SAK questions

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pedalinbob

Joined
Jan 10, 2004
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I like the little Victorinox SAK's--generally the smaller ones, since I carry in a front pocket.
I have a Recruit, but the scales were warped due to my wife washing and drying it (our dryer is VERY hot). It would cost more for new scales than to get a new knife.

Anyway, I have been looking at compatible minimalist knives: Recruit, Bantam, Minichamp, Executive, Rambler, Ambassador and Tinker. 3.25" would be max for me...yet, the 2.25" might be a bit small. Choices, choices.

The Bantam, Recruit and Rambler really catch my eye. Minimal, but with a few tools.
Question: The Rambler appears very pocketable...but, is the blade reasonably useful?

Do any of the SAKs have locking tools or blades? My understanding was that only a few models have locking blades.

Final question: How is tha Alox? I have never handled one (pun not intended), and like the Cell scales overall...but fear another dryer mishap!

Thanks,
Bob
 
pedalinbob said:
Question: The Rambler appears very pocketable...but, is the blade reasonably useful?
Click to expand...
Depends on what you want to use it for!! It's very sharp, very thin, and quite capable of cutting... but it *is* small. Just halving an apple with it can be frustrating.

pedalinbob said:
Do any of the SAKs have locking tools or blades? My understanding was that only a few models have locking blades.
Click to expand...
Therre is a line of Wenger SAKs that have locking blades, but I've never seen them for sale over here in the US. Victorinox only puts locking blades on their largest (111mm/4.4") models.

pedalinbob said:
Final question: How is tha Alox? I have never handled one (pun not intended), and like the Cell scales overall...but fear another dryer mishap!
Click to expand...
Alox is pretty much bomb-proof. The colored stuff is prone to finish wear, but the plain silver Alox can take anything you can throw at it.

As for feel, it's definitely different from the Cellidor handles. Alox is much thinner and the edges aren't as rounded, but the ribbed/knurled texture provides better grip.
 
Bear in mind that you can send your Recruit in to Victorinox and they will fix it up like it was new for just the cost of postage.


The Rambler is one of my favorites (along with the nearly identical Manager), but it does have the limitations of any 58mm model. I find the blades too small for some common tasks (like slicing bagels or cutting the thick plastic that a lot of gadgets come packaged in these days).

For me, the 84mm models seem perfect for pocket carry. I just wish that any of the current ones included scissors! My current EDC is a long discontinued 84mm Golfer that has a blade, combo tool, scissors, corkscrew, and file but is still only two layers thick.

To the best of my knowledge the smallest SAKs you can get with a locking blade are the 85mm models from Wegner. These are roughly equivalent to the standard 91mm Victorinox models, so they may be just what you're looking for.

As for Alox...I love it! Alox makes for a significantly thinner knife but is also a whole lot tougher. If you can survive without the tweezers and toothpick Alox is a great choice. Check out the Cadet and Cadet II.

--Bob Q
 
Whoa, you guys are fast, thanks!

My needs are minimal: Decent knife, flathead screwdriver, philips screwdriver, can opener, cap lifter, and optionally a pair of scissors. Scissors would be icing. Locking implements would be double icing! Might have to look at the Wenger, though for an un-tangible reason, I prefer the Vics. (I do have a Swisstool--awesome!).
I prefer the length to be ~3", because anything else looks a bit odd in my front pocket (though I sometimes carry in a cargo pocket which is less noticeable).

I think my recruit is nearly what I want, so it appears that the 84mm is about right (I will contact Victorinox to see if it is worth sending it to them for repair).
I will consider two models: a 58mm like the Rambler, and an 84mm like the Recruit, Tinker (I heard it is hard to get it in 84mm in the US), etc. I think the Soldier is a bit long, but I will try to check one out.
I will also consider the Wenger 84mm line.

Though I like the smooth feel of the "Cellidor" handles, I think I will lean toward the Alox...just in case!

Many thanks for the help--all suggestions welcome.
Oh, as an aside, I have also considered the Leatherman Squirt (scissors model), but havent had a chance to handle one. The Micra was nice, but it bothered me that you have to open it before deploying the knife and other tools.

Bob
 
If you're willing to wait a few weeks there is really nothing to be lost by sending your Recruit in to Victorinox for repairs. Of course, you should buy another SAK of some kind to keep you company while it's gone... ;)

The first place to check for SAKs is SOSAK Online. Both Felinevet and Nuts4Knives generally have the Small Tinker in stock. Tim and Rich are both outstanding people to deal with and you aren't likely to beat their prices anywhere.

If you're curious about Alox pick up either a Bantam Alox (one-layer: blade and combo tool) or a Cadet (two-layer: blade, bottle opener, can opener, and file). The Cadet is currently available in a limited-edition copper finish that looks amazingly nice and can be had from either SOSAK dealer for $12.50:

vic%20copper%20cadet.jpg


For that matter, the new Cadet II has exactly the same tools as your Recruit, but in Alox instead of Cellidor. It's a Cadet with a small blade in place of the file.

--Bob Q
 
Ok stupid question but when victorinox's website says the blade locks, that means some sort of lock has to be manipulated to close the knife. Sorry, but after being around cheap knockoffs of victorinoxs it's amazing that now they have a locking blade.Also does it cost anythins to join the SOSAK? Thanks.
 
I'll throw in a Vote for the Cadet and/or Cadet II. Both are very useful and carry very well in the pocket. Keep in mind that the screwdriver tip of the can opener works very well in #1 and #2 phillips. :thumbup:
The alox Bantam is VERY thin. You can crry it in a wallet. It also works on both slotted and phillips head screws.

The only Vic SAKs with locking blades are the 111mm models.

Paul
 
SouthDakotan said:
Ok stupid question but when victorinox's website says the blade locks, that means some sort of lock has to be manipulated to close the knife. Sorry, but after being around cheap knockoffs of victorinoxs it's amazing that now they have a locking blade.Also does it cost anythins to join the SOSAK? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Victorinox does make several locking blade models. I can only speak for the One-hand Trekker but I think they are mostly the same with one exception which I don't remember the model name. The Trekker is a slipjoint knife like all other SAKs but it also has an additional anti-closure device similar to a liner lock but this liner type lock doesn't actually keep the blade held open...that's left up to the "slipjoint" part! SOSAK is free...all you need to do is go to http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/690481/tp/1/ and reply to the thread and you will be able to enter into the SOSAK part of KnifeForums. You will have to be registered with KnifeForums in order to post a reply though...this is free as well.

I would highly recommend anthing in Alox...great feeling knife in the hand. I rotate an Explorer(Cellidor) and a Soldier(Alox) and love them both.

Hope this helps. :)

John
 
The Cadet is an excellent Alox model and would probably do very well for you. If you prefer the Recruit, but fear another trip to the dryer, try a Recruit II. The II series, or economy series as they are called are the same knives with darker red Nylon handles. They are quite a bit more durable than the standard red handles and should have no problems with warping. Not all models have this handle option and they are not always easy to find, but they are worth looking for. I have a Recruit II and a Climber II and love them.
 
pedalinbob said:
My needs are minimal: Decent knife, flathead screwdriver, philips screwdriver, can opener, cap lifter, and optionally a pair of scissors. Scissors would be icing.
Click to expand...

By the sounds of it the long discontinued 84mm Golfer would be close to ideal for you -

84mm Golfer (no keyring) with the older style combination tool (different shape and no squared tang)
circa ~early 80's Victorinox brochure -
84mmGolfer.jpg


Note the Combo tool can fit #1 & #2 Phillips screwheads by using the (inner) corner of the tool.

Contact FELINVET over at SOSAK - he occassionally gets the 84mm Golfer.

You might consider the 91mm (3.5") Compact knife
as it adds the very useful ballpoint pen and pin in the handles.
compact8lq.jpg


--
Vincent
http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
 
pedalinbob said:
I have a Recruit, but the scales were warped due to my wife washing and drying it (our dryer is VERY hot).
Click to expand...

If your dryer is doing that to plastic scales, imagine what it's doing to the fibers of your clothing.
 
UnknownVT! CPF'r, right? CPF motto: buy BOTH!!! My wallet aches... :D

Great info, thanks fellas.

I think I will get two or three of the suggestions, and see which I like the best...or, I can rotate them as mood dictates. Alox sounds like a winner. That copper finish is SHARP!

Thanks,
Bob
 
pedalinbob said:
Question: The Rambler appears very pocketable...but, is the blade reasonably useful?
Click to expand...

I'm EDCing the Rambler right now. It's a great little pocket tool. I love the crosshead screwdriver. The blade's done well by me.
 
The copper alox Cadet is sweet. :D
If you want to keep the same blade/tool combo as your Recruit, the Cadet II may be more to your liking. The Cadet II is a new model.

The Compact is one of my all time favorite models. It packs a lot into a minimal package. :thumbup:

Paul
 
cardimon said:
If your dryer is doing that to plastic scales, imagine what it's doing to the fibers of your clothing.
Click to expand...

Yes, it tends to kill cotton in a hurry. It does dry the clothes quickly!
We try to use minimal time to decrease the damage.

Bob
 
pedalinbob said:
Yes, it tends to kill cotton in a hurry. It does dry the clothes quickly!
We try to use minimal time to decrease the damage.

Bob
Click to expand...

You may want to think about turning it down a notch. Seems as though a dryer running that hot might a fire hazard.
 
My pretty much edc is a Bantam Alox. "full" size blade, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, just the basics. Very slim and looks very nice. Fits in with having to wear a suit during the week.
 
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