Happy with 'just' a Vic

F

Fass

Joined
Mar 8, 2020
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147
So I guess I have come to the point where I can say that a SAK is all I need. I've bought and sold many knives over the last year including some more expensive ones. The Bökers et al looked great, but in actual use and for everyday pocket carry, the humble SAK is all I need. In the first weeks of 2021 I once more fell in the trap of 'shiny new things' bit I realize that my Recruit and Classic do all I need. So I am done. No more new knives as the humble SAK can do it all and more.
 
Totally agree, my Recruit has been my EDC since I bought it. I have an Alox Army1 and a Mauser/Victorinox but prefer the size and minimalist tool selection of the Recruit over either of those. My other knives are Bucks and Schrade Old Timer USA and they now sit in a box unused.
 
I don’t know if there’s anything humble about a SAK. They’re all capable and versatile in my view.

I like the Recruit, too. It’s like a scaled down Pioneer. I use the small blade much more than the 93mm awl.

My favourite Recruit has a serrated large blade - a useful compliment to the plain edge small blade.
 
I couldn't agree more with a SAK meeting my daily needs. Either a Recruit or a Tinker hang on a TEC clip in my left front pocket. The Classic is in the fifth pocket. Now I do carry a Pacific Salt SE in an appendix position. Just in case the SHTF. Hasn't been used in that scenario yet, thank God.
 
I look at other knives Spydercos, Case Slipjoints but at the end of the day I just love the utility of my SAK Tinker or Climber too much. If I need a heavier duty knife or better steel I am more then likely going for a fixed blade.
 
I always carry a SAK but I have 8 I rotate between because I just can’t make up my mind on just one.
 
Pomsbz said:
After many years of searching for the one I've been carrying the SAK Spartan now for a couple of years and it really is everything I need. I could wish for a bit better steel and a bit better aesthetics but for where it counts, it's a perfect carry tool.
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The 99mm MKM Malga 6 has an M-390 blade, removable scales, and fork.View attachment 1532253
 
tiguy7 said:
The 99mm MKM Malga 6 has an M-390 blade, removable scales, and fork.View attachment 1532253
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I use the screwdriver on the can opener a lot and the awl too actually, I was using it just yesterday. The awl on that tool doesn't look great. Most of all, the small blade. I use it far more than the big blade which I dedicate for food use, the small blade does all the dirty work.
 
Vic makes good knives and I own one. but no I am not happy with just a Vic. Nor do I think they are the be all end all.
I much prefer my Gerber Suspension, Hogue folder, and Fox Trekking Bowie over any Vic.
Victorinox needs to step up their blade steels. I can tell you right now that no Vic will ever become my main knife or primary EDC. Secondary perhaps.
At least I am being honest.
 
Pomsbz said:
I use the screwdriver on the can opener a lot and the awl too actually, I was using it just yesterday. The awl on that tool doesn't look great. Most of all, the small blade. I use it far more than the big blade which I dedicate for food use, the small blade does all the dirty work.
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I have an 89mm G Sekai Trekker with a ZDP-189 main blade, but the small blade is junk. The awl on the Malga sucks, but it could probably be sharpened.
 
Mr opinionated said:
Victorinox needs to step up their blade steels
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When one considers that Swiss army knives aren't really built for the fanatical steel snob crowd and are more for the non knife people that want to carry a pocket knife there's no reason for them to step it up. It's damn near rust proof, holds an edge reasonably well, and is fairly easy to sharpen even for a layman. The fact that they sell about a bazillion of them every year says (at least to me) that they're on to something.
 
Wild Willie said:
When one considers that Swiss army knives aren't really built for the fanatical steel snob crowd and are more for the non knife people that want to carry a pocket knife there's no reason for them to step it up. It's damn near rust proof, holds an edge reasonably well, and is fairly easy to sharpen even for a layman. The fact that they sell about a bazillion of them every year says (at least to me) that they're on to something.
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Agreed. I would like better retention but I love how easy they are to sharpen, how well they cut even when dull due to the superb geometry and the fact they are rinse, shake, pocket. I did that with an Alox Pruner I intend to carry next week, was a bit grungy, I left it in water and dish soap for a couple of days, rinsed off and that's it. I don't need to do any more. I couldn't do that with my CPM 154 Buck or Leatherman. My M390 Lionsteel can do that but it's not quick and easy to sharpen.
 
Wild Willie said:
When one considers that Swiss army knives aren't really built for the fanatical steel snob crowd and are more for the non knife people that want to carry a pocket knife there's no reason for them to step it up. It's damn near rust proof, holds an edge reasonably well, and is fairly easy to sharpen even for a layman. The fact that they sell about a bazillion of them every year says (at least to me) that they're on to something.
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I agree on some points. And I do not want to come off as a blade snob. But it would be nice to see some offered in a VG10, 154cm, D2, or 440C for those who want a bit better edge retention.

I can't believe you think that wanting an upgrade from a 440A type steel is being a knife snob :D. Even most non knife people can sharpen the steels I mentioned with today's sharpeners. And the thin blade stock they use makes sharpening even easier.

There is no reason for VIC to not offer a few models in slightly stepped up steels at the very least and I can guarantee they would sell faster than VIC could produce them.

Two reasons they sell a billion of them is because they are legal in knife restrictive countries such as Europe. Which do not even allow a Buck 110. And since there is no real competition from other companies that can keep up with a global giant like Victorinox. They pretty much have free reign in knife restrictive countries.

And the second reason would be because of MacGyver TV show in the 1980's that gave them a huge name.

I can guarantee if knife restricted countries had laws more like the USA. That 5 to 6 out of 10 people would purchase something like a multi tool and better quality knife than a SAK. And VIC would have to step up their game or get left in the dust.

I own a cheap Gerber Suspension. Older model. That ran me under $24 five years ago. And I can do harder jobs with it. And abuse it far more than a SAK. I will be using it today to help dismantle a rotted Deck walkway at my Godmother's house.

Sadly in some countries a multi tool like mine is illegal due to nonsense oppressive laws such as locks built in the blade and tools. Good luck trying to use a SAK for any work in most construction and landscaping fields.
Even the cheapest $9 Ozark Trail multi tool is more useful, durable, and functional than any SAK.
 
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Mr opinionated said:
I can guarantee if knife restricted countries had laws more like the USA. That 5 to 6 out of 10 people would purchase something like a multi tool and better quality knife than a SAK. And VIC would have to step up their game or get left in the dust.
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Victorinox is far bigger than all the US knife manufacturers combined and the numbers aren't abating. It's the modern manufacturers who have to be worried about continually having been left in the dust by a 100 year old manufacturer using simple steel. Victorinox isn't marketing to the knife nuts, that tiny niche fraction, they're selling to everyone else out there and it's a big world. If the other knife companies tried that, perhaps they wouldn't be getting such low sales figures despite all of their high end steel. Perhaps, just perhaps they might realise that it's simply not relevant.
 
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I agree with Pomsbz. Maybe 1, or 2 at most, out 10 would change if restrictions are the consideration. The main point is that Victorinox, and other knife manufacturers in Europe, are focused on making knives/multi-tools for the average folks who just want something relatively inexpensive and that just simply works in a time-tested way.

As someone that has lived and traveled in Europe, there many knives that I'd be allowed to carry there that would be clearly illegal in a number of places in the U.S. Moreover, even when carrying a Vic in NYC, I'm constantly hiding it and being mindful of how and when I use it, whereas in several European capitals (e.g., Madrid) I carry a SAK with basically zero concern.
 
Mr opinionated said:
And I do not want to come off as a blade snob.
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Mr opinionated said:
I can't believe you think that wanting an upgrade from a 440A type steel is being a knife snob :D
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I'm not saying that you in particular are a steel snob, this is a knife forum after all.:cool:

Mr opinionated said:
There is no reason for VIC to not offer a few models in slightly stepped up steels at the very least and I can guarantee they would sell faster than VIC could produce them.
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I don't necessarily disagree, but I imagine the tooling investment to properly do this is probably not worth the investment for such a relatively small market.

Mr opinionated said:
I can guarantee if knife restricted countries had laws more like the USA. That 5 to 6 out of 10 people would purchase something like a multi tool and better quality knife than a SAK. And VIC would have to step up their game or get left in the dust.
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I don't necessarily think this is true, another big selling point for victorinox is affordability, there are some countries that the 25 to 40 bucks required to buy one probably represents a large portion of ones discretionary income. Forget about the money involved to buy a Leatherman or the latest super folder.

Mr opinionated said:
I own a cheap Gerber Suspension. Older model. That ran me under $24 five years ago. And I can do harder jobs with it. And abuse it far more than a SAK. I will be using it today to help dismantle a rotted Deck walkway at my Godmother's house.
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While I don't totally discount the versatility of modern pliers based multi tools, I used to be a hard core Leatherman guy. I broke or lost several, I only used their warranty once, because I personally couldn't expect Leatherman to pay for what I knew each and every other time was tantamount to abuse. Not to mention losing them... That hurts, I'm not saying that I don't get upset at a lost sak, but it's a lot easier to eat that than a Leatherman at 2 to 3 times the cost of replacement.

Mr opinionated said:
Good luck trying to use a SAK for any work in most construction and landscaping fields.
Even the cheapest $9 Ozark Trail multi tool is more useful, durable, and functional than any SAK.
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Here is where I strongly disagree... I do tree work for a living, not logging, but bucket and climbing removals/trimming, stump grinding, the works. I also help a buddy of mine quite frequently on the jobs for his earth work business. I have found a sak and a pair of dedicated pliers far more useful and durable than a multi tool. My friend doesn't even carry the pliers, just a pioneer that I sharpen for him (he's definitely not a knife guy). Those tools get used daily, I haven't carried a modern folder in almost 6 years, and it's been almost 2 since I ditched Leatherman.

I still carry a dedicated folding knife, and a sheath knife in my coat pocket, but I know for certain I COULD get by quite happily with just the pioneer and a sheath knife but that would leave me without a reason to log onto bladeforums every day and oggle what others are using.

Obviously your life and experiences are unique to you, and please don't take this as a personal affront. I think this is one of those YMMV moments that make life interesting.
 
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