What's the Best SAK for Me?

S

steelscout30

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Aug 1, 2006
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I am employed in a student summer work program at my high school.

I am a Life Scout (working on that Eagle Scout project).

I live in a rural area between two small towns, tend to have small outdoor-related chores on a daily basis.

I take a somewhat-extended hike about once a month.

I have taken extended treks to areas such as the Philmont Scout Ranch.

My current EDC lineup includes a Spyderco Pacific Salt, Native, Military.

Based on all that criteria, what would be the best-fitted SAK for my purposes? I've been considering a SwissChamp but I'm looking for advice from the pros! Thanks!

God bless you, America, and our men and women overseas.

KATN,

Wade
 
When I was in the Scouts more than 25 years ago, I made do with a Buck 110, a Barlow, and a fixed blade survival knife. Lots more options nowadays. The SwissChamp is good, perhaps a Spirit or Ranger might also be fit for consideration. Good luck on earning Eagle. :)
 
Its very subjective. I prefer the Explorer.

Victorinox-Explorer-Lg.jpg
 
I've met a couple of guys that actually carry a SwissChamp, but I can't see it. Anything over 3 layers, I'm not thinking is a really comfortable tool to use.

So, I think that one of the Tinkers or Mechanic will probably suit your needs.
 
Can't go wrong with a farmer. The saw is indispensible imo. The blade is a nice size. The alox gives it a good solid feel in the hand. I have a huntsman too, its good but I like the larger blade on the farmer. The scissors on the huntsman are a nice feature. You might like one of the larger locking ones but it sounds like you have that base covered. Good luck
 
You need a saw. I say Farmer. Also look at the Victorinox Hiker, Camper, Huntsman or Fieldmaster. Of the bigger knives, check out the Rucksack and the One Hand Trekker. I prefer the Farmer, but everyone's different.
 
Yeah, the swiss champ is just too big. It is cool to have all of those tools, but who is really going to carry all that? And even if you carried it for 10 years, quite a few of the implements would still be unused. In that size, you would be better off with a pliers-based multi tool. And it would obviously require a belt pouch. I suspect most Swiss Champs become dresser queens very quickly.

The best SAKs are about 3 layers or less. I would start off looking at the Farmer or the Tinker. I also like to carry the tiny Classic (ALOX) along with a larger knife. It adds a few more tools without bulking up the larger knife. The regular Classics can be had for as little as $7.

Also, since you are a student, it goes without saying that these things are usually not allowed at school and there are surprisingly tight restrictions even at the college level in many areas.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Lurker said:
Yeah, the swiss champ is just too big. It is cool to have all of those tools, but who is really going to carry all that? And even if you carried it for 10 years, quite a few of the implements would still be unused. In that size, you would be better off with a pliers-based multi tool. And it would obviously require a belt pouch. I suspect most Swiss Champs become dresser queens very quickly.
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For many years, a Swisschamp was my only knife, and the only tools on it I didn't use were the backspring mounted small screwdriver and the small blade, which was intentional since I wanted to keep it super sharp for emergencies. Carried with a belt pouch, it is easily manageable, and the only comment I ever got about wearing it in public was from a guy who said it inspired him to do likewise. At a glance, most people seem to assume it is a cell phone.

The best SAKs are about 3 layers or less. I would start off looking at the Farmer or the Tinker. I also like to carry the tiny Classic (ALOX) along with a larger knife. It adds a few more tools without bulking up the larger knife. The regular Classics can be had for as little as $7.
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Excellent choices all.

Also, since you are a student, it goes without saying that these things are usually not allowed at school and there are surprisingly tight restrictions even at the college level in many areas.

Good luck with your decision.
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Follow the rules, be discrete. Good principles in general, actually.
 
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I would recommend the farmer or the pioneer as well, depending on if you need the saw or not.
Also take a look at the wenger SI.

peter
 
The 5 years I was in Boy Scouts I used a Vic Huntsman. The scissors and saw came in handy. At summer camp I had a Swiss Champ in my tent.
 
You'll want the model with woodsaw. Anything is good, but I'd go with OHT.

Check the saw test/comparison at www.sosakonline.com, articles, go to review/general section (sorry, I forgot which).

Posting this from my phone, can't give you exact URL.
 
I have to say the farmer might just be too small. I would second those who gave the Hunstman. All the best tools that are most often used. 2 blades, saw, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, hook, reamer/awl, toothpick, tweezers...and it isn't too big either. I would definitely go for something a little less minimalist than the farmer, especially if you'll be in the outdoors much. Hunstman all the way!
 
I'd have to say a Hiker. I own this model, I chose it because it had a saw, and I love it's functionality. It is small enough to be unobtrusive but still very handy. It is a three layer model, so not too thick in your pocket. I usually carry it with a larger folder or a fixed blade but that is just me, it would probably suffice by itself. Overall it's a great pocket companion.

BTW the small blade is great for cuticle trimming. ha
 
I used a Huntsman as my only knife for most of my life. If you would find a scissors useful, pick the Huntsman; if not, the Farmer.
 
An SI (Wegner ) , a Vic. Farmer , or a Vic. Spirit . All good , all the time !

Chris
 
The Farmer has become my favorite sak. From EDC to the woods, it's perfect. It's tough, has all the tools I need and can be had for under $20.
DSC00398.jpg
 
pipedreams308 said:
I'll second the Farmer. I consider it the perfect outdoor pocketknife.
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I think a farmer would be great. I EDC a Wenger SI, but carry a camper in the woods because of the sawblade. A farmer would be an awsome do-it-all in 1 knife package. ALOX SAK's are awsome;)
 
Sometimes the perfect SAK is two SAKs. For now (and probably forever) I EDC a Scibeer modded Farmer with scissors. It weighs 3.75 ounces. Before the Farmer with scissors, I carried a regular Farmer and a Victorinox Signature. It's the size of a Classic with all the tools of the Classic (including scissors) but adds a retractable pen instead of the toothpick. The combined weight of the regular Farmer and the Signature was 3.75 ounces--the same as my modded Farmer w/scissors. I preferred the two knife approach over carrying the thicker Huntsman.

The Farmers also have the in-line awl. I use it almost as much as the saw.
 
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