leatherman vs. SAk trailmaster/rucksack types

[frank k]

As much as I like my Huntsman and locking blade Hunter SAKs (among others), I do think that the multitools are evan more usefull.
I like the Swisstool the best, but it is a little heavy for EDC, so I carry my Wave more (BTW, I agree with Chad and Buzz about the Vic wood saws are better than LM's, this is also true of the metal saw on the side of the file. I disagree with Buzz about the Wave's serrated blade, I use this often, and it cuts suprisingly well.).
The SAk's do usualy cost and weigh less than multitools though.
Here are some more of my random thoughts:
- I used to miss the SAK tweezers on the multitools, but I have found that the pliers are dressed fine enough to serve as tweezers.
- The LM Micra simply blows away the smaller SAKs such as the Classic (unless you need a tooth pick).
- The locking awl on the Swisstool blows away any other SAK or multitool awl that I know of.
- I like the LM's can opener and screwdrivers better than the Vic's.
- I think that the Vic's are plated, so they won't rust easily, in fact the Swisstool is shiny enough that it can be used as a signal mirror in a pinch.
- I really like the little wood chisel on the Swisstool.

 

[Buzzbait]

Actually, I do carry just two knives on hiking trips. One knife is always a SAK. The other is a fixed blade, its size depending on the length of the trip. Marbles and Blackjack fixed blades do the job most of the time. The Busse Satin Jack takes on extended stays in the wild. I tried to find a good backpacking folder for a long, but just never found the combination of features I liked. But the new Marbles folder may just be the ticket.

 

[psy-ops]

a marbles folder? carbon? interesting!

 

[Buzzbait]

Yep. A Marbles locking folder. It won't be carbon steel, but it will be convex ground. It was mentioned earlier that it would be 440C steel, but that may have changed to their new Alchemite MC steel.

 

[diletante]

I haven't looked at the Leatherman Juices much and haven't handled any, but at 5.5 oz and 3.25" OAL the Juice cs4 might be a good Wave/Huntsman alternative. The xe6 looks interesting, too, but weighs 6.8 oz. Too bad the blades don't lock. See leatherman's TOOL COMPARISON

 

[exechobo]

Buzz, I logged in finally to reply to you. When on extended trips you take a larger knife? I usually go larger on my long day hikes, where I may need the tool to make an unplanned overniter easier. On my long ones I have my home on my back. I read about the sil-tarp experience, so I guess we camp different. Shows how tool selection is subject to a lot of variables. The second blade varies from a Murray Carter Camp Knife or GB Mini to a Strider MFS to a Murray Carter Neck Knife or a Newt Livesay NRG.

I am in complete agreement with you on the SAK. I have traded all my multi-tools after using them. I keep collecting the SAKs though. My current fave is the Hercules (by one name).

You live near where I spent a lot of time in youth. It is great country.

On the sil-tarp problem you had, another big user of that material is Stevenson's- they say you will always get the effect you did because of fine condesation being "bombed" off the inside of the tarp by impact of rain on top...

Paul

 

[allenC]

Hey Buzz, I thought you would be carrying that Camillus EDC or a Spyderco Military?

I like the Marbles though.

Cheers,
Allen.

 

[medusaoblongata]

I'd go with Leatherman all the way. Though I prefer the Supertool 200 to the Wave. The thought and design that went into the design of the Wave is really impressive, but I don't like that not all the tools lock and the screwdrivers are short and stubby. The Supertool 200 is built like a tank. The only things missing are tweezers and scissors, but I carry a Micra for that so all bases covered. I always carry other knives so the blades don't even get used. I never need anything that's not covered by my blades, ST, and Micra. I don't even remember the last time I needed a corkscrew. It's interesting to see forumites' different perspectives and ways of doing things. I would never go hiking with just two knives. Even on days I don't leave the apartment I carry four knives plus the multitool and minitool. If I were doing some serious hiking I'd add at least one to that. The weight ain't that much.

 

[psy-ops]

I sent an e-mail off but nothing has happened. it isn't the first time I haven't been responded to.

Brian I can take a hint.

sorry to all that the poll options were never corrected. I goofed but thought someone would help out

 

[Buzzbait]

Allen - The Military gets most of its use on canoe trips and other fishing excursions. The Military has a great grip that is suprisingly secure when your hands are covered with northern pike slime. The blade is also good for filleting when I don't have a specialized fillet knife handy.

The talonite EDC is more for urban use. It's just too hard to sharpen the recurve out in the woods, as I don't take much in sharpening tools with me. It has proven to be suprisingly good for trout cleaning though.

 

[Norwegian]

Since last Christmas, when i got a Victorinox Soldier from dad,
a Victorinox Soldier has been my day to day knife.

I do have a Wave too, but when i carry those two at the same time. The soldier is prefered to all cutting tasks. The only thing i appreciate in the Wave compared to the soldier, is the plier: The handle is comfortable when using pliers, compared to other Leatherman models. The spine of the blades are sharp and feels really uncomfortable when using force to cut something.
The geometry of the Soldiers blade has a complete different geometry. It is thin, but also thick (compared to other SAK's), and therefore easy to sharpen, and keep sharp.
The awl is a chapter of its own. I use it every day, for punching holes, cleaning nails, and you name it.
The canopener that the Vic's features is also superior to the Leatherman.

Now the small, thin and light soldier is my, "not only a knife, but also a friend". As a journalist once wrote.


- jens

 

[Tightwad]

The Leatherman line is like the SAK line in that
both offer tools intended for different missions.
It all depends on if you selected the correct tool
for the intended mission to dertermine which is
"best".

I've found that while many rave over the Wave
it is a light duty urban low useage tool. The
original supertool is more a heavy work duty
oriented tool that is almost bulletproof.

While the SAK's with saws are all excellent folding
multi purpose knives for all uses that don't require
pliers.

So the true answer to a question such as this is.......
Carry both if you can. If you have to leave one at
home in the woods leave ..........well, neither. What
one can't do the other can.

 

[psy-ops]

tightwad, I was carrying both then I decided to lighten things up and carry a good blade, a supertool.


I just went camping for 3 days and used the leatherman alot. pot lids, squishing tics, the file for stike anywhere matches. I just use those pliers alot.

 

[BoyNhisDog]

Yes as far as the outdoors are concerned a good SAK is the only knife you need to take...................As long as you have a GB Mini to keep it company.

BuzzBaits model or the SAK Atlas shown above are my favorites but many of them will get the job done. The Wave is good for urban jaunts where you may need big pliers but in the outdoors, I very much prefer the smaller SAK pliers. They are better at removing thorns, splinters and when fishing, fishooks. SAKs rule............we just can't talk about the Secret Order of the SAK or SOSAK as we call it. It's too secret.

 

[Buzzbait]

What did I tell you about posting pics of that GB!!! You're making me CRAZY with jealousy!!!! I do agree that the SAK blade is more than good enough if you have handy little chopper like that.

When you're in the backwoods, steel snobbery takes a back seat to something that cuts as well as a SAK, and sharpens so darned easily.