"Process" of finding the perfect SAK/SAKs

[Doug S]

I enjoy reading all of the “Best SAK” threads, so I thought I’d start one myself. I bought my first Swiss Army knife a couple of years ago, and I’ve been addicted ever since. I probably should have just bought a custom SAK, and been done with it, but because I stayed with factory production I ended up buying a bunch ofdifferent models in order to get the tools I desired most. During this time I’ve developed some strong “likes” which have become standard, desirable features on the SAKs that I purchase. One of those is the in-line Phillips screwdriver. I also like the magnifying glass that comes as part of the layer with the in-line driver. To add to that list, I’ve really taken a liking to the older models with the longer in-line driver, and the gray plastic, glass lens magnifying glasses. This layer on the older models have a much more snappy feel to them that matches the rest of the knife, while the newer models are gritty with no snap, and although the glass isn't as good for reading, it does a better job of showing finer details. The other feature that I’ve really come to desire on my SAKs are the “Plus” scales, as I like having the pen, the mini driver, and stick pin, all of which I use much more than I thought I would. As a result, “Plus” models are now a standard for me.

So through this process I’ve finally settled on what I think are the 3 Best SAKs for me (and hopefully now that I found them, I’ll stop buying a SAK a week). They are the Explorer Plus, the Champion Plus, and the Swisschamp. I like the Explorer Plus as an EDC pocket knife. When I think I may need more tools, I like the Swisschamp in a belt pouch. The Swisschamp does everything for me that a regular multitool would do (minus the heavy duty pliers), plus it has the extras not found in the average multitool. Finally, I’ve been looking for a Champion Plus for an in between, I hadn’t been able to find an older model with the older magnifying glass. That was until earlier this week when I found a new Champion Plus in the older style being sold from a collection on Ebay in NIB condition. I was happy to pay $26 for it. It arrived today, and that completed my quest for the perfect SAK trio with all of the features I like best. I was so excited to find the older model Champion Plus (I wasn’t even sure they had been made prior to the new magnifying glass change), that I thought I’d share my excitement, and see if anyone else has refined their SAK likes and dislikes to the point that they think they’ve found the perfect SAK, or perfect SAK combo.

 

[Carl Levitian]

My sak's have been under a steady downsizing for sevral years.

I started out with a huntsman in 1969. Carried that till the late 70's early 80's when I went down to a tinker. By the end of the 90's I was down to a recruit of a Wenger SI.

The past two years have seen me with a bantam in the pocket, and a classic on my keyring. For the past couple years, I've used the heck out of the classic. It does most of what I need, and if its too small, then there's the bantam. I never carry any sak that's more than 2 layers. Since I have a tool kit behind the seat of the pickup, I don't need one in my pocket. I can't see weighting down my pocket with tools I may need once in a blue moon.

Anything more than that, I go to a small 12 inch machete. I have a 12 inch Ontario behind the seat, and 12 inch Tramontina in the kayak/camping bag.

The combo of bantam and classic has been good to me for a while now, so I'll b e sticking to it.

 

[bikerdoc]

Presently, I rely mostly on the recruit or spartan for front pocket duty.
Spyderco native in back pocket.

 

[Smith357]

My collection is mostly the colored Alox SAKs. Out of all of them I like the looks of the blue Farmer but I like the plain Soldier as an every day user best, I have a dozen or so SAKs and the Soldier get the most use by far, I use every blade on a regular basis with the awl being the most used. I use the awl for opening boxes which in the shipping dept is about 50 times a day.

I also collect the mechanical Swiss Army Watches, and have a few Swiss Army LED flashlights.


SAK Blue Farmer


SAK Soldier

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Wenger

I prefer the Wenger series to the Victorinox.

Religious reasons, mostly.

Actually, it's the can opener. I like the Wenger "hook" (lift & pull) better than the Victorinox "pusher" (lift & push) type can opener.

Beyond that, they are essentially equivalent products.

I carry a 3-layer Wenger/EKA Executive Major. Splendid tool, nice sharp blade, nice wood handles. The only tools it has that I don't have duplicated in something else I carry are the corkscrew and the punch. I think I would have preferred a Philips screwdriver instead of the corkscrew, but my Leatherman handles that.

Executive Major, by Wenger/EKA





In all the cars' glove boxes I have a Wenger Evo S10. It's more compact than the Exec Major, and has a small clip-pen blade.

In general, when I'm down to minimums, it's the Leatherman on my belt and a small gent's knife in pocket.

I carried a SAK-style knife for 20 years (Imperial Officers Ulster).

It was simply too bulky when I switched from jeans and boots to slacks and Oxfords. I switched to a small single-blade folder in pocket for the next 20 years.

My current vocation keeps me touching electronics, so the Leatherman's pliers/screwdrivers thing is a big help. The fact that it also has a pair of one-handed main blades doesn't hurt either.

I routinely carry a SAK nowadays, but more out of fondness than any real practical reason.

That, and it does a superb job of slicing salami.

 

[TimboKhan]

I couldn't be more satisfied with the Super Tinker that rides in my EDC bag. It has exactly the features I want, with none that I don't given that I have found ways to use the hook. I like it so much, I bought another and put it in my knife box as a spare and I bought my office mate one as well. 20 buckaroos at Walmart. For my purposes and needs, I can't think of another SAK that I would be as happy with. There is some sentimentality involved, as I remember being absolutely fascinated and full of burning desire for a great big SAK with as many tools as possible in it as a kid. But, then again, I actually do use the tools. I have a Leatherman in my EDC bag, but honestly, it is just there for the pliers and for the rare occasion that I need a serrated blade. Other than the pliers, serrated blade and admittedly delightful (though infrequently useful) teensy-tiny screwdriver found in the newer Waves, I haven't found a job my SAK can't do as well and more comfortably than my Leatherman.

I carry a Spyderco Endura or a Benchmade Griptilian on me, but truth be told, I could make do with just the SAK with no problems on most days. Thing is, I just really LIKE having a bigger knife on me, and so I do.

 

[Doug S]

SAK threads are fun, thanks for the responses. Even better with the pictures. Here are a couple of more.