Which SAK to replace my LM Micra?

Rev. Pete · Mar 12, 2003

Which Swiss Army Knife should I get to replace my trusty Leatherman Micra? The requirements are:
(1) Must fit in the watch/change pocket of Wrangers.
(2) Must have a can opener, cap lifter, file, small screwdriver, scissors (ironically I don't care about a blade since I never use it).

I always carry a Leatherman Micra. I carry different knives but the one constant is the Micra in my watch/change pocket. Another thread has convinced me that my Micra is inadequate because it doesn't have a can opener (it only has a cap lifter). I depend on my Micra and use it almost as much as my regular knife. The scissors in particular get a lot of use. Which SAK can replace the functionality of a Micra and give me a can opener too? I'll browse the Victorinox website but I would like to hear from satisfied users.

Frank · Mar 12, 2003

Old model Golfer. 84mm long w/ blade, scissors, combo opener/screwdriver, corkscrew, toothpick and tweezers. The combo tool can be used as a can opener but why do you need it? The only thing I use the can openers for is removing staples.

JamesA · Mar 13, 2003

When you say file, do you mean nail file or wood/metal file? And when you say "small screwdriver," could you be a bit more specific?

I hate to be the guy who sidesteps your question, but I'd suggest you either keep your Micra or get a Manager II and go pick up a P38. Very easily carryable and a good multi-purpose tool in and of itself, if you use a bit of ingenuity.

OwenM · Mar 13, 2003

Why not just get a P-38, since the Micra has all the other stuff you want already?
Less than a buck, and they're hardcore

I don't like the scissors on SAKs or full-size Leathermans nearly as much as the Micra's, personally.

PointyReckoning · Mar 13, 2003

what is a p-38?

Rev. Pete · Mar 13, 2003

When you say file, do you mean nail file or wood/metal file? And when you say "small screwdriver," could you be a bit more specific?

I used the small screwdriver to tighten glasses frames, and items of that size. The file on my micra gets used on everything except fingernails, so I guess it is wood/metal. Thanks for clarifying those items!

PWork · Mar 13, 2003

A P-38 is a G.I. can opener.
That's a pretty tall order Rev. Owen's suggestion might be your best bet.

Paul

Revvie · Mar 13, 2003

I'd go with adding a p-38 too - I've carried a micra for a few years now and it replaces SAK "classic" very nicely - How many "cans" do you really open?

UnknownVT · Mar 13, 2003

Originally posted by Frank
Old model Golfer. 84mm long w/ blade, scissors, combo opener/screwdriver, corkscrew, toothpick and tweezers. The combo tool can be used as a can opener

This model is now called:

Victorinox compact knife (US# #54941)

with these tools/features:
Large blade
Scissors
Hook
Bottle opener with can opener, wire stripper and large screwdriver
Mini screwdriver
Corkscrew
Straight pin
Ball point pen
Tweezers
Key ring
Toothpick

The Combo Tool IS a can-opener and quite effective - I'm with the original poster I want a can-opener on me for any EDC.

My EDC since 1982 has been a Victorinox Scientist model (still made but no longer imported to USA) -
a mere 2-backsprings wide for all these features -

main blade
combo tool (as above)
Phillips screwdriver (in main compartment - allows for 90deg and in-line use)
Magnifying glass
Mini screwdriver
Corkscrew
Straight pin
Ball point pen
Tweezers
Key ring
Toothpick
(note: NO scissors)

My air-travel SAK is the Vic Yeoman (again no longer a current import - but still available at some places) - which adds to the Scientist scissors and that hook (makes it 3 backsprings wide)

mnblade · Mar 13, 2003

>"The combo tool can be used as a can opener but why do you need it?"

==========================

I'm going to take a wild, crazy stab in the dark here and guess: To open cans?

I use my can opener quite often when camping.

Gadgetman7 · Mar 13, 2003

I would suggest the Compact or the Yeoman if you can handle a knife the size of the SuperTinker. I'd have to agree though that if you don't care about the blades the P-38 suggestion makes more sense. The advantage of SAK's to me is the combination of a decent blade(s) with the other tools. When I don't need the blades on the SAK, or need locking blades, I tend to carry a Squirt S4 and either a multitool or P-38 with a Spyderco of some sort, and I'm a SAK collector.

Frank · Mar 13, 2003

Originally posted by mnblade
[I'm going to take a wild, crazy stab in the dark here and guess: To open cans?

I use my can opener quite often when camping. [/B]

I carry a Cadet or Golfer only around town. Like you, I prefer the 84mm to the 91mm models for everyday carry. When I go hiking or travelling though, I bring a Climber or Ranger.

If anyone needs a P38, I have 10-20 of them. If you email at grumpypig@yahoo.com with your address, I'll send one to you as long as they last. I can open a can faster with a P38 than an SAK but I don't use one enough to carry the extra tool.