Victorinox: Explorer vs. Huntsman

I really use the saw and the screwdriver a lot. So, I carry the Fieldmaster at my workplace and the Explorer when I am at home or cabin.
You can't go wrong with either of them.
 
I had - and lost an Explorer - a few years ago. Disappeared in a house move and not turned up. This thread is prompting me to replace as my Christas present to myself. I like the lens, I like the inline screwdriver and the size/weight of the knife. Not entirely sure I need two blades. Main preference is because of availability in local stores...
 
try and find one with the gray magnifying glass. I've owned two swiss champs, one with the new all clear "glass", and one with the gray glass. The gray one is actual glass and doesn't scratch, as for the all clear one... you guess.
 
Just to muddy the waters slightly, but have you looked at the Huntsman Lite? http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Huntsman+Lite Take the two SAKs, combine the features you like and drop the lens for a LED.

If you definitely want to stick to 4 layers and not 5, then my choice is the Huntsman. The can opener end really does work well as a Phillips driver and I've used the saw in the city more than I thought I would, cutting plastics and drywall are uses that come to mind.
 
I've had the same Huntsman for about 30 years now (got it when I was a kid). I edc'd it for about 20 of those years and used it (and sometimes abused it) for everything. If I had to replace it, I'd get another Huntsman, but I'll admit that sentimentality plays a strong role. Mine is an older variant without the parcel hook.
 
Just got my Explorer yesterday and have to say it's an awesome knife. Just a touch wider and heavier than the Climber. It's on the upper end of comfortable carry for me, but acceptable. Mine was a TSA seizure that I got on the cheap, but it's probably the most mint used SAK I've ever bought. The blades look like they've never been used and are hair shaving sharp. I hope some kid didn't lose his birthday gift at the security scan.

I also got a Camper. Seeing as I always carry a Classic on my keychain, the Camper is a good set of tools, complimented by the nail file and scissors on the Classic. Actually, it occurs to me that the Farmer and the Classic are nearly the ultimate EDC combo.

But the Explorer is a good urban EDC carry, although it gives one little reason to reach for the Classic unless one needs a nail file.
 
I carry a BSA version of the Huntsman, it replaces the corkscrew with a Phillips, much handier IMO, and Scouts shouldn't need a corkscrew anyway ;)
 
zippofan said:
I carry a BSA version of the Huntsman, it replaces the corkscrew with a Phillips, much handier IMO, and Scouts shouldn't need a corkscrew anyway ;)
Click to expand...

Zippofan, I was about to be a know it all and tell you that a Huntsman with a Phillips instead of a corkscrew is a Fieldmaster. But then I checked SAKwiki and sure enough the BSA version Huntsman has a Phillips. Just how confusing is that for SAK naming?
 
Gareth UK said:
Just to muddy the waters slightly, but have you looked at the Huntsman Lite? http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Huntsman+Lite Take the two SAKs, combine the features you like and drop the lens for a LED.
Click to expand...

I was eyeing this too actually, but I've heard some iffy things about the LED, like its very easy to accidentally turn on. Also I'm kinda on the fence regarding knives with electronic components... It might become some sort of limitation, like I'd be more worried about getting it wet with water... or juice from fruits I'm paring.

Man, I wish they were still producing the Woodsman. It's an Explorer with a wood saw. 5 layers of awesome goodness.
 
Well I would have suggested the Woodsman but, as you say, it's hard to find these days so I went with the Huntsman Lite suggestion. I made my own Woodsman a year or so back and I gotta say it's one of my favourite SAKs.

DSCF1406.jpg
 
Gareth UK said:
Well I would have suggested the Woodsman but, as you say, it's hard to find these days so I went with the Huntsman Lite suggestion. I made my own Woodsman a year or so back and I gotta say it's one of my favourite SAKs.

DSCF1406.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice. :thumbup:
 
Gareth UK said:
Well I would have suggested the Woodsman but, as you say, it's hard to find these days so I went with the Huntsman Lite suggestion. I made my own Woodsman a year or so back and I gotta say it's one of my favourite SAKs.

DSCF1406.jpg
Click to expand...

WOW!!! This is the *ULTIMATE* SAK!!!

Did you put this combination of blades/tools together? HOW????? Please share!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top