EDC Knife Help!

M

mg357

Joined
May 31, 2012
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281
I need some help choosing my EDC Knife, for a very long time I carried a Swiss Army Knife Tinker.

but after going through chemotherapy treatments for cancer my finger muscles are sensitive and I can't get the tools open on the Tinker so I switched to a Buck Brand Solo knife.

but despite the finger sensitivity I really want to carry the tinker, so what do I do?

Do I live with the difficulty of opening the Tinker and do the best I can with it?

Or do I carry the buck Solo and do the best I can with just the one blade on that knife?

Any and All help suggestions would be appreciated.
 
If you would like to stay with multi-tools I would suggest simply looking at larger version tools. For example, Leatherman makes quite a few tools in a larger size that would still be good for pocket carry. Victorinox also makes several larger multi-tools. I don't know if they would necessarily be easier to open but it's worth a look.

If you're just looking for a knife and don't necessarily need the other tools I'd suggest looking at one of the "Easy Open" patterns by GEC. These have a large cutout in the grip to assist in opening the blade. Very good quality knives for the price.

Either way, best of luck on your recovery!! My 7 year old grandson was just declared cancer-free after a five year battle.
 
I have not gone through the hardships of chemo myself, however my father did. It's some really intense stuff and I hope all is going well for you.

As far as the knife, which part is difficult for you? Is it using the nail nick, the dexterity, or force required to open the Tinker? Knowing this may help us guide you to a better knife for your needs.
 
JCKT: its the nail knick and the amount of force needed to get the Tinker open. By The Way I am doing really well now.
 
Get better soon. I wish you the best. Perhaps a Leatherman OHT would fit the bill? If you need something smaller, I'd go for the OHO victorinox soldier.
 
Have you considered a flipper like the Kershaw skyline? It may help being able to leverage the blade with the flipping mechanism. Also the spyderco's have that big round hole that may be easier for you work. Glad to hear you are doing really well! It's one hell of a tough fight.

An image with both:
knives.jpg
 
You might want to consider some sort of one piece multitool in addition to a dedicated folder. Nothing to open and it should cover a lot of the other tools on the Tinker.
 
JCKT said:
Have you considered a flipper like the Kershaw skyline? It may help being able to leverage the blade with the flipping mechanism. Also the spyderco's have that big round hole that may be easier for you work. Glad to hear you are doing really well! It's one hell of a tough fight.

An image with both:
knives.jpg
Click to expand...

This would also be my suggestion. The traditionals are great blades, but takes more dexterity to use. A modern folder gives you the ability to open and close the knife with almost no effort.

Also, I'm glad you are doing better, and I know money is tight, but with what you've gone through you deserve a nice blade. I'd check out something maybe nicer than you'd normally get for yourself. The Benchmade Axis lock is to me the easiest lock to use, and you may want to check out the Benchmade Griptilian as it comes in many different versions including thumb hole and studs, and steel choices.
 
You might want to check out a Leatherman Squirt too. It's springs aren't nearly as strong as Victorinox's. Maybe you could borrow someones's or try one out at a store.
 
I 'third' this suggestion! And Yo Mama is right, those axis locks make it completely effortless. I don't know if the slip joint is a must, but you can always return to your Tinker when you get your dexterity back . . . or you may find that you've fallen for the axis lock and you can carry both!

Yo Mama said:
This would also be my suggestion. The traditionals are great blades, but takes more dexterity to use. A modern folder gives you the ability to open and close the knife with almost no effort.

Also, I'm glad you are doing better, and I know money is tight, but with what you've gone through you deserve a nice blade. I'd check out something maybe nicer than you'd normally get for yourself. The Benchmade Axis lock is to me the easiest lock to use, and you may want to check out the Benchmade Griptilian as it comes in many different versions including thumb hole and studs, and steel choices.
Click to expand...
 
Might i suggest the Victorinox one hand trekker, non-serrated blade? Basically a slightly larger version of the Tinker, but with a large one handed opening blade and a really good wood saw.
 
Maybe switching to one of the larger 111mm Victorinox models like the Trailmaster, Centurion or Outrider. The Centurion has the same tools as the Tinker, the Trailmaster adds a saw and is also available in a one hand opening version. I find the tools on the 111mm models easier to open than on the regular ones.
 
I really like my one handed German Army Trekker, but I don't know if the tools would be any easier to open besides the blade.
 
I want to thank you folks for all of your suggestions, I went through my collection of various knives and multi tools and I found my well worn and well used leatherman Skeletool.

and I have decided to use it since that tool has all the screwdrivers that I need and the cutting blade can be opened and closed with one hand.

Once my fingers and hands are in better shape I will go back to my Tinker Swiss Army Knife.

I would like to say thank you to all of you for your suggestions and kind words.
 
simioh: To answer your question I use the large cutting blade and the screw drivers on my Tinker Swiss Army knife the most.
 
mybladesatool: yes as a matter of fact it look like it would work but I think I will stick with my Leatherman Skeletool it has served me well in the past and I feel it will serve me well until my fingers and hands are healed enough for me to back to my Tinker SAK.
 
June 10th 2014: I have some good news to share.

As of 7:30 AM I am finally able to use the blades and tools on my Tinker Swiss Army Knife.

From May 9th 2014 until June 10th 2014 I did hand and finger exercises with a stress ball and those exercises built up the strength in my hands and fingers.

So now I can use the tools and blades on my Tinker Swiss Army Knife without any pain or discomfort at all.

Thank you again for all of your help with this matter I appreciate it very much.
 
I have a condition with my fingernails (and toenails) where they are extremely brittle and I have difficulty using multi tools as well. I carry a single bladed one hand opening knife and a leatherman piranha. Fits my 9-5 needs perfectly. The piranha literally takes up no space in the pocket.
 
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