- Joined
- Apr 12, 2006
- Messages
- 3,079
I picked up a Wenger Canyon at a local sporting goods store a couple of days ago. I am usually partial to Victorinox, but wanted to try another Wenger as I have only ever owned one before this. The tool selection is identical to the Victorinox Small Tinker, it does have a couple slight differences however.
1. The handle scales cover the outermost liners which is nice, it makes the knife look and feel better IMO. Also the backsprings are flush with the handle scales which feel much better if you are putting pressure on the main blade.
2. It has a clip point small blade in addition to the large spear, the Tinker has two spear point blades. It is one of the reasons I got this knife, I really like having two different blade shapes and it reminds me of my old Small Tinker which had a clip point.
3. The tooth pick and tweezers are harder to access but also harder to lose, I like the setup on these, they don't get accidentally pulled out when you remove the knife from you pocket.
4. Main blade has more belly than Victorinox, nice feature as I like a knife with a little belly to it.
5. The awl is just a tapered flat piece of metal, it probably won't work as well for drilling holes as the Victorinox version, but it isn't as delicate with no edge to dull or chip and no sewing eye. It also sits flush with the handle and has a pointier tip, I like this awl for some purposes and not so much for others.
6. Phillips screwdriver is a little smaller with a pointier head, again this has it's advantages and disadvantages. It will fit smaller screws better but larger screws worse.
7. Can opener is a different design, I like it better for opening cans, but it doesn't have the small screwdriver tip on it which I like to use for phillips screws. Once again a pretty even trade off.
8. The bottle opener/large screwdriver has a locking feature. When pressure is applied to the tool, it recesses into the handle and won't close until pressure is released. A very nice feature that I think all SAK's should come standard with.
9. The shield is not inlaid metal like Victorinox, it is plastic and looks like it is molded in, it is different than my older Wenger in that my older one has a piece of aluminum with the logo anodized onto it. The newer version is more durable as it will scratch instead of rubbing off like my older one did. I like the Victorinox shield much better although this one isn't so bad.
The overall quality is pretty equal to Victorinox and both companies have their strong points. I will add that my Victorinox knives are smoother to open and have a little stronger backsprings. Wenger springs seem a little lazy but are plenty adequate. I think this knife will become my go-to SAK because I like the locking screwdriver and the clip point blade. The flush springs and covered liners also feel better in my hand.
I only paid $20 for this knife and I feel it is an incredible value as is the case with most quality SAK's. I strongly suggest picking one up if you have the slightest inkling to do so.
1. The handle scales cover the outermost liners which is nice, it makes the knife look and feel better IMO. Also the backsprings are flush with the handle scales which feel much better if you are putting pressure on the main blade.
2. It has a clip point small blade in addition to the large spear, the Tinker has two spear point blades. It is one of the reasons I got this knife, I really like having two different blade shapes and it reminds me of my old Small Tinker which had a clip point.
3. The tooth pick and tweezers are harder to access but also harder to lose, I like the setup on these, they don't get accidentally pulled out when you remove the knife from you pocket.
4. Main blade has more belly than Victorinox, nice feature as I like a knife with a little belly to it.
5. The awl is just a tapered flat piece of metal, it probably won't work as well for drilling holes as the Victorinox version, but it isn't as delicate with no edge to dull or chip and no sewing eye. It also sits flush with the handle and has a pointier tip, I like this awl for some purposes and not so much for others.
6. Phillips screwdriver is a little smaller with a pointier head, again this has it's advantages and disadvantages. It will fit smaller screws better but larger screws worse.
7. Can opener is a different design, I like it better for opening cans, but it doesn't have the small screwdriver tip on it which I like to use for phillips screws. Once again a pretty even trade off.
8. The bottle opener/large screwdriver has a locking feature. When pressure is applied to the tool, it recesses into the handle and won't close until pressure is released. A very nice feature that I think all SAK's should come standard with.
9. The shield is not inlaid metal like Victorinox, it is plastic and looks like it is molded in, it is different than my older Wenger in that my older one has a piece of aluminum with the logo anodized onto it. The newer version is more durable as it will scratch instead of rubbing off like my older one did. I like the Victorinox shield much better although this one isn't so bad.
The overall quality is pretty equal to Victorinox and both companies have their strong points. I will add that my Victorinox knives are smoother to open and have a little stronger backsprings. Wenger springs seem a little lazy but are plenty adequate. I think this knife will become my go-to SAK because I like the locking screwdriver and the clip point blade. The flush springs and covered liners also feel better in my hand.
I only paid $20 for this knife and I feel it is an incredible value as is the case with most quality SAK's. I strongly suggest picking one up if you have the slightest inkling to do so.
