Better Victorinox Spartan?

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
4,675
I seem to always have a dull Victorinox Spartan in my pocket. This really isn't a "ding" against this great little knife - it's dull because I use it a lot and it has a soft blade that requires a lot of maintanence. I'm not a guy that breaks out the waterstones every Sunday morning to tune up my knives so, I have wanted a better main blade for a long time.

What options do I have to retain the features and functionality that I like so well in my Victorinox Spartan and get a better longer lasting (sharpness) blade?

TIA!
Sid
 
Ask swissbianco, he has made S30V blades for SAKs in the past. I don't know if he's still doing it.
 
Sid Post said:
I seem to always have a dull Victorinox Spartan in my pocket. This really isn't a "ding" against this great little knife - it's dull because I use it a lot and it has a soft blade that requires a lot of maintanence. I'm not a guy that breaks out the waterstones every Sunday morning to tune up my knives so, I have wanted a better main blade for a long time.
Click to expand...

Seriously, you can't find 4 minutes one time a week to touch up the blades? SAKs rebound to shaving sharp in no time at all.
 
i once emailed victorinox about using higher end steels for the blades, and the fellow that responded hinted that there might be a limited run in the future to celebrate one of their anniversaries.

i think that it would be phenomenal if they used a nice high end stainless or a good tool steel for the main blade, something like A2, S30V, D2, etc. that is my main reservation with carrying a SAK. i don't want to compromise or carry two knives like that. sometimes i toss a SAK in my bag but it doesn't consistently make my EDC because the edge fades pretty fast.
 
If 154CM is a good enough steel for you, how about the AG Russell Premium Scout knife?
RUS-1996JB.jpg

I don't have one, but it looks similar to a Vic Spartan.
The Boker Camp or Scout Knife has 440C (kinda pricey at $149.95):
BO-182R.jpg
 
mnblade said:
Seriously, you can't find 4 minutes one time a week to touch up the blades? SAKs rebound to shaving sharp in no time at all.
Click to expand...

I agree, sure it's not the best steel, but I've grown to like it, I have no problem stroping the blade once or twice a week,takes 30 seconds, might resharpen it once maybe twice a month, a couple minute job! Though I can see having the option for a better steel would be nice.
 
Have you tried running the blade down a kitchen steel? If you're not into re-sharpening it as often as it needs, swiping it down a kitchen steel takes no time at all. I touch up my Rambler daily like this, and I have yet to actually sharpen the knife.

The other option is to take a look at the models Ultraman suggested, or check out the Slipjoint subforum here for more suggestions of knives with better steel and folding tools. :D
 
To answer a few questions (hope I don't miss one ;)):

  • I prefer to keep a pocket knife that is relatively small and has basic tools.
  • I travel a lot and I don't take sharpening stuff with me.
  • The blade touches up quickly but, I still have to be at home and have the time to break out the waterstones.
  • A kitchen steel would realign the edge but, I'm not doing things with it that deform the edge generally (I don't feel any deformation or rolled edge when I sharpen).
  • I've tried the two knife thing and it just doesn't work for me. It's especially irritating when I fly or go to secured areas in courthouses for example.

Thanks Ultraman, that AG Russell Premium Scout knife looks like a good choice!

I'll also give SwissBianco a shot. To be honest, I've been surprise that no one has come up with an aftermarket upgrade option for a standard Victorinox blade. A company like AG Russel could certainly sell a large quantity to make the start up costs worthwhile.
 
A $12 DMT diamond card will fix your problem. It's the size of a credit card. Portable, inexpensive, and high quality. Much like your Vic Spartan!
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
A $12 DMT diamond card will fix your problem. It's the size of a credit card. Portable, inexpensive, and high quality. Much like your Vic Spartan!
Click to expand...

Hmm, maybe in a backpack. My wallet is too thick already with all those store loyalty cards (I don't like wallet size bruises on my buns :eek:).
 
You might consider convexing the edges on it. I find that makes a great improvement in long term cutting ability on SAKs, and if you maintain them regularly makes resharpening quick and painless.
 
enderwiggin said:
Have you tried running the blade down a kitchen steel? If you're not into re-sharpening it as often as it needs, swiping it down a kitchen steel takes no time at all. I touch up my Rambler daily like this, and I have yet to actually sharpen the knife.
Click to expand...

+1 That's what I do to mine with a slightly course steel, the edge comes back in seconds usually. :thumbup:

Remember you've got 2 blades on the Spartan. Use one for the rough stuff and the other will stay sharp till you get home.
 
Last edited:
Victo actually makes a pocket steel that can go on your keychain or worn as a pendant, also.
 
Thanks everyone! I got a Wusthof kitchen steel. I'll give it a try next time I need to tune up my blade on the Spartan.

That A.G. Russel website is evil. :) It all started with the Spartan replacement, then they had me looking at a Stockman ($185), and the Lockbacks .... oh my. My poor little wallet started quivering at the thought of the purchases in my future! :D

That A.G. Russell BG-42 bladed Stockman looks like a real bargain. The Spartan replacement at $95 seems to be a good value too. Their lockbacks have me looking at some Buck lockbacks from their custom shop too. Evil I tell you ... pure Evil! :) Or, maybe I'm becoming a knife addict. ;)
 
The steel used on the knife blades of SAKs seems very very tough. I've done some really abusive things to them and have never seen a chip. From what I've read they are hardened to about 55-56 RC, which would explain the toughness. But I have to agree that edge retention is somewhere between moderate to poor. I gladly would be willing to sacrifice some of that toughness for greater wear resistance and have often thought about contacting a knifemaker to see if they could harden the blade a point or two on the Rockwell scale. But since I can sharpen them from really dull to hair splitting sharp in under 5 minutes it has never been a real priority. Perhaps, though, in the OP's situation finding someone to re-heat treat the blade might be worthwhile. Just a thought :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top