Did the swiss create the ultimate pocket knife?

[mnblade]

Here in Europe the basic SAK (Spartan, Tinker, Soldier etc.) is seen as very traditional. If I see an older guy reaching into his pocket in what looks like an attempt to retrieve his knife, like you guys, I always sort of watch to see what it is he's toting. I can't remember it ever NOT being a SAK or SAK-type knife. They're just that ubiquitous here.

-- Mark

 

[Rsmith_77]

I certainly cannot argue with the logic. My wenger was my 2nd knife for years, and i always make sure that i had it on me if the weather was bad, or i was going on a drive or whenever i had stuff coming up but didnt know what to expect. It was my possibles knife.

during the soul searching process i went through deciding which knife i wanted to carry for 5 months, i unfortunately chose another knife and declared it, before realizing just this very thing. So i swapped it up and carrying my standard issue and my texas jack everyday, been over 2 weeks now and making the effort to use the texas jack first and well, i certainly dont feel underknifed, if anything i feeling a tad bit overknifed if i am being honest.

oh and flattered one of my pics was used

 

[22-rimfire]

I have been a Vic SAK guy for more than 20 years now. Love them. Got one, no actually two, in my pocket right now. I have a little one on one set of keys.

 

[akadave2]

Im still not sure why the huge following the SAK knives. I have a couple and they are utilitarian to some degree. The steel is ho-hum but they are made well. But they are ugly as sin compared to other slipjoints that I consider "Traditional".

 

[deskil]

Though the internal battle still rages from time to time, between the sane voice that knows I have more than I'll ever need, and the internal kid that wants another new toy even though he already has plenty of toys.

This hits uncomfortably close to home for a more than a few of us that frequent this padded cell we call a forum, I suspect, and brings to mind the following:

" I can resist everything except temptation."
Oscar Wilde

As to the original question posed, I think (reluctantly) that the answer is an unqualified yes.

 

[sitflyer]

Yes, I think that the SAK is the most universally accepted pocket tool. I know, I know...they are considered a knife around here, but to me this description doesn't really fit. So I guess my answer is no.

 

[LCS]

Im still not sure why the huge following the SAK knives. I have a couple and they are utilitarian to some degree. The steel is ho-hum but they are made well. But they are ugly as sin compared to other slipjoints that I consider "Traditional".

My guess, regarding the SAK's huge following - obviously well outside the realm of traditional knife aficionados - has to do with them being very affordable and having very consistent good quality. The fact that the knives are offered in so many different configurations, to fit so many personal needs, is another attraction.

 

[jackknife]

I think what the Swiss have done is, create a product that has world wide recognition, outstanding Q.A., and availability at a reasonable cost. I can't think of any other pocket knife that you can fly literally anywhere in the world without a knife, pick up the rental car, and in the first sporting goods, camping, or general big box store and pick up a SAK just like the one you left home and it will be just like and just as good as the one back home. You know that when you take it out of the box/package, that it will be great as far as fit and finish. The blades will be very to razor sharp, and there will be no thumbnail breakers or sloppy blades.

I've said it before, that I think that Victorinox is the benchmark for Q.A. Considering the huge number of knives/tools produced per year, it's amazing that they don't have a higher rate of knives that need to go back for complaints. This alone sets a mark for other companies to shoot for. It's like the Japanese car companies. Once it's shown that you can make a reasonable priced car that will go 200 thousand miles with no major breakdowns, it's unreasonable to settle for less. Why would you spend similar amounts of money for less? This is why most of the rest of the world buys SAK's. Especially non knife people. They know they are getting a certain value and standard of quality. Something you can count on.

 

[mudguard]

My guess, regarding the SAK's huge following - obviously well outside the realm of traditional knife aficionados - has to do with them being very affordable and having very consistent good quality. The fact that the knives are offered in so many different configurations, to fit so many personal needs, is another attraction.

I sort of disagree with this though, there are many traditional knife aficionados who have focused on collecting knives manufactured by Victorionox or previously knows as Elsener which dates back as far as 1884, which is older than even case (1889). Not to disregard any company or pattern (I collect traditional knives in general) but in some countries Victorinox IS the traditional knife. The way I see it it compares like this: Case started using SS and materials like carbon fiber.. Victorinox has experimented with more tools in the original setup. I don't think that any of them really have deviated from what their roots are (hence why Victorinox recently released this 125th anniversary soldier replica with wooden scales and a price around the $400USD).

 

[Fanglekai]

Im still not sure why the huge following the SAK knives. I have a couple and they are utilitarian to some degree. The steel is ho-hum but they are made well. But they are ugly as sin compared to other slipjoints that I consider "Traditional".

The steel gets wicked sharp very easily and it is highly corrosion resistant. SAKs are available almost everywhere and they are made to precise tolerances so there's no need to pick around for the best one of the bunch at the store. Their warranty is excellent. SAKs are durable, well made, inexpensive, and decidedly not scary for the average non-knife person. For pure utility it's incredibly hard to beat a SAK. My dad is an aircraft mechanic. He carried and used his SAK tourist model for 20+ years before I bought him another one. The old one didn't have much snap left in the main blade, the scales were worn completely smooth, a bit of the tip of the main blade was missing, but overall the knife was still totally useable...and it's a plastic handled $20 knife. If we're being honest I really doubt many people need more than a SAK.

That being said I don't carry my SAKs very often. I prefer jigged bone.

 

[Codger_64]

You know, out of the hundreds of knives I own and have owned, I don't recall one Victorinox. I have and have had some of the Century patterns Schrade tried to market briefly, assembled of German produced parts by Camillus, but they really didn't do much for me. I have several Kastor made knives well over a hundred years old and they have a certain... elegance.. like gentleman's pocket jewelry, but I don't carry them. I've always had one or more of the Imperial Kamp Kings and they serve well. I have a few Ulsters too and they are a bit more upscale in materials, fit and finish, but I really don't carry and use them either. When I feel the need to carry a utility knife to use, I carry a tank. An old military MIL-K-818.

They can be broken but it takes a lot of effort.

 

[jc57]

I'm pretty sure that there are those who legitimately need (or at least, would be better served by) something more robust than a SAK.

I figure akadave2's perspective is based on him living in Alaska, where the pocket knife is likely called on for a broader range of activities than my humble southern-US office-cube city dwelling lifestyle tends to throw at me. And as such, I believe his comment is very well founded.

If I lived a more outdoors-centric life, or had a real working man's job instead of being a keyboard jockey, then I might find the humble SAK to be a bit weak for some of my daily needs. But I'd probably still carry one as a backup or for the small stuff.

 

[22-rimfire]

No question, SAKs are not hard use knives. You will damage them with hard use. I'll carry a second knife in many cases. For general cutting and general "sharp thing" in the pocket, Vic SAKs are hard to beat. I use the flat head screw driver a lot on HVAC returns either checking them or replacing filters. Beats having a screw driver in my pocket for a couple minutes of low torque work. Cutting , same deal.... use mine often. It is usally the first knife I grab with I want to cut something anywhere unless I ponder the choice a bit first. I find the tweezers and tooth pick very useful especially away from home and easty access to these things.

 

[whetrock]

Been carrying my Recruit, in some form or another for 3 years or so now. In all honesty I could suffice with it on it's own, and some days have. Some people have a hard time getting enthused about them, but they're quality, and priced right. They're serviceable tools for the knife enthusiast, on knife carrying type alike. I haven't had one with bad fit and finish.

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

Thanks alot guys. My Classic is battered and worn. My Swisschamp shows years of carry and use and ended up on its second sheath before I finally stopped carrying it all the time. It still gets called up for duty now and again around the house. My camo Tinker has some finish wear from spending a fair bit of time as an EDC for months at a time, though it too is mostly retired. I have a SAK One Hand Trekker in the saddlebag on my motorcycle. That one is in pretty new condition and used little.

However, I have never had an Alox SAK. I've wanted one, but never got around to it. I really love the saw on the SAKs and a few other things as well, but don't want to haul around a full sized SAK like my Swisschamp or something as long as the Trekker. Of course it had to be Alox and just the right size.

So thanks to you guys and looking at the various Alox photos here I ended up placing an order for a silver Alox Farmer. Of course I'm wondering if I shouldn't have gotten one that also had the phillips screwdriver on it now. Sheesh Knife nuts. Never satisfied. If I think that's an issue I'll just toss the Tinker in too.

I think the Farmer is going to be just the right size. I'll probably toss it in one pocket and still carry my Case mini-trapper in the other just because I'm very attached to the MT. Even if I'm willing to admit, and I am, that the SAK Farmer, or even my Tinker could do pretty much everything I need in a pocket knife and then some.

Of course, all my SAKS are Victorinox. The Wenger Tinker I had was a great knife, but I ended up giving it to a friend who didn't have a knife. As far as I know she still carries it. I just like the "Original" Swiss Army Knife brand.

 

[Humppa]

Good question - I asked my self several times. They are great knives. I tend to agree with Duane in anyway. A pocket tool it is, close to perfection. (Great size, value, price, tools, steel, shape and so on...) Not a typical pocket knife in the traditional way...but close to perfection in any way - as mentioned above.

Mark almost said, that here in Europe the usual pocket knife is an SAK-style of knife. If it are SAKs (Wenger, Vic) or others like Böker, R. Klaas, Weidmannsheil etc etc which depends on the users wallet

Great to see everyone´s opinon on that topic

Keep it coming.

 

[Trout Tamer]

I've owned and carried daily a Cadet for the past four years. In a city-slicker lifestyle, the Cadet functions perfectly. When out in the Great Unknown though, I'd feel and, depending on gear brought, may actually BE underknifed, if carrying just the Cadet. That said, I'm like most others in this thread - always pleasantly surprised by the quality, price, and functionality of a SAK. THAT being said, the Cadet often seems to be lacking a certain something. Although efficient and effective, Alox and Inox don't have the soul of warmly colored jigged bone and patina'd carbon steel. Therefore, I keep hoping for the impossible - Victorinox to offer a line in jigged bone and carbon steel. Sounds like I'm 60 years after my time, when it comes to tastes in traditional knives

 

[Groove]

Im still not sure why the huge following the SAK knives. I have a couple and they are utilitarian to some degree. The steel is ho-hum but they are made well. But they are ugly as sin compared to other slipjoints that I consider "Traditional".

It's better than most might think!

[video=youtube_share;peO0akVMNbg]http://youtu.be/peO0akVMNbg[/video]

 

[mudguard]

I think you will be very happy with it. I carry around a pioneer (the farmer without the saw) and the can opener with its little flat top works fantastically to loosen or tighten any philips screw that I have come by. I also have a spartan in the car just in case I decide I need a small blade or a corkscrew.. also the tweesers and toothpic come in handy but for the pocket I love the feel, look and durability of the alox pioneer.

Thanks alot guys. My Classic is battered and worn. My Swisschamp shows years of carry and use and ended up on its second sheath before I finally stopped carrying it all the time. It still gets called up for duty now and again around the house. My camo Tinker has some finish wear from spending a fair bit of time as an EDC for months at a time, though it too is mostly retired. I have a SAK One Hand Trekker in the saddlebag on my motorcycle. That one is in pretty new condition and used little.

However, I have never had an Alox SAK. I've wanted one, but never got around to it. I really love the saw on the SAKs and a few other things as well, but don't want to haul around a full sized SAK like my Swisschamp or something as long as the Trekker. Of course it had to be Alox and just the right size.

So thanks to you guys and looking at the various Alox photos here I ended up placing an order for a silver Alox Farmer. Of course I'm wondering if I shouldn't have gotten one that also had the phillips screwdriver on it now. Sheesh Knife nuts. Never satisfied. If I think that's an issue I'll just toss the Tinker in too.

I think the Farmer is going to be just the right size. I'll probably toss it in one pocket and still carry my Case mini-trapper in the other just because I'm very attached to the MT. Even if I'm willing to admit, and I am, that the SAK Farmer, or even my Tinker could do pretty much everything I need in a pocket knife and then some.

Of course, all my SAKS are Victorinox. The Wenger Tinker I had was a great knife, but I ended up giving it to a friend who didn't have a knife. As far as I know she still carries it. I just like the "Original" Swiss Army Knife brand.

 

[2Dead]

I have been a pocket knife user and owner for over 50 years now, and just a month ago I bought myself a Vic Electrician for my first ever SAK.

Quite literally, I feel guilty about how much I enjoy this knife. From the feel and light weight of the checkered alox covers, to the wicked sharpness the steel takes easily, to the usefulness of the blade and tool combination, and especially the walk and talk, there is no way this knife should be under $30 shipped. I have other knives I prize more, for their beautiful handle materials or their rarity, but I honestly feel that if I could only have one pocket knife I would be foolish to not choose the Electrician. The short, stout sheepfoot blade puts this way ahead of the Pioneer for my uses.

Carl - Just ribbing you, I'm much worse than you are about it.

Jeff, I had kind of the same horrible realization vis-a-vis the Electrician. I had a 2-week business trip and didn't want to risk losing one of my more prized knives, so I picked up a $25 Vic Electrician for the trip (in checked luggage). I didn't even have time to sharpen it up before I left, instead having to forage for sharpening tools (coffee mugs, magazines for strops).

One thing about being on the road away from your normally accessible stuff is that you really come to depend on what you brought with you. And carrying and using that one every day gave me a solid appreciation for the utility of it and the variety of tools, while still being in a flat, light package. And it was a somewhat unpleasant realization that "Oh, this is my 'grail' knife, and it was 25 bucks. Now what do I do with the rest of them?" Actually turns out that my true grail knife would be a Cadet with that sheepsfoot blade from the Electrician in lieu of the can opener, but I digress.

So in the end I had to accept that I buy the pretty ones because I like to, and it's a vice that I can usually afford. So I forgave myself for being a typical consumer and decided that I don't have to prove to myself that I *need* any other knives. Though the internal battle still rages from time to time, between the sane voice that knows I have more than I'll ever need, and the internal kid that wants another new toy even though he already has plenty of toys. The Vics are just the trump card for the sane voice who can use the "See, I told you" tone of voice with more authority.

The Electrician really is an awesome knife. When I got mine, I too wondered what have I been doing with all those others... so much so that I actually put my Electrician away because I feel a little guilty when I use it and have my other knives out as well . Its a no nonsense pocket knife that'll do what I want a pocket knife to do, and more, for very little (imo) money. Actually I really enjoy using other knives with different handles and doing the collecting bit but the Electrician really is all I need. I've posted before that I'm hoping for a GEC version but that could be very dangerous as there is no way they'll be able to compete on price. And with the different handle options...