SPLIT RING

I usually carry an SAK on a lanyard around my neck or attached to a carabiner on my belt. The split ring allows me to use an S-Biner to hang the knife. It's strong enough to retain it, but if it gets caught on something that might cause an injury, it will fail. Good place to attach a paracord fob for easier pocket extraction as well.
 
I like them in 58mm

I don’t mind them on larger frames like 111mm, even if I rarely use the rings

I generally dislike the associated lug protruding from the knife in most 84mm and 91mm. I’ve removed many from users and mods because I find they get in the way and I tend to pocket carry. Even hacked some off of somewhat otherwise rare/collectible users…like a 1st generation pliers (2.5mm wide) ‘87 Craftsman.

Almost hate the ones on the 93mm. Again, mostly for the associated lug which is the absolute worst of the bunch at digging into my palm during use or snagging things.

And for any split ring…snagging things like pocket threads is just the cherry on top.
 
I can't just give a one sided answer to such a question. On one hand, I do like the option of a lanyard for neck carry or added retention. I'm sure it can have other improvised uses as well. As with most things, it's potential is limited only by your situation and your imagination...
On the other hand, I've never liked the way the keychain attachment effects the ergonomics of the sak. That thing can really dig into a palm when you need your sak the most...
If I lived in such a terrible life that I had to have only one sak and choose, I'd go no keyring. Thankfully, I'm blessed to have more than one, so I'll take a few of each option.
Happy Memorial day guys.
 
kamakiri.knives said:
I like them in 58mm

I don’t mind them on larger frames like 111mm, even if I rarely use the rings

I generally dislike the associated lug protruding from the knife in most 84mm and 91mm. I’ve removed many from users and mods because I find they get in the way and I tend to pocket carry. Even hacked some off of somewhat otherwise rare/collectible users…like a 1st generation pliers (2.5mm wide) ‘87 Craftsman.

Almost hate the ones on the 93mm. Again, mostly for the associated lug which is the absolute worst of the bunch at digging into my palm during use or snagging things.

And for any split ring…snagging things like pocket threads is just the cherry on top.
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You posted this while I was typing my comment. You said basically what I was thinking. Very well said. I'm pretty sure we agree.
 
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I like them because pocket danglers and lobster clasps exist, and they're amazing for pocket carry.

dangler.jpg


It makes it so that your SAK doesn't rest awkwardly at the bottom of your pocket like you're a 13 year old boy who's terrified of being asked to come to the front of the class to do a math problem on the board.

Lanyards also exist, and they can do the same job as a pocket dangler if you pass one end through your belt loop.
 
I'm in ! Almost all of mine have a fob of some sort.
I also have used it as a Bob on the truck to drop the string off the side of a load so I can measure side over hang easier.
 
It's interesting how some find that the key ring and the protuberance from the liner that holds digs into their hand in use. I've never had that problem and it didn't occur to me that it might be a problem, but it clearly is for those individuals. There truly is no such thing as "one size fits all." I know Victorinox made "economy" versions of some models in the past without the key rings, but I don't think they do any more. Maybe there is still a market?
 
Use what works for you, that's the most important thing. Personally , I like the split rings, even buying the Vic box kit that contained the replacement assortment of tooth picks, straight pens, etc.
Back when the kit was relatively inexpensive.
 
mnblade said:
I like the rings. I usually replace the ones on 93mm models with a smaller one from 58mm model. Less floppy.
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Great idea. Victorinox used to put the smaller split rings on 2-layer 84mm alox.
rhino said:
It's interesting how some find that the key ring and the protuberance from the liner that holds digs into their hand in use. I've never had that problem and it didn't occur to me that it might be a problem, but it clearly is for those individuals.
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Took me decades to decide to take the ring off my original ‘84 Champion. On some models the negative reaction and feedback was almost immediate. Like on the first key ring Farmer I used. Instant feedback that turned the wood saw into more of a pull only saw.

rhino said:
There truly is no such thing as "one size fits all." I know Victorinox made "economy" versions of some models in the past without the key rings, but I don't think they do any more. Maybe there is still a market?
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Good point and maybe there is a market…but Victorinox has a long history of reducing such options and I doubt frames like 91mm will get the lug-less backspring needed for the delete.
 
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