Does anyone know what is the use for the reamer with eye on SAKs?

H

Horizon_Seeker

Joined
Dec 12, 2001
Messages
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I can't figure out what it is for. the reamer with the eye (or without), what is the original intended purpose? Thanks.
 
I think its for punching holes in leather for sewing, but I don't know what the eye is used for.
 
The eye is to put thread through while sewing with the "needle" (reamer).
 
but how do you do the entire process:

assuming reamer with sewing eye, thread is in the eye.
1) punch hole through leather
2) push reamer through hole, thread is now on the other side,
do you
a) remove thread, re-thread it through the eye on the otherside and repeat step 1,
b) I can't think of any alternative.
 
I guess you have to rethread the reamer after every stitch. It'd probably be faster to punch all the holes first, then use a needle to stitch it.
 
I don't use the eye for much, but the awl (reamer) is one of the most useful blades on an SAK. What it is best for is making pilot holes for wood screws. If I have a somewhat large diameter wood screw to install I twist the awl to cut a full diameter hole in the wood. If I have a smaller diameter wood screw I push the awl in without twisting.

Sometimes I use the awl as a torque bar when I am picking a lock with the plastic toothpick. I often use it for poking holes in paper I want to put in a three ring binder. The eye is useful for bending wire.
 
Originally posted by Horizon_Seeker
b) I can't think of any alternative.
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Step 0: with the thread through the first hole, pull half the thread through. This way, when you get to step b) you simply loop the slack around the thread in the eye, and pull the whole thing back through the hole for a chain stitch. For longer runs, it would probably be easier with 2 pieces of thread.
 
......that hook tool. I can't remember the last time I had a brown paper package, tied up with string, to carry. What does anyone use that, to me, useless hook for?
 
What tonyccw describes is, not surprisingly, exactly how stitching awls made for leather are used. However, the holes are often punched first to help maintain unifrom spacing, then stitched as described.

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Heres a recent thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=262848

There is a photo of the stitch/knot there, but I can't get it to show up here--I guess because it is an attachment to a post on the BFC server.

Think of it as the simplest, most "manual" sewing "machine" possible.:)
 
Originally posted by ichor
......that hook tool. I can't remember the last time I had a brown paper package, tied up with string, to carry. What does anyone use that, to me, useless hook for?
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I once had to pull the drawstring for my jacket out of the slot. It had disappeared a few inches into it and I couldn't get a hold on it any other way. The SAK hook was perfect.

But you are right--it is not one of the most used tools.
 
Originally posted by johnniet
I once had to pull the drawstring for my jacket out of the slot. It had disappeared a few inches into it and I couldn't get a hold on it any other way. The SAK hook was perfect.

But you are right--it is not one of the most used tools.
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Ahhh... I'll have to be sure and carry one when I wear drawstring sweatpants. :p
 
I believe the hook "thingy" was designed for the European market. Apparently tying packages with string is a common practice there. Keep in mind that Victorinox sells knives worldwide, not just here in the U.S.

Paul
 
Originally posted by PWork
I believe the hook "thingy" was designed for the European market. Apparently tying packages with string is a common practice there. Keep in mind that Victorinox sells knives worldwide, not just here in the U.S.

Paul
Click to expand...

I suspected this, Paul, but even so. There seem to be a bunch of models with this hook on it and how hard is it to carry a package? Well, Europeans aren't *exactly* like Americans, are they. I just kinda wondered if anyone had found some exciting way to use it. So far, retrieving errant cords in drawstring clothing. I'm not sure it would make a good nose picker. :p
 
The one on my Compact has a nail file in the back of it. I don't know if they do this on all the models with the hook.

Paul
 
okay your stranded on an island and you are loosing tons of weight. Guess what you belt does not get small enough to hold up your pants anymore. Take out your sak and retrieve the awl. Presto now your belt can hold up your pants and prevent any embarassing moments with the native ladies.
 
swanky resturante and you ate too much and your pants belt wont get big enough to fasten. Guess what you have that awl and can now make your belt one or 2 notches larger. And can leave the restroom assured your belt will hold up your pants.
 
I’ve always thought that one of the intended purpose of the reamer with eye was to replace the key to open the old tins of meat, the ones you could find before the fast opening era! Do you know what I mean?
But perhaps I’m wrong!
 
Amazingly enough, I used the awl on my tinker for the first time today. my girlfriend washed her tennis shoes but couldn't get the shoelaces back in the eyelets. The plastic tips on the laces had come off and the eyelts in her shoes were the tight little holes that are simply punched into the leather. I used the awl to push the ends of the laces through the holes and once again, came out looking like a hero :D :D :D
 
Thank you for posting this!!! Coincidentally, I just bought a Victorinox Swiss Champ yesterday and was wondering how it was possible to sew or with that thing too!
 
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