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#270801 - 07/11/14 07:32 PM Help with new SAK purchase
Taurus Offline
Addict

Registered: 11/26/07
Posts: 458
Loc: Northern Canada
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!

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#270802 - 07/11/14 07:42 PM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Taurus]
Russ Offline
Geezer

Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
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.
_________________________
Better is the Enemy of Good Enough.
Okay, what’s your point??

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#270803 - 07/11/14 09:19 PM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Taurus]
tomfaranda Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 02/14/08
Posts: 301
Loc: Croton on Hudson, NY
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.

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#270805 - 07/11/14 11:15 PM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Taurus]
Taurus Offline
Addict

Registered: 11/26/07
Posts: 458
Loc: Northern Canada
I hear the main blade is offset slightly due to the awl. This true? Does it make any difference to the performance when cutting ?

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#270806 - 07/12/14 12:50 AM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Taurus]
Doug_Ritter Offline

Pooh-Bah

Registered: 01/28/01
Posts: 2197
Just to complicate matters... http://www.sakmodder.com/ he does great work, get exactly what you want.
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#270807 - 07/12/14 02:52 AM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Doug_Ritter]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
Originally Posted By: Doug_Ritter
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.

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#270808 - 07/12/14 03:42 AM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: gonewiththewind]
haertig Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 03/13/05
Posts: 2322
Loc: Colorado
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!

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#270809 - 07/12/14 03:43 AM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Taurus]
CANOEDOGS Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 1853
Loc: MINNESOTA

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.

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#270810 - 07/12/14 03:45 AM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Taurus]
CANOEDOGS Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 1853
Loc: MINNESOTA
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.

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#270812 - 07/12/14 04:17 AM Re: Help with new SAK purchase [Re: Doug_Ritter]
Taurus Offline
Addict

Registered: 11/26/07
Posts: 458
Loc: Northern Canada
Originally Posted By: Doug_Ritter
Just to complicate matters... http://www.sakmodder.com/ he does great work, get exactly what you want.


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.... frown

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