut the cans instead of pulling. Otherwise you would need to sharpen the inside with a diamond file or simliar item to get in there.

Hallo, Ann. Your videos are one of the best SAK related content on KZfaq. You are always up to speed, intelligent and different thus interesting. Joy to watch

I like how you showed us the different packages and how each knife performed. Thank you.

A utility knife where you can adjust the length of the blade is best. That way you won’t cut too deeply into the package, possibly damaging the contents. I love my SAK rambler, but if I’m at home, I use the utility knife.

The wharncliffe blade on the minichamp is my favourite blade. It is super sharp. I used to use it for clipping coupons. It would cut through several layers of paper very precisely.

Try this with the pruner blade: push with your thumb on the spine of the blade till the tip of the blade goes through the plastic. Then a gentle draw cut. I managed to cut thick plastic with that blade. Could be my blade of choice for a box cutter. But I think for heavy duty/long term tasks the companions tool looks much better. Great test! Thank you for share!

For that Amazon box tape, my small Victorinox blade is perfect.

Very cool..great comparison..great video..I open packages with a knife lol but the Gerber Dime has a pkg opener I use to Thank you for sharing!

Great video and a great approach to compare the different tools on the functional level!

Nice review. Thanks for taking the time to do this review. Tip for sharpening the can opener to make it work. Use a chain saw sharpener. It creates a sharp edge with a "hook" shape that "follows" plastic packaging contours safely with decent results. I use it on box tape as well, when I don't have my box cutter close by. I don't like to gum up my blades with tape glue. I don't care about the can opener getting gummy. I have only used it for opening cans to see how well it works. Lol.

Great video. I use the awl on the Pioneer x six to open packages a lot or the slice Safety cutter. The scissors in the midnite manager are great for soft plastic and coffee bags. I guess the benefit of the companion is that you have everything in one knife.

This is a GREAT video with a great concept! As "tacticool" as many keyboard warriors tend to be in the EDC community, I'd venture to say that about 90% (at least) of us just use our knives for boxes and packages more than anything else! Also- I know the PowerPint won't replace the beloved SAKs, but the driver and pliers options CAN NOT be beat in this size range! Keep up the great work!

Fun video! You had me laughing when you were opening the padded envelopes and coffee bag. Those are things I stab with the large blade, about 10% in on one side and drag across to 100%. Then I decide if I even need to bother with the remaining 10%.

The minichamp orange peeler is great!

I totally dig the channel, a nice fresh take on tools. Great attention to detail, great everything, I have no complaints 😂 I’m running threw all your videos now, cause that’s how I roll ;) keep the videos coming!!!! Greatly appreciated, great reviewer, actually I’ll throw in excellent reviewer!!!! Have a great day!!!

I was hoping to see this, and you went above and beyond with all the comparisons and putting your thumb health on the line. Glad the new tool is a winner! (I'd like to see it paired with a beefed-up 111mm-esque combo tool, though, so can opening capabilities wouldn't be lost.)

You've got yourself another subscriber here! Great video and comparison here. I smiled when I saw that you opened the Amazon plastic mailer to reveal an Explorer - it was my first SAK when I was 16 and it remains a favorite in my collection. I would be interested in a potential future video on your thoughts/experience with it in the future. Also, any word from Victorinox on a standard Cellidor version of the Companion at some point? That's the one I'll be interested in purchasing...

Great video. I use the awl on my Pioneer X alox to open pacakages. It helps to hold it partway down the blade to have more control. I am really glad you didn't cut yourself during the trials! The other alternative is one of the pocket utility knives for package opening to save gumming up a decent knife. A curved utility blade works well too.

I too did not know how sharp the awl was 😂 I usually just use it for cleaning my nails or poking things I don’t wanna touch

Hi, thank you for the comparison! I love your vids on SAKs, showing your PERSONAL experience with them. I believe many people need this to see a full picture, advantages and disadvantages of different tools on SAKs. I think the situation with a lack of package opening tools on SAKs is a really important topic for many when considering to buy a SAK. For me, I daily carry a SwissChamp, and I frequently get packages wrapped with plastic mailers like you showed (4:30). My packages get delivered to a delivery point, so not to my home. And I need to check it basically in front of the delivery point worker. Using a stationery knife from this delivery point is not an option (well, everyone uses it, microbes.. etc.). Using a small blade on SwissChamp is an option, BUT as you have shown (7:30, great slowmo btw haha) getting a cut in front of a delivery worker is the last thing I want! To add to that, pulling out a blade in this situation attracts a lot of attention I have noticed. Browsing online I saw a vid from Felix Immler titled "The Hook Blade Trick - Swiss Army Knife modification...". He MODIFIES his can opener to create a sharp semicircular cutout (where you have tried to sharpen) using dremel. I HAVE all the required tools, and literally yesterday I modified my SwissChamp. I have not yet tried it on any real packaging for a lack if one at home (and sadly i don't have an unopened SOG powerpint either haha). But testing it on random plastic and boxes at home showed that it works great so far. BUT, this is definitely not an ultimate solution. First of all, many people struggle with sharpening their knives, let alone moding them. And the tools you would need are not the cheapest to get them just for that mod. Secondly, even though I tried to be careful, I have still made a number of scratches, and the original finished look of Victorinox is lost. I think it would be great to have this kind of package opener out of the box like on the new 2023 edition SAK. In any form: independent or integrated in an existing tool (e.g. can opener tool). A much needed tool!

Fun video Anne, But seriously, I just use a knife to open packages. (oh, and I keep my fingers out of the way too) 😂🤣🤣 Hope you have a blessed weekend. JT

Regular awl in a pinch grip between between index finger and thumb does a decent job on clamshell packaging. After all, the primary goal(s) is to not injure yourself or the contents right.

Girl, girl... most of those tasks are easily done with a good sharp blade, like in any ordinary utility knife. Taking Victorinox tools, particularly the pruner blade is well situated.I like Vic dearly, but such a specialized tool like this 2023 package opener is safe as milk, like Capt. Beefheart would say....

Nice work. I bet I know were the new one, the Swiss Spirit Companion, would beat the rest: package straps. You know those (often yellow) plastic straps around really heavy boxes? Here's where its serrations would allow some sawing action, which could come in handy. Serrations are also great for fabrics (like an emergency safety belt cutter, also to remove clothing from a crash victim without fear your main knife may slip and stab them [boy do they hate that], or rope.

Very cool comparisons! ive always wondered how they would compare. I typically use the can opener on the 9mm plaforms. I use the the midnite mini champ one quite alot.

Nice video, had no idea they had a package opener feature or orange peeler blades. I pretty much carry the smallest 91mm knife with scissors. Though I got a good deal on an Outrider 111mm , so have been carrying that a bunch. Subscribed.

I really like your YT channel. I have several Victorinox myself. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing Anne and risk life and limb, err thumb for the excellent comparisons. I wonder of Victorinox is considered replacing the can opener with the package opener and this is their pilot run?🤔 I thought I heard the package opener can be used as an improvised can opener, was that form you and have you tested that out? Thanks again!

Great show, thank you 🙂 I do not like the dedicated package openers. My method: 1:27 type plastic: Victorinox small blade 2:33 type plastic: Victorinox scissors 3:10 type plastic: Victorinox small blade 4:18 type material: Pocket knife (Spyderco or anything else) 4:45 type material: Pocket knife (Spyderco or anything else) 5:34 coffee: Pocket knife (Spyderco or anything else) or traditional scissors 6:08 type box: Pocket knife (Spyderco or anything else) 7:07 type box: Pocket knife (Spyderco or anything else)

just got the Live to Explore version of the Companion and was wondering if it had been put out it any other versions, love the scientific nature of this video and it was hilarious when you pulled another SAK out of the package LOL

Hey Anne, great comparison video - I really enjoyed it! The box opener, makes the 'Companion' a 1st Edition of sorts, and so makes it unique and generally does a good job. Thanks for the embedded link, much appreciated. Tobias always makes very valid & considered points. I'm going to watch some of those other videos too... Try to always 'keep your hands behind the blade' - that was a close call, and we do not want you cutting yourself, which may lead to no videos for a week or two, then we would all suffer from withdrawal symptoms ;-) Have a great weekend, Atb Gus :)

What a great test! And inside was another SAK! 😂

Lol the finger blooper near miss!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks for the review! Could you try cutting cardboard with the companion? I have a dedicated cardboard cutter from amazon that has similar serrations used to break down boxes.

Great video! I eagerly await my Companion. I've tried a bunch. If you have time, I recommend checking out the Lever Gear Edge XT. It has a built in box tape cutter that does great on that Amazon tape with the string in it. It also has an exacto blade for blister wrap. Has some other tools too, like a pry bar, screwdrivers and a magnetic hex drive. Also, the awl on the Roxon KS2 Elite is awesome. Better than the Vic Alox awl IMO for packages (easier to direct).

The orange peeler looks perfect to open packages to me from the start.

What do you think of the sog powerpint? I've been carrying one for a month now and absolutely love it. I'm usually a victorinox guy due to living in the UK but I converted the powerpint to comply with our laws and I don't think I'll look back for a while. Great video 😃

That was such a close call, you would have never lived that down at work. I edc a mini champ and have used the orange peeler to open a few packages. Mostly I use my Civivi Pintail because it’s so quick and easy. Good stuff Anne, be careful, that was a cringe worthy clip. Glad you came through unscathed 😊

I did manage to file a sharp curved edge on my Cadet's can opener and it works pretty good. But most of the time I just use a blade on whatever knife I happen to be carrying at the time.

It would be nice, If you make a review and comparison of the minichamp and executive. Really interesting to hear your opinion.

ein lustiger Versuch, am Ende aber gewinnt immer ein scharfes Messer 🙂 liebe Grüsse

great video! I actually really like the package opener on the Swiss Spirit 2023. The small triangular part cuts through plastic with ease, the serrated part makes short work of cardboard. Keeps you from having to dull or gum up your knife blades with opening packages. My wife likes it too because she finds it safer than using a blade. Having said that, there is one type of box for which I use the sturdy cap lifter/screwdriver on my Work Champ or Pioneer X and that is cardboard boxes with glued down flaps. The cap lifter makes a great opener in that case to be used as a pry bar to pry up the flaps. I know the Swiss Spirit 2023 is a collector's special edition but I use all my special edition knives rather than just collect them.

If you want to modify the can opener, just use a chainsaw file. They are hard enough to cut a notch into the stainless Victirinox uses. When the notch is cut, clean up the burr with SiC sandpaper.

That was an interesting comparison, but as some have said, I normally use my knife. However, I have used the orange peeler thingy on the mini champ to great effect as well. I wonder how the new cutter would work on cutting paracord, bank line, hay bale wrapping, etc? I could see using that instead of my blade. Good video, as usual 😊

The best package opener hands down I've found is the splicer on the Victorinox Spirit. That goes through pretty much everything.

Great comparison! It's very cool to see the various tools actually tested on various materials! (I'm also very glad you didn't cut yourself with the blade!) It does make me wonder how people use their SAKs to open packages. What do you think about a poll in the community section of your channel? (Or even if they don't use a SAK, but rather something else -- Frankly, that's what I do since even a cheap box cutter works so much better than almost anything else and the Milwaukee ones are exceptional, IMHO. Certainly, I occasionally will open boxes or something with my SAK or EDC knife as it's not a big deal to sharpen and strop a blade.)

I use a cheap opinel nr 6. It's easy to keep sharp and I'm not afraid to abuse it because of the low price. It's my favourite tool for opening packages. I subbed by the way

That was a wonderful comparison of some specialized SAK tools. 5:30 an Explorer box... Can we expect a video on the Explorer in the near future?

Just bought a mini champ. Package opener was a must have and I hoped that orange peeler would be perfect for that. Then came across your video so very happy to see it works so well. Now I can’t wait to get it in the mail. Oh wait, how will I open the package though?

An interesting video! Also I am soooo glad you didn't cut your thumb there. When you showed that slo-mo clip I nearly had a heart attack when I saw how close that blade came to your thumb! As others have said, never cut toward yourself. Those hard plastic coverings can be difficult too as some are pretty thick. I normally use a small Spyderco knife on them, cutting very carefully into the plastic. Just today I tried the awl on my Pioneer X to open boxes. It worked just fine, but as you noted in the video, I guess due to the angle on the awl you do lose some precision as to where the cut is going. In any case, I've seen another video showing the beautiful colors on that Sydney Companion, and I think I'm destined to get one of those! It looks great. Next month hopefully I'll order one. Thanks for a great comparison video!

Hi Anne !!! As usual a great video... I just upgraded my SAK to a Huntsman, based on your video about the most common tools you use on your champ. Today I decided to modify the can opener so it can be used for multiple functions... I whittle a lot so a useful mod for me is to sharpen the curve portion of the can opener & opposit flat end so it can be used as a pull tool. Doing that, also makes a rasor sharp box opener. So as the story goes I'm busting my "Cool E" or 6 (LoL) with hand files until !!! You guessed it "My Wife" Kitty Cat shows up with the Dremel which made short work of it. Once again the Eagle has crashed & burned. LoL

Err... You remember the way the SAK opens a a tuna can? Haven't tried, but perhaps the push cut of can opener would work in tapes boxes etc?? (need to test myself too, thinking out of the box, LOL"

Plastic & cardboard combination packaging? Try to look for perforations on the cardboard and break those with either short knife or some pry tool. The envelope bag type of package? Would a good sized scissor feature work instead of some of those other features on the Victorinoxs?

I was hoping to see project farm commenting but darn he didn't but really good video ann

Happy Saturday Anne, thank you for another great video demonstration of the practical uses for various Victorinox tools. Since I don't own a Companion I can't compare its package tools cutting abilities with other models and I have never used the orange peeler tools on the executive & the mini-champ to cut open packaging or the can opener. As a rule I use the small pen blade on one of my SAK's to cut open any kind of packaging & in particular clam shell packaging and only occasionally will I use the pruning (harvester) blade on the Swiss Army 2 and 6 knives in my collection. If & when Victorinox releases a Companion with standard Cellidor plastic scales as part of its all year round line up I will probably buy one but they may not put the cutting tool on any other knives except for special editions & therefore expensive annual models as they did with the LED light (and in line Philips screwdriver) on the 2021 winter magic Climber Lite. ATB Steve in Tel Aviv.

The new companion opener also seems like one of the safest options.

The Spirit will go with my ring 😌😌👍👍

😵Don't cut yourself lol. Great video, very fun! I think I am fully retiring my camper. I just got a super Tinker. It looks wonderful!

For piercing and draw cuts I am totally for the harvester renamed Swiss Army 7 …. Talon eagle claw, pruner… call it what you will but the best SAK package opener / box cutter in my experience.

I like the comparison, I've always used the second knife blade on most SAKs. How do they hold up to second knife blade on most SAKs?

At three minutes in, I can tell you that the can opener is the only one of those tools that open a can. Thankfully each SAK comes with a dedicated cutting device capable of opening each of the materials used in your testing. Lol

Alox Awl works best near tip - put finger along spine and control depth so only use end. The side the tool is on often indicates the best orientation to use it - packages often need the flattest side of the tool closest to the surface. Harvester works best if you cut AWAY from self

Hoh boy, here I go again. Sure is tempting with the new Live to Explore lineup out now. I primary an outrider, but use a compact for basketball shorts and lighter wear and a custom for heavy duty tasks. Strongly considering the New York “companion” to replace the compact 🤔

From max lvl edc following great video

If you use the sharp part of the can opener it would work with that too.

just come fromTrue Budget EDC & Prepping channel. He said that the can opener slot can also work as an oxygen bottle opening wrench - ever tested?

I'd rather use the small blade for opening all those packages. Interesting video!

Does Victorinox offer the new boxcutter on any other models?

The normal small blade on a 91 or 84 works too.

I guess Victorinox have put some thought into their package opener! I look forward to seeing cellador scaled models ? A tip , NEVER CUT towards you!

Small blade (the actual pen knife) on any SAK opens most packaging, especially those cursed blister packs. It's much easier to control around the corners of package than the large blade.

Hi, is the new tool implement allocated on the lower layer of the multytool?

I have to say, it’s really great to see a woman talking about EDC!

In theory package opener are great but in reality a knife just works better every time.

The pruner blade is the BEST for all the task she shows in this video

“Do not be expecting a ProjectFarm quality video..” *sad but continues watching*

you are a real youtuber now, testing multitools by opening other multitools 🤣 but yeah i thought the cutting part was the serrations surprised me there

What model was that can opener on?