Help me come to grips with SAKs

[geothorn]

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.

UnknownVT, Vincent, writes a lot of great reviews and instructional threads and posts. I've come to rely on a lot of his opinions.

GeoThorn

P.S. plowboy, I still haven't gotten myself a Wenger EVO yet. My last purchase was a Leatherman Wave (2004). However, the EVO is still on my list!

 

[cool_hand_luke]

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.

**WARNING** **WARNING** **WARNING**

Reading a thread by Vincent can lead to purchasing many more saks. He is singlehandedly responsible for me hunting down and paying way too much for two NIB scientists. He's also responsible for my 'minimalist' attitude toward saks (scientist, rambler, golfer, bantam, etc.)

Reading a post by Vincent is hazardous to your wallet!

Andy

 

[cool_hand_luke]

Just to be serious for a minute: Vincent has done some of the best reviews of saks (among many other knives) and has phenomenal pictures. He's an excellent writer; his reviews are an easy read (but still loaded with great technical info!).

 

[Hateman]

**WARNING** **WARNING** **WARNING**

Reading a thread by Vincent can lead to purchasing many more saks. He is singlehandedly responsible for me hunting down and paying way too much for two NIB scientists. He's also responsible for my 'minimalist' attitude toward saks (scientist, rambler, golfer, bantam, etc.)

Reading a post by Vincent is hazardous to your wallet!

Andy

The same has happened to me after reading Unknown's minimalist threads. I've gotten a scientist and have been trying 'minimalist' SAK's over the last year or so (Compact, Spartan, Mountaineer) in, almost, vain attempts to replace my oft carried Swisschamp. Yep, that man is dangerous

 

[plowboy]

I guess I need to track down some of UnknownVT's other threads and comments. If it leads to the need to buy a new knife, it can't be all bad.

Geothorn, pick up the EVO and see what you think. I really like the size of the EVO 16 and the handle shape.

Back to UnknownVT's post on convexing the edge, I have been playing with trying to do this on a used Huntsman I picked up to experiment with. I'm still trying to eliminate the edge to blade face transition. So far I haven't got the blade where I want it. I'm working on the small blade first.

I am using sandpaper on a mousepad and cardboard. I think I may use my white sharpmaker stones sometime this afternoon.

I appreciate the warning about reading UnknownVT's posts. I'll not let my wife know that it leads to buying more SAKs.

 

[okBookGuy]

**WARNING** **WARNING** **WARNING**

Reading a thread by Vincent can lead to purchasing many more saks. He is singlehandedly responsible for me hunting down and paying way too much for two NIB scientists. He's also responsible for my 'minimalist' attitude toward saks (scientist, rambler, golfer, bantam, etc.)

Reading a post by Vincent is hazardous to your wallet!

Andy

Whoa! Where in the wide world of SAKs did you find NIB Scientists?
I've got a want ad out in E-bay for a Scientist. But no nibbles yet.
That seems to be one model that people never let go of.

I really do wonder why Victorinox hasn't come back out with it?????
I don't know of a SAK lover who doesn't crave for them. . .even the ones who already own a couple want a source to replace them in the future.

 

[felinevet]

Whoa! Where in the wide world of SAKs did you find NIB Scientists?
I've got a want ad out in E-bay for a Scientist. But no nibbles yet.
That seems to be one model that people never let go of.

I really do wonder why Victorinox hasn't come back out with it?????
I don't know of a SAK lover who doesn't crave for them. . .even the ones who already own a couple want a source to replace them in the future.

I just finished selling 20 NIB Scientists. They were gone in 24 hours. I occasionally get them in stock.

 

[tcolling]

Yeah sure, Tim - why don't you give him a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice in it? (One of my favorite lines from the movie "The Princess Bride")

- Tim

 

[okBookGuy]

I just finished selling 20 NIB Scientists. They were gone in 24 hours. I occasionally get them in stock.

That's amazing. . . 20! Well if you think of it when you get your next ones. . .I'd really really like to buy some of them off you. I'll start watching your web page for any word of them.

Now I gotta go suck out that lemon juice and bandage up my horribly
paper-cut finger! :O)

 

[cool_hand_luke]

I actually didn't get mine through Tim (aka Felinevet), although his is a great sak dealer. I got mine some time ago now.

Just keep your ears to the ground. With patience, and a little luck, you too can own the elusive scientist.

Andy

 

[cool_hand_luke]

You know, there are dozens and dozens of other saks that are just as cool as the scientist. I'd venture to guess that 80% of the lure of the scientist is from the fact that it is discontinued, the other 20% is from the actual combination of tools.

My favorite saks are the following: OHT, soldier, rambler, and cowboy. You'll note that the scientist isn't in the list. Having said that I carry my scientist as work EDC because I need the magnifying lens in a 2-layer configuration for my job. If I didn't need the magnifying lens I'd probably swap out my scientist for the soldier.

YMMV.

Andy

EDIT: I got two scientists for backup. One is a user- the other is backup.

 

[UnknownVT]

**WARNING** **WARNING** **WARNING**
Reading a thread by Vincent can lead to purchasing many more saks. Reading a post by Vincent is hazardous to your wallet!

I always wanted to be known for being "dangerous"!

Thanks you guys so much for your comments - you are all too kind.

Here are a few links to interesting SAK threads - they are interesting mainly because of the multitude of input from BladeForum members - the feedback and input opens many discusssions and add to all of our knowledge -

SAKs - Victorinox or Wenger

Minimalist SAKs

SAK - Purchase Rationale

My EDC Story - Victorinox Combo Tool Story

the maximal Minimalist SAK

Victorinox Soldier v. Wenger Standard Issue

SAKs - Tool-by-Tool

SAK Scissors - Wenger or Victorinox?

SAK Pliers - Wenger or Victorinox?

Convexed Edge

SAKs - 91mm Vic Soldier & Alox "Pioneers"?

SAK - Victorinox Tinker

Victorinox Farmer

Victorinox SAKs - the other Tang Stamp

Twisted SAK blades?

UNBELIEVABLE!!! SAK Quality....

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

 

[plowboy]

This thread seems to keep going. I'm glad because you are sharing such great information related to these great knives. When I started this thread I had reservations about SAKs -- primarily due to the blade steel used. I have purchased a couple of SAKs and I'm now EDCing a SAK. Six months ago I would have never dreamed I would carry one of these things. I've learned that they are great knives.

I look forward to checking out the threads that UnknownVT has suggested.

By the way, if you want a new SAK send a note to Felinevet. He has been great to work with on my few purchases.

 

[cool_hand_luke]

By the way, if you want a new SAK send a note to Felinevet. He has been great to work with on my few purchases.

Agreed. Felinevet is very popular at SOSAK. He gives you a fair deal and fast service. What more could you ask for in a SAK dealer? (or any knife dealer, for that matter.)

Andy

 

[Highland Park]

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.

Sorry for chiming in so late! What a great thread!
Hope, I haven't overlooked it, but there actually is a huntsman with a phillips replacing the corkscrew: it's called the fieldmaster.

i can sure rely to what you all said about Vincent's posts. it was basically them that made me an addict ...

 

[plowboy]

Forgive me for bringing this old thread back, but I just wanted to let you all know that I've come to grips with SAKs. The tool that I like the most is the saw. When I started looking at and playing with SAKs, I never even thought of the saw, but I really like having it available. Soooooo, in my pocket right now is the Farmer with its nice little saw folded away waiting for me to need it.

Are there things I wish were different about SAKs? Definitely! I still wish it had an upgraded blade steel (and I really don't know why Victorinox and Wegner haven't done this) and that more models had two knife blades (large and small), but these darn things are useful just as they are.

Thanks to all of you for your comments.

 

[znapschatz]

Are there things I wish were different about SAKs? Definitely! I still wish it had an upgraded blade steel (and I really don't know why Victorinox and Wegner haven't done this) and that more models had two knife blades (large and small), but these darn things are useful just as they are.

Thanks to all of you for your comments.

And yet, since the SAK is intended for substitute standard when a "proper" tool or blade is far from hand, there may be benefit in a softer steel, which can be sharpened by any expedient rock or wha-tall, if necessary. If, OTOH, that s30v blade gets to where it won't cut meatloaf and you are countless miles from your sharpening gear, what then?

 

[plowboy]

znapschatz,

Good point on the softer steel, but there is quite a few steels falling between the 425 modified like steel in SAKs and s30v. But as I said, SAKs are very handy as they are and I'm carrying one everyday now.

 

[cool_hand_luke]

I still wish it had an upgraded blade steel (and I really don't know why Victorinox and Wegner haven't done this) and that more models had two knife blades (large and small), but these darn things are useful just as they are.

Thanks to all of you for your comments.

Yep. I oftentimes pair a sak with a spyderco (VG10) or BMade (154CM). I will say that I enjoy sharpening my SAKs more than my higher-end steels. And, call me crazy, I think I can get my SAK alot sharper than my delica. Although, the delica seems to hold its' edge better.

YMMV.

Andy

 

[Foilist]

Here's a funny thing. I am not a collector of knives - the ones I've accumululated I got to use as tools. Anyway, I just realized that I have bunch of Victorinox knives without deliberately "collecting" them:

25 year old Huntsman (got it when I was about twelve, plan to give it to my daughter when she's old enough.)

110mm Outrider (same tools as Huntsman minus the small blade)

Swisstool Spirit (my most frequent edc, has had a serration-ectomy)

Original Swisstool (got it recently in a trade, use it when heavier work is anticipated)

The fact that I ended up with these without trying to build a collection speaks volumes, I think, about their usefulness and versatility.