SAK for First Aid kit?

sqoon

sqoon

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Jan 1, 2010
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I just picked up a Maxpedition FR-1 pouch. Not sure how I feel about it, but I was going to fill it up and see how it works for a couple of weeks. I got to thinking about what kind of knife should go in there. SAK seemed like a natural choice. While I EDC an ALOX Farmer, it doesn't seem like it would be the best fit for a first aid kit. I'm fairly ignorant to SAK's, but I can see how some folks get hooked on them. Any recommendations for a good, but still slim(er) SAK for a little first aid kit?

The only features I think are a must are:

Split key ring
Main and Pen blade
Scissors

Come to think of it, might a Leatherman Juice S2 be a better choice for a first aid kit?
 
What about a classic? You get a blade & scissors and tweezers - those would be pretty handy in a first aid kit IMO.
 
I think a Classic would work great, as you get a blade, scissors, nail care, tweezers and toothpick. And the knife is tiny. The MiniChamp would also be a great choice. A small, delicate blade is best for first aid, I would think.
 
First of all, I'd say it depends on your skills in first aid, and what kind of "problem" you are getting prepared for (sidenote: I'm a pro in emergency - it's my job - so I have a full emergency kit in my car and at home...but I know that 90% of the things I have in that bag will never get used, or so I hope). SAK's work great, and that's why so many people love them. I would avoid Alox models though. In my opinion, the basic things to have are:
- scissors (you could also consider putting in your pouch some "regular" scissors instead of having them on your SAK)
- a blade (1,5" of blade is more than enough)
- tweezers
- a needle/toothpick (or, even better, the SAK awl)
These are the basic things, and the Classic would cover them. Other things could come in handy (for example, small pliers can be helpful), but it all depends on the bulk (and weight) available. I love the Classic, but (personal opinion) I would rather get something a bit bigger (like a Vic Ambassador or a LM Style CS), but that's just me.

:cool:
 
The smaller SAK scissors are kind of an acquired skill.

IF you are administering First Aid, 2 things to consider:
You should be gloved.
You may be under some kind of pressure.

With that in mind, I would add the smaller EMT shears offered by County Comm and others.

I carry a Victorinox RS multi-tool in my man-bag, the scissors on that are manageable for cutting tape and Krill bandage.
The RS also has a blunt tipped curved serrated blade for cutting clothing, also works great on cordage.

Be sure and try out whatever you buy before assuming that it works well for you.
 
fotobaerchi said:
What´s about a Victorinox Rescue Tool? And an extra scissor.
Click to expand...
The Vic Rescue Tool is great for the vehicle or turn out gear but probably not the right tool for a FA kit. I agree with the premise that a Classic may be the best. I've used mine many a time.
 
fotobaerchi said:
What´s about a Victorinox Rescue Tool? And an extra scissor.
Click to expand...


The Rescue Tool might be ideal for a "first responder" kit in the car. So many of us carry knives planned for survival or tactical situations. But for most people (not all), the odds of us getting lost in the Sierra Nevadas or in a knife fight pale in comparison to us happening upon an awful car accident as a first responder. For a regular first aid kit, however, the Rescue Tool is an awfully large tool, particularly if one is going to carry it in a day pack or something. For slicing bandages, removing splinters, or other simple first aid a Classic should be adequate and packs quite small. For field surgery ... well, that's beyond my technical ability to diagnose. But I imagine you could do a trach rescue with a Classic, remove something puncturing the skin, or other emergency first aid.
 
I'd prefer fly tying scissors or seamstress bobbin scissors to using a Classic under pressure...but that'z juss me.
 
Well, what do you think about the Executive? I got mine in some kind of mint-drops-tin. Where I keep matches, wound-plasters and medicine against headache.

Nice little tool.

Seems it has all of you requirements statisfied.

Kind regards.
 
Perhaps not exactly what the OP had in mind, but maybe a Victorinox SwissCard? I got a Classic model over the holidays and was trying to think of the best use for it. Since the tools all detach from the main card, it may be easier to sterilize them after First Aid use. The knife and scissors are a little awkward to grip, but I can see how they could be useful in a pinch...
 
Like some others, I have an Executive too in my first aid kit. Larger than the Classic, but still small and thin enough to keep it in a small kit.
 
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