Multi-tool Vs SAK?

J

JDBLADE

Joined
Dec 8, 2003
Messages
1,373
For EDC what do you prefer a multi-tool or a SAK - I have a Leatherman Original and a Vicnox Fisherman. I like the pliers on the MT but find the scissors on the SAK very useful. So I compromised I carry the MT and put a Vicnox Classic on my keyring and keep the Fisherman for fishing of course!
 
I can't help you, I edc a Vic Sak Cybertool 41 (gobs of small tools) AND a Leatherman Crunch (bigger tools, locking pliers, in a 4" package!) every day, in a Benchmade sheath that is not much bigger (quite thick though) than a standard knife sheath:
So, as always, the answer is BOTH! :D

With this relatively small setup in a single sheath, I have:
1. Large Blade
2. Small Blade
3. Serrated Knife Blade (locking)
4. Locking Pliers (1" capacity)
5. Pliers (small/precise)
6. Hex Bit Driver (LM) (1/4")
7. Bit Wrench
8. Bit Case
9. 5mm Hex Socket
10. 4mm Hex Socket
11. #8 Torx Bit
12. #10 Torx Bit
13. #15 Torx Bit
14. #2 Phillips Head Bit
15. Phillips Screwdriver (#1/#2) (locking)
16. 4mm Hex Bit
17. 4mm Flat Head
18. #0 Pozidrive Bit
19. #1 Pozidrive Bit
20. 3mm Small Screwdriver
21. 6mm Large Screwdriver
22. Mini Screwdriver
23. Fine screwdriver
24. Small Screwdriver (locking)
25. Medium Screwdriver (locking)
26. Large Screwdriver (locking)
27. Can Opener (SAK)
28. Bottle Opener (SAK)
28. Bottle Opener (LM)
29. Wire Cutter (LM)
29. Wire Cutter (SAK)
30. Hard-Wire Cutters (LM)
31. Wire Stripper (SAK)
31. Wire Stripper (LM)
32. Wire Crimper (SAK)
33. Metal Saw and
34. Metal File (SAK)
34. Metal File (LM)
35. Wood File (Leatherman)
36. Nail File and
37. Nail Cleaner
38. Wood saw
39. Wood Chisel
40. Scissors
41. Ball Point Pen
42. DIP Switch Setter (use pen)
43. Reamer
44. Sewing Eye
45. Corkscrew
46. Straight Pin
47. Toothpick
48. Tweezers
49. Hook
50. 4" Ruler (Inch/Metric)
51. Key Ring (both)



Okay, a few are repeats, but I numbered them accordingly...
Cybertool 41
http://www.swiss-knife.com/asp/detail.asp?lan=EN&code=1.7775.T2&shop=SK
LM Crunch
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/crunch/default.asp
Combo Sheath (tight fit, but works)
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.asp?model=981086X

I would love to get a durable leather sheath as compact as the nylon one, but I would have to make it myself
:D
 
Multi Tool, Leatherman Supertool, or if ya need to have scissors get the Leatherman Wave.
 
I had the same experience as you. I prefer my Leatherman Wave in every way over an SAK except for the scissors, which aren't that great. So I got a Leatherman Micra for the keychain, and that has some pretty good scissors on it.

Chris
 
My regular EDC has been a Leatherman Wave, it sees use almost hourly. Possibly also because I attached a Photon Microlight to it. I use the light a LOT in my medical job. However, it sometimes does NOT go down well, when you ask someone to open their mouth, say AHHH and then pull out a pair of pliers... :eek: :D

I also carry a tiny SAK with a small pair of scissors on it as part of my keychain.

So yes, I carry both. That is simply because the Wave is good for larger jobs, pliers, screwdriver etc, and the SAK is better for the more delicate jobs - small scissors.

Jason.
 
Leatherman supertool and micra and a Swiss card. These three give me everything I need for daily use. About the only other thing I'd like is a corkscrew but I rarely use one of those unless I'm home.
 
I edc a super tinker and is sufficient for 99.5% of what I need. I find that I very rarely need a multi tool and when I do I usually go and get a toolbox instead.
 
I travel with the leatherman wave all of the time. I do find it to heavy for my pockets however and tend to have a SAK soldier and the folder de jour on my person. The wave is never far away though. I have modified it's nylon pouch and riveted a mobile phone style pucket clip to it, so if I'm doing odd jobs I just clip it to the back of my shorts (I hate belts).
 
I used to carry an SAK camper, but have switched to a leatherman wave. I do also carry a classic (attached to a photon micro-light) in my jeans change pocket.
 
The following is a very biassed
so please take it for what it's worth.... ;)

most multi-tools are pretty poor as knives.

Most earlier Leathermans I had (the displeasure) to experience had terrible actions - like the inability to open a single tool from the handle without other tools also opening - clumping.....
man! is that CRUDE by today's knife standards -
seriously, who would want to buy ANY knife that opens multiple blades when trying to open just one!
(and that was the at one time top-of-the-line SuperTool)

A SAK is a KNIFE - with a folder action that is a worldwide benchmark for quality - that others strive for.

Most multi-tools are a pair of pliers - with an excuse for a blade.

I had always wanted to carry a knife - and before the multi-tool - it had never occured to me to carry a pair of pliers.

I am a knife-person, and not a pliers-person.

:p :D

Of course, YMMV ;)

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
Personally, I do not see them as comparable. Multi-tools will blow the tools on the SAK right out of the water most of the time (esp. pliers), but as knives, SAKs are difficult to beat. So, basically SAK is a knife with tools on it, and a multi-tool is a tool that happens to have a knife on it.

I prefer a good knife with a multitool combo ;)
 
Bevore the leatherman tool was born, I used a SAK soldier model plus small pliers. Not bad, but not ideal to carry around. I go my PST in 1988 and used it since then. Later I got a "supertool" - too heavy for edc. I got a "wave" - use it sometimes, the PST is still my favourite (and, though in everyday use, it hasen't shown any weakness until today!) I had a micra - lost it, might buy another soon.
My major points:
- I need pliers more than the other tools.
- I drop that thing quite often to the floor. SAK's scales break. Not the PST.
- As a guitar player I need long fingernailsat my right hand. The strong springs of the SAK always like to kill them. With my PST there are no such problems.
arno
 
The Leatherman wave is great, I also team it up with a micro light. With that combination I dont think there is a better tool. Its also fairly politically correct
Regards
Pinpoint
 
I carry a Victorinox Explorer and a Leatherman Charge Ti. I like them both very much. Both have it's advantages and disadvantages. Just as Jason Cutter mentioned above I use the Victorinox for smaller tasks and the Charge for 'heavier' tasks.
 
I seldom need a pair of pliers, so I carry a SAK for the most part. For knife-like functions, the SAK is far superior to any multitool I've used. There's no comparison. Using the knife on a multitool is like trying to pick your nose with a toenail. It might work, but it won't be very comfortable.

I do use an original Leatherman PST for night fishing. It's the only multitool that I've really ever been able to warm up to.
 
I've got an old SOG Paratool but I seldom carry it -- I usually don't need it. I pocket EDC a SAK Tinker (or Recruit or Climber) and use the blades and screwdrivers on a regular basis. I pair the SAK with a more substantial locking knife and I'm all set for 99% of what I encounter.

That being said, I admit that the tools on most decent multi-tools are heavier duty and better than the tools on a SAK.

If I'm working on a project around the house I carry the Paratool.

On rare occassions I carry a pair of "baby" ViceGrips, which is smaller than my Paratool. Combined with a SAK, it can do a lot of what multi-tools do.
 
Growing up I always wanted a pocketknife as a kid. Never asked for pair of pliers for Christmas. I never thought of conquering the jungle, dispatching no-do-gooders, or playing army in the woods with a set of pliers.

My vote is SAK, with a dedicated set of pliers. Plus what are you going to hold the nut with while you use your SAK to turn the screw? :D

--Chris
 
Saunterer - Please. No logic is allowed on Bladeforums. You know the rules.

And if you must know, you hold the nut with the pliers. You screw in the bolt with the tip of your Strider.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top