Same here. I have a collection of Leathermen that I choose from for EDC. Leatherman products are well made, use good materials, and are strong enough for real use. I get the impression that people that buy SAK's are the people that don't believe in carry of real knives.
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Not to be a jerk, but why are SAKs so popular?
- Thread starter Crazy ol pootnanny
- Start date
Same here. I have a collection of Leathermen that I choose from for EDC. Leatherman products are well made, use good materials, and are strong enough for real use. I get the impression that people that buy SAK's are the people that don't believe in carry of real knives.
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- Dec 3, 2007
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They really do make good gifts. I've gifted at least 7 or 8 of these babies. Of course I have a couple of my own. They are good knives for the money.
Better multi-tools exist. Better knives exist. Better small knives exist, and I don't understand why SAKs have such a high rep on a forum built around knife-owners who know more than the average sheeple. Why are they so popular when I see no reason for them not to be replaced by a higher quality substitute that can get the jobs done better?
I'd suggest trying one for a month. It might help you understand.
They are great companion knives to bigger, more expensive knives.
I normally edc a large Sebenza or Military on the farm and there are many
places they don't fit....SAK to the rescue!
When I have to cut onto steel and the edge is going to get damaged... SAK
There are always loose screws to be tightened.
The corkscrew is good for undoing knots in rope.
They take a wicked edge in seconds.
Much lighter than multitool.
No tears when lost.
Very effective woodsaw.
The list is endless.
Try One!
Q
Or buying real tools.
I've had/have a couple SAK's and I think they are HIGHLY overrated. The steel is soft and dulls QUICKLY...and they don't have pocket clips. You can get a multitool with pretty much the same tools, plus pliers, with a pocket clip, and with a S30v blade. Much more functional all around.....
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Well now there's a humdinger of a statement. What are 'real' knives?
I have one a SAK rally model (bottle opener
)and I always have it on my key ring. Sure it's the cheapest knife I own but it's also the one I use the most. There is a visual appeal for me at least they look cool and are extremely light weight with great fit and finish a comparable leatherman is just too bulkly for my carabiner. I always look for mid to high end stuff for my tools but these are too handy not to have. And everybody knows one when they see it they are the Ray Bans of the knife world classic looking affordable and dependable if you take care of them.
)and I always have it on my key ring. Sure it's the cheapest knife I own but it's also the one I use the most. There is a visual appeal for me at least they look cool and are extremely light weight with great fit and finish a comparable leatherman is just too bulkly for my carabiner. I always look for mid to high end stuff for my tools but these are too handy not to have. And everybody knows one when they see it they are the Ray Bans of the knife world classic looking affordable and dependable if you take care of them.
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Better multi-tools exist. Better knives exist. Better small knives exist, and I don't understand why SAKs have such a high rep on a forum built around knife-owners who know more than the average sheeple. Why are they so popular when I see no reason for them not to be replaced by a higher quality substitute that can get the jobs done better?
Pure heresy!
ISKski
Gold Member
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- Apr 11, 2011
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- 1,074
swiss army knives/multi tools have been around for well over 100 years.. they are iconic implements of design and function.
not to mention the swiss are world renown for their mechanical & technical precision..
I have had SAKs, gerber, and multiple leatherman multi-tools, IMO SAK's have the best can openers, bottle openers, and wood saw. They are very ergonomic and generally much easier to carry than the a leatherman grade tool, even something smaller like the Juice s2. They are also commonly the first knife given to young boys, I know I had several growing up, and continue to have a few and use them all the time..
that is just laughable, I find that people who don't think they can use a SAK's knives/tools, don't know how to use knives/tools...
not to mention the swiss are world renown for their mechanical & technical precision..
I have had SAKs, gerber, and multiple leatherman multi-tools, IMO SAK's have the best can openers, bottle openers, and wood saw. They are very ergonomic and generally much easier to carry than the a leatherman grade tool, even something smaller like the Juice s2. They are also commonly the first knife given to young boys, I know I had several growing up, and continue to have a few and use them all the time..
that is just laughable, I find that people who don't think they can use a SAK's knives/tools, don't know how to use knives/tools...
A few thoughts..
1: yes, you could get a multi tool with S30V blade steel...for the price of several SAKS .
2: you never hear anyone say "I got a SAK and it is junk which just fell apart ." Their QC is top notch
3: They don't have a pocket clip. Neither do lots of knives and multitools .
There is no rule that says you have to like SAKS . however, many of us enjoy them and find them useful
1: yes, you could get a multi tool with S30V blade steel...for the price of several SAKS .
2: you never hear anyone say "I got a SAK and it is junk which just fell apart ." Their QC is top notch
3: They don't have a pocket clip. Neither do lots of knives and multitools .
There is no rule that says you have to like SAKS . however, many of us enjoy them and find them useful
You guys bring out the devil in me [i didnt do it wink wink ] so being devils advocate, they are popular in some ways as a memory lane / McGuyver type deal. I mean there IS a bit of ego behind SAKdom here i am sensing. Interesting sociological kinda thing. I had one, got it at age 10. Cut my thumb in 1/2 [almost] when i was 25 with it. I have no clue where it went but i never had the urge again to get a replacement. [too much blood lost?? 
]
When i first got it i was in awe. Felt capable of all kinds of things but i never used it much.
] so being devils advocate, they are popular in some ways as a memory lane / McGuyver type deal. I mean there IS a bit of ego behind SAKdom here i am sensing. Interesting sociological kinda thing. I had one, got it at age 10. Cut my thumb in 1/2 [almost] when i was 25 with it. I have no clue where it went but i never had the urge again to get a replacement. [too much blood lost?? ] When i first got it i was in awe. Felt capable of all kinds of things but i never used it much.
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I like my SAK's. Carry a small one on my keychain. I'd like to get another one with a little screwdriver. Sure, you could carry around a tool kit with you everywhere. But I'd rather just have a little SAK. They're generally high quality, and I can't really think of something comparable that I think is better. Sure, there's Leatherman, and I do often tote a wave around. But those are generally much bigger, and I'd rather just have a little thing that can fit on a keychain comfortably, and the small leatherman just doesn't cut it for me. I ALSO carry a dedicated folder and a fixed blade as well. I'm one of those guys. They all have their moments. They're popular because they're good quality, everyday carry friendly, useful little tools, that look a lot more elegant and less clunky than the alternatives.
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Of course the ad hominem fallacies pop up...in other news, a bear was caught pooping in the woods.
Going back to the topic on hand. SAKs have something for everyone and are much more accepted in other places than say, a fixed blade or a lightweight folder (for example, a Military, weighing around 4 ounces) or a multi-tool. I love the Military and fixed blades among other knives, actually just bought a custom fixed blade today, but in some instances I would much rather utilize a SAK than the other listed knives. I carried a SAK for a few years before I got into one handed folders and fixed blades and to this day I much rather carry a SAK or a small slipjoint. In my opinion, they're much more practical.
Going back to the topic on hand. SAKs have something for everyone and are much more accepted in other places than say, a fixed blade or a lightweight folder (for example, a Military, weighing around 4 ounces) or a multi-tool. I love the Military and fixed blades among other knives, actually just bought a custom fixed blade today, but in some instances I would much rather utilize a SAK than the other listed knives. I carried a SAK for a few years before I got into one handed folders and fixed blades and to this day I much rather carry a SAK or a small slipjoint. In my opinion, they're much more practical.
BigBill5953
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Aren't single-bladed knives also tools? I think of my Delica as a tool that I use on a daily basis. It sure as hell beats using my hands to rip up cardboard. I should take care of my delica but I abuse the hell out of it and it keeps right on tickin. Something doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to be useful. A SAK can cost as low as $10 an it can do almost every task it is put to.
BigBill5953
Gold Member
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You should look at a Vic rambler. A flat head and Philips screwdriver in a package the size of a classic. GREAT keychain knife.
I owned and used a bunch of Leatherman tools since the late '90s, but IMO, the Victorinox Swisstool Spirit trumps them all. So it's not true, at least for myself and apparently a lot of others, that SAKs or Vic multi-tools are not "real tools". They work, and they work very well. Obviously, the tools in a SAK or multi-tool isn't up to the same strength as a dedicated tool, but they are designed for convenience. A single dedicated tool is pretty darn useless if you don't have it on you when you need it.
I always find it amusing when someone doesn't like a particular product, then makes a statement like, "They are only for people who don't carry real knives/tools".
Jim
I always find it amusing when someone doesn't like a particular product, then makes a statement like, "They are only for people who don't carry real knives/tools".
Jim
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