If there is one piece of gear which epitomizes the outdoors for most people, it is probably a Swiss Army knife. Although they've been in business since 1884, it was after World War II, when American GIs started buying the "officer's knife" at their PX to take home—for themselves, for their friends, and for their kids—that the craze really started. Ingenious design and typical, above-par Swiss quality has helped these knives achieve heirloom status; but you'll never find them sitting in the china cupboard: tough, functional and outstanding, they're the perfect adventure companion.