Looking for Swiss Army Knife Recommendations

[rogatsby]

I've carried the same Executive for the past 20 years, and personally find it more useful than the Classic. In another pocket, I carry either my Spartan or my Alox Pioneer. I like the Spartan, because back in the '80s and '90s, a Spartan was my only knife for around a decade or so. I also use the corkscrew for loosening overly-tight knots, and for holding my eyeglass mini-screwdriver.

Carrying both is never a hassle, because they complement each other perfectly in functions, and take up little space in different pockets.

Jim

Thanks, Jim. Spartan is also now on my list. Dang!

 

[22-rimfire]

The Compact is two layer with side tools (mainly corkscrew, in which is a very small (eyeglass) screwdriver. Please check it out I think you'll like it.

Thank you. I looked at the pictures but it appeared to be a three layer. I thought I looked at one in a store too. Wish they would say how many layers are in each Vic. I will check it out for a possible buy.

 

[Old Biker]

I think you should identify which tools you want to carry. Then find the model that has them all. I carry the Swiss Champ, because I have gotten used to having all it's tools available. The tool I use the most is it's tooth pick, I probably use it several times a day. Which is why I can't recommend any of the Alox models. I think of the tinkers tool set as being the basic minimum, and then you can add tools from there.

O.B.

 

[Icky Thump]

Can't really go wrong. Best of luck trying to buy just one.

 

[michaelm466]

Might most carried- super tinker, compact, evo 16, Pioneer X, manager

 

[sylvan archer]

Spartan, or any other version with the same blades. For me, it's the right balance of function, and a comfortable size for actually carrying in your pocket and fit in your hand. I use both screwdrivers, both blades, and the awl regularly. The corkscrew is excellent for untying knots in small diameter cord.

More than that, and I find the knives too bulky for my pocket, and less comfortable in hand. I have a model currently (forget the name) with the phillips screwdriver, which I've found pretty useless.. never seems to fit any screw. Farmer or Pioneer appeal to me for the saw, which works great, and I'm in the woods a lot.

 

[K.O.D.]

My super tinker

 

[Byrom Hermo]

I carried the regular Tinker for a time. A decent tool set, very light, and it goes pretty well on a keychain. Never bonded with the plastic scales though.

I’d say Pioneer X. Alox makes it a super solid pocket tool and the scissors make it the most useful, used and carried SAK I’ve ever owned.

 

[Henry Beige]

Electrician. For the sheepsfoot blade.

For scissors, I carry a Micra. There are three SAKs sitting on my shelf with broken scissors springs. The Micra also has tweezers. For toothpicks, I have a copious supply of the Dentek french ticklers.

 

[hobnob]

You're going down a rabbit hole. If you are like most of us this will not be the last SAK. Me personally I like the traditional look of the SAK and carry the tinker. When I carry a single blade (Delica or Native) I throw a classic in my pocket. Never know when you may need a toothpick.

 

[sabre cat]

Have always been a fan of the pattern 61 Soldier/Pioneer. On paper, it's my personal favorite.

In reality, the Cadet meets me needs better. It's small enough that you can easily carry it as a second knife but just big enough to use as an EDC just by itself. If I could own more than one knife but, only allowed one SAK, it would be the Cadet.

If I was forced to only own one folding knife, I would consider the slightly larger Pioneer series. Probably the Farmer because the added width of the saw gives the knife slightly better ergonomics.

The bottom line, pick any Alox you want, Cadet size or larger and you'll be fine. They are all good.

 

[Pr3inar]

The Huntsman for price vs tools tou get. For some reason the Huntsman is cheaper than other comparable sized SAKs. I also find it very pocketable, but I usually carry an Explorer.

The Spartan or Tinker is also a great choice, or Tourist/small Tinker for same tools in smaller package.

I sometimes carry a Farmer, but I miss having the tools on the backside, and the tweezers.. if tou don’t need those, then the Farmer is a great choice.

And then you have the Camper, Rambler, Manager, Compact and all the others, and tou will eventually end up with more than one, no matter what kind of advoce you get here

 

[rogatsby]

All the other suggestions are so good. One reason I chose the Executive is because it is a rather unique size in the SAK lineup. The 3 inch size seems like it would be great for me. I was considering the Mini Champ and some others, but they seemed just a bit too small.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Rambler on your keychain and a Tinker or Cadet in your pocket would be a good setup.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Classic size SAKs are "cute" but lack in the cutting department. One would be okay as a key chain knife, but it just too small to use beyond opening mail, the occasional string, or piece of tape. I pretty much like all the SAKs larger than the Classic size and smaller than the Hunter.

The Small Tinker is about 3.3" closed as I recall and just a bit larger than a peanut (2 7/8"). It still fits in most watch pockets and cuts really well.

I like a simple tool set on SAKs and like the one and two layer models. I initially carried a Tinker for years. Switched to a alox Soldier (old model), and then moved to the 111mm size. Dropped back in size (Small Tinker) after an honest review of my edc activities and needs.

 

[rogatsby]

The Classic size SAKs are "cute" but lack in the cutting department. One would be okay as a key chain knife, but it just too small to use beyond opening mail, the occasional string, or piece of tape. I pretty much like all the SAKs larger than the Classic size and smaller than the Hunter.

The Small Tinker is about 3.3" closed as I recall and just a bit larger than a peanut (2 7/8"). It still fits in most watch pockets and cuts really well.

I like a simple tool set on SAKs and like the one and two layer models. I initially carried a Tinker for years. Switched to a alox Soldier (old model), and then moved to the 111mm size. Dropped back in size (Small Tinker) after an honest review of my edc activities and needs.

I mostly agree. I will probably carry the Executive by itself, or if I think I will need more knife I will carry it with the Delica, Dragonfly, or an Opinel No. 6 or 7. Btw, the SAK and the Opinel would be an amazingly light and useful carry option. Now I'm even more excited to receive my new Executive.

 

[- SpyderMan -]

I'm a big sucker for any Alox scaled models. Cadets get the most carry time for me.

Same for me.

 

[psquared]

A Rambler lives on my keychain. It's there for the scissors, the toothpick, tweezers and occasionally the bottle opener or screwdrivers.

I carry a Compact when I travel and need to fly (happy for it to travel unattended in checked luggage). Same logic as above just bigger and I like to have the tiny screwdriver when I travel just in case I need to tighten screws in my glasses. The blade is more than sufficient to act as my only blade when in knife unfriendly jurisdictions or just away for a few days. If it gets confiscated, it's not a crisis.

At home I find I use a Pioneer / Soldier or an Electrician most because of the reamer that only the alox models have. I prefer the Electrician with the small blade and the lack of keyring but I like the Pioneer colours.

There is no perfect SAK ... just feed the collection .....

 

[22-rimfire]

This thread has given me the itch again to look at SAKs. I am still somewhat biased against models with scissors as I carry a Leatherman Ps4 Squirt and pretty much only use the pliers. Need to schedule a trip to Sevierville TN and visit the knife store. They carry the full line of Vic SAKs and I really enjoy browsing the store. Another Rough Ryder or two is probably in my future from there as well. Unless I know specifically what I'm looking for, I seldom buy SAKs in clam shell packaging.

Yes, the Alox Electrician is a great little regular carry knife. I generally want the tweezers and toothpick, so go with plastic.

 

[353]

I have had a Small Tinker in my pocket since I got it in Nov.. This is with a doubt the most used edc I have carried in my 45plus yrs of having a knife in my pocket.. Fits all my needs and to me very friendly/useful.. JMO!!
John

Small tinker....


What about a leatherman squirt ? I like mine......

I carried a larger 111mm two layer SAK for something like 15 years. It is similar to a Tinker but no second blade. Anyhow, late last year I purchased a Small Tinker. I had been carrying a Peanut to try out. The Small Tinker is just a tad larger than a Case Peanut, but has two blades and a few full sized tools. Been carrying it for over a month now an I like it a lot. Like it better than a Peanut. Take a look.

I take a One handed Trekker in the woods with me for the saw blade. But it is too thick for pocket carry to me. It stays in my day pack or whatever bag I am carrying; often a camera bag.

The Classic size SAKs are "cute" but lack in the cutting department. One would be okay as a key chain knife, but it just too small to use beyond opening mail, the occasional string, or piece of tape. I pretty much like all the SAKs larger than the Classic size and smaller than the Hunter.

The Small Tinker is about 3.3" closed as I recall and just a bit larger than a peanut (2 7/8"). It still fits in most watch pockets and cuts really well.

I like a simple tool set on SAKs and like the one and two layer models. I initially carried a Tinker for years. Switched to a alox Soldier (old model), and then moved to the 111mm size. Dropped back in size (Small Tinker) after an honest review of my edc activities and needs.

Joining the Small Tinker choir. A fantastic little pocketknife!