which SAK for EDC?

You could try one of the 110mm SAK's. I havnt actually used that many SAK's but I think a trekker would be fine for your needs.
 
Gareth, you're a real tease;)

I would love one. On a semi related note, I just got my second Explorer in the mail this morning. I bought it to retire the one my wife got for me years ago. The only difference being that I opted for black scales over red (as to tell them apart more easily at a glance) and went with the standard over "plus" version as I have no need for an ink pen and have several small drivers that i can switch out in the corkscrew.

That said, they HAVE changed the design up in 6 short years...and not for the better:( The philips driver on my old one is a full 1/4" longer than on my new one. Also, the magnifying glass is now a solid piece of rather thin clear plastic instead of the more robust gray plastic. While I would never expect to break it under normal use, it doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies to think about what a short fall onto a hard surface would do to it.

Granted, these are very minor gripes for a knife I paid $19 for. Also, I rather like that the one she got me years ago is superior. I DID buy this one to be expendable;) I can't fault the tools, and the selection is perfect for EDC or vacation needs. It'll give me plenty of knife and tools for the next few trips I have planned, and I won't be too heartbroken should a baggage inspector lift it from me.

Now the Waiter that I bought with it (to make the 8 dollar shipping worth it) is a great little barebones tool:thumbup: Excellent walk and talk with the absolute basics I need...all for a little over 9 bucks:D
 
The new magnifier has it's good points as well. With the lens being broader and flatter you get a better field of vision with less distortion. I will be the first to agree that it doesn't feel the same though.

The Phillips also has one improvement, it's got an extra "hump" on the top of the tang, when deployed this engages with the backspring better and makes it less likely to fold back on you. You should see this extra "hump" (I can't think of a better term ATM) on the back of the cap lifter as well.
 
OK, ya sold me on the new Explorer;) I should have known better than to judge a book by its cover. The new magnifier does seem to work better than the one on my older one. I was using it for making out some time part numbers on a piece of equipment at work yesterday. Tried the same thing today with my old Explorer with less than favorable results. If only the new magnifying lens sort of popped out for replacement like the window breaker on the rescue tool.

I will also say that the newer driver did grow on me as well. You are absolutely right about the hump, and I can actually thumb open the driver with one hand due to the fact that I can get the meat of my thumb in there to push it open.

I'm very happy with my new tool now:o
 
I had a farmer and I liked it, but the Tinker has all the tools I would need in a normal day and it doesn't really have anything I wouldn't use. I would recommend the Tinker.

Just my .02.
 
Glad you're happy with it mate. I totally agree with you on your original observations the new designs do have a couple of drawbacks but I reckon, on balance, that they are marginally better than the old.

Back on topic of a second, the Waiter teamed up with a Classic or a Rambler makes for a great minimalist EDC and shouldn't cost more than a single larger SAK.
 
Another vote for the Explorer. I prefer the Plus model (and the older style which you can find on Ebay).

That said, they HAVE changed the design up in 6 short years...and not for the better The philips driver on my old one is a full 1/4" longer than on my new one. Also, the magnifying glass is now a solid piece of rather thin clear plastic instead of the more robust gray plastic. While I would never expect to break it under normal use, it doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies to think about what a short fall onto a hard surface would do to it.
Click to expand...

I see that you've since worked this all out...;), but I can't help but to comment anyway. I agree with the original comment, and what I like best about the older model is that the Phillips head and the magnifier have a nice "snap" to them upon opening and closing, much like the rest of the blades on a SAK. On the newer models, the driver and magnifying glass have lost pretty much all of their snap, and they feel gritty. That said, the newer glass is better for reading. I like the older one for looking at finer details.
 
For many years, my SAK EDC consisted of either a Swisschamp or Tinker, paired with a Rambler. Every once in a while, other models came and went, but I always returned to these three. Lately, I have added an OHT to the mix, a process that started after winning Supertentorial's Vic New Soldier drawing.

Although I had agreed to post my impressions of it, I couldn't bring myself to mung up a commemorative knife just to try it out. Fortunately, a friend loaned me his beater OHT, basically the same thing, so I could get familiar with its function for a review. After a whole lot of seasonal yard work, during which I used it for as many chores as possible, was enough impressed to buy my own soon after. We're still in that honeymoon phase :).

Actually, the first time I handled the New Soldier, the deal was sealed. This was exactly what happened when I picked up each of my SAK collection. Although I have admired many Victorinox offerings and owned a few, on these, when my hand first closed on them I knew they were designed for me ;). That doesn't always happen with stuff (I'm still trying to get used to my wallet :o) but a warm feeling when it does. Somebody cares :D.
 
These days I prefer to not carry too thick of a knife in my pocket, which typically means a two tool thick knife.


Right now I EDC a Vic Spartan.
 
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