First SAK - Which to Buy??

[RedLynx]

Thanks for the info Bob!

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]

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.

Pretty much it. In fact, the Classic I carry has got the Spanish flag on it. It was given to me as a gift/souvenir. I really have no interest in/connection to Spain or its flag. (Nothing against our Spaniard friends...you guys make the best ham on the planet.)

But...I carry it almost exclusively.

 

[Bob6794]

Personally I think for daily carry 2 layer SAK is the largest I go, for more urban enviroments I think the Victorinox Compact be perfect. My first SAK was a Recruit which is the same size in terms of layers and is an awesome knife as well, in fact the more my taste is refined in knives the more I am beginning to wonder if that is my "perfect" knife. If you want slimmer there is the Waiter, Cadet, Pioneer, and various others I suggest you take a look at the SAK wiki someone linked earlier and take a look at all the knives and pick out what you like.

 

[pinnah]

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.

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.

Is this a question about collecting or EDC use? Huge difference, imo.


I'll come right out and say it. IMO, the best SAK is a Leatherman. Specifically, the Leatherman Micra.

Here's how I arrived at this.....


This is (like) the first knife I got when I was 8. It's an Ulster BSA knife. Carried it up through high school and used it for everything. Needless to say, I have deep emotional like for the utility of a multi-function knife, like the SAK.

Modified Ulster Camper by Pinnah, on Flickr


Then I got a Buck 110 and dug the beauty of a single blade. Then I got a SOG Paratool and dug the bigger utility of a true MT. Where did all this leave me....

Sort of close to a Sebanza. Sort of. Which is to say, I still dig the utility of a single blade knife. Just feels better and as much as I love traditional knives, I've grown irritated with blades that are too small and off center and knives that are too thick or heavy in the pocket. Any time I try to carry my Ulster BSA knife again, I just can click with it.

So, I carry an Opinel, which is not a Sebenza so just say, I carry a single blade locker that suits me and leave it at that. But this leaves me with the problem of not having any tools with me, in my pocket.

Enter, the Leatherman Micra. More generally, enter the key ring sized multi-purpose tool/knife placed in the off pocket.

So, that for me is the best solution. EDC knife in the RFP. Small multi-purpose knife/tool in the LFP.

EDC Pair by Pinnah, on Flickr

Now... about the Leatherman Micra vs any of the small offerings from Victorinox... I personally find the Micra to be better. It's more durable, can be pushed harder and does more things with the exception of a toothpick (which I loose in a matter of weeks). I've owned a bunch of Classics and destroyed them all in a year or so each (usually corporate or family gifts). I've never been able to bust or wear out a Micra.

Now.... If you like the feel and size of large traditional to carry and you're committed to carry only 1 knife/tool, then pick an SAK to suit your needs. It comes down to what you do and don't do and how thick of a knife you want.

Or... if you want to have and SAK to add to your collection, there are plenty of ways to think about that issue too.

But from carry and use it EDC mind set.... I've moved to Leatherman and won't look back.

 

[RedLynx]

Thanks for all of your suggestions friend.

Just to be clear to everyone, even when I use the word "collection" I am talking knives I will use and carry. My "collection" of knives is made up only of those knives I like to actually use and carry. I don't really buy any knife just to store it, it's just not my style. If I don't think I'll use it, I don't purchase it. (some exceptions if I get a knife as a gift, etc).

Oh and just to clear up something else, that i may have confused you about... I didn't mean "no Sebenza" in the sense of "no single-blade knife," sorry if that was confusing. Single blade knives that are ONLY single blade knives (Opinel, Buck 110, etc etc) are my favorite type of knife and what I buy most. I have very few multi-blade knives/SAK type knives. I just meant "no Sebenza" as in literally no Sebenza, as for a lot of people that is the answer to life, the universe and everything, even when the topic isn't about getting a Sebenza. It was just sort of a joke.

Is this a question about collecting or EDC use? Huge difference, imo.


I'll come right out and say it. IMO, the best SAK is a Leatherman. Specifically, the Leatherman Micra.

Here's how I arrived at this.....


This is (like) the first knife I got when I was 8. It's an Ulster BSA knife. Carried it up through high school and used it for everything. Needless to say, I have deep emotional like for the utility of a multi-function knife, like the SAK.

Modified Ulster Camper by Pinnah, on Flickr


Then I got a Buck 110 and dug the beauty of a single blade. Then I got a SOG Paratool and dug the bigger utility of a true MT. Where did all this leave me....

Sort of close to a Sebanza. Sort of. Which is to say, I still dig the utility of a single blade knife. Just feels better and as much as I love traditional knives, I've grown irritated with blades that are too small and off center and knives that are too thick or heavy in the pocket. Any time I try to carry my Ulster BSA knife again, I just can click with it.

So, I carry an Opinel, which is not a Sebenza so just say, I carry a single blade locker that suits me and leave it at that. But this leaves me with the problem of not having any tools with me, in my pocket.

Enter, the Leatherman Micra. More generally, enter the key ring sized multi-purpose tool/knife placed in the off pocket.

So, that for me is the best solution. EDC knife in the RFP. Small multi-purpose knife/tool in the LFP.

EDC Pair by Pinnah, on Flickr

Now... about the Leatherman Micra vs any of the small offerings from Victorinox... I personally find the Micra to be better. It's more durable, can be pushed harder and does more things with the exception of a toothpick (which I loose in a matter of weeks). I've owned a bunch of Classics and destroyed them all in a year or so each (usually corporate or family gifts). I've never been able to bust or wear out a Micra.

Now.... If you like the feel and size of large traditional to carry and you're committed to carry only 1 knife/tool, then pick an SAK to suit your needs. It comes down to what you do and don't do and how thick of a knife you want.

Or... if you want to have and SAK to add to your collection, there are plenty of ways to think about that issue too.

But from carry and use it EDC mind set.... I've moved to Leatherman and won't look back.

 

[Spyder328]

I would say you should try a SAK Classic. They can be had at under $15 if I remember correctly and it is a great starting place. I've had mine on my keys for the last 3 years and I use it all the time. I might just pick up another one soon just to have another

 

[timberweasel]

Personally I think for daily carry 2 layer SAK is the largest I go, for more urban enviroments I think the Victorinox Compact be perfect (...)

I agree on both points. A three layer SAK is the absolute thickest SAK I'd opt to carry before going with a multi-tool (a la Camper or Farmer) but I prefer my SAK to be two layers or thinner. The Compact is an absolutely wonderful urban EDC option and one would be hard pressed to find a better SAK for this purpose (utility wise,) imo. That said, I really dig alox scaled SAKs. They are slim, strong and good-lookin' enough to carry on more formal occasions. My preference for SAK carry is a Rambler on my keychain and an alox Pioneer. YMMV.

A tired old photo. But hey, at least I'm consistent!

Good luck, OP!

-Brett

 

[_habit_]

You really ultimately will have to just think "what tools will I have the remote possibility of ever using, that it would be worth carrying day in and day out?". For me, I carry an Alox Soldier to work every day. The blade is a useful size, it's thin so it will always work for tape if nothing else (I open a lot of boxes at work), I can beat on it and not worry about breaking it because hey it was $30. There's a bottle opener that I sometimes make use of at home, and 2 somewhat useful flathead screwdrivers. And a can opener I'll never use. And and awl I have rarely used.

Now I'm not saying the Soldier is the best one for you. But I'm definitely glad I have as little excess as possible. If I could have an extra smaller blade instead of the awl, that might be nice, maybe a serrated one even (but not a saw). I'll never use the can opener. But otherwise, I like it a lot, and there's no model more ideal to my personal needs.

What I do recommend is that you get an Alox model if possible. They feel much nicer than a regular SAK, which definitely contributes to me wanting to carry it when I could instead be carrying a Spyderco, albeit more expensive.

 

[Rich S]

I prefer the Deluxe Tinker as it has pliers and phillips head as well as the
other normal tools. Also the Mechanic has pliers and phillips and is a bit
thinner.

Rich S

 

[Bob6794]

I agree on both points. A three layer SAK is the absolute thickest SAK I'd opt to carry before going with a multi-tool (a la Camper or Farmer) but I prefer my SAK to be two layers or thinner. The Compact is an absolutely wonderful urban EDC option and one would be hard pressed to find a better SAK for this purpose (utility wise,) imo. That said, I really dig alox scaled SAKs. They are slim, strong and good-lookin' enough to carry on more formal occasions. My preference for SAK carry is a Rambler on my keychain and an alox Pioneer. YMMV.

A tired old photo. But hey, at least I'm consistent!

Good luck, OP!

-Brett

Rambler is what I would want on my keychain if I were to slim down to just 1 knife on it, but I already have a Vic Rally and Leatherman Micra on it so I have my bases covered for that. And yes I have to side with you those alox SAK's are wonderful I can't help but to fall in love with the Vic Cadet's one day I will own one. But for now I have a Wenger Patriot for when I want something light that I can drop into my pocket and forget about, it's a small knife that packs a punch.

 

[eschwebach]

I have a Classic on my keyring so that is with me everyday and has been for years. Then 90% of the time I pocket carry an Alox Cadet. It is two layers, so is very thin and light. It has the blade, bottle opener, can opener, flat head screw driver, small flat or phillips screw driver and nail file. Other than the blade I use the bottle opener and flat head screw driver the most by far. For me the Cadet is a perfect companion to a larger blade. I also think the Pioneer, Farmer, and Electrician are great, slightly larger, alternatives. I have also have a Hiker I throw in my backpack when hiking and a Trekker and Tinker in drawers around the house.

Alox Cadet


I like Alox.

 

[RedLynx]

Awesome plethora of colors!!

 

[Alnamvet68]

OP mentions a Soldier, so the Pioneer is front and center...

...

...if you can forgo the can opener, go for the Electrician which replaces said opener with a sheep's foot blade...

 

[ninjarabbi]

Climber and Super Tinker are both really nice. I really like the scissers on my Climber, and the only difference between the two is if you want the corkscrew or phillips driver. I must say though, I used my recruit for years and got by just fine. Its nice to have things like a saw but chances are you're not going to use it daily unless you live in the woods. If you want a really lightweight and cheap carry, get something like a recruit and then buy a cheap SAK classic online. That way you have the scissors but its not as thick in your pocket. I also recommend pretty much any Alox model, and the classic comes in especially handy if you buy one of those since they don't have the tweezers, toothpick or scissors.

 

[flarp]

Super Tinker or Yeoman.

 

[Bob W]

Thanks Bob.

Is Wenger on its way out?

Years ago Victorinox bought out Wenger and has since been producing two parallel lines of knives. The Wenger knives are now being discontinued all-together, although the brand will still be used for watches and other gear.

Wenger Swiss Army knives, made since 1893, will no longer be produced under that name as of 2014, says Victorinox, the company that owns the iconic brand.

The plan is apparently to keep the Wenger knife factory operating, but it will be making Victorinox-brand knives.

http://www.thelocal.ch/20130131/victorinox-cuts-wenger-swiss-army-knife-brand

 

[ozgooner]

Super Tinker all the way. I carry mine everywhere and have two backups in the draw at home. For me, the scissors are invaluable. I use this SAK on a daily basis, and regularly lend it to people for small tasks as needed.

My wife and I also have a Classic each on our car keys and while they rarely get used, they are handy to have there.

If you hunt around on auction sites, you can often find items where the seller is basically throwing in a Classic for free as part of the ad, especially if they have picked up a bunch of them from TSRA airport seizures. I don't think I've paid more than $15 for any of my Super Tinkers (been through about nine or ten what with giving them away all the time) and have Classics all over the house that came with them.

The only time I switch out the Super Tinker is if I am going bush, and then I carry a Fieldmaster, which carries the same tool set as the Super Tinker but adds one layer for a saw.

 

[rushane]

You really ultimately will have to just think "what tools will I have the remote possibility of ever using, that it would be worth carrying day in and day out?". For me, I carry an Alox Soldier to work every day. The blade is a useful size, it's thin so it will always work for tape if nothing else (I open a lot of boxes at work), I can beat on it and not worry about breaking it because hey it was $30. There's a bottle opener that I sometimes make use of at home, and 2 somewhat useful flathead screwdrivers. And a can opener I'll never use. And and awl I have rarely used.

Now I'm not saying the Soldier is the best one for you. But I'm definitely glad I have as little excess as possible. If I could have an extra smaller blade instead of the awl, that might be nice, maybe a serrated one even (but not a saw). I'll never use the can opener. But otherwise, I like it a lot, and there's no model more ideal to my personal needs.

What I do recommend is that you get an Alox model if possible. They feel much nicer than a regular SAK, which definitely contributes to me wanting to carry it when I could instead be carrying a Spyderco, albeit more expensive.

Pick up the Electrician in Alox. Sounds like your perfect SAK. You can lose the can opener and gain a second blade.

 

[willc]

The Tinker is a good model for somebody just trying out the SAK world.
If you find it useful and don't mind the extra heft then an upgrade to more tool layers may be in order.

A Soldier or Pioneer is also a good starting point if you prefer to try out alox first.

 

[FerFAL]

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 )

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.

Another vote for the Hiker. Everything you need, nothing you dont.
The saw is just fantastic and while I can work around the need of scissors with a sharp blade I cant really improvise a saw.
FerFAL