Thanks for the Victorinox (SAK) recommendations guys!

[jackknife]

As much as I love my traditional pocket knives, when I have to pick just one single kife to go on a trip with, it's always a SAK. It's much more than a knife, more like a small pocket size bundle of solutions to the little everyday problems that life tends to throw at you when off someplace away from your home toolbox.

 

[jazub]

Okay here's a two-part question for you SAK users then..

1) Which model is your ideal lightweight, fit-in-your-pocket EDC?

2) Which model is your ideal survival/camping/bug out tool?

1) Victorinox Alox Farmer
2) Victorinox Spirit X or SwissTool

I pair with:
1) a modern one-hand opening folder
2) a fixed blade

Love Victorinox multi-tools :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[strategy9]

Okay here's a two-part question for you SAK users then..

1) Which model is your ideal lightweight, fit-in-your-pocket EDC?

2) Which model is your ideal survival/camping/bug out tool?

Regarding SAK, the Huntsman does it for me in both categories; Don't really "need" a nail file, but the corkscrew comes in quite handy from time to time.
*(the ranger gives you a nail file plus a bit more)

 

[el gigantor]

Everybody needs to sort this out for themselves.

I absolutely agree. Which is why I wrote "your ideal" instead of "the ideal". I just really like to see what people's go-to tools are for various circumstances.

I'm relatively new to this whole scene. I've got a Victorinox Farmer Alox, Pioneer Alox, Cold Steel Recon-1, and Leatherman Wave. Currently infatuated with all things SAK, hence the thread calling out other users to hopefully get some new ideas/suggestions..

 

[gadgetgeek]

My first experience with a "swiss army knife" was a chinese knock-off when I was 12 or so, that even then didn't impress, and so I thought they were all sort of junk. Later I learned how wrong I was, and I'm glad I did.

My urban carry, since I carry a man-purse (OF DOOM) is the explorer, but often a compact goes in my pocket as well, because, why not?

My main camping SAK is the rucksack, but the farmer, huntsman and explorer are all options as well, depending on what other tools I am taking with, and the type of trip.

 

[BrianB]

Okay here's a two-part question for you SAK users then..

1) Which model is your ideal lightweight, fit-in-your-pocket EDC?

2) Which model is your ideal survival/camping/bug out tool?

1. Two part answer:
1a. The Manager. It's a Rambler with a pressurized pen instead of a toothpick. Very handy tool, always with me on my keychain. The little screwdriver is awesome.
1b. The Compact. Great tool combination for EDC for a two layer knife. I might change this to a Yeoman, if I ever get my hands on one. Runner up for 91mm is the Explorer, but at four layers, it's a bit bulky so it's more of a sits on my desk knife than a carry knife.

2. I don't currently engage in a lot of outdoor activities, so my answer here is hypothetical. When I was in the Army, I always carried a Fieldmaster, and it saw more use than any other knife I carried. Great set of tools on it for outdoors use. If I get back into the outdoors, I'll certainly take along a Vic something, but what will depend on what else I'm hauling, type of trip, etc. Top choices: Pliers-based multitool (Spirit X most likely); One-Handed Trekker, non-serrated; Fieldmaster; if I'm carrying another saw, then maybe Explorer.

 

[NG VI]

I love the bigger 58mms, Rambler-upwards are really practical and easy to carry.

It's hard to leave the Minichamp behind when I use it at least ten times a week. It's just a different gadget than any of the others.

The Executive is right there with it, but no pen, light, or caplifter means I'd rather carry the Minichamp. If you are going to carry a large Alox like a Pioneer and won't miss the pen the Executive is a great pair of slim scissors to add.

There are Alox versions of both, the Mini uses the Alox Classic scales in three colors+Swissbianco, and the Executives use smooth scales like a Companion or Money Clip.

I'll generally always pair one of those with some other knife, a locking folder, sometimes a larger SAK, sometimes both.

I like a lot of them, but I have found Climbers to be outstanding. The Compact, Explorer, Yeoman, Climber+saw (Huntsman?), and Trail Guide are also great options in 91mm as the larger option. Scissors are vital.

All the 93s are worth it, especially the Harvester.

 

[el gigantor]

Thanks for everyone's input. Definitely happy with my two Alox blades but I'm giving the burlier models a hard look too. That Explorer tho...

 

[NG VI]

Wrong photo whoops!

 

[Mr. Bob]

How is the main blade's "lockup" on the Farmer? My Pioneer is very spongy, conversely my Alox Solo is super snappy.

 

[NG VI]

How is the main blade's "lockup" on the Farmer? My Pioneer is very spongy, conversely my Alox Solo is super snappy.

It's tight on mine.

 

[dogstar]

I've been carrying the Bantam (1.2 oz)with my Classic. With the two I have big blade, small blade, scissors, file, small flat screwdriver (also sm. Phillips), tweezers, pick, combo tool (flat screw, Phillips , cap lifter, can opener, wire stripper). Even though the Bantam is 'only' a cellidor model, it is still plenty tough. I carved a makeshift spoon with it out of a thumb sized stick, and it is still tight as new.