SAKs VS. Multi-tools

D

DAFOX

Joined
Jul 17, 2000
Messages
210
I know its been done a while ago, but I thought with the new leatherman series (juice)it might be interesting to see which is more popular. Specific models please. I have a Orange juice which is close to a SAK in size/features, but I can't seem to let the SAK go for it. Any similar situations?
 
I have never been impressed with Leatherman's blade quality. For now I'll stick with my Soldier, Huntsman, and Rucksack. My next SAK purchase will be the Swiss-Tool X.

Paul
 
Ummm... Tough question actually.. I favour more on multitools in hard-use situation.. The SAKs are ideal as travel companions.. :D

Sam
 
I love both, but my SAKs get much more use. I just don't use heavy duty pliers often enough to always carry a multi-tool.

My everydary carry tool is a Victorinox Cybertool 34. This tool should become a legend for urban survival.

I always carry a Victorinox Huntsman when I'm hiking.

My Leatherman Wave does get used around camp, but that's about it. It's the only time that I'm using the heavy duty pliers.
 
I just got a new SAK (Scout) yesterday. This is way smaller than most multi-tools, so I'll be carrying it daily. I have to decide/remember/etc, to bring my multitool with me, but my SAK is always with me. Usually a tac folder or fixed bladee too though.
 
Buzzbait: How much does the bit wrench and bits add to the thickness of the SAK, Approx.?
 
The Cybertool 34 is about 1 1/16 inches wide. It's a little too much for pocket carry, so I use the sheath that came with my crummy Gerber Multi-Plier 400. It really should sell with a sheath, but doesn't appear to. At least mine didn't.

I don't have on, but the CyberTool 29 looks to be about the same width as a Vic Hunstman. I could carry that in the pocket of my jeans, but would miss the scissors and pliers.
 
Huntsmans not to bad for daily carry in jeans etc... but a little too thick for me. I too miss a SAK wo scissors. How are the sm pliers on the SAK? I now they are not up to the tasks of the leathermans, but do they work in moderate requirements? Still the 34 may be too big? Cant carry a sheath @ work.
 
For me, who hang around computers and other nuts and bolts, the multi-tools are better. I have the Leatherman Juice Blue and it's pretty handy.
The tools stays pretty tight with this leatherman, and everything just comes in handy with what I do.
Of course people who go hiking and hunting would much more prefer the SAKs and go without the screwdrivers and pliers.
 
I think buzzbait hit on the major factor: the pliers.
If you use pliers alot then I think the multi-tool is the way to go.
But if you hardly ever use them the the SAK has alot of advantages on average (more compact, lighter weight, usually quicker access to the tools, sheeple-friendly, good main blade, huge selection of models to suit your needs).

When I travel the multi-tool goes in the luggage but the SAK goes in the pocket.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
My Wenger Handyman goes everywhere with me. It is one of the things I don't even consider when getting ready to leave the house..wallet, keys, SAK and then I consider what other knives or multi-tool would be good for that day.
On days I feel a multi-tool will come in handy, I carry either a Leatherman Pulse or a Gerber Legend.
 
I often hear people saying they prefer a SAK on a hike or camping trip over a multi because they "don't need pliers in the woods." I disagree. I use mine a lot on camping trips - mainly moving hot cook pots when its meal time.

To the original question, though. My Leatherman Wave resides in the kitchen drawer unless A) I'm on a camping trip or B) doing a lot of work around the house ... then it goes on the belt. Otherwise, I'll tote a Victorinox Spartan or some other folder.

(Incidentally, a few months back I was scanning Ebay as I wanted to buy a second multi, this one to keep in the truck. Then it occured to me that, since I already have one of those large, locking SAKs in the glove box, why not just spend a few bucks at Sears and buy a quality pair of pliers to keep there too? ;) I love all of the Leatherman stuff, but I'm not in a financial situation where spending $50+ on "backups" makes a lot of sense.)
 
I've loved SAK's ever since MacGyver hit the airwaves. My first two were Wengers. When the first generation Gerber Multi-Plier hit the market in the early ninties, I thought it was the ultimate. However, as time passed I always went back to the SAK.

The reason I still love SAK's over all others, is because the tools are so well defined. When I compare plier tools to SAK tools, they almost appear crude. I don't use pliers often enough to justify the need, so SAK's are my ultimate answer in multi purpose tools.

As far as lifting hot pots off of camp fires, the "hook" on Victorinox knives works wonderfully. I'm not sure if the hook is designed for other uses, but it sure works well on wire handles. The light duty pliers on SAKs are also very serviceable, you just have to realize their limitations. The tiny wire cutters at the base of the pliers are also very good. I can't count the times that I have used them on light wire, and every time the wire parts as if by magic.

I also enjoy the "walk and talk" a Victorinox SAK has. I have never encountered a plier tool that opened with a resounding "snap!!".
 
Well,combine some of what allenc and mnblade said.I wanted a tool to carry on the job(firefighter)and because I use pliers alot to turn off gas stoves and so on,I got a multi-plier.Well,most guys carry channel-locks in their coat pocket and everytime I reached for the multi-plier by the time I got it out of the sheath somebody allready had real pliers out and on the shut-off.

So now I carry a large sak($15 from smkw) and a full size channel-lock(less than $10),$25 for better pliers and knife blades.
 
I used to carry a SAK Huntsman every day. I switched to the Leatherman Juice S2 (ornage). It's a good trade-off for me. It's flatter so it's a more comfortable carry in the pocket and the pliers, phillips screw driver and stronger flat screwdrivers add powerful capabilities. When you need pliers, you need pliers.

There are a few drawbacks with the Juice, such as the can opener is nearly useless (who uses that anyway) and mine lacks an awl, tweezers and some other minor items, but there is a good core set of tools.

I still keep a SAK Deluxe Tinker on my desk and would never want to be without a SAK in my collection, but the Juice has earned a place in my pockets along with a locking folding knife.
 
>"the can opener is nearly useless (who uses that anyway) ..."

================================

Actually, I use the can openers on my Spartan, Adventurer and Wave quite often, especially when camping of course.
 
I carry a Cybertool 29 and a Supertool 200 daily. I use the pliers on the Supertool daily but rarely use any other tool on a daily basis.

I use the bit driver on my Cybertool 29 daily. And the toothpick. And today I used the pen.

I like both. I like Vic's can opener much better than anyone else's, but I rarely use that feature.

Pliers are definitely handy in the "bush" for anything from pulling out thorns to fixin' gear, touching things you don't want to use your hands on like hot things, stingy things, etc. ;-)
 
i prefer multi-tool to SAK although, because I carry folder anyway, I wish some multi-tool would come out (Leatherman ) with knife blade as option. I would rather have saw than poor knife blade.

Martin
 
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