11 Ways To Get Even More Use Out Of Your Swiss Army Knife
If you've got a Swiss Army knife sitting in a drawer or tucked into your bag, you’re probably not using it enough. Even though it’s one of the most popular multitools out there, this little tool can do far more than most people realize. Beyond the usual blade or screwdriver, there are creative and super simple ways to use it that can really come in handy. Here are eleven smart, practical ways to get more use out of your Swiss Army knife.
Peel Produce on the Go
The small knife blade on a Swiss Army knife is perfect for peeling apples, slicing oranges, or even prepping vegetables at a campsite. It's not a fancy chef knife, but it’s sharp enough to get the job done when you’re out in the woods or at a picnic. With a little practice, it’ll feel just like a mini paring knife in your hand. Just remember to clean it well before folding it away again.
Open Stubborn Packaging
We’ve all had those moments with plastic clamshell packaging that feels like it’s sealed with cement (I’m looking at you, toothbrush packaging). Instead of wrestling with it or going to search for scissors, your Swiss Army knife’s small blade or scissors can slice through those sealed edges safely. It’s especially handy to have your Swiss Army knife on hand during the holidays or birthdays when every toy or gadget is trapped in hard plastic.
Pull Out Splinters
It sounds odd, but the tweezers hidden in the handle of most Swiss Army knives are surprisingly underused. If you’re out gardening, hiking, or working on a DIY project and end up with a splinter, those little tweezers can gently grab and remove it. They’re not the strongest in the world, but they’re usually just precise enough to do the job.
Tighten Loose Screws Anywhere
Most Swiss Army knives come with both flathead and Phillips-style screwdrivers. They're not as comfy to hold as a full-size tool, but they’re a lifesaver when a cabinet knob comes loose or the screw falls out of your sunglasses while you’re out. Keep your Swiss Army knife nearby when you’re traveling, biking, or even putting together furniture. You’ll be surprised by how often you’ll reach for it to save the day.
Snip Thread or Fishing Line
The scissors on a Swiss Army knife might be small, but they’re sharp. They’re great for cutting thread, yarn, or fishing line when you’re on the go. If you sew, knit, or fish, keeping a multitool in your kit makes things much smoother. And if you’re camping or tying down gear, having a way to make quick cuts without having to carry a full-sized tool is a real win.
Pop Open a Cold Drink
Whether you’re tailgating or camping with friends, nothing dampers the party spirit like forgetting a bottle opener. Good news: most Swiss Army knives come with one built in! Some even have a little notch for prying open cans. It’s not just convenient, it’s also a great way to make friends at a party. People will be very grateful when you whip out a little red knife to save happy hour.
Scrape Labels and Stickers
That little flat-edge tool on your knife? It’s not just for screws. It also makes a great scraper for peeling off price stickers or getting old tape off surfaces without damaging what’s underneath. It’s one of those unexpected uses for your Swiss Army knife that feels oddly satisfying when it works. Just go slow and don’t apply too much pressure, especially when peeling something off of delicate surfaces like glass or wood.
Spark a Campfire
Some people don’t know this, but you can use the back of your knife blade (not the sharp edge) to strike a ferro rod and create sparks to start a fire. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll always have a backup fire-starting method on hand. Just make sure you’re in a safe spot and that your knife is clean and dry before you try it.
Fix Eyeglasses or Gadgets
If your glasses lose a screw or your earbuds pop apart, the tiny screwdriver hidden inside some Swiss Army models can be a real lifesaver. It’s made just for delicate work on small things, and while you’ll need a steady hand, it’s a lot better than trying to fix things with your fingers. Keep your Swiss Army knife on you, and you’ll be surprised by how often it comes to the rescue.
Fix a Shoe in a Pinch
Your Swiss Army Knife can actually save the day when your footwear fails you. A loose sole, wobbly heel, or stubborn shoelace knot can all be tackled with a few of the built-in tools. Use the knife blade to trim fraying laces or the tweezers to pull out small pebbles stuck in the tread. If you need to tighten or adjust a screw on a boot or sandal, the screwdriver attachment might be your new best friend.
Make It a Daily Tool Kit
At the end of the day, a Swiss Army knife is less about survival tricks and more about everyday fixes. Use it as your mini toolbox when you're away from home. Whether you're clipping coupons, opening boxes, filing a broken nail, or even uncorking a bottle of wine, it’s amazing how much this one tool can handle. Carry it often, and you'll find new uses all the time.
More Than a Pocketknife
A Swiss Army knife isn’t just a gadget for scouts or survivalists. It’s a tool for real life that proves its worth one small fix at a time. Keep it handy, and you’ll realize why so many people keep one in their bag, drawer, or glove box. You don’t need to go looking for reasons to use it, life will hand them to you. And when it does, you’ll be ready.