Are SAK's any good?

H

Herr_Noobien

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May 20, 2009
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While i'm waiting for my custom Buck 110 to arrive, I need something that I can carry in the meantime. Since I won't be using it for long, it has to be around $50USD. I also realized that i would have a hard time convincing a police officer that I use a CQC-7 as a letter opener :grumpy: so I am in real need of a temporary EDC. SAK's have been around for ages and I have never actually had one of my own. So my question to you is:
Which one do I get?

I have a few requirements:
-Must be a multi-tool with a locking blade (preferably not serrated).
-Must have a Phillips screwdriver.

I also have a few questions about SAK's:
-How tough are the blades?
-How sharp can they get and how long can they hold a decent edge?

Thanks in advance.
 
I don't know of any SAK's with locking blades off-hand. I carry a Farmer or a Camper eveywhere and they seem to meet your other req's. As far as toughness, there really isn't a qualitative scale I can come up with. All I know is that mine have seen time when I worked as a diesel mechanic and see pretty heavy usage on all of my campouts. They hold an edge just like any other knife. Don't do something unreasonable and it stays sharp.
 
SAKs handle nearly all my tasks just fine. However, I've kind of reduced my carry load and stopped using one these days.

The blades aren't super steels, but they hold up just fine. Easy to sharpen and easy to use. While they don't lock for the Tinker model, considering that the purpose of these SAKs isn't for chopping and abuse, it does a fine job at its tasks. They get really sharp, really fast, but don't expect to compare it with INFI. I'd probably compare it with Case's Tru-Sharp.
 
There are a ton of locking blade SAKs. I'd get the One Hand Trekker

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The one in that picture has been in my pocket for six years. They can't be beat. Sharpen easily, keep a pretty good edge, sturdy. You can't ask for much more.
 
I've carried SAKs for probably 15 years. They're not made of super steel, but they're very resistant to rust, easy to sharpen, and they can be made shaving sharp.
 
I am very fond of mine. They are decent knives for day to day lite chores. For the money, you can't go wrong. I would find it hard to believe that with the many different styles and configurations that a person could not find a SAK to meet their needs.

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There are some pretty cool new 111mm locking SAKs with pocket clips and thumb holes. I believe Wenger has locking models in both big and small models.
 
There is a reason why SAKs are the most commonly carried knives in the world. They are excellent tools. :thumbup:
 
Not only are they good, they are pretty inexpensive and are widely available. A collection of SAKs wont cost a small fortune. Whats not to like?
 
I wouldn't get a locking SAK but would consider the ALOX line for a multi/traditional folder. Plus everyone "needs" at least one for their collection. Don't pass on these alox beauties.
 
They've been around since 1890. There must be a reason they are one of the oldest knife companies in the world, and still going strong.
 
Sounds like you are looking for something like the One-Hand Trekker Non-Serrated, Style Number: 54875 (that's the American model number, it's different in EU). Should go about $40-45.

Try Felinevet first, great service and usually the best price.

They get VERY sharp. If you have a thin AUS-8 blade, it sharpens up much like that, but seems to hold a bit better, IME.
 
The larger SAKs all lock. (110mm) The steel isn't VG-10 or 154CM or S30v etc., but should handle whatever you need and take a good edge when re-sharpened. I've used my two locking SAKs hard with no ill effects. I own several SAks and have never had one break.

I HAVE broken a Leatherman knife.
 
Check out the Victorinox Adventurer. The blade locks and there is a phillips screwdriver plus a couple of other implements.

Or the Victorinox One-Handed Sentinel Plus is right up your alley. (has large locking blade and phillips only)

The blades are good, but I wouldn't try to kill Godzilla with it. The blades take a sharp edge and that edge can last for a while even with daily use. A touch up can get that edge back in a few minutes. That's been my experinece with my Swisschamp (carried for about 15 years). Hope this helps.
 
saks are very good tools to have on ones person ,,i edc a super tinker for over 4 years now,,hasent let me down yet,,as to cleaning..some simple green desgreaser,dry it off,,then apply some mineral oil ,,good to go,,
 
I can't seem to find the trekker on any retail store websites (might find it when i go there though). At the moment i am deciding between the Skipper and the Trailmaster. The trailmaster is pretty much a trekker without a saw blade

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If i can't find the trailmaster i will probably get the skipper.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
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