Best Multitools for Australia: Victorinox vs NexTool, SOG & Swiss Army Knives
, by Outback Edge, 10 min reading time
The best multitools for Australia — Swiss Army knives, Victorinox SwissTool, NexTool pliers multitools, SOG, and compact key ring options. Includes a direct Victorinox vs NexTool comparison table.
A multitool is a concentrated set of tools in one package — useful for anyone who works with their hands, spends time outdoors, or wants a versatile tool on hand for daily life. The category covers everything from a keyring Swiss Army knife with a blade and a screwdriver to a full-size pliers-based multitool with 26 functions. Choosing the right one depends on what you actually need it to do.
This guide covers the main types of multitools in our range across three primary brands — Victorinox, NexTool, and SOG — explains what each is suited to, and includes a direct Victorinox vs NexTool comparison for the pliers-based category where both brands compete head to head.
Swiss Army Knives — Victorinox
Victorinox Swiss Army Knives are the most recognisable multitools in the world and still among the most useful. They are compact, made in Switzerland, and available across a range from keychain-sized to 33-function flagship models. The format is layered blades and accessories accessible from the sides — optimised for compact carry rather than pliers work.
Victorinox Spartan — 1.3603
The practical starting point in the standard-size range. The Spartan includes two blades, a can opener, bottle opener, screwdrivers, wire stripper, reamer, and scissors — 12 functions in the classic format. The right choice for anyone who wants a compact, functional carry tool that handles most daily tasks. Fits in any pocket, weighs almost nothing.
Victorinox Camper — 1.3613
Adds a wood saw to the Spartan's toolkit — an underrated addition for outdoor users who need to process kindling, cut branches for shelter, or deal with any wood-cutting task. For campers and bushwalkers, the saw is the function that earns its place most consistently. Everything the Spartan does, plus the saw.
Victorinox Climber — 1.3703
A well-balanced mid-range Swiss Army knife with 14 functions: two blades, a saw, scissors, and the standard toolkit. Available in red, black, and white. For users who want a versatile outdoor and everyday carry tool at a sensible price, the Climber hits the right balance between function count and pocket size.
Victorinox Huntsman — 1.3713
15 functions, adding a hook and additional features to the Climber's toolkit. Available in red, black, and white. The Huntsman is the right choice for hunters, campers, and outdoor users who want a comprehensive Swiss Army knife that handles both field tasks and everyday carry without tipping into bulk.
Victorinox Swiss Champ — 1.6795
The flagship: 33 functions in a single package. Includes a magnifying glass, fish scaler, chisel, metal file, and tools that would not fit in any other format. The Swiss Champ is the choice for collectors, prepared travellers, and anyone who wants to carry every function Victorinox offers. It is thicker and heavier than the standard range — not for minimal carry, but unmatched in coverage.
SwissTools — Victorinox Pliers Multitools
Victorinox's SwissTool range brings the Swiss Army knife's quality and precision engineering into a pliers-based format — competing directly with Leatherman and NexTool. SwissTools are assembled in Switzerland from stainless steel with Victorinox's characteristic tight tolerances and smooth action. They sit at a premium price point but deliver a level of fit, finish, and tool quality that is genuinely different to budget pliers multitools.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X — 3.0224.L
The most popular SwissTool: a 24-function pliers multitool with all tools opening from the outside (no need to open the pliers to access them), a locking blade, leather pouch, and Victorinox's precision Swiss manufacturing. At 200g and a compact form factor, it balances capability with carry comfort. The Spirit X is the right choice for outdoor professionals, tradies, and anyone who wants a Swiss-made pliers multitool built to last decades. Leather pouch included.
Victorinox SwissTool — 3.0323.L
The 26-function full-size SwissTool — one step up from the Spirit X with additional bits and a more comprehensive toolkit. Leather pouch included. For users who want maximum capability in a Victorinox pliers multitool, this is the top of the standard range.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit MXBS — 3.0226.M3N
The black version of the Spirit X range, with a burnished steel finish that resists corrosion and scratching. Identical tool set to the Spirit X — the choice is purely aesthetic. For users who prefer a darker, more subdued tool finish.
NexTool — Pliers Multitools
NexTool produces pliers-based multitools that compete with Leatherman and SOG on function count and build quality at a lower price point. The Flagship range in particular represents strong value for a full-size, fully-featured multitool. NexTool tools are manufactured in China — the materials and engineering are solid, but the fit and finish do not match SwissTool at the premium end.
NexTool Flagship Pro
The core of the NexTool range: a 16-function full-size pliers multitool available in black, red, and green with a nylon belt pouch. The Flagship Pro delivers the best combination of features, build quality, and price in the NexTool lineup. Needlenose pliers, wire cutters, knife blade, saw, scissors, files, and standard screwdrivers. For users who want the best value in a full-feature multitool, this is the recommendation.
NexTool Flagship Captain
19 functions in the Flagship form factor — an expanded tool set compared to the Pro, with additional bit options and tool coverage. Check the specific tool lists against the Pro before choosing; the right one depends on which functions you will actually use.
NexTool Flagship Max — NE20310A
The most comprehensive standard-size NexTool pliers multitool. Builds on the Captain with additional tools for maximum coverage. For users who want the most complete NexTool option in a full-size format.
NexTool Sailor Pro
The entry point in the NexTool pliers range: 20 functions including needlenose pliers, wire cutters, knife blade, saw, scissors, and standard screwdrivers. The most cost-effective way to carry a full-function pliers multitool. The right choice for campers, tradies, and outdoor users who want pliers-based capability at the sharpest price point.
NexTool Gemini
A distinctive product in the NexTool range: an integrated electric screwdriver alongside the standard pliers multitool toolkit. For tradespeople and professionals who want powered screwdriving in a pocket-carry format, the Gemini is genuinely useful. Nothing else in this category does this.
SOG Multitools — Compact Pliers Format
SOG PowerPint
A compact pliers multitool — smaller and lighter than a full-size tool, designed for EDC carry. 18 functions in a package that is genuinely pocketable. Compound leverage pliers, wire cutters, knife blade, scissors, and the standard SOG toolkit. Available in beadblast and black. The PowerPint is the right choice for users who want pliers-based capability without the bulk of a full-size multitool — it carries in a trouser pocket comfortably.
SOG PowerLitre
The full-size version of the PowerPint — larger, with 18 functions and a more substantial feel in the hand. For users who want a full-size SOG multitool with the brand's compound leverage pliers technology. More grip surface and more torque than the PowerPint for heavier tasks.
Compact and Key Ring Multitools
Victorinox Classic SD
The keychain Swiss Army knife — a blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, and toothpick in a package small enough to clip to a key ring. Available in multiple colours. It is the most functional thing you can add to a key ring, and it is genuinely used by people who carry it every day.
NexTool Mini Sailor S11 Pro
A key ring multitool with pliers — a more capable compact tool for users who want functional pliers and a knife blade in a tiny package. 11 functions in a format that fits on a key ring. More capable than the Classic SD; heavier and less pocketable.
Victorinox vs NexTool — Which Pliers Multitool to Buy?
Both Victorinox SwissTool and NexTool offer pliers-based multitools, but they target different buyers. Here's how they compare directly:
| Feature | Victorinox SwissTool (Spirit X) | NexTool Flagship Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Country of manufacture | Switzerland | China |
| Pliers type | Needlenose, full-size | Needlenose, full-size |
| Tool count | 24 functions | 16 functions |
| Outside-opening tools | Yes — all tools accessible without opening pliers | No — tools in handles, pliers must open to access |
| Blade lock | Yes | Yes |
| Build quality / tolerances | Premium — tight, smooth, precise | Solid — good for price, not Swiss-level finish |
| Included sheath | Genuine leather pouch | Nylon belt pouch |
| Warranty | Victorinox lifetime warranty | NexTool warranty |
| Weight | ~200g | ~215g |
| Best for | Professionals, long-term owners, gift purchases | Budget-conscious buyers, first pliers multitool |
Choose Victorinox SwissTool if: you want the best build quality, outside-accessible tools (a significant practical advantage), Swiss manufacturing, and a tool you'll carry for 20+ years. The premium is real and so is the difference.
Choose NexTool if: you want a capable full-function pliers multitool at a much lower price point, or you want to carry a decent multitool without a large investment. The Flagship Pro punches well above its price — it is a legitimate working tool, not a toy.
Which Multitool Is Right for You?
Everyday carry and light outdoor use: Victorinox Spartan or Climber — compact, Swiss-made, covers most daily tasks.
Camping and bushwalking: Victorinox Camper or Huntsman for the wood saw, or the NexTool Sailor Pro if you also need pliers.
Trades, work, and heavy utility: Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X (best build) or NexTool Flagship Pro (best value). Both handle serious daily use.
Compact pliers EDC: SOG PowerPint — the most pocketable pliers multitool in the range.
Key ring carry: Victorinox Classic SD (lightest, most pocketable) or NexTool Mini Sailor S11 Pro (adds pliers).
Maximum functions: Victorinox Swiss Champ (33 functions, Swiss quality) or NexTool Flagship Captain (19 functions, better value).
Browse our full Multitools collection and EDC collection.
