Feel "neked" without a multi tool or SAK?

[DOC-CANADA]

Doc ? The SAK saw is good enough to easily cut nocks on arrows ?

Hey Kevin, yes it is, although I use a small vise to secure the nock end. I then clean up and enlarge the nock a little bit with a small rattail file (1/8", I think) and some sandpaper.

Doc

 

[Kevin the grey]

Doc you have a steadier hand than mine . My nocks end up looking like a termite tunnel through the wood . I am not even sure a wood jig would help . My buddy is supposedly giving me one . Another buddy had one machined out of steel .

I try to go fairly low tech and use hand tools as much as possible .

 

[dante]

The SAKs and Multis become more useful in the urban jungle but I must say that I would preffer a Leatherman Charge instead of a folder in the Axe, Fixed Blade and Folder trio for a wilderness scenario. You can repair more things like stoves, flashlights, GPS etc... The file on the SAK/Multi can sharpen and debur metal (especially the diamond file). With the clip you don't even have to carry a sheath. Most of the Multis have a plain clip point blade and a serrated blade. The pliers can act as a powerful pair of fingers for just about any task.

 

[coote]

I sometimes use two or three hacksaw blades that are bound together with tape to cut trade point mounting slots or string nocks in my arrow shafts.

I have made up a small wooden jig to hold the arrows while I am cutting the slots.

The jig is made from a bit of 1" x 1" lumber about six inches long. About three-quarters of an inch from one end I drilled a hole on the centre line of the wood just a tiny bit smaller in diameter than the arrow shafts. I then made a saw cut down the centre line of the wood in the same plane as the hole. The cut is maybe an inch and a half long. It passes through the centre of the hole. This slit in the wood enables the wood to spring apart to allow me to get the arrow shaft through the hole. I poke the shaft through the hole just enough to allow me to cut the nock (or slit for the trade point). I put the whole thing in my engineers vice and clamp it lightly (with the arrow vertical of course) It is then held firmly for the sawing job.

 

[tarmix101]

The SAKs and Multis become more useful in the urban jungle but I must say that I would preffer a Leatherman Charge instead of a folder in the Axe, Fixed Blade and Folder trio for a wilderness scenario. You can repair more things like stoves, flashlights, GPS etc... The file on the SAK/Multi can sharpen and debur metal (especially the diamond file). With the clip you don't even have to carry a sheath. Most of the Multis have a plain clip point blade and a serrated blade. The pliers can act as a powerful pair of fingers for just about any task.

I see your point. As mentioned above I sometimes throw in a Leatherman Wave. As I said, if somthing were to go not as planned on the trail/camp site I'm sure I would miss not having a multi tool/SAK. I don't think I will make the same mistake again. Planning on a 5 day trip in Sep and I will have my norm: GB SFA axe, fixed blade (probably my newest arrival), Vik Farmer, and I will throw in my leatherman for good measure. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around huh.....

 

[plowboy]

I am fairly new to SAKs, but have grown to appreciate them very much. I have set up my trekking bag with a Kershaw folding saw (Laplander like), Spyderco Mini Manix and other goodies like paracord, several firestarters, tinder, etc. I also have a mini-kit on my belt with a firestarter and Vic One Hand Trekker (OHT). The OHT is a great knife!

I have taken to keeping a Alox Vic in my pocket during the week. I work in a political correct setting (University) and I find that the SAKs fit in so much better than other knives. I have been carrying a silver Farmer and I use the awl more than any other tool. I really like having the woodsaw in the Farmer.

I just ordered a red alox Pioneer Harverster from Felinevet yesterday. I am thinking that not only will the red alox look nice, but it will be even more friendly to my co-workers. Once again, I'll have the woodsaw--which I never use at work--, but just like having it. Also, the Pioneer Harverster has a small blade in addition to the larger one.

I have also picked up a Vic SwissTool Spirit. I like it's compact size and strong construction. I don't carry a mult-tool like the Spirit in the woods since I don't find many screws, bolts, etc out there. The Spirit is more of an urban tool for me.

This is a great thread....I enjoyed all of your comments.

 

[tarmix101]

I really like having the woodsaw in the Farmer

Vic Farmer is a great one. Alox scales, not to big, not to small, and just the right tools IMHO. Good choice for EDC. It's mine as well:thumbup:

 

[coote]

I like having the wood saw in my SA Rucksack model. Very handy if I spot some decent arrow shoots, or a sapling that might make a good bow. I could use a knife blade to cut these things, but a saw is kinder to the parent tree, and it is a bit quicker. And no sharp points are left on the sticks or the tree...so I am less likely to leave evidence of my harvest, and I am less likely to poke a hole in something on my journey home. The Rucksack has a locking blade, but while it is nice to have, it isn't totally necessary. I guess if I my dog bailed a pig while I was out walking, then I might appreciate the lock if that was the only blade I had.

I have thought about getting a similar knife with a magnifying glass since Doc told me that his one is good for lighting fires.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

I have thought about getting a similar knife with a magnifying glass since Doc told me that his one is good for lighting fires.

I'll take it to work tomorrow and see if they can get a picture of it.

Doc

Took some pictures, don't know how good they are, but when the guy at work downloads them to the computer, I'll post them.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

As promised, the first picture shows the light being focussed on the tinder fungus (Inonotus obliquus). I should mention, in the 2nd and 3rd picture, I changed the position of the tinder fungus.

In the next picture, you can see a portion of the tinder fungus starting to smoulder.

In this picture, you can see the smouldering portion is well established in the tinder fungus. BTW, the clamp is a dried out piece of Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea).

Doc

 

[yermom]

that's really cool, i've tried burning paper before unsuccessfully and just kinda figured it was a lost cause with the SAK magnifying glass

 

[DOC-CANADA]

that's really cool, i've tried burning paper before unsuccessfully and just kinda figured it was a lost cause with the SAK magnifying glass

The big secret is to use something with a dark colour, like the tinder fungus, or the tobacco in the end of a cigarette. The white paper on a cigarette does not catch easily (if at all) and I suspect it is because of the reflective qualities.

Doc

 

[user24]

The big secret is to use something with a dark colour

that's very interesting. I'll have to remember that.

 

[bulgron]

This thread is interesting. I don't own a SAK, although I've been tempted from time to time. My EDC is a folder (Chris Reeve Sebenza). I also sometimes carry a Leatherman Charge, usually on the weekends and always when I'm in the woods.

I keep the sebenza clipped to my right-front pants pocket. It's gotten so that I don't notice it when it's there, but I feel downright naked when it's missing. On the weekends, I'll usually have the leatherman in a pouch on my belt.

Now here's the interesting part. Whenever I'm doing chores and I need to cut something, you'd think I'd be just as likely to grab the leatherman as the sebenza. But I'm so used to grabbing the sebbie, and the motion is so natural for me, that I go for it even if the leatherman is already out and open right next to me. Weird how old habits die hard, huh?

I still might buy a SAK for a PSK that I'm building up. One can never have too many knives, right?

 

[user24]

For what it's worth, my EDC is a vic spartan but I'm upgrading to a Climber soon. It has everything I need without being too bulky.

I just don't see the point of carrying one blade instead of two+tools.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Doc, thanks I need the encouragement to try again!
Next time with Charcloth :thumbup:


[stands up in front of everyone, head hung low]
"Hello, my name is SkunkWerX and I'm an Equipment-Holic."

I've been a diehard fan of SAKs since the 1970's
My parents boguht one while we were on a camping trip, and kept in in our truck camper. I would spend time opening the various blades and marvelled at it's engineering. It was similar to a Huntsman model, not exactly sure which one, but it had the awl, corkscrew, scissors and the mighty saw.
The SAK saw is a wonderful thing. Cuts straight and true.

But, being an Equipment-Holic, I must always hold myself back from carrying everything in my arsenal for a 2 hour walk in the woods.
I have a gerber tool, the 600 series, a solid pair of pliers, that also fold-up tightly is another wonderful thing!

So, I wrestle with my own thought processes, asking is it too much to carry both the SAK and the Gerber? An inner battle ensues.
Now add to that, another SAK, the Trekker. a fine piece of gear, larger, nice locking blade and the longer saw too boot!

And from there is starts the downward spiral. Fixed blades, SAKs, gerbertools, folders, machete, etc. etc. etc. I ponder hiring a small boy from New Dehli to carry my gear.

If the Rangers or Officials ever made me empty my pockets, it will resemble the scene when MadMax enters BarterTown!
Knives, tools, 12 gauge shells, everything being dumped out on the counter from every conceivable pocket and pouch.

Equipment-Holic. A sickness?
No, it's just an obsession.

 

[mewolf1]

I'd carry a SAK,but there is too many "thingies" on them.

 

[user24]

I ponder hiring a small boy from New Dehli to carry my gear

[bad_taste]
you know that's illegal in some countries.... i mean getting small boys to handle your gear.
[/bad_taste]