Any other SAK minimalists out there?

mnblade

mnblade

Joined
Feb 7, 2000
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I love all SAKs but mostly have an appreciation for the models that pack maximum function into minimum bulk. No SwissChamp, Craftsman, CyberTool or Handyman for me. If pocketability and ease of carry is not an issue, I strap on my Leatherman Wave. But, to me, SAKs are "pocketknives" first and foremost. For EDC pocketability, I really like the 84 mm version of the Spartan. These are a bit smaller than the standard Spartans commonly available here in the U.S. (those are 91 mm) and are a wee bit more comfortable in the pocket, IMHO. Other favorites from a minimalist point of view are the Waiter and Compact and, even smaller, the Rambler. I like the looks of the Soldier and Electrician too but would miss the tweezers and awl and corkscrew (well, mainly the little screwdriver that goes in it).

Anyone else spurn the big ones in favor of something more compact?
 
I prefer the minimalist locking models like the Ruck and Hunter. They're a bit longer than the non-lockers, but remain slim and light.
 
One of the very smallest ones, the Classic, has long been a must-have for me. It's no tactical folder, but it's the right tool for a lot of tiny jobs. I keep several spread around.
 
I use a black Classic a lot at work setting up my steno equipment and such. In fact, working in a university setting it's the only knife I openly use while at work, regardless whatever "tactical" one-hander(s) I have on me.
I also the last couple months have gone back to carrying my Soldier. Seems the Soldier and Classic make an excellent minimalist pair of useful pocketknives that complement each other. (I also carry a Leatherman Micra as well).
Jim
 
I like the minimalist models, too. Used to carry one of those megasuperduper-SAKs, but it was just too bulky. Now I carry a Rucksack, which is all that I need. (especially the bottle opener :))

Seb
 
A vote for the Soldier. I always carried a Tinker. One day while working on the mower I got B-12 on the Tinker...the handles started to melt. Got a handful of Soldiers, If I'm somewhere where the Aluminum is starting to melt, I'm not likely to care alot about my pocket knife. ALWAYS have one in my back pocket, vertically beside my wallet...Which is empty because of all the SAK and other toys I Really, Really needed....
 
Of the four SAK models that I own. I seem to like my Rucksack the best also. Does it all, a little extra blade and saw length to boot.
 
My fav's are the lockblade Victorinox models - of those I like the Trailmaster the best - 1 big blade, 1 wicked saw, awl, phillips screwdriver (how often do you really need a corkscrew :rolleyes: ), and of course the can and bottle openers.
 
My vote goes to the Executive it has the neatest little gadget an orange peeler, and it works like a charm stripping small gauge wire.:p
 
I like the Victorinox Pioneer - alox handle and a great awl which extends out from the end of the handle rather than being at right angles to it.
 
Lost mine and need to replace it now. Still one of my EDC favs

T. Erdelyi - -Someone once asked me if the orange peeler really worked - I told 'em yea, but only when you lean back and prop your feet on your desk...

Anyone know/use the Mini-Camp II and/or the Manager II?
 
Doing a quick count, I have at least 20 SAKs. All of them are minimalist models ... Pioneer, Soldier (3 - can ya tell which is my favorite?), Rucksack, Camper, Yeoman, and Recruit to name a few. I also have a few directly from Switzerland which aren't imported into the US for whatever reason. I'm never without a SAK nearby or on my person.

When I'm in town with little or no chance to be in the boonies, I usually carry a Soldier and an alox handled version of the Classic. When in the boonies, it's a Pioneer and the same alox mini. When playing dress up for funerals, weddings, night out dancing, etc ... it's this one:

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I prefer the alox handled knives. They seem to be a little sturdier than the celluloid and I like the looks.

Mike
 
I also carry a Classic on my keyring (for the tweezers and little scissors and the little screwdriver) to go with the Electrician in the other pocket.
 
My only SAK for a long time was the Tinker, but I now carry the Rucksack pretty exclusively. I LOVE the saw; I use it more than the knife blade I think...
 
Pioneer in a kangaroo sheath, alox classic around my neck, secretary in my wallet. Hunter in attache case.

Ben
 
I almost always have a Rambler on me. I do carry an Explorer often, and I got it because of it's smaller size than the Champ I have. I also have a black Wegner with 5 or so functions that used to be my airline travel knife. Makes a nice going out to dinner knife, too.
 
Of the 3 1/2" models, I rotate between the Climber, Spartan, Tinker and Camper. SAKs that are three springs wide are about the thickest I can carry in my pocket. Of course, I have a few Classics and an Executive for when I'm dessed up or at work.
 
Good thread. I also prefer the smaller 84mm SAKs. Carried an 84mm Spartan for everything for about 10 years, but have recently switched to a Tinker. Also, I always carry the Alox classic on my keys. It is incredibly thin compared with the normal red handle.
 
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