How Addictive are SAKs?

[fozzy_au]

Hi All,

I first discovered this forum a little over a month ago when I came to ask for some advice about the SAK I was buying for my daughter's birthday. At that time I myself had a Huntsman that I bought years ago for camping which had sat tucked away in a draw forgotten for the last few years.  Now I've got four SAKs!

I couldn't help myself.  In the last couple of weeks I've bought a Compact, a Huntsman Lite and a SwissChamp.

The Compact is a great little knife...its so compact.  It has become my EDC.  I work in an office so its a handy little knife to carry without needing all the bells and whistles.  I like the hook with the built in nail file, something that doesn't seem to be on any other knife.  I'm also a fan of the plus scales which all three of my new knives have.  The pen has probably been the most used thing yet on the compact.  Its surprising how many times I've needed a pen and not had one immediately to hand, until now.

I think the SwissChamp is going on the kitchen bench to be used around home.  It is a great looking knife.  The workmanship and quality of these knifes is amazing.

The Huntsman will probably still be used as my camping knife.

The Huntsman Lite. I'm not sure about.  I thought the light part sounded cool, but its a bit disappointing really.  It has the ruby scales though so it looks pretty good.  I'm sure I'll find a use for it.

There is something about these little red knives that just suck you in.  My wife thinks I have gone quite mad.

[Reinier]

Until 2000 or so I had one SAK. When I discovered MTo in 2010 my collection had grown a bit (10 SAKs or so). Now I have hundreds.
So yes, SAKs are addictive and the members here are a bunch of enablers

The Compact is one of my favorites too.

And welcome to MTo

[kahyja]

Welcome 

Yes, they are very addictive! My collection grown from a Spartan in 2011 to around 40 Saks today, including some hard to find and very collectable ones. The thing is it seems it never stop.
I think I better put a number limit for my collection, but the wife didn't ask for it for the moment, so...

Damn Reinier, hundreds really?!?! I tought you were mainly in 74mm's?

[captain spaulding]

SAKS are like being addicted to crack.....only legal. 

[styx]

They are addictive enough that you'll think of any reason just to get more

[AlephZero]

They are addictive enough that you'll think of any reason just to get more

Usually though... You don't NEED any reason

[AimlessWanderer]

I need to get rid of some again - far too many not getting used and just taking up space

[nuphoria]

Yes, you're in trouble...

Good to have you with us

[Zed]

Well ill blame reinier, jerseydevil. And taxidad as now have about 4-vics,1-wenger,and lowtechs fault as also have a vic gak  plus a oho 111mm gak,oh and 3 other gaks  these things breed  favourites are my Swisschamp, explorer with grooved CS,tinker and wenger si,

[Chako]

They can be addicting. I started collecting them in 2009 after reading the SAK forum. Everyone seemed to be overly enthused when talking about them. I had to buy a few Wengers at a local store to see what all the fuss was about. Now I have hundreds of them...and I can safely say, you will reach a point where you reach critical mass and your additions will slow down or stop. Until then, enjoy the journey. 

[firiki]

Hi, welcome to the forums. About SAKs being addictive I have one word to say: alox.

[powernoodle]

Okay here's the deal.  And after you read this, you have to burn it, because its top secret.

We buy these things to anesthetize and distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.  Some people do this with drugs, alcohol, porn, golf or hoarding.  In each case, the activity distracts our brains from the train wreck between our ears.

The internet boards, the hunt for the new toy, the cogitation, the finding it online, the placing of the order, the waiting, the trip to the mailbox, the opening and the fondling.  These things distract us from the turmoil.  When that buzz wears off, and reality begins to raise its ugly head again (i.e., the realization that I will never stand on the moon or see Alessandra Ambrosia's bite marks on my shoulder), then we start looking for the next toy to start the process all over.

Thats how I ended up with 30 guns, 100+ knives, 100+ flashlights, and maybe 30 MTs and SAKs.  Its a mental disorder.  But I recognize it for what it is, and I'm fine with it.  There are worse ways to self-destruct.

So this hoarding behavior is not so much about the SAK.  Its about the distraction from reality that comes with it.

[Nhoj]

They can be addicting. I started collecting them in 2009 after reading the SAK forum. Everyone seemed to be overly enthused when talking about them. I had to buy a few Wengers at a local store to see what all the fuss was about. Now I have hundreds of them...and I can safely say, you will reach a point where you reach critical mass and your additions will slow down or stop. Until then, enjoy the journey. 

Chako you can't ever reach critical mass, you can only collect every multitool and sak in existence to stop. Although you are getting close...

[Zed]

Okay here's the deal.  And after you read this, you have to burn it, because its top secret.

We buy these things to anesthetize and distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.  Some people do this with drugs, alcohol, porn, golf or hoarding.  In each case, the activity distracts our brains from the train wreck between our ears.

The internet boards, the hunt for the new toy, the cogitation, the finding it online, the placing of the order, the waiting, the trip to the mailbox, the opening and the fondling.  These things distract us from the turmoil.  When that buzz wears off, and reality begins to raise its ugly head again (i.e., the realization that I will never stand on the moon or see Alessandra Ambrosia's bite marks on my shoulder), then we start looking for the next toy to start the process all over.

Thats how I ended up with 30 guns, 100+ knives, 100+ flashlights, and maybe 30 MTs and SAKs.  Its a mental disorder.  But I recognize it for what it is, and I'm fine with it.  There are worse ways to self-destruct.

So this hoarding behavior is not so much about the SAK.  Its about the distraction from reality that comes with it.

Yep sounds about right mate 

[firiki]

Okay here's the deal.  And after you read this, you have to burn it, because its top secret.

We buy these things to anesthetize and distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.  Some people do this with drugs, alcohol, porn, golf or hoarding.  In each case, the activity distracts our brains from the train wreck between our ears.

The internet boards, the hunt for the new toy, the cogitation, the finding it online, the placing of the order, the waiting, the trip to the mailbox, the opening and the fondling.  These things distract us from the turmoil.  When that buzz wears off, and reality begins to raise its ugly head again (i.e., the realization that I will never stand on the moon or see Alessandra Ambrosia's bite marks on my shoulder), then we start looking for the next toy to start the process all over.

Thats how I ended up with 30 guns, 100+ knives, 100+ flashlights, and maybe 30 MTs and SAKs.  Its a mental disorder.  But I recognize it for what it is, and I'm fine with it.  There are worse ways to self-destruct.

So this hoarding behavior is not so much about the SAK.  Its about the distraction from reality that comes with it.

Yep sounds about right mate 

+1 

[Monrogue]

Okay here's the deal.  And after you read this, you have to burn it, because its top secret.

We buy these things to anesthetize and distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.  Some people do this with drugs, alcohol, porn, golf or hoarding.  In each case, the activity distracts our brains from the train wreck between our ears.

The internet boards, the hunt for the new toy, the cogitation, the finding it online, the placing of the order, the waiting, the trip to the mailbox, the opening and the fondling.  These things distract us from the turmoil.  When that buzz wears off, and reality begins to raise its ugly head again (i.e., the realization that I will never stand on the moon or see Alessandra Ambrosia's bite marks on my shoulder), then we start looking for the next toy to start the process all over.

Thats how I ended up with 30 guns, 100+ knives, 100+ flashlights, and maybe 30 MTs and SAKs.  Its a mental disorder.  But I recognize it for what it is, and I'm fine with it.  There are worse ways to self-destruct.

So this hoarding behavior is not so much about the SAK.  Its about the distraction from reality that comes with it.

Yep sounds about right mate 

+1 

+2   I find I enjoy the act of figuring out which SAK I want next and then justifying the purchase, then placing the order and anticipating its arrival.  I almost think I enjoy that whole process just as much as the actual SAK itself.  It's great when I first get it and check it all out and take pics to post here.  Then after a couple weeks, if not sooner, the newness wears off and it becomes another SAK I want to carry.  I only have a handful compared to many others here, but I am rather picky on what I get.  I don't feel right buying one that I probably wouldn't carry, and I don't want to have to choose from a dozen or more SAKs when deciding what to carry.  However, I still have the urge to buy them, so I consider myself addicted to some degree, just not so much from a collector stand point. 

[detron]

very addictive. if you let it.

I got my first SAK back in 2006  a Cybertool 41.  I bought it to have at work, bought it for function, not collectability.  7 years later I find this site, and since I registered here ( June 21, 2013, 04:41:33 AM ) I now have about 20 or so. I love the cheap finds, don't get me wrong, I would love some super valuable one, but I am very happy with just finding a steal on ebay, or at a flea market.  I really love ebay sellers who do not notice some of the blades.  I will admit, I can easily see overlooking the saw on a Vic, no nail nic, it just looks like a wide divider to the unaware.  I love buying 3 or 4 VICs in a lot, for say $12 to $15.  yes, I spend hours cleaning them up, but it saves money, and I still love what I have.
My favorite part is trying to date the time frame of a tool.  I love linking a SAK (or coin, MT, watch, etc) to a point in history and looking at what was going on then, or what had not happened yet.  just like a 1943 US penny is made of steel because of the need of copper in WWII.
The biggest testament of how well engineered a VIC SAK is (IMO) is the fact that my 1976'ish explorer, is not very different that a current one.  yes a few back tools were added, and if it is a plus model you get an ink pen and straight pen, but considering the fact that 1973 was essentially computer-less, and today we  have cell phones that can run circles around all of the computers of the 1970s combined and still, no major changes. 3D rendering, CAD, and the ability to use computer means you can make changes in minutes and see how they would work instead of making a physical change and working out the kinks slowly, and still, just a couple of back tools and a few things in the scales.

[Syph007]

Very addictive!

Just reading this makes me want to pull the trigger on a workchamp xl Ive been watching! 

[microbe]

it appears it can get very addictive
http://www.ebay.es/itm/121179086212?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[neillcurrie]

Dunno.
Am I kidding myself if I think I can give them up anytime 

[prijon12]

I don't have a problem with SAKs.  They have always been there for me!


The nice thing is you can always sell them off to buy more.  It is just converting some capitol to something fun for a while

[magentus]

I'll hold my hands up and admit I too am addicted to SAK's. My addiction though isn't to do with getting more and more (I have 5 and unless I come across a Champ or a CT41, I don't think I want/need any more), but I find the quality, robustness and useability a real anchor in a world I find getting increasingly crazy. My EDC (Explorer) is a totem for me. Always on my person and when I'm not using it or working, I'll hold it in my hand for comfort. Don't judge me - I know I'm not alone!

[detron]

I'll hold my hands up and admit I too am addicted to SAK's. My addiction though isn't to do with getting more and more (I have 5 and unless I come across a Champ or a CT41, I don't think I want/need any more), but I find the quality, robustness and useability a real anchor in a world I find getting increasingly crazy. My EDC (Explorer) is a totem for me. Always on my person and when I'm not using it or working, I'll hold it in my hand for comfort. Don't judge me - I know I'm not alone!

You are not alone.   My wife thinks I am stupid because I play with my (almost put SAK) swiss army knives while watching tv

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

[kirk13]

Don't know what you lot mean...I only have one SAK,couldn't see why is need anoth...ah who am I kidding

[sawman]

Well, it's not just SAKs but other cool gear like keychain gadgets and LED lights, but these things keep me occupied and are fun to collect. There's so many new items of gear coming out constantly that one's collection of gear is never complete. Don't you agree?
 

[rmagralha]

Okay here's the deal.  And after you read this, you have to burn it, because its top secret.

We buy these things to anesthetize and distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.  Some people do this with drugs, alcohol, porn, golf or hoarding.  In each case, the activity distracts our brains from the train wreck between our ears.

The internet boards, the hunt for the new toy, the cogitation, the finding it online, the placing of the order, the waiting, the trip to the mailbox, the opening and the fondling.  These things distract us from the turmoil.  When that buzz wears off, and reality begins to raise its ugly head again (i.e., the realization that I will never stand on the moon or see Alessandra Ambrosia's bite marks on my shoulder), then we start looking for the next toy to start the process all over.

Thats how I ended up with 30 guns, 100+ knives, 100+ flashlights, and maybe 30 MTs and SAKs.  Its a mental disorder.  But I recognize it for what it is, and I'm fine with it.  There are worse ways to self-destruct.

So this hoarding behavior is not so much about the SAK.  Its about the distraction from reality that comes with it.

This was one of the most perfect descriptions I read until now! +1 

[AimlessWanderer]

Here's how I've found the timeline ... rough approximation only ...


Get a few, lights, knives, SAKs, and multitools ...

Think - yeah that's great!

See something intriguing and buy it
See another, buy that
Decide you only need one of those two new ones, so let the least favourite go
See more stuff, buy more stuff
Decide you only need THREE of those SIX new ones, so let the least favourite TWO go ... 

Think - yeah that's great!

Buy more stuff
Wonder how the crap did I end up with this lot, and make a list of stuff to sell
Give away 10% of the list, and sell another 30%

Think - yeah that's great!

Buy a bit more, but sell more than you bought
Reorganise you carry

Think - yeah that's great!

Buy two, Trade one, Buy five, Sell two
Wonder how the crap did I end up with this lot, and make a list of stuff to sell
Give away 10% of the list, and sell another 30%
Figure that's still way too much and make a new list to sell
Decide that list is obviously wrong as there's too many keepers in there ...
Have a drink while you try to figure it out
Browse Amazon ... buy more stuff
Make a shorter list of definite sales items

Think - yeah that's great!

Feel really good about that ... but don't actually sell them
When the parcel arrives, realise you've been "drink-buying" again - feel embarrased
Buy more stuff to cheer yourself up
Wonder why you never sold the old for sale stuff
Make a new list
Sell Two items, and trade three others
Try to figure out which of these you actually need and which should go
Get a headache, and decide to do something else for a while

Notice how you've not thought "Yeah, that's great" for a while
Buy more stuff ...

... you get the gist 

[Monrogue]

I'll hold my hands up and admit I too am addicted to SAK's. My addiction though isn't to do with getting more and more (I have 5 and unless I come across a Champ or a CT41, I don't think I want/need any more), but I find the quality, robustness and useability a real anchor in a world I find getting increasingly crazy. My EDC (Explorer) is a totem for me. Always on my person and when I'm not using it or working, I'll hold it in my hand for comfort. Don't judge me - I know I'm not alone!

You are not alone.   My wife thinks I am stupid because I play with my (almost put SAK) swiss army knives while watching tv

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

+1--I love just holding my SAK and rolling it around and opening/closing the tools.  It's almost therapeutic really

[RVER]

I'll hold my hands up and admit I too am addicted to SAK's. My addiction though isn't to do with getting more and more (I have 5 and unless I come across a Champ or a CT41, I don't think I want/need any more), but I find the quality, robustness and useability a real anchor in a world I find getting increasingly crazy. My EDC (Explorer) is a totem for me. Always on my person and when I'm not using it or working, I'll hold it in my hand for comfort. Don't judge me - I know I'm not alone!

You are not alone.   My wife thinks I am stupid because I play with my (almost put SAK) swiss army knives while watching tv

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

+1--I love just holding my SAK and rolling it around and opening/closing the tools.  It's almost therapeutic really

Yup! Comforting too somehow,
I just roll with it. Too mind blowing to try and figure out...

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 2.

[nate j]

They can be fairly addictive, but you'll slow down eventually.  You're only in the early part of stage two of the MT progression:

Stage 1 - Only own perhaps 1-2 MTs, all users.  Changes are rare or non-existent.  Some people skip this stage and move directly to stage 2.

Stage 2 - Eyes are opened to the wider world of MTs, and interest is piqued.  MT acquisition rate and user change frequency peak as various options and combinations are tried.

Stage 3 - Most viable options have been tested and needs, likes, and dislikes become apparent.  MT acquisition rate and user change frequency drop off as favorite tools and combinations emerge.

Stage 4 - User change frequency is low, and generally prompted by external factors, e.g. new product offerings, job change, relocation/legal changes, etc.  MT acquisition in this stage may begin to focus more on collectors than users.


Further, I think it worth noting that we're acquiring items that have practical, everyday uses, as opposed to porcelain figurines or something.  And if we happen to acquire a few more than we really truly actually need, well...

Finally, you will likely reach a critical mass (probably well before you reach the point where your acquisition slows) where your wife will not be able to keep mental track of how many or what SAKs you have.  Ergo, she won't then know if you've gotten a new one unless she actually sees the package arrive in the mail.  And, if she happens to ask how long you've had a specific knife she sees you with, you can simply say "for a while"...