Are SAK's considered traditional?

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
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So I take it from reading older threads that SAK's are part of the traditional family. Dare I ask why? Are they considered the grandfather of the modern multi-tool? Not arguing, just curious.
 
They are slipjoints. They don't have thumbstuds or thumbholes. They don't use pocket clips. They have been around since the 1800s. Hence, they fit the requirements to be discussed in this forum.

There is a separate sub-forum here for multi-tools and multi-purpose knives, where they are also discussed. So there is some overlap.
 
Absolutely. Some great conversations can be found on the humble SAK in their forum, and on a couple forums outside of BF. Everyone needs a little alox in their life. :)
 

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I have a hard time thinking of them as traditional since the use of the snap-on scales and the loss of the bail, but I'm in the vast, vast minority on these points.
 
I'd certainly consider the scout pattern (or camper, or utility, or whatever name is used for the pattern that usually contains a cutting blade, an awl, a cap lifter, and a can opener) a traditional knife. (FWIW, I HAVE to take that opinion, since my first knife, back around 1960, was a scout knife - Colonial Forest-Master.) And, to me, Swiss Army Knives are just a weird (and wonderful) version of a scout knife.

- GT
 
jc57 said:
They are slipjoints. They don't have thumbstuds or thumbholes. They don't use pocket clips. Thee very similar to Boy Scout knivesy have been around since the 1800s. Hence, they fit the requirements to be discussed in this forum.
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In addition they are very similar to Boy Scout knives. A the plastic covers, they are very durable, much more so than the celluloid covers on some older traditions.
 
Not to mention, but the lobster patterns like the 58mm classic's and the 74mm executive are the same sort of patterns that Sheffield turned out at the hight of their glory days. Mechanically, a very similar design to the pearl handled gentleman knives with button hooks, pipe stem reamers, and nail files.

Definitely a traditional design.
 
I'd probably would have been banned from the forum by now if they weren't considered traditional. I'd have to resort to code....carry one of those slippies with the plastic handles that have those tools like tweezers, tooth pick, scissors..... of you mean a scout knife? No... but it's close enough. :D I love traditionals however. This danged "scout knife" chases the other slippies out. Dang it.
 
Joe58 said:
Absolutely. Some great conversations can be found on the humble SAK in their forum, and on a couple forums outside of BF. Everyone needs a little alox in their life. :)
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What model is that? I have never seen a SAK with a clip blade before...
 
pinnah said:
I have a hard time thinking of them as traditional since the use of the snap-on scales and the loss of the bail, but I'm in the vast, vast minority on these points.
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What about trads with shell covers.


Ernie1980 said:
What model is that? I have never seen a SAK with a clip blade before...
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The Wenger S-111 was one of those with a clip point.

victorinox-wenger-evolution-s-111.jpg
 
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Ernie1980 said:
What model is that? I have never seen a SAK with a clip blade before...
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Hi Ernie - that is an older red alox pioneer I had modded to replace the can opener that I never used, with the clip blade from an old alox pioneer settler. Most settlers' small blade is a pen (which I've also used) but now and then a factory made one will pop up with a clip blade. Gives it a nice look it think. A 93mm alox with two blades, such as an electrician, are my preferred SAK models. The blades on the 93mm line are a tad thicker than on cellidor models which is why I wanted the small blade to be from another 93mm. I also always tote along a 58mm minichamp clipped to a single AAA light irregardless of my larger pocket knife that's with me that given day. SAK's lend themselves to modifications very well.

And I'd also agree with pinnah that the current soldier line from Vic isn't a traditional.

But I've gotten off topic to which I apologize. I tend to ramble. And shiny things (like knife blades) distract me. :)
 
The earliest Cadet II alox had clip points. Recruits at one time had clip points. Minichamp, day packer, and others too. Those all had secondary blades with clip points.

The Victorinox Pioneer Harvester had its primary blade with a clip point.
 
If they weren't I would not do this...

I suspect these are over all the most used knives in the world!
 
Absolutely they are! I don't have much to add to what was said above, but ...... The Alox knives are likely my favorite of any stainless knife.
 
As the original SAK was a Swiss version of the 4-blade camper/scout pattern, yes, they're Trad. I suppose by grandfathering in, even the modern(ish) SAKs with the one-hand-opening hole get lumped in, too. But if someone wants to declare that the OHO feature (or some other) kicks them out of the Trad family — well, OK by me.

Might be helpful if someone could identify the first, Ur-camper knife with the four more or less standard blades. My hunch is that it appeared essentially simultaneously in the US and Europe in the late 19th century. But I'd welcome clarification.
 
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