What defines an SAK.

[VorpelSword]

I will try to be delicate here. I do not intend to immune SAK knifes the brand or SAK users. The knives are made to a high standard and SAK users are people who appreciate that.

So then, what is it that defines an SAK besides the Brand Name, logo and so on. If one were to recreate the SA
K line from scratch . . .what would the men? How are they different from any of the classic Boy Scout folders that I lost in my youth?

 

[kobold]

Company culture cultivated for generations. Attention to detail, many, many little things that ultimately add up to something exceptional.

 

[jackknife]

High quality, backed up with exceptional quality assurance in the inspection of the finished product, and that backed up with an almost unbelievable factory support warrantee and repair of products.

 

[afishhunter]

How are they different from any of the classic Boy Scout folders that I lost in my youth?

Greater tool selection. IMHO the scissors, saw, and when equipped the pen are indispensable.
Lower weight.
The classic boy scout folders of yesteryear had carbon steel blades; Genuine Victorinox and Wenger SAK's have stainless.
Chances are the scout knives you had in your youth are out of warrantee ... the manufacturer shut down ages ago.
The current owners of the brands are not required to warrantee/guarantee the products made before they acquired the names and intellectual properties of the company.