I think I finally get it...

Nice to hear that you found what works for you (or at least you think you did for now :p)

For me it's a bit the other way around. I have been carrying a Farmer or Spartan since I was a little kid and would never part with it because it is such a cheap but indispensable tool (I've destroyed, lost and gifted a bunch of them). Now thanks to this nice little corner of the internet I've come to appreciate the aesthetics of traditional knives and always carry both. Nowadays I have my modified SAK with the tools I use the most with some wooden covers as well as a traditional pattern (mostly a GEC). Bottom line: SAK=tool, traditional=makes me happy :D

The major issue for me with the steel is that it rolls so darn easily. Most of the time it's not a problem, but when you have to abuse the knife :eek: a rolled edge is really annoying. I'd rather have a normal dull edge or very small chips than this.
 
Rsmith_77 said:
"soft" steel is no exaggeration, didnt take but 15-20 minutes of whittling on a dead branch (granted a very tough wood as of now unidentified) and it was butter knife dull. ... perhaps i had it sharpened to thin and the edge couldnt take the abuse and i need to widen my angle.
Click to expand...

I suspect that's the case. Victorinox's steel is pretty solid for real-world use. But you sure can't sharpen them the same way you would a primo carbon steel. It's a different animal.


pinnah said:
RE Vic Steel: IIRC, it's hardened to about 55RC. It may take a crude edge quickly, but I find it very frustrating to put a fine edge on as it holds a wire edge a lot, at least IME.
Click to expand...

Best bet: Don't put too fine an edge on 'em.

-- Mark
 
Last edited:
mnblade said:
I suspect that's the case. Victorinox's steel is pretty solid for real-world use. But you sure can't sharpen them the same way you would a primo carbon steel. It's a different animal.

-- Mark
Click to expand...

between this and carl's heads up about the possibility of carving a piece of much harder than realized wood
i'll probably give my wenger a 2nd chance
 
mnblade said:
I suspect that's the case. Victorinox's steel is pretty solid for real-world use. But you sure can't sharpen them the same way you would a primo carbon steel. It's a different animal.

Best bet: Don't put too fine an edge on 'em.

-- Mark
Click to expand...


This +10.

SAK steel is on the mild side, so they just don't work well with those hair whittling edged, or even hair shaving sharp. I've fooled around with these things for decades now, and they had their good points and they have some bad points. I've found out that they work best with a course edge like the old boy scout 'carborundum' stones would leave. The old gray sharpening stone give these knives a very good slicing edge that will stay there for a good while. I noticed many times when I went over board and put a fine edge on them, it went after a few cutting jobs on cardboard or some other abrasive material. Put an edge on that Wenger SI that's no more than a 600 at best, a little courser is good, and stick to everyday cutting. If you have to carve old oak or hickory, go get a 1095 or 01 blade hardened up to RC62. You'll need it. Those close grained woods when they dry out are hell on a cutting edge.

Carl.
 
jackknife said:
This +10.

SAK steel is on the mild side, so they just don't work well with those hair whittling edged, or even hair shaving sharp. I've fooled around with these things for decades now, and they had their good points and they have some bad points. I've found out that they work best with a course edge like the old boy scout 'carborundum' stones would leave. The old gray sharpening stone give these knives a very good slicing edge that will stay there for a good while. I noticed many times when I went over board and put a fine edge on them, it went after a few cutting jobs on cardboard or some other abrasive material.
Click to expand...



My first knife was a BSA Victorinox Sentry, and my first stone was a little 'carborundum' stone. I broke my carborundum stone about six months ago, and have been using other stones as well for sharpening my newer Victorinox Cadet. I was wondering why the steel wasn't holding as good of an edge as before, even though I was putting on mirror edges now. This explains a TON, I will be resharpening the Cadet in a moment.

Very informative,
Connor
 
sturzi said:
Nice to hear that you found what works for you (or at least you think you did for now :p)

For me it's a bit the other way around. I have been carrying a Farmer or Spartan since I was a little kid and would never part with it because it is such a cheap but indispensable tool (I've destroyed, lost and gifted a bunch of them). Now thanks to this nice little corner of the internet I've come to appreciate the aesthetics of traditional knives and always carry both. Nowadays I have my modified SAK with the tools I use the most with some wooden covers as well as a traditional pattern (mostly a GEC). Bottom line: SAK=tool, traditional=makes me happy :D

The major issue for me with the steel is that it rolls so darn easily. Most of the time it's not a problem, but when you have to abuse the knife :eek: a rolled edge is really annoying. I'd rather have a normal dull edge or very small chips than this.
Click to expand...

I get ya, I like the traditional styles more aesthetically, but the usefulness of this pattern sells it for me. I would carry both as you do, but I still find it a bit awkward carrying two knives (of the same size. a Classic paired with something isn't a bother really) and I cannot justify such a thing yet. Like it was said previously, I wish a traditional looking soldier/camper pattern would arise with updated tools.

What is cool though is that these models are good work knives so far for me. I use the Pioneer's awl like a sheepsfoot, scraper and...well...an awl :D
This lessens the chance for rolling a lot, but I wish it didn't roll so much still; you should see the edge on my Climber, it is....uhm...kinda maybe sorta possibly rolled almost all the way from tang to tip, hehe.

It hasn't taken any damage from what I have put it through, so I guess it is a keeper for now. I will probably buy another after boot camp, I don't want to loose this one; the military seems to loose everything it seems. A few friends of mine can veryify :grumpy:
 
i have a tinker that i keep on the dash of my work vehicle. i like having both types of screwdriver and an awl around in case i need it.
if i need to cut abrasive stuff i use my opinel.
ymmv.
 
I have a deep seated emotional soft spot for Camper style knives. Had one since Inwas 8 and keep them in my shop and near my computer stand.

I really like these old Ulsters. The Camillus ones are nice too. Can be found for cheap and really nice carbon steel blades.

Modified Ulster Camper by Pinnah, on Flickr

But as much as I love them, the Micra has pushed them out my pocket.
 
I dig my SAKs! :thumbup: My only true EDC is the Vic Rambler that lives on my keys, but my Alox Pioneer is never neglected for long. If I wasn't such a knife-knut, these are all that I'd carry and, admittedly, all I'd really need.

core01.jpg
 
timberweasel said:
I dig my SAKs! :thumbup: My only true EDC is the Vic Rambler that lives on my keys, but my Alox Pioneer is never neglected for long. If I wasn't such a knife-knut, these are all that I'd carry and, admittedly, all I'd really need.

core01.jpg
Click to expand...

I think that sentiment goes for a lot of us. :)

carl.
 
pinnah said:
Somebody, maybe GEC.... maybe Case... or who knows, maybe even Bear & Sons is going to wake up one day and realize that what the world... ok... at least the N. American market and maybe the world needs is not another modern looking Camp/Scout/Army knife and not, please no, not a replica of a 1930s camp knife. Instead, how about a traditional looking camp knife with an updated selection of tools and good quality carbon or stainless steel. Man, I would love that.

Until then, I had my epiphany when, on advice from an older work mate to take my Leatherman Micra off of my key ring where it was under used and put in my LFP as a back up to the single blade folder in my RFP. This has been my do it all combo for about a year now.


Every Day Carry Pairing by Pinnah, on Flickr
Click to expand...


Very formidable combo! I like it a lot. The #8 Opi is growing on me and the micra is a solid pocket tool. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff
 
I have had all these except the US Camillus (got while in the Corps) since I was a little kid. I am 51 now and still treasure them. I traded a $2 slingshot for the Girl Scout knife and even as a 12 year old boy didn't feel embarrassed by carrying it. :D

slips1.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top