Victorinox Pathfinder thoughts..

macmiddlebrooks · Jun 27, 2011

I've been on the hunt for the perfect folder for hiking,backpacking....

A SAK was an obvious choice, but which one? I was tired of not being satisfied with the currently offered options...
A: too many tools for my needs
B: not enough tools
Then I found the sweet spot. Blade, saw, screwdriver, cap lifter and can opener....all the things I wanted and none of the tools I didn't.
What struck me right out of the mailer was just how beefy the Pathfinder is. I'm used to reg. sized SAK's and this was just way more substantial looking/feeling in the hand. It was an easy decision to pop a nite-ize eclipse on the back for ease of pocket carry and the added piece of mind that it wasn't going anywhere if I didn't want it to. Overall, I'm very impressed and feel as though i've finally nailed it down as far as a do-it-all hiking folder is concerned. Thanks for looking.

untamed · Jun 27, 2011

Hey, I like that too :thumbup:

ROCK6 · Jun 28, 2011

I was just going to say I wish it had a saw blade on it...and then re-looked

That is really a nice model. How did the Nite-Ize clip attach? That's a great touch. Thanks for the review!:thumbup:

ROCK6

Tyson Norris · Jun 28, 2011

That clip looks brilliant! I have to get some of those. How is it holding up? Any integrity issues/attachment issues?

macmiddlebrooks · Jun 28, 2011

Thanks for the comments guys. I took my metal grinding bit on the dremel tool (low speed) and smoothed out the textured area where the clip would sit before placement.The clip has some kind of super sticky back that you just peel and press it on the scale (24-48 hours until max. adhesion) . I've had one on another SAK for months and it's still rock solid.....I can't stand a heavy knife banging around in my pocket all day long. Thanks Nite-Ize !!!:thumbup:

baldtaco-II · Jun 28, 2011

The sticky they use on those is 3M VHB.

TheGame · Jun 28, 2011

Sounds like you found a knife that you've been looking for. Not sure how I like the bottle opener on the saw, but I haven't exactly tried it yet.

macmiddlebrooks · Jun 28, 2011

I can see where your coming from TheGame, it looks weird but works surprisingly well. The blade stock is rather thick, really aggressively toothed and not at all hampered by the tip being "not a saw". It's all about being utilitarian while keeping the layers down I reckon.

grunt soldier · Jun 28, 2011

i might just have to order one. i could do with out the bottle opener but it's nothing i can't live with. thanks for the review

TheGame · Jun 29, 2011

macmiddlebrooks said:
I can see where your coming from TheGame, it looks weird but works surprisingly well. The blade stock is rather thick, really aggressively toothed and not at all hampered by the tip being "not a saw". It's all about being utilitarian while keeping the layers down I reckon.

I'll pick one up and give it a try sometime. From what you say, it sounds like a good way to make two tools into one while not skimping on any part of either. :thumbup:

grunt soldier said:
i might just have to order one. i could do with out the bottle opener but it's nothing i can't live with. thanks for the review

I am not sure I'd like it either, but everything is worth giving a shot, which is something I will be doing once it is time for a new SAK. :thumbup:

t1mpani · Jun 29, 2011

Call me crazy, but sharpen up the inside of the bottle opener so that you have a gut hook/hide zipper and you might just have the ultimate game processing folder there!!

Edit: Damn! I see they're not currently available.

jw2n · Jun 29, 2011

One of the old 108mm Safari series. If you are interested in one than you should jump quickly as the prices will go nowheres but up. The Safari series is one of the finest that Vic put out. It is the civilian line of the original GAK which still can be had as surplus. If you are looking for a real treasure, try the Safari Walther marked knife.

mtwarden · Jun 29, 2011

that's looks awfully familiar

I agree it's got exactly what I wanted in a SAK (or GAK in this case)- the saw btw I find superior to other SAK saws (which are imo pretty darn good)

macmiddlebrooks · Jun 29, 2011

Nice GAK Warden, I especially like the awl you have on that model.

mtwarden · Jun 29, 2011

^ yeah I could probably live w/o the bottle opener, but the awl is handy- beside making holes, makes a nice striker too

Tuxdad · Jun 29, 2011

Was gonna say I have a couple of the german army version and that mtwarden has a pic of but he's already posted them.. As for the bottle opener, I use it for a striker for my firesteel.. Seems to get the job done quite well..

How much for the SAK version, if you don't mind my asking ?

neeman · Jun 29, 2011

mtwarden said:
that's looks awfully familiar I agree it's got exactly what I wanted in a SAK (or GAK in this case)- the saw btw I find superior to other SAK saws (which are imo pretty darn good)

I gave mine way..................

macmiddlebrooks · Jun 30, 2011

Tuxdad said:
How much for the SAK version, if you don't mind my asking ?

Not at all, anywhere from $60-$95.

Scott Free · Jun 30, 2011

mtwarden said:
the saw btw I find superior to other SAK saws (which are imo pretty darn good)

I think that the 108mm knives make excellent woods and survival tools. They're much lighter and easier to carry than their newer larger replacements. I've tested my 108mm saw against a Farmer saw and a Rucksack (111mm) saw. The Rucksack cut the fastest, followed by the Farmer. While the Safari saw was marginally slower, for its intended use, it wouldn't matter. It cut fast enough. I also should say that I once bent a saw on a Farmer from binding. You WON'T bend the saw on a 108mm knife. Excellent woods knives.

I bought an unused Mauser 108mm on ebay a couple years ago for $65 and had a touch of buyers remorse because of the price. They routinely sell for a bit over $100 now.