Small SAK's

enkidu

enkidu

Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
1,351
Well, the last discussion on minimalist SAK's got me interested again in SAK's and would like to know what you guys use in the way of small SAK's. BTW: I am now awaiting delivery of a Yeoman (swissknifeshop.com) and a Cybertool (ebay). I thank you. My wallet hates you :D.

I've found the newer small SAK knives unappealing for several reasons, the LED 'lite' versions are too thick and the retractable pens are impossible to use. I'd prefer to have a toothpick. I've been carrying an original Manager for a while now and I haven't found anything yet that can beat it for size and utility. On one side it has a normal blade, sheepsfoot blade, scraper tool (still haven't used this yet), and combination nail-file screwdriver. On the other side it has a combination cap-lifter and philips and the small scissors. Small tweezers and toothpick are stored in the handles. Sorry, don't have a way to take a picture.

The original manager is noticeably thinner than the new version (with retractable pen). I especially like the mini-sheepsfoot blade which I use alot. The combination cap-lifter and magnetized philips is also great. The reason I haven't switched to a LM Juice or Micra is because they have a flat philips instead of a real philips.

So what small SAK's to you guys use?
 
As much as I like the regular sized SAKs, I think that the LM Mira and similar tools have the little SAKs beat, mainly because the scissors are better. The Mirca’s flat Phillips actually works better than it looks.

On the other hand, for those who want to have a built in LED, pen or whistle, they can get them on the Classic SAK but not on the Mirca.




- Frank
 
My favorite model small sak is the Manager II. I think it's the original manager w/ the addition of a Pen. The instructions say to use the pen with the nail file extended. I find it easy to write with, I use it frequently, and have gone through a few refills. I also agree about the leatherman scissors being more useful in certain situations. LM makes a Squirt that has a regular phillips. It's sold through Radio Shack but it's rather pricey.
 
Second to trane fan's Pocket Pal. A great little knife. The Secretary is an alox version.

Paul
 
I swap and change between an LM Micra and a Vic Mini-champ. Both are great little tools. The LM scissors are more heavy duty, whereas the Vic's are great for fine work. The LM feels tougher than the SAK overall but the SAK is nicely designed and engineered. The 'useable' pen is neat too.

One thing I'm not keen on with the SAK is the "cuticle pusher" ! When the h*** am I gonna use a cuticle pusher ??? I could use it as a miniature spoon I guess :D

Whichever I use, I normally have a Photon II attached to it which adds an extra feature.

My next SAK's will be a Scientist and an Electrician.
 
My favorite is the Victorinox Rambler on my keychain:
 

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The rambler is a great one to keep on your keychain. Only one backspring more than the classic gets you the combination phillips / bottle opener / wire stripper. I had been carrying the SOG Crosscut on my keys for some time, and I loved it but I have *way* too much crap on my keychain, so I had to start cutting the bulk.

I found that the items I used the most often on the crosscut were the scissors, bottle opener, nail file, and toothpick. So for me the rambler was a shoe in.
 
fiver - I have a beard which needs constant trimming, so the scissors on my Rambler get more work than any of the other tools. I also use the toothpick surprisingly often. Not as a toothpick (I'll buy the first SAK that comes with a dental floss attachment ;)), but to clean the crud out of my folders' hard - to - reach areas. Works great and doesn't leave scratches.
 
enkidu

I had ordered a boy scout Yeoman and found the knife is named Yeoman but is the same as the explorer model with the addition of a pen. You may want to check before shipping if you want the slimmer model.
 
Originally posted by lcranston
enkidu

I had ordered a boy scout Yeoman and found the knife is named Yeoman but is the same as the explorer model with the addition of a pen. You may want to check before shipping if you want the slimmer model.
Click to expand...
Doesn't the Yeoman come with the 'combination bottle/tin opener' tool though like the Scientist ? The Explorer has them separate.
 
I read somewhere else in the forums that BSA Explorers were being substituted for BSA Yeoman in Yeoman boxes. If this is the case with mine, right back it will go.

enkidu
 
enkidu, I posted about getting the BSA explorer in the BSA yeoman box and it was from swissknifeshop. Back in May. They still haven't updated their site? Hmmm. They requested that I mail the knife back to them before they looked into the issue. After I sent my knife back to them, it took them about a week (only after I emailed them) to get back an answer about the switch.
 
Originally posted by tardis
One thing I'm not keen on with the SAK is the "cuticle pusher" ! When the h*** am I gonna use a cuticle pusher ??? I could use it as a miniature spoon I guess :D
Click to expand...
Ha ha ha ha ha...:D Is THAT what that is? I thought it was for spreading butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter. It has the nifty little fruit peeler, so it seemed natural. Oops, oh well, a testament to the tool's utility, I guess.

By the way, I have the Rambler and MiniChamp II. I like the LM multitools better for most uses, but the mini SAKs are just too cool...:)
 
enkidu

I apologize for not being clear in my first post. The knife I ordered was from swissknifeshop.com in May. The picture on the web site showed the three spring model with combo can/bottle opener. I received the knife and found it to have 4 springs and no combo tool. I was informed by swissknifeshop Victorinox was substituting the Explorer for the Yeoman. I was also advised swissknifeshop would be taking the knife off the web site as another customer had the same experience within the past week of my purchase. I returned the knife and the payment (not including shipping) was promptly returned.
 
lcranston

Thanks for the heads up. I should be getting my "Yeoman" in the next week. I'll be sure and check that it's the right version.
 
lcranston

I received my package today. It was another BSA Explorer packaged in a Yeoman box. Sigh, returned it today for a Compact.
 
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