First SAK - Which to Buy??

R

RedLynx

Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Messages
11,445
Hi guys,

Sort of posed this as question in another thread but thought I should make my own. I've long considered a SAK but don't own one as yet. My problem is, I know there are a lot of models with a ton of different tools, both in the amount of tools, and in the configurations. I'm leaning toward the Soldier model but I am not sure.

So my questions:

1. does anyone know the thickest, "most tools" models vs. the thinnest "least tools" models? (Just to head this one off at the pass, I'm not talking about that massive thing that includes a digital clock face) :P

2. Anyone feel that certain models are ideal for certain jobs/lifestyles over others and if so, which ones and why?

I want to add one to my collection, as a knife knut I feel rather silly for not having one, but I need to narrow it down and choose one that is right for me.

For the sake of argument let's pretend someone has already said "Buy a Sebenza and forget about it" so we can move on now. I don't want a Sebenza. ;)
 
Last edited:
I'd say get the thinnest possible with the tools you want/need, that has the least you don't want/need.

For me that is the Super Tinker. It has imo the most important tools: knife, scissor, screwdriver and a bottleopener. + it does not have a corkscrew, which I don't see a need for.

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Super+Tinker
10-1_4703_super-tinker.jpg
 
Fieldmaster:
I like it since it does not have the corkscrew. It does have a saw, scissors, and many other useful things.
 
I got the Camper as it has enough of the tools that have multiple uses without adding to the Width of the knife by having tools you probably wont ever need
 
Another here for Super Tinker. The scissors are very handy. Next choice definitely Pioneer. Slightly beefier tools but very slim pocket ride.
 
It really depends on what you do, what else you carry, and what you want it for.
I think the Executive is a great first one because it's small enough to EDC no matter what you're wearing, but big enough to be functional. And includes scissors and tweezers.
I also love the Huntsman (or Fieldmaster) because it includes scissors and a saw but isn't unbearably huge.
I REALLY love the Farmer with its Alox scales and saw, but I do wish it had scissors, as well.

The thinnest ones are the single-layer models like the Bantam and Solo.
Thickest "regular" ones are 5 layers like a Tradesman. Work Champ is even bigger.
There are so many, you really need to try a few out to see if the bottle opener/screwdriver works for you, or if you need a different flat; if the can opener/2-sided Philips is okay, or if you need a dedicated Philips; if you'd prefer an Awl or a Reamer, etc.
I tend to keep dedicated screwdrivers nearby and in my cars, so they aren't as important on my SAKs.

I recommend checking out the sakwiki and some of the sellers online to get a feel for what's out there, and narrowing down what you think you might like, then asking specific questions about those tools and sizes which interest you.

Good luck - and have fun with it.
 
For the past 8 or so years I have had a Vic Hiker in my pocket. It is a basic 3 layer SAK with just the right amount of tools I use. It is almost the same as a camper 'cept it has a phillips driver instead of a corkscrew ( I dont drink wine :D )

It rides very well vertically alongside my wallet in my rear pocket. Dont even notice it is there.

I really use the tweezers often, so I am not fond of Vic's Alox models.
 
I know it isn't a SAK with tools, but the single blade Hunter Pro lockback SAK looks awesome.
 
RedLynx said:
1. does anyone know the thickest, "most tools" models vs. the thinnest "least tools" models? (Just to head this one off at the pass, I'm not talking about that massive thing that includes a digital clock face) :P
Click to expand...

The Solo with nylon handles is very thin. And the nylon is incredibly 'grippy'. There are also other single-blade models, like the Pruner and Gardener.

The small sized knives like the Rambler and Classic are incredibly thin, but they feel flimsy compared to the standard models so I hesitate to recommend.

2. Anyone feel that certain models are ideal for certain jobs/lifestyles over others and if so, which ones and why?
Click to expand...

I am perhaps one of the last people on the planet still dependent on old-school PDAs for work. As such, I couldn't live without the Victorinox Stylus model.

I want to add one to my collection, as a knife knut I feel rather silly for not having one, but I need to narrow it down and choose one that is right for me.
Click to expand...

If I were to select a single starting-point SAK for a collector, it would be one of the mid-size models with alox handles, the Farmer perhaps. Or perhaps something interesting from Wenger, while they're still available.
 
Yeah I don't Drink Wine either But I found the CorkScrew Tool is excellent at loosening up Knots in Cordage,Shoelaces Etc....I Didn't go for the Phillipshead as I found the Slotted (Large and Small) Tools can Handle all of the PhillipsHead Screw Chores I have tried, Wont work quite as Well but will suffice from my experience. I Like Tools that Have multiple Uses. The Scissors can Be replaced if you Keep your Blade sharp enough you can cut a straight enough line over some backing Material ,Havent Found a Replacement for the Saw though.
 
I use a Tinker all the time. It has two blades, a flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver, and can opener. It's everything I need in a multi tool except for the pliars.

It's also tiny. I don't think the extra bulk of the Super Tinker is worth it for the scissors.

They cost $20, no reason not to buy several and try them.
 
Todd21969 said:
I really use the tweezers often, so I am not fond of Vic's Alox models.
Click to expand...

Lol. And we arrive at the "nobody can pick a knife for you, you have to base it off of your needs" comment. I love the alox models and only occasionally carry my red plastic ones. They feel better in my hand and I love how they wear with use. But, I never used the tweezers/toothpick so it wasn't a loss. Also, I generally like the two-section models as they fit in my watch pocket better. The Super Tinker is the one exception to both of my previous comments. It's the only plastic and three-layer model I carry and it is awesome, I just don't really need scissors when I have a knife, so I prefer thinner and easier to carry.

Do pick one you like though, and carry it for two weeks with whatever else it is you edc. It'll come in handy more than you realize. I'd suggest to start thin as possible, certainly no more than three layers as it might drive you away if it's too bulky.

Just my opinion. They're cheap enough to simply hand off to someone if it doesn't work for you.
 
I have, and really like, a Super Tinker. But.

I carry a Classic like 95% of the time. Granted I always have a multitool on me stashed away...but the Classic really does just about everything I need.
 
marcinek said:
I have, and really like, a Super Tinker. But.

I carry a Classic like 95% of the time. Granted I always have a multitool on me stashed away...but the Classic really does just about everything I need.
Click to expand...

Would you say there are some things the Classic can't do that make you glad to have a multitool on you? (I might need to make a separate thread as I don't have a multitool either.) The problem is I am not a big tool user in the sense that I have purchased a few individual tools for various jobs. But the usefulness of a SAK can't be denied, that's why I am having trouble. I know if I had one I'd find those tools quite useful very quickly.
 
Bob W said:
If I were to select a single starting-point SAK for a collector, it would be one of the mid-size models with alox handles, the Farmer perhaps. Or perhaps something interesting from Wenger, while they're still available.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bob.

Is Wenger on its way out?
 
RedLynx said:
Would you say there are some things the Classic can't do that make you glad to have a multitool on you? (I might need to make a separate thread as I don't have a multitool either.) The problem is I am not a big tool user in the sense that I have purchased a few individual tools for various jobs. But the usefulness of a SAK can't be denied, that's why I am having trouble. I know if I had one I'd find those tools quite useful very quickly.
Click to expand...

You know, day to day, once in a while I need pliers or a Phillips head screwdriver...but nowhere near as often as I need the nail file on that Classic. Hate hangnails. The toothpick, blade, and scissors I use a lot. But the Super Tinker has those.

But the awl, hook, can/bottle openers, wire stripper on the Super Tinker I almost never use.

Bottom line to me is that the Classic is boring and unsexy and I dislike it for those reasons. But it just does 99% of what I need to do in such a mimimal package, that I can't help but carry it.

It pushed a really cool Red Bone Case CV Peanut out of my pocket.
 
RedLynx said:
Thanks Bob.

Is Wenger on its way out?
Click to expand...

Yes, as a separate knife brand (from Wikipedia):

"Brand merging

On January 30, 2013, Wenger and Victorinox announced that the separate knife brands were going to be merged into one brand: Victorinox. The press release stated that Wenger's factory in Delemont would continue to produce knives and all employees at this site will retain their jobs. They further elaborated that an assortment of items from the Wenger line-up will remain in production under the Victorinox brand name. Wenger's U.S. headquarters will be merged with Victorinox's location in Monroe, Connecticut. Wenger's watch and licensing business will continue as a separate brand."
 
marcinek said:
You know, day to day, once in a while I need pliers or a Phillips head screwdriver...but nowhere near as often as I need the nail file on that Classic. Hate hangnails. The toothpick, blade, and scissors I use a lot. But the Super Tinker has those.

But the awl, hook, can/bottle openers, wire stripper on the Super Tinker I almost never use.

Bottom line to me is that the Classic is boring and unsexy and I dislike it for those reasons. But it just does 99% of what I need to do in such a mimimal package, that I can't help but carry it.

It pushed a really cool Red Bone Case CV Peanut out of my pocket.
Click to expand...

Interesting! So you prefer the aesthetics of the Super Tinker and it is more interesting for you, but practically, you feel like carrying the Classic. Thanks.

That case sounds cool, I love jigged bone knives, especially Case. (I think they've fallen out of favor since I was a kid and my dad told me about them, but I still like them. They were always great knives for my dad so I can't help but respect them.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top