How many layers before a SAK is too big?

[Guy McVer]

What do you consider to be the maximum number of layers on a Swiss army knife before it becomes either too bulky or too heavy for you to grip or carry comfortably?

 

[CVamberbonehead]

3 layers is all I can do before it is just too annoying in my pocket.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Classic SD with 3 blades: on mine scissors, knife, and file/screwdriver is as big a SAK as I like. I mean, I like the idea of bigger ones, but not to carry.

 

[jackknife]

Two.

The cadet, recruit, bantam, (both alox and cellidor) Wenger SI/pioneer, secretary, excelsior, waiter, and spartan are the only SAK's I bother to own anymore. I value flatness and real world function over tools that are in the just in case scenario.

 

[Guy McVer]

Classic SD with 3 blades: on mine scissors, knife, and file/screwdriver is as big a SAK as I like. I mean, I like the idea of bigger ones, but not to carry.

A Rambler is too big for you? Have you tried one?

They're basically as close to perfection as you can get with a 58mm SAK. Their only real downside compared to a Classic is the price.

 

[Rich S]

3 layers (Vic Super tinker) is my max for pocket carry. Anything larger goes in a pouch on my belt.

 

[jmh33]

3 layers (Vic Super tinker) is my max for pocket carry. Anything larger goes in a pouch on my belt.

This!!
John

 

[Zulus]

2-3 for me
not too much, sorry

 

[kobold]

Depends on the carry and on the scales. I am also in the two layer cellidor (Rambler) or three layer alox (Minichamp) zone for front pocket carry.
In a bag or belt pouch I can carry whatever, np.
In use, it depends on the tool and the task itself, but my six layered Cybertool Lite and Workchamp are completely fine.

 

[afishhunter]

6 or 7 layers for me, I think ... maybe 8 is the maximum, tho I prefer 5 or less. The Huntsman (5 layers) is the widest I've regularly carried in my pocket and used.

 

[XJ-linux]

Swisschamp is my max. Just right, too!

 

[Buzzbait]

Swisschamp is my max. Just right, too!

Same. I couldn’t go any larger.

 

[StuntDouble]

I think 4 to 5 layers is my max.

 

[Wild Willie]

Another vote for 8 in the swisschamp.

 

[Guy McVer]

I prefer 5 or less. The Huntsman (5 layers) is the widest I've regularly carried in my pocket and used.

Did you mean the Ranger? The huntsman is 4 layers (openers, scissors, saw, blades) and the Ranger is 5 layers (openers, scissors, saw, file, blades).

Ranger is awesome. Definitely a favorite. Huntsman is just a bit easier to carry and sometimes comes as a nylon scale version. I've never seen a Ranger with nylon scales. I would get one if they made them.

6 or 7 layers for me, I think ... maybe 8 is the maximum

8 is the Swiss Champ. 6 would be a Handyman. Does Victorinox make any 7 layer models? Maybe one of the bigger Cybertools? I'm not very familiar with those.

They should make a 7 layer version of the Swiss Champ. Exact same as a normal Swiss Champ, just without the fish scaler...

 

[guy g]

2 layer is my carry now. I used to carry an Explorer( 4 layer) or the Champion Plus(7 layer, no pliers)

 

[afishhunter]

Did you mean the Ranger? The huntsman is 4 layers (openers, scissors, saw, blades) and the Ranger is 5 layers (openers, scissors, saw, file, blades).

My Huntsman went AWOL a few years ago. I thought it had 5. Sorry.

 

[tiguy7]

I EDC 3 SAK’s. The Waiter is 2 layers. The Money Clip is 1 layer. The Spydynox MiniChamp is 3 layers, but it is quite light and sits in the corner of my left front pocket.

 

[Ourorboros]

For Alox 3, though I prefer 2.
Cellidor - 2

Unless I'm carrying it for a specific use that day. Then the bulk is the cost of doing whatever I'm doing.

 

[Jackofall]

5 or 6 layers depending on the layer thicknesses (like scissors not being as wide as pliers) is probably where my comfortable to use limit is.
4 layers (deluxe tinker) is my current limit on carrying although i have been contemplating figuring out a way to try and carry my handyman or champion C