Although it has no locking blade the SAK Farmer is one popular knife with many folks interested in survival in the woods.
Amazon has red Farmers for $19.99! I just got a couple.
I just thought I would let the ETSers know about it. It may be a limited offer time wise.
Bill

That is my favorite SAK... don't have one in red though

People familiar with the "normal" nylon-handled SAK might be interested to know that these knives are at least twice as strong (blade, handle, tools, etc.). The spring is a lot stronger too, so it holds the tools in place quite well (even though it doesn't lock). The flat screwdriver is an excellent pry bar, and the awl makes drill-perfect holes. Being so heavy duty, they can tackle a lot of real-life work.

I used to carry one all the time (without the saw). However, nowadays I carry a Leatherman and a thin, sharp locking folder. I prefer a single locking blade for "crud" work.

On the plus side, though, a Swiss Army knife is not generally perceived as a weapon. That could make it acceptable carry in a wider range of situations.

I am actually tempted to try a customization. I was thinking of removing the rivets, taking it apart and then rebuilding it without the can upener and bottle opener. This would give me a very thin SAK with saw, knife and awl. Just an idea.
I wonder what I could use to replace the rivets? Perhaps some small bolts like other knives have.
Any thoughts on this? Flame away.
On second thought maybe Doug walkabout is right about the bottle opener being a good pry bar.
Bill

I think Vic made a 2 layer SAK with the same blade and saw as the farmer, with alox scales. I believe it was called the "Woodsman". Tim Felinevet might be able to get you one.

Thought I'd also mention that the can opener does a passable job on phillips-head screws.

But yeah, with the addition of the saw, it becomes a pretty fat package for a pocket. More comfortable in a small belt pouch.

The mod is an interesting idea. If you were careful during disassembly, you could probably leave the existing rivets in place (along with the other tools and springs). File them down a bit and carefully re-rivet the ends with a ball pien hammer. Not too tight of course -- go slow. You can't change your mind afterwards :-).

Hmm, The only "Woodsman" I can find has the same three-layer design, but has a marlin spike with sewing hole instead of the standard awl.

Anybody have a link for the 2-layer alox SAK with a saw?

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-F...6841&sr=8-5

That should help...

I got the Farmer with the thought of carrying it in my Mission Wallet although I knew it would be tight. Didn't fit so I went back to the single layer Pioneer Pruner. I like the Farmer though, very solid feel, thanks for the tip on the red ones. I wouldn't try to thin it down, unless you really know you're doing it will lose structural integrity which was the whole point of that construction. I like the idea of the pry bar use in this version of the SAK.

If one removed one layer why would that affect the structural integrity? I know of folks who have done this to red plastic handled SAKs without any issues.