Hi everyone.
I've carried a Vic Explorer for about 10 years now, almost half my life, and its been a faithful and wondrously useful device. The relative who purchased it for me passed away a little more than a year ago (from old age), so its sentimental value has drastically increased and I'm retiring it.
I've considered many possible replacements (including Leatherman and SOG style tools), and I'm by no means done, but I've been wondering some things about some specific models of SAKs.
1. How does the screwdriver (especially the Phillips) on the Cybertool 34 compare to the durability of the one on the Explorer? I'm not talking heavy-duty stuff, but it isn't just for PCs right?
2. How good is the thin Phillips on the Hercules for computer work?
3. I'm a fairly small guy, does anyone find the Hercules too thick to use the blade properly? It doesn't look much thicker than my Explorer which has never given me problems so I'm not too worried but it's hard to tell from pictures.
4. I've been thinking (although not decided) that I don't really need major folding pliers like a Leatherman but I have come across some situations where the little pliers on some SAKs might have been useful (I also like the knife format much more). I don't really do major work with nuts and bolts (the biggest thing recently would be screwing in coaxial cable, which I think this would work for), but some manipulator or tiny gripper/forceps would be nice and I think this would fit the bill. Do you guys that have them find them moderately useful, or are they really too small and awkward for much at all? Would they enter into your decision to buy another SAK if size wasn't a consideration?
5. I see saws and files on many multitools, and I realize part of the idea of multitools is coming up with creative uses for the tools, but honestly I can't figure out what all you guys are sawing and filing all the time. The scissors are fine for my nails, and the only time I'd need a saw would be camping which I don't do enough to warrant EDCing a saw. Just a little curious as some people seem to find them indispensable (witness the Farmer's popularity).
6. Is the OHT really that easy to open one-handed? It looks a little awkward, would I be missing out much with a non-one-handed 111mm SAK?
7. Does anyone have any experience or know anything about this site: http://www.strassburgerweb.com/victorinox/customhandles/ ? I kinda like the bloodwood handles with the enameled logo.
Thanks in advance, and sorry if I rambled.
I've carried a Vic Explorer for about 10 years now, almost half my life, and its been a faithful and wondrously useful device. The relative who purchased it for me passed away a little more than a year ago (from old age), so its sentimental value has drastically increased and I'm retiring it.
I've considered many possible replacements (including Leatherman and SOG style tools), and I'm by no means done, but I've been wondering some things about some specific models of SAKs.
1. How does the screwdriver (especially the Phillips) on the Cybertool 34 compare to the durability of the one on the Explorer? I'm not talking heavy-duty stuff, but it isn't just for PCs right?
2. How good is the thin Phillips on the Hercules for computer work?
3. I'm a fairly small guy, does anyone find the Hercules too thick to use the blade properly? It doesn't look much thicker than my Explorer which has never given me problems so I'm not too worried but it's hard to tell from pictures.
4. I've been thinking (although not decided) that I don't really need major folding pliers like a Leatherman but I have come across some situations where the little pliers on some SAKs might have been useful (I also like the knife format much more). I don't really do major work with nuts and bolts (the biggest thing recently would be screwing in coaxial cable, which I think this would work for), but some manipulator or tiny gripper/forceps would be nice and I think this would fit the bill. Do you guys that have them find them moderately useful, or are they really too small and awkward for much at all? Would they enter into your decision to buy another SAK if size wasn't a consideration?
5. I see saws and files on many multitools, and I realize part of the idea of multitools is coming up with creative uses for the tools, but honestly I can't figure out what all you guys are sawing and filing all the time. The scissors are fine for my nails, and the only time I'd need a saw would be camping which I don't do enough to warrant EDCing a saw. Just a little curious as some people seem to find them indispensable (witness the Farmer's popularity).
6. Is the OHT really that easy to open one-handed? It looks a little awkward, would I be missing out much with a non-one-handed 111mm SAK?
7. Does anyone have any experience or know anything about this site: http://www.strassburgerweb.com/victorinox/customhandles/ ? I kinda like the bloodwood handles with the enameled logo.
Thanks in advance, and sorry if I rambled.