Do you prefer SAK Soldier or Camillus military pocketknife?

J

James Y

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Feb 18, 1999
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My personal preference is the Victorinox Soldier, which is a standard issue pocketknife in the Swiss Army (along with the Wenger standard issue pocketknife).

I have noticed, however, that the Camillus U.S. military-issue utility folder looks very similar to the Vic, only it appears cruder-looking. It seems to be very popular among many people, and a very useful folder in itself.

I'm just curious what responses will be.
Jim
 
Overall, I prefer the Victorinox SAKs because of their superior quality. The Camillus, however, is sturdy and a great knife for the money.
 
I don't have either, but would choose the Victorinox, simply because their can opener also sports a small screwdriver while Camillus' is only a can opener.
 
Both are good for their intended purpose, but I would choose the V-nox SAK. A much better knife overall, IMO.

Paul
 
Hi,

Get the larger Victorinox Rucksack model with the locking main blade or the Hunter which is the same as the Rucksack but has the can-opener blade replaced by a gutting blade that has the form of a hawkbill blade with a rounded blunt top and serated blade.

I found it to be an extremely handy blade to cut rope and twigs etc. and of course when cleaning a hare or bigger animal.

I don't really miss the can-opener as I never carry cans into the woods when camping only freeze dried stuff (lighter) or use whatever edible plants I can find to make up a decent meal together with some freeze dried chicken cubes and rice.

Best Souting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera

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The Vic is more rounded and better finished. It won't wear your pocket as much. I keep my Camillus is in the box of yard sprinkler parts
 
I prefer the Vic for its finish and attention to details (mirror polished steel--even the back-spring, smooth rounded edges, very sharp blades). I also think the textured on the scales is better on the Vic.
I do like the lanyard bail on the Wenger Standard Issue.

[This message has been edited by allenC (edited 04-09-2001).]
 
Defintely the Victorinox Soldier. Even better if you can find one is the Pioneer, basicly the same knife with red alox handles with the addition of a saw blade.

phantom4

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who dares, wins


 
I have used both of the knives you mention past their limits, and without a doubt the Camillus will hold up longer. Steel is stronger than aluminum. The Vic has a better fit and finish, but the Camillus is about half the price. Get the Camillus if you're looking for a real workhorse, get the Vic if looks matter.
 
Clayton,
Are you comparing a metal-handled SAK to the Camillus or a plastic handled one? What broke on each one or what didn't last? Which one performed better before it broke? How long did it take for them to break or wear out?
Thanks for the info.
m
 
The knives I used were the Victorinox Soldier, with aluminum handles, and the Camillus "demo" knife which is constructed totally out of stainless steel. No comparison really. The blade on the Camillus is also a bit thicker. Buy the Camillus.
 
Also don't forget that Case still makes this knife as well. It has brown/black jigged delrin handles, and looks real nice. More expensive though.
 
I can only comment on the Camillus. I have a 1970 government issue version which I never used. As of today, the knife is sitting in a drawer rust free without the benefit of maintenance all these years. The knife is sturdily built and would probably outlast most of my newly acquired expensive folders in tough and abusive field use. Hmm, is there a lesson to be learned here?
wink.gif


Edit: Sorry, it's a 1971 model (just checked)

[This message has been edited by toothed (edited 04-11-2001).]
 
The Vic PIONEER does have red alox handles, but no saw blade. I think thats the FARMER or something long since discontinued that you're thinking of. It does have a small ring or lanyard bail on the end though. I've been carrying a PIONEER for years, the red is all but worn of the handles, and I absolutely love it. Still 'walks and talks" unlike any other slipjoint I own. Except for maybe Winchesters. Sharpens easily, holds a decent edge, and is cheap. Great knife. F&F are fantastic, even for a knife much more spendy....jeff
 
I think it's very interesting that these types of knives are very long-lived, and the quality is excellent, yet at a cheap price.

I own a Soldier as I mentioned above, but also have a Pioneer. I carry the Soldier more simply because the ring attachment on the Pioneer is made of aluminum and is sharp. I have used a diamond file to round off the edges on the attachment, but still prefer the Soldier more. (Only wish the SOldier was still made with the hollow awl-side rivet for use as a lanyard hole).

It will be interesting to see, in years to come, if these types of knives actually outlast many of the more expensive modern "tactical" folders as far as being used/carried daily.
Jim
 
jamesY,
the wenger standard issue has said hollow rivet. it comes with a bail attached, which is ieasily removable (i've taken mine off). it's the same quality as the vic version, but i prefer it simply because it's wenger (my first SAK was wenger).
aleX.
 
I have only the Vic Soldier and it is my EDC.
Holmesjd, the red alox handled knives are discontinued but Victorinox produces the same models with silver alox handles. See e.g. at http://www.swiss-knife.com . Go to search, check the silver alox handled Pioneer models.
One of them is the Farmer model.
 
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