Practical and Surprising Uses of a Swiss Army Knife for Everyday Life

For over a hundred years, the Swiss Army knife’s small size and versatility have made it an indispensable tool for every pocket. Its flexibility makes it useful in the city and outdoors. Whether you’re fixing small gadgets, prepping food on the go, or needing a makeshift screwdriver, the Swiss Army knife has uses for almost every need. 

Don’t have one yet? Let’s explore the most common parts of a Swiss Army knife and how they can be used in different situations.

Common Swiss Army Knife Parts

A Swiss Army knife, like Victorinox, usually comes with a standard set of tools, all with specific functions. Here’s a breakdown of the most common parts and their intended uses:

Main Blade: A sharp, stainless steel blade ideal for slicing, peeling, and carving as the primary cutting tool.
Smaller Secondary Blade: A smaller blade for delicate cutting and precision work.
Can Opener: A tool for opening canned goods, often paired with a small flat-head screwdriver tip.
Bottle Opener: A dual-purpose tool paired with a larger flat-head screwdriver and sometimes a wire stripper, making it useful for opening bottles and light repairs.
Scissors: Small, sharp scissors designed for cutting paper, trimming thread, or handling craft projects.
Saw: A serrated blade perfect for cutting small wood branches, useful for camping and outdoor projects.
Awl or Reamer: A pointed tool for punching holes in leather or wood, ideal for quick repairs.
Corkscrew: A tool for opening wine bottles, adding a touch of convenience in social settings.
Tweezers: Slotted into the casing, these are perfect for removing splinters or picking up tiny objects.
Toothpick: A small plastic pick, stored within the knife, useful for cleaning or handling fine-detail work.
Key Ring: An attachment that allows the knife to be secured to keys or gear for easy access.
Phillips Screwdriver: A Phillips head screwdriver, available on some models, adding versatility for more repair tasks.

With these parts, a Swiss Army knife becomes a portable toolbox, ready for use in countless scenarios.

How to Use a Swiss Army Knife

Cut, Slice, and Peel

The main and smaller blades are ideal for cutting tasks. When you're out and about, use them to open boxes, slice food, or even cut rope and other materials.

Do Home Repairs

The various screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) are handy for quick fixes at home. Tighten loose screws on appliances, or use the awl to make starter holes for small DIY projects.

Open Bottles and Cans

The bottle and can opener tools make a Swiss Army knife perfect for picnics, outdoor dining, or even just popping a bottle open at home.

Pick Tiny Objects

Another surprising use for a Swiss Army knife is tweezers tucked into the casing. A pair of tweezers is perfect for handling small objects or removing splinters. They’re also handy in emergencies, like removing glass shards from a surface or handling delicate items like jewelry.

Open Packages

With the rise of online shopping, a Swiss Army knife is an excellent tool for easily opening boxes and cutting through packing tape.

Fix Bicycles

Some Swiss Army knives include screwdrivers and other tools useful for quick bike repairs. With the right screwdriver, tightening brakes or adjusting seats is quick work.

Strip Wires

For DIY enthusiasts, the bottle opener’s wire stripper notch allows them to safely strip wires for electrical repairs or hobby work.

Drill Holes

The awl or reamer can punch holes in leather, wood, or fabric—useful for belts, bags, and other items you may need to adjust or repair.

File Nails

A surprising use of a Swiss Army knife is the nail file, which is perfect for smoothing rough edges and personal grooming.

Pick Teeth

The toothpick tool may seem simple, but it’s great for an impromptu clean-up after a meal or even for fine-detail tasks like clearing debris from small objects.

Cut Hair

If you need a quick trim, the small scissors can be used to cut stray hair or give a quick grooming touch-up.

Start a Fire

While not all models include this feature, some Swiss Army knives have a fire-starting tool. Rubbing the knife blade on a flint can produce sparks to start a fire in a survival situation.

Build a Stove

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the Swiss Army knife can help you construct a simple stove. Use the saw to cut branches and the awl to drill holes for ventilation, creating a makeshift structure for cooking.

Cut Wood Branches

The saw blade of a Swiss army knife can be used to cut through small branches and other wood, useful for gathering kindling or constructing a makeshift shelter.

Prepare Food

The blade is a great tool for food preparation, whether you’re camping or eating at the office. It can cut, peel, and even spread things like butter.

Create a Phone Stand

With a bit of creativity, you can use your Swiss Army knife as a makeshift phone stand. Simply fold out the blade or screwdriver at the right angle, and it will support your device.

Emergency Repair for Gadgets

Whether it’s fixing a pair of glasses, a loose screw on your laptop, or a camera in need of a quick fix, the Swiss Army knife’s versatility lets you handle minor repairs on the go.

Unwind Tangled Jewelry

The small blades, tweezers, and toothpick are perfect tools for carefully untangling chains or other delicate items.

Replace a Lost Key Ring

The key ring on the Swiss Army knife itself can act as a substitute until you get a proper replacement.

Manage Nails on a Hike

If you’re outdoors and break a nail, the nail file and scissors can tidy things up until you’re back home.

Be Ready for Anything

One of the greatest Swiss Army knife uses is that it prepares you for the unexpected.
No matter what you’re doing—camping, commuting, or just handling everyday tasks—a Swiss Army knife is an incredibly versatile tool that fits right in your pocket. Each part is crafted with a specific purpose, making it ideal for common tasks and unique uses you wouldn’t expect. Its compact design means it’s there when you need it, from slicing fruit to fixing small gadgets.

Interested in getting a Swiss Army knife in the Philippines? Check out Urban Traveller & Co’s range of Victorinox Swiss Army knives and see which one best suits your needs!