What's more useful on an SAK, a nail file or reamer?

S

sunandsteel

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Oct 23, 2013
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I've been looking at two different SAK models in the Pioneer and the Cadet. Which is the more useful tool to have, a nail file or reamer?
 
depends on the person. I've never once used a reamer. I just yesterday used a nail file.
 
Totally depends on the person. I have nail files on nail clippers both at home and at work so that is covered for me...but I don't own any reamer other than the one on my SAK and it's come in handy a few times. Had to punch an extra hole or two in a belt before and I was quite happy to have that reamer for the job.
 
I would say the reamer is gonna be the more useful of the two. In addition to adding holes to a belt, I've used my reamer to clean a pipe bowl, scrape battery terminals in my car, and generally pick, poke, and scrape things I wouldn't dare touch with my knife's main blade. Guess it all comes down to personal preference in the end, though. Hope you find your fit.

Edan
 
Reamer!

I've used the nail file very little on my classic. If I have a rough edge on a nail, I can just scrape it down with a pen blade on my peanut. But, There's been times Ineeded a reamer/awl to make a hole. Either a starter hole for wood screws, or a belt being taking in a bit. Plus the reamer gives me an extra edge for popping plastic ties stripping a bit of insulation off a wire end during a home repair, and rough stuff I don't want to mess up the 'good' edge on.

I wish Victorinox would offer a cadet 2 with a downsized reamer from the pioneer.
 
Reamer for me, I've used it for a lot of things while camping. I've only used my nail file on my Manager once :eek:
 
I think I would lean more towards the Pioneer from what the majority is saying. I have the nail file on my nail clipper which I would use more than if I had it on an SAK. Does the reamer feel more solid than the nail file?
 
You know what Im going to say, on any question about which one of anything, the correct answer is BOTH! and post pictures :-)

in that lighthearted vein, you can ream your nails, but a file is useless for reaming.
 
sunandsteel said:
I think I would lean more towards the Pioneer from what the majority is saying. I have the nail file on my nail clipper which I would use more than if I had it on an SAK. Does the reamer feel more solid than the nail file?
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One of the reasons I love my Pioneer so much, and chose it over other, similar models - I don't want one of my blades taken up by a nail file that I would rarely ever use.
 
Never owned nor desired a SAK with a nail file. On a Spartan I use the awl feature quite often. Great for cleaning dirt and paint out of screw heads, removing inside burrs off plumbing copper, ABS and PVC pipe, making pilot holes for screws for door hinges, drilling holes in the bottom of dog food cans to air seal release the contents, as a scratch awl for marking sheetmetal. Etc. If you turn clockwise it's a wood drill and turn the other it's a marlin spike for undoing knots in shoe laces and fishing line. The list goes on.
In a pinch I suppose you can hold the knife in a tight fist with only the awl facing out and perforate an attacker every time you throw a punch!
 
A couple weeks ago I ordered a Cadet from Amazon (I have Prime, might as well use it). They sent me a Pioneer instead. The pioneer is nice - it has the reamer/awl. I then found a Special Edition bright orange Cadet on the bay (see the photo in the SAK thread) - and of course it has a nail file. I used the nail file almost as soon as it got here. Haven't used the awl/reamer yet.

So I'd say it depends on the person. But as jon_slider suggested, if you can, get both and post pics.
 
An average person would probably use the file on more occasions for grooming. However, you might really (sort of) need an awl sometime, whereas you could probably get by without ever needing a little file.
 
I'd take the reamer too.

The Electrician model also comes with the reamer/awl and it replaces the can opener with a sheepsfoot blade.
 
I'll weigh in again: having recently received both a Pioneer and a Cadet, I'm thinking this: if I were going out into the woods, or doing some work, I'd probably want the Pioneer. It's a bit bigger and heavier, and it has the awl and just feels more rugged. Around the house I'd be more likely to use the Cadet.

With the price of both being around $30, you may well end up with both eventually. The Cadet will be smaller and fit better in your pocket for around the house. The Pioneer will be a bit bigger and heavier, and a better choice if you plan to go camping, hiking, fishing, etc.

Just my extra $.02.
 
Flint Hills said:
I'd take the reamer too.

The Electrician model also comes with the reamer/awl and it replaces the can opener with a sheepsfoot blade.
Click to expand...

That's a nice model also and I hadn't thought about that one. The one thing about the electrician is that it doesn't have the can opener like you mentioned, but also it doubles as a phillips screwdriver.
 
I have both an Electrician (Pioneer with a sheepsfoot instead of a can opener) and a Cadet. I carry the Cadet. I did use the punch blade on the Pioneer once to add a new belt hole, and it did a good job of that.

I use the nail file tool on the Cadet all of the time. I use the non-sharp pointed end as intended, to clean under my nails when needed. I use it to file my nails when needed. it works as an impromptu Phillips blade. There are all sorts of things that seem to come up where I need a tapered, pointed but smooth metal object of that shape that I don't have to worry about cutting something.

The punch/awl/reamer is a useful tool when you need it. The Victorinox version of it is very effective, and actually rather sharp. I just don't run into that many needs for it in my daily life. You have to judge for yourself.

These are not really expensive knives, $25 or so. I'd get one of each if it were me. I don't often carry my Electrician but I don't regret the purchase. It's there for when I need it.
 
I like having the nail file but I use knife blades to clean crud out from under my nails all the time too so its really not a must have. I rarely ever use the actual file portion on my nails but I like it as a general light duty file. I have used the awl/reamer on my SAK's but pretty much only at home so I don't think its that big of a deal. Either way the knife blade could be used in place of the reamer or the file to some degree if you were really in a pinch. If you already have a SAK classic on your keys then you might want to go with a Pioneer just to get the most features, but the Cadet is a little more compact if that matters to you.
 
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