Not to be a jerk, but why are SAKs so popular?

klute said:
If we are talking the traditional non-locking red handled SAK then i would disagree. The ergos aren't there and a slip joint just doesn't bode well for anything more than light use. I can spend $25 and get a much better knife.

A SAK is a compromise.
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I would be eager to hear of a knife with the build quality of a SAK for $25. It sounds more to me like you aren't necessarily against SAKs, but against all slip joints.
 
klute said:
Speaking on a KNIFE, a Pocket Bushman is a world above a SAK, if i am understanding your question properly.
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Where are the scissors on the Pocket Bushman? Most SAKs are considered multi-tools...not just knives. You can get a lot of functionality in a small and functional package at a good price.
 
bkoregon said:
That's the point. If you need something for heavy use, then get something else. If you like to have a few common tools in a well designed, pocket sized format that will get small jobs done in a pinch, then a SAK will be the tool you have with you, not the one you have to go to your toolbox or truck or shop to get.

Again, tell us these better knives for $25...
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This. My SAK goes everywhere with me, my Leatherman stays in the car.
 
I carry one of these every day in addition to everything else that I carry. It has real tools in it, they are actually heat treated and will work for their intended function, it is made for more than to just look cute. Compare this to any SAK and you will throw the SAK in the trash can.

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One plus to the slightly rounded screwdriver tips on SAK's is that they force you to go for a proper tool when the torque requirements go up. On all but the big Trekker the driver blades don't lock open so you risk injury reefing on them.
 
From the standpoint of sheer utility, I would take a nice SAK over a sweet modern one-hander because I know a SAK can perform a variety of useful functions reasonably well, and all my one handers can do is cut if I could only have one. That said, I am glad I can carry a snall SAK and a knife with a bigger blade and better steel. That combo allows me to take care of pretty much anything that comes my way.
 
I have had a juice s2 since they first hit stores. I carry it to work all the time, but it would never replace the use of my SAKs, its a different tool I use for different applications

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I love my leatherman multi tools but when it comes to carrying it everyday, in the city, i prefer my SAK for their slim light weight HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL package. You cannot really compare the two though, yes they are both multi tools, but - for example: apples and oranges are both fruits, yet they are not comparable..

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(Discovering black walnuts)

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SAKs are great tools, if you don't think they are, don't buy one, your loss is our gain..

But talking smack about them, saying they aren't useful or of quality is just a joke, because its factually not true...
 
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Going strong for over a hundred years, both Victorinox and Wenger (I think Vic bought Wenger a couple years ago). Great, useful designs. A "gimmicky" tool for every trade and hobby. Traditional looking, doesn't upset people. Even a sharpening doofus like me can get those blades razor sharp. Instant recognition of quality, can be had at Walmart, Target, Dicks all the way up to knife shops, gun shows and high end retailers.

A better question to ask would be, why are there some SAKs out there without lanyard bails? Like the new alox cadets/pioneers.

Last but not least, I went on a multitool kick several years ago. Lots of Leathermans, a few SOG, but once I got a Swisstool Spirit, I was done. I still have a Wave (sits in my truck), might get another Powerlock, but that Spirit is great. As long as I don't use it all the time for fence repair (a pair of fence pliers are a pain in the butt to carry around when you're putting up or mending fences) the tool should outlast me.
 
Morrow said:
Where are the scissors on the Pocket Bushman? Most SAKs are considered multi-tools...not just knives. You can get a lot of functionality in a small and functional package at a good price.
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i'm talking about a knife, not scissors. This thread is a bit loopy because it's easy to interchange meanings ie tool vs. tool set / knife vs. multi-bladed instrument. I'm not here to argue, i'm more interested in differing philosophies of use and if i can learn something about knives and tools by exploring this aspect.
 
klute said:
i'm talking about a knife, not scissors. This thread is a bit loopy because it's easy to interchange meanings ie tool vs. tool set / knife vs. multi-bladed instrument. I'm not here to argue, i'm more interested in differing philosophies of use and if i can learn something about knives and tools by exploring this aspect.
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You are talking about a knife but the thread is about SAKs....multi-tools. You compared a mutli-tool to a knife. Not the same thing.
 
FYI, the blade on SAK's is highly functional and in some models quite robust. I can't think of many things (if any) the blade on my ALOX Soldier can't do that say, the blade on my Blur can.
 
ISKski said:
I have had a juice s2 since they first hit stores. I carry it to work all the time, but it would never replace the use of my SAKs, its a different tool I use for different applications.
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Give some examples?
 
Morrow said:
You are talking about a knife but the thread is about SAKs....multi-tools. You compared a mutli-tool to a knife. Not the same thing.
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Yes i am, and so was bladechick who i was originally responding to.
 
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