SAK vs Multitool

elevator man said:
I'd bet you'd also have benefited from a one hand opening knife.
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Maybe it’s just me, but I thought pretty much all backlock knives were one-handed openers. Pinch the blade and flick the handle outwards with a motion of the wrist. I have done that since the 1980s with my Case Mako, and it’s pretty much second nature for me. True you have to adjust your grip once it’s open, but that quickly becomes muscle-memory.

The trick is closing them one handed. With the 110 style where the release is at the back of the handle, it is a little awkward, but possible. With mid-lockbacks like the Mercator Black Cat it is much easier. Both involve pressing the release and folding the knife closed against your thigh. Again, you have to adjust your grip to keep it from closing on your fingers, but it’s not a huge deal.

Sorry if I got off topic…
 
^^^
You are fortunate in that.

My mother-in-law had some direct blood relative who immigrated here from Europe with the Dutch colonists that landed in New York , then New Amsterdam. . . .in the early 1600s. Even though she moved from Long Island where she was born and raised, to Knoxville Tennessee and lived there for forty years, she never had any appreciation for Red Neck culture.

Now I was raised in Michigan (there are Red Necks there too). I cannot be considered to be a Red Neck,. However, I can move about comfortably in the Red Neck world and have been accepted there as a worthwhile person . . .and she never appreciated me to he day she died at age 98.

You are indeed fortunate.
 
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I hope I'm not the only person that's never thought of the average SAK and Leatherman type multitool in the same family. Similar yes, but only in the same way apples and oranges are both fruit. Different uses and reasons to carry either one.
 
Maximumbob54 said:
I hope I'm not the only person that's never thought of the average SAK and Leatherman type multitool in the same family. Similar yes, but only in the same way apples and oranges are both fruit. Different uses and reasons to carry either one.
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My back story on the relative merits dates from the vary late 1970 and early 1980s. At that time the only pocket tool choice was a Swis Army Knife from Victorinox or Wenger. There was no multitool to be had from any maker. That is why my EDC kit was a Buck 110/SAK combo . . . a "tinker" probably.

When the first Leatherman came out, they were a bit small and slightly awkward to use as a knife, so I held on to the SAK. Later on, I changed jobs (changed careers actually) and felt the need for heftier plyers, screwdrivwers etc. , switching to the still original Leatherman, but retaining the bulky Buck 110. When the Wave line appeared with blades that could be deployed with the handles closed, out went the heavy, pocket wearing Buck.

Sure the multitools are different from the SAK models . . .but way back then there was only the SAKs to choose from . . .which of course is why MacGyver had one.

Remember . . ."way back then" there were only three national broadcast TV networks to choose from too. All we had were ABC, CBS and NBC. . . .no CNN, no Fox, no Netflix or entertainment source ending in prime pr +. Movies played for a week or maybe a month and were gone. In my small hometown, the theaters (two) were only open friday throung Sunday and changed offerings every week.
 
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VorpelSword said:
late 1970 and early 1980s. At that time the only pocket tool choice was a Swis Army Knife from Victorinox or Wenger. There was no multitool to be had from any maker. That is why my EDC kit was a Buck 110/SAK combo . . . a "tinker" probably.
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Back then I was already gigging (playing music in bars) and my daily was an LB7. Most of us biker types wore a 110 or an LB7 back in those days. A few were wearing the Schrade Sharpfinger. I also carried a very small channel lock plier quite often. I never really thought about inventing a multi-tool. The LB7 was used for everything from emergency screwdriver to pry bar to can opener.
 
There are certainly times when I need a pair of pliers, a wire cutter, a quality file, a saw, etc., but I find that a lot of what I would use a multitool for my Pioneer X can do just fine. I can loosen or tighten most flat and Phillips screws, punch holes, cut things, open bottles, break down boxes, pry things, clean my nails, and even strip a wire in a pinch. And on top of that it has the best set of scissors available on any multifunction tool. I carry a Leatherman in my bag for those times I need more, but those are a lot rarer than I would have thought.
 
I've tried to carry multitools, but I always find them too big and bulky. I don't love sheath carry, so that doesn't help. Plus, I'm usually not too far from dedicated tools.

I also just haven't warmed up to cellidor SAKs; while I know they are robust for what they are, I just don't like the plastic feel.

Alox has been a good compromise. Solid and strong, and lightweight and relatively small. I've EDC'd a pioneer for 12+ years now. Almost every time I've felt it insufficient for a task, it is a task a multitool wouldn't solve. Mainly because when I need pliers, I also need a separate driver on the other side of whatever I'm holding.

Ultimately, I agree that its all about what each individual needs. If I was working in construction or another trade, then my answer would probably change.
 
^^^^

Weight and bulk is an issue. That is why I use a belt sheath. The weight is distributed or supported way better than any pocketed folder. But I don't like the sort of "biker" vibe given off by the look of a vertical or drop-in style sheath.

I have found that a Leatherman Wave sized multi tool carries well in a horizontally oriented belt sheath and is visually unobtrusive to nearly invisible to most people. . .. even when formally dressed in professional office wear. I wear mine just behind the right hip.

This mode of carry also works well for the larger, heavier folders for the same reasons . . .but the Leatherman is my EDC. If I had followed another life path, I might explore that carry style for a fixed blade as well.

But again, "eye of the beholder", "to each his own" (and something ab out boat floating) . . .but always, whatever works best for you.
 
Boattale said:
There's not much I can't get done with this set up. After these, it takes real tools.
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That's a big 10-4.

I am rarely without some type of Case traditional alongside my Leatherman.

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They are two different categories. Similar in some ways but it’s apples to oranges.

I tend to see Swiss Army knives as the knives of Boy Scouts, outdoorsmen and travelers. They’re well built, generally socially acceptable, and usually can get you out of a bind.

Leatherman and similar plier based multi tools are like work trucks. They aren’t as refined as the little Swiss knives but they can take a lot more abuse, and the tools are more capable.
 
The first thing that goes in my pocket in the morning is a Leatherman Charge TTi. To be honest, 98% of what I need done that requires a knife can be handled by a multi tool blade.

I have been ECDing a pliers based multi tool pretty much since the spring of semester of college in 2000. I was on the rowing crew and we had a two piece boat. When we traveled, we had to smear the edges with Vaseline and bolt it together before we could put the boat in the water. We were a club sport with no real coach or funding, so it was all on us to things situated at the regattas.

I'll never forget that first time my freshman year when I watched the more experienced guys line the edges of the boat up then *snick snick snick snick* out comes an a symphony of Gerber compact plier heads to crank the nuts tight on the bolts.

I bought mine the next day. I believe the Gerbers were $19.99 at Walmart in those days ;) I have had all sorts of brands and models since then, but I have rarely gone a day without a MT on my person since.
 
I had a Victorinox Swiss Champ in 1980/81 - and lost it "somewhere in Frankfurt". Did not buy another, and these days I consider the SAK mini plier too small and limited in function from a size and limited grip/force point of view.

I have a Swiss Multitool but have rarely carried it. Deciding factors are the blades. The SAKs have better blades with more ergonomic application than multitools.

My favorite SAK is the Victorinox Trekker (I have three). Has everything I want, including that terrific SAK saw. I do consider a small plier a very good EDC tool to have on hand and I have a small Knipex slip joint plier and some small German needle nose as supplemental options on the belt in a pouch. I think these latter two are far more useful than any of the SAK mini pliers.
 
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