Appreciation for the Explorer

[rivercity]

Thanks guys! 

[Aloha]

I dream of an 84mm Explorer Plus  .  In the mean time my Explorer Plus is one of my most favorites.  When I got it nearly all other SAKs were relegated to the sideline.  That mag glass and inline phillips are lovely.   

[NorCalJim]

I dream of an 84mm Explorer Plus  .  In the mean time my Explorer Plus is one of my most favorites.  When I got it nearly all other SAKs were relegated to the sideline.  That mag glass and inline phillips are lovely.

I know what you mean about the Explorer taking center stage and sidelining the other SAKs. 

I was bitten by the Explorer bug and purchased several (don't know how many but it is north of 15).  I loved the magnifier & inline Philips and if I carried a second SAK, it was as a secondary SAK. For example, I would have an Explorer in my right front pocket and a CyberTool in the left. 

I showed an Explorer with the grey-framed magnifier to my wife shortly after Christmas and she thanked me for it (how do they do that?) and placed it on a two-tier wooden organizer she keeps in the kitchen.  She uses it quite often but doesn't like the glue residue that is hard for her to remove after opening packages (I have become responsible for putting it back in pristine condition).  I promoted an old Spartan for her package opening convenience and added a Tinker for my use.  This worked out so well, that I have been caching SAKs in strategic places throughout the house for my convenience.  Although I keep several Explorers on a table near my recliner, I have managed to incorporate various other SAKs into my daily use including some very nice alox models. 

The Explorer still has a lock on center stage but I am now enjoying the other models as well.

[Barry Rowland]

  Me too Aloha!!!

I dream of an 84mm Explorer Plus  .  In the mean time my Explorer Plus is one of my most favorites.  When I got it nearly all other SAKs were relegated to the sideline.  That mag glass and inline phillips are lovely.

[El Corkscrew]

Me too Aloha!!!

I dream of an 84mm Explorer Plus  .  In the mean time my Explorer Plus is one of my most favorites.  When I got it nearly all other SAKs were relegated to the sideline.  That mag glass and inline phillips are lovely.

+1 

[Ron Who]

Me too Aloha!!!

I dream of an 84mm Explorer Plus  .  In the mean time my Explorer Plus is one of my most favorites.  When I got it nearly all other SAKs were relegated to the sideline.  That mag glass and inline phillips are lovely.

+1 

I don't dream about Swiss Army Knives. I dream about Smurfette!

[ThePeacent]

only real thing the Spirit lacks!

[ThePeacent]

more love, so lovely it is!

[Barry Rowland]

 

[fivesense]

The Explorer is one of my two favorite SAK's, the other one being the Swisschamp  .

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

I've got a Swiss Champ and a Huntsman BSA (Phillips sd instead of the corkscrew) but I also have an Explorer on the way. The Swiss Champ has pretty much everything I need but when I want pocket carry capability, I think the Explorer is going to get the nod. I suppose I can upgrade the scales on the Explorer if needed but I don't think I will need to.

The Swiss Champ sits in the pouch on my belt for most EDC. But again, when I need a slimmer, equally capable SAK, the Explorer will suit me well.

Does the regular Explorer model have a slot for the pin? Or does that require the extra scales? In looking at my SC, I imagine the new scales are required. Where does one order the upgraded scales?

[fivesense]

I'm fond of the Explorer myself.  For my needs, my Yeoman is a more economical choice, but I understand the benefit of the full sized Explorer.  The next two mods I'm planning on doing are both going to be based on Explorers in fact.  One with a saw, to make a Woodsman, and another with pliers.

Are you keeping the scissors on the planned pliers mod or taking them off?

I'm new to the idea of modifying a SAK. How does one go about adding something like the pliers?

[fivesense]

Well, it isn't available in my country, but that doesn't mean I don't like it. I think what it misses from being perfect is a light, but thinking I can get that externally(although I would like having EVERYTHING I need in a single SAK(magnifier, LED, Phillips, openers/combo tool, scissors, pen optionally small blade) that is impossible, but Yeoman and Explorer get VERY close, alongside Cybertool Lite(cheaper one of the two SAKs that have both the LED and the magnifier, the other being swisschamp XAVT- Vic's largest SAK yet.)

This post made me consider the addition of a light and it occurs to me that a simple key chain flashlight could be attached to the SAK key ring. I'd never thought about this before (probably just me). There are so many good options for key ring lights now, including micro USB rechargeable. I may give it a shot for my travel EDC SAK.

[fivesense]

I received a clip to attach to my Explorer's keyring for better pocket carry.  I am happy to say that it works like a charm and makes the Explorer much less noticeable and uncomfortable to pocket carry.  So now I appreciate my Explorer even more

I realize this is an older thread, but can you please post pictures of the clip you have? I'd be interested in seeing clip options for pocket carry.

[Aloha]

I'm fond of the Explorer myself.  For my needs, my Yeoman is a more economical choice, but I understand the benefit of the full sized Explorer.  The next two mods I'm planning on doing are both going to be based on Explorers in fact.  One with a saw, to make a Woodsman, and another with pliers.

Are you keeping the scissors on the planned pliers mod or taking them off?

I'm new to the idea of modifying a SAK. How does one go about adding something like the pliers?

Well worth the pages and pages of what he's come from to.  Incredible work he's producing. 
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,34772.0.html

[fivesense]

I'm fond of the Explorer myself.  For my needs, my Yeoman is a more economical choice, but I understand the benefit of the full sized Explorer.  The next two mods I'm planning on doing are both going to be based on Explorers in fact.  One with a saw, to make a Woodsman, and another with pliers.

Are you keeping the scissors on the planned pliers mod or taking them off?

Thank you!

I'm new to the idea of modifying a SAK. How does one go about adding something like the pliers?

Well worth the pages and pages of what he's come from to.  Incredible work he's producing. 
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,34772.0.html

Thank you!

[El Corkscrew]

I'm fond of the Explorer myself.  For my needs, my Yeoman is a more economical choice, but I understand the benefit of the full sized Explorer.  The next two mods I'm planning on doing are both going to be based on Explorers in fact.  One with a saw, to make a Woodsman, and another with pliers.

Are you keeping the scissors on the planned pliers mod or taking them off?

I'm new to the idea of modifying a SAK. How does one go about adding something like the pliers?

Don't feel bad, I'm an avid collector and still don't have a mod.  If I was going to ... it would probably be the very simple but difficult task of putting Vic can opener in an old school Wenger Traveler... 

[Don Pablo]

The Explorer is one of my two favorite SAK's, the other one being the Swisschamp  .

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

I've got a Swiss Champ and a Huntsman BSA (Phillips sd instead of the corkscrew) but I also have an Explorer on the way. The Swiss Champ has pretty much everything I need but when I want pocket carry capability, I think the Explorer is going to get the nod. I suppose I can upgrade the scales on the Explorer if needed but I don't think I will need to.

The Swiss Champ sits in the pouch on my belt for most EDC. But again, when I need a slimmer, equally capable SAK, the Explorer will suit me well.

Does the regular Explorer model have a slot for the pin? Or does that require the extra scales? In looking at my SC, I imagine the new scales are required. Where does one order the upgraded scales?

As far as I know, new regular scales have the pin hole. My Hiker(a smaller model) had it when I bought it new on amazon 2015. I don't see why it would be different. 

[Gareth]

The Explorer is one of my two favorite SAK's, the other one being the Swisschamp  .

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

I've got a Swiss Champ and a Huntsman BSA (Phillips sd instead of the corkscrew) but I also have an Explorer on the way. The Swiss Champ has pretty much everything I need but when I want pocket carry capability, I think the Explorer is going to get the nod. I suppose I can upgrade the scales on the Explorer if needed but I don't think I will need to.

The Swiss Champ sits in the pouch on my belt for most EDC. But again, when I need a slimmer, equally capable SAK, the Explorer will suit me well.

Does the regular Explorer model have a slot for the pin? Or does that require the extra scales? In looking at my SC, I imagine the new scales are required. Where does one order the upgraded scales?

As far as I know, new regular scales have the pin hole. My Hiker(a smaller model) had it when I bought it new on amazon 2015. I don't see why it would be different. 

Quite right, all the new scales have the pin hole these days.  You'll need to add your own pin though. 

[powernoodle]

Since Photobucket decided to stop linking my pics   , here is a repost of them via Imgur.   

[Barry Rowland]

Nice collection!!  I've only one, but I like 👍it!!

[Don Pablo]

Powernoodle speSmurfpillses in pictures that make his SAK collection seem twice as large. 
 

[Barry Rowland]

 

[fivesense]

My Explorer arrived today- it's always exciting to get a new SAK, especially when it's one you know will be in the EDC rotation!

Beautiful little toolbox of course- nice, crisp in and out of the tools and the magnifier is magnificent. Seems clearer and slightly more resolution than my Swiss Champ but that's probably just because it's fresh out of the box. If this post allows, I'll post a side by side with my Huntsman BSA which is about the same except the Huntsman has a saw and Phillips combo and the Explorer has the magnifier and corkscrew. I've got the micro screwdriver coming later this week for the corkscrew.

I may get the Plus scales for this Explorer but we'll see. 

[fivesense]

Side by side with the Huntsman BSA.

• Anyone know why the images show sideways? They are formatted properly when I attach. 

[sir_mike]

My Explorer arrived today- it's always exciting to get a new SAK, especially when it's one you know will be in the EDC rotation!

Beautiful little toolbox of course- nice, crisp in and out of the tools and the magnifier is magnificent. Seems clearer and slightly more resolution than my Swiss Champ but that's probably just because it's fresh out of the box. If this post allows, I'll post a side by side with my Huntsman BSA which is about the same except the Huntsman has a saw and Phillips combo and the Explorer has the magnifier and corkscrew. I've got the micro screwdriver coming later this week for the corkscrew.

I may get the Plus scales for this Explorer but we'll see.

Does it have the hole in the scales for the pin?  It should since it looks like a newer model.  I wouldn't upgrade it to the Plus scales unless you NEED or WANT the pen or the scales are in bad shape, which they don't look like!

[Barry Rowland]

  You're going to love the Explorer!!

[fivesense]

My Explorer arrived today- it's always exciting to get a new SAK, especially when it's one you know will be in the EDC rotation!

Beautiful little toolbox of course- nice, crisp in and out of the tools and the magnifier is magnificent. Seems clearer and slightly more resolution than my Swiss Champ but that's probably just because it's fresh out of the box. If this post allows, I'll post a side by side with my Huntsman BSA which is about the same except the Huntsman has a saw and Phillips combo and the Explorer has the magnifier and corkscrew. I've got the micro screwdriver coming later this week for the corkscrew.

I may get the Plus scales for this Explorer but we'll see.

Does it have the hole in the scales for the pin?  It should since it looks like a newer model.  I wouldn't upgrade it to the Plus scales unless you NEED or WANT the pen or the scales are in bad shape, which they don't look like!

The new Explorer does indeed have the pin hole. Changing scales is not the highest priority but simply like the look of the translucent ruby scales.

[El Corkscrew]

Excellent choice. I think plus scales are top-notch.   

[Don Pablo]

My Explorer arrived today- it's always exciting to get a new SAK, especially when it's one you know will be in the EDC rotation!

Beautiful little toolbox of course- nice, crisp in and out of the tools and the magnifier is magnificent. Seems clearer and slightly more resolution than my Swiss Champ but that's probably just because it's fresh out of the box. If this post allows, I'll post a side by side with my Huntsman BSA which is about the same except the Huntsman has a saw and Phillips combo and the Explorer has the magnifier and corkscrew. I've got the micro screwdriver coming later this week for the corkscrew.

I may get the Plus scales for this Explorer but we'll see.

For your information, there are two versions of the new large magnifier. One with a plastic lens and a newer one with a glass lens. That might account for the difference that you perceive?
http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Magnifying+Glass

[fivesense]

My Explorer arrived today- it's always exciting to get a new SAK, especially when it's one you know will be in the EDC rotation!

Beautiful little toolbox of course- nice, crisp in and out of the tools and the magnifier is magnificent. Seems clearer and slightly more resolution than my Swiss Champ but that's probably just because it's fresh out of the box. If this post allows, I'll post a side by side with my Huntsman BSA which is about the same except the Huntsman has a saw and Phillips combo and the Explorer has the magnifier and corkscrew. I've got the micro screwdriver coming later this week for the corkscrew.

I may get the Plus scales for this Explorer but we'll see.

For your information, there are two versions of the new large magnifier. One with a plastic lens and a newer one with a glass lens. That might account for the difference that you perceive?
http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Magnifying+Glass

Thank you for sharing this information. Here's the key info- "In 2012 Victorinox changed the Magnifier to use a glass lens with a 6x magnification while retaining the clear plastic housing."

I'd previously contacted Victorinox USA for this information and it was a bit disconcerting that they didn't know this. Oh well- I know where to go for my SAK questions- here and SAKWIKI!