Methinks I've found the Cadet's limit...

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Tafkaag

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May 18, 2022
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Opened a can of soup yesterday with it (and here I thought Campbell's had gone to all pull tabs). Can opener blade kept collapsing and it didn't seem to reach well from outside the can lip. Eventually got it done, certainly well enough I wouldn't consider buying a Pioneer as a pocket anchor or a thumb-cramping P-51.
 
The "pocket anchor" moniker surprised me, as I've been EDCing a pioneer for going on 12 years and have found it OK. But I looked up the weights (71g pioneer, 46g cadet) and was surprised that the pioneer was that much heavier. I know 25g isn't a lot, but it is a full 50% heavier.
 
That's the irony of it. The Pioneer never felt that heavy in-hand, but in the pocket I hated it. I never feel the weight or length of the Cadet.
 
I just recently went back to 91mm SAKs because the tools just seem a little more robust then the 84mm and the 93mm tools are too big to me. I wish they made 91mm Alox.
 
SteeleJ1976 said:
I just recently went back to 91mm SAKs because the tools just seem a little more robust then the 84mm and the 93mm tools are too big to me. I wish they made 91mm Alox.
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I love my 84mm Tourist. But yeah, they're definitely lighter duty. Perfect for urban or suburban carry. Working in the garden or on a hike or camping trip, though, I generally bring a 91mm model along for the ride.
 
If a Pioneer is a pocket anchor then what would you call my Farmer X? Though I do keep it in a pocket organizer, dropped loose in the pocket you can certainly feel it. Still doesn't bother me though. When I wear some light weight shorts the Cadet goes with me, work pants gets the 93mm's and a Leatherman.
 
Swoop03 said:
If a Pioneer is a pocket anchor then what would you call my Farmer X?
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Even heavier. When I did my Pioneer experiment I accidentally ordered an X, and had to trade it for a standard; I see no point to scissors if I have a knife.
 
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Daedric Panther said:
It’s funny. I can’t tell you the last time I’ve used regular scissors, I don’t think I own any. The tiny ones on my classic have always covered my very limited scissor use.
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This!

Since my classic is always in me if my pants are on, the scissors are used daily. Coupon snipping, nail trimming a broken nail, snipping burr's out of a certain Australian shepherd's fur, threads, hangnails, stray beard/moustache/nose hairs, and more. Plus, the non moving side of the scissors make a decent awl to make starter holes for a wood screw.

The classic and cadet make a great suburban EDC pair. As for opening cans, I haven't had a problem with my cadet. YMMV.
 
Yeah, it’s not perfect but it gets the job done. The tools on the 93 mm are slightly bigger and sturdier though hence they work a little better.
 
Tafkaag said:
Opened a can of soup yesterday with it (and here I thought Campbell's had gone to all pull tabs). Can opener blade kept collapsing and it didn't seem to reach well from outside the can lip. Eventually got it done, certainly well enough I wouldn't consider buying a Pioneer as a pocket anchor or a thumb-cramping P-51.
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It's a P 38. P 51 is an airplane.
 
Boattale said:
It's a P 38. P 51 is an airplane.
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The P-51 is a larger version of the P-38, and a bit easier to use. Just not officially issued as far as I know.

The P-38 was also an airplane, the first to encounter compressibility in a dive because of the high speed it achieved in a dive.

Niether is as good a can opener as the Australian issue F.R.E.D. Called so because it's a "-ucking ridiculous eating device. "
 
P-38s induce even worse hand cramps than P-51s for me; may have to try a Fred, so thanks for the tip!
 
Tafkaag said:
P-38s induce even worse hand cramps than P-51s for me; may have to try a Fred, so thanks for the tip!
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The FRED is a better can opener, but it's not near as compact as the P-38. On that basis I think there's a chance that due to the size, it own't be there when you really need it. I've got some osteoarthritis in my hands from a lifetime career cranking on milling machines and lathes in the machine shop, so the P-38 is a bit of a pain for me to use, BUT...I know its always there in my wallet. It isn't often I need it, but when I do, it's there, so I just use it. It bothers my right thumb joint and right index finger, but it's a temporary pain in the butt. Or hand as the case may be.

Small wallet tools like the P-38 and Victorinox Quattro are a pain to use, but the small wallet tools are like the small pocket pistol...you know they will always be on you, so they will work in a pinch. Yes, a full size Glock will be better than the little Ruger LCP, but are you really gonna carry around that full size gun all the time? Small is good if it's always gonna be there.
 
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