Thinking of getting my first really large Vic. What's your choice?

sak_fan said:
If you want to carry a big collection of tools i suggest you to buy a charge series. (i don't own a charge but i watched a lot of reviews about those too and they look good)
Click to expand...


I've considered the Charge, but think the XE6 is for me instead, for a few reasons:

1) Size. The XE6 would be large for in pocket carry ... much like a Swisschamp would be ... but it's feasible. The Charge would be bad for anything but back pocket carry, and would work best with a sheath. I don't care for sheaths.

2) I'm not sold on multi-tools with bit drivers. The bits tend to be expensive and inconvenient to carry around. And inevitably if I carry 36 bit options, when I actually get to work I'm going to need something that's not in the 36. Whereas, with dedicated flathead and phillips drivers on multi's I can do 90%+ of what I can do with a changeable bit driver. Either way, if it's a serious day's work, I have a toolbox nearby.

3) Price. I can get an XE6 for less than half of what a Charge costs me.

4) Aesthetics. I like how the Juice series folds up. And the colors. They are slightly lighter duty tools that the Charge. But then, I wouldn't use any model of Leatherman for super heavy duty work, really.


I already own a Juice CS4, btw. The XE6 represents only a refinement of this, sort of like upgrading from a Huntsman to a Swisschamp or something. But they are plentiful on online auction sites, and seem to sell at reasonable prices.
 
sak_fan said:
and not all the leathermans are manufactured in USA anymore :( http://www.smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/Juice/Leatherman-Juice-S2-Index.htm
Click to expand...

Not true! The Smartknives site is dispensing bad information. Leathermen are still made in USA, but parts of some models are made or processed offshore, like most products these days. In many cases, this is unavoidable since there are components hard to find or not made here at all anymore, such as some types of fasteners. Recognizing this, in all states there are domestic content rules that determine whether a manufacturer can claim "Made In USA," percentages varying from state to state. California, which has more strict DC standards than the others, several years ago successfully sued Leatherman on this basis. Leathermen could not be sold there as USA made, so even though their products could be sold anywhere else as made in USA, Leatherman just dropped the term for all markets. Leatherman products are still all manufactured in their Portland, Oregon USA factory.
 
Last edited:
znapschatz said:
Not true! The Smartknives site is dispensing bad information. Leathermen are still made in USA, but parts of some models are made or process offshore, like most products these days. In many cases, this is unavoidable since there are components hard to find or not made here at all anymore, such as some types of fasteners. Recognizing this, in all states there are domestic content rules that determine whether a manufacturer can claim "Made In USA," percentages varying from state to state. California, which has more strict DC standards than the others, several years ago successfully sued Leatherman on this basis. Leathermen could not be sold there as USA made, so even though their products could be sold anywhere else made in USA, Leatherman just dropped the term for all markets. Leatherman products are still all manufactured in their Portland, Oregon USA factory.
Click to expand...

oh sorry. my bad:)
 
Mud Shrimp Moe said:
I've considered the Charge, but think the XE6 is for me instead, for a few reasons:

1) Size. The XE6 would be large for in pocket carry ... much like a Swisschamp would be ... but it's feasible. The Charge would be bad for anything but back pocket carry, and would work best with a sheath. I don't care for sheaths.

2) I'm not sold on multi-tools with bit drivers. The bits tend to be expensive and inconvenient to carry around. And inevitably if I carry 36 bit options, when I actually get to work I'm going to need something that's not in the 36. Whereas, with dedicated flathead and phillips drivers on multi's I can do 90%+ of what I can do with a changeable bit driver. Either way, if it's a serious day's work, I have a toolbox nearby.

3) Price. I can get an XE6 for less than half of what a Charge costs me.

4) Aesthetics. I like how the Juice series folds up. And the colors. They are slightly lighter duty tools that the Charge. But then, I wouldn't use any model of Leatherman for super heavy duty work, really.


I already own a Juice CS4, btw. The XE6 represents only a refinement of this, sort of like upgrading from a Huntsman to a Swisschamp or something. But they are plentiful on online auction sites, and seem to sell at reasonable prices.
Click to expand...

yes XE6 has all tools i need too. but i think you have to consider the tools' useability. For example in the reviews i watched, nearly all the users commented on the bottle opener/can opener. it is good for bottles but the reviewers said that they prefer victorinox's can opener. same goes with the blade. but they say that the corkscrew on the leatherman is better than victorinox corkscrew because it has a assist too. I repeat, i don't own a leatherman :D i ordered it and it will be here in about 4-5 days so these are just my raw opinions.
 
sak_fan said:
I repeat, i don't own a leatherman :D i ordered it and it will be here in about 4-5 days so these are just my raw opinions.
Click to expand...


I think you'll like your S2. Like I said, I own a CS-4. You'll find the pliers are actually quite sturdy given the smaller size of the Juice series. I would use dedicated/quality pliers on rusted nuts or truly heavy duty. But then again the Juice CS-4 appears to hold up to light or even medium duty just fine. The blade steel is less than amazing, really. But then the layout is far more "elegant" than most Leathermans. Usually I find Leathermans to be highly functional but rather ugly. The Juice series has a bit more design appeal to it. The Skeletool and Style are also kind of nice.
 
Another option could be to buy two multitools. For example a Champion and a basic Leatherman like the Kick or Juice S2. I have a few Leathermans and the Juice S2 is a great basic multitool and a useful addition to the SAK that I carry. I use the Juice S2 mainly for its pliers, scissors and screw drivers. The SAK provides the other options. I prefer using the blade on the SAK for example.
 
I did not realize how relatively few implements a Swisschamp has on my Ranger. It adds the following:

* Fish scaler and "ruler" (nearly useless)
* magnifying lense (not 100% useless, but close)
* in-line phillips (this one, I like having)
* pliers (ok ... I'm curious, I admit)
* "plus" model tools (min-screwdriver, pen, and pin ... these I like too)

It's also about 50% heavier than the Ranger. And 50% fatter.
 
Mud Shrimp Moe said:
I did not realize how relatively few implements a Swisschamp has on my Ranger. It adds the following:

* Fish scaler and "ruler" (nearly useless)
* magnifying lense (not 100% useless, but close)
* in-line phillips (this one, I like having)
* pliers (ok ... I'm curious, I admit)
* "plus" model tools (min-screwdriver, pen, and pin ... these I like too)

It's also about 50% heavier than the Ranger. And 50% fatter.
Click to expand...

This is a good illustration of how much needs can vary with each person:

* Fish scaler and "ruler" (nearly useless)

Agreed, nearly useless as a fish scaler, unless you like to spend hours cleaning and deodorizing your SAK after using it for that (been there). I have used mine often as a probe for things I can't or don't want to touch with my fingers, and a few times as a field expedient "fork." It wasn't great at that, but few multi-tool implements are up to dedicated ones. Also, I have run into many situations where the ruler was helpful in measuring small items, again not ideal but the only measuring stick on hand.

* magnifying lense (not 100% useless, but close)

I do a lot of close examination of things like small bugs and plant life afield, slivers, cloth weave, etc., and as a photographer, negatives and color slides. The older 8 power version glass magnifier on my Swisschamp is optically better than you would think for something that small. Unfortunately, I have never been able to start a fire with it, which would be a swell use, but back in the day I have given unsuspecting victims a hot spot (then running for my life! :D ).

* in-line phillips (this one, I like having)

Who doesn't?

* pliers (ok ... I'm curious, I admit)

Usable for a lot of purposes. Once when caught without tools and under a deadline, I framed 24 photographs for an exhibit with the pliers, screw drivers and knife. Worked great. Mostly, though, no way does it take the place of small pliers like on the Leatherman Juice or even PS4, but think of it as big tweezers and you would be amazed at what it can do.

* "plus" model tools (min-screwdriver, pen, and pin ... these I like too)

Endlessly useful. The pen has even served as a lock pick on an interior door at a senior care center where my forgetful father lived for a time.

*It's also about 50% heavier than the Ranger. And 50% fatter.

Can't help you there. But carried in a sheath, the difference is hardly noticeable.

A Swisschamp was my only pocket knife for many years, during which time I used every implement except the small back spring-mounted screwdriver. Then I discovered Leatherman tools... :)
 
Last edited:
A combination that I have found beyond useful is a discontinued Victorinox Outdoorsman (from the Marlboro series), re-scaled with "plus" red scales with the added ink pen, straight pin, mini driver......carried with a Leatherman Kick with added pocket clip.

The outdoorsman is five layers thick like a Ranger but has everything a Champion has less the metal file/saw. It handles the lion's share of tasks and if I need pliers, the Kick handles that.

I added a bit of paracord with a cordloc compass to it and I rarely leave home without it.

I'll try to add a pic. You can find them on the bay from time to time. Used and new.

I'll try to add a pic in a bit.


100_0220.jpg



100_0221.jpg
 
Last edited:
That is a real good idea. I have an old Marlboro knife I will not carry because I don't want folks thinking I smoke. :p
 
dfwcowboy said:
That is a real good idea. I have an old Marlboro knife I will not carry because I don't want folks thinking I smoke. :p
Click to expand...

I have read that you can take Flitz or Semichrome and "polish" that Marlboro emblem right off.

The scales are super easy to replace if you choose that option.
 
Late to the thread, and didnt read all the replies, so forgive any oversights.

Consider the Cybertool 34. The Deluxe Tinker loses the scissors of the Super Tinker, which is a shame.

The Cybertool 34 has both the scissors and pliers, and also the brilliant bit driver. I usually keep the #2 Phillips in it, but actually found myself using the Torx drivers to adjust the tension on my tactical folders. Also, the medium flat head bit is really useful.

Going up to the 41, we have the typical problem with SAKs: namely that the large and small flat head screwdriver are all the way at the edge of the stack, which makes them awkward to use. The thicker you go, the worse it gets.

Vic pliers should not be counted on for turning bolts, unless the bolts are quite small. But for other uses, they are SURPRISINGLY good. Playing with them after a pliers-based MT, they feel like a little toy. But keep an open mind, and you will be surprised at how good they are for light duty pliers chores.

Buy a good belt pouch, either Vic's Zermatt, or something of equal quality. I found a Vic one on Amazon that rotates and locks in different positions. I find horizontal to be more comfy against my belly and love handles, hehehe.
 
Smaug said:
Late to the thread, and didnt read all the replies, so forgive any oversights.

Consider the Cybertool 34. The Deluxe Tinker loses the scissors of the Super Tinker, which is a shame.

The Cybertool 34 has both the scissors and pliers, and also the brilliant bit driver. I usually keep the #2 Phillips in it, but actually found myself using the Torx drivers to adjust the tension on my tactical folders. Also, the medium flat head bit is really useful.

Going up to the 41, we have the typical problem with SAKs: namely that the large and small flat head screwdriver are all the way at the edge of the stack, which makes them awkward to use. The thicker you go, the worse it gets.

Vic pliers should not be counted on for turning bolts, unless the bolts are quite small. But for other uses, they are SURPRISINGLY good. Playing with them after a pliers-based MT, they feel like a little toy. But keep an open mind, and you will be surprised at how good they are for light duty pliers chores.

Buy a good belt pouch, either Vic's Zermatt, or something of equal quality. I found a Vic one on Amazon that rotates and locks in different positions. I find horizontal to be more comfy against my belly and love handles, hehehe.
Click to expand...

How about posting some pictures of your SAKs Smaug. Got a picture of that Vic one?
 
Smaug said:
Buy a good belt pouch, either Vic's Zermatt, or something of equal quality. I found a Vic one on Amazon that rotates and locks in different positions. I find horizontal to be more comfy against my belly and love handles, hehehe.
Click to expand...

Smaug, rotating pouches seemed to me a good idea, so I got a NiteIze one for my Leatherman and was disappointed because of the standoff compared to a regular belt carried pouch, which makes the rig more cumbersome. Because there needs to be some room for a pivot, that would seem to be the case for any of them, but I haven't looked at those offered by Vic. What has been your experience?
 
Eh, getting the SAK bug again -found this thread because I'm thinking of maybe getting another 'big' SAK. I got a craftsman a while ago and keep it in my car, but it might be nice to have another large SAK. Was thinking about most of the models listed in this thread:

Deluxe tinker
Craftsman (another)
Champion
Ranger
or
The Swiss Champ (which is quite a bit more $ for just the pliers. :rolleyes:)

Don't really know if I need pliers, but I think they're neat. Also, I like the idea of a ruler.

And to think this search I'm on all started with thoughts of a fieldmaster.
 
Last edited:
I found the "perfect for me' Sak at a flea market for $10. Its a 1985 or older Swiss Champion. It's the model before the updated swiss champ plus. I've edc'd it since Saturday without any issues. It's even ok in my work cloths(business casual khakis). Might be a model to consider, it's mostly the champ plus, minus a few tools so without the added bulk.
One thing you might not have thought of (I didn't) is that when it rides in your pocket, the scale side doesn't rest against your hip like most thinner knives.. It rides thinner side(corksrew for example) is against your hip so it doesn't feel as thick.

I have pics of mine in a below thread : "help identify a Sak"
 
Another vote for the Workchamp. Great knife, big (as requested) and has a locking blade.

I personally think that the Deluxe Tinkerer is one of their best, most usable knives. A good mix of tools that you actually need and still comfortable in most pockets.

But if you're Jonesing for a Swisschamp, well, the DT isn't going to scratch that itch!

The Champ is a quite a knife; plus it's a toolbox, and a conversation piece.
 
Really like my Cybertool 41. Do a tool-by-tool comparison with the swisschamp, XLT, and XAVT. It has every implement I want, nothing I don't, and no duplicate tools.
 
sqchram said:
Really like my Cybertool 41. Do a tool-by-tool comparison with the swisschamp, XLT, and XAVT. It has every implement I want, nothing I don't, and no duplicate tools.
Click to expand...
That cybertool does look like a good knife.

The more I look at my craftsman, the more I wonder if I really need an extra magnifying glass, corkscrew, fishscaler, and extra width. But then again, it's the Swiss Champ... Decisions, decisions. The Craftsman may well be the sweet spot for me, though I would like it better if it had the measuring ruler.
 
Oh, another tool I think would be cool for the big SAKS is the serrated main blade in addition to the plain one. I think it was a Spartan I saw at a Target store that had a serrated blade... would be a nice touch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top