SAK vs Leatherman

AsianBeerCan

AsianBeerCan

Joined
Aug 25, 2015
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Hello all,

I own an SAK Camper and carry it daily. I have been looking into a Leatherman because I often need pliers and do not have them on me with the SAK. I carry the SAK on my keychain but don't really need to have it there. Which one is better for lighter (jeans pockets, no pack) EDC? I find I use the saw on my SAK quite a bit. I carry a separate folding knife for regular cutting tasks (Kershaw Blur.) Please give me your thoughts! Thanks
 
Actually putting an SAK on your keychain ruins the ignition on your vehicle as you move to heftier models.I'd say if Leatherman still made the Sideclip you'd be good but you need a saw.Probably sheath carrying a Wave,Charge,or the Signal model would be your best option.
 
I don't own a car, but my friend learned that the hard way when he ruined the ignition on his Chevy Slowbalt.

I like those. Not too big... sheath carry is a little iffy because I live in a non-knife friendly area. Thanks for the recommendations.
 
The Leatherman Skeletool for the pliers and bit driver, if you are willing to replace the Kershaw with a 130mm SAK that has a saw (e.g. Vic Delmont Rangergrip 78, or if you want scissors, Rangergrip 71).
 
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You could either:

a- Upgrade to a SAK model that include both saw and pliers, if pliers do not need to be really strong ans sturdy (Handyman, Hercules, Swisschamp...
b- Try a multitool on the inexpensive (under $70) category that includes tough pliers and a saw (LM Sidekick, LM Supertool, LM Rebar, SOG Powerlock, Gerber Diesel...)
c- Stay with your SAK and add a pliers-based tool to your loadout (if you only care for great pliers, get a MT which has an excellent design of those, such as the SOG PocketPowerPlier, Gerber MP400 or MP600, Gerber Octane, or other more inexpensive, pliers centered multitools) or carry a pair of pliers separately, ina pocket sheath or similar
 
To cover all of your bases the Victorinox Craftsman and Handyman would have all of the tools you need without going all the way to a Swiss Champ.

If you need the jaws of a Leatherman and a saw the Blast model has it all in a slim package. You just have to find one since they are discontinued.


Sent from my electronic multi-tool.
 
for pocket carry, I'd actually look towards the juice line of tools, as they are smaller and more pocket friendly. a rebar is the newer replacement for the blast, but it would be hard on pockets.

What sort of tasks are you finding you need pliers for? that makes a big difference in what size of tool will be best.
 
If you're looking for useful, medium duty pliers I'd stick with the Leatherman; the SAK pliers are definitely light duty. I have a Juice S2 which covers most all of my tool needs through the day without being big and bulky. If you really want a Vic I recommend the Craftsman - it has all the tools you'll probably ever need, but does away with the superfluous ones (does anyone actually use a fish scaler?).
 
Charlie Fox said:
If you're looking for useful, medium duty pliers I'd stick with the Leatherman; the SAK pliers are definitely light duty. I have a Juice S2 which covers most all of my tool needs through the day without being big and bulky. If you really want a Vic I recommend the Craftsman - it has all the tools you'll probably ever need, but does away with the superfluous ones (does anyone actually use a fish scaler?).
Click to expand...

Yes, I use the fish scaler a lot, but not for scaling fish (did it once, learned my lesson :barf: .) But it is ruled, which comes in handy sometimes, and is a good probe if you can't or don't want to touch something.
 
znapschatz said:
Yes, I use the fish scaler a lot, but not for scaling fish (did it once, learned my lesson :barf: .) But it is ruled, which comes in handy sometimes, and is a good probe if you can't or don't want to touch something.
Click to expand...

Ditto and it makes a good back scratcher.


Sent from my electronic multi-tool.
 
For some reason the PST II and the Pulse model seem to be my favorite Leatherman's.Both are similar the Pulse was just the first model for Leatherman to built a lock design.Too stiff for some to use comfortably but man the lock-up was strong.Both of those in tool set up seem to be a good fisherman's multi-tool and for the average joe/jane.
 
I should post a full review later but I picked up a Juice a while back and have found it ideal.
 
I just fine SAK's to be handier. I've had Leatherman knives and while the pliers was handy pulling out individual blades seemed precarious and never could get comfortable with them in my pocket, mind that I carry a Vic Explorer Plus which most consider large for pocket carry. I stick with my SAK and decided if I need a pliers that handy, I'd just pick up a regular pliers and sheath.
 
The Leatherman Juice CS4 would be a good option to look at. Either by itself or along with the Camper.
 
I have a lestherman wave I carry it on the pocket clip in my pocket


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I use a swisstool pretty much everyday, so that would be my recommendation, although it maybe a bit big for pocket carry, I carry it in the side pocket of my work pants and don't even notice it.
 
I prefer to carry my Leatherman wave as an edc. I love the full size pliers and use then a lot. On my keychain I have a small SAK.

The knife of the Leatherman I can also open and close with one hand, whereas is need 2 hands to open and close the SAK

What's this about key chain SAK ruining a ignition? First I've heard of it?


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campergf23 said:
I prefer to carry my Leatherman wave as an edc. I love the full size pliers and use then a lot. On my keychain I have a small SAK.

The knife of the Leatherman I can also open and close with one hand, whereas is need 2 hands to open and close the SAK

What's this about key chain SAK ruining a ignition? First I've heard of it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Excess weight on a keychain has been said to cause wear on the metal that houses the ignition switch, resulting in its failure. I was taught that in mechanics class way back in the early 1960s, but frankly, have heard little to back it up. I haven't worked professionally as a mechanic for decades, but fix my own car and sometimes those of friends (most of whom remain friends :D) and keep up my interest in developments. There has always been some controversy about this matter, so not long ago I asked two master auto mechanics of my acquaintance, both with many decades at it, how often they have encountered this problem. One said he had seen it twice, the other, never. So I don't know.
Although I've seen many a heavily loaded keychain, it doesn't seem to be a common problem.
 
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