I really like the looks of the Victorinox Swissflame/Campflame knives, which, as well as the built-in butane lighter, seem to have a very practical selection of tools.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to be available in the US yet- probably fears of litigation are behind that, as with most things we don't get over here.

I have an old Vic Champion.I don't think these are made any more.They are like the Swiss Champ with out the mini pliers. On one side I epoxied the rod from a BSA Hot Spark into a groove I made with a Dremel tool.This works quite well but does detract slightly from looks.

I had an idea for a new SAK afew years ago...

How about a pair of knives... one general version like an explorer with all the daily need items, and then a companion knife with all the additional tools you don't need daily, such as the saw, spark rod, pliers, locking belt cutter, etc... add this knife when you head into the bush. Maybe even make them lock together or in two colors to easily tell them apart... just a thought.

That idea is appealing. I have a SAK with damaged scales. I also scavanged some components from an old BIC lighter. That looks like an opportunity to give it a try. I´ll post on that topic when I manage to make it work.

If I were to let my imagination run wild, I would try to hollow out the scales to allow for needle(s) and thread. Also, I would replace the corkscrew and eyeglass screwdriver insert with a flint and striker combination. The striker could still be unscrewed from the flint, which would be hollow. Personally, I like replacing the toothpick and usless tweezers with an LED and a retractable pen, and would do so here.

Max : You might try modifying one of those sparkers used with Coleman lanterns (~ $3). They are constructed of brass and allow easy replacement of the flints.

Max, you are reading my mind... I look forward to seeing this / reading your opinion afterwards.

Tom

I have just joined and would like to say how great and educational this forum is! -- Now I have a thought on the ETS SAK, what about taking a SAK huntsman or similar knife with the essentially useless corckscrew, removing it alltogeather(per hack saw or the like) and replacing it with a freocium/flint rod epoxied in it's place? Any thoughts?

--Thanks for letting me join in the fun!

I just thought of this. Most SAKs and multitools are designed with outdoorsman in mind. now I know that most of use them for something else, but why have they never put a map scale on a blade? They put a ruler on the fish scaler (??) which is only three inches max, but why not a 1:24 on one side and a 1:67 on the other, or a militry version with 1:50 and 1:250 or something like that on the other? The rulers arent that easy to use except for rough guesses, but even a three inch blade with a mapscale on it would be invaluable if you lost your compass, or all you had was a "wrist rocket".

Any thoughts?

Garrett

citizen.
Welcome to the forum! there are some really knowledable people on this forum, so ask questions and join in on the discussions.


Questions for the Blade-Obsessed - this thread discusses the use and functions of the SAK corkscrew and trying to add a fire-starting tool.