Victorinox "Super Tinker" Swiss Army Knife Review

Based on definitions for the words "Super" and "Tinker," I would identify the Victorinox Super Tinker in the following manner...

"An excellent tool a person might use for minor (and sometimes major) or casual repair work around the household and in the field; i.e., repair work of any kind."

Which Version?

Victorinox offers three versions of their "Tinker" - the Tinker, the Super Tinker, and the Deluxe Tinker; though I've never seen all three versions in a single shop.  The Tinker is still on the shelf at the local Target, the Deluxe Tinker is in stock at the ACE Hardware just down the road, and the Super Tinker can be purchased at my local Wal-Mart for right at $20.  (This is actually quite a low price in that, generally, the average price is closer to $30 or slightly more.  It might explain why they currently only have two in stock.)

What's the difference? 

• Tinker - large blade, small blade, can opener w/ small screwdriver, bottle opener/large screwdriver/wire stripper, reamer w/ sewing eye, Phillips screwdriver, key ring, toothpick, tweezers.
• Deluxe Tinker - large blade, small blade, can opener w/ small screwdriver, bottle opener/large screwdriver/wire stripper, reamer w/ sewing eye, Phillips screwdriver, key ring, toothpick, tweezers, scissors, hook... pliers w/ cutter and crimper.

The Super Tinker?  Well...

• large blade...  2 1/2" of edge, stainless steel, drop point, stamped "Victorinox, Switzerland, Stainless, Rostfrei;" I've used this non-locking blade to carve wood, gut fish, play mumbly peg, scrape glue, peel paint, and for just about every other use one would put a pocket knife to.
• small blade... Clean fingernails, open letters, gut trout, cleaning/dressing small birds such as grouse, opening food packets, and any other 'short blade' issues.
• can opener w/ small screwdriver...  It works, but leaves sharp edges on the can.  If you're careful, the screwdriver works on screws from eyeglasses to fly reels.
• bottle opener/large screwdriver/wire stripper... This one item can make you a hero when you least expect it.  The large screwdriver has served, primarily, for working with my license plates. I simply find it too large for many applications. Although, not too long ago, I did have to put a screw back into the frame on the dishwasher and found it worked for that... 
• reamer w/ sewing eye...  As for it's intended use, I've never had occasion.  But, the reamer has served me well (alright, it's 'worked') in undoing wind knots in my flyfishing leaders as something to work the knot loose with and/or keep the knot open.
• Phillips screwdriver... Remember - "Casual repair work." None of the screwdrivers are substitutes for the real thing when serious work is in order.
• key ring... Remove the key ring. The unit is too big to be convenient on a standard key ring. Several auto mechanics and a couple of locksmiths have advised against putting too much weight on a key ring (it puts too much stress on the ignition switch of vehicles). When I want my keys, I want keys. When I want a knife (or another tool), I really don't want to be messing with keys. And, if you've got to loan your keys to someone, you're without your tool. (Think Tom Hanks in Cast Away...)
• toothpick, tweezers... If you say so. The toothpick is a novelty; not stiff enough and too blunt. The tweezers are also a novelty feature (these are the "gray and white buttons" you see on the end of the knife under the key ring - sliding into recesses in the plastic grip). The tweezers aren't beefy enough to accomplish anything but the most trivial tasks. 
• scissors... I've used these to cut moleskins, fishing leaders/tippets, tying flies, modifying flies on stream, cutting fly line, making fabric patches, and a plethora of other chores.
• hook... this hook is a question mark in the minds of most people. It's the Super/Deluxe Tinker's alternative to the ubiquitous "cork screw" found on more readily available models of "Swiss Army Knives." For me, it's worked as a reasonable dubbing tool for emergency fly tying and in conjunction with the wire handle on the older and less expensive 'mess kit' 1 pint pot. 

The Super Tinker has a standard red plastic housing; demonstrating the trademark white cross in a red shield icon. The weight is 3 oz. when measured on an 'ancient' Weight Watcher's scale. Length is 3 1/2" and the average width (with a millimeter or two difference depending on what implement you measure over) is approximately 1".   

Which do I prefer?

I've carried the Victorinox 'Soldier' for as long as I can remember; this being the true, Swiss Army Knife (also marketed as the "Swiss Army 70" by Wenger).  For backcountry use, I have a Victorinox 'Fieldmaster' (a Super Tinker w/ a small wood saw blade) that rides in a stuff sack with a Leatherman PST and a small variety of other useful doodads.  I also own several of the Victorinox Classic and have them squirreled away in a variety of roles: inside the first aid kit for backpacking, in the fishing vest looped to the chain on a magnesium fire starter, in the glove compartment for emergencies, and in a couple of places or drawers I'll eventually find again.

However, I have two Super Tinkers. The oldest one now sees regular duty in the fly fishing chest pack. It used to ride in the fanny, hydration, and/or under seat tool bag when I rode the mountain bike. But, various injuries, financial reasons, and general laziness has prompted its move to the fishing pack.  The second one, has seen duty tossed in the car camping kit, in the fishing vest, opening a vcr to remove a stuck tape, and when I couldn't find the right screwdriver - not wanting to take the time to really look.  

In short, the Super Tinker has lived up to it's name. You can't ask anything more of a tool than that.