Victorinox dilemma: Small size vs More features

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GarageBoy

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May 23, 2003
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How do you clear this dilemma? I started out wanting a Victorinox Recruit because it was small and simple. But then I saw that the Tinker was only slightly bigger with a Phillips screwdriver, that in theory I'll use often. Then I see the Super Tinker, which is only slightly bigger, but with scissors, which is great for nails, loose threads, etc.

(I did try the Deluxe Tinker and that was pushing my comfort level)

So, stuff or simplicity?
 
I don't think you have a choice other than finding your own happy medium.
When I work, I have a Spirit on me at all times, but I don't need that selection of tools on casual EDC and go with a Pioneer.

IMO the best way to go about it is simply to think about which tools you're actually using or which tools you ever regretted not having on a rather regular basis and go with that.
 
I have a Super Tinker as well as a few regular Tinkers; I thought the scissors were absolutely necessary, but it begins to feel a bit bulky in the pants pocket. I always carry a Vic Executive nowadays, and in addition carry a second SAK, usually a Soldier or a Tinker. That way, I have the scissors, nail file, toothpick, tweezers, etc. on the Executive, and the can opener, thicker screwdrivers, awl, etc. on the Soldier, and the versatility is more spread around, instead of in one really thick knife. In particular, the Executive and Soldier seem to complement each other perfectly for EDC. I pretty much have use for every feature on these two SAKs. Some of the tools are used daily, others only occasionally, but they're there if needed. If I really wanted to go minimalist, I would carry one of my Classics instead of the Executive, but I prefer the latter.
Jim
 
I like SAK's that are 3 layers - they feel most comfy in my hand. layers is nice too,but kinda bit small.I would go for simplicity.If i would like cissors,I would go for a Classic SD.A Soldier or a Centurion + a Classic SD are the perfect EDC for me :D
 
I have 15 or so SAK's. I started with the large size....too much in my pocket. Went to standard size with swisschamp....to much. super tinker....to much. Hiker....too much. Standard tinker.......JUST RIGHT!!!!
 
Heres a suggestion, buy all you mentioned, theyre addictive anyway, and carry each one on different days and see which one fits in your pocket the best.,,,VWB.
 
If you were to carry a Rambler (like I do), it should cover your need for scisors, Phillips, toothpick and tweezers, leaving a choice of "large SAK" wide open to include alox models (I love the SI/Soldier) along with the all the popular cellidor 2-3 layer SAKs.
 
Common problem. The answer is to get several models and choose daily (or weekly) what you are comfortable with and what you think you will need.



--Mike L.
 
I started carrying a waiter and then moved on to a rambler. I find it's the perfect size and has all the tools I need - knife, bottle opener, scissors, file.
 
mountainbiker said:
I started carrying a waiter and then moved on to a rambler. I find it's the perfect size and has all the tools I need - knife, bottle opener, scissors, file.
Click to expand...

Seems to be a growing consensus on the Rambler, which I now join. This one is the true Victorinox Classic model, forget the other lacking a bottle opener. What are we, savages?

My vote for the 3 essential SAKs is Swisschamp, Tinker, Rambler. Any more than that is a hobby (not that there's anything wrong with that ;) ).
Whatever can't be handled with a Swisschamp is too much to deal with; the Tinker disappears in a pocket, especially when suspended by dummy cord, and can handle most of a day's light chores and surprises; the Rambler is too cute to leave at home, an ideal attachment for a micro light, versatile enough to slice bagels, and a superior finger toy (I even used the ph driver once :) ). There are other terrific SAKs to be had__ all of them, actually__ but these set the standard, IMHO, offering the best balance of implements, useability and price in their size categories. Any of them is swell by itself; in a set, unbeatable. Except maybe by Leatherman because of the pliers (but I go around a lot on that :confused::rolleyes::D ).
 
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Hmm, the Rambler/Tinker combo sounds like a cool idea. (who uses the hook anways?) OTOH, the Super Tinker is around the same volume as both.

SwissChamp- Everytime I look at that, I think, "why don't I just use a SwissTool instead?"
 
I find it easy to carry the Swisschamp in my front right pocket suspended by the short chain attached to a Victorinox belt clip. These are available at most online stores that carry a lot of swiss army gear.I also appreciate the need to carry lighter issue. Then I like a Pioneer or Farmer as they both include a keyring for cord attachment. Add a Vic Classic/Rambler etc or Leatherman Micra/S4 and you've got a light-weight,easy on the pocket carry.
 
carry a super tinker and vic spirit everyday and use the super tinker much more,,super tinker is light,handy use the scissors almost everyday and still as sharp ,,have the tinker about 2 years now,,,
 
thats the reason why so much people pairing their main big SAK with a small SAK with scissors.with such a combo you can take your tinker or small tinker and have scissors when you need it.
i like 2 and 3 layer too,fels good in the hand.
 
GarageBoy said:
Hmm, the Rambler/Tinker combo sounds like a cool idea. (who uses the hook anways?) OTOH, the Super Tinker is around the same volume as both.

SwissChamp- Everytime I look at that, I think, "why don't I just use a SwissTool instead?"
Click to expand...

Because the Swisstool doesn't have a toothpick, tweezers, ballpoint pen, needle, magnifying glass, small blade, fish scaler (with hook disgorger), corkscrew, package hook and keyring. Beats me how people who EDC only a Swisstool get through their day. :D
 
It really does depend on your taste and circumstances. I've got a SAK Soldier that I've EDC'd for a couple of months, and think it's great. But I frankly have a desk job, and live in the city, so my EDC needs are pretty limited. If/when I think I might need some more items, I have a SAK Farmer and also a couple of Leathermans.
 
I rarely carry a sak bigger than 3 layers, thats just as big as I find comfortable. I'd rather have a few with different tools for different occasions that a swiss champ in my pocket.
 
A VIC Executive is a nice compromise between a larger 2 layer and a classic.
 
The Vic Executive is the only one I usually carry anymore. Practically perfect in every way. But then, I love my Tinker, I've carried it all over the world. The Mechanic is sweet, it's like what a Super Tinker should really be, because it has a small pair of very useful pliers.

But then the Recruit is just so ... ubiquitous. Standard, good enough for most things and more capable of work than the Executive.

People in my house own and carry Classics, but I'm not one of them. The Executive buries it for practicality, just based on the fact that I can hold onto it and use it at the same time.
 
I EDC a Super Tinker for two reasons. One, it has all the tools I really need on a day to day basis, and two, it was a gift from my wife on our one year wedding anniversary and has my daughter's teeth mark when she bit it during her "teething" stage, so other then practicality, it has sentimental value as well. However, it has it's own dilemna for me. At three layers, it is really comfortable in my hand. I can get a good grip and it is up to any cutting task I may come across. However, at three layers, it is a tad too big at times for pocket carry. However, I deal with it. Feeling a slight bulge in my pocket is no deal breaker for me. Great tool that gets used everyday.
Slight bulge in my pocket. That didn't come out right. :rolleyes:
 
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