Talk me into getting a folder...

A

AlexGT

Joined
Feb 24, 2001
Messages
81
Hi guys,

I have been a small knife user since I was 8 years old (23 years ago), It all started with a small "old timer" and then changed it for a small SAK, the SAK has grown with me, and now I have a SwissChamp that I like very much but IMO should have stayed with the Ranger or Handyman model for less weight.

I also carry on a specially made leather holster a SF E2,Photon 2, and spare batteries for both lights. this is my EDC.

I have the itch for a folder since a while back but can`t reason myself into getting one, What I am trying to answer myself is in what common chores would a folder really outperform a SAK?

If I get me a folder it´s going to go EDC like the rest of the tools, I work in a Office environment so a the folder should be Sheep friendly. I already have chosen several models that meet my criteria but haven`t answered the "Why should I have one" or should I carry both? :)

So, let`s hear the reasons, Turn me to the darkside (or should I say Sharpside) :D ;)

Thanks!
Alex
 
A friend of mine is a life long slipjoint collector and user and never owned or handled a onehander until he met me. I had a benchmade 942 and he fell in love with it. I let him carry it for a few days and he had to have one. While waiting for his 942 he bought a Kershaw Blachout and used it alot. He said he doesn't see how he got along without one for so long. He still carries his pocket knife but uses the onehander alot.

I've been a lifelong slipjoint fan also and carry one or three with me every day of my life. I also carry my Cuda Maxx 5.5, EDC, or Kershaw Vapor, BM 942 or one of my others every day.

A onehander is quick to the task and back in the pocket. I'll never get rid of my pocket knives or my onehanders because they both have a use in my pocket.

Best thing is to carry one from a friend or go to a show or shop and handle one and see how it fit your lifestyle. They're not for everyone but I don't know why not...


Dean
 
>"What I am trying to answer myself is in what common chores would a folder really outperform a SAK?"

==============================

Common chores? None that I can think of. (Someone will surely mention that the blade doesn't lock on a SAK but if, like me, you understand the limitations of a pocketknife and don't consider that a problem, you're fine.) I guess it's because of my tendency to be a pragmatist or minimalist or tightass, but there's just no job I can think of in an office/urban environment that a good old $20 SAK can't handle. Does that mean I'm recommending you don't buy yourself a nice modern single-bladed, locking folder with fine steel, sleek engineering, a pocket clip, one-hand opening, etc. Of course not! The is Bladeforums, after all! :D But don't lie to yourself and say you're getting it because it can do things your SAK can't.
 
I agree with the others. Your Swiss Army knife is going to handle about any task a knife can be expected to...and then some!
They are extremely handy to have around.
However, they do have some disadvantages:

1)They're bulky in the pocket.
A knife with a pocket-clip is just so much easier to carry. You hardly know it's there until you need it. Replace the SAK with a one-hand pocketclip knife, and something like the Leatherman Micra or Squirt, and you will probably find it hard to go back to the SAK.

2)You need two hands to access the blades. Most of the time this is'nt a problem, but I'm sure there have been times when you needed to cut something but only had one free hand.

3)Generally speaking, a locking blade is safer than a slipjoint. Even if you know how to handle a non-locking knife, accidents can happen.

4)Blade length! With a pocketclip, you can carry a surprisingly large knife very comfortably (like a Spyderco Endura or Military). Surely there have been times when you thought to yourself "this would be alot easier if I had a bigger blade". Sure a SAK can cut a grapefruit in half, but it would be easier with a Spyderco Military.

I really love Swiss Army knives (Vics and Wengers), but I don't think I could give up a one-hand pocketclip knife.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
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