SAKs: traditional or not?

To me, yes and no. They've been around for a really long time and the blade does fit in with traditional folders, but they stand out from the pack as far as overall design.
 
This is a question, I´ve asked myself several times... Yes & No at the same time... I wouldn´t consider a Vic Cybertool or Swisschamp a traditional knife - more a multitool. But a Vic Soldier or Wenger EvoWood are some traditionals, in my point of view.
I think it depends on the number of tools that are built in that knife/tool-ensemble to consider it as a traidional knife or not.

BTW: Any One-Hand-Opening SAK is no traditional for me - that´s a modern knife in every way.
 
Well its certainly been around for a very long time and its very similar to other multi-blade traditionals.
But its hard to say, because there isn't THE swiss army knife, there are many different models, some with LED flashlights and USB sticks and what not.
So, same as Humppa, I consider some models as traditionals, while others have evolved to a modern multi-tool.
 
You could say "no tools," with models like the pocket pal/secretary/solo qualifying as traditional.
 
But then that would exclude the Camper model/ pattern which many old knife makers used to do, as well as having a cork screw on them which is not uncommon in europe, both Laguiolles and Opinels have them as well as some German patterns.
 
I have to agree with Andi on this, it's a yes and no issue.

I certainly believe the old soldier model and the Wenger SI are nothing but the time tested scout knife. My old SI is essentially the same knife that my dad gave me at age 12. Only big difference is the SI has aluminum scales vs the jigged delrin, and it's made in Switzerland instead of New York. The Vic classic that I carry on my keys is a nice modern version of the gentleman's lobster pen that was made in great numbers in the late 1800's and early 1900's by both Solingen and Sheffield. Smiling-knife has posted many photos of old Sheffield lobsters with nail files, reamers, button hooks, corkscrews, and other tools.

I think SAK's have a unique place in the cutlery world, of straddling the border between the two worlds of traditional and modern.

Carl.
 
IMO, tools are very traditional. The camper and SAK soldier go a very long way back.

IMO, makers of US-style campers would do well to straddle the line a bit more. I would love to see a US-style camper with updated tool blades. Last thing in the world that I'm looking for is a reproduction of a 1930s US-style camper.
 
pinnah said:
IMO, tools are very traditional. The camper and SAK soldier go a very long way back.

IMO, makers of US-style campers would do well to straddle the line a bit more. I would love to see a US-style camper with updated tool blades. Last thing in the world that I'm looking for is a reproduction of a 1930s US-style camper.
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Probably not a bad idea. Lots of things have changed since the 1930's. Does anyone even use flat head screws anymore? It would be nice to see an American camper model with an inline phillips screw driver like was on the Camillus scout knives they made for the special service group during WW2. They could replace the flat screw driver blade with a phillips, and if a flat screw driver was really needed, they could have an extension on the center liner like they do with the British sailors knife. Just have a steel center liner that protrudes a bit, and is shaped for the job.

And an awl that is really an awl. Like on the Vic pioneer/old soldier. Really bores through stuff.

Gotta keep the bail though!

Carl.
 
This is my Great Grandfather's 1954 Wenger that was passed on to me. He always had this on him for as far back as I can remember. I consider SAKs to be traditional.

DSCN1788.jpg
 
My vote is in the 'yes' camp, for a couple reasons. The Solider has been in production since the 1890's, and is based on a traditional pattern. Seems like a vintage design to me.
 
If we talk about pliers-based Vic's, or one hand openers, they're not traditionals to me...but the "regular" SAK's are traditional enough to me.
Somehow, though, I've always seen SAK's as a group of their own. :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
"Traditional" is a relative term. Some food for thought...

1884 wooden handle Swiss army soldier's knife
1908 fiber handle Swiss army soldier's knife
1961 alox handle Swiss army soldier's knife
1964 Buck 110
1966 Buck 301 (made by Schrade)

P.S. I'm not sure if "saks" are traditional... maybe paper sacks but probably not plastic ones. :p
 
Where I sit, a two- or even three-layer SAK is very traditional.

I've said it before, having lived in the heart of Europe from 93-98 and 2003-now, I've only seen folks carry one of three things: SAK, modern single-blade one-hander, or a plier-based multi-tool.

-- Mark
 
Lobster style knives with tools go back at least 150 years. That's traditional enough for me.

IMO, Whether they have plastic covers or not is a non-issue.
 
knarfeng said:
Lobster style knives with tools go back at least 150 years. That's traditional enough for me.

IMO, Whether they have plastic covers or not is a non-issue.
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My sentiments exactly. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
I tend to think of 4 layer SAKs as the first multi-tools in addition to being traditional. Once they get too big not sure they're really traditional KNIVES.
 
jackknife said:
And an awl that is really an awl. Like on the Vic pioneer/old soldier. Really bores through stuff.

Gotta keep the bail though!

Carl.
Click to expand...

Good points all around Carl, although I agree with these two the most.
 
Overall i would consider SAKs as traditionals, though not necessarily some of the newer variants such as the cyber tools or new soldiers etc.

Asthetically they maybe don't fit the idea of a traditional in the same way as stockmans, barlows, jacks, peanuts etc, but they have been the utilitarian pocket knife of choice for many Europeans, for a long time.
 
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