SAK suggestions

M

manowar669

Joined
Oct 1, 2002
Messages
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Looking for a swiss army knife, but since there are so many models, I'm not sure which one. I think I like the Tinker, but not sure. Things I would like:
Blade between 2.5-3"
bottle opener
can opener
flat screwdriver
phillips screwdriver

As thin, and flat as possible. Black, red, or metal (alox) preferable.
 
manowar669 said:
Thanks. Is the pioneer (no Phillips screwdriver) any thinner than the tinker?
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I don't own one but it should be a bit thinner. I have a super tinker, it's thicker than the standard tinker and i can't tell it's in my pocket so i don't think either will give you any issues with being too thick.
 
Yes, the Pioneer is thinner than the Tinker.

You can also use the can opener on all SAKs as a phillips head screw driver as well as a flat head driver. It has an angle to it as it approaches the tip, which allows it to sink into philips screws nicely. It is not as good as a full philips head, but it works.
 
The Government said:
Yes, the Pioneer is thinner than the Tinker.

You can also use the can opener on all SAKs as a phillips head screw driver as well as a flat head driver. It has an angle to it as it approaches the tip, which allows it to sink into philips screws nicely. It is not as good as a full philips head, but it works.
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Thanks, that's what I was thinking.
 
I've been able to successfully use the can opener for a phillips driver. The Pioneer or Cadet may work well for your needs. Both have alox scales and you should be able to get both in red, black, or silver (as well as other colors floating around).
 
They are probably a little more durable. -If not for the scales, the blades on Pioneer models are a little thicker than regular SAKs. I have never broken any Vic SAK though.
 
The Government said:
They are probably a little more durable. -If not for the scales, the blades on Pioneer models are a little thicker than regular SAKs. I have never broken any Vic SAK though.
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Are the thicker blades found on all alox models, or just the pioneer specifically? How about on the Bantam?
 
SAKs are pretty inexpensive. just buy 2 or 3 models you think might work and return the ones you don't like. or keep them for your collection.
 
manowar669 said:
Looking for a swiss army knife, but since there are so many models, I'm not sure which one. I think I like the Tinker, but not sure. Things I would like:
Blade between 2.5-3"
bottle opener
can opener
flat screwdriver
phillips screwdriver

As thin, and flat as possible. Black, red, or metal (alox) preferable.
Click to expand...

Two thoughts: you might like the smaller, more pocketable 84mm Tinker. Also, keep in mind that the little screwdriver on a SAK can opener works great on Phillips screws. With that in mind, any of the full size alox models are worth considering. Victorinox no longer makes the alox Soldier but they're easy to find and are VERY solid, quality pocketkives.
 
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The Adventurer is the one I would choose. Carry it everyday and it is just an oversized Tinker. Great knife and thin enough to carry in your pocket comfortably.
 
SAKS are all great. All of the models noted above are great... I'd personally go with the explorer... it is two layers thicker than a Tinker, but you get scissors, a long phillips and a little magnifying glass. I realize you wanted something thinner... I have several SAKs and the explorer keeps finding its way into my pocket.

1796-large1.jpg
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm leaning towards a soldier now. Is there a lot of side-to-side bladeplay with these alox models?
 
In alox I have a soldier, electrician and secretary (sold my cadet) and none have any bladeplay at all, and they all have stout springs.
 
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