Locking SAKs -- which type do you prefer?

CD Fleischer · May 28, 2001

I am talking about the larger Vic types. I think the new ones with the black handles (which is a poor colour choice, IMHO, but I digress) have liner locks whereas the older red ones had a slidey-button (the technical term) type lock. Which do you prefer? Or is it about the same?

Thanks!
Clay

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847

JH225 · May 28, 2001

The liner lock on the newer models is thin and somewhat flimsy. I have not had one release, but I don't put a lot of hard use into those knives. I personally think that the old style (slide) model called the "Picknicker" is the best one they made. Bottle opener, large blade, corkscrew, screwdriver, etc. Comes in real handy.

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C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "

Hoodoo · May 28, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Jailhack:
The liner lock on the newer models is thin and somewhat flimsy.</font>

I disagree. The one on mine is solid as a rock. I'm talking stiff--stiffer than any other liner lock I own and that's a fair amount.

This is my current favorite (I'm glad you asked--it gives me a chance to show this pic again).

BTW, I just gave it a dozen hard spine whacks and it didn't budge-and I doubt it ever will.

I also own one of these:

I really love this knife but there IS some slop in the blade between the slip joint lock and the bar lock. Also, I find the plastic knob flimsy. I've often wondered how well it will last after dropping it a few dozen times. So far so good though.

I'm really not concerned about the lock on either of these kinves. Unlike the typical linerlock that is totally dependent on the liner for lockup, both have slipjoint locks. Maybe not the worlds greatest lock but I've been whittling for 40 years using slipjoint knives and I've never had a knife close on me. I do know people who have but it was mostly due to carelessness. Slipjoint knives are not made for stabbing or selfdefense. Use them properly and the lock should hold. Having a bar or liner only adds to the security of these great SAKs. If you buy a regular SAK, all you GET is a slipjoint. The extra lockup is icing on the cake. IMO, of course.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

alco141 · May 28, 2001

i have one of each of these types of knives, have not had trouble with either kind closing on me, have subjected each to spine whacks to make sure about the locks, and am happy with each.

ron hood uses the red handled one in his videos and has had no complaints, he likes the saw blade models for particular uses that he describes in his videos, all seem to work well.

alex

chad234 · May 28, 2001

I really like the Fireman model, just like Hoodoo's but with a corkscrew instead of the phillips driver and a "slidey thingy" lock. If it had red scales it would be perfect. BTW the serrations are perfect for striking a BSA metal match, better than any other knife I tried, probably due to the increased surface area contact.
Take care,
Chad

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Wicked Knife Co.
Hoods Woods
chad234@email.com

SALTY · May 28, 2001

Could never understand why the "Fireman" was black? It doesn't bother me as I like the black.

Though I generally carry the Spartan along with the folder de jour, I have come to really appreciate the Climber.

The thing I like the best about SAKs is that they really don't count as buying another knife.

Hoodoo · May 29, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Nimrod:
The thing I like the best about SAKs is that they really don't count as buying another knife.

</font>

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

CD Fleischer · May 29, 2001

Thanks for all the info and opinions, guys! Hope to get some more.

I prefer the red ones, but colour-choice is not a dealbreaker for me

I think for me the biggest draw of the larger SAKs for me is the longer saw blade. Vic saw blades are very effective, and the longer the better (in this case anyhoo).

Thanks again,
Clay

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847

laredo · May 30, 2001

I have one of each. I bought a red SAK (don't remember the model, but it was the one with a phillips head) from the knife center of the internet as a gift. I wanted a locking blade but did not realize it would have a sliding button in the handle.

I then bid on and won a new SAK Nomad in black from e bay. This knife has a liner lock for the main blade and one for the large standard screwdriver. I like this setup much better. The liner is thick and chromed. Overall the knife just looks better.

I have several regular SAKs and I really like the shiny red plastic handles. These new handles don't look as finished. In the end though, I like em all!