Vic Tourist vs Recruit

P

pluto

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May 21, 2006
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In my search for the perfect urban edc SAK I have two favourits (actually three, the first is the Vic Soldier but these are my two smaller favourits):)

Vic Tourist and Vic Recruit: I like the Vic Recruit because it does not have a corkscrew so it fits better in my pocket, however I think that the Tourist feels sturdier ( or is it only my impression?) I believe the reason why it feels sturdier is the presence of a corkscrew and awl! So, what is your opinion, is the Tourist really sturdier or is it just a feeling because of the added weight from the extra tools?
 
I'd go with the Spartan, that is my EDC. Great knife, you can get it at walmart/academy/and large sporting goods store in a package with the Classic for only 20 bucks. Great deal, great knife.
 
I think its a moot point, as I don't think anything but out and out abuse would cause either one to fail. I have a recruit, and also a similar size small tinker, and Both have worked well. I think if ever you leaned on your recruit to the point of failure, then the tourist would not have survived either.

If you want something really easy in the pocket and like the tools on the recriut, get a cadet or cadet 2. Like an ultra-thin recriut only with alox handles and built like a tank.
 
Technically the tourist is a bit stronger because of the corkscrew and awl, which require an extra two pins to hold the tools/backspring. The SAKs with backside tools also give you three bushings instead of two to hold the scales on. Other than that I agree that both knives should hold up equally if they are not abused. I think the recruit is a good "entry level" SAK. I usually buy recruits for people as gifts because it is a good first knife.
 
I would choose the Tourist over the Recruit because I LIKE having the corkscrew (it's handy for corks, for untangling knots, and more, PLUS it holds a mini screwdriver) and I use the awl once in a while.

Actually, my first choice in that 84mm format (in a Vic currently in production) would be the Sportsman. I like having a nail file instead of the small blade, plus it can double as a longer, more narrow Phillips driver as an alternative to using the can opener as a Phillips driver.

- Tim
 
tcolling said:
I would choose the Tourist over the Recruit because I LIKE having the corkscrew (it's handy for corks, for untangling knots, and more, PLUS it holds a mini screwdriver) and I use the awl once in a while.

Actually, my first choice in that 84mm format (in a Vic currently in production) would be the Sportsman. I like having a nail file instead of the small blade, plus it can double as a longer, more narrow Phillips driver as an alternative to using the can opener as a Phillips driver.

- Tim
Click to expand...

I agree. I like the Sportsman and have been carrying one since about Christmas. I see the ones at Target (around $15) now have the little slot for a straight pin under the corkscrew, so adding the pin and the mini-screwdriver gives a bit of extra functionality.
 
newadventure said:
I agree. I like the Sportsman and have been carrying one since about Christmas. I see the ones at Target (around $15) now have the little slot for a straight pin under the corkscrew, so adding the pin and the mini-screwdriver gives a bit of extra functionality.
Click to expand...

I agree with Tcolling and Newadventure on the sportsman being one of the best designed 84 mm SAKs. Of course, what we find to be suitable for us may not be that way for others. None the less, I've always recommended the sportsman.

I've always felt like any of the 84 mm knives had the same strength and durability.
 
houdini28 said:
I agree with Tcolling and Newadventure on the sportsman being one of the best designed 84 mm SAKs. Of course, what we find to be suitable for us may not be that way for others. None the less, I've always recommended the sportsman.

I've always felt like any of the 84 mm knives had the same strength and durability.
Click to expand...

I carried a Vic Executive and one of a number of 91mm Vics for a long time. Recently, though, I have been carrying an 84mm and a Rambler (the Rambler rides on my key ring).

Now, I'm gonna brag:

I recently acquired a really neat-o Vic 84mm model that is no longer in production. The model name is "Alumnus" and it's like a Sportsman with a scissors layer in between the blade/nailfile layer and the caplifter/canopener layer. The extra layer doesn't make it any less comfortable to pocket carry and the scissors really add a lot of extra utility.

vic-small-climber-w-nail-file.jpg


- Tim

PS - I acquired this from FelineVet over on sosakonline.com. The profit from his store all goes to support free vet care for cats whose owners cannot afford such care. It's a great cause, and he has a LOT of hard-to-find models that are no longer in production. Check it out!
http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_phpshop&page=shop.browse&category_id=4ba60bfadf1b79f080867b9eecbb2b84&option=com_phpshop&Itemid=1
 
GroovyMr1337 said:
I'd go with the Spartan, that is my EDC. ...
Great deal, great knife.
Click to expand...

FWIW, the Tourist is the same as a Spartan, only smaller.

And, pluto, I say go for the Tourist. Add the little screw-in screwdriver to the corkscrew and you're all set. Another "mod" I like is to replace the keyring with a smaller keyring from a Classic. Flops around less and still works just fine.
 
If you buy the Tourist new, you may find that there is a small hole in the scale next to the base of the corkscrew. You can insert a straight pin in there and it is very handy to have around sometimes. If the hole isn't there you can pop the scale off, create a hole and channel for a pin using a needle file, and then pop the scale back on.

- Tim
 
mnblade said:
FWIW, the Tourist is the same as a Spartan, only smaller.

And, pluto, I say go for the Tourist. Add the little screw-in screwdriver to the corkscrew and you're all set. Another "mod" I like is to replace the keyring with a smaller keyring from a Classic. Flops around less and still works just fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, the Tourist will be my 84 mm EDC SAK (the Soldier is my 91 mm EDC)
 
tcolling said:
If you buy the Tourist new, you may find that there is a small hole in the scale next to the base of the corkscrew. You can insert a straight pin in there and it is very handy to have around sometimes. If the hole isn't there you can pop the scale off, create a hole and channel for a pin using a needle file, and then pop the scale back on.

- Tim
Click to expand...

Thanks, I will check if there is a hole.
 
I also have a discontinued Vic that is the same as the one Tim shows above with the exception that where he has a nail file I have a small blade, any idea which model that would be?

Thanks.
 
jvan said:
I also have a discontinued Vic that is the same as the one Tim shows above with the exception that where he has a nail file I have a small blade, any idea which model that would be?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I think that it's just referred to as a "small Climber" or "84mm Climber". At least, that's all I've seen or heard.

Nice find, though! It is a scarce one. If you're inclined to part with it, let me know. That one's on my "wish I had it" list.

- Tim
 
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