Swiss Army knife Dilemma

Bolo

Bolo

Joined
May 24, 2002
Messages
191
I got this $50 gift certificate for a victorianox swiss army knife. Ive never considered buying one before so I ask:

Does anyone carry one as an edc? if so which one would you recomend.

also...why do you carry one? all the tool options?
 
I did a post asking about slipjoints (non locking pocket knives) a couple of weeks back, and I found out just how many fans there are. You can go COMMUNITY > TRADITIONAL KNIVES and they will know more about slipjoint type blades...

So, yes, many people still carry SAK's and other types of slipjoint knives. I'm looking to get a Schrade Old Timer myself.

Advantages of SAK IMO:

- More diplomatic than a big locking folder if you are near sheeple at your workplace.
- Smaller SAK's are easier to carry than a big folder.
- Those darn little scissors come in handy.
- Most light to medium cutting chores can be done safely without a lock.
- MacGyver used one!
- Chicks dig 'em!
 
For outdoor use the models with saws come in handy. For $50.00 you can get 2 Trailmasters if they allow you to use it on more than one knife. I carry a Recruit on my keychain and a Huntsman when outdoors, but never as a replacement for a locking folder or fixed blade. Tactical folders are just too handy when cutting things for me to bother with fishing around my pocket for the SAK and then opening it with two hands. I nomally use them for the other tools.
 
The two models I perfer are the "Huntsman" because it is slim and inculde the most important (IMO) tools (you can find it with many handle colors even in wood) and the "Soldier" (it is the official Military folding knife made only by Victorinox and Wenger) because I like the aluminium handle texture. The "Soldier" seems to be more strong and you will not be afraid to use it for difficult tasks.

I'm use to carry "large" single blade knives (around 3.5-4 inch) but I prefer put SAK in my pocket when I travel especally when I go in ... Switzerland (the knife law do not allow knife with a more than ~3.5 inch blade (9 cm)). I also like to have SAK on me to carry out small works.

Finally, if I can give you an advice : don't buy a very large model like the "Swisschamp". I think the tools are difficult to open and to use with a very large handle. I remember it even happend (with my father knife) the saw wouldn't close correctly and stay on the blade blunt edge... but it is only my opinion... :)
 
I rather like the SwissChamp. I've carried one for about ten years and found it to be usefull and handy. Guess it depends on your preference and needs.
 
Most of the forumite(s) here carry
them. What I personally like is the way cops view'em (tools,not weapons)
If you want my "call" on which model, may I recommend the "Trailmaster" with it's "Spydie like" opening "hole" for the main blade. Is your certificate for a store? Or good anywhere? If it's
good anywhere, send it to Cutlery Shoppe ( www.cutleryshoppe.com );
they have the Trailmaster listed at
$27.50( plus $8.50 shipping. for $2
extra they'll throw in UPS 2nd Day Air :) Maybe even send you either the "change" or a "credit coupon" for the unused balance. Good Luck!

Happy Thanksgiving forumite(s) & their's;)

AET ;)
 
I carry a pair of SAK's as part of my EDC. A 'Classic' model on my keyring, and a 'Tinker'. If I'm going into the woods, I swap the Tinker for a Rucksack model. (There's a Trailmaster and a Huntsman on my wish list. If you work with computer hardware, take a look at the Cyber tool)

FWIW, I prefer my EDC SAKs with twin blade layers like the Tinker, Cadet, Soldier. These slim versions disappear in my pocket. If there are 3 or more blade/tool layers, I notice the difference in everyday carry. I save the bigger boys for 'outdoors' carry.
 
If I had a $50 gift certificate to spend on a Victorinox SAK, it would be for another Deluxe Tinker.:).
 
Thanks for all the sugestions guys!

to answer a couple questions...
The gc is for the store I work at. so with the special christmas employee discount they give us for saks, the $50 is almost equivilant to $125. I have until sat. to use the gc.(I procrastinate very well:D )

so... Ive narrowed it down to 4 options...

1) use the gc to buy sak stocking stuffers

2) I narrowed it down to 2 knives that I liked..
The One hand Trailmaster or the Huntsman.. maybe both
we also got this fisher space pen pack wich is kinda cool.
comes with a swissarmy red bullet and a trans red classic.

3) a combination of 1 & 2

4) pay an extra 30 bucks for a swisstool x

Personally I like option 2:) , but it is christmas so i should get in the spirt of giving...and also the swiss tool is very tempting.
what would you choose??
 
I like the idea of combining your nos.1&2. That way you could get something nice for yourself and share the joy with a loved one while saving some Christmas cash.

Let me also add that I have the SwissTool X and use it for my EDC. I have used it for all kinds of things and never been disappointed. I have carried it so much that I am reluctant to leave home without it or my original SwissTool. On the rare occasions I don't carry one of them, I have a SwissChamp on my belt. I never know what I will end up doing so having a wide assortment of tools in one package is very attractive to me.

Good Luck with whatever you choose.

Travis Autry
 
Only complaints are the above mentioned kinda loose lock. Also the handles are too smooth. Would be nice to have Robar rough em up like they do the Glocks.
Thinking of putting a small edge on the screwdriver. I ..DID...grind the screwdrives SQUARE and that makes a world of difference.

But it is a nice knife.
 
Some great comments and suggestions guys....thanks!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
well, here goes:
Ive decided to go with the swiss tool. I did a lot of thinking about carrying a sak, and after taking a look and feel of the huntsman, and the trailmaster I found that they were too big for my pocket. I could get a pouch, but even with that it didnt feel as secure as the swiss tool pouch, and I didnt really mind the weight that the tool had. From roloss' last post, I jumped on to rerics page and also found an interesting article about the tool that sort of clinched it.
I like the amount of options i get with the tool. There have been a number of times where I've been in need of wire cutters and pliers.

If i do get sick of the swisstool x, I'll probably leave it in the car to complete my emergency pack.

so... a big THANK YOU! :D to everyone for all your input.
 
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