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

They the best value for money imo.

Had one for 10 years and it developed no blade play. I did have to touch up/sharpen often though from regular use
Lost it a few years ago so thinking of replacing it
 
I'm always suspicious when someone says, "Not to be a jerk, but..."
 
actually for production multitools, i think SAK are the best in quality. many tools in such a small package, affordable price, useful thin drop point blade, a rich history etc

i cant say enough lol. i alwys have one for back up
 
Crazy ol pootnanny said:
Leatherman Wave, Gerber Multi-plier, Swiss tool 100, etc. etc...
It's not hard to find a multi-tool that is a better tool.
Click to expand...

You're really comparing apples to oranges here.

And, better tool for who? You, maybe. Not me.

I like my Leatherman & Gerber multitools aswell, but they weighs 10 times what my SAK's do and besides the pliers it has no real advantage.
 
I recently got my first Alox model, and man do I love it. The fit and finish is perfect, and is a real bargain for a knife made this well.
 
IMO, an SAK is the best knife for international travel. High quality, very useful, easily replaceable, non-threatening to all but the biggest scaredy-cat steeple.

Jim
 
The thing I like about saks is you know what you're getting. Most of the tools use the same tool die from model to model. It's one of the few knives that I can buy sight unseen and know I won't have any problems with fit and finish. plus for $20, why not have a few?

To me they're not made to replace a tool box, I would hate to remodel a house with a sak lol. But for everyday unexpected problems they truly shine for EDC.

For example the chain on my girlfriend's purse broke the other day while we were out, so I used my leatherman's pliers(the sak pliers would of worked as well) to re-link the chain.
 
I've carried a SAK on four continents and have never been sorry to have it along for the trip. I also carry multitools on occasion, but I find I'm more likely to have the SAK at hand and more likely to use the SAK. The pliers on a multitool can come in handy, no doubt, but otherwise the little SAK can hold it's own with most multitools. I just wish more SAKs came with a Philips driver and a saw.
 
At this point in my life I can pretty much have/carry any knife I want. On many days, it's an SAK alox soldier. Simple, but well built, and a great value. The days of me thinking I need to carry around a toolbox or the strongest lock or the best steel are over. I like well built, practical knives. I'll put the fit and finish of an alox soldier up against any mass produced blade, and I can't think of more than a handful of knives that are as practical for my day to day life. the walk and talk on most SAKs is just outstanding.
 
Crazy ol pootnanny said:
Leatherman Wave, Gerber Multi-plier, Swiss tool 100, etc. etc...
It's not hard to find a multi-tool that is a better tool.
Click to expand...

These multi tools aren't exactly in the same class as a SAK. You're naming tools that are four or five times the cost of a SAK, and more than three times the weight (guessing at that, but I know my wave is much heavier). I won't carry a multi tool due to its weight and bulk unless I know I'm going to need it (even smaller squirts and such) but I'd slip a SAK in my pocket without thinking twice. If you need pliers, than a wave is better, but if you just want a good knife at a reasonable cost, it's hard to beat a SAK. And let's face it, most of us don't need pliers everyday.
 
Ken44 said:
I recently got my first Alox model, and man do I love it. The fit and finish is perfect, and is a real bargain for a knife made this well.
Click to expand...
wlifter123 said:
At this point in my life I can pretty much have/carry any knife I want. On many days, it's an SAK alox soldier. Simple, but well built, and a great value. The days of me thinking I need to carry around a toolbox or the strongest lock or the best steel are over. I like well built, practical knives. I'll put the fit and finish of an alox soldier up against any mass produced blade, and I can't think of more than a handful of knives that are as practical for my day to day life. the walk and talk on most SAKs is just outstanding.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%, can't say it better. Great knife for the money. A soldier or pioneer is about perfect for most people.
My soldier.
SDC11583.jpg
 
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wlifter123 said:
The days of me thinking I need to carry around a toolbox or the strongest lock or the best steel are over. I like well built, practical knives. I'll put the fit and finish of an alox soldier up against any mass produced blade, and I can't think of more than a handful of knives that are as practical for my day to day life.
Click to expand...

Damn well said.
 
I find it hard to believe any forumite or knife lover hasn't at least handled a SAK and be awed by the versatility and functions of it.
 
Just flipped on the tv and tuned to Behind Enemy Lines at the scene where Owen Wilson is using a SAK to unscrew something(forgot what is was) in a survival situation. I know its a movie but its realistic and pretty cool because its on AMC HD and a note popped up at the bottom of the screen explaining what a SAK was.

That glowing keychain sak is awesome. I just got a chris reeve and though buying knives was over, now i want anew sak lol.
 
I might consider trying a SAK again, but I've always found the tools difficult to pull out since I have large hands. Can anyone recommend me one? I'd like one with a pocket clip too.
 
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