The MiniChamp XL is a retired model that is even larger than the MiniChamp, adding the small divot tool and the older type of nailfile (with the file cut into the metal). However the XL is still classified as a five layer SAK! - See layer definitions here. Robert Elsener of Victorinox reported (June 2008): "The MiniChamp XL was produced between 1999 and 2002, and sold until 2005." Variations The Midnite MiniChamp ( known as the MiniChamp Lite in some markets) adds a small flashlight to the scales replacing the tweezers. Prior to 2010 or so its LED light was red after that it was white. The Lite version was also available for the four-layer (original) MiniChamp I, which had the light and tweezers as scale tools.

I only bought this because i lost a leatherman style cs, It's smaller than i expected has a mostly useful array of tools (could have had something else instead of the cuticle pusher thing) now managed to replace the leatherman so not sure what to do with this now i do like it but getting the tools out on the leatherman style is so much easier Like all small tools, the MiniChamp also has its shortcomings. However, I will mention just a few that bother me sometimes. Wanted a small keyring knife/tool, the alox scales swung me to this one over the plastic scaled manager which had all the tools i wanted, pleased i made the choice as the alloy finish is real quality. The MiniChamp is kind of unique in terms of size, weight and functionality. The only other keychain multi-tool I find comparable to the Victorinox MiniChamp is the Leatherman Micra. Being a minimalist, I do not like carrying useless tools. In this sense, I would have loved it if the cuticle pusher was replaced by something more useful, or not added to the MiniChamp at all. But that is just me, you may find it useful.

However, this confuses me often as I am accustomed to opening the knife from outside in the Classic or the Rambler. Hopefully, with more practice, this won’t be an issue for long.

The light is operated by pressing the Victorinox shield, which is a momentary switch in the Midnight version

Customer reviews

There is no point in comparing the individual tools side-by-side as all the tools in both the MiniChamp and the Micra are very small and one will not have any significant advantage over the other.