Tools on SAK's that you do not like

upnorth

upnorth

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
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I have never had a use for the corkscrew or scissors on a SAK. I do not like these tools and I try to avoid a SAK containing them. These tools seem as useless as teats on a bull to me.
 
I think the flimsy plastic toothpick is the thing I dislike the most on SAKs; too flimsy to be useful. It also doesn't help that after some time, they don't seem to stay put in the recess under the scale. And speaking of the scales, I also wish Victorinox would upgrade to something more durable, for their plastic-handled knives (Alox handles aside). The 'cellidor' scales are vulnerable to what would normally be pretty mild solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, which can soften the plastic and deform it. One of my Vic Classic keyring knives has warped scales from such damage, which consequently allows the toothpick to fall out (double-whammy).

I'm sort of indifferent about the corkscrews on SAKs and other camper-style knives. It's generally easy enough to find other models without it, and still have all the other tools/blades I want. I don't necessarily see the corkscrew as a problem in itself, but haven't generally felt the need for it. I have found use for the scissors occasionally; they're handy for clipping loose threads on clothing or trimming an occasionally too-long moustache hair ;) ; so I don't find any fault in having those.

I have one SAK with a bent (twisted) screwdriver blade. Don't even remember how that happened, but I've wished their screwdrivers were a little more durable. The screwdriver blade in most traditionals is generally less-hardened than the cutting blades, but Vic's would seem a bit too soft for me.


David
 
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Dislike? I guess the Corkscrew - never needed one. :)

Scissors? Oh yes, very handy. To me the perfect SAK is an ALOX Pioneer or Farmer. Both have an outstanding selection of tools.

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There are several tools I have no real use for, but I wouldn't say I didn't like them. Just that I don't use them.

The tool I most consistently think can be improved greatly is the omnidirectional nail file, typically like you'd see on the Classic. One reason is that they aren't always usefully aggressive enough out of the box. I think this is an issue on about half the SAKs with nail files that were new. Another thing about the file is that the grit area doesn't extend to the edges of the blade. Which I think would be more useful to use on things other than finger nails. In general, I'd prefer a traditional double cut file design. But I could live with the omnidirectional style more if it weren't just a patch in the middle of the blade.
 
The hook. The corkscrew comes in handy when the wife wants a bottle of wine opened when she's cooking and that's why I keep a Camper on my desk.
 
lol ironically i never use my bottle opener, i use the big screw driver alot and i use it as my pry bar for some things, but as a bottle opener? nope
i'd rather give up the bottle opener than the can opener, instead of the other way around like the rancher, electrician etc etc
 
Oddly enough, I frequently use most of the tools which have been listed as unwanted.
I use the corkscrew for opening an occasional bottle.
I use the scissors for all sorts of snipping issues.
The toothpick. I carry a Vic Classic with me at all times, just so I have access to it.
I use the nail file as a metal file to remove sharp corners on things. It works.

Which is all to say, it's all a matter of preference and YMMV.
Fortunately there are so many SAK models that you can pretty much get whatever tools you want.
 
knarfeng said:
I use the scissors for all sorts of snipping issues.
The toothpick. I carry a Vic Classic with me at all times, just so I have access to it.
I use the nail file as a metal file to remove sharp corners on things. It works.
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Similar here Frank - great little scissors on the SAK knives and I like the little tweezers, in addition to your list.:thumbup::)

My little classic has seen a lot of jobs! I never had one with the corkscrew.
 
I take back what I said about not liking the Hook. It could come in very handy for untying knots - square knot; granny knot; hangman's knot; surgeon's knot; blood knot; what have you. Maybe even a knot in your shoe laces. The corkscrew might also come in handy for this purpose too.
 
I have a SAK Spartan and wouldn't give it up for the world. Tried various other versions with more features (sawblade, scissors etc etc) and versions with less, but have always returned to the Spartan. Alox versions have always appealed but unfortunate enough they don't have an awl or corkscrew. Included roach clip and tweezers on the Spartans aren't a bother either since pulling splinters, picking teeth and teasing lint are also very handy. Spartan doesn't eat a hole in your pant's pocket and can be made to do amazing things. There once was a smaller version of this (Sportsman/Tinker?) but necessity (ie unavailable in the late 1970s) forced me to graduate on to the larger/longer Spartans. Latest one I have (10 years old) is in black which was/is a piss-off since a red scale is a lot easier to find on the ground. My lock box spare (an unused oldie) though is in red and so far I've had EDC SAK Spartans on me for almost 50 years.
 
I've never had a need for the awl, but I can definitely see it coming in handy on the farm or in bushcraft. I've used the corkscrew a few times when the next best option was pushing the cork through with a butter knife.
 
300Six said:
I have a SAK Spartan and wouldn't give it up for the world. Tried various other versions with more features (sawblade, scissors etc etc) and versions with less, but have always returned to the Spartan. Alox versions have always appealed but unfortunate enough they don't have an awl or corkscrew. Included roach clip and tweezers on the Spartans aren't a bother either since pulling splinters, picking teeth and teasing lint are also very handy. Spartan doesn't eat a hole in your pant's pocket and can be made to do amazing things. There once was a smaller version of this (Sportsman/Tinker?) but necessity (ie unavailable in the late 1970s) forced me to graduate on to the larger/longer Spartans. Latest one I have (10 years old) is in black which was/is a piss-off since a red scale is a lot easier to find on the ground. My lock box spare (an unused oldie) though is in red and so far I've had EDC SAK Spartans on me for almost 50 years.
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What's a roach clip? Maybe that's something specific to you guys up North.
 
There really isn't anything I don't like about SAK's, but find that I don't recall ever using the tweezers or toothpick in the nearly 4 decades that I've owned SAK's; almost every tool that has come on a SAK I've used at one time or another, but the reality is that the 3 layer Alox Farmer is by far the most useful SAK I've ever had the pleasure owning; everything you'll probably ever need, no added fluff. Oh, and I will say the nail file is something that has kept me from buying a Cadet, so yes, there is definitely one tool that I don't care for.
 
The only tool I do not find useful is models with the nail file. I'm weird and have a thing about those sand paper like files and even thinking about filing my nails with it makes me cringe. I much rather have a secondary small blade in its place.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
There really isn't anything I don't like about SAK's, but find that I don't recall ever using the tweezers or toothpick in the nearly 4 decades that I've owned SAK's; almost every tool that has come on a SAK I've used at one time or another, but the reality is that the 3 layer Alox Farmer is by far the most useful SAK I've ever had the pleasure owning; everything you'll probably ever need, no added fluff. Oh, and I will say the nail file is something that has kept me from buying a Cadet, so yes, there is definitely one tool that I don't care for.
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Sounds like you need to find yourself a Cadet II. :thumbup:
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
The only tool I do not find useful is models with the nail file. I'm weird and have a thing about those sand paper like files and even thinking about filing my nails with it makes me cringe. I much rather have a secondary small blade in its place.
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I agree. Nails on a chalkboard type feeling. I'd probably end up using the file on another material, like wood.
 
Here in Europe we're enthusiastic wine-drinkers, so the corkscrew will be more than handy.. That said, lot of wine is coming with screw-top now, no satisfying pop when opening.

Never seen the point of those scissors though, look too flimsy for anything meaningful, a gimmick toy.

My favourite SAK is the Alox Farmer, great selection of stuff and not too obese. Problem is, once you have one plus a back up, can't see the fascination with more SAKs.
 
Corkscrew: Never use it. Ever.
Toothpick: Kinda gross to put a used toothpick back inside your knife. Even more nasty if you purchased the SAK used. :D
 
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