A sort of comparison: SAK Farmer vs Enzo PK70 vs GEC 748212

[martineden]

Hello all,
today I want to made a brief comparison of 3 knives: SAK Farmer, Enzo PK70 and GEC 748212. They are similar in dimensions (blade length 70-75mm, length OAL 160-170 mm) and all of them are slip-joint folders, but very different in all the rest, general shape, materials, grind. My comparison will took into consideration just two angles: cutting efficiency and handle’s comfort. Nothing high-tech or science, just my impressions of use.
The contenders:


Let’s start.
First, the SAK Farmer: I’ll made a stick-point and a simple notch on a very seasoned branch

Impressions: cutting efficiency is good, the handle isn’t really comfortable.
Score:
- Cutting efficiency: 7,5/10
- Handle comfort: 7,0/10

Now, the Enzo PK70

Impressions: cutting efficiency is excellent, the handle it’s fairly comfortable.
Score:
- Cutting efficiency: 8,0/10
- Handle comfort: 7,5/10

Finally, the GEC 748212

Impressions: cutting efficiency is excellent, just a hair below the Enzo PK70, the handle it’s comfortable, and could be the most comfortable of the bunch if not for the second blade which impact on my palm.
Score:
- Cutting efficiency: 8,0/10
- Handle comfort: 7,5/10

Then, I cut some papers. As you may imagine, the knives are exactly as before the trials on the woods and cut the paper really well


Final score:
SAK Farmer: 14,5/20
Enzo PK70: 15,5/20
GEC 748212: 15,5/20

General notes:
Blades are different in terms of thickness, general shape, steels and grind. I found the Enzo PK70 and the GEC 741812 the best as a cutter. The SAK Farmer is a good cutter, but not at the same level of the others two


The handle of these knives are really different, both in shape and materials. About the comfort, I may say that is a tie for the Enzo PK70 and the GEC 741812. The GEC has a really comfortable handle, far above the Enzo, but the second blade impact on the palm, so at the end of the day it’s a tie. The SAK Farmer handle is fairly comfortable, but it’s too thin for my (big) hands, and the protruding small hole for the key-ring it’s very annoying on my palm.


Conclusions: my short test lacks a lot. I didn’t tried the knives for different tasks, nor on several materials or fresh woods, i.e.. Anyway I use frequently all 3 these knives, so I may share my impressions of use whit some certainness, I guess.

First, all of 3 are very good knives, well made, robust, whit a fine fit and finish level, and reliable.
In terms of quality/cost ratio, the winner is doubtless the SAK Farmer: it cost some 35 euros (45USD), and is fairly comfortable and is a good cutter, to not to say about the saw, the reamer and the other tools.
In terms of general fit and finish + cutting efficiency + handle comfort, it’s a tie for me for the Enzo PK70 and the GEC 748212, to not to say about the fashion of these knives.
You may carry all the 3 knives day by day whit satisfaction, but if I need to classify them thereupon the best use, I’d say: for a brief hiking on the woods, whit just a knife in your pocket, go to the SAK Farmer, it will be sufficient for all the small tasks you may imagine, and the other tools of the knife are a great addiction; if you want to stay light as possible and want a great cutter, go to the Enzo PK70; if you are looking for a great cutter, two different blades and a lot of “charme”, go to the GEC 748212.

Ciao,
Alfredo

 

[Boggs]

Alfredo........

Thank you very much for the comparisons.............the Enzo is one I forget about since they've recently begun making folders....but quite the looker

 

[stingray4540]

As unscientific as it may be, these are my favorite comparisons. Gives me a better idea of how a knife will handle things I might actually do with it. Also the notes on comfort are also good things to consider.

 

[Jack Black]

Three very nice knives Alfredo. Great to see them in action

 

[Kalsu]

I am glad to see your Enzo PK70 next to your GEC 74. Ever since you first posted up about your PK70 I have been looking at the Enzo line up. I must say they are quite good looking knives. Every time I look at them they grow on me.
Thanks for the comparison and test.

 

[martineden]

Thanks to all of you, guys.
The Enzo PK70 is a great slip-joint, I just find it a bit small for my big hands, being wonderfull besides.

 

[grunt soldier]

very cool comparison! thanks for taking the time to do it. I believe everyone should own a vic farmer

 

[Mountain Wildman]

Thanks for the info, I ordered an SAK Farmer on the 7th,
It should be here tomorrow. My first Alox.

 

[RogueBowie]

Great comparison/pics. I love my Alox Farmer and Pioneer, but I do accept their limitations. They are not the master of any of their tools, but they all do great in a pinch/every day situation.

 

[crbauhs]

Those Enzo slippies a very interesting. Scandi grind could be interesting.