Minimalist SAKs

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UnknownVT

Joined
Feb 15, 2003
Messages
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Looking through my SAKs (Swiss Army Knives) there is a sort of rationale to my selections/purchases.

There is a tendency toward "Minimalist" SAKs -
ie: the ones that pack the highest number of useful functions (for me) into the slimmest package.

For me a SAK has to have more than just one knife blade.

I do realize there are good reasons why one could do with two knife blades (like two different sharpness) but for me it's kind of redundant - I'd much rather have some other function in that other "blade".

That's why I like the Victorinox Combo (or Combination) tool so much -- as it combines these essential functions of
screwdriver, can-opener and bottle cap-lifter
(as well as a wire-stripper)
all in one compact (small blade replacement) tool
- see this detailed thread (linked):
My EDC Story - Victorinox Combo Tool Story

So for me the smallest Minimalist SAK is the
Victorinox Alox Bantam:
SlimVic2_S.jpg

These are the older versions with parallel ribbing and simpler cross shield - but the Swiss/international # remaines the same (no keyring) - 0.2300.26 -
US model # 53949 - low priced about ~$13

The Alox Bantam is a very slim/thin model -
how thin?
SlimVic_profile2_S.jpg

about 5mm or 0.2"

Although one can argue that the regular red cellidor handled Bantam, although thicker, would add toothpick & tweezers in the handle - but still remain one backspring wide, I would much prefer to get the
Waiter:
Waiter_S.jpg

Swiss/international # 0.33 03
US Model # 53891 - low price ~$11
size:84 mm | 3 1/4 inch
Large Blade
Bottle opener with can opener, wire stripper and large screwdriver
Key Ring
Toothpick
Tweezers
Corkscrew

- adds a corkscrew to the back of the knife - one more function - with very little additional thickness over the red cellidor Bantam.
Note: that little jeweller's screwdriver kept in the corkscrew was my addition (it's available as a standard spare) to gain one more function.

In fact a "budget" Waiter (no toothpick or tweezers)(~1982) was my first real EDC:
First_Waiter82.jpg

see link My EDC Story - Victorinox Combo Tool Story

So far SAKs that are only one single backspring wide.

Next, two backsprings -

Scissors - the thinnest SAK with scissors I think is the current
Victorinox Compact (formerly Golfer)
Golfer.jpg

US model # 54941 - low price ~$24
size:91 mm | 3 1/2 inch
Large blade
Scissors
Hook
Bottle opener with can opener, wire stripper and large screwdriver
Mini screwdriver
Corkscrew
Straight pin
Ball point pen
Tweezers
Key ring
Toothpick

The Compact manages to get scissors into a 2 backspring knife becaue of the use of that Combo tool which replaces the standard small blade (opposite the main large blade), thus eliminating one backspring that normally carries the separate can-opener and cap-lifter tools.

Pliers - a popular item since the multi-tool - this I think is the thinnest most compact SAK with pliers - at only 2 backsprings:
PliersSAK.jpg

I think this is a pretty rare Victorinox model - it was a special sold through Radio Shacks - I don't have a name for this - it was called a "Golfer" when I bought some at a closeout. [Note: this name of "Golfer" is probably a misnomer - and probably never an official name]

Phillips driver - an essential item for me - there are three possibilities -
Tinker (I don't have the Tinker)
tinker7ws.jpg

US Model # 53101 - low price ~$16
size:91 mm | 3 1/2 inch
Large blade
Small blade
Can opener with small screwdriver
Bottle opener with large screwdriver & wire stripper
Reamer with sewing eye
Phillips screwdriver
Toothpick
Tweezers
Key ring

The Tinker is a very popular model - the US version is the 91mm size whereas the Swiss and the rest of the world gets a more compact 84mm version, see this thread (link) SAK - Victorinox Tinker

However it could be argued that this theoretically could be only one backspring wide - by using the Combo tool in place of the small knife blade and eliminating one backspring carrying the separate can-opener and cap-lifter (although one would lose the reamer on the back) - this version would be essentially the Waiter above with a Phillips driver corkscrew replacement.

Phillips with Corkscrew - now that's another question.
One could get away with the
Spartan/Standard model:
spartan9zd.jpg

spartan US Model # 53151 - low price ~$16
size:91 mm | 3 1/2 inch
Large blade
Small blade
Can opener with small screwdriver
Bottle opener with large screwdriver & wire stripper
Reamer with sewing eye
Corkscrew
Toothpick
Tweezers
Key ring

Phillips? - well, the small screwdriver on the can-opener tool is supposed to fit #1 & 2 Phillips......
that's why I said: "get away with".

But a real Phillips driver with corkscrew means this model:
Scientist
ScientistRed_S.jpg


from a Victorinox sheet (circa 1992/3)
Catalog_Scnt_Vic2S.jpg


This model (now very sought after) has been my EDC since 1988 - so in that way I guess I am a SAK Minimalist.

--
Vincent
http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
 
It's not truly minimalist, but I've always wanted a more minimalist version of my Outrider: locking blade, scissors, saw, awl. Those are the tools I use while hiking. I don't bring food in cans or bottles (no lift off caps or corks) and the only piece of equipment I take hiking that has screws is an MSR stove. When I bring that, I also bring an MSR "tool spoon" instead of my regular one . . .
 
I agree with minimalism for size reasons, but also feel the phillips is crucial. The scientist would probably be my main choice, or real close to it, as well. I could do without the corkscrew (tho i've used then unconventionally before) and magnifier (can't see using it ever), but not the phillips, as that's essential to a pocket tool of any sort.

Personally i don't care for small pocket folders or multi-blade knives (Case), or leatherman-type tools... but a SAK is a usefull tool and a good thing to keep around. Those big fat 3" thick ones tho, i can't deal with em. Keep it simple, slim, and functional.
 
Originally posted by Gonzo_Beyondo
I agree with minimalism for size reasons, but also feel the phillips is crucial. The scientist would probably be my main choice, or real close to it, as well. I could do without the corkscrew (tho i've used then unconventionally before) and magnifier (can't see using it ever), but not the phillips, as that's essential to a pocket tool of any sort.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your response.

We're in obvious agreement about the Phillips driver -

However it may amuse you to hear when I first get the Scientist I laughed at the fact it had a magnifying glass (note: it shares the same backspring as the essential in-handle Phillips and appears to be always paired with it) -
but with creeping age and eye-sight - it's no longer a joke and has become one of my most used tools :o

It may interest some that the Phillips driver is deliberately designed to be used both at 90degs (right angles) to the handle for more torque and straight in-line for better accessibility and quicker turning - it has a squared tang to do this - as has that Combo Tool.


Corkscrew - is very useful at parties :D :D - and often people forget the corkscrew when going on a picnic/outing.

It is true that one is not often called on to use one at a restaurant - but I once "raced" a waitress, who was already half way down the cork with a standard waiter's lever tool - and won - she claimed I "cheated" since I just screwed through the foil instead of removing it.... not to be "ungentlemanly" I had to agree with her ;) :p
 
very interesting about the corkscrew :)
i'm not fond of wine nor champagne so it really does'nt suit me,
but hey if it's there, why argue? the main thing is that the knife has Good features while keeping it reasonable to carry, and operate.

Again, with the 3" thick "King SAK" thing, how practical is that for utilizing? I'll be honest, i never tried, or wanted to really.
The magnifier, i see you make a very valid point there and it's tough to argue usefullness of magnification.


Now what would make sense...

I'd like to see a SAK company create a "Design your own" program.

You'd go to the website, and face a huge list of options, you'd check the ones you need, and thus determine how large, and how functional your knife would be for YOU.

sh!t, perhaps i should've gotten a patent before opening my flap:rolleyes:

I believe that would be the epitome of SAK design.
Also, i'd love to see a list of every impliment ever incorporated into a SAK, a complete list since day one.

BTW, if you think my idea is crazy or unfeasible, i'll remind you that you can now "Create your own" Nike sneakers, in a variety of colors and materials, plus mix n' match! All through a web interface. ;)
 
Originally posted by Gonzo_Beyondo
I'd like to see a SAK company create a "Design your own" program.

You'd go to the website, and face a huge list of options, you'd check the ones you need, and thus determine how large, and how functional your knife would be for YOU.

sh!t, perhaps i should've gotten a patent before opening my flap:rolleyes:

I believe that would be the epitome of SAK design.
Also, i'd love to see a list of every impliment ever incorporated into a SAK, a complete list since day one.
Click to expand...

www.SwissArmy.com used to have a Design Your Own SAK program -
where one checked off on a list the features/tools desired
(unforunately they no longer have this program) -

But.... before anyone gets too excited -
they did NOT custom make a SAK -
merely searched for Victorinox models closest to the tools requested.....

...yeah, I know - shame!
perhaps that's why they've removed the program -
as possibly some people may have got the impression that they would allow custom design of a SAK.

That program also showed each of all the available SAK tools at the time, with a line drawing and description.
So would have gone some way to a complete list of tools -
I wish I had saved one of those pages, just to have that list now.
 
I carried a Climber for years and it's still kept sharp as a scalpel in my fanny pack. In '91 though, I picked up an Executive and found out that the smaller SAKs would fit most of everyday needs. When I finally wore the Executive out, in '98, I started the quest for a SAK that could be carried comfortably in dress trousers but had a long enough blade to use on food. The blade length on Classics and Executive models were just a little lacking in that area. I tried a Tourist, Golfer and an 84mm Tinker before settling on the Cadet. That Cadet has been fine for the last two years. Of course, the combo tool thread started me thinking that I am wasting space by having seperate bottle and can openers, especially since the only thing I use the can opener for is to remove the staples off of the dry cleaning tags. Last weekend I started looking around for a Waiter. I like the alox Bantams but I have a problem with a real thin knives turning sideways in my hand when being used. My local True Value has cellidor Bantams for $11 but I decided to wait and order the Waiter off the net. I don't drink but my wife enjoys wine and I like the little screwdriver.
 
I always have the alox Settler on me. I use the small blade more than any other.
Anything in the Pioneer series would fall under "minimalist". The Electrician may possibly be one of the most useful cofigurations there is.

Paul
 
>>Scissors - the thinnest SAK with scissors I think is the current
Victorinox Compact (formerly Golfer)<<

Isn't the Classic the thinnest SAK with scissors?
 
Originally posted by Tango Sierra
Isn't the Classic the thinnest SAK with scissors?
Click to expand...

You caught me -
I meant to qualify it in my post
about being regular sized SAKs -
but forgot :o

Yes, you're absolutely right -
and probably the metal handled Classics are the thinnest.

Thanks for the correction.
 
Originally posted by Frank
Last weekend I started looking around for a Waiter. I like the alox Bantams but I have a problem with a real thin knives turning sideways in my hand when being used. My local True Value has cellidor Bantams for $11 but I decided to wait and order the Waiter off the net. I don't drink but my wife enjoys wine and I like the little screwdriver.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure Frank is well experienced in finding knives on the net - but perhaps for others -

using www.Froogle.com will find low prices - what I just did may help - there was one place with the lowest price for the Victorinox Waiter by quite a margin - BUT the shipping was OUTRAGEOUS at almost the price of the knife - so the total price in the end was higher than a lot of other places.

DiscountKnives has one of the lowest total prices (incl shipping) for the Vic Waiter at $10.20 + $3.85 (priority mail at cost)
http://www.discountknivesonline.com/medium.htm
Brian is a one person operation and can get busy, so I prefer to write him e-mail first, and get a reply before ordering.

Just to be sure -
the standard Vic Waiter does not come with that mini jeweller's screwdriver - that was my own addition shown in the photo.
 
I have to second PWork on the pioneer models. I especially like the 2 bladed ones like the apprentice and settler. They don't have tools, but they make an excellent compliment to a multitool. I carry the apprentice and the large blade is great for food preparation and the electrician's blade is good for a number of tasks like cutting wire, opening boxes and packages, etc, so you don't have to pull out you multitool. So from a minimalist perspective, if i'm going to carry a multitool, why duplicate. Of course there are times when I don't have a multitool. Then I use one of my other umteen SAKS:D
 
I stopped carrying a SAK with a phillips driver when I got my Leatherman, that´s why the Hunstman is now my EDC SAK, the corkscrew serves for keeping the mini screw driver and for untying knots (in lieu of a marlin spike).

I drink wine every day but don´t normally use the SAK cork screw for that, can´t imagine you beating a waiter´s tool, unless you are particularly strong or it´s one of those American wines with lubricated corks.

By the way, I also have a Plumber, though I insist I don´t collect them.
 
Originally posted by Don Luis
By the way, I also have a Plumber, though I insist I don´t collect them.
Click to expand...

Neither do I collec....:D :D :eek:

Is your Plumber the Economy line? - textured nylon handles press printed silver Swiss shield -
or by any chance a regular polished red cellidor scale with embedded metal shield?

There's a tale of the Victorinox SAK can-opener beating an electric one
- so either the electric one was very slow
- or the person was very practised at using the SAK can-opener........

I like to think I am somewhat practis(h)ed at using the corks(h)crew :D :D
- put it this way - at least I've had plenty of.....
practice.
 
Originally posted by UnknownVT
over at the other forum someone posted about the Victorinox Plumber model - which is a model with a woodsaw but only two backsprings wide - again thanks to the use of the Combo tool - I had not heard of this model - and apparently seems only to be in the Economy range (textured nylon handles) -

2.2313.jpg

http://www.swiss-knife.com/asp/detail.asp?lan=EN&code=2.2313&shop=SK
Click to expand...


I have one of those except that mine dose not have the tooth pick and tweezers. I found it, so I didn't know what it was called. I think it is also some type of economy model since the scales are a lighter shade of red than normal, although they are smooth, unlike the current econo models.


- Frank
 
Originally posted by frank k
I have one of those except that mine dose not have the tooth pick and tweezers. I found it, so I didn't know what it was called. I think it is also some type of economy model since the scales are a lighter shade of red than normal, although they are smooth, unlike the current econo models.
Click to expand...

Thanks Frank K -
are the scales polished cellidor like on the regular line - but with a printed silver logo (possibly a simpler rounded triangular shield)?
In which case it's probably an early 80's "budget" line model - please take a look at my "budget" Waiter (~1982) on my opening post - the one with the logo worn off.

If it's similar, please check the combo tool - is shaped like that "budget" Waiter? or of the more modern shape like on all the other Vics pictured?

Thanks,
 
Hi Vincent,

The combo tool is like the one on your Waiter. The scales are smooth, but I am not sure if they were ever as shiny as the cellidor ones; they are definitely a lighter shade of red. They could be some type of cellidor or they could be nylon, I don’t know. The Logo is stamped on and dose have the triangular shield shape like on the ribbed alox Bantams you posted at the top of this thread.

BTW, I have another minimalist style SAK that I don’t know the name of; it is an 84mm single spring with a standard blade and an electrician’s blade with wire scraper, plus a Phillips on the back. It also has the tweezers and toothpick, but no “key ring”. The scales are cellidor with the standard metal logo.




- Frank
 
My Plumber has cellidor scales without the metal shield, it´s one of those I jigged with a dremel and there is no visible shield any more.

It does not have the tweezers and toothpick.

The combo tool is like the budget waiter in your picture.
 
My Grandpa's old Wegner was just too heavy and thick to carry around anymore. I have a Tinker, now, that sees some pocket time. If it had a file instead of the little blade it would be perfect. I had a Rambler but I think it was lost while moving. Phillips is mandatory, that's what stopped me from buying the Soldier. The scissors are too small. I carry full size scissors in my bag for work use. Corkscrew? I have a beer or a glass of whiskey a couple of times a year and that's about it. Pliers? Gerber multi in my bag and real pliers in the car. If the Tinker only had a file...

Frank
 
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