Reunited... and it feels so good! (and a GIVEAWAY!)

[Breezy12]

if you've read any of my posts on this forum, it's pretty apparent that I'm a fan of Leatherman tools. however, it all started long, long ago, when I received my first real knife -- an 84mm Tinker -- from my grandfather, for my 10th birthday.



my grandfather had already given this knife plenty of hard use, but that just made it all the more special to me. this knife accompanied me on countless Boy Scout camping trips, service projects, and plenty of other activities. and it started a craving... shortly after receiving this knife, I got my hands on a Victorinox catalog. I remember poring over every single page of that thing, planning which SAK would be my next one, and how I would someday own them all...

unfortunately, at that age, I really didn't have much of a budget for SAKs, so I didn't get my next one, until a few years later. it was from my grandfather, once again, for my birthday, only this time it was a shiny NIB 91mm Tinker.



around that same time, I also received my first Leatherman -- a PST -- as a gift from my parents. the PST quickly became my favorite tool to carry on Scout outings, so I decided to attach the new Tinker to my keychain for EDC purposes, and retire the old Tinker for sentimental reasons. (by this time, my grandfather had also discovered PSTs and was completely hooked as well!) by this time, I was starting high school, and I no longer had the desire to collect every single Vic model, and I wasn't even aware that there were any LM models besides the PST. (This was around 1994.)

So my SAK fever more or less subsided, and I didn't even get my second Leatherman until years later (a Charge Ti in 2004). A few years after that, I started trying to collect the retired LM tools, so by the time I joined MTo in 2012, I had plenty of them in my collection. But I still only had the 2 SAKs. There were a couple different Classics that came and went over the years, but the two Tinkers were the ones I really cared about.

As I started getting more and more involved in the MTo forum, I could feel the SAK bug lurking in the background... the Swiss Forum called out to me, but I resisted! I was focused on Leatherman tools, and didn't want my attention (or funds!) to be diverted back to SAKs. Besides, I told myself I had kicked that habit years ago...

Then, a few months ago, I decided to grab a couple used SAKs off of ebay, with the intention of trying to use some of the parts in a modded Wave/Charge. with the addition of a Camper and Golfer (and a couple Classics that were thrown in on the ebay auctions), suddenly I had a few more SAKs on my hands... and you'll notice they haven't been taken apart to use the tools in mods yet.



After that, things started to get out of hand. another forum member generously gave me a beautiful green Alox Cadet as a thanks for helping him out with some international shipping. Foos offered an Ambassador and a Bantam to the first forum member who made a simple donation to the forum; I got lucky and was the first one to see his generous offer. then I won a Ruby Huntsman in a giveaway from Lynn, which I have been using here and there, albeit carefully. (I can't bring myself to let the ruby scales get scratched up!) another forum member gifted me a sapphire Classic as a thank you for a mod project that I did for him, and, well...



as you can see, the SAK bug seems to have bitten me again, thanks to some of the generous members here. hence the title of this post... I feel like I've been reunited with SAKs, the tools that started it all for me... and yes, it really does feel so good.

so to build off of that good feeling, I decided it was time for my first giveaway on this fine forum. I originally joined after finding Metro's Black Tide thread and following his steps to complete my first Leatherman mod. Since then, I feel like I've made some new friends, learned a bunch, completed plenty more mods, and had plenty of fun. This forum is full of genuinely great people. I can always get an answer to a question, or post something stupid for a laugh, or just stop by to rant about something that's bugging me. I always try to help out wherever I can, whether it's with information about a specific LM tool, or modding advice, or even something as simple as wishing another member a happy birthday. I have experienced quite a bit of generosity on this site, so I decided it's time for me to give back just a little.

There's no particular milestone for this giveaway... I'm still a couple months away from 2 years, and I haven't even hit 1k posts yet.

As you may have gathered from the first part of this post (and big ups to you if you've actually read this entire thing!), the Tinker has always been my favorite SAK, and not just for the sentimental reasons. I always wanted to add the bigger Tinkers (Super and Deluxe) to my lineup, but never got around to it. The PST is a fantastic tool, even 30 years after its initial release, and it will always have a special place in my collection. So without further ado, I'd like to give away two of the tools that started this madness for me -- a NIB Victorinox Super Tinker and a lightly used  PST (excellent condition; date stamps 0694 and 0894). you'll notice that the PST even has the ever-popular classic LM sheath, which is also in surprisingly good condition. and yes, I realize that you can't tell from the picture that it's actually a Super Tinker... you'll just have to take my word for it.



the rules are pretty simple... add your number of choice (between 1-500) and name to the list, and tell us what was your first SAK or MT -- the one that started it all for you. if you have a story or picture (or both!) to go with it, even better... but it won't increase your chances at winning, sorry. I'll let this run for about a week; I'll randomly choose a number the evening of June 2, around 8pm Pacific Standard Time.

I'll get the list started... be sure to use the proper format, or there are a couple members in particular who may come after you...

000 - Breezy12

[Lynn LeFey]

Oh, Breezy, this is incredibly cool and generous of you. 

My first MT was a SOG Crosscut, in the mid 90s. My first SAK was a Tinker, generously donated to me by JerseyDevil. I still have both. I've probably tread those stories to death, so that's about all I have to say about it.

007 - Lynn LeFey

[Chako]

That is a great story. I won't participate, as you do enough for me already.    

But what I can do is tell you about my first MT.

My late father and I took up archery in the early 90s to do some father son bonding. The first time we went out to the outdoor range, we lost quite a few arrows. The second time we went out, my father carried a pair of dedicated pliers for arrow retrieval from trees. It was a bit of a pain to call to my dad every time I wanted to use the pliers. Soon thereafter, at a local store, I found a pair of American Camper multi-tools. So we each got to carry one and it proved workable, not to mention we found other uses for the included tools.

My first SAK was a group of Wengers bought at a local engraving store because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about from various MT.O members. That was in 2009.

[abd1959]

A great GAW and a great story! My first MT was a Leatherman PST I had gotten some time in the 90's, just like the one you are giving away with the leather sheath. I gave that to my father-in-law in the Philippines who carries it proudly everyday and shows it off to anybody interested. My first SAK I received as a Boy Scout way back in the 70's. I know it was a Victorinox but I don't know the model and it was lost many, many years ago.

007 - Lynn LeFey
155 - abd1959

[Kampfer]

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959

[sawman]

My first SAK was a black Hoffritz Swiss Champ some 25 years ago and my first Leatherman was a PST in the 80's

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman

[captain spaulding]

Well shucks...... Your not so bad either.  As said countless times we are like a family around here which is one of the reasons this place is such a pleasure to be a part of.  It is very generous of you to do the giveaway and i'm sure the tools will find a good home.


As for my first MT or SAK. I got a knockoff Classic (still have it) when I was very young. Not to long after I received a Wenger Esquire (still have it). I have always been around pocket knives so I learned how to handle one responsibly. I still remember the very first time I cut myself. It teaches responsibility in a instantaneous and unforgettable way.


007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
444 - Capt. Spaulding

[Serena]

I still carry the Wenger  that my dad bought me in Switzerland when I was 12. It's in my workbag.
I did get a classic when I was 10 or so, but I lost that one.

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
444 - Capt. Spaulding

[Etherealicer]

My First SAK was my Dads military issued red alox, probably Farmer, the Plier-based MT was the Swisstool. For me it started with an error in the LM-product brochure, which then led me to this forum and we all know what happens here

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
444 - Capt. Spaulding
475 - Etherealicer

Thanks Breezy

[Philby]

My first sak was a Swiss champ my parents bought from a holiday in the US. My first proper multitool was a swisstool.
Amazing giveaway
007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
444 - Capt. Spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - philby

[kirk13]

That's a great origins story mate

Mine echoes it in tools if not the who's and what's . My first SAK was a Tinker,my dad bought it for me in Switzerland 30 years ago. My first real mt was a PST which I bought myself from the proceeds of fixing a model railway! The PST I still have,and is honourably retired. The Tinker was stolen many years ago,but thanks to NutSAK earlier this year, I have more or less the same model again.

This is a great giveaway ,thank you

[edcgear]

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
294 - EDCgear
444 - Capt. Spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - philby

Great story and great GAW!!

My first was cheapo Chinese VIC Ripoff when I was a boy (boyscout) and proper was VIC SwissChamp and latter Buck Xtract Fin

 

[ducttapetech]

Very nice of you Breezy!!!
Not going to enter, but my first was a Vic Supertimer.

live from Nate's mobile

[pfrsantos]

Thanks for sharing your story and for the generous GAW.
 

My first SAK was a "knock-off" from undetermined origin (the chinese hadn't began doing them yet). I had a few chinese classics but they didn't last much. In the beginning of this century I finally got a real SAK, a Climber. It's been down(up?)hill from there. The Climber is still one of my favorites.
No love like the first, huh?
 

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

I fixed the list! Keep it like that!
 

[scattergun13]

Hi Breezy, very kind of you and thanks. My first MT was a Leatherman (not sure which model) given to me by my father. That tool began a life long appreciation for these tools and the people who care about them as much as we do.
Respectfully,
Stew.

015-scattergun13

[scattergun13]

pfrsantos, Please accept my apologies for screwing up the list. Can someone teach me how to post that properly so I don't get banned for complete ignorance.
Sincerely,
Stew..

[neillcurrie]

Back in 1971, maybe 1970, my first SAK was a Huntsman. I bought it for myself to accompany me on a month long Outward Bound Course in the Lake District in England. It was with me for maybe thirty years. They were very expensive back in the day 

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

[enki_ck]

Hi Breezy, very kind of you and thanks. My first MT was a Leatherman (not sure which model) given to me by my father. That tool began a life long appreciation for these tools and the people who care about them as much as we do.
Respectfully,
Stew.

Just click quote on the last post with the list before yours, delete the text except the list and the quotation marks and add your name and number in the appropriate spot.

Current list

007 - Lynn LeFey
015 - scattergun13
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby


Very kind of you Matt.

Good luck to all of you guys and gals.

[Etherealicer]

pfrsantos, Please accept my apologies for screwing up the list. Can someone teach me how to post that properly so I don't get banned for complete ignorance.
Sincerely,
Stew..

1) Its simple, start with a 3 digit number ( with leading zeros if its below 100! ) add a "space", a "-", another " ", your name as written in your profile.
2) Copy existing list
3) Move your entry its place, you know, sorted by number.

[MGill]

Awesome story!!! It made me think of my granddad, who is no longer with us. He did however give me two things. A love for tinkering and a Case mini trapper with red bone scales. I plan on passing it down to my son one day. Thank you for your very generous giveaway the SAK bug has bitten me also so I know right where you are.

007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby
015 - scattergun13
227- MGill


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[enki_ck]

007 - Lynn LeFey
015 - scattergun13
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
227 - MGill
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

[Nhoj]

Cool story and thanks for the giveaway:tu: My first sak was the 84mm sportsman. I used that knife on so many camping trips as a kid. Unfortunately I lost it when I was about 10. I wish I still had it!
007 - Lynn LeFey
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
343 - Nhoj
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby
015 - scattergun13
227- MGill

[Etherealicer]

Really, how hard is it?

001 - enki_ck
007 - Lynn LeFey
015 - scattergun13
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
227 - MGill
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
343 - Nhoj
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

[enki_ck]

Really, how hard is it?

Well you messed up too.

Thanks for the add but I won plenty so I'm out of this one.


007 - Lynn LeFey
015 - scattergun13
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
227 - MGill
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
343 - Nhoj
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

[Serena]

Come on guys, it shouldn't be that difficult!!! If you add your number, put it in the right place and not at the bottom of the list…

[Etherealicer]

Come on guys, it shouldn't be that difficult!!! If you add your number, put it in the right place and not at the bottom of the list…

Apparently, filling your name in a list while drinking beer in the shower is too much for the male brain, our multi-tasking capabilities have their limits

[Serena]

Come on guys, it shouldn't be that difficult!!! If you add your number, put it in the right place and not at the bottom of the list…

Apparently, filling your name in a list while drinking beer in the shower is too much for the male brain, our multi-tasking capabilities have their limits

ROFLOL

[daverobson]

007 - Lynn LeFey
015 - scattergun13
033 - daverobson
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
227 - MGill
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
343 - Nhoj
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

Thanks for the chance!
My first was a knock off Mountaineer bought in 1975 (makes me feel old)
First real SAK was a Spartan, bought in 1990 (still have it).

[scattergun13]

Come on guys, it shouldn't be that difficult!!! If you add your number, put it in the right place and not at the bottom of the list…

Apparently, filling your name in a list while drinking beer in the shower is too much for the male brain, our multi-tasking capabilities have their limits

That's exactly what happened to me!

[GigaHz]

007 - Lynn LeFey
015 - scattergun13
033 - daverobson
055 - GigaHz
088 - Kampfer
136 - pfrsantos
155 - abd1959
198 - sawman
227 - MGill
279 - Serena
294 - edcgear
333 - neillcurrie
343 - Nhoj
444 - captain spaulding
475 - Etherealicer
500 - Philby

Thanks for the chance!
My first was a CT34 frrom my mother inlaw, who was Swiss.