Just got a SAK in the mail. Definitely confirms that I don't think its for me.

cchu518

cchu518

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Mar 6, 2013
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There's definitely a cool factor to it. But somehow I seem to like all my tools compartmentalized. My screwdriver kit separate from a knife, separate from a can opener which I would never use and so on. Everything on it seems compromised in some way, i.e. the main blade is 2 and 1/4 inches.

Am I being too hard on the SAK in theory and in casual use would ultimately come in handy.

I got this in trade, great trader I never warmed up to SAKs in my 20's and now in my 30's still get that feeling of meh when I hold one. At twice the width of a trapper pattern the main blade also sits offset to one side.

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I have several style multi tools that I essentially rotate depending on what I'm doing at the moment. #1 my Swisschamp is always with me no matter what but if I'm going to go fishing, i'll bring my gerber for the larger pliers, if I'm going to need a knife blade more that day I'll take my buck x-tract, etc

It's all a matter of preference ultimately. I use full size tools if I'm actually doing DIY as my swisschamp is only for "in a pinch" stuff.

My most common EDC (99% of the time) is my swisschamp in belt holster and a folding beater knife in my pocket. I just don't want to beat up my baby too much
 
Yes you are being too hard on the SAK in theory and in casual use the compromised tools do come in handy ;) But I suppose most people don't carry a knife at all so you're still ahead with your trapper.
I no longer carry a thick SAK, but rather the alox soldier. Compared to a traditional blade-only like a Soddie or tactical blade-only I still have the ability to cut like them plus the other uses in a knife that's total size is roughly the same if not thinner.
I used the bottle opener, small screwdriver on a phillips and the awl this week. Could have gone to the tool box or rummaged through the drawer for the bottle opener but my soldier was there and the tools worked.
I think the tools are fine for casual use or hard use in an emergency but I would prefer to get the dedicated tool (screw driver, saw, etc) if I had to do repeated, hard work.
 
I never saw any attraction to them. I prefer my knife to be a knife. I carry a multi-tool for multi-tool things.
 
I think my love for SAKs are based on the fact that they're so recognizable. I know a ton of people who could care less about knives or multi-tools but they still have their trusty "Lifetime Companion". I'm looking for the exact word but it's become commonplace really for someone to have.

My beliefs for everyone human being are if you don't care for blades really you should still at least have a SAK.
 
Of course the toolset is compromised. To get them in such a small package requires elimination of material, which compromises strength and size. However the idea is, as said above, that SAKs work as an every day life companion.

The blades cut very well, by virtue of their thinness and grind. The 93mm alox models have a larger, more robust blade, and even though it's only minutely longer, I've found that it stands up to quite a bit of cutting pressure. The steel isn't that wear resistant, but there's something to be said about the ability to regain a fine sharp edge with a few swipes on a Sharpmaker's fine stones.

The bottle opener is brilliant, and works better than most of the keychain openers one would find in, say, a college life setting. It's also a fair flat driver.

I carry now a custom build from Syph, and it has everything I use and nothing I don't. I accept it for what it is, and don't expect it to be a tool for a rugged tradesman who requires more rugged tools. The blade cuts well, the Philips driver works, as do the openers and awl. Usually, most people don't need more, casually speaking. If you do, then accommodate it. The SAK for me, accommodates my regular goings on.
 
I totally hear everyone. It's just not for me is all. I keep full emergency tool kit in my car I even have a mini grip in there. I have a tool kit in my office. So that's where the whole SAK appeal isn't doing it for me.


Maybe I'll try keeping it in my knapsack and see if it ever gets any use. Sadly would it then displace the trapper that I like so much?

Another reason not to like the SAK it displaces other beloved knives. = ) (Just kidding on that last one)!
 
Having traveled over much the world often in the bush, I won't be caught there without a SAK.
 
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