SAK - I just don't get the attraction

sodak said:
Today I got a Case Sodbuster in Lowe's for around $18. Very stiff, one blade only. While I will enjoy using this knife, try and compare it to a Huntsman or other SAK for a very little bit more.
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Combine a Sodbuster and a SAK and you've got a SodAK. :p
 
Glad to find out SAK has such a good warranty. My barely used fishing one has a crack in the handle, the regular screwdriver bent under light use, and the spring on the scissors is broke, as did my first SAK. I think I'll send it back.

I'll be the first to admit it comes in handy, from time to time. It normally resides in my tackle box.
 
Applejacks said:
You in South Jersey? Cause by me there are NO walmarts. And no Target stocks knives except a few saks in plastic cases.
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Jersey Shore. We have WalMart and Target - two Targets actually - but I've never seen any type of outdoors equipment there that wasn't self serve (ie a tent or lantern). Nothing in cases with limited access in our Targets.
 
I carried SAKs for years, then switched to multitools when they came out, Leatherman and then others. But now that I'm retired, I don't need to be carrying pliers around anymore. I'm back to the SAK!
 
I have carried the Victorionox and Wenger Soldier over the past ten years. I prefer the Wegner so I can dummy cord it to my belt loop or belt and it will sit in line with my leg instead of laying horizontaly in the bottom of my pocket. I carried it for 5 years in the Marines and 2 years in the Army and giving away many as others were attracted to their versatility. I only paid about 12-15 bux each for them, I have probably bought 20 in the past ten years. If there was a better mousetrap I would use it. I will more than likely carry one till my dying day.
 
A SAK is a very useful tool. I have had my one of my SAK's for well over 20 years. I have purchased some other one's too. The Alox SAK's are my favorite, particularly the Soldier model. But, to each his own.
 
You should get your hands on one before you form any kind of opinion on them. :) I have many SAK's and have had SAK's since I was a young teen. I have used them for so many thing over my life. Probably the tool I use the most is the phillips screw driver. Many electronics today, and kid toys (I have 2 kids, and they have to many toys) require a phillips screwdriver to change the batteries or install them.

I can tell you this, SAK's have saved me from a lot of aggrevation and anger over the years. Nothing annoys me more than not being able to find a tool when I need one. :) There have been times where I have misplaced a screwdriver and tear the house apart in rage looking for it. Having more SAK's and multi-tools around now has reduced the occurances of misplaced tool rage. :)
 
Kc2kth, I think I understand why you asked your question(s), I mean besides never having been exposed to a real SAK. I'm not trying to insult you or be nasty about this, but I'm willing to bet you are young and that you have been raised with no understanding of mechanical devices, the need to sometimes repair or manipulate the things around you, or how valuable basic tools capable of solving multiple problems can be when they are kept kept close at hand. In short you are not mechanically oriented or you would have a much better understanding of the value of SAKs. I favor the simpler models of SAKs, especially the Farmer, the Soldier, and the Pioneer models, all made by Victorinox. I have not owned Wenger SAKs, but I suspect they are also of good quality. I just prefer Victorinox. In case you decide to educate yourself on this subject -- like BUY A SAK -- might I suggest you go to eknifeworks.com and see what is available? You will find good prices on Victorinox there, too.
 
Dr. Mudd said:
Kc2kth, I think I understand why you asked your question(s), I mean besides never having been exposed to a real SAK. I'm not trying to insult you or be nasty about this, but I'm willing to bet you are young and that you have been raised with no understanding of mechanical devices, the need to sometimes repair or manipulate the things around you, or how valuable basic tools capable of solving multiple problems can be when they are kept kept close at hand. In short you are not mechanically oriented or you would have a much better understanding of the value of SAKs. I favor the simpler models of SAKs, especially the Farmer, the Soldier, and the Pioneer models, all made by Victorinox. I have not owned Wenger SAKs, but I suspect they are also of good quality. I just prefer Victorinox. In case you decide to educate yourself on this subject -- like BUY A SAK -- might I suggest you go to eknifeworks.com and see what is available? You will find good prices on Victorinox there, too.
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Thanks for the reply. Wow though, you couldn't have been more off base about me. I don't consider myself young any more. I'm an engineer by trade (for the past 15 years), have been interested in technology for even longer than that which is how I got started in amateur radio, and grew up working on farm tractors, cars (couldn't afford to pay someone to fix either), etc., which I enjoyed greatly. I enjoyed it to the extent that I lost sleep and was quite upset when my dad recently told me he was selling the '48 Case VAC we have worked together on many times. I'm actually very mechanically inclined. To this day I "mod" my own cars to a small extent and service all my own lawn and garden gear.

Because of that experience, I've grown into a "best of breed" type and I analyze everything I buy before I buy it. I'm also the type who you won't see using anything but the right tool for the job. If I don't have the right tool, I go buy it or the job doesn't get done. For example, when I needed to start sharpening my own lawn and garden tools, plus some items around the house, I didn't buy a single sharpening tool. I had to buy what I believed to be the best for what I wanted to do. And then I bought three different models - various types for various jobs.

Disregarding the cost associated with that kind of behavior, it does somewhat explain my questioning how well the SAK performed and any task, much less all the tasks the various tools would allow one to perform. The answer was clearly stated over and over. The SAK isn't the best of breed screwdriver, or the best of breed knife, or the best of breed scissors, etc. However, folks made it very clear that the SAK lines are quality products that perform all tasks adequately based on the tools included in the model. Precisely the info I was looking for.

I simply didn't understand the appeal of the SAK after seeing numerous posts about them here over the past month or so. I posted my concerns seeking comments that would help me understand how people view the products. Could I simply have bought something and made up my own mind? Sure, but I would have missed out on all of the input of those people here who have decades of experience with the SAK line - both Vics and Wenger models. I wanted to hear the pros and cons of the product from the people who have been using them in some cases most of their lives. Most posts to this thread provided exactly that and I do greatly appreciate everyone's time in responding.
 
"...I have to admit I've never played with one up close, but they give me the impression of being a low quality toy..."

You're kidding, right? ;)

After reading that I must admit I didn't even bother reading the rest of this thread! Are you talking about a real SAK or one of those cheap, flimsy knock-offs? Be a player and splurge on a real SAK and form a real opinion based on real experience. I wouldn't go anywhere without my Soldier and I consider that to be a quality knife.

(Now admit it - you started this thread to sit back and watch all the SAKsters rise up in defense of their grail, right? ;) ;) ;) )

EDIT: This proves it! My post right after yours! LOL!!!!! Priceless!
 
kc2kth said:
...I simply didn't understand the appeal of the SAK after seeing numerous posts about them here over the past month or so. I posted my concerns seeking comments that would help me understand how people view the products. Could I simply have bought something and made up my own mind? Sure, but I would have missed out on all of the input of those people here who have decades of experience with the SAK line....
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Nice 'save'. ;)

(PM me your mailing address and I will send you a new Soldier, my treat. Then you won't have to depend on us SAK zealots. :D )
 
Hey Guys..

CRF..

That's Really cool dude!!

You just went up a notch in my book.. :)

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Just another SAK fan. They simply work. They aren't best of class at anything really. (pretty darn close for cutting though) I've got a Vixtorinox Adventurer I've had since '93. It's cleaned a ton of fish, some game, been batonned through frozen wood to make a fire a couple different times, and used it to tinker with and repair most every kind of vehicle in Alaska that floats, flies, or rolls. They are much more durable than they appear to be.

If you have intelligent and realistic expectations, a SAK won't let you down.
 
I guess I don't understand why SAKs can't be the best of class for pocketknives:D Seriously (not trying to be a fanboy).
 
Well, I'm giving an SAK a try. After all the feedback here, how could I not? I just ordered a Pioneer Harvester in Alox. I was looking at the Soldier, but my vendor of choice didn't have it and I thought the Pioneer had more of what I would probably want/use anyhow. Also ordered a new Delica 4 Stainless while I was there. :D

Thanks again for all the input, feedback, and for the offers to send an SAK my way.
 
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