- Joined
- Sep 2, 2008
- Messages
- 7,702
I just wanted to share, in my excitement, some comparison pics of my new custom SAK by Syph007 with a standard Victorinox Farmer and a SwissBianco Bushcrafter. First, a little background.
I've always enjoyed the Vic Farmer for EDC and outdoor use, but, I rarely use the can opener tool and cap lifter tools when hiking/camping/backpacking. So for a long time now, I've wanted an alox Vic without the unnecessary tools. I'd heard of the SwissBianco Bushcrafter, so I immediately jumped on the opportunity to pick one up. As a minimal tool, I love it, and have plans to pick up a second in a colored Alox down the line.
However, after using the Bushcrafter for a bit, I realized it wasn't as versatile as I'd like an all-around hiking/backpacking/camping SAK to be. First, I prefer the three-layer thickness of the Farmers and similar models for the more substantial grip. I find a handle with more girth to be more comfortable in tasks which involve more than a quick cut or two. Second, I often find myself wishing for a smaller blade for more detailed carving/whittling, and I'd love for that small blade to be a sheepsfoot (maybe even wharnecliffe). And third, I realized that having at least a screwdriver on the SAK would be convenient for adjusting the tension on my trekking pole locks, light prying, and even a little chiseling if I decide to sharpen the edge. I normally sharpen and square the edges of the can-opener and cap-lifter tools on my Farmers and other SAKs so they grip better; depending on how you sharpen them, you can make passable chisels as well. I figured since I'm already getting a screwdriver, and opening beer bottles or cans of food would be conceivable on a camping trip, I might as well go for the combo tool.
Considering all this, contacting Syph007 after seeing a few of his custom SAKs on the forum was a no-brainer. I'm glad people like Syph007 are stepping up to fill the void left behind Scibeer and other modders I missed. Anyway, I discussed with Syph007 tool selection, fit, and arrangement. His clear and timely communication made this a breeze. In addition, I did some internal debate on what tools I really should have put in the SAK, and Syph007 was patient throughout. I decided on the following:
Build off a Farmer (already has: great 93mm size, main blade, saw, keyring for belt lanyard attachment, reamer)
Combo cap-lifter/can-opener/screw-driver tool to replace cap-lifter tool
Small sheepsfoot blade to replace can-opener tool
Ideally blue scales, but red as a second choice, dependent on availability
This all sounds like a simple swap-parts, doesn't it? I was surprised to discover that much thought and trial-and-error goes into seeing which Vic tools can fit in a layer together, and even a little tweaking of the tools themselves. There are some things that simply can't fit in a layer together. Not to mention the awesomeness of having Torx screws and different colored scales.
To continue, I had a spare Farmer lying about, so that was great. I then had to pick up a Vic Electrician for the sheepsfoot blade, and a Vic Compact for the correct sized combo tool. I almost had Syph007 construct me a Soldier out of the remaining parts, but that ended up putting me over budget. So I had to settle for just the custom build, and perhaps get the Soldier made down the line.
So, here are the donors:
And this is the result (pictured with a Victorinox Farmer and SwissBianco Bushcrafter):
Just for comparison's sake, the difference in thickness between the Farmer and the Bushcrafter.
Now, I have to think of a name for the new custom SAK (it was the first Syph007's built with that selection of tools), and put it to use
Thanks for looking, hope you enjoyed the pics. :thumbup:
I've always enjoyed the Vic Farmer for EDC and outdoor use, but, I rarely use the can opener tool and cap lifter tools when hiking/camping/backpacking. So for a long time now, I've wanted an alox Vic without the unnecessary tools. I'd heard of the SwissBianco Bushcrafter, so I immediately jumped on the opportunity to pick one up. As a minimal tool, I love it, and have plans to pick up a second in a colored Alox down the line.
However, after using the Bushcrafter for a bit, I realized it wasn't as versatile as I'd like an all-around hiking/backpacking/camping SAK to be. First, I prefer the three-layer thickness of the Farmers and similar models for the more substantial grip. I find a handle with more girth to be more comfortable in tasks which involve more than a quick cut or two. Second, I often find myself wishing for a smaller blade for more detailed carving/whittling, and I'd love for that small blade to be a sheepsfoot (maybe even wharnecliffe). And third, I realized that having at least a screwdriver on the SAK would be convenient for adjusting the tension on my trekking pole locks, light prying, and even a little chiseling if I decide to sharpen the edge. I normally sharpen and square the edges of the can-opener and cap-lifter tools on my Farmers and other SAKs so they grip better; depending on how you sharpen them, you can make passable chisels as well. I figured since I'm already getting a screwdriver, and opening beer bottles or cans of food would be conceivable on a camping trip, I might as well go for the combo tool.
Considering all this, contacting Syph007 after seeing a few of his custom SAKs on the forum was a no-brainer. I'm glad people like Syph007 are stepping up to fill the void left behind Scibeer and other modders I missed. Anyway, I discussed with Syph007 tool selection, fit, and arrangement. His clear and timely communication made this a breeze. In addition, I did some internal debate on what tools I really should have put in the SAK, and Syph007 was patient throughout. I decided on the following:
Build off a Farmer (already has: great 93mm size, main blade, saw, keyring for belt lanyard attachment, reamer)
Combo cap-lifter/can-opener/screw-driver tool to replace cap-lifter tool
Small sheepsfoot blade to replace can-opener tool
Ideally blue scales, but red as a second choice, dependent on availability
This all sounds like a simple swap-parts, doesn't it? I was surprised to discover that much thought and trial-and-error goes into seeing which Vic tools can fit in a layer together, and even a little tweaking of the tools themselves. There are some things that simply can't fit in a layer together. Not to mention the awesomeness of having Torx screws and different colored scales.
To continue, I had a spare Farmer lying about, so that was great. I then had to pick up a Vic Electrician for the sheepsfoot blade, and a Vic Compact for the correct sized combo tool. I almost had Syph007 construct me a Soldier out of the remaining parts, but that ended up putting me over budget. So I had to settle for just the custom build, and perhaps get the Soldier made down the line.
So, here are the donors:
And this is the result (pictured with a Victorinox Farmer and SwissBianco Bushcrafter):
Just for comparison's sake, the difference in thickness between the Farmer and the Bushcrafter.
Now, I have to think of a name for the new custom SAK (it was the first Syph007's built with that selection of tools), and put it to use
Thanks for looking, hope you enjoyed the pics. :thumbup:
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