First Swiss Army Knife?

[Outback in Idaho]

Went to grab the toothpick out of my Climber and there's an empty chamber. 

Guess I had better whittle one out of wood or grab a zip tie. 

[Landrew]

Went to grab the toothpick out of my Climber and there's an empty chamber. 

Guess I had better whittle one out of wood or grab a zip tie. 

I would have put a ballpoint pen in there. I don't want to use a reusable toothpick.

[Outback in Idaho]

Went to grab the toothpick out of my Climber and there's an empty chamber. 

Guess I had better whittle one out of wood or grab a zip tie. 

I would have put a ballpoint pen in there. I don't want to use a reusable toothpick.

Did find the toothpick. Oddly enough it was laying in my other pants pocket. As to how it got out is another quandary. That was after I modified a zip tie and tied a piece of braided twine on the end.

Pen probably would require a hole to needing drilled in. Do not have one on hand, but hope to find a SAK accessories shop in Boise the next time I have to make a trip there.
Would need a long enough bit, and a small block of pine to drill it, and a vice. Lacking a safe work area till it warms up.

[BradGad]

Used the can opener for the first time. It is not as intuitive as I thought it would be. Had to hold the handle close to the can edge, and only rock to the screwdriver end - otherwise hear that CLOMP. Am starting to wonder if this is a southpaw knife/tool.

Xelkos... you are going "forward" or counterclockwise with the can opener, right?  Probably, but just wanted to mention this in case not, since you said you found it nonintuitive. I've been using it intermittently for years and now find it about as easy to use as a dedicated crank-style can opener.

So far not found a straight pin. Do not want to spend $5 for a silly piece of metal. Clothing stores all use them plastic tags and tape - straight pins don't seem to exist anymore. Paperclips, staples, bobby pins all over the house. But not one straight pin. Online these things sell for 50¢ to $1 - and probably would be charged $5 for shipping even then. Want to get rich, sell some at 25¢ each + $3 postage.
 

Try checking the fitting rooms at department and clothing stores... Seems to me they're often lying around in there.

[Outback in Idaho]

Used the can opener for the first time. It is not as intuitive as I thought it would be. Had to hold the handle close to the can edge, and only rock to the screwdriver end - otherwise hear that CLOMP. Am starting to wonder if this is a southpaw knife/tool.

Xelkos... you are going "forward" or counterclockwise with the can opener, right?  Probably, but just wanted to mention this in case not, since you said you found it nonintuitive. I've been using it intermittently for years and now find it about as easy to use as a dedicated crank-style can opener.

Yes, went forward. Can get more bite/progress from one of my Leatherman can openers - which are more of the P38 type. Swiss obviously have to be different. Put nail nicks on the other side of the blade - why not both sides? Who ever heard of a forward can opener - besides the Swiss??

Seen some videos on YouTube that floored me. The _____ were using it like a P38 style, clockwise. Even our crank-styles can openers go clockwise.

They work, just differently. Bet my southpaw friends would like it. 


The Wenger SI I got was hoping for a clockwise can opener. Sadly, no. Swisspaw style.

[Outback in Idaho]

Pulled out the corkscrew to check how the mini-driver adjustment was holding up. The magnetic pin pulled up and bent. Reckon the round bead head caught on the corkscrew tool when lifted up.

Was sort of wondering why it backed out since it was magnetized. Removed that scale and tested the pin against the layer. Sure enough, aluminum! Brass riveting too, for the record.

Was at Wally's World and could not find any straight pins around the dressing rooms or any article of clothing. Will have to find a regular flat headed straight pin then. For now have straightened the pin out, removed the plastic bead, and bent the end to form a 90° loop. Can remove it from a finger nail.

Will have to adjust the pressure on the wood scales I have planned on making. Could probably affix a piece of thin magnetic material inside the wood handle to help hold the pin in, or ... hmm ... put a small magnet under the scale.
Wonder if these are any magnets that small. Could even glue one under a regular scale. Would hold the pin in and keep it magnetized at the same time.

[Outback in Idaho]

Aha! Now I discovered the reasoning of the package hook on a Vic SAK!

Flip the SAK over, open the package hook, lay it down on the ground. Instant sundial!
Now if we only had some sun to demonstrate this idea. Still have clouds here, so how about this photo instead?

[Monrogue]

Nice 

[Outback in Idaho]

Nice to see someone catching the humorisms.   


Was multitasking in the dunny, decided to try the magnetized corkscrew mini-screwdriver. Unfortunately the plastic does not float. Guess the Swiss missed that! Used a piece of paper postcard material to simulate a leaf. Sure enough, the mini-driver turned right around and pointed north.

Used my horrible 0.3 MP cell phone camera to take the photo, then resized it so as not to be as ugly.


A friend said the needle could be suspended from a string tied to a stick. But wouldn't the twist of the string counteract the needle or mini-driver?


So I tried it, and gave at least a foot of sewing thread and suspended it from my computer hutch. But... does that prove anything other than it points in a direction that is not verified?


Close-up of the mini-driver thread compass



To verify that indeed the thread-suspension-compass of a magnetized mini-driver does indeed work, I needed a compass. Positioned my Silva compass on a leather pad with the thread-compass hanging above. Silva is Swiss made, so it had to be good.    We used them on wildland fires for mapping.



Had twisted the thread many times each direction and the mini-driver did not budge, it just wobbled a bit. In conclusion, Tracy Ramsey was correct! It does work.   Thanks Tracy. 

[Outback in Idaho]

Just an idea.

Referring to that hidden slot on the scale... if one magnetized their corkscrew mini-driver as I had, or wanted to use their back-spline awl for sewing, that would make a good spot to hold a small amount of thin sewing thread.
Sure it wouldn't a whole lot, but with a flat thin plastic spool you could get a foot or so of sewing thread around it, then stuff it under the scale. The thread bundle's bulge should hold it inside, right?



Edit: Changed wording to make more sense.

[Monrogue]

Wow, you're having lots of fun with your SAK huh?  Glad to see it, as they are fun to tinker with  

Just curious, but how do you magnetize the screwdriver and straight pin?  Do you simply hold them to a magnet for an extended period of time?  I would like to try out the compass tricks as well.  Keep up the fun

[Outback in Idaho]

Wow, you're having lots of fun with your SAK huh?  Glad to see it, as they are fun to tinker with  

Just curious, but how do you magnetize the screwdriver and straight pin?  Do you simply hold them to a magnet for an extended period of time?  I would like to try out the compass tricks as well.  Keep up the fun

Working with computers have seen many a hard drive fail. Rather than toss the drive out I dismantle it and physically destroy the media on the platters for security reasons. Inside there are some great aluminum spacers that work great for lanyard spacers & finger rings.
The dual magnets that actuate the voice coil are quite powerful! Use them for many things, even to hang tools & such from. Or to annoy people with as one about needs a prybar to pull them off. Hint: Slide to an edge then pop them off easily. 



Drag a needle across the surface. If you don't know which end is north or south, use a compass. Or suspend the magnet on water or a string to see which end points north - then mark it. Use that to see which polarity of your magnet - opposites attract, sames oppose.

If you want the object to change the direction it points north, then drag the object slowly over that pole's surface about 40 times. Test again to make sure it works.



Use a strong magnet - one that leaps out or grabs things from about 2 inches (5 centimeters) away.

Don't let the object slap the magnetic surface. Think of it as sharpening a knife. The more drags across the surface the better. Although some metals can only be magnetized so much due their alloy properties.

[Monrogue]

Wow, you're having lots of fun with your SAK huh?  Glad to see it, as they are fun to tinker with  

Just curious, but how do you magnetize the screwdriver and straight pin?  Do you simply hold them to a magnet for an extended period of time?  I would like to try out the compass tricks as well.  Keep up the fun

Working with computers have seen many a hard drive fail. Rather than toss the drive out I dismantle it and physically destroy the media on the platters for security reasons. Inside there are some great aluminum spacers that work great for lanyard spacers & finger rings.
The dual magnets that actuate the voice coil are quite powerful! Use them for many things, even to hang tools & such from. Or to annoy people with as one about needs a prybar to pull them off. Hint: Slide to an edge then pop them off easily. 

(Image removed from quote.)

Drag a needle across the surface. If you don't know which end is north or south, use a compass. Or suspend the magnet on water or a string to see which end points north - then mark it. Use that to see which polarity of your magnet - opposites attract, sames oppose.

If you want the object to change the direction it points north, then drag the object slowly over that pole's surface about 40 times. Test again to make sure it works.



Use a strong magnet - one that leaps out or grabs things from about 2 inches (5 centimeters) away.

Don't let the object slap the magnetic surface. Think of it as sharpening a knife. The more drags across the surface the better. Although some metals can only be magnetized so much due their alloy properties.

Wow, thanks for the info   You're very knowledgeable

[Outback in Idaho]

Wow, thanks for the info   You're very knowledgeable

There are some that would argue that point.      But thanks.

[Outback in Idaho]

First part of my orders arrived. Swiss Knife Shop was very fast, especially for a small free shipping order. Am quite pleased & amazed! Was the last of the parts that were ordered online, yet the first to arrive.



Magnetized the pin, and slid it in. The last three-eights of an inch the pin went in rather snug! Grabbed the M5 light and focused the beam down in, sure enough Victorinox put a raised section in the scale - like that on the toothpick part.
When using the other pin did not notice that quite so distinctively as with the official pin type. This means there is a width difference. Still, have magnets on the way for the custom scales.


Next up was to test the pen.     Slid it into the package hook chamber, fiddled with it some. Did not seem to be in particular way to put the plastic end tab in. The pen slid fore and aft easily. Pushed the pen towards the back, flipped it over, and wrote with it!



Here's a photo showing it in the package hook chamber, for those viewers that are not aware of this feature.


Also read an alternative method of pen use from another MTO member, using the pen in the corkscrew. To be consistent with the test, I tried it.  Removed the mini-driver, then threaded the plastic tab inward. Have to admit the fitting was quite firm. It did not wobble - much to my amazement. Kept turning it in as far as it would go. Flipped it over and it indeed works!




AMAZING! Well, for being my first time having a SAK and getting all these nifty toys, I feel like a teenager again. As the Head Honcho here says:

I may get older, but I refuse to grow up. 

[Monrogue]

First part of my orders arrived. Swiss Knife Shop was very fast, especially for a small free shipping order. Am quite pleased & amazed! Was the last of the parts that were ordered online, yet the first to arrive.

(Image removed from quote.)

Magnetized the pin, and slid it in. The last three-eights of an inch the pin went in rather snug! Grabbed the M5 light and focused the beam down in, sure enough Victorinox put a raised section in the scale - like that on the toothpick part.
When using the other pin did not notice that quite so distinctively as with the official pin type. This means there is a width difference. Still, have magnets on the way for the custom scales.


Next up was to test the pen.     Slid it into the package hook chamber, fiddled with it some. Did not seem to be in particular way to put the plastic end tab in. The pen slid fore and aft easily. Pushed the pen towards the back, flipped it over, and wrote with it!

(Image removed from quote.)

Here's a photo showing it in the package hook chamber, for those viewers that are not aware of this feature.
(Image removed from quote.)

Also read an alternative method of pen use from another MTO member, using the pen in the corkscrew. To be consistent with the test, I tried it.  Removed the mini-driver, then threaded the plastic tab inward. Have to admit the fitting was quite firm. It did not wobble - much to my amazement. Kept turning it in as far as it would go. Flipped it over and it indeed works!

(Image removed from quote.)


AMAZING! Well, for being my first time having a SAK and getting all these nifty toys, I feel like a teenager again. As the Head Honcho here says:

I may get older, but I refuse to grow up. 

I've noticed SKS to be fast in their service too.  Nice trick with the pen and corkscrew   Can't wait to try it out myself.

[Outback in Idaho]

Thanks to Lowtech and his awesomeness I acquired a Spartan today. 

It is like a Wenger SI but has an awl and corkscrew. Might end up making two silky oak handles.

[Outback in Idaho]

1)  No. Too fat, too long, and the end is the wrong shape.

2) How good are you with a Dremel?

3) Buy a Manager for your key-ring 

  Got one today! 



  Me thinks I have too many keys, or have too many locks.     And since working security have always kept a backup set on me - more so for backup vehicle & house keys, i.e. rushing out the door moments.


  Seen another fellow knife enthusiast carry a Photon button-cell LED light on the end up his. Am sort of playing with this at the moment, keeping in the other pocket with my Bedford Rogue wallet.




  Still wonder if I should have gotten an Explorer. Then too, if I had probably would not of made custom Plus scales as would have ordered an Explorer Plus.

  Now I prefer the awl on the Climber more than the S557, although I could use the can opener for a sharp scraper/cutter. I like my Climber the most, but one should not be carrying a Charge TTi, Climber, S557, & a Manager.    It's the multitool separation anxiety issue again. I wants them all. 

  If had gotten an Explorer Plus, wonder if I would have even considered the Wenger S557 ... 

  Odd how things play out. And MTO is to blame the reason for my SAKtification. 

[Monrogue]

  Now I prefer the awl on the Climber more than the S557, although I could use the can opener for a sharp scraper/cutter. I like my Climber the most, but one should not be carrying a Charge TTi, Climber, S557, & a Manager.    It's the multitool separation anxiety issue again. I wants them all. 

 
  Odd how things play out. And MTO is to blame the reason for my SAKtification. 

Oh come on, why shouldn't one carry so much?  Here's the most I've carried at one time:  Vic Spirit, PSTII, Pioneer and Micra.  And that's without any sheaths either, all pocket my friend   Granted, the PSTII, Pioneer and Micra are not that thick or heavy, so it's not hard to fit them in a pocket, but all three is pushing it

[Outback in Idaho]

  Now I prefer the awl on the Climber more than the S557, although I could use the can opener for a sharp scraper/cutter. I like my Climber the most, but one should not be carrying a Charge TTi, Climber, S557, & a Manager.    It's the multitool separation anxiety issue again. I wants them all. 

 
  Odd how things play out. And MTO is to blame the reason for my SAKtification. 

Oh come on, why shouldn't one carry so much?  Here's the most I've carried at one time:  Vic Spirit, PSTII, Pioneer and Micra.  And that's without any sheaths either, all pocket my friend   Granted, the PSTII, Pioneer and Micra are not that thick or heavy, so it's not hard to fit them in a pocket, but all three is pushing it

  You know, they have them front pocket wallets, right? Why not a front pocket sheath? Hmm... Metro?
   Could easily make room for 3 or 4 spaces for knives.   

[Monrogue]

  Now I prefer the awl on the Climber more than the S557, although I could use the can opener for a sharp scraper/cutter. I like my Climber the most, but one should not be carrying a Charge TTi, Climber, S557, & a Manager.    It's the multitool separation anxiety issue again. I wants them all. 

 
  Odd how things play out. And MTO is to blame the reason for my SAKtification. 

Oh come on, why shouldn't one carry so much?  Here's the most I've carried at one time:  Vic Spirit, PSTII, Pioneer and Micra.  And that's without any sheaths either, all pocket my friend   Granted, the PSTII, Pioneer and Micra are not that thick or heavy, so it's not hard to fit them in a pocket, but all three is pushing it

  You know, they have them front pocket wallets, right? Why not a front pocket sheath? Hmm... Metro?
   Could easily make room for 3 or 4 spaces for knives.   

Oh cool, I wasn't aware of those.  I bet that could be handy indeed.  Thanks for the suggestion

[AmperSand]

My 2 fav's are stayglow tinker or climber. The tinker was originally red celidor scaled model and was the first SAK I bought in my adult life! I got a stayglow climber and loved the scales so got a set for my tinker.
I chose both so i would have scissors/corkscrew in one package and lighter slimmer carry in the other.
Have heaps of alox models now too, but as far as first (and most useful) SAK's go.. They were my first 2 choices.

[Outback in Idaho]

  Well, this SAK Spartan is going to a long lost half-sister. Broke down to make the rattlesnake lanyard, which took two tries.  Now to type up the knife and scale history to give credit where it is due.

  Thought I'd share the photos here in this existing post. Thanks to Lowtech for the Spartan, WoodMan for the test scales, and to Ashley for the bead. Got it sharpened up. Needs a bit of lubrication and buffing, then it will be ready to send off.

[Outback in Idaho]

  Well, this SAK Spartan is going to a long lost half-sister. Broke down to make the rattlesnake lanyard, which took two tries.  Now to type up the knife and scale history to give credit where it is due.

  Thought I'd share the photos here in this existing post. Thanks to Lowtech for the Spartan, WoodMan for the test scales, and to Ashley for the bead. Got it sharpened up. Needs a bit of lubrication and buffing, then it will be ready to send off.

  It arrived and I had to send a text message as 'Well?' This was the reply

Hi big brother I got it today and I just love it to death that is so damn cool I can't thank enough I just love it wow damn your good lol wow

    

[papercut]

It kinda depends on the the age if it is for a kid- no need to give them a corkscrew :p.  So that excludes my first recommendations of the Compact and Wenger Traveler.  Rambler/Classic and Cadet are great choices as a combo, but a saw seems mandatory.  The farmer is the creme de la creme of single saks.  Fieldmaster and Wenger Evogrip 18 also gets high marks! 

Voyageur and Yeoman would be swell if you can find em.  The mag lens is awesome for kids!  If there was a Wenger sak with lens (real glass not plastic), scissors and saw, I'd say that would be just about perfect for a kid.  Ahh, that model seems to be called the Deluxe Backpacker!

[stressmaster5000]

Can't go wrong with a Spartan or even a Standard as the first SAK. Even a first knife it is great.

[Outback in Idaho]

Happy SAK Day to me!

One year ago I got my first & original Swiss Army Knife. Thanks to all you out there that helped!
Even posted this over on Victorinox's facebook page - with URL linking here.   

Thank you mates! 

[Monrogue]

Happy SAK Day to me!

One year ago I got my first & original Swiss Army Knife. Thanks to all you out there that helped!
Even posted this over on Victorinox's facebook page - with URL linking here.   

Thank you mates! 

 

[bmh46]

The Climber definitely

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Fattsgalore]

I didn't get to vote but I'd say Compact or Climber. Compact for sure...
Midnite Manager or Rambler on your keychain...