In the UK we have a thing called the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Award’, which was a programme set up by Prince Phillip to get lazy teenagers out in the world completing various tasks to get a badge and brag about it on your University application or CV. The real reason anyone ever participated was for the expedition section of the scheme - this meant, at 14-years old, you and you mates were set lose in the countryside to navigate to a certain area and set up camp for the night, whilst a teacher would hop from pub to pub “keeping an eye” on everyone.

On top of the weather-proof rucksack, thermal sleeping bag and hiking boots my poor folks had to shell out for (all a bit overkill for two days walking on country roads in the British summertime), I also received my first pen knife (you know, in case I decided to trap, skin and gut a rabbit instead of eat my pot noodle). This pen knife made me feel so Bear Grylls it started an obsession with survival gadgetry that a full 17-years later, when the Victorinox Expedition Kit landed on my desk, I got sweaty palms I was so excited! This little beauty has 44 different functions…44! Deep breaths…

The case comes with a sharpening stone and ruler (inches and cm) that also has a built-in compass, magnifying glass, thermometer (°C and °F) and spirit level, a large and small penknife blade, reamer (with punch and sewing awl), can opener, three screwdrivers 2.5mm, 3mm and 6mm as well as a Phillips screwdriver ½, bottle opener, wire stripper, scissors, nail file, key ring, toothpick, tweezers, digital watch (12h and 24h), countdown, timer, altimeter (m and feet), barometer, thermometer (°C), alarm, pressurized ballpoint pen, pin, stainless steel nail file, metal saw, metal file, nail cleaner, wood saw screwdriver, chisel 4mm, LED, mini screwdriver, corkscrew and multipurpose hook…phew!

All these tools come in a compact polyamide body that measures up at just 51 mm (H) x 114 mm (L) and weighs just 232g. Everything from the penknife, to the ruler, to the case is made from high quality materials; it all feels tough and durable, which means it will hopefully be a reliable travel companion for years to come. The only issues we found was that the reamer was difficult to pull out and the torch isn’t very bright, and due to the batteries, there are also waterproof issues. However, it is still an excellent multi-functional pen knife. RRP £240.00

Current Cheapest Price

Pros

44 different functions

Compact

Lightweight

LED screen

Tough construction

Multi-functional ruler and sharpener

Protect case with belt attachment

High quality attachments

Cons

Blade not lockable

Can’t be operated with one hand

Waterproof issues with battery

Torch isn’t very bright

Reamer difficult to pull out