Am I the only one who hates SAK nail files?

A

average gimp

Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
1,126
I can't stand the nail files on the Classic and similar models.

Victorinox-Nail-File.gif


This pattern doesn't remove material cleanly from my nails; it always leaves "flashing" behind. Why aren't SAKs made with nail files of this pattern instead?

nail-cutter.jpg
 
Admittedly, the nail file on the 58mm SAKs (Classic and its variations) is not really the best file you will find. I myself use the tool mostly for it's screwdriver and light prying (as in light... like removing staple wires) capacities.

If you want a good nail file on a SAK, try to get the Vic Executive. The ones that come with the 91mm line like the SwissChamp are also very aggressive, though I think it's because that's more of a metal file.
 
SAKsRCool said:
Go over it with a lighter touch and the flashing is removed.
Click to expand...

What he said! :thumbup:

I love the classic nail file, but you do have to "finish " it off with some light polishing strokes. I've also used the nail file on other material, like plastic, and it has worked as well as a small piece of sandpaper.

Carl.
 
I like the file on my Wenger. Never tried the Classic's (I have a Classic but dont really like it).
 
Judging from the responses, you may well be the only one who hates SAK nail files. Please re-examine your attitude. Hatred is such a negative emotion :concern:.
 
From the heading I thought this was a post about the file being useless. I didn't think anyone actually used these things. Well, count me as a hater. Any tool would be better that this useless chunk of metal. One third of the Classic and one fourth of the Cadet are wasted on the one item you would never actually have to use while away from your presumably nice set of files at home. A second blade or some screw bits would be 100% more useful than a file.
 
While I would have preferred a second blade or awl on the Cadet, I do like the file on the Executive and, to a lesser extent, on the Classic. The Executive's file is more refined, and the Classic's is more aggressive, but I've had no problems with either.

Jim
 
znapschatz said:
Judging from the responses, you may well be the only one who hates SAK nail files. Please re-examine your attitude. Hatred is such a negative emotion :concern:.
Click to expand...

Hey, I fully admit my prejudices. I've found the file is useful for light filing of other somewhat rough surfaces, just not my fingernails. At least I didn't lead off with my distaste for the Classic's scissors, which would've seen far more disagreement. Besides, life is much better since I've discovered the Rally. I just wish that Victorinox would use a conventional nail file pattern, and that would make the Rally dead solid perfect--for me.

Halberdier, thanks for not leaving me hangin'. :D
 
The nail file works fine for what it was intended IMO...

I see the small SAK mostly as a personal grooming tool (small blade, nail file, scissors, tooth pick, tweezers).

I almost lost a finger once while trimming a nail using an inappropriately large and sharp Spyderco. Lesson learnt. :)
 
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The nail file is one thing I'd like to see Vic/Wenger improve. For one thing, they seem to vary from one to another. Some are clearly more aggressive than others. Another area for improvement would be if they could make the teeth extend to the ends of the blade, so that the file could be used in more non-nail instances. What I do like is that the file is omnidirectional. Unlike a normal single or double cut file, it doesn't matter which direction it's used; it will still file away material. Interestingly, I'd just as soon use the more aggressive metal/wood files associated with full sized multitools to file my nails. They simply work faster.

FWIW, I find files one of the more consistent quick indicators of multitool quality. Lower quality MTs almost always have files that are poorly made.
 
I have ripped nails while working on things and use the scissors to clean it up and then the file to smooth it out. I find them both very useful and would hate if they got rid of either.
 
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