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Help me come to grips with SAKs
- Thread starter plowboy
- Start date
MVF said:
MVF,
Thanks for your note. I am still waiting on the Vics to arrive. I called yesterday and the company said they would ship Monday. I usually buy from New Graham (NGK), but decided to try Knifeworks.com this time. NGK always has the stuff to me in two days.
However, I need to get with Felinevet on an order soon. I understand that s/he (not sure which) does a nice job. So, Felinevet I'm coming your way soon.
I'll let you know about my thoughts on Vic. v. Wenger sometime late next week or next weekend.
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2005
- Messages
- 273
MVF said:
I had a similar experience with a Vic Recruit II. I was setting up speakers to sell at a garage sale and needed to cut some wire so I could demo them. My Leatherman had gone to repair and I didn't want to walk to the shop to get wire cutters. I doubled the 16 gauge wire over the large blade of the Recruit and pulled the blade through four different times. The wire stripper came in handy, too. When I examined the edge later, I was amazed to see that it wasn't rolled, chipped, dulled or damaged in any way.
While SAKs may be inexpensive they are very easy to get sentimentally attached to. So the "easily replaced" thing does not always apply.
Last Christmas I gave one of my co-workers a blue Spartan with his name engraved on it. He loved it and said his grandson would likely be trying to take it from him at every opportunity. He said something to the effect that it was something you keep with you for a very long time.
Every now and then I see him take the Spartan out to cut packing strap, cardboard, bananas, etc. The other day he left it on his desk and I picked it up and examined it. The scales were all dinged and scratched. The blade was gunked with packing tape adhesive and the edge was worn. The knife had pocket lint in every crack and crevice. In other words he had been carrying and using it a lot.
Last Christmas I gave one of my co-workers a blue Spartan with his name engraved on it. He loved it and said his grandson would likely be trying to take it from him at every opportunity. He said something to the effect that it was something you keep with you for a very long time.
Every now and then I see him take the Spartan out to cut packing strap, cardboard, bananas, etc. The other day he left it on his desk and I picked it up and examined it. The scales were all dinged and scratched. The blade was gunked with packing tape adhesive and the edge was worn. The knife had pocket lint in every crack and crevice. In other words he had been carrying and using it a lot.
I'm almost wondering if the term 'supersteel' ought to be reserved for Victorinox rather than some of the high end stuff. The OHT never ceases to amaze me in its ability to chop and slice. I am stuck on carrying a benchmade axis lock, but I can seriously say that even with a razor sharp edge on the BM, the OHT cuts just as good in most situations, and even better on somethings. And I really don't think it needs the edge touched up much more often than my other knives in ATS, 154CM or SV30. The Vic guys know what they are doing. I would venture to guess that Victorinox knives have cut more that most other knife companies products put together
Okay, other than my posting late next week comparing my initial thoughts on the Vics v. Wenger, I guess I need to let this thread die sometime soon. I have really enjoyed the conversation we've had and it's been very helpful to me as a new SAK additct.
However, before I let the thread die I want to ask about another SAK tidbit I've stumbled into. In looking at ebay, I noticed a knife for auction by Central Valley Wholesale Knives in CA. The knife is the One Hand GermanTrekker. In the description the seller states that the knife has the newest style lock in the channel. Is this a modified liner lock? I assume it is suppose to be an improvement on the simply liner lock. Do all Trekkers have this lock? Do other Vics have this lock in the channel?
Am I correct in saying that the blade tangs in the Vics are not radiused to accept the liner lock? It may not be an issue given the relatively narrow blade thickness.
I hope you can shead some light on this lock design.
Again, I really appreciate your comments and I look forward to learning from all of you in the days to come. I hope I can share some useful information from my end too.
Thanks.
However, before I let the thread die I want to ask about another SAK tidbit I've stumbled into. In looking at ebay, I noticed a knife for auction by Central Valley Wholesale Knives in CA. The knife is the One Hand GermanTrekker. In the description the seller states that the knife has the newest style lock in the channel. Is this a modified liner lock? I assume it is suppose to be an improvement on the simply liner lock. Do all Trekkers have this lock? Do other Vics have this lock in the channel?
Am I correct in saying that the blade tangs in the Vics are not radiused to accept the liner lock? It may not be an issue given the relatively narrow blade thickness.
I hope you can shead some light on this lock design.
Again, I really appreciate your comments and I look forward to learning from all of you in the days to come. I hope I can share some useful information from my end too.
Thanks.
- Joined
- May 14, 2004
- Messages
- 237
I don't know what is meant by "new". The OH GAK has the same linerlock as the OH Trekkers and other linerlock Vics (Fireman, Nomad, Centurion, Forester, Parachutist [Rescuer], Locksmith, and Jumpmaster. The linerlock also locks the screwdriver on the other end. There is a tad of vertical blade play when the lock is engaged but it is very strong and effective. Remember that SAKs are not intended to be tacticals but I carry a OH Trekker and I would trust my life on it if I had to.
Do as Joe Dirt said. Although I ordered my first round of Victorinox SAKs from Knifeworks.com, I also just placed an order with Felinevet yesterday.
The SAKs from Knifeworks are due in today by UPS. It took a bit longer than I expected for them to ship.
I can say that Tim (Felinevet) has been great to work with as I asked a number of questions and decided on some particular SAKs. I fully recommend Felinevet based on our email conversations and the help he has offered. I should have my knives from him soon.
When the Victorinox SAKs arrive to day I'll begin comparing them to my one Wenger EVO 16 that I purchased near the beginning of this thread. I'll report back with my thoughts.
Thanks to everyone for being part of this thread.
The SAKs from Knifeworks are due in today by UPS. It took a bit longer than I expected for them to ship.
I can say that Tim (Felinevet) has been great to work with as I asked a number of questions and decided on some particular SAKs. I fully recommend Felinevet based on our email conversations and the help he has offered. I should have my knives from him soon.
When the Victorinox SAKs arrive to day I'll begin comparing them to my one Wenger EVO 16 that I purchased near the beginning of this thread. I'll report back with my thoughts.
Thanks to everyone for being part of this thread.
As I promised I'm posting a note on my experience with the EVO 16 (by Wenger) and the Huntsman (by Victorinox). Many of you may remember from my early posts in this thread that I decided to try a couple of SAKs after being a devout Spyderco man. While I still greatly appreciate the knives that Spyderco makes, I am enjoying getting to know the SAKs.
In reading posts in the Multi-tools & Multi-purpose Knives area of the fourm, I was surprised to see how many folks seem to perfer Victorinox to Wenger. After handling the two, however, I have a better understanding of this preference.
The Huntsman is certainly a bit more heavy duty than the EVO 16. The Huntsman, as most of you probably know, is a four layer knife; the EVO 16 is a three layer knife. Additionally, the Huntsman is 1/4" longer than the EVO. The extra 1/4" in length and the the additional layer make the Huntsman a much larger tool to carry in the pocket when compared to the EVO. Cubically speaking, the difference is very noticeable. I must admit that this is not an advantage -- at least from my perspective.
For this additional size and weight the Huntsman does include a wood saw. I actually like having the saw folded away in the handle if it is ever needed. Both the Victorinox and the Wenger have a large blade, scissors, common (flat) screw driver, can openner and awl. The Huntsman also has the cork screw (not of much use to me), a small blade, and a "hook." The Evo 16 has a nail cleaner and nail file. The EVO also has a phillips screwdriver. Both have a tooth pick and tweezers.
So, while the two knives do have a good bit in common, they also have some differences. Generally speaking, I like the Huntsman the best. I do miss the philips screwdriver, however, I also wish it were a bit smaller. The 1/4" in length makes a difference in the pocket.
If I were forced to choose only one of the knives, it would be the Huntsman. Fortunately, and this is what we all like so much, we can own more than one knife. As a result, I think the EVO will go with me to the office, church, and other occassions where I will be "dressed-up."
Here on the farm, however, the Huntsman will go with me while the EVO sits in my drawer. The Victorinox does seem to be built stronger and I like this for the heavier work I'll likely get into on the farm. I can say that both the Wenger and the Victorinox blades cut bailing twine very easily (better than some of my much more expensive folders). This is probably due to the relatively thin blade on the SAKs.
If I could have anything I wanted, I would have a Huntsman and Huntsman JR (a make believe knife a bit smaller than the Huntsman) in properly heat treated D2 steel. I am really happy with the multi-function nature of the SAKs and would be willing to pay for a "better" steel. Since neither Victorinox or Wenger will change the steels just for me, I'll enjoy the knives as they are built and speend a little more time with my strop. Although, I am impressed with how long the edge remains sharp. (Neither will I abandon my Spyderco knives with their s30v and VG 10 steels).
I'm happy with these nifty SAK knives and encourage others to give them a try. They can do hard work. And, I appreciate the fact that they are not viewed negatively by the non-knife population. Many times I find myself in such an environment and it's nice to not offend other folks.
Finally, it's safe to say that I'm a new fan of SAK knives.
Thanks to all o fyou who have participated in this thread.
In reading posts in the Multi-tools & Multi-purpose Knives area of the fourm, I was surprised to see how many folks seem to perfer Victorinox to Wenger. After handling the two, however, I have a better understanding of this preference.
The Huntsman is certainly a bit more heavy duty than the EVO 16. The Huntsman, as most of you probably know, is a four layer knife; the EVO 16 is a three layer knife. Additionally, the Huntsman is 1/4" longer than the EVO. The extra 1/4" in length and the the additional layer make the Huntsman a much larger tool to carry in the pocket when compared to the EVO. Cubically speaking, the difference is very noticeable. I must admit that this is not an advantage -- at least from my perspective.
For this additional size and weight the Huntsman does include a wood saw. I actually like having the saw folded away in the handle if it is ever needed. Both the Victorinox and the Wenger have a large blade, scissors, common (flat) screw driver, can openner and awl. The Huntsman also has the cork screw (not of much use to me), a small blade, and a "hook." The Evo 16 has a nail cleaner and nail file. The EVO also has a phillips screwdriver. Both have a tooth pick and tweezers.
So, while the two knives do have a good bit in common, they also have some differences. Generally speaking, I like the Huntsman the best. I do miss the philips screwdriver, however, I also wish it were a bit smaller. The 1/4" in length makes a difference in the pocket.
If I were forced to choose only one of the knives, it would be the Huntsman. Fortunately, and this is what we all like so much, we can own more than one knife. As a result, I think the EVO will go with me to the office, church, and other occassions where I will be "dressed-up."
Here on the farm, however, the Huntsman will go with me while the EVO sits in my drawer. The Victorinox does seem to be built stronger and I like this for the heavier work I'll likely get into on the farm. I can say that both the Wenger and the Victorinox blades cut bailing twine very easily (better than some of my much more expensive folders). This is probably due to the relatively thin blade on the SAKs.
If I could have anything I wanted, I would have a Huntsman and Huntsman JR (a make believe knife a bit smaller than the Huntsman) in properly heat treated D2 steel. I am really happy with the multi-function nature of the SAKs and would be willing to pay for a "better" steel. Since neither Victorinox or Wenger will change the steels just for me, I'll enjoy the knives as they are built and speend a little more time with my strop. Although, I am impressed with how long the edge remains sharp. (Neither will I abandon my Spyderco knives with their s30v and VG 10 steels).
I'm happy with these nifty SAK knives and encourage others to give them a try. They can do hard work. And, I appreciate the fact that they are not viewed negatively by the non-knife population. Many times I find myself in such an environment and it's nice to not offend other folks.
Finally, it's safe to say that I'm a new fan of SAK knives.
Thanks to all o fyou who have participated in this thread.
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2005
- Messages
- 273
Thanks for the review, plowboy. I own two Wengers; an Evo 16 and a Teton. My only gripe about them is that the backsprings could be stronger. Otherwise, they are great knives. I like Wenger's springless scissors, small clip point blade and the fact that you can get any combination of tools in a highly pocketable 85mm knife. Vic's selection of 84mm knives is very limited.
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2005
- Messages
- 503
I carry a victorinox scientist, victorinox cowboy, and victorinox spirit when I'm working on the farm. Victorinox makes hardworking knives/tools. If they can hold up to the 'beating' I put each through on the farm, you know they'll be good just about anywhere else.
They are certainly not toys or novelty items. No sir.
Good review plowboy.
Andy
**EDIT** I carry the cowboy because it has a locking blade, which I find essential for some of my farm duties.
They are certainly not toys or novelty items. No sir.
Good review plowboy.
Andy
**EDIT** I carry the cowboy because it has a locking blade, which I find essential for some of my farm duties.
I will always carry some sort of Victorinox product, even though I also love my knives by Chris Reeve, Benchmade, Spyderco, etc. There is always a place for an SAK or Vic product. The biggest problem is often which one?
One of the biggest advantages for me is the Vic can opener. It works extremely quickly and cleanly. Some people will use the blade on their knife to open cans, and I can see doing it if you have absolutely no choice, but if you have at least a SAK, why would you?
I have met some people who get nervous seeing me cut an apple with a basic, normal-sized SAK, but so what? SAKs are ubiquitous and very practical. They may not have "super-steel", but they serve me so well I have no complaint, in fact, I like Victornox's steel. When I lived overseas for many years, my only knife at that time was an old Vic Spartan, and it held up even in a corrosive, sub-tropical environment with minimal care. Most other multi-blade pocketknives would have turned into rusted-out, beat-up wrecks. Back Stateside, with a little clean-up, it still walks and talks as well as ever, though scratched and a slightly cracked red scale, and now it is 25 years old. Only time will tell how many of the high-tech tactical knives can stand up to that length of daily use.
Jim
One of the biggest advantages for me is the Vic can opener. It works extremely quickly and cleanly. Some people will use the blade on their knife to open cans, and I can see doing it if you have absolutely no choice, but if you have at least a SAK, why would you?
I have met some people who get nervous seeing me cut an apple with a basic, normal-sized SAK, but so what? SAKs are ubiquitous and very practical. They may not have "super-steel", but they serve me so well I have no complaint, in fact, I like Victornox's steel. When I lived overseas for many years, my only knife at that time was an old Vic Spartan, and it held up even in a corrosive, sub-tropical environment with minimal care. Most other multi-blade pocketknives would have turned into rusted-out, beat-up wrecks. Back Stateside, with a little clean-up, it still walks and talks as well as ever, though scratched and a slightly cracked red scale, and now it is 25 years old. Only time will tell how many of the high-tech tactical knives can stand up to that length of daily use.
Jim
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2005
- Messages
- 503
James Y said:
This is indeed the tough question that every sak'er must answer daily.
Andy
Hey James Y, Cool-Hand-Luke, Carbon50 and Joe Dirt (and everyone else) thanks for responding.
I am glad to hear (Joe Dirt) that you think this is a great thread. I have certainly enjoyed being part of the discussion. All of you have helped me to learn quite a bit about SAKs.
I really think I am beginning to agree with James Y in that an SAK will always be part of my pocket carry. The various blades (tools) are really helpful. I think there may very well be some different SAKs in my future. For now, I really like the Huntsman and the EVO 16. One point I did fail to make in my earlier comparison between these two knives is the great handle ergos on the EVO. I do like the handle design on the EVO much better than the Huntsman. As stated in my review, however, the Huntsman wins out when everything is considered.
I am glad to hear (Joe Dirt) that you think this is a great thread. I have certainly enjoyed being part of the discussion. All of you have helped me to learn quite a bit about SAKs.
I really think I am beginning to agree with James Y in that an SAK will always be part of my pocket carry. The various blades (tools) are really helpful. I think there may very well be some different SAKs in my future. For now, I really like the Huntsman and the EVO 16. One point I did fail to make in my earlier comparison between these two knives is the great handle ergos on the EVO. I do like the handle design on the EVO much better than the Huntsman. As stated in my review, however, the Huntsman wins out when everything is considered.
Here I go again on something goofy. It seems that I read somewhere about someone reprofiling an SAK blade to something similar to a convex grind. Any one know about this?
Given the thin blade of SAKs, this is probably a waste of time, but I'm just wondering.
EDIT: I just found the tread on convexing a SAK blade. It seems it was posted by UnknownVT on 11-14-2004. It's an interesting read.
Given the thin blade of SAKs, this is probably a waste of time, but I'm just wondering.
EDIT: I just found the tread on convexing a SAK blade. It seems it was posted by UnknownVT on 11-14-2004. It's an interesting read.