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Why carry a Cadet?
- Thread starter Mr FRINGE
- Start date
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- Jul 25, 2010
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Excuse my ignorance, but is the Squirt not made by Leatherman?
However - I like the Cadet because it´s some kind of a basic tool. You have several tools in an incredible small and lightweight package. The alox handles make it to a very robust setup. For me, a "real" multitool is more for bag- or beltcarry than real pocket carry. There I prefer smaller and lighter knives like the Cadet.
However - I like the Cadet because it´s some kind of a basic tool. You have several tools in an incredible small and lightweight package. The alox handles make it to a very robust setup. For me, a "real" multitool is more for bag- or beltcarry than real pocket carry. There I prefer smaller and lighter knives like the Cadet.
I have a Squirt, but I find it's more chunky than I like to carry. A knife, even one such as an Scout/camper knife, rides easier in the pocket, thanks to its smoother contours, and it's easier to orient on when you pull it out for use. I find I have to peer closely at the Squirt and turn it over and over to locate a particular tool for use; that never happens with a multi-blade knife, where there's usually an asymmetry that you can orient on. (With pocket clip knives, which I don't use, this would be even more true.)
Also, and this is half the issue for me, I simply don't need everything that's on a multi-tool — it's overkill.
But as Pinnah says, this is all a matter of taste.
Also, and this is half the issue for me, I simply don't need everything that's on a multi-tool — it's overkill.
But as Pinnah says, this is all a matter of taste.
As much as I like my Micra, I dislike my Squirt for pocket carry for exactly the reasons you mention.
For EDC, I just don't need pliers that often and when I do, I can go find my pack and get my large MT out.
In the pocket, scissors? Yes. Pliers? Not so much.
I carry a Cadet every day, paired with a small fixed blade that does most of the cutting. The screwdrivers and bottle opener get used all the time.
Groove,
Nice pairing.
Do you carry the Condor EDC there in Champlain and if so, do you find you can "get away with it"?
I've spent time in South Hero every summer of my life pretty much and am not sure that a fixed blade carried in the open would be accepted other than during deer season. But then, I notice a subtle but important difference on the islands roughly on par with being north or south of the ferry. Fewer big McMansions and condos north of the ferry. Place really changed when they straightened out Rt 2. And that's related to the question.
I've seen your comments (paeans?) to the Micra, but with the Squirt experience, I'm not sure I want to gamble $30 to see if it works for me. Also, I think I'm simply more a person who likes knives-with-tool-blades rather than tools-with-a-knife-blade. (Multi-tools just look pinchy to my eye.) If I were going on a trip where specialized tools might be needed, then I'd carry those as individual tools in a pack or some such.
There's also the fact that I've had experience with the standard camper pattern since Scout days 50 years ago. (Yes, it could be modernized — scissors would be good in place of the awl.)
My other main carry is the SAK Classic (a Vic). I don't expect a Classic to be indestructable, but over the years mine have performed well enough considering the price tag. I also like it that when one starts to fail, it fails gradually enough that I can get its replacement before it goes totally. (Slow failure is a blessing in any tool.)
So I think it's knives for me for good.
Last edited:
powernoodle
Power Member
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I own a few Cadets, but they are not really my thing. I also want scissors, tweezer, a phillips that will reach down into a deep countersink, etc. But I understand the popularity of the Cadet - you get a knife and drivers in a very thin, lightweight package. And it has a lot of aesthetic appeal and a quality feel to it.
I have a Cadet, but would much prefer the nail file blade be replaced with either a small knife blade, OT an awl, essentially making it a mini-Pioneer, or an Alox Recruit. But due to the file, I don't carry it (I have a much better one on my EDC Executive).
Jim
Jim
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2005
- Messages
- 2,792
Oh, no! Scissors is good, but can't do without the awl! When carrying a camp pattern knife, my first dating 60 years back (Kamp King, still have one
), I pair it, or any other knife or multi-tool without one, with a Micra for the scissors and other implements. I can overlook no scissors on a full size SAK or Leatherman, but no awl is a deal breaker for me.Oh, no! Scissors is good, but can't do without the awl! When carrying a camp pattern knife, my first dating 60 years back (Kamp King, still have one
Well, if you use half a scissors (a scissor?), you have a functional, if small, awl. By the way, have you noticed how few used campers or Scout knives have an awl sharp enough to actually bore into something tougher than cardboard? Maybe all those moccasin kits and neckerchief slides took their toll. Anyway, as I'm carrying a Vic Classic, I have scissors, and I put points and edges on the awls that my several campers & scout knives have.
Yes, this means I'm....wait for it....Prepared.