I'm taking your very sensible advice of getting a Swiss Army Knife in Switzerland. I went to the Victorinox store, and, man oh man, do they have Swiss Army Knives! A whole floor of them! They also do custom engraving on site -- they might even assemble a custom knife for you, though I'm not sure.

First, it is true, the giant SAK (Swiss Champ) exists! If you have 422 CHF burning in your pocket, it can be yours!



Now, amongst the myriad SAKs on the wall, which one should I get?



You know what, you may think I posted this message just to gloat about my proximity to a great store, and you may even be right. But I was really a little overwhelmed by all the possibilities -- many of which really seem kind of similar to me. I already have three Leatherman tools, so I'm not sure which hole/need the SAK would fill or satisfy. So what would you do if you could buy one SAK in this store? (Yes, I know, "Just one?" Things seem to be somewhere between 50%-150% more expensive here.)

By the way, Switzerland is a lovely country. Lucky for us Americans, many people are fluent English speakers (e.g., salespeople at the Victorinox store). We really ought to learn more languages!

Don't know about your tastes/needs/preferences, but if you do not have one, I recommend the "Tinker." I have had one in my pocket for 30+ years and it has gotten near daily use for that time. It has all the basics and is small and light enough to go in a suit pants pocket. Has the following:

Large knife blade,
small knife blade,
Phillips screwdriver,
large screwdriver,
small screwdriver
Bottle opener,
can opener,
wire stripper,
reamer/punch,
tweezers,
toothpick
3 1/2 inches long

Only missing a corkscrew, but I really don't need that in the US; if in France, you may want to add that to the list. . .

See if he has one of the Champions (not the Swiss Champ) from early to mid 80's that he'll part with. That is the widest SAK I found in the 91mm format that still fit in my hand and wasn't so wide as to be unusable. I had one in my kit when I toured France (Collioure, Versailles, Paris, Saint-Lunaire) back in the late 80's and it proved very useful for opening wine in the back yard of Versaille.


BTW, totally OT and unrelated, but I was listening to complete studio version of Dire Straits "Telegraph Road" so if there are any errors blame it on great Rock.

You are in great shape with L tools, which have surpassed SAKs in terms of real utility IMHO. But you can't go wrong with a Tinker, or if you want something a bit bigger, a Soldier.

A Soldier if the locking blade is not an issue. But those are so available in the U.S. -- get something less readily available.

I'm partial to the Stayglow Climber

http://www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army...W4XNRoCY2Xw_wcB

Bingley - Practical answer.

Although it's tempting to buy one of these tools with ten billion attachments ... I bet you will rarely use most of them. So the real question is ... which attachments actually do get used on a multi-tool?

I vote for the following ...

1. Pliers
2. Screwdrivers
3. Phillips screwdrivers
4. Knife
5. Saw (maybe)
6. Bottle opener

Therefore, my vote would be to choose a LARGE Victorinox that has excellent attachments that do those things.

I'm interested In other peoples' responses about the attachments.

When my dad passed away a few summers ago I became the custodian of the bulk of his very sizable knife collection. His SAK collection alone numbered around 335! My favorites are probably the Classic and the Farmer; the Classic is very small with fantastic scissors and the Farmer is about as big as I will ever carry yet it has the stuff I use most.

I have a ton of SAK's but very few are pocket friendly, so they stay at home. ("Is that a SAK in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" )

IMO, it's the magnificent saw that exponentially magnifies the power of a SAK. And solid ALOX handles give it the strength without being fat.

So, if I were in that store? I'd be looking for a solid alox handle of the Cadet size with blade and saw, not more than two blades thick. It's like a grown-up version of the "my first knife" series. I know these exist (or did) because I saw them on eBay a few years back. Word got around that there were dirty rotten shenanigans associated with this run so I backed off. But that's what I would actually carry, even in conjunction with a Leatherman, because it can do so much in such a small package.

BTW, you do realize that you must post more mouth-watering pics, don't you?

Not only are you forgiven, sir -- you may be in line for sainthood. I had no idea such a marvel existed!

The non-serrated, one hand opening trekker - in either black or camo. It's one of the larger, 4 & 3/8 inch, SAK's. Beside the locking blade, the large screwdriver also locks, and it has the excellent saw (no scissors though). I see on amazon it's $43, which is ten more then I paid for it on amazon over a year ago. I suspect you won't get it much cheaper in Switzerland. I also have the serrated version in black, if you don't mind serrations on the front end of the blade. It's cheaper - $36. Works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-54874-Trekker-1-Handed-Opening/dp/B00GVKV6VU/ref=pd_sim_468_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=4173B6GACVL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR140%2C160_&refRID=131412SK6GV17RGR6NAN

If you are getting one, get one you will use.

I have been carrying a Victorinox Huntsman for pretty much everyday for 12 years straight. If i ever loose it, I would probably replace it with a climber (saw on my Huntsman haven't been used in years). Small and easy to carry, but with enough tools.

The best thing of the small Victorinox knife, is the combination of having a large and a small blade. I use them for different purposes; the big blade for food, the small blade for everything else.

I have carried a Ranger for many years, and have found it very useful in SERE training (which I have done many times). The main difference it has from most is the metal file/saw. I have used it many times. I had to buy a new knife because I wore out my old one, just sharpened too many times and the large blade was gone.

I've carried the Champ for decades and don't understand why everyone doesn't carry one. Used every tool again and again. My awesome knife collection consists of that one knife (well it's one more than practically everyone else in England) and it's terrific. Why would you limit your tools at hand?
The size is no problem; carry it in the watch pocket of your jeans or a belt pouch.

It's the knife in the lower right of the first pic on this thread. Don't know what the other one is and can't find it on the web site.

qjs

I too, carry the Tinker as my EDC. I have been carrying one as long as I can remember. I tried larger ones, but always went back to the Tinker.

Thanks, but I just stumbled on that YouTube after many years of not having heard of the song or group. Mark Knopfler (performing as himself after demise of Dire Straits) continues to perform Telegraph Road in concert -- Telegraph Road in Rome 2005

As to the original topic, I also like the Swiss Army Ranger that Montanero mentioned. Good knife -- scissors, wood and metal saws plus a real file; but I can find that online here, nothing to fly to Switzerland to purchase. Why are you buying an SAK in Switzerland, something unique or just a user for Europe?

Not cadet size, but the Bushcrafter is a 93mm with just blade, saw & awl. Only made in special runs, for only Swissbianco I believe.

Would pass over the 2008 Soldiers knife for the RangerGrip 78. Same tools (though 78 blade doesn't have serrations) but larger.

Same with OH Trekker, would rather the RangerGrip 79.

If wanted something bit more aesthetically pleasing the RangerWood 55 with walnut handles.

Up until I acquired my Leatherman wave, the tinker was my edc. Just enough of what most need in a pocket combo tool in the SAK gendre.

for outdoors... a Bic and a Farmer solve lots of problems

I'm also a fan of the alox farmer. It's not too big or bulky and has useful tools.

Alox Farmer and Locksmith..

Currently listening to Emerson Lake & Palmer (1970) CD (remember them) through a SE valve headphone Amplifier (Little Dot MkII) and AKG702 headphones whilst drinking some W&J Graham's Port..

I've always wished that these SAKs, and multitools as well, would be offered in some variety WITHOUT a knife blade. I always carry a larger and better knife separately. The blades on most SAKs don't lock, and are rather cheap IMHO. And the ones on multitools are about the most un-ergonomic things in existence.

But of the currently available SAKs, the Victorinox Explorer would be my choice. I have a SAK that was a special make-up for REI that I bought decades ago. It is like the Explorer, except without the scissors and the hook (or whatever that thing is next to the corkscrew). I added the micro screwdriver that threads into the corkscrew. But I carry it rarely. By far, my most used item is a knife, and none of these SAKs (or multitools) does it for me in that regard.

Alright, one more --



As you can see, the display case is a vertical wall near the stair case. The picture shows only one floor, but I think the entire case is about two or possible three stories tall. Eat your heart out!

if your in Minnesota check out their store in their Mall Of America.i don't carry my Leatherman anymore on canoe trips but the
belt case is just right for the Farmer.a bit of leather lace and
a couple wood beads make it easy to pull out.

To be honest, I also prefer carrying a stronger folding knife separately (usually a Spyderco Endura or Benchmade Griptilian). However, the knife blades found on a SAK tend to be every bit as good as those on multitools, plus there is the advantage of better ergonomics as noted already.

The SAK has been around for a long time, it doesn't look all that tacticool in this day and age and rarely gets the credit it deserves. Nevertheless, the folks at Victorinox (and Wenger) know their stuff. Their blades are tempered a tiny bit softer than some of the high-end competition but the steel is good - it takes a very fine edge and is easy to resharpen. Also, the flat grind with almost no secondary bevel to speak of offers excellent cutting performance.

The SAK may not be the toughest uberfolder in existence. However, as a cutting tool it will easily outperform most modern tactical knives, simply due to its thinner edge geometry. A friend of mine actually uses a couple of slightly reground SAKs as carving knives, with pretty awesome results. So all in all, the good old SAK is a well thought out tool and still a very worthy addition to anyone's "survival" arsenal.

There is a review of the SAK 'Army' knife on the home page of this site.
qjs

Russ, I just found it on Amazon.

My point exactly.

I've been carrying a Boy Scout Huntsman for about 20 years now. The Boy Scout Huntsman has a Philips screwdriver whereas the regular version has a corkscrew. I really like having the screwdriver for EDC, it's one of the more frequently used tools on mine although it's placement leaves a little to be desired at times.

DS has several different SAKs, from the very basic model, the recruit, with 2 blades, can opener and bottle opener, up to a huntsman like mine. He has a step down from the huntsman, the hiker, which is pretty much the huntsman without scissors. It also has a slightly slimmer profile than my huntsman which might be more practical for some and seems ideal for wilderness only carry.

I really like the saws on the SAKs, they are one of the most functional saws in their size range I've ever used.

The farmer is also spoken highly of although I have no personal experience with that model. It's supposed to have a longer beefier knife and saw blade. If they are anywhere near as functional as on the versions I have they'd be well worth it.

When it comes to the SAK, it's best to decide first what you'll be using it for (urban EDC, wilderness carry, etc), then decide which tools you're most likely to use, and from there pick the model which best suits your needs.

YMMV

When in France, the most used tool on my SAK was the corkscrew -- but that was long ago.

I prefer Chilean red's now

French army knife cartoon
http://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/120430_cn-french-army-knife_p323.jpg

I always wanted an alox lumberjack. Pocketable.
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?41441-Victorinox-Lumberjack

The little multi blade I have on a bantam is the same and does
more than it looks like, phillips and flat blade, can and bottle opener, wire stripper.

I carried the Tinker for years, and IMHO, the extra weight of the Super Tinker or the Climber with the scissors is worth it. I tend to go smaller myself preferring to budget the extra weight to a AAA light.

I'd get a model that you can't get here. Either that or one of the original SwissTools.

That's the one I want! The perfect SAK! Kinda hard to swallow the eBay price though.

[img]http://www.swissknifeshop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/S/A/SA53721.jpge][/img]

I've carried the Craftsman model in my left front pants pocket, along with a wallet for 35 years, since carrying the wallet in back pockets started to irritate my sciatic nerve. All the tools have been used, even the hook.

I don't understand all this SAK hype still. IMO, they are obviously decorative nostrills scrapers or exaggerated beer openers

I have a Cybertool in my computer bag, and a Rescue Tool in my car. Both are ideal for their location.

For the last three decades I have been a Leatherman carrier, but for many years before that, I fond a SAK to be a very useful tool, in both wilderness and urban settings. They are not the tool to be used in a major project, but they will save time, steps, and energy when something needs tightening, adjustment, or trimming. Mine were usefully employed on many climbs and backpacks. They also have a "friendly" appearance, less threatening in an urban/office setting, unlike the even more useful L-tool.

No SAK should be deployed to scrape nostrils - that would be ever so gross, but the typical slot screwdriver can do well in removing excessive ear wax - do not employ the phillips head for this activity....

I must agree on the "friendly" look point

Yeah, that's why I started carrying a SAK Spartan for my EDC. I can always add a Benchmade folder, but unless I'm going somewhere that a more substantial cutting tool could be required, the less offensive knife should be of much less concern to the lady behind me in the check-out line. If there's no good reason to unnecessarily upset people, I try to accommodate.

Other potential EDC knives are Benchmade 940, 710 and Ritter RSK Mk1 -- depending.

I agree. The scissors on the Super Tinker are very useful. Add custom scales and you get a slot for the excellent quality pen.

I have bigger SAKs with saw, corkscrew, and pliers, all of which are useful. But not enough have as my EDC.

BTW, what the heck it the hook for? I've never used it.

David

For the prepared serial killer?

My EDC is a small Leatherman, and if I want a more serious EDC, I think I'd still go with a Leatherman. The plier design is more versatile than the classic Swiss Army Knife design. But then I think perhaps the SAK has its advantages if you don't include too many tools. It's flatter, and it's got the corkscrew!

Carrying something held together with string or wire. Also works for bucket handles and paint cans. It's the one tool I miss after changing from a traditional SAK to the SwissTool.

Re: the Hook:
Swiss Army knife tools

Their diagram shows it being used to pull open tabs on cans, lift the bicycle chain off the cog, pull up tent stakes, and, quite seasonally, to hook onto the twine of "brown paper packages tied up with string. . ." for carrying said package.

the gray bit at the end of the tweezers is the proper tool for ear wax removal.a nice size blob will attach to the flat edge of that.
Happy New Year.

The only thing that should be put into your ear is your elbow.

Quiz: What is the slot in the end of the Phillips screwdriver (replaces the cork screw) used for?

Wow!learn something new every day around here....

Ian, the slot on the end of the phillips driver is for opening certain kinds of cans. Hams,corn beef as well as some gas mask filters used to have a key to peel a strip from the side. some times the key would be missing or broken off. hence the slot on the phillips driver. I know the U.S. military had cans like this up to the mid 1980's. Hope this helps...

BOATMAN
John

Viking self care tools including ear scoop.


The story is the maidens of the British Isles liked the Vikings as they were so well groomed.

Beat me to it... The Farmer is a great knife!

Yes, I bought a Swiss Army Knife in Switzerland! At the Victorinox flagship store, even! They engraved the side for me (not visible in the photo). I got the Mountaineer. As I examined it, I was impressed by the solid construction. It doesn't have locking blades, but for many tasks, it is quite sufficient.



And one more photo from the store just to make you gadget folks happy:

The Swiss Army Forester Victorinox Grip (#54844) is my knife of choice on most trips into the woods.
417xDudQ6OL by Merriwether Adventurer, on Flickr
http://astore.amazon.com/wilediofhou-20/detail/B003DOCQBG

-Blast

After decades of carrying a red 4 blade Vic I switched ten years ago to a first generation Wave. Now I carry the Wave and a Vic Classic. I carry only the Classic at work for reasons previously mentioned.

If I could custom order a Vic knife, it would be an orange or hunter green Alox Classic plus ring, toothpick, and tweezers.

Correct, I have never seen this in any publication, just word of mouth, strange.

I heard it from an engineer at Victorinox Switzerland some twenty years ago.

I wonder why it is kept so secret.

I haven't seen my favorite mentioned here - the Hercules (available for about $60 USD).

Large locking main blade, nice saw, decent pliers (tho not up to Leatherman-type standards).

I like having the scissors, but I could give them up for a file / metal saw blade, and I'd happily trade one of the Phillips screwdrivers for a small blade, but overall it's a nice, versatile knife / tool.

If the pliers are more important, and I need a file (e.g., for keeping my axe sharp), then my Leatherman 300 Super Tool ($70 USD)is my fave.