View Full Version : which SAK?
Scuba Pete
07-08-2006, 12:30
I was just browsing on the site and I noticed a thread about SAK. I have not had one in years, since I was a boy.(Prolly a knock off version, heh)
I have a leatherman, which is a good tool but I like the idea of SAK for everyday use/camping/bushcraft.
I never knew they many so many types, its amazing. I can see all the tools would be useful, but I cant have them all.
Which would you recommend? I know this is a bit open ended, but in your experience which ones are of the greatest use.
Thanks
Pete
Bjorn Victor
07-08-2006, 12:40
Hello Peter,
I have one with 2 blades, wood saw, scissors, bottle opener and can opener. The other side is a sort of spike, a hook and a cork screw.
I do not know the exact name of the model, but it covers all my needs, it is about as thick as it is high, so it feels very nice in my hands. Some knives with more tools are wider and feel a bit awkward when you work with them.
It is not the longer blade version (the big blade does not lock). This is a good thing for me because now the knife fits nicely in the little coin pocket inside my right jeans pocket.
Hope this helps.
SAK's are still the best tools you can get for the money.
Bjorn
EDIT:
I found it: it is the huntsman.
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Product.htm?category=sportsand leisure&product=53201&
Swiss Army Knife useful tools
Depends on what the task is what tool I need. Mine has just 6 tools I think. I miss a saw blade but otherwise 2 blades, screw driver, can openner and perforating tool go a long way.
Any interesting/ unconventional uses anyone?
Danceswithhelicopters
07-08-2006, 12:45
My vote is for the large Victorinox ones. The type with the sculpted handles and the longer locking main blade. The Old Bundeswehr and new Bundeswehr types are great but they don't have a cork screw, which if you like a bottle of red can be a disadvantage :D
A Mauser Victorinox is also a bit of a classic.
As for the smaller ones I like the Wengers with the locking blade as a safety feature.
scoops_uk
07-08-2006, 12:45
Oooh can of worms!!!
Victorinox or Wenger???
I have a Victorinox Hunter and a discontinued Wenger (like a classic 14 but with a woodsaw as well)
They are both great carry the Wenger day to day as the Victorinox locks and over 3.5".
Scoops
MartiniDave
07-08-2006, 12:51
Bjorn's knife is a model called the Huntsman - one of my personal favourites, along with the Camper, which lacks scissors and hook.
Our friends across the pond rave about the Farmer, which is a good knife, basically the issue Soldier with a woodsaw, but is hard to find over here, I have one and it is very good, but having anodised aluminium scales it lacks the toothpick and tweezers of the regular plastic handles, it also does not have the corckscrew I often find useful! :o
Generally I prefer a model with the saw, as the back of the saw work wonderfully with a firesteel, as long as you hold the sawblade carefully and firmly.
I think for the price SAK's represent great value for money and are still quite "sheeple" friendly.
One warning - they CAN be addictive, I have well over 20, try following the link in my sig.
Dave
Scuba Pete
07-08-2006, 12:54
I am just looking now. I wanted one that did not lock, so I dont get grief about carring it in public.
My leatherman is great, I used it everyday at work and it is always on my belt. Its one of the orginal ones. However it does not have a woodsaw, which would be handy. Also its not really compfy for cutting. I carved a spoon the otherday at work, and my hand hurt alot after, hehe.
Pete
i am thinking of buying the huntsman
leon
steven andrews
07-08-2006, 13:51
If you want a saw the Farmer is good.
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/7920/farmerpu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
For everyday use I like the Bantam. It is very compact and has features that I find handy. The toothpick and tweezers get used a lot - it's a shame that the Alox models don't have them.
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8464/bantamlk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The Lumberjack is a Bantam with the addition of a saw. I bought this one for my daughter:
http://img417.imageshack.us/img417/7946/lumberjackcz7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I am just looking now. I wanted one that did not lock, so I dont get grief about carring it in public.
My leatherman is great, I used it everyday at work and it is always on my belt. Its one of the orginal ones. However it does not have a woodsaw, which would be handy. Also its not really compfy for cutting. I carved a spoon the otherday at work, and my hand hurt alot after, hehe.
Pete
Since you alreaday have the LM on your hip, I'm assuming you want something for pocket carry, so not too big. My top three choices would be the camper, hiker, and harvester. All of these will give you the saw and the alox harvester has a very useful awl because it comes at the end. I like it better than the LM awl. If you want to go a bit bigger, then the Huntsman.
I think the thing to do is try to complement your LM as much as you can, although a little duplication won't hurt. :)
jdlenton
07-08-2006, 14:47
I carry a huntsman as my edc it has just about everything i need on it isn't too big and didn't break the bank great little piece of kit when i'm out bushcrafting it lives in my possibles pouch too
Ogri the trog
07-08-2006, 15:18
I carry a huntsman as my edc ....
Hi James,
Hope you don't mind me asking, how does the locking large blade sit on your consience? I carry one of either Leatherman, Gerber or Swisstool as edc, all of which have locking blades but I'm looking for something more sheeple friendly - though it's not easy with hands as big as hams! And I've got a huge pouch to fill ;)
I've never had trouble in the past but that only goes to shorten the odds of being "found in possesion" in the future
ATB
Ogri the trog
jdlenton
07-08-2006, 15:34
not a problem with asking ogri:)
this (http://www.swissknifeshop.co.uk/victorinox_huntsman.html) is the sak i carry and its not locking so no problem i work in a school too so i need to be very careful
when I'm in school it lives in my bag under my desk in a locked office and only sees the light of day when i require it in my job role on the way to and from work i have it to use no problem
Ogri the trog
07-08-2006, 15:47
Well that clears things up a bit,
I thought you were on about the other huntsman.
Thanks for the prompt reply
ATB
Ogri the trog
PS just realised that the bigger version is called the Hunter, not Huntsman :(
anthonyyy
07-08-2006, 15:49
i like the huntsman. It has a saw and is not too big. Ive stopped carying my fat knife.
I carried a Bantam as my EDC for a while, but I kept having problems with the combination can/bottle opener. As good as it is, the combi tool isn't quite the same as the two individual tools.
At the moment my EDC is the Driver (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C% 3Eprd_id=845524441774455&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=25343743 02696789&bmUID=1154962579408) model. It's perfect!
I bought this (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C% 3Eprd_id=845524441932401&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=25343743 02696789) at Christmas time but ended giving it to my Father because he couldn't stop talking about it. Personally, I think the Compact is most perfect SAK in existance.....as long as you're a climber. If you're a bushcrafter, it won't do you any damn good when you're out there.
I've got one of these...
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C% 3Eprd_id=845524441931689&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=25343743 02696789&bmUID=1154964849204
Weighs a ton (almost), and I wouldn't buy it now, as it's a bit big. However, I love it and carry it almost every day. It's been very useful in the woods, as well as the office. I think it gets used at least twice a week. I have a little belt pouch to carry it in.
However, I must say that I've met no one who has a problem with it. Some think I'm trying to be a cub scout, but on the whole it only ever comes out when it's needed, so mostly people are just pleased I've got it. A very handy bit of kit!
jdlenton
07-08-2006, 16:45
I've got one of these...
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C% 3Eprd_id=845524441931689&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=25343743 02696789&bmUID=1154964849204
Weighs a ton (almost), and I wouldn't buy it now, as it's a bit big. However, I love it and carry it almost every day. It's been very useful in the woods, as well as the office. I think it gets used at least twice a week. I have a little belt pouch to carry it in.
However, I must say that I've met no one who has a problem with it. Some think I'm trying to be a cub scout, but on the whole it only ever comes out when it's needed, so mostly people are just pleased I've got it. A very handy bit of kit!
oow a champ my dad had one of these when i was a boy (he's still got it i think) i wanted that knife so much :o
oow a champ my dad had one of these when i was a boy (he's still got it i think) i wanted that knife so much :o
I bought one when I was in Geneva in 87 for a conference, it came with the little pouch and sharpening rod etc. It's a bit big for everyday carry so it lives in my treasures box now.
My Dad had one too and I've inherited it, so now I have two. (Actually I'd rather still have my Dad)
Beech Nut
07-08-2006, 17:10
I have on of these.
Victornox Swiss Tool (http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Product.htm?category=swisstool&product=53946&)
I much prefer it to any of the leatherman/gerber tools. Just seems to be put together much better.
Jon
i said i was going to buy the huntsman but today i saw the climber and bought that i bought it from millets and it is in my pocket rigt now, just thought i would tell you that i am already pleased with this knife the only think i am disipointed about is that the keyring loop makes getting te hook out rather hard
very inmpressed so far
leon
British Red
07-08-2006, 18:41
Nice one Leon - everyone should have a SAK! I thought of you the other day mate - have you read "The Dangerous Book for Boys" yet? I only have a daughter (and shes older than you) - so I had to buy it for myself :)
Red
redcollective
07-08-2006, 19:04
I carry a huntsman as my edc it has just about everything i need on it isn't too big and didn't break the bank great little piece of kit when i'm out bushcrafting it lives in my possibles pouch too
Another vote for the Huntsman - I have a camo version. The saw works!
However toothpick and tweezers completely superfluous I reckon.
Nice one Leon - everyone should have a SAK! I thought of you the other day mate - have you read "The Dangerous Book for Boys" yet? I only have a daughter (and shes older than you) - so I had to buy it for myself :)
Red
no red i havent read that book but i have heard of it, another thing i did in town was reserve 3 ray mears books from the library, essensial bushcraft and two others but i cant remember the names lol
leon
I'd backup the farmer; just look on e-bay I got mine for less than 20 quid. I wanted it for the saw and awl. The blade is nice but an unusual shape - the sides are not parrallel it is more sort of a very subtle leaf blade. The awl is also unusual and I'm tempted to sharpen the sort of chisel ground edge on it a bit more.
It's robust and light and cheap.
The blade is nice but an unusual shape - the sides are not parrallel it is more sort of a very subtle leaf blade.
:dunno: I haven't a clue as to what you mean. I have a half dozen or more of the SAKs in the alox series and they all have a normal blade as the main blade. So you've lost me. :confused:
British Red
07-08-2006, 21:20
Leon,
Get it on order from the Library mate (you do the the library will get any book you want?)! Its the sort of thing that anyone that grew up on "The famous five" just can't resist - everything from making a tree house to skinning a rabbit - an "lashings and lashings of ginger beer" :). You Dad will love it and be making catapults (it has a design for them too) with you before you know whats happening!
Red
yes i think i might order that book from the library, this saturday we are leavin to go for cornwall for two weeks as soon as i get back i will go to the library
leon
Can,t see past the Forester.I,ve got the Huntsman, Spartan, Motorist, Electrician and many more.Another knife to consider is the Outrider,these locking SAK,S are the dog,s .fil
2blackcat
07-08-2006, 22:07
Had my Huntsmen for years
Gone through short phases without it (carried a Wave for two years instead or as well) but have gone back to it for the last six months or so
Always in my pocket nowadays
richardnhunt
07-08-2006, 22:22
Waiter for me - small, easy to carry and with bottle opener and corkscrew. Always welcome round a fire!!
Rich
i only had 3 in 16 year one got stolen- a champ one called a rucksack that locks and another champ as a ecd- top tools if i hav'it got it it's like loseing a arm it's fixed more plugs-flatpacks-kettles as well as bushcraft i could go on but it would take all day! the best knife you've got is the one in your pocket cos it's aways there! 24/7 can you get a new main blade fitted?? mines about had it!!
redcollective
07-08-2006, 22:58
can you get a new main blade fitted?? mines about had it!!
Try
Burton McCall Ltd
163 Parker Drive
Leicester
LE4 0JP
Tel: 0116 234 0800
wildrover
07-08-2006, 23:02
It's a ranger for me. :cool:
Look here http://www.swissknifeshop.co.uk/victorinox_ranger.html
I've had one since the late 80's(although my version doesn't have the hook thingy) and have used it for everything.
I have only recently stopped carring it because one of the scales fell off. :(
It's got every thing you would need in one compact package ( I tend to find the swiss champ etc. just too bulky for pocket carry)
Hi Scuba go for alox farmer.
You have all tools needed in bushcraft and alox in stronger than normal SAK“s.
Bye
sxmolloy
08-08-2006, 11:28
I have two SAK's, one locking and one non locking which is my EDC. The locking one is a Trailmaster the EDC a Tinker Deluxe.
http://www.minitools.co.uk/ are the people I got mine from (I have no interest with this site etc, etc...) I think they have stopped selling both models I own but have many more.
Neither of mine have the corkscrew on as I never used it on previous models. E-bay also knock lots and lots of these out. IMO always go for the VICTORINOX brand.... ATB Stu
nitram55
08-08-2006, 12:37
I vote for the Huntsman, all the tools you need for bushcraft and a nice legal every day carry.
Martin
I think I'd probably go for the Farmer myself - I quite like the Alox handles, and the addition of the saw is useful. I've got a couple of different SAKs knocking about; used to carry a SwissChamp everywhere, but got fed up with the attention it attracted. Too bulky. Camper could be a good compromise?
Just bought a Waiter off jnfgambler24-7 on EBay for the princely sum of £3.50 + shipping... Very, very fast. Wanted a bench knife for general abuse & didn't want to pay top whack for it (and the corkscrew may come in handy too).
Hoodoo, I was trying to say that the cutting and back edges are not parrallel through the main part of the blade. The blade widens towards the place when it curves into the tip. If that makes sense.
It is probably the same on all SAKs but as my other ones are smaller of knock-offs I'd never noticed it before.
It's effective though as my finger has only just healed up after cutting it with last week.
A good question, Pete. I have to say that (like Faca. Sam, Espy and Martinidave) the alox handled Farmer is my choice. It is the same as the military issued Soldier but has a woodsaw. The blade is thicker than the standard red plastic SAKs. The woodsaw works well and is a useful tool. The awl is an awesome tool that drills neat holes in most things.The alox handles are, IMHO, more robust than plastic. It is still an obviously non threatening swiss army penknife.They are readily available from US dealers on ebay, and with the exchange rate at nearly two bucks to the quid, it will be cheaper than buying in the UK high street.
Having said that, it does not have a Phillips screwdiver, scissors or a corkscrew, all of which I think are very handy in town.
just to put the cat amongst the pigeons - what about a British army knife. Got a 1953 one and the SAK has not left the house since (except when I want a corkscrew). Great knives - check ebay for one.
Mind you that is in part because the blade on the Mauser knife is about 3.5 inches, so on the legal boarder.
Scuba Pete
09-08-2006, 13:32
You have given me alot to think about. I had no idea there was so much to SAK. You learn something new everyday.
The huntsman, ranger, farmer all look good. I like the idea of extra strength thou.
Is there a downside to the ranger?
Hmm, I will keep looking. I am interested to see there quaity. I think the one I had as a boy was a fake.
Hoodoo, I was trying to say that the cutting and back edges are not parrallel through the main part of the blade. The blade widens towards the place when it curves into the tip. If that makes sense.
It is probably the same on all SAKs but as my other ones are smaller of knock-offs I'd never noticed it before.
It's effective though as my finger has only just healed up after cutting it with last week.
Ah, yes! I see what you're saying. That is normal for SAKs. :)
If you go for the Farmer then it will only be about £16 delivered from an American ebay trader, eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Victorinox-Farmer-Swiss-Army-Knife-Low-Shipping-53964_W0QQitemZ290009338499QQi hZ019QQcategoryZ63801QQssPageN ameZWD2VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Bushcraft often involves fire and insect repellent (DEET). Both melt the plastic handles - I would either go for an alox model or even considering rehandling aplastic model with wood. There is a company that does personalised wooden scales for red handled SAKs and they are an easy retro-fit. Pricey though. Some of the guys on BB have rehandled with wood themselves but it's beyond my skill level.
http://www.strassburgerweb.com/victorinox/customhandles/
Hoodoo,
The tip widening is a spear point, right? And what purpose does it serve?
Doc,
I read once on bladeforums that the nylon scaled Eurosport (economy) series are a little more DEET resistant than the cellidor ones. I also discovered that the rubber handles on my Clipper don't particularly care for insect repellent.
Hoodoo,
The tip widening is a spear point, right? And what purpose does it serve?
I don't think so. I believe traditionally it's called a spear just based on the oval shape of the blade tip and the generally cental location of the point, whether the blade widens distally or not. If the blade had a spine parallel to the edge, it would still be called a spear point.
As for the purpose of the widening, it gives you a little more surface area for spreading peanut butter. :D
My vote is for the Compact: blade, can/bottle opener, scissors, corkscrew, tweezers, pen, pin, tiny screwdriver, toothpick and parcel hook.
It's got everything I would want day-to-day and few unused extras. If I could only change one thing I would swap the parcel hook for an awl. Does anyone even use a parcel hook these days?
I've found the scissors, tweezers and pin to be just as essential as the blade. I use them frequently for first aid, dealing with splinters and blisters.
Also its legal, nice and light, and easy on the wallet.
Regards
Rat
The parcel hook is great for tightening up frozen boot laces when it's twenty below zero and your hands are so cold that you can't do up the zipper on your parka.
And Hoodoo, c'mon man, give those Swiss guys a little more credit than that! Peanut butter? Plastic handles? Soft blade? If the SAK has been up Annapurna with Bonnington, used by NASA in space, been to the South Pole and even used to cut people free from car safety belts in emergencies, something tells me that they might just be on to something! :joke: :lmao:
Adam
I have ordered a Rucksack model. I thought about the forester because it looks better but i am going to rehandle in lignum vitae to match the rest of my knives :togo:
wildrover
09-08-2006, 21:54
You have given me alot to think about. I had no idea there was so much to SAK. You learn something new everyday.
The huntsman, ranger, farmer all look good. I like the idea of extra strength thou.
Is there a downside to the ranger?
Hmm, I will keep looking. I am interested to see there quaity. I think the one I had as a boy was a fake.
The only possible downside to the ranger might be the plastic handlescales as opposed to the allox scales.Though to be honest I've had mine for over 15 years and used it almost daily and it has only just lost a scale (which I will epoxy back on when I get a chance).
Ive never felt the need of a phillips screwdriver (you can take most screws out with a flat head ).
And possibly more importantly in addition to all the other useful features it has both a bottle opener and a corkscrew :D
Other than that it really is a perfect (legal) edc IMHO