View Full Version : Are you a Swiss Army Knife owner?
a farmer until it gets lost
Graham_S
01-10-2008, 00:08
I've got three currently.
a swisschamp that lives in a pocket of my satchel, an executive that is an occasional edc, and a Huntsman that I need to find a use for, but I got it cheap online.
Mike Ameling
01-10-2008, 04:44
No.
If I need a specific tool for a project, I go get THAT SPECIFIC TOOL instead of trying to use some simple poor knock-off of it. The rest is just excess weight to lug around - and most being used very seldom.
But that's just my opinion.
Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
p.s. Who has also "improvised" many tools on-the-spot to meet the current need.
crwydryny
01-10-2008, 11:00
I have two, though only one is an original the other is a cheep knockoff but does the job though I don't actually use them much any more and they live in the bottom of my drawer with much of my knife collection. as I usually rely on my hunting knife and penknife for most of my out door needs.
I have carried a Mini Champ on my keys for about 15 years now and a few years ago I found out about the Alox range.
The first Alox model I bought was the Electrician which is like the Soldier but has a small utility blade instead of the can opener,this has been my EDC for the past few years and I find the small utility blade very handy.
The small curved part of the blade used for stripping the sheath from electrical cables is great for casting sparks on a ferro rod;)
Since buying my first Alox model I seem to have caught the bug and have started collecting them the latest one I have managed to buy is a vintage red Farmer which is now my EDC.
I will take some pics of my full collection soon but for now here's a pic from a few months ago.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh110/katocraft/023.jpg
Left to Right = Electrician,Soldier,Red Pioneer,Farmer,Blue Farmer.
ridge rover
15-10-2008, 23:21
I'm in the Ron Hood school of thought on SAKs.
Wenger or Victorinox, Big blade, locking blade, saw. He calls the SAK as your "primary knife."
I have a Rucksack that sits on a shelf. I replaced it with a one handed Trekker. It has a phillips head screwdriver which allows me to carry the smaller Mini-Leatherman that is without this screwdriver.
British Red
17-10-2008, 19:59
I don't disagree - my favourite SAK is in many ways my Wenger Ranger 57.
However over here you can't carry a locking blade without immediate need so I carry a non locking Huntsman lite for that
So its one of these.........
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2607644693_febe69a524_o.jpg
Red
The world needs a one-hand opening slipjoint Swiss army knife.
jean baptiste
12-12-2008, 07:05
yes, i'have a SAK farmer alox always in the pocket
I have a few- one lives in my climbing sack, one in my walking sack- that way I never forget them. And one in my response pack for bushcrafting, and one in my desk at home, and a mini one in my day to day bumbag..............
They are just too useful to be without.
Oh, this one is a must have.......
http://www.swiss-army-knives.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=00001&cat=11
bob_the_bomb
18-12-2008, 03:42
Hi. Between myself and the BAC we carry three. I have a glow-in-the-dark Huntsman which is on my keyring as my EDC, and the mem'sahib has a GITD mini on hers. She is on her second now as she forgot to put it in her checked baggage on her way through Bangkok Airport last year. It is the corkscrew and the tweezers that are the sellers for me as an EDC, and I find the GITD helpful too. I also carry a swisscard in a compact briefcase that I use for work. I have a leatherman supertool and a folding gerber and a gerber axe which I carry in 'layered' situations - the leatherman is in my daysack (camelbak mule) for day field trips for work, the other two are in my big rucsac (sabre 60-100) for extended field trips. So, leatherman for work, SAK for "social domestic and pleasure". Oh, and I have broken a number of SAK in the past, it never occured to me to try to get them fixed, so thanks for the tips on the repair options!
bob_the_bomb
18-12-2008, 03:56
I find the copious use of WD-40 sorts out the pivot problem...
cattyman
20-12-2008, 01:25
Yes I carry a SAK
The model is the one shown below
http://altura.speedera.net/ccimg.catalogcity.com/200000/208900/208993/products/4584198.jpg
I aquired it when I was a countryside ranger, there was a demo of a swiss lawnmower at work by a company called "BUCHER" that specialised in heavy duty reciprocating mowers...... http://www.groundcaremachinery.co.uk/images/cutter100/1.jpg
At the end of the demo we all got the above SAK and it has the word "BUCHER" inlaid into the handle. That was 15 years back and it's still used almost every day :-)
i've had this one 20yrs don't know the name of it.it says ".victoria officer suisse " on the main blade......mack
Mabinogion
26-12-2008, 20:47
i've had this one 20yrs don't know the name of it.it says ".victoria officer suisse " on the main blade......mack
i believe the model your referring to is the 'Spartan' from victorinox.
Iv'e got two, one hunter and a wenger ranger, the hunter was issued to me about eight years ago and it's been in pocket ever since, even helped to build a camp in jungle when every other bit of kit had been taken away(youd be suprised at where you can hide things)the ranger came in to my possession at some point i don't remember buying it but i don't remember ever not owning it, i do need to get it fixed as the movers squashed it under their lorry last time we moved house,smashed one scale and bent the main blade, still usefull though.
John Fenna
28-12-2008, 08:40
Even my 85 year old Auntie is now!
I got her the one with a manicure set(scissors, nail file etc for Xmas.
She seems to like it.....:)
I should add that she is stil an active walker - last year I got her a walking pole which she loves - and I also gave her a Grangers boot care kit, a maglite and some other outdoory kit.
A couple of days a week she goes to the "old folks day centre" for tea
Making it for the old folks of 65!
tsitenha
28-12-2008, 19:49
I have carries a SAK since I was a teen, and that was a long time ago. Before that a Boy Scout Knife
Tubbyfraser
29-12-2008, 10:48
Had a few and lost a few. Oldest one is a black-handled Forrester which is excellent and very handy. A wee bit worn and battered but still going strong. Also got a Tinker and a Sportsman lying around somewhere. Oddly enough, I've never been tempted by a SwissChamp. Too big and fiddly. If I was buying one now I'd probably go for a Tinker Deluxe - seems to have everything I'd need and little I wouldn't. Great knives at a great price but I'd always have a fixed blade as a first option.
I have a Huntsman and a Climber been thinking of getting a Ranger. I also have a LM Crunch. It stays in the truck. Wish I had spent the money on something else.
Jon R.
Magentus
05-03-2009, 10:49
I have an SAK rucksack, a Soldier and one of those little ones with scissors, file etc. Brilliant thing!
Magentus
helixpteron
06-03-2009, 00:41
I've worn a Swiss Champ for the last 34 years, updating a couple of times, and being given a new model when mine was lost whilst returned for repair.
I've always given my original (excellent condition) model to friends when I update, as I believe that these tools are meant to be used.
An excellent belt from Rancid Badger holds the Swiss Champ, Fenix P3D, Leatherman Supertool, Crunch and Micra.
A Huntsman and (another) Leatherman Micra live in my Packraft medical case, and a Leatherman Kick and an Olfa Touch-Knife live in my Packraft repair case.
Tye Possum
06-03-2009, 06:05
I haven't posted here?! Interesting! I love swiss army knives! I have one in my pocket all the time. I don't have a collection of them or anything but I have a few and that's all I need. I have 2 Victorinox startans and one's my first SAK and I had my name engraved in it as a gift from my parents who also bought it for me in the first place. I also have a Wenger... Hold on gotta look it up... Hmm it doesn't seem to be on their site. It's a Wenger knife with a real tree type of camoflauge on the scales, a saw, cap lifter, can opener, nail file, cork screw, reamer and a locking serrated blade and all the tools have a dark grey coating of some sort on them. It's a normal sized knife though, not like the ones with the big handles that are shaped differently. It's actually smaller than my normal Victorinox spartans but not by alot so it's not one of those tiny ones. The lock is a little metal button kind of thing that says lock on it and it's sticking up next to the blade. It's kind of weird how I can't find this design on the site but I'm sure it's a real Wenger. I've also just ordered a Victorinox farmer yester... ok I guess the day before yesterday. I can't wait to get it and I think I'll be switching it to my EDC knife.
nige7whit
19-04-2009, 19:35
I have a Huntsman and a Climber been thinking of getting a Ranger. I also have a LM Crunch. It stays in the truck. Wish I had spent the money on something else.
Jon R.I have a Leatherman Crunch, and it's ok, but a niche product.... The wrench part is useful, as it's more precisely engineered than Mole grips/Crescent wrench, and allows better placement in tight situations.
Given a choice, I wouldn't buy one, but I got mine as a 'credit' at a gunsmiths - he didn't want to give me a straight cash refund, so I looked around quickly, and said "I'll take one of those then".
nige7whit
19-04-2009, 19:39
I've ordered myself a new SAK today - A Handyman.
Spent most of the day thinking just what I need in a SAK, and the Handyman is the result, it should allow me to replace a couple of my other knives with just one.
I recently added three more to my growing collection :rolleyes: .
These two used Victorinox models, a Tinker and a Spartan:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/PossiblesPete/DSC01923Small.jpg
The third is an alox Farmer model, great knife :cool: .
That makes seven total......... for now :o ;) .
Pete.
nige7whit
19-04-2009, 20:23
I keep hearing that the Victorinox 'Mauser' knives are rare and collectible.... I have one, and it's nice, but I wouldn't have thought it particularly collectible, it's only a simple knife !
Is there any value in a hardly used but clumsily sharpened Mauser knife? I don't use it these days, so it could be a candidate for waving goodbye, along with a few othe knives that I don't use these days.
I keep hearing that the Victorinox 'Mauser' knives are rare and collectible.... I have one, and it's nice, but I wouldn't have thought it particularly collectible, it's only a simple knife !
Is there any value in a hardly used but clumsily sharpened Mauser knife? I don't use it these days, so it could be a candidate for waving goodbye, along with a few othe knives that I don't use these days.
I've no idea of the value of a Mauser model but this page on on the SOSAK site says they some times...." fetch exorbitant sums on E-Bay ".
http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=35
I also found this site which sells used knives:
http://www.swissknifeandtool.co.uk/?cat=563
I don't know if they buy but they may be able to give you a idea of it's value.
Hope this is of help.
Cheers, Pete.
grebo247365
20-04-2009, 21:36
I love swiss army knives, the original multitool, I currently use the climber model with glow in the dark scales, try losing that!
nige7whit
21-04-2009, 19:29
Just received my new Victorinox Handyman today, having fun playing with all the new toys and tools !
One question.... Just what do people use the hook for?
http://www.smartknives.com/Swiss-Army-Knife-Tools/Swiss-Army-Knife-Images/Victorinox-Hook.gif
Just received my new Victorinox Handyman today, having fun playing with all the new toys and tools !
One question.... Just what do people use the hook for?
http://www.smartknives.com/Swiss-Army-Knife-Tools/Swiss-Army-Knife-Images/Victorinox-Hook.gif
Here's one use for the hook :rolleyes: .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVEZl-32iTE
Alternatively lifting the lid on your billy :) .
Pete.
helixpteron
21-04-2009, 20:53
...... One question.... Just what do people use the hook for?...... ]
I have found the hook to be an absolute lifesaver!
Having rescued a beautiful lady from the clutches of evil baddies, we found ourselves at the top of a building with hordes of heavily armed evil doer's racing up the stairs after us.
With the aforementioned beautiful lady clinging to my shoulders, I deployed the Swiss Champ hook tool and we slid down the phone line securing wire to the adjacent lower buildings roof top and made our escape!
Well, it worked for 007! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
Its also useful when infiltrating pirate gangs in the South China Sea, parrot optional. http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0054.gif
Realistically, the use of the tool is limited by imagination only!
nige7whit
21-04-2009, 21:17
Maybe it's an ongoing joke by the Swiss cutlers?
An emergency braking device issued to the military, at all levels?
As a RAF engineer, serving on Tornado F3 fighter aircraft, I can't help noticing the similarity... Except the only pic I could get at short notice is a Tornado GR
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/1/6/9/1288961.jpg
VtBlackdog
22-04-2009, 02:46
Vic all the way; my EDC is a Hiker or OHT/PE, both convexed....the saw is handy for making dovetail joints when taking a break during a hike.
Tye Possum
26-04-2009, 00:16
Got my Victorinox farmer a while ago, great knife. Good grip on the scales, plus they just look cool. Fewer tools than I'm used to but I haven't really had a need for a corkscrew recently so it's fine, not too many, not too few. Though I do miss the toothpick for cleaning stuff out of the knife and the tweezers for splinters and such. That hook is kind of weird... I guess it was meant for a parcel carrying hook and then because that wouldn't really be used anymore they had to call it a multi functional hook, just so it wouldn't sound like a waste of space. I guess it does have it's uses though, based on that video!
TallNHairyDave
26-04-2009, 17:55
Yup, always have a SAK in my pocket. Use a Cybertool 34 for at work (I'm in IT) and it's damn handy. Huntsman at the weekends.
I've got mine on my keyring, it's very handy, but I don't tend to use it while bushcrafting as I normally have other tools ith me that could do the job a lot better.
I keep hearing that the Victorinox 'Mauser' knives are rare and collectible.... I have one, and it's nice, but I wouldn't have thought it particularly collectible, it's only a simple knife !
Is there any value in a hardly used but clumsily sharpened Mauser knife? I don't use it these days, so it could be a candidate for waving goodbye, along with a few othe knives that I don't use these days.
Oh my god! SELL IT TO ME! SELL IT TO ME! I used to have one and I loved it but my bloke took it out of the house one day and bloody lost it for me, despite having his own Mauser (which he still has!) I shamed him into buying me a lovely Leatherman but I would dearly love to have another of these. I am serious!!
Walks with dogs
29-04-2009, 21:17
At last count I own three.
1) Sits on my beltkit at work. ( Don't know the name)
2) Sits on a Karabiner with my keys and a mini photon type light. ( Don't know the name)
3) A "Rucksak" which is my absolute favourite knife . This goes with me every time I venture into the outdoors any more than just walking the dogs on the local fields. If carrying a locking blade was legal I would have this knife with me constantly.
Either me or someone nearby absolutely "needs" to use my SAk at least once a day. When I rule the world I will make it law to carry one.
drewdunnrespect
30-04-2009, 18:08
sure do same model as mad dave put up also have a leathermans
My latest. First Mate.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images26/first_mate1b.jpg
MartiniDave
01-05-2009, 08:39
Hoodoo!!!
Please stop showing off!:lmao: :You_Rock_
Is there any knife you don't possess?
Dave
PS - 27 SAK's at the last count. Most often carry a Hiker, Huntsman or Camper. But others get used depending on my mood, or what gets picked up first.:)
Hoodoo!!!
Is there any knife you don't possess?
Just a couple. :D
Air Pirate
07-05-2009, 18:13
I have a buddy that is getting into bushcraft. He refuses to carry a SAK. I asked him why, and he said it was because an SAK was his first knife and he's moved beyond them. As for me, I'm hardly ever without one.
Heres one of mine
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s269/alf-branch/AntlerSAK1.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s269/alf-branch/AntlerSAK5.jpg
littlewolf
09-05-2009, 00:33
My EDC is a victorinox Hunter Goes everywhere I do
Air Pirate
09-05-2009, 02:59
I just got a silver Farmer. It will enter my regular rotation of Victorinox Huntsman and Wenger Handyman.
Scots_Charles_River
09-05-2009, 20:01
I keep my 30 kwid one, not sure of the make, got it for my 16th birthday, in my rucksac.
In used it today whilst in a blizzard in the Etive hills, my socks were soaked and my hand was cold but could not open laces to replace the socks so used the knifes pliers to help. Used my teeth to get the pliers out !
The only thing I have not used on it is the fish descaler.
Nick
I finally go one a couple of weeks ago.
I've had cheepo versions over the years, but I got a cadet one.
Really pleased with the quality of it,and my god it the tin opener good.
I prefer lock knifes (Buck 110) and full tang sheath knifes normally woodlore copys and a brilliant little enzo trapper, my current knife of choice, and will be for a LONG time I reckon.
Tye Possum
25-05-2009, 02:13
I just put my farmer in to get ingraved today, it's going to have my initials, all four of them, on it. Doesn't anyone else ever get theirs ingraved? I feel like I'm the only one getting any use out of the engraving panel "tool" lol.
StickyKnife
25-05-2009, 03:53
Yes, been carrying at least one for decades now. My favorites are the Sentinel, one-hand Trekker, Alox Soldier, and the Alox Farmer.
yes i have owned a couple of swiss army knives
but like some have said i stopped after quite badly cutting myself when the blade folded in on my finger cutting it back to the bone i now carry a leatherman surge when out and about which locks but have come a cropper a couple of times when at friends and didnt have a cork screw to open a bottle of wine lol.
these saks are costing a fortune... so far i have a red alox farmer,camo huntsman and a black swiss champ. i don't like the standard red scales...
Trackerman
21-06-2009, 07:14
I just got this one, Wenger NewRanger 55
http://www.stenaverktyg.se/Wenger_newrangermapp/nr55m.jpg
JonathanD
21-06-2009, 13:36
I wish the one handed openers were more readily available over here :(
me too iv'e been looking for a oh trekker
Prodigal Son
23-06-2009, 12:17
I've got a Victorinox Picnicker. TBH it has everything I was looking for apart from the name!!
Picnicker - how wet is that??
but it does have a corkscrew and a 3.5" lock blade. It fits well in the hand and I'm suprised more people haven't admitted to having one :D
whats the difference between the picknicker and the forester? apart from the colour of the scales...
I've got a Victorinox Picnicker. TBH it has everything I was looking for apart from the name!!
Picnicker - how wet is that??
You've got to have something to stop Yogi stealing your food lol
Prodigal Son
24-06-2009, 10:51
whats the difference between the picknicker and the forester? apart from the colour of the scales...
The saw blade.
didn't think it was big enough to be useful or that I would ever use it ... that was before I got back into scouting!!
You've got to have something to stop Yogi stealing your food lol hahaha!!
try again then ;)
the difference between forester + rucksack or picknicker + nomad
Prodigal Son
24-06-2009, 13:09
Yyyaaayyy!!! Finally I can be a Nomad and not a picnicker!! Ego restored!!
ah but is it red scaled ;)
are the black scaled verisons thicker? also the punch doesnt seem to have the sawing eye
Ooooh i love these long threads that go forever - tis what makes these forums great!
I must admit that i quite like the look of that Wenger NewRanger 55 to replace the workchamp i carry atm.
I've had a 'rucksack' for years now and it gets used for everything. I'd post pics but it's almost embarassing the state it's in now. The blade is scratched to hell and getting a bit banana shaped from sharpening it badly all the time, the screwdriver head wore away long ago, the saw is pretty blunt now and I've lost the toothpick :P
It's living out it's retirement years in the tool roll in the boot of the car now but still gets used a lot. It's been replaced by a Gerber recoil but I have been thinking of getting an Alox Farmer as long as the blade is under 3".
JonathanD
26-06-2009, 15:56
the one handed Wengers with pocket clips will soon be for sale on Heinnies site apparently :)
Improviser
26-06-2009, 16:11
Yep i own a Victorinox Fisherman of mid eighties vintage.
Its well scratched & worn looking,the blade tips have been reground (due to others using them as screwdrivers :( ) but still perfectly serviceable and solid with no play in pivots.Still has the spring in the scissors which is a common failure!
Must admit the recent models ive handled dont feel as good in the hand the plastic side slabs seem more brittle/harder somehow.
Only blade that lives in the van these days what with all the ****ty leglislation in this country...:rolleyes:
Even though i really like the SAK my leatherman wave is my most used folder as the pliers seem to come in for allsorts, more handy when out mountain biking as well.
Yeah the knife tips aren't too strong, I broke one off prying limpits off a rock :p
should have used the bottle opener then ;)
AntoninoRusso123
25-08-2009, 09:31
I have two victorinx knives one is the swiss army officers knife, the other is the alpiner knife, not too sure what is is called for the uk market but it is black and has a locking 4 inch blade, can opener, screwdriver, saw, corkscrew and gauge.
Has any one got the swisstool?
I have and i think its great.
Its good because all the tools lock and it is 100% stainless steel.
huntsmanbob
30-09-2009, 04:56
1* huntsman & 1* champ
Air Pirate
11-10-2009, 03:22
I just got a new Wenger Ranger 51. It's the Wenger version of the Vic OHSentinal. I also have on order a Wenger RangerGrip 58, which if I remember correctly was Wenger's proposal for the new Swiss Soldier Knife that is issued to Swiss troops.
I've always liked Victorinox better than Wenger until I got that Ranger. For the smaller knives I still like Victorinox, but for the bigger one handed blades I've become a Wenger fan.
I have a Victorinox Adventurer, which is identical to the Nomad except it has a Phillips screwdriver instead of a corkscrew.
I have Victorinox Spartan and small Classic.
Not exactly Swiss Army but works for me.
Melonfish
02-12-2009, 07:59
i have a Victorinox Forester, its my EDC its permanently attached to my belt ;)
although correct me if i'm wrong but isn't it illegal to carry in a public place as its lockable?
i may have to grab another and keep this for camping only...
Lordyosch
02-12-2009, 19:55
I'm on my second. They've both been the 'climber' model. The first was thrown away with some rubbish on a campsite in the Pyrenees by the Missus! Only discovered this at the next evening's wild-camp. Miffed? Not half.
New one has a lovely matt finish to it though, so I'm quite happy really!
Jay
TeeGeeBee
02-12-2009, 20:03
:rolleyes: Yep. I have four. Got given a 'Walker', over the years, have also found two minis and a 'Huntsman'. Often use the 'Walker' and usually keep the 'Huntsman' in the car boot. As for the minis, one is on a BA and one is broken.
TGB
I got mine when I was 8 years old for christmas :) cut myself twice, five minutes into opening the PACKAGING....
bhofmann
10-01-2010, 16:29
I own a few of them. I guess it's compulsory; my father is Swiss! :)
Never owned one, never will. When I need a knife, I use a knife. When I need a corkscrew, I use a corkscrew. When I need a screwdriver, I use a screwdriver... there's a certain pattern forming there.
The only times I could have seen a use for an all in one multi-tool with a corkscrew, screwdriver, saw, fish scaler etc. etc. I'd already be carrying so much gear (picnic + fishing gear + bottles of wine) that the additional weight/bulk of carrying the proper tools to do the relevant jobs with would be trivial.
Of the people I know who do have them, not one keeps it sharp. Nuff said really :D
Yes, for the last forty years. Present EDC is a Victorinox Large Cyber. Wouldn't be without it.
ShortNCuddlyAm
10-01-2010, 23:29
Yup - a Victorinox Sparta - had it since the mid-late 70s :) Also have a few of the diddy little keyring ones because people tend to get less freaked out by their use in an office environment...
I have 2, the Spartan which is my edc knife and has been for years. Also have a Huntsman, got it when I thought I'd lost the other one.:rolleyes:
screwball
13-01-2010, 15:27
I have a swiss champ that I edc and a classic when dressed up .Swmbo complains about the big lump in my pocket that the champ causes
Swmbo complains about the big lump in my pocket that the champ causes
I guess your household is also past the old "Is that a Swiss Champ in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?" :D
Dave Budd
13-01-2010, 16:06
swiss army knives are the only type of knives that I have consistantly loved and used since I started collecting (and using) knives as a small boy. I've always got a small one (executive with modifications) on my belt, I've another (mounaineer?) in my workshop first aid kit, another (spartan) lives in my car and another in my everyday rucksack (a climber, which is the oldest knife I still use, from when I was about 11).
As it happens I rarely use the knife blade on any but the ones in the car and the rucksack. I just keep so many around me because they have lots of useful tools that are needed at random times. A sak is a lot lighter to have sitting about rarely being used than a tool kit or even a multitool. Mostly I find the bottle opener, screwdrivers, tweezers, woodsaw, file and scissors get used the most.
the small one on my belt takes up no space and fits horizontally near the buckle so I don't notice it there. It means that I have a cutting tool on me when I have to go into 'civilisation' and the rest of the time I have a fixed blade on my belt so the sak provides the tweezers (handy when working around lots of thorns and splinters!) and scissors that mostly get used.
I've got at least a dozen more SAKs sitting in a box with the rest of my old knife collection and though I've sold off most of my good production knives (leaving me with the cheap and nasty and a few antiques), i wouldn't sell them as they are actually potentially useful tools :)
Madpuppy
15-01-2010, 14:33
I do have a few SAK's in my arsenal, I mostly collect Western Knives. I had one as a boy in Boy Scouts and started buying a few at flea markets when I spot them. I have one in my camp kit and use it quite often. Handy knives to own.
I think the Swiss knife is the equivalent of a Barbie for boys. The only difference is that no matter how old we get we're still boys inside and as such, never seem to stop loving our toys.
But honestly, I don't how I would spend a single day without one of my Victorinox knifes. I've used every single bit countless of times even the little pen on my swisscard and the 3 inch ruler have proven to be invaluable tools.
I've used my SwissTool for more things than I could recall, from cutting through plasterboard (serrated blade) and repairing my car to building shelves.
Everything Mac
17-01-2010, 14:57
I think the Swiss knife is the equivalent of a Barbie for boys. The only difference is that no matter how old we get we're still boys inside and as such, never seem to stop loving our toys.
as boys get older the toys just get bigger and more expensive!
true story.
i had a few SAK clones when i was young - only just recently got an actual SAK - but lost it on dartmoor while on exercise.
got me a new one a month or so ago.
its a damn good knife - wouldn't be without it.
andy
Had one as a kid, but stopped using them, there usless when the hands get cold
Small ones I had for ages have been retired now with wear. This new Champ is with me all the time. I like it.
Here are mine:
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/l2lku/Victorinox%20SAK/DSC_0319resize90-1.jpg
Top Row
One Handed Trekker
Victorinox Champion with Chisel Swiss Army Knife
Middle (ish) Row
Farmer x 3 (Blue Alox)
Bantam (Red Plastic) - has Bantam tools but without toothpick & tweezers - has a VW corporate logo on the other side
Cadet (Red Alox)
Farmer x 2 (Red Alox) with split-ring
SwissTool Spirit
One Handed Trekker
Bottom (ish) Row
Pioneer (Black Alox)
Pioneer Harvester x 3 (Silver Alox) without split-ring
Secretary (Silver Alox smooth)
Farmer x 2 (Silver Alox) with split-ring
Evolution 81 (a gift not a purchase)
Matt Weir
18-02-2010, 01:41
As stated I always have my Camper in my pocket but recently I was in Go Outdoors at the Wigan store and they had in the sale the Vicky Swisstool reduced from £47 to £20 (all locking so actually illegal but actually very practical) and it has been worth it's weight.
Tye Possum
19-02-2010, 06:35
l2lku, that's a nice collection you've got there. I was going to get a blue Farmer but got a silver one intead because it was the only colour available on the website I was already ordering from, seeing yours I think I'd have preferred the blue but it's still a great knife either way.
I'm also thinking of getting a one handed trekker and a black alox pioneer so it's nice to see some real pictures of them.
I have got a Victorinox Fieldmaster, I think the Philips screwdriver is more useful than a corkscrew.:p
A few years back I bought a Leatherman Wave, to replace it, but I still like to use my Victorinox.( the scissors are far better on my SAK)
http://www.discountcutlery.net/media/VN-53931.jpg
Sharpning
What is the best way to sharpen it?
I tried a few different things, but haven't found something that works good.:o
Cheers,
Jasper
I've had a sak in my coat pocket for the best part of 20 years, currently and aging camping. Used the corkscrew and bottle opener a lot in my late teens :) and the saw has always been fantastic.
My wife bought me a Leatherman Squirt P4 for my birthday 6 years ago and it never leaves my side now. Everything you need to do little jobs where ever you are. Except on a flight to the US I guess :pokenest:
I had a basic one when I was about 13. It had two blades, scissors, flat large screwdriver/bottle opener/wire reamer, can opener/smal flathead screwdriver, Corkscrew and tool for scraping pipes clean or picking boy scouts out of horses hooves. After that I bought a mini screwdriver that fitted into the corkscrew, but they never had them when I got it same with the tweezers and toothpick.
Later on I always wanted the swiss champ but couldn't justify it. So one day I went into a shop that had agood range to get it and ended up waling out with a cybertool jelly model. Glad it did as the tools in it have seen more use than any other SAK tool I have ever used except perhaps the scissors. I use the hex screwdrivers in preference to my stanley screwdrivers as I think they work better in tight spaces. I now keep the cybertool SAK at home and the old one is in my bag to take to work.
My old SAK was my pride and joy until I showed it to some kid who handed it back to me proudly saying that he had fixed the scissors. I opened them up to find out the complete ****** had straightened the spring! I mean why would you think the return spring would need to be straight so that it doesn't fit into the body of the knife when folded. Some people ehh?!!!
Another thing, because the old SAK was on older model the replacement springs you can get in different sizes don't fit this one.
JonathanD
25-02-2010, 18:24
Never owned one, never will. When I need a knife, I use a knife. When I need a corkscrew, I use a corkscrew. When I need a screwdriver, I use a screwdriver... there's a certain pattern forming there.
But what happens when you need a SAK :D
A.Gronow
12-03-2010, 17:11
My Dad bought me one for my 16th birthday.
27 yrs later and it's still going strong.
As of this morning I have to change my vote from no to yes. I have just taken delivery of a shiny black hiker destined to be my edc.:D
Z
My Dad bought me one for my 16th birthday.
27 yrs later and it's still going strong.
i too,have still one early victorinox,it wasnt my first but it was first with more than two blades.I got in age of ten and im 34 now.It has scissors,saw/file,openers,two blades etc.6 layers.
Everything Mac
02-04-2010, 15:19
I wander how many people who voted "No" now have one?
I love mine - one of the sharpest knives I own and its a cracker. :D
Andy
I voted no, but now I have about a dozen, including a tiny one that I keep on my key ring
Had one in my pocket for 33 years,was given my first when i was 11
Andrew
Bugger I've lost my favourite one, alloy soldier! I think.
It might be in the loft amongst the 110 rolls of insulation.
Last week I found a very small one with 1 blade and 1 nail file and scissors, also a red LED light and tweezers.
Gave it to SHMBO.
think i voted no, and now have 3...
SouthernCross
03-04-2010, 10:28
Since I don't own one :eek: , I voted no :D
Kind regards
Mick
In my case, I used my SAK for ages and it was my only tool. But one day, when I was opening parcels in hurry with it - it badly cut my fingers. This is the point where I started thinking about getting some sort of solid fixed blades.
I ended up getting about 20 of them. Eventually I will sell them back leaving about 1 or 2 which suit me best.
SAK's OK for light jobs around house but I wouldn't use its blade for anything more than opening letters or sharpening pencils.
i have almost enough saks, lets say i could carry a different one every day for almost two months without repeating
anyway i still need a few more, i need em because, errrr, something, but i really need em :-D
I have a few, i just had one of these (http://www.swiss-army-knife-wenger.co.uk/swiss_army_nail_clip_st_wenger .html) given to me (love the nail clippers!!)
My oldest i guess is these two, assuming that they count as SAK's...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/johnbaz/sharps/ak01.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/johnbaz/sharps/ak08.jpg
I'll take some pics of them tomozz (have to be up in four and a half hours for work:( )
John:)
Have had 10 or so over the years. Current pocket holds this one:
http://tinyurl.com/yajfrqd
last year i got my boy his first tinker!
Pepperana
16-04-2010, 11:56
I have a SAK and a Officer.
Always good to have! And always good to give.
I just found three more out (there are still a couple somewhere in the house:confused: )
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/johnbaz/sharps/asak1.jpg
I didn't notice before what was on the li'l white one:o:o:o
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/johnbaz/sharps/asak2.jpg
goodjob
John:)
Just added another to my list.
At my local boot market I picked up an Victorinox Huntsman for princely sum of (wait for it):lmao: £1.50.
I left behind a nice collection of other knives, when I got home I mentioned to SHMBO there was a nice pearl handled pocket knife that needed cleaning up.
What! you didn't get it for me she said, being a nice chap and all,:o I went back and got it for her, also a single bladed stag handled one that needs a clean.
Oh and those cost me, yep you guessed it £1.50 for the two.
Whilst I was there I decided that I need yet another small axe GEM #2 , this time I bartered as two pounds is a lot of money. So saving myself 50 pence, I came home on the day with three good knives and a hatchet for £4.50.
snelgrave101
25-05-2010, 21:44
i have a Champ and an Executive with old style orange peeler i never leave the house without my champ its a braw tool to have.
snelgrave101
25-05-2010, 23:17
got a champ and an executive .
jonnie drake
13-06-2010, 20:07
im an ex-sak owner... have had bad experiences in the past especially whilst using the saw blade.
Vildmannen
27-06-2010, 22:07
I have had a few growing up, but like so many others i turned to the MT once Victorinox released their take on it, actually it was a gift from an ex girlfriends father, great guy he was...
But a few years back I kind of returned to the old standard SAK with a Rucksack model soon followed by a Sentinel and a Pioneer and a Farmer and a Classic...
The first Pioneer was lost to Airport security but was quickly replaced.
I found that though I seldom used the corkscrew on the Rucksak for it's intended purpose, I found it very usefull for hanging my backpack from the closed knife from any old tree nearby.
But as of right now I only seem to use the Pioneer as EDC and switch to the Farmer for when I head for the woods or kayaking.
The Classic is in my keys and gets carried every day.
The Sentinel was more because I was curious about the liner lock.
phaserrifle
01-07-2010, 17:23
I used a cheapy copy for a while, but the joints loosened up to the point where I could open the blade by holding the knife vertical. then I used my leatherman clone, which is still going. when that needs replacing I'm looking at getting a proper SAK (either vitrinox or wenger)
I ended up replacing my leatherman-alike with a proper leatherman, which is still going strong.
but, not 10 minuits ago, I ordered myself a victorinox huntsman from amazon, to take out with me to peru this summer. I'm figuring if the customs guys or baggage handlers get light fingered, I'm out £20 odd quids worth of knife, rather than £60 odd.
of course, there's allways the possibility I like it so much it replaces the leatherman when (if) it gets home, or even becomes an EDC item :yikes:
naefearjustbeer
01-07-2010, 23:47
I recently got a new SAK as I noticed all my other blades are either locked or are fixed and after browsing this and other forums I decided I had to get something legal to carry in my pocket. I have probably carried a knife of some sort most days of my life since I was about 10 years old. From various hobbies and work all require a blade of some sorts. I never really gave it much thought until recently my leatherman wave was in my pocket or bag pretty much every where I went apart from the pub!
Westnorfolk
03-07-2010, 11:29
I have recently got my first sak, my father was worried about me walking around norwich with an opinel 8 so he bought me a victorinox farmer. I have to say i am chuffed to bits with it, i have never been hard on knives working more in whittling way rather than hacking at it, so the non locking blades are fine. for working around my small holding i still use my stu barker sheeps foot, trevor ablet folder and i have just "accidentally" bought a voctorinox hiker. i can see what people mean by sak addiction.
Saks fly my roflcopter. They are so bad, which is why I (and everyone else) uses a leatherman
I use both, can't justify a Leatherman in town...
I use both, can't justify a Leatherman in town...
You can saw off the locking mechanism.
ProjeKtWEREWOLF
06-08-2010, 13:51
I have a Vic Officer. Came free with my 3D Maglite & Solitaire. It's ok. I like that I can carry it where my Leatherman can't go.
Arizroughrider
06-08-2010, 18:41
I have the Rucksack model with a locking blade.
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Product.aspx?category=outdoor&product=53661
leealanr
06-08-2010, 22:17
Original design Swiss Champ (no pliers) carried for nearly thrity years as my work EDC.
Bought for me a long time ago, in Switzerland while on holiday by my then girlfriend. She is long gone, the knife is not!
Alan L.
would not be with out mine i have the old huntsman no hook had it for 23 years been every were with me
I"ve had mine in my pocket daily for 14 years now I believe it has been. I don't remember what type it is but it's like the Spartan except it doesn't have the toothpick and tweezers.
I have the swiss champ, which I hardly ever use, its too bulky...........
Would you like to lighten your load lol looking for a champ if possible
have about 10 or more of them at the moment, I use them for fishing, and sometimes EDC. But I prefer a Opinel because of the carbon steel and locking ring.
I carry a SAK Soldier (Original not new model) every day, one very handy knife and its UK legal carry.
I have carried a SAK since I was about ten or so.I still have the Butler (i think it was called) but usually now carry a Manager.What a superb,but tiny knife that has proven to be over the last 12 or so years.Barely a day goes by when I don't use it.It has become second nature to reach into my pocket for it.Fantastic.
I have a Spartan and it has proved useful I love it. How often should I sharpen it ?
soulstar1963
31-08-2010, 09:43
i bought my first a few days ago ......from what little ive managed to find out about the model it may be an early spartan ? i dont know..........it has a large and small blade a bottle opener with a small screwdriver.....a can opener with a larger screwdriver .....a corkscrew ( 4 turns and grooved ) and an awl without a hole in it....from what i have been able to find out on the net it may have been made mid 80s ...but then again i could be way out.....on the large blade it has officier suisse on one side and victorinox on the other .....oh and NO tweezers, if anyone can help me identify the model id be grateful
redandshane
31-08-2010, 22:04
As some of you know I collect Saks
Most recent purchase being a new Alox Farmer in New York
I paid over the odds but hey its got a story and I love it
budgetbus
02-09-2010, 21:22
I was for a long time, but few ten years not, until last night, whilst doing my asda shop at 3AM (i dont sleep much) i saw they had cheapo SAK looking thinks in the diy section....for £2.50, so i thought what the hell lets splash out.
When i got in, i inspected the item...you know what ? its very good, the tools are the standard things, it has one main blade that only took a few minutes to get a very sharp edge on...its definitely worth keeping in my glove box.
Laurentius
04-09-2010, 00:12
Saks fly my roflcopter. They are so bad, which is why I (and everyone else) uses a leatherman
Well if they would just make a leatherperson (being PC here) with the awl and the saw from an SAK and a tin opener that actually did, I might agree. Leatherman for pliers, but then a pair of pliers for pliers, I do think the SAK saw takes some beating.
Saks fly my roflcopter. They are so bad, which is why I (and everyone else) uses a leatherman
except for the 940 people that voted yes here!:D
Ah, those 940 people own SAKs but they don't say they use them....
naefearjustbeer
04-09-2010, 10:26
My one gets used regularly.... I am one of those 940 people. I also have a Leatherman and I also use it it. the difference is I can legally carry my SAK on my keyring every day.
I legally carry my Leatherman every day.
;)
naefearjustbeer
04-09-2010, 18:50
Is that a small non locking model or are you lucky enough to have a job that requires you to carry?
Out of interest, any else use a leather man PST? Wifey gave me mine around 2003, i don't think it's left my belt since, might need a new pouch soon, best i learn leather stuff.
Is that a small non locking model
It's a Juice. Plenty big enough for anything you'd want to use a multitool for.
Extreme Pilgrim
05-09-2010, 01:44
Never owned a SAK. I have only ever had Gerber's and Leatherman's.
bmartin1uk
16-09-2010, 15:18
After losing my second Swiss Army knife last year, i gave up on them. Obviously i'm not blaming Victorinox for my clumsiness, but i am a true believer that some things are too good for some people, and its quite clear a Swiss Army knife is something i am destined to always lose. So now i have a day-glo orange Mora.....after losing my forest green coloured Mora in?? yes you guest it.....
Perhaps in fact, i shouldn't be allowed to own anything nice ;o)
I have a Tinker and it gets used daily, broke my gerber multi-tool and my leatherman has locking blades so it's not edc :)
Hi
I love SAK's !
A blue aloy Classic is on my keyring every day, and the Farmer is a part of my outdoor equipment.
Together with a 4' homemade fixed blade knife and a Gränsfors Wildlife hatchet it makes a perfect combo going to the Scandinavian woods.
In the woods especially the Awl, the Can opener, the Saw and the back of the saw, used to throw sparks from a firesteel, is usefull:)
On one day trips i use a Rucksack for everything from cutting bread to starting a fire!
Malte
I have one, and I love it.
When I need a knife, I use the SAK's knife. When I need a corkscrew, I use the SAK's corkscrew. When I need a screwdriver, I use the SAK's screwdriver... there's a certain pattern forming there.
I sharpen it occasionally, for instance before a camping trip.
Luke_Sorensen
17-10-2010, 03:45
I have one and love it use it all the time
also have the forester feels good in the hand when using it
I sharpen it occasionally, for instance before a camping trip.Do I know you? :D
I have owned loads of SAK's over the years, currently I still have a forester and a spartan. I must admit to using leathermans a lot though as I have a PST, Juice XE6, Wave and a Surge.
Currently got a huntsman. Used to own the Swiss champ but sold that on as it was a bit bulky. Wouldn't mind the Outrider model though, comfier grip that the standard rounded models.
wabbiter
16-11-2010, 01:11
Yes I carry a SAK
The model is the one shown below
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g7KcbMxmLEU/Rwnqas3SQUI/AAAAAAAAB3c/jzM8n3aQhOo/s400/swiss+army+knife.gif
I aquired it when I was a countryside ranger, there was a demo of a swiss lawnmower at work by a company called "BUCHER" that specialised in heavy duty reciprocating mowers...... http://www.groundcaremachinery.co.uk/images/cutter100/1.jpg
At the end of the demo we all got the above SAK and it has the word "BUCHER" inlaid into the handle. That was 15 years back and it's still used almost every day :-)
what model is this...................
what model is this...................
It looks very much like the Spartan, however this model doesn't appear to have the toothpick and the tweezers (not that it really matters).
Do I know you? :D
I must be your evil twin from a parallel universe :D
what model is this...................
It looks a bit like the Wenger Classic 07 (see http://www.wenger.ch/classic-07-1-007-009-000 )
Oarsnpaddle
18-11-2010, 23:09
Had several until fifteen years ago (had different ones since I was 8 or so), but I realised that I just didn't like them. I switched to one of those big ones, I think it was a Victorinox"Swiss tool", but for ten years that has been in my tool box in the house. I use it as a a set of pliers and wirecutters, but nothing else.
I now use a full tang homemade knife for camping and an Ohta friction folder for everything else. It's enough knife for most ordindary uses and it looks pretty ( the friction folder, that is. The other, well it looks homemade, lol).
ProjeKtWEREWOLF
19-11-2010, 09:46
Out of interest, any else use a leather man PST? Wifey gave me mine around 2003, i don't think it's left my belt since, might need a new pouch soon, best i learn leather stuff.
I'm getting nervous carrying my LM Charge TTi so I'm going to be buying a PS4 I reckon.....The coppers round here are just plain daft and have no common sense so I want something less risky to my livelihood and personal freedom. Stupid misinterpretation of the law.....
I love apples, if I did not cut slices off with my SAK they would break my NHS teeth. :lmao: