Pick my next SAK

blt-2-drg

blt-2-drg

Joined
Feb 6, 2012
Messages
436
I just recently bought my first SAK and after having it for just a short period of time i'm hooked!

So far i have a brand new one handed Trekker for EDC and 4 of the small classics for keychains and altoids tins.

If you were me and just started "collecting" SAK's what would be your next purchase?
 
If you can find a package with a belt sheath, a Swisschamp would be great. It's far too heavy to carry in-pocket.
 
blt-2-drg said:
I just recently bought my first SAK and after having it for just a short period of time i'm hooked!

So far i have a brand new one handed Trekker for EDC and 4 of the small classics for keychains and altoids tins.

If you were me and just started "collecting" SAK's what would be your next purchase?
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Based on my own history, I suggest:

1. Tinker, the basic SAK. This one should have been named "Classic," IMHO. Most of what a SAK is needed for can be handled by this work of art. Paired with a Classic (the mis-named little one) for scissors and nail file, you can rule the world.

2. Swisschamp, the most implement-packed model that is still manageable for EDC.
It will give you a chance to try out all the neat little tools, find out which ones you like or never use. This is one of those marvelous gadgets that excels both as a tool when needed and a toy for other times.

With the SAKs already on hand, you would then have solid representatives of major SAK categories. All are great users and a fine start to a collection.
 
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I can't say I've tried it, but the Swisschamp seems like overkill to me. I like the smaller Handyman and Ranger if you want a lot of tools since they have the most practical array of tools and the Climber or Spartan for basic EDC. For basic around the house and office stuff, I think the Climber is probably the most useful at a reasonable size.
 
I suggest the wenger standard Issue mod 70. Then you bouth try a wenger and a alox. And the oldtimy solkiers tool between the early 60ties and 2008.
Its a damned good knife.

Bosse
 
I've had a Fieldmaster with or near me for over 25 years, and it has been used for all sorts of tasks. But, since you already have the scissors in the classic, the Tinker may be a better choice. At two layers it will carry easier in the pocket than the four layer Fieldmaster.
 
Thanks for the replies guys!

I should have mentioned i am looking for new models right now. I received a $200 Amazon gift card from my bank so i figured what better to spend it on.

So far i am really liking the Alox Farmer and i'll have to admit the SwissChamp looks like a lot of fun. I think i might also pick up a one handed Sentinel with pocket clip too.
 
I think these are "essentials" if you want to really get a feel for Victorinox.


Alox Cadet
Alox Pioneer (or Electrician)
Tinker or Spartan
Climber or Super Tinker
Executive
MiniChamp

And if you want a larger size model the SwissChamp is the way to go. If you want something a little more manageable, I highly recommend the Ranger.
 
bkoregon said:
I can't say I've tried it, but the Swisschamp seems like overkill to me. I like the smaller Handyman and Ranger if you want a lot of tools since they have the most practical array of tools and the Climber or Spartan for basic EDC. For basic around the house and office stuff, I think the Climber is probably the most useful at a reasonable size.
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One of the things I like about the Swisschamp is that in addition to its utility, it teaches SAK. This education can be helpful to someone who intends to collect. However, in the years it was my only SAK, my Swisschamp was endlessly useful and never a burden, carried in a belt pouch. Over time, I used every implement but the back spring mounted mini driver. Most jobs could have been done with a much thinner SAK, but when they were needed, I was glad the other tools were on board.

Totally agree with you re the Climber.
 
znapschatz said:
One of the things I like about the Swisschamp is that in addition to its utility, it teaches SAK. This education can be helpful to someone who intends to collect. However, in the years it was my only SAK, my Swisschamp was endlessly useful and never a burden, carried in a belt pouch. Over time, I used every implement but the back spring mounted mini driver. Most jobs could have been done with a much thinner SAK, but when they were needed, I was glad the other tools were on board.
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I guess that's what I'm getting at though. I'll wear a multitool on my belt occasionally but I much prefer a pocket carry. With the Handyman, you lose what seem to be rather marginal tools in the fish scaler and magnifying glass, keep all the back layer tools and you save yourself an ounce of weight and around a quarter inch of width for something that is arguably pocketable or at least much more pocketable.
 
bkoregon said:
I guess that's what I'm getting at though. I'll wear a multitool on my belt occasionally but I much prefer a pocket carry. With the Handyman, you lose what seem to be rather marginal tools in the fish scaler and magnifying glass, keep all the back layer tools and you save yourself an ounce of weight and around a quarter inch of width for something that is arguably pocketable or at least much more pocketable.
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Here is a good example of how individual a matter these choices come down to. For example, the marginal, to you, fish scaler was regularly used by me, although only once to actually scale fish (DON'T! BAD IDEA! HOURS OF CLEANING! ACK!). On many occasions, the ruler came in handy, but more often got used as a probe for things I couldn't or didn't want to touch with my fingers.

As for the magnifier, in addition to close examination of things, which I find myself doing often for many reasons, I'm a photographer. Back in the film era I used it to examine negatives and slides when away from my office magnifying optics, and even these days occasionally. For me, a magnifier is an important part of my EDC.

That's why I consider the Swisschamp a teaching instrument. You got all the stuff, so you can learn how to use each implement or if you want it at all.
 
znapschatz said:
Here is a good example of how individual a matter these choices come down to.
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I can certainly agree with that. As I started getting into these tools recently, I found it to be quite a bit of fun to try out the different models and research all the different uses for the various tools. In regard tot he magnifier, I was curious if that could be used to start a fire out in the woods if it were sunny enough. I looked around but couldn't find much definitive proof.
 
I like the Huntsman: it has the saw and the scissors, and it's available with camo scales. Groovy!
 
I agree with the Alox Cadet, great EDC.

Also a Climber or Super Tinker would be a great mid sized carry.
 
I would say... get a Tinker/Spartan (Vic standart issue) or a Climber for real. Great knives for EDC

If you want something on alox. Try a Soldier or a Cadet. A Farmer is a great outdoors knife.

Hope this could help a little.

Kind regards
 
bkoregon said:
In regard tot he magnifier, I was curious if that could be used to start a fire out in the woods if it were sunny enough. I looked around but couldn't find much definitive proof.
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Maybe, but in many decades of trying, all I ever succeeded in doing was burning holes in paper or giving somebody a hot spot, then running for my life.
Since I get good results with larger magnifiers, I think the SAK one is too small to concentrate the energy properly, or something like that. Every summer I try a different technique, but the results are always disappointing.
My advice is, don't try. It can only lead to heartbreak.
 
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