Switched from Hiker to Spartan Lite Ruby

[The Savage Rabbit]

I've always EDC'd some sort of knife but recently got into SAKs. I was carrying my Hiker and really liked the size and most of the tools. I just switched to the Spartan Lite because I tend to need a lite more than anything else. I was a bit disappointed in the Spartan Lite's gerth. I was not expecting it to be so thick. I didn't know that the LED took up that much room. The only other LED I'd seen on a SAK was the red LED on my wife's Swiss Memmory which seems to house the light's parts in the handle.

Although I prefer the size and roundness of the Hiker, I think the addition of the LED on the Spartan Lite will be worth the small trade-off in size. The Hiker feels more solid but the Spartan Lite feels lighter (less dense perhaps), eventhough thicker, in my pocket. That light weight also gives the Spartan Lite a toy-like feel which.

If they put a pen in the Spartan Lite, the size would definatley be worth the added utility.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

If they put a pen in the Spartan Lite, the size would definatley be worth the added utility.

You might be able to add "plus" scales to that SAK, which would get you the pen and a pin, as well as the tweezers and toothpick.

 

[Stormdrane]

After having a couple of SAKs with lights, I was unimpressed with the LEDs. I feel better just attaching something like a Photon to a SAK, so I can take the brighter LED off and use both separately or at the same time more easily.

 

[supratentorial]

I carry the Spartan Lite when I walk the dogs at night. I like the selection of tools but the light is a bit weak (see photo).

According to the Photon website, the inventor of the Photon light actually helped Wenger to design some of their Swiss army knives: http://www.photonlight.com/Wenger-Swiss-Army-Knife-LED-Flashlights-s/51.htm

I wonder if they are any brigher??

 

[Ultraman]

After having a couple of SAKs with lights, I was unimpressed with the LEDs. I feel better just attaching something like a Photon to a SAK, so I can take the brighter LED off and use both separately or at the same time more easily.

I agree wholeheartedly with these reasons. Plus, when better LED technology or lights come out or if they become more affordable (like CREE lights), you can easily upgrade. Plus, I'm not sure if it's waterproof. You can at least get something waterproof or water resistant if you have a separate light.

 

[supratentorial]

Today I got one of those Victorinox micro lights as a gift. I was surprised that it is so MUCH brighter than the LED on the Spartan Lite. It's a bit too fancy looking for my tastes but it works well. I might start carring it on my keychain.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

Does that Vic LED have a 'constant on' mode, or is it 'squeeze on' only?

 

[supratentorial]

You can set it to work as squeeze only or constant on. Press once and it stays on. After 2 seconds, press again and it turns off. It has high, low, and strobe modes.

Here's a scan of the instructions:

 

[Dave_Markowitz]

After having a couple of SAKs with lights, I was unimpressed with the LEDs. I feel better just attaching something like a Photon to a SAK, so I can take the brighter LED off and use both separately or at the same time more easily.

That's what I do, along with a Countycomm Peanut Lighter.

 

[supratentorial]

Just looked at the product sheet for more info on the Victorinox microlight and saw that the Victorinox flashlights are manufactured in collaboration with InovaLight: http://www.inovalight.com/victorinox.html

 

[rfbadger]

I agree with Stormdrane; Attach a photon light to your Hiker.