9. Victorinox SwissFlash 8GB

• Swissflash Laser...
• • ElectronicsPLUS
  • $103.49
• • Limited Goods PG East
  • $121.16

$72.95

What says “guy gift” more than “Swiss Army knife?” Nothing. Except maybe a Leatherman. But since Leatherman doesn’t have a device with a USB flash drive built in, you’ve just gotta go with the SwissFlash, made by the original Swiss Army knife manufacturer, Victorinox.

You’d do better to think of this as a USB drive with some killer multipurpose accessories attached rather than a knife with a USB drive. When a lot of us think of Swiss Army knife, we think corkscrew, tweezers, awl, can opener, pliers, and so forth. The SwissFlash doesn’t have that stuff. It’s a USB flash drive that tucks into a rugged, opaque red sheath (no cap to lose!). The sheath just also happens to feature a blade, scissors, and nail file with a flathead screwdriver tip. Right next to the key ring, you’ll also find an 18,000 mcd (millicandella) white LED flashlight, and a retractable ballpoint pen. Personally, I’d have rather had the toothpick and tweezers than a pen, but that’s fine.

Watch your model numbers when ordering. This one is the 5301G8. There’s also the $67.95 5301FG8 SwissFlash Flight, which omits the scissors, blade, and nail file. The “Flight” must mean you can take the unit on a plane without having it confiscated at the gate. Apparently, some terrorists have been know to file their nails in a threatening manner.

Everybody needs USB drives. Every dad needs a good, reliable pocketknife. With the SwissFlash, you get the best of both worlds from the top name in the field—and a great conversation piece to boot.