Realizing a SAK IS traditional has helped

[jackknife]

I still buy a knife once in a while. But I’ve become extremely picky. And if I feel like a knife has caught my interest, I’ll wait a month (or 3 or 6), and most of the time by then, I’ll wonder why I ever wanted it in the first place. That strategy has saved me a lot of money.

Many years ago, I used to impulse buy knives. Sometimes two a month. But once that new knife thrill is over (pretty quickly), I usually found myself not carrying or using them. Ergo, the effective strategy I mentioned above.

As far as SAKs go, I’ve found what I like: Executive, Spartan and Pioneer. I have others (admittedly, many others ), but those 3 are “my” SAKs that I am willing to carry and that cover my day-to-day uses (the Spartan and Pioneer are alternated, depending on how I feel). This may sound weird, but I don’t like carrying an SAK that has an implement I don’t use at all, other than maybe the keyring. Maybe it’s a type of OCD (which I do have concerning some other things). For me, an implement on an SAK that serves no purpose (even an alternate purpose) for me is extra baggage, and most likely an extra layer of thickness I don’t want.

Jim

Jim, I know exactly where you are coming from! The SAK's that I got rid of when I did my big downsize were all more than three layers, and later the three layers went. For the 20 years that I carried the little classic in its keyring pouch sheath, its back up and augment knife was the Wenger SI. Of all the SAK's I've owned, the pioneer/SI are the most perfect SAk as it has everything I need, but nothing I do't. Now my executive is augmented now and then with my SI, when I do Harry Homeowner jobs around the house. The pioneer/SI awl is the best awl I've ever used. It goes into wood like a wood boring Beatle on a large dose of crack. Great for starter holes for wood screws. Makes an extra hole in the belt when I lost weight on a diet like it was born in a leather shop. And the chisel edge of the awl is a fantastic wire stripper.

A 58mm or 74mm teamed up with a 93mm makes for a heck of a dynamic duo!

 

[shopdoc]

Jim, I know exactly where you are coming from! The SAK's that I got rid of when I did my big downsize were all more than three layers, and later the three layers went. For the 20 years that I carried the little classic in its keyring pouch sheath, its back up and augment knife was the Wenger SI. Of all the SAK's I've owned, the pioneer/SI are the most perfect SAk as it has everything I need, but nothing I do't. Now my executive is augmented now and then with my SI, when I do Harry Homeowner jobs around the house. The pioneer/SI awl is the best awl I've ever used. It goes into wood like a wood boring Beatle on a large dose of crack. Great for starter holes for wood screws. Makes an extra hole in the belt when I lost weight on a diet like it was born in a leather shop. And the chisel edge of the awl is a fantastic wire stripper.

A 58mm or 74mm teamed up with a 93mm makes for a heck of a dynamic duo!

I believe a Classic or Executive with the Pioneer is a great combo as well. But then I wonder, why not just carry my Climber. One knife instead of two. There’s just something about going to a 3 layer SAK though. 4 layer is my max to carry as long as I have a TEC clip on it, but 2 layer is the most comfortable.

 

[jackknife]

I believe a Classic or Executive with the Pioneer is a great combo as well. But then I wonder, why not just carry my Climber. One knife instead of two. There’s just something about going to a 3 layer SAK though. 4 layer is my max to carry as long as I have a TEC clip on it, but 2 layer is the most comfortable.

Its a subjective thing. Its actually easier to carry two smaller objects than one bigger one. Maybe like the bulk is more distributed over more pockets? Like its easier to carry two NAA mini revolvers than one larger revolver that has more rounds. Need more that 5 rounds, just drop one and do a New York reload. A small SAK in the right pocket and a 93mm in a back pocket or left pocket, seems easier.

But...the 93mm isn't needed that often and the 74mm seems to handle most of what I need done. Or, just change up your SAK carry to match what you expect to do that day. On days that I am at the shooting range, my carry is a little different than going out to dinner with my better half.

I've been known to pair my executive with the Wenger SI, or Leatherman squirt, or Vic garden knife withers exemplary chisel ground sharpness. While the SI makes easy work of some dirty jobs, the garden knife excels at slicing a nice Jarlsberg cheese.

Like my old man often said to me, sometimes with a gentle head slap; "Right tool for the job, bonehead."

 

[Stelth]

I like the "big knife small knife" tandem. I always have my 2 1/2" A.G. Russell titanium lockback in my wallet and then a bigger knife like a Vic Centurian, or my micarta Buck Vantage or something like that. Occasionally I carry a fixed blade like my Morakniv Garberg. I usually don't need a larger blade but I like having the option. Having it with me provides peace of mind.

 

[James Y]

I believe a Classic or Executive with the Pioneer is a great combo as well. But then I wonder, why not just carry my Climber. One knife instead of two. There’s just something about going to a 3 layer SAK though. 4 layer is my max to carry as long as I have a TEC clip on it, but 2 layer is the most comfortable.

Another reason why I personally go with the two SAKs instead of just one bigger one is that usually one thick model doesn’t have the exact combination of features that I want/need. TBH, IMO the Executive and the Pioneer make the most ideal SAK pairing, but sometimes I want the mini eyeglass screwdriver I carry in the Spartan’s corkscrew, so I often carry the Spartan instead of the Pioneer for the 2nd SAK. Also, sometimes the Spartan feels *ever-so-slightly* more comfortable in the pocket for me than the Pioneer does. But for me, the two SAKs I carry are far more comfortable than any 3-layer of more SAK. I know that some people don’t mind a 3 or 4-layer SAK in their pocket, just like some guys prefer to pocket carry a Buck 110, but I’ve tried to pocket carry 3-layer SAKs (Farmer, Pioneer X, hiker, etc.), and found it uncomfortable.

Jim

 

[drail]

I carried a Vic Centurion for 10 years and it got me out of so many situations and saved me so many trips back to the truck. I used to have to crawl all over aircraft all day and open and secure maint. panels and hatches. I had to carry it in a secure belt pouch so it could never fall into an aircraft where it did not belong but it was a heck of a tool for the price I paid.

 

[22-rimfire]

The 111mm Centurion is a good one. I have one. I bought it as a backup to the side locking Adventurer at the time. The Adventurer was hard to find at times. The one I would like to find is the serrated Sentinel. I have the plain edge one.

 

[DocT]

Where can I get a pocket slip for a Pioneer X?
I carry 2 SAKs, a Pioneer/Pioneer X and a Classic SD. Sometimes I carry a Cadet, and if it had scissors it would be all I carried. I love my Spydercos...truly...but they can’t do what a Pioneer can do.

 

[Pomsbz]

Another reason why I personally go with the two SAKs instead of just one bigger one is that usually one thick model doesn’t have the exact combination of features that I want/need. TBH, IMO the Executive and the Pioneer make the most ideal SAK pairing, but sometimes I want the mini eyeglass screwdriver I carry in the Spartan’s corkscrew, so I often carry the Spartan instead of the Pioneer for the 2nd SAK. Also, sometimes the Spartan feels *ever-so-slightly* more comfortable in the pocket for me than the Pioneer does. But for me, the two SAKs I carry are far more comfortable than any 3-layer of more SAK. I know that some people don’t mind a 3 or 4-layer SAK in their pocket, just like some guys prefer to pocket carry a Buck 110, but I’ve tried to pocket carry 3-layer SAKs (Farmer, Pioneer X, hiker, etc.), and found it uncomfortable.

Jim

I find that a 3 layer Pioneer = 2 layer cellidor for feel/comfort but I can't get away from the fact that a 91mm non pioneer fits my usage better.

 

[22-rimfire]

GEC makes a real nice pocket slip which is available from their dealers. KSF have large and medium ones at the moment. I believe that the big knife operation/store in Sevierville TN and AG Russell also sells a generic slip but I've never really looked there. I realize the "problem" is three layer versus two in terms of fit. DLT or KSF is generally pretty good about trying something out for fit.

 

[Stelth]

Make your own slips. If you find yourself with a lot of spare time now it's a great way to pass time and learn a skill. I get free leather whenever my wife throws away an old purse. I take the purse apart at the seams and save the pieces. When I need a slip I sort through the leather pieces until I find something suitable. I've made more than a dozen slips and cases in various configurations which suit my needs perfectly. And except for the thread I use it's free. If you do try, I recommended using Coats and Clark nylon upholstery thread which is available at Wal-Mart.

 

[jackknife]

Make your own slips. If you find yourself with a lot of spare time now it's a great way to pass time and learn a skill. I get free leather whenever my wife throws away an old purse. I take the purse apart at the seams and save the pieces. When I need a slip I sort through the leather pieces until I find something suitable. I've made more than a dozen slips and cases in various configurations which suit my needs perfectly. And except for the thread I use it's free. If you do try, I recommended using Coats and Clark nylon upholstery thread which is available at Wal-Mart.

That'll work well. And you can get squares of all different kinds of leather and sewing materials at Micheal's and Hobby Lobby. I've made all kinds of small keychain pouch sheaths for Classics for family and friends so the classic is no attached to the keyring, but can be just pulled out of it sheath and used.

 

[DocT]

That brings me back to Cub Scout days when I had to punch holes in leather and make a wallet.

 

[SteeleJ1976]

Another reason why I personally go with the two SAKs instead of just one bigger one is that usually one thick model doesn’t have the exact combination of features that I want/need. TBH, IMO the Executive and the Pioneer make the most ideal SAK pairing, but sometimes I want the mini eyeglass screwdriver I carry in the Spartan’s corkscrew, so I often carry the Spartan instead of the Pioneer for the 2nd SAK. Also, sometimes the Spartan feels *ever-so-slightly* more comfortable in the pocket for me than the Pioneer does. But for me, the two SAKs I carry are far more comfortable than any 3-layer of more SAK. I know that some people don’t mind a 3 or 4-layer SAK in their pocket, just like some guys prefer to pocket carry a Buck 110, but I’ve tried to pocket carry 3-layer SAKs (Farmer, Pioneer X, hiker, etc.), and found it uncomfortable.

Jim

I had the same struggle when I was buying my SAK. I thought about the two SAK combination like you do but ultimately decided to go with the 3 layer Super Tinker. I do notice it in my pocket more then I would like but it is manageable. I don't think I would like the climber due to the corkscrew which sticks out more. If I do one day go the two SAK route I would probably do a Spartan like you and a keychain Rambler (mini Super Tinker).

 

[Lee D]

Where can I get a pocket slip for a Pioneer X?
I carry 2 SAKs, a Pioneer/Pioneer X and a Classic SD. Sometimes I carry a Cadet, and if it had scissors it would be all I carried. I love my Spydercos...truly...but they can’t do what a Pioneer can do.

Hitch and Timber

 

[Pomsbz]

I had the same struggle when I was buying my SAK. I thought about the two SAK combination like you do but ultimately decided to go with the 3 layer Super Tinker. I do notice it in my pocket more then I would like but it is manageable. I don't think I would like the climber due to the corkscrew which sticks out more. If I do one day go the two SAK route I would probably do a Spartan like you and a keychain Rambler (mini Super Tinker).

I carry the Spartan and Rambler combo and really like it. It's a perfect urban toolset IMO. I don't use scissors much though and the little ones on the Rambler are sufficient. The need for bigger scissors would mean that this combination might be lacking for others.

 

[Pomsbz]

Incidentally there are a bunch of choices on etsy for leather knife slips. Might be worth having a look.

 

[shopdoc]

I carry the Spartan and Rambler combo and really like it. It's a perfect urban toolset IMO. I don't use scissors much though and the little ones on the Rambler are sufficient. The need for bigger scissors would mean that this combination might be lacking for others.

It’s a good combo

 

[shopdoc]

Happy Easter to all.
What SAK did you slip in your pocket when you got up this fine morning?
Executive for me. Being the weekend, I also threw my Pioneer in the other pocket. Went to the local donut shot and bought a dozen for the family. Came home, made coffee, and watching Lonesome Dove before they all wake up.

 

[jackknife]

Happy Easter to all.
What SAK did you slip in your pocket when you got up this fine morning?
Executive for me. Being the weekend, I also threw my Pioneer in the other pocket. Went to the local donut shot and bought a dozen for the family. Came home, made coffee, and watching Lonesome Dove before they all wake up.

Hiya doc, Happy Easter to you and yours too!

Executive in pocket for sure, with the garden knife in other pocket for heavier duty cutting that I will be doing after breakfast. Honey-do work out in the backyard, theres a bush that has some branches that are a bit wild. A bag of pine bark mulch to open and some other jobs.

Lonesome Dove, westerns don't get any better than that. About an hour west of here in San Saba Texas, Tommy Lee Jones has his ranch. He's a frequent sight around San Saba as he's a native.