THE Swiss Army knife is probably the original Gadgetman tool. Created more than a century ago, it remains as useful as ever.

When the design was first registered on June 12, 1897, the Swiss Army knife was no survivalist plaything. Created by Charles Elsener, the son of a Swiss hatmaker, it was intended as an elegant knife for army officers who wanted something a bit better than the standard knife issued to rank-and-file soldiers.

The standard-issue knife was functional but too heavy.

Elsener developed a lighter blade and then, to make it even more useful, he added an awl, a can opener and a screwdriver.

His lightweight multi-purpose tool was very popular and soon orders began to pour in from abroad. Further tools were added over time, starting with a wood saw and scissors, then moving on to a bottle opener, small screwdriver, toothpick, tweezers, ruler and even a magnifying glass.

Today, there is no such thing as a standard Swiss Army knife. The tool is available in more than 100 different combinations with the flagship of the range being the Swiss Champ, which has 31 different features.

In recent years, the Swiss Army knife has found itself under attack from newer designs.

With the Spearhead by Leatherman, the Americans entered the market with new multi-tools which used an ingenious hinge arrangement to become a full-sized set of pliers.

Although these tools were bulkier than their Swiss equivalent, climbers and workmen warmed to them.

The millions of badly-made copies sold for a few pounds on market stalls had taken their toll. They had left the poor Swiss Army knife with an undeserved reputation as a toy.

Anyone who has used a genuine Swiss Army knife (only two companies can legitimately make them, Victorinox and Wenger) will know this to be rubbish.

Victorinox, the company started by Elsener, wasn't about to take this threat lying down.

Today, the group has 950 employees. It spends a huge amount on research every year. And now they have come up with a Swiss Army Knife for the 21st Century.

Called the Cyber Tool, at first glance it looks no different to a standard Swiss Champ. But open the blades and inside you will find a complete pocket toolkit specially designed for working on electrical equipment and computers.

The system works on a similar principle to a socket set - a small driver into which you fit the bit of your choice.

The bits are held in a flip-out case and have a small ball bearing to stop them coming loose in the driver.

And what an array of bits you get. Within its tiny confines you will find three Philips (cross head) bits, three torx (common on cars and some computers) and a normal slotted screwdriver.

Throw in the usual pliers, wire cutter, ball point pen, cork screw, blades, cap lifter, punch, tweezers, toothpick, and a glasses screwdriver and it's plain Victorinox has reclaimed its right to be the premier manufacturer to pocket tools.

I've tried several Leatherman-style multi-tools and each time I have ended up returning to my good old Swiss Army Knife.

I used the Cyber Tool in place of my trusty Swiss Champ and found it just as useful but with the added advantage of a socket bit for every occasion. In fact, it was so good that I would seriously consider swapping permanently - and I can't give it higher praise than that.

*The Cyber Tool should be available from your local camping store or Victorinox dealer priced around £50.