A comparison between the Deluxe Tinker, the Explorer, and the Evolution S557

A

allenC

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Jun 18, 2000
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I've owned a lot of SAKs over the years...more models than I can recall.
But these days I only own a few SAKs...

Classic
Super Tinker
Climber
Hiker
Compact
Camper
Locksmith
Hunter
Fieldmaster
Deluxe Tinker
One hand trekker
Explorer

So...
It's been a long time since I've owned a Wenger Swiss Army Knife.
Long before Victorinox bought Wenger.
I've always felt that the Vics were of better quality compared to the Wengers.
But things change over time, and so I thought I would check out what the folks at Delemont had to offer.

So, I ordered a Victorinox Evolution S557.
 
The Victorinox Evo series are still made by Victorinox, as the name suggests, although it does indeed implement some of the more improved features from the Wenger side, such as the scales. Good move.

The Evo is the best iteration released by Victorinox yet. Enjoy.
 
I just received my Evo S557 today and here are a few physical measurements, and a few opinions between the S557 and my Vic Explorer and my Vic Deluxe Tinker:

Over all length: DT = 3.5" S557 = 3.25"
So, if you have large hands, the DT is going to be a little more comfortable to grip and use.
Judgement: The Delemont knives should be as long as the Vic knives.

Cutting blade length: DT = 2 5/8" S557 = 2.5"
The DT has a slightly longer cutting edge, but the S557's blade locks open (but I do find the lock to be a bit uncomfortable in the hand while using the knife).
Judgement: Longer cutting edges are better. Locks are good, but maybe a lock back design would be better.

The can opener/small screwdriver of the two knives appear to be the same, but they are not.
The DT can opener is 1 1/4" in length while the S557's is 1 1/8" in length.
Judgement: meh.

The bottle opener/med. screwdriver:
Bottle opener length of the DT = 1 1/4" S557 length = 1 1/16"
The bottle opener on the DT is longer and has a half stop, but the opener on the Evo locks when pressure is applied.
Judgement: a locking screwdriver is good.
Why doesn't Victorinox make all of the tools lock then pressure is applied?

Scissors:
DT cutting edge = 1" S557 cutting edge = 3/4"
The DT has a bigger bite and is very precise but I like spring system of the S557.
Something else I noticed...
Years ago I didn't like the Wenger serrated scissors because they left a jagged edge on the cut paper.
But Victorinox has changed something...
The S557 scissors appear to be serrated but the cut paper was smooth and not jagged!

The reamer/awl/sewing needle are identical as far as I can tell.


The pliers...
Over all length of the DT = 2 7/8" S557 OAL = 2 1/2"
Bite depth = 10/16" Bite depth = 9/16"
Bite width = 13/16" Bite width = 1 1/4"

Only time will tell which is better.
They both seem to work reasonable well.

The scales...
The DT has the typical Vic shield inlaid silver while the S557 has a white applied Vic shield.

The tooth pick and the tweezers are identical.

I really can't say which is the better knife.
I'll just have to use them for a while to see which one bonds with me.
So for the rest of December and all of January I'm going to shelve the Deluxe Tinker and just carry the Evo S557.
 
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Well, it does catch on my belt sheath if I'm not careful, but it's also somewhat uncomfortable in my grip.
It forces me to grip the knife farther from the end and then there's no room for my pinky finger.

I no longer believe that I'm going to make it to January with the S557.
 
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I didn't even realize the Evo series had a blade lock. Mind doesn't. It's the S17 no locking blade.

I see now that both, Lock and non-working, are available. There new Evo handles makes the SAKs a new animal. I can see how that lock nub would worsen the feel. Like a wart.
 
Yep, I just couldn't abide that lock release. So the Deluxe Tinker is back on my belt.
Maybe I'll seek out a non-locking Evo.
 
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