Which one?

S

street soldier

Joined
Feb 21, 2003
Messages
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Today I picked up a silver colored Alox Cadet and a Spartan/ Classic combo from Target. I'm happy with my selections, but I was eying either the Hunter or the Camper, which I believe have the same tools, more or less, as the Spartan with the addition of the saw.

The saw looks like a nice additional feature to me, but I'm wondering how useful it is. I like the thought of having a small little saw on me for taking off small branches or whatnot, but how is the performance of the saw? Is it worth me looking to pick up either the Camper or the Hunter, or should I be happy enough with the Spartan?

Also, how much wider are either of the two I've mentioned vs. the two layer Spartan? I'm concerned with how it rides in the pocket and if it will be too big(wide). If anyone has any top shots of the three knives I've mentioned or side by side comparison pics, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.
 
Well, if you think you can use the saw, then yes it's worthwhile :) The saw is quite functional as long as you remember what size it is. You aren't going to fell a forest with it or anything ;P

As far as the extra thickness, it is one layer thicker than your Spartan. So just imagine your Spartan with one more layer of tools attached and you will have a pretty accurate picture of how thick it is. Personally, I find 2 layers to be the best around town EDC thickness with pocket carry. I can and do sometimes go up to 4 layers and I don't have much of a problem with it (it's a bit noticeable if you carry it in the watch pocket).
 
Like Lock1454 said the camper is 3 layers. I carry an explorer, which is 4, pretty much every day and so far have found it to be no problem.
 
The saw is one of the thinnest layer out there and doesn't add to much to the thickness, see here:

DSCF0534.jpg


I also think it's well worth the extra layer as the saw cuts extremely well, cutting both green and seasoned wood very cleanly. That said you do have to ask yourself if you are going to use it. If you are in a purely urban environment it may just not be worth your while. I sorry to say I don't have a Hunter so can't help there.
 
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Thanks for the pic Gareth. I think I will go ahead and get the Camper or Hunter. Just need to figure out which one. Any thoughts?
 
For general urban day in and day out carry, I find that the Climber is perfect for my needs. It's basically a Spartan with scissors. I could actually get along just fine without the scissors, but they do come in handy.

I used to carry a Hiker quite a bit. It's basically the Camper with a philips driver instead of a corkscrew. I rather like the corkscrew over the driver as you can store a mini flathead in its coils. If I had to pick one, I would go with the Camper over the Hunter for space saving.

That said, a couple of years ago I switched to a Farmer for a work/woods SAK and never looked back. I do miss the CS and tweezers/toothpick from time to time, but not often. The chunkier blade and stout construction make up for that:thumbup:

My SAK EDC rotation goes as the following:

Around town pocket carry: Climber
Woods walking with other tools: Farmer
If I can carry only one knife outdoors and maybe some wine: Fireman;)
 
Of the two I'd go for the Camper. The Hunter looks a fine SAK but it has a couple of problems for me; firstly (because I live in the UK) it's to long and locks so isn't a good EDC, perhaps more importantly I think the 111mm SAKs are just a little to big for comfy pocket carry. The bonus to the Hunter is that it has a longer saw.
 
I have had similar experiences to the other posters. I have EDCed a Rucksack for many years. It has the same assortment of tools as the Camper but on the 111mm frame. (The Forester is the same, but with a different lock mechanism) I recently replaced it with a Hunter. As both a hunter/trapper/fisherman and a medic I expect that the gutting blade/belt cutter will get fairly frequent use. It is the same thickness as my Rucksack with extra utility.

In the non-lockbacks I think the Camper would be about the best for me. I just like the saw. The Farmer is great but I prefer the cs/mini screwdriver combo. The default answer remains the same. Get both.
 
Okay, decided to get the Camper. Judging from the pictures that Gareth provided, it's not much wider than the Spartan I'm carrying now. The other factor for me is the overall length of the tool. The Camper is a little smaller in that regard, which would make it easier to carry.

Thanks to all for the help.
 
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