SAK Metal Saw/File

P

platbuck

Joined
Nov 16, 2006
Messages
82
Was recently looking to upgrade my smaller SAK. I wanted to do this not only because I wanted a wood saw, but I really wanted a metal file. I came across a webpage explaining that this tool (metal file/saw) is the first to go dull on an SAK.

I am having second thoughts about getting a substantially larger SAK now like the Ranger or Locksmith. This tool also adds a significant price jump, more than any other tool, I think. I am thinking that it is maybe just the metal saw edge of the file that can go dull, which i dont really care for, as i think the other edge would be suitable for cutting metal as well. I also read somewhere that Vic recently made changes to its design.

Can anyone comment on its performance and durability. Feel free to compare to other multi-tool files like LM or Gerber.

thanks.
 
I don't have either but I am in a similar position. I was thinking of getting an SAK with a metal file/saw and was about to start a similar thread.

Great minds think alike!!!
 
the woodsaw is about 3mm thick, but cuts nicely. Don't know about durability.
Click to expand...

yeah, the wood saw is really good as far as I know. But im really curious about the file.
 
(update: the woodsaw I refer to is the one on the 91mm huntsman model - I just realised that the one on OH models might be different)
 
I've seldom heard anything except good things about the wood saw. I can say that they do cut very well...

I don't know as much about the metal file/saw. I feel that you really do need the metal file/saw in a SAK you include in a BOB.

I really think that SAKs have a good enough reputation that you can feel safe buying one to try. While money is money, fortunately SAKs don't cost too much...especially considering what tatical knives cost these days.

Best of luck!
:)
 
I have a custom Victorinox Cybertool, with a metal file/saw added, coming soon, so I will report back once I get a chance to play with it a bit.
 
Revolvergeek said:
I have a custom Victorinox Cybertool, with a metal file/saw added, coming soon, so I will report back once I get a chance to play with it a bit.
Click to expand...
Look forward to hearing about that RG. A Cybertool with a metal file makes sense, why don't Vic make it as standard configuration :confused:
 
You got me on that one. Here's a pic of it from the guy that modded it for me. Details are here : http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4243146&postcount=58

standard.jpg
 
That is a spectacular mod. I saw it when it was first pictured on SOSAK on KnifeForums, and it's a treat to have a reminder by seeing it again here. Congratulations! Bill does really wonderful work, doesn't he!

- Tim
 
ging said:
Look forward to hearing about that RG. A Cybertool with a metal file makes sense, why don't Vic make it as standard configuration :confused:
Click to expand...

They do. The Cybertool 41. But it's a bit pricey, as far as SAKs go. And it starts to get a bit bulky, too. At this point, a plier based multitool may make more sense.
 
I think that the wood saw is great but I have worn out the files so fast that I don't buy SAKs with files any more, I actually often carry a separate "real" file.

Picture shows my file along with an old SAK with worn file, you may note that this one was burned when I accidentally touched a live wire, ouch!.

Luis


Click to enlarge
 
Don_Luis said:
I think that the wood saw is great but I have worn out the files so fast that I don't buy SAKs with files any more, I actually often carry a separate "real" file.

Picture shows my file along with an old SAK with worn file, you may note that this one was burned when I accidentally touched a live wire, ouch!.

Luis


Click to enlarge
Click to expand...

Don Luis,

Good point about carrying a seperate file. There are some small files that are probably easy to carry. I guess it just takes a little adjustment to comfortably fit the files into a EDC setup.

:)
 
I think that the wood saw is great but I have worn out the files so fast that I don't buy SAKs with files any more, I actually often carry a separate "real" file.
Click to expand...

yeah, this is what I have heard and was afraid of. Regular files dont really wear out, i dont understand why the SAK one would.

has anyone heard about recent changes to this tool?
 
i mean of course they can go dull, but are relatively durable. Don Luis, can you please specify which materials you usually use your file on. Are they harder metals??
 
I guess I'm a general do it yourself handyman, always fixing things around the house and for friends and relatives, I use the file in many materials, metals, plastic, wood, etc, I sometimes get it all clogged up and have to clean it with a wire brush.

I have an old one somewhere with gaffer tape over the handle, makes it easy to hold and a good way to carry some tape, that one is a bit worn, I put it away and now I can't find it.

Not only is a separate file more durable, it is also cheaper to replace. I believe the point is that the SAK or multitool is a convenient way to carry basic tools for simple everyday chores, but If you need to do some harder job you use a specialized tool, like a full size screwdriver or a big saw, if you often do some harder job you may want to carry a real tool for that.

Luis
 
I have worn out a few SAK's over the years. I mainly used the saw for cutting Oak and Rattan rounds and never had any issues seem to hold up well. The File works fine for softer material like wood, plastic, aluminum, copper and brass but anything harder and it seemed to dull quickly.



Bors
 
This is the change I was talking about, which I found here on bladeforums by Duke05. So maybe the file is getting better??

Victorinox SAK File
I found the following posted on the Victorinox website. It's a google translation so may not be perfectly clear but interesting nonetheless:

Metal file “version until 2006”
The teeth of the metal file are brought by a complex striking procedure into the material (case-hardening steel). The material has the characteristic to develop by the hardness process high surface hardness with soft core. Since this steel alloy is not corrosion resistant, the file must later be chromium plated.

Metal file “new version starting from 2006”
Contrary to the old version with the new version stainless high-grade steel is used, with which the for sale and Sägezahnung on a highly precise machine are ground in. The metal file became more substantial by the change in geometry.

This change will flow gradually in the production of new bag Tools. By the high claims of quality at functionality, Design and finish, Victorinox strives to protect its prominent position on the world market.

Hereby I hope to have answered your question. For further information I am to you gladly at the disposal.

Friendly greetings from the “Swiss Knife Valley”


VICTORINOX
Leader quality assurance
Robert Elsener
Reply With Quote
Click to expand...
 
It's because the file has to be thin to fit in the knife.
If it were as hard as a real file it would be too brittle for the thinness
and snap very quickly. You will notice the file has some spring to it.

Don Luis made a great point, if you are a seamstress you arent going to be using sak scissors, and the saw is great but would you saw through 2x4's with it all day?
 
Don Luis made a great point, if you are a seamstress you arent going to be using sak scissors, and the saw is great but would you saw through 2x4's with it all day?
Click to expand...

I guess youre saying that it is durable enough for the emergency uses you may encounter. Fair enough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top