SAK Awl question

[Sheridan]

My SAK (I've had it forever and don't know which version it is) has a very good awl on it. The problem is that it invariably folds up on me whenever I try to use it for anything.

An good awl has more uses than I can begin to mention (I'm sure you can too). Does anyone make a multi tool with a good awl that locks into position?

 

[frank k]

The Swisstool has a locking awl (same type as their SAK's).

 

[rep]

The awl on the metal (alox) handled Victorinox's, such as the Pioneer or Soldier, is more heavy duty than on the red-handled SAKs. While not a locking blade, I haven't ever had one close on me in use due to the strong spring.

 

[sgtmike88]

I have several Soldiers and a couple Pioneers on the way from Switzerland. They're tough, tough knives for the money. I've never had a Soldier awl fold on me during use, and I've used it to drill out all sorts of stuff from sheetrock to lanyard holes for walking sticks to extra holes in the belt.

I did a review of the Soldier a long time ago, here's the link:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90679&highlight=victorinox+vs+wenger

Mike

 

[V Shrake]

I've NEVER had an awl fold up on me while using it, and I've got an SAK Explorer, a Rucksack, and the German Army Knife, which is basically a 2 bladed knife that has all the functions of the Rucksack, except without the locking blade. I've used my awls to drill holes in tin cans, leather, heavy nylon and all sorts of other stuff as well. The best way I've found to keep it from folding under use is to apply pressure *against* the direction it would fold. Or make sure you keep the awl perpendicular to your work, and be aware of when it might start to fold, and then ease up the pressure. Either of those methods should make awl use as safe as it gets for a non-locking tool.

 

[Josh Feltman]

The Leatherman Supertool has a locking awl.
--Josh