Couple of SAK questions

[HarleyXJGuy]

So after being talked into buying a SAK on these very forums I have been looking to see which model would be best for my situation.

I am thinking a Compact but one with a Phillips in place of the corkscrew.

My questions are where can one find a video or picture guide on how to take one of these knives apart to do the swap?

And is there someplace I can buy just the Phillips part. Failing that which donor to steal one from is cheapest or makes the most sense?

Thanks.

[Corwyn]

• How to mod a sak - http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,9808.0.html
• Nope, you'll never find a Philips by itself
• A brand new Tinker should set you back 15 USD, if you can find it used, make that 2 dollars

[HarleyXJGuy]

• How to mod a sak - http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,9808.0.html
• Nope, you'll never find a Philips by itself
• A brand new Tinker should set you back 15 USD, if you can find it used, make that 2 dollars

Thanks for getting back so fat and the informative post.

Any good places that sell used SAKs?

Also the combo can opener/cap lifter. How well does it work? I will use it mostly for cans while out in the field so it don't have to be fast or pretty but I would really like to eat when all is said and done.

[Syph007]

Its easy to swap the corkscrew out as well.   

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,44794.msg725063.html#msg725063

[HarleyXJGuy]

Mr. Syph007!

I sent a email to your website about having an Alox made. Have not got a response yet. Is this forum a better way to get in tough with you?

Might have to send my knives to someone to have this mod done since I don't have any tools over here. 

[glorn]

Get an Explorer.  It is an excellent SAK, and a great companion to any pliers MT. One of my very favorite models.

I personally find that the combo opener is excellent. I got a Compact in part because of the combo tool. My Compact fulfills all the roles that my Rebar does not.

[ironraven]

My Compact fulfills all the roles that my Rebar does not.

HERE HERE! 

Seriously, ounce for ounce, this a very hard to beat combo. You usually need to stick them a pillow case and use them to knock a hole in the sidewalk to beat this combo. Add a pair of vise grips or an adjustable wrench, and flashlight and you can fix most things.

[JAfromMn]

Super tinker.

I edc a climber alot "same thing with a corkscrew" 

I think people over look how handy the opening layer is.

[HarleyXJGuy]

Super tinker.

I edc a climber alot "same thing with a corkscrew" 

I think people over look how handy the opening layer is.

Opening layer??

[Monrogue]

Super tinker.

I edc a climber alot "same thing with a corkscrew" 

I think people over look how handy the opening layer is.

Opening layer??

That's the layer with the separate bottle opener and can opener.  It can be a rather versatile pair of implements. 

[sambeaux]

The combo tool is a very good can opener, excellent bottle opener, ok screwdriver, and a very weak prybar.

The regular opener layer gets you a separate can opener and bottle opener as well as a small flat head screwdriver, 2d phillips driver, large flat head screwdriver, and a very good prybar.

I love my compact, but found myself missing the opener layer. So... now I carry a compact AND a cadet.
I plan to some day acquire a farmer...

If you get a chance, try using the screwdriver on the used tinker before you do the mod. I find that I much prefer using the can opener as a phillips to using the backside phillips. The backside phillips is awkward to use, doesn't work in confined spaces, and is so polished that it tends to cam out of screw heads pretty easily.


 

Super tinker.

I edc a climber alot "same thing with a corkscrew" 

I think people over look how handy the opening layer is.

Opening layer??

[HarleyXJGuy]

Not 100% sold on the back side phillips but figure anything is better then the corkscrew I have no use for.

You made some good points about how good the opening layer tools are though.

So something with an opening layer, knife and scissors is what I am looking for. Trying for something not to big to go with my MT mostly for the scissors.

Time for some more research. 

Still pretty sold on the Compact though.

[ducttapetech]

You will like the Compact.
He is a pic to help push you alittle. ;D
Nate

[hiraethus]

Super Tinker. 

[sambeaux]

Well... Like I said, I carry the compact. I tried carrying a Climber, but it was just a little too wide for comfort. For my purposes, the compact is good enough. I use it as a companion to my leatherman. The can opener on the compact is FAR superior to the one on my leatherman, and my leatherman has far superior screwdrivers.

Not 100% sold on the back side phillips but figure anything is better then the corkscrew I have no use for.

You made some good points about how good the opening layer tools are though.

So something with an opening layer, knife and scissors is what I am looking for. Trying for something not to big to go with my MT mostly for the scissors.

Time for some more research. 

Still pretty sold on the Compact though.

[sambeaux]

Also... If you don't want to mod one yourself and you don't mind a rounded tip on your knife, you could look at the Duke of Edinburgh knife. It's basically a compact with a backside phillips and a non-pointy knife blade.

[glorn]

I think you should get the Explorer Plus if you really want a Phillips driver. The corkscrew is actually useful,  you'll see.

Nobody doesn't like an Explorer Plus.

And this first SAK will not be your last, so don't fret about it too much. Just get it.

[kirk13]

Nobody doesn't like an Explorer Plus.

Hmmm,that's almost a Gibbs Rule! It's also very true

[ducttapetech]

Nobody doesn't like an Explorer Plus.

Hmmm,that's almost a Gibbs Rule! It's also very true

I use some of Gibbs rules. One that I modified, "Don't miss with my coffee if you want live."

Nate

[HarleyXJGuy]

Yeah I am not getting to worked up about it because I know there will be a few more SAK's in my future.

Just trying to get a plan of attack while I wait for payday.

So the Explorer Plus just has the plus scales as its only difference?

[Monrogue]

Yes, that is correct - the Explorer Plus is a great SAK, and was what my Rogueneer started off as

[glorn]

The Plus has the pen and pin. Both handy as hell.

The pin of all things.. man.. used that a ton. Heated up with a lighter to burn a hole in my nail to release blood.. to drain a blister.. even used it to pin on a name tag once.

The Explorer was my first SAK after not owning one for many many years.  I was not disappointed.  Still love it even after having bought quite a few more. In fact, it may be my all time favorite SAK.