New Vics and Sharpmakers

L

Lamy 2000

Joined
Jan 23, 2010
Messages
35
I've been carrying around a plain-edge Vic Sentinel to get used to the "new" SAK sizes, and it's been a really good fit for me. I'm thinking of getting a Forester (for the corkscrew and plain blade) or a one hand Trekker (it's an icon!). Is the blade size the same on the Sentinel and the other new Vics? I'm not a big fan of serrations, but I read here on BF that the new Vic serrations are actually pretty good. I'm also looking at the Nomad, but the more I think about it the more I want the saw. Thoughts? Any other models I should look at?

Whatever knife I get, I also want to pick up a Spyderco Sharpmaker. Do these work well with the new Vic blades, plain and serrated?
 
I use a sharpmaker on a Spyderco UKPK, Multiple Leathermans, Vic Spirits and knives. Used it briefly on a Spirit with the serrated blade.

It is easy to use, and you get very good results. Mine came with an instructional DVD which was really good.
 
As far as I know, all blades on the 111 mm series have the same size. You could also take a look at some of the older models, which don't have the liner lock, but a slide lock. The Outrider for example, a model which has a saw and scissors.
 
I have a Helmsman and love it. No saw though. The serrations on the blade are wicked sharp and defiantly different from most others. I got this for the Marline spike, you would be surprised how useful it is. These new bigger Vic's are very nice though, also with the locking blade. I dont think you would go wrong with any of the new bigger Vic's. :)
Helmsman is blue far left.

victrorinoxcollection2.jpg
 
How do you like that UKPK, Millhouse? I've been wondering about that one ever since I found out about NYCs ban on locking folders.

I doubt I'd ever use the saw but I like the thought of having it *just in case* ya know?
 
Lamy 2000 said:
How do you like that UKPK, Millhouse? I've been wondering about that one ever since I found out about NYCs ban on locking folders.
Click to expand...

The UKPK is really nice, though I've stopped carrying it. Even though it is legal here in the UK, it scares too many people. The same people are ok with a SAK, so I now have a few on my rotation.

Back to the UKPK, the S30V blade is scary sharp and the pocket clip allows for a very discreet deep carry (I believe clips are not allowed in NYC either?). The blade opens very smoothly and clicks into place - you have to remember that there is no lock.
 
Never had any issue using a sharpmaker on Vics. , either plain edged or serrated . I have also used it on lots of other stuff . It's my go to system . I have all kinds of sharpening kit ranging from hard felt buffs to Japanese Water Stones , I can sharpen freehand , all that said i usually use the Sharpmaker .

Chris
 
I love the serrations on the OHT, I have had mine for years now and it has never needed sharpening. I will tell you the same thing someone told me when I was considering one, the scalloped serrations are similar to that of a bread knife, and they rarely ever need sharpening. I really like how they are at the front of the blade where they should be, too.
 
Never let them get too far gone, or you are in for a pile of worn . I repaired one belonging to a Lady who was a guide at a nature preserve , took a while !

Chris
 
AFAIK serrated blade edge on Helmsman is very different from one-hand partially serrated blades.

I can say that 3-rows Victorinox more comfortable in my hand than Nomad or Sentinel. Three rows is the better thickness for 111 mm Victorinox, IMHO.

But from OH Victorinox knives I really like "old new" GAK with not round hole. Find it, if You can.

OH.jpg
 
I got the Forester a few days ago. Despite really liking the Sentinel, the Forester just feels way too big for my tastes. It isn't clumsy, just bigger than what I need or want for an EDC. I guess I'm just too used to the traditional sized SAK.

That Sharpmaker is something else though. After reading through some reviews I was on the fence, but after using it for an hour I'm sold. Previously dead dull knives are shaving sharp.

I guess it's back to EDCing the Alox Pioneer, Sentinel, and old Wave.
 
Nothing wrong with that lineup . The Forester might be a good reserve for camping / picnic /BOB type applications . Your bases are very well covered .

BTW , glad you are pleased with the Sharpmaker , my go to system .

Chris
 
Last edited:
I have a black Huntsman I EDC every day and I used the large blade to hack through a steel cable when I bought a new pair of Mechanix gloves. The edge was rolled over and I felt pretty bad about treating my blade that way. I just gave it 10 minutes on the medium and fine stones on the Sharpmaker and it is shaving sharp again. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top