Which SAK to start with?

Yup, they are crazy pricewise. I'm lucky to have gotten a clean Old Cross Pioneer just before they got ridiculous. I missed the Farmer though.... I've got a Green Farmer on the way that I'm excited about... Something to keep the black one company.
 
For a basic 4 blade scout/camp knife I would suggest the Recruit.
The Farmer, Tinker/Super Tinker, and Hunter are popular. I'm aiming for a Super Tinker, myself.
 
SAK Guy said:
Or just cut to to the chase and get one of these and be done with it! :D

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^^^That's a knife!!
 
Just go down to any local store near you that carries Victorinox knives and pick one out that you like. You can get what to most people is the traditional red covered knife or if available, an alox covered one.

If it was me, I'd get one I could carry in my pocket and use daily.
 
Check out the alox clad pioneer. The inline awl is surprisingly handy. And the knife is pretty easy to pocket carry.

If you want scissors check out the Victorinox Compact. It has scissors, blade, can opener/flathead, corkscrew. And Plus scales which include a pen.

It is fairly thin as well. I dont see too many mentions of this knife. But I think it packs a lot of features for being a two layer knife.

I heard that Victorinox will be releasing a 93mm knife with alox scales that includes scissors, but I have yet to see a pic.

Good luck and post up pics of the knife you decide to go with.
 
Assuming you're going to use it, I'd start with a Pioneer or Tinker (two layer). In the larger 111 mm size, I think the Centurion (two layer) is a good pick as it is basically an over sized Tinker.

If you want something that you might find useful hiking, I'd look at the one-handed Trekker which is a three layer model with the saw blade. I carry the Adventurer which has the side lock and I really like it, but I read that it has been discontinued. Last I saw, a boy scout version still existed which is priced a couple bucks more than the regular Adventurer (probably royalties to BSA).

I would avoid the Alox models to start and go with a traditional Vic SAK to really start to see what it is all about. Then move to the Alox models if they appeal to you
 
You do need to see what tools and size fit your needs. For me I carry a pioneer almost everyday. Perfect size, perfect amount of tools and width, ideal for urban/suburban carry, and the Alox will last a lifetime(but just to be safe I have another 14 or so on backup).
 
Captain Howdy said:
You do need to see what tools and size fit your needs.
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This!
This is why the brand is so popular. You can find a knife that fits Your usage and Your size requirements.

Pick a size, go to SAKwiki and punch it into the search bar and hit enter. You will end up with a list of Near all of the models in that size.

Scroll through those, click the name of an interesting one and it will give you a list of its tools and scales it came in, years of production and other pertinent information.

Write down the ones that catch your eye on a post it and stick that to your monitor.

When you are on here, check the exchange and the bay for one of them, you might get lucky on an older more uncommon model, or a scale set that you wanted.

Good luck following us down the rabbit hole...
 
I'd recommend an alox pioneer if you're trying to find a brand new sak. If you're into older knives the old cross cadet (no nail file) is another option to consider..again, only if you're interested in something old/used. The older cadet will cost a good chunk of change if you can find one. Like someone else already said, you're gonna get different opinions from everyone. You could buy a couple and see which you like most and save the others for gifts.
 
I note you ask for an SAK collectors starter list, does that mean you do not intend to carry or use your SAKs ? Either way a good start is the Swiss Champ 91mm and the Mini Champ 58mm both are you might say fully loaded and if you decide to use them you will soon see which blades you use the most, that is what i did and now carry a Manager 58mm full time and whatever larger SAK be it 84mm or 91mm i think i will need. As you may by now have realized the world of the SAK is pretty big , have fun and i wish you well.
 
I'll add a vote for the Pioneer or Cadet. I carry a Pioneer almost every day as my only knife these days and I love it, so useful!
 
oldmanrunning said:
I note you ask for an SAK collectors starter list, does that mean you do not intend to carry or use your SAKs ?
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All my knives are bought to carry. Some get babied more than others. Some get carried for a while, then taken out of circulation. Only to get carried again a year later.
 
I've had a Climber for 32 years...so start out with Red with the tools you like. I personally have to have a scissors and a wine opener.
Then get a red Cadet for pocket use and add a classic SD. There is an online place that has released some limited edition SD's recently.
Alox is the collector series it seems...in a multitude of colors and shades of colors, fortunately/unfortunately many in limited ed. models from different companies, different countries/regions, it goes on. Eventually you may want to get an Old cross and a Soldier.
There is a FB site for Victorinox fans

old picture of my alox vera plant

 
I have tried a few different ones, but seem to like the Cadet the best. Great for pocket carry because it is light and compact. I do like the models that also have the scissors which the Cadets do not. Like everybody else said, get one with the tools that you need. They have many options.






 
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