SAK/Multi-tool for back pocket carry

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kjbenner

Joined
Aug 23, 2005
Messages
274
Hello all,

I've been lurking around on these forums for quite a while now, but am just now making my first post. There's a wealth of information on these forums, and this is the first time I haven't been able to find a thread that really addressed my question. I got a few ideas from the "anyone carry a multitool everyday?" thread just below this, but still have some things I haven't quite been able to work out.

I've been wanting to add a multi-tool to my EDC lineup for a while now, but pocket space is at a bit of a premium for me. The only pocket that really has any space is my left back pocket. I've tried carrying a SAK in that pocket but I end up both sitting on it and losing it. I carry a single-bladed locking knife, and a Vic Classic on my keyring, so basically what I'm looking for is a good screwdriver (prefer flat and Phillips) can opener and a small blade. I've had a few situations where having pliers would have been nice, but a Leatherman-type tool is not a must. Extras like a reamer or saw would be nice so long as they don't add too much bulk.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to two options:

1: A slim, minimal Leatherman-style multitool. It would have to have a clip so I could keep it clipped vertically in the pocket. The Leatherman Kick seems slim enough, and doesn't load up with functions I won't be using everyday. The Sideclip also looks like a nice option, but they've been discontinued for so long I haven't had any luck finding one. The SwissTools also have pocket clips, but they all seem pretty fat in comparison to the Leathermans.

2: A SAK in some sort of clip-on pouch. Again, I'd be looking for slim, so I could carry in the same way as I was thinking with the Leatherman. I'm thinking here of something along the lines of the pouches offered by William Henry, just in a size that will accomodate a SAK and not add much bulk. As for the tool, I was thinking like something along the lines of the Alox Soldier or Farmer--two or three layers, very thin overall.

What do you guys think of these ideas? I'm open to suggestions as to what tools/cases you think might fit the bill as well as any different ideas on how I might carry an extra tool around.

Thanks for any input offered,

Kevin
 
Do you carry your keys on a carabiner? If so, swiss tech makes a mini plier with both types of screw drivers on the end of the plier handles. I have one of these. here is a link to one. http://www.bynoon.com/swiss2.html you can attach it to a small SAK and throw that in your pocket, it is small but can do decent work unless your cranking on big bolts. Id recommend that.
 
Suzukigsx1300r08 said:
Do you carry your keys on a carabiner? If so, swiss tech makes a mini plier with both types of screw drivers on the end of the plier handles. I have one of these. here is a link to one. http://www.bynoon.com/swiss2.html you can attach it to a small SAK and throw that in your pocket, it is small but can do decent work unless your cranking on big bolts. Id recommend that.
Click to expand...

Had the same exact tool for the longest time until I replaced it with a leatherman squirt p4. The swisstech did work, though, when I needed it. I find myself carrying p4 on my keychain in addition to carrying an Victorinox Alox Cadet in the front pocket (and a Byrd Meadowlark in the back pocket). This combo has served me well. An Alox Farmer would be great.:thumbup:
 
sounds like a Leatherman Sideclip would do it, like this:

http://store.campingstuff.com/61110001.html

i don't know that site or anything, it's just an example but i'm pretty sure they aren't made anymore

is a belt sheath out of the question? i really like the nylon ones that go horizontal, they seem to disappear on my belt
 
For years (about 40) I have carried a knife in my back pocket. For some of that time I carried a flat K55K Mercator Cat knife behind my wallet in case I was frisked or so I could pull it out if somebody wanted my wallet. I would also carry a Victorinox Tinker SAK in my front pocket (to provide me with the tools I needed most in a compact space).

http://store.irawoodinc.com/viswar53tire.html
http://premiumknives.com/ShopSite/Mercator_Knife_K55K_Solingen_Germany_Menu.html

Back in the late 80's I found a solution that let me reduce my two-knife-carry down to one. I found the Victorinox Adventurer with all of the tools of my favorite tinker along with a locking blade comparable to my Mercator. I keep my Adventurer in my back pocket tucked vertically alongside my wallet. This is pretty handy, comfortable, and inconspicuous. The Adventurer is larger than a regular SAK, but not real thick and it is surprisingly light. You can do serious work with it.

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=667
 
I love my super tinker and i carry my swiss tech pliers on the keychain ring thats on the knife. Seeing as how i just bought a swiss tool though im retiring that combo to the knife safe.
 
If you decide carry the SAK alox cadet in your back pocket, remove the keyring. It will save pocket wear and you'll notice it less when you are sitting. Haven't had mine fall out of my pocket yet (which has happened with a knife or two in front pocket carry).
 
The SideClip sounds like that might be your best guess, my only other suggestion is the SOG Paratool, it's almost as thin as a SideClip and I use to carry it in it's pouch in my back pocket and never realized it was there until I needed it.

David
 
After reading through ElCuchillo's thread again (Sideclip is the answer.) I'm leaning more towards the Sideclip. I hadn't been able to find any online before, so thanks yermom for the link.

I also like the idea of carrying a SAK vertically along my wallet. Right now I carry my pen there but I can move the pen to the left pocket easy enough. I do carry my keys on a carbiner so putting one of the swiss-tech tools on there would take care of pliers and screwdrivers if I went this route.

I really don't want to go with a belt sheath, although the idea of carrying something like a Paratool in its sheath in pocket might work.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I knew I'd be able to get some good solutions out of this group.
 
kjbenner said:
...I also like the idea of carrying a SAK vertically along my wallet. ...
Click to expand...

That's what I do. A big ol' SwissChamp rides vertically alongside my wallet every day. I have a simple loop-type lanyard attached to the SwissChamp's keyring, and that makes it easer to pull out the SAK when I need it.

- Tim
 
kjbenner said:
After reading through ElCuchillo's thread again (Sideclip is the answer.) I'm leaning more towards the Sideclip. I hadn't been able to find any online before, so thanks yermom for the link.

I also like the idea of carrying a SAK vertically along my wallet. Right now I carry my pen there but I can move the pen to the left pocket easy enough. I do carry my keys on a carbiner so putting one of the swiss-tech tools on there would take care of pliers and screwdrivers if I went this route.

I really don't want to go with a belt sheath, although the idea of carrying something like a Paratool in its sheath in pocket might work.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I knew I'd be able to get some good solutions out of this group.
Click to expand...





kjbenner, if I sold ya on the Sideclip, check on Ebay. It's where I got mine. They are a little hard to get (some bids go way WAY up), but if you are persistant, you'll get one. Great little minimalistic tool to have.
 
I took some pictures of my Vic Super Tinker with the swiss tech pliers on it. I absolutely desipise Wenger knives and will never own another one, which i had given to me.

2mpmut0.jpg

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2z4a6qc.jpg
 
A Victorinox Spirit multitool is very robust, has useful tools, and is compact enough for a back pocket. The old style Leatherman Wave also (before they put it on steroids and messed up the long philips driver).
 
For my EDC I usually look for a SAK that is only two blade channels thick. I carry the Adventurer, but the Centurian fits the bill as well. When I go out into the woods I swap to my survival version knife, the Locksmith. That is a bit longer yet with a serious saw and metal file. I really notice the extra weight and the thicker, 4-channel thick, profile.
 
Revolvergeek, that's a really nice site you linked to. They carry replacement scales so I can finally fix my Victorinox OHT from a terrible attempt to attach a pocket clip I made a few years back.

I think for now I'm going to try to get my hands on a Sideclip. I have the OHT and other, smaller SAKs that I'll have to try out carrying along my wallet. I don't really have the funds for too many new gadgets now, but I'll be putting a Swisstool Spirit on my WTB list. Eventually I'll be able to experiment a bit and try out some more tools, but the LM seems to be the way to go right now.

Thanks again for all the replies and advice.
 
If you're in the U.S. then you'll find you can get Vic scales cheaper and quicker from "RotoKid" Tom, a regular on SOSAK, at this address: tom@sosakonline.com. I recently purchased some new Ruby 91mm scales from him and they were only $7.50 a pair!

- Tim
 
I carry an OHT in my left back pocket along with a folded bandanna.Fold the bandanna to the size you want and iron the heck out of it.Slap a lanyard on the OHT and away you go.I try to keep the lanyard long enough that if I am worried about security I can tuck it under my belt.

I have had pretty good luck with carrying my OHT and before that a Centurion.

I drive a truck for a living so I am in and out of the seat all night.I have not had it fall out yet.

Hope this helps.

PullinSets
 
I don't really notice a size issue with the Locksmith, just weight. When I have the right wallet to keep the knife vertical and pushed out from under where I sit it works quite well. The size of the Locksmith makes it even less inclined to fall down behind my wallet. The weight is significant. It is a good thing that I wear suspenders.
 
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