So folks

Looking for a bit of advice.

In a nutshell, I am looking for a new swiss army knife.

I am approaching year 18 in the army. As much as I still want to be with my troops "on the floor" the truth is I find myself behind a desk these days more often that not. When I try to sneek away and help out in the vehicle bay or the workshop it isn't long before someone is coming to find me because of some email/telephone/admin crisis and drag me kicking and screaming back to my desk.

I have been carrying my old swiss army knife a lot more as a result. I must confess, I am usually a die hard multi tool guy but lately I just have no real use for it during the day. I don't need my leatherman surge to argue wirth people on a phone so it usually sits in my day bag next to my desk now while my SAK(now 25 years old) rides in my pocket.

I bought the SAK way back, and I have always used it as I back up or when a multi tool was too big for the occasion (like when just wearing light shorts or my dress uniform) I COULD keep using it, but I was kinda wanting to pass it along to a grandkid some day as a first knife. I am sure I could get another 50 years use out of this thing but I am kinda afraid of breaking or losing it now.

I have been eyeballing the alox SAK's as a replacement. I have narrowed my choices to the farmer, pioneer, cadet, electrician or the harvester. They are all excellent looking and highly similar so it has been a tough decision.

How good is the mini blade on the electrician? Is the saw any good on the farmer?

Any input is highly appreciated!

The saw is the reason to go with the Farmer. Also, the main blade on the alox models seems to be a bit more beefy. I have an SAK Farmer.

The small blade on the electrician is good. But unless you need a saw, I'd suggest the pioneer, for the small driver on the can opener. The farmer is also a little fatter in your pocket. The alox blades are slip joints, but they are tighter and more rigid then regular SAK's.

I hear the main blade is offset slightly due to the awl. This true? Does it make any difference to the performance when cutting ?

Just to complicate matters... http://www.sakmodder.com/ he does great work, get exactly what you want.

Nice! My problem is that when I find something I really like, they stop making it. This goes for SAKs as well. Maybe he can recreate my favorite one (I can't remember the name, but had a longer locking blade, a saw, and metal saw). My favorite pocket survival knife.

I will have to check into this sakmodder. For me, the ideal SAK is one with NO blades (thus, air travel friendly). I never liked the blades on SAK's in the past anyway, I always carry a separate, locking blade, bigger knife. Blades on a SAK are useless to me (and on a multi-tool as well). To me, a SAK or multi-tool supplements your knife, it doesn't replace it. Except when I'm flying on a plane, then I have to forgo the knife totally (I never check bags - always carry-on only).

I have always dreamed of some company offering a SAK you could custom create yourself - pick the exact tools you want. This sakmodder may be such a thing. I'll have to email the guy. Thanks for pointing this out!

after 20+ years of carrying around a sheath knife on canoe trips i now use a SA farmer my wife gave me.it fits into a leatherman case with a bit of cord to help pull it out.
all i really need is a good big blade. i used the awl a few times on pack straps and my belt and the saw got one real use to cut away a bit of plastic on a wobbly camp chair.
i always need screw drivers for the canoe trim.
it's a real honest knife thats not trying to be a tool box.

haertig..at the Mall Of America in Mpls there is a SAK store where they will make you a knife.the nifty tool press of some sort sits in the window.

Oh no! So many awesome choices.

My head is sure to explode trying to pick a custom SAK.

Funny thing, but I picked a new vehicle off the lot in about 2 hours but it will take me weeks to figure out this delima.

Guess I better dig out the number for knife-a-holics anonymous again....

No it does not.


My EDC is a Swiss Champ with a Farmer as my back up knife. Gives me the best bang for my buck.

Buy a Farmer. I'd you have Grandsons, or expect to have 'em, buy them one each.

i have a custom titanium-scaled Mini Champ made by sakmodder (aka: Syph007).

his quality is stunning. fantastic workmanship. first rate.

vid about it - https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ROHM_Ibv5Y?feature=player_detailpage

I have, on occasion, bought two -- or three-- brand new ones, to have a spare or two of my favorite model.

TeacherRO,that is an excelent idea.Victorinox has discontinued a favorite model.Mine was the Champion that is no longer made.

BOATMAN
John

a Farmer and a Bic on a 550 cord...

I have a Cadet as a regular part of my EDC now. Honestly, for the type of use it sees, I find its tool-set to be more than adequate for my day-to-day needs. It's also a good looking knife and fits very nicely in the pocket (noticeably better than a regular SAK).

Also, MEC stocks them ($32 currently) so you could always pick one up & give it a try with the option of returning it if it doesn't fit your needs.

bacpacboy has a SAK Camper that he adores. He even did a video review of it. Here's a link to it:

bacpacboy's SAK Camper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C7PNPqlwzY

Stu sent me a SAK Camper and I completely agree with BacPacBoy's critique of this knife. It is my work EDC knife!!!

I actually just missed out on a pair of alox pioneers on eBay for $17. Son of a .......

Denis. Thanks for the tip on MEC. Never even thought of looking there. I believe they ship free within Canada as well.

Regarding the Camper, I like this model too although my favourite outdoorsy Victorinox SAK is the Hiker; it is essentially the same as the Camper but with a Phillips screwdriver instead of the corkscrew. Personally, I find that to be a slightly more useful implement. That said, I find the Cadet to be a better urban EDC tool due to its vastly better pocketability and the relative uselessness of the saw in the city (the nail cleaner/file is also a good substitute for the second, smaller knife blade).

Actually, while I don't have the Hiker, I do have a Scouts Canada branded Wenger S13 which is basically the same as the Hiker, but with a locking main blade and a nail cleaner/file instead of the smaller blade. However, I just found out Wenger knives are no longer being made (Victorinox has deep-sixed the brand) but maybe something similar might find its way into the Victorinox lineup.

I've seen nothing but positive feedback regarding his builds. I'm going to have him put together a couple of customs for my twins; and maybe one for me too.

Just got a knife back from him. I had him add the USB section from an earlier flashdrive model to a Minichamp. +1 to the reviews.