[LkWinnipesaukee]

Hey guys,

I need a good all around good Swiss Army Knife. I do a lot of sailing, boating, hiking/climbing, and some diving.

The number of models is endless. I cant find the right one. I do have a SOG Seal Pup (sailing/boating/diving), a Benchmade 190 coming in the mail (hiking and climbing), and a SOG Twitch (EDC).


Anyone recommend one of the SAK models that would be useful for the above?


Thanks

[1 old 0311]

The Yugo's should be legal there. They run about $150-$175. The best? Find a matching number Russian. $300-$400.

[Joe Demko]

He's talking about Swiss Army Knives, Kevin.

There's such a huge number of models of SAK, let's start with something vwery basic. Do you desire a locking main blade?

[22-rimfire]

Here's one that might be handy. Jumpmaster. This is a fairly large SAK. Some keep these in belt sheaths.
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Product.htm?category=lockblades&product=53846&

My everyday SAK is a Soldier. It is small and light in the pocket.
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Product.htm?category=doityourself&product=53929&

I buy at New Graham most of the time. Great fast service. http://newgraham.com/default.aspx

There are really a lot of different models and I can understand why it is hard to choose. I also like the Locksmith, but that is sort of a work knife for me. A lot of folks like the Farmer model as well.

If you got the nylon sheath for the seal pup, you could slide a large SAK in the little front pouch. I have the sheath for the Seal Pup Elite, I assume it is about the same.

[mp510]

I EDC a Victorinox Spartan, which is minimalist,but comfortable. I have never found a task that I could not complete. However, unless you need to pop corks, I would recommed a Tinker. You get a phillips instead of a corkscrew. I have never used the corkscrew. I am thinking about procuring one of the precision screw driver bits for it and popping it out if I ever do need to decork something.
I also have a camper, which has the same the Spartan, except it is three layers instead of two, and has a saw blade. I have never used the saw blade. I wouldn't go over 3 layers for edc.

[LkWinnipesaukee]

It's the Elite as well, but I only have the plastic kydex sheath it came with.

Anyway, yes, I'd like a locking blade. A marlinspike would be nice too, but not crucial. It must also be resistant to corrosion (going to be wet a lot for long periods)

I have never really taken anything but a knife with me. What tools would be useful when sailing/hiking?

Thanks again


edit:I like the Helmsman and Skipper.. I think I'll get one of those. Are they missing anything I might need while hiking/climbing?

[Skofnung]

I like the Victorinox Small Tinker. I've been carrying the same one for the last 14 years and it has done just about evertyhing that you could ask a folder to do plus some. I'm talking about serious outdoor stuff here, not cutting packing tape at the office.

It is small enough to not be a burden in your pocket and plenty big enough to get the job done.

ETA:
I'm not a sailor by a longshot, but I do know a little about rigging. Avoid pocketknives with marlinspikes attached. You often need both tools at once when working.

[22-rimfire]

The 111mm SAKs are a good size to use. My Locksmith model is a bit heavy and thick to carry in my pocket as an EDC. Think about how many "layers" you want as this adds to the width (and weight) of the knife and hence how comfortable it is to carry. A lot like the Trekker model too. Consider if you really need the sizzors, saw blade, or plain edge vs serrated. I often use the phillips head flat screw drivers. Toothpick and tweezers are very important to me as I use them more than a few times. The big blade of the 111mm are nice too; very useable.

If I were you, I would get one that has NO more than 3 layers and think minimalist to start. You can always get another one later. You might get one of the models that has both the serrated and plain edge blade as you are a climber and being able to cut rope quickly may have some value to you.

Carried a Tinker for years. Like that knife. Soldier is the version I carry now. If out of the country, I would not be without a SAK. In fact a spare is often warranted. Hard to find things sometimes in other countries.

[wolf_from_wv]

Think about how many "layers" you want as this adds to the width of the knife and hence how comfortable it is to carry.


http://www.popsci.com/popsci/whatsnew/306bf29f7c14d010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

Or, you could carry all of them in one... :what:

[Nicolai]

My current favorite is a WorkChamp--locking blade nearly 3.5" long and a ton of other tools. Victorinox manufacture.

[Sharpdogs]

I carry the Farmer Model. It's basically the Soldier Model with a saw. If you are looking for a locking blade with the ability to open the knife with one hand consider the Trekker Model https://edcdepot.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=5&products_id=53 just be aware that it is a big pocket knife. Not the kind you would just throw in a pair of dress slacks. The Huntsman is also a very good model and packs a lot features including saw, scissors, main blade and small utility blade https://edcdepot.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=5&products_id=47

If you are still unsure check out www.SOSAKonline.com everything you ever wanted to know about SAKs.