Climber vs. Evo 14?

[Smaug]

Climber's got a small blade, vs. the nail file on the Evo 14.

Climber's 91mm vs. the 85mm Evo 14.

Evo 14 has the slightly thicker but more comfy scales, springless scissors, and the self-locking screwdriver.

Climber's available with plus scales and in more colors.

Which do you prefer and why?

[Monrogue]

I think that, overall, the Climber would be my pick.  I like the Vic scissors better, and I like having a small secondary blade.  Plus scales are a....plus as well.  Only strike against it for me would be the lack of a nail file. 

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[Corwyn]

No contest: Climber. Wenger scissors are terribad for edc.

Which is bad, as I kind of like the Evo handles, the nailfile and especially the big belly blade, but scissors are a dealbreaker.

PS: Though I'd choose Super Tinker myself, the Philips is not only more useful, but feels smoother when holding the knife than the corkscrew.

[strmliner]

Now that's a toss-up for me!  It's close, but a couple of details push me to the Climber.

• don't really like the Evo scales
• don't like the T&T on the Wenger version; much prefer the Vic versions
• like the advantage of Plus scales on the Climber
• though I have a preference for the 84/85mm size and like the nail file

I have both a Wenger Evo16 and a Vic small Tinker...a similar type of comparison.  The small Tinker is part of my EDC rotation, though it doesn't have scissors. 

After changing to black flat scales on the Wenger, it's used at the workbench.  The scissors make it handy.

[Corwyn]

• don't like the T&T on the Wenger version; much prefer the Vic versions

I believe the question was about Delemont Evo 14, and that one uses Vic T&T.

[RT1969]

I vote for the Climber.
Totally subjective criterias:

Pros:

• Better (imho) scissors
• Don't think the locking SD makes such a difference
• The mighty Hook!
• I like the flat scales better
• Has own MTo Smilie: 

Cons:

• No nailfile (I don't think second similiar blade is a bonus*)
• A little longer

* A Climber with the Electrician's blade, now that would be amazing!

[Grass]

I have gone for the (currently) minority faction of the Evo 14. In the end I am sold by having the nail file instead of the second blade. There are a lot of fans of the smaller blade here, but I have never found it as useful as the nail file (and definitely not just for nails!).

Nuts and bolts subjective comments...

Pros of Climber:
- Higher quality feel
- Better scissors
- The hook

Pros of Evo 14:
- Nail file!
- Scales
- Locking screwdriver
- Blade shape

[kirk13]

Wrong question really

Shirley it should be Super Tinker vs Classic16?

[AimlessWanderer]

I have one 91mm Climber, but it doesn't get carried much. I do prefer the Victorinox scissors, though I am quite happy with the Wenger ones. Other benefits are the ability for plus scales, and the can opener can be used as a Phillips unlike Wenger's lobster claw opener (though the Vic Delemonts now have the Vic style). I don't see much benefit in having the smaller blade.

As to the 84/85mm, I use these FAR more often. The versions of the Traveller/Evo 14 I currently have are:

Vic 84mm Small climber
Wenger Evowood 14
Wenger Wood 03
Wenger Alinghi Souvenir Traveller
Wenger partially serrated Traveller
Wenger Euro Traveller
Wenger Traveller (standard)
Wenger Brushed Stainless Traveller
Wenger Evo 14 soft touch
Wenger Metal 50
Swissbuck Sidekick

(No Evogrip, locking blade versions, or Delemonts)

I love the size of these. 1/4" doesn't sound a lot, but I think it makes a lot of difference to the carry. The locking screwdriver is nice, though not essential, and I like the nail file in place of the surplus small blade. I quite like the lobster claw opener, and find it works well for me, possibly better than the Vic (dependent on the can), and works well as a clam pack opener too. For me the issue of a Phillips is irrelevant, as I have that covered with my accompanying pliers based tool

[strmliner]

I have one 91mm Climber, but it doesn't get carried much. I do prefer the Victorinox scissors, though I am quite happy with the Wenger ones. Other benefits are the ability for plus scales, and the can opener can be used as a Phillips unlike Wenger's lobster claw opener (though the Vic Delemonts now have the Vic style). I don't see much benefit in having the smaller blade.

As to the 84/85mm, I use these FAR more often. The versions of the Traveller/Evo 14 I currently have are:

Vic 84mm Small climber
Wenger Evowood 14
Wenger Wood 03
Wenger Alinghi Souvenir Traveller
Wenger partially serrated Traveller
Wenger Euro Traveller
Wenger Traveller (standard)
Wenger Brushed Stainless Traveller
Wenger Evo 14 soft touch
Wenger Metal 50
Swissbuck Sidekick

(No Evogrip, locking blade versions, or Delemonts)

I love the size of these. 1/4" doesn't sound a lot, but I think it makes a lot of difference to the carry. The locking screwdriver is nice, though not essential, and I like the nail file in place of the surplus small blade. I quite like the lobster claw opener, and find it works well for me, possibly better than the Vic (dependent on the can), and works well as a clam pack opener too. For me the issue of a Phillips is irrelevant, as I have that covered with my accompanying pliers based tool

I really agree with you on how the additional 1/4" makes a difference in the pocketability.  If I could find more outlets for changing the scales to flat vs Evo, I would look to acquire Evo14's and Evo16's, especially with the addition of the Vic T&T.

[sawman]

Climber 

Better scissors, better blades, better scales (IMO).

[gene stoner]

Why pick one SAK's are cheep enough to have both. Then you can give us a good review based on your evaluation.   

[Smaug]

Lots of comments on Vic scissors being better. How so?

My experience is that for everything but cutting paper, the Wenger scissor design is superior:

• No spring breakage, ever,
• No slipping when cutting something a little hard (like small cable ties)
• Aside from the above, they'll cut anything Vic scissors will cut

The locking screwdriver is nice, though not essential,

Am I the only one who has given knuckle blood on account of the large screwdriver tip on a Vic folding on me at the worst possible time? 

[mrog]

Climber all day son! Why do you think the only SAK emoji is this one haha -->

Corkscrew > phillips - The climber has the can opener with 2d phillips tip, so that tilts the scales in favor of the corkscrew + micro flathead driver right off the bat. Corkscrew + tiny flathead driver are more rare than a phillips screwdriver. More likely to "save the day" whereas the phillips is more likely to "save a trip to the nearby toolbox/bag/car/desk/garage." Phillip screwdrivers are way more common than corkscrews and micro flatheads where I'm from, so I'd rather have the uncommon tools that other people don't already have. The corkscrew and micro flathead driver are also more multi-purpose for things they weren't specifically designed for. I always imagine helping a pretty lady or rich ceo with his or her wine/glasses/watches/small electronics.

plain scissors > serrated scissors - and that's just how I feel

small blade > nail file - I love having a secondary small blade on my person. Stealthier around others. More control. Keeps the large blade sharp and clean  I have a normal nail file by my TV which I use often enough to forgo carrying around one in my pocket.

91mm < 85mm - I honestly can't tell the length difference when they're riding in the pocket, but still, damn you Victorinox and your lack of 84mm scissor models

To me, the Climber is the sweet spot. 3 layers is the sweet spot for 91mm IMO. 2 layers is a sacrifice. 4 layers is too wide. Dont need a saw or file in my pocket when im in the city. Don't need the small limited 91mm pliers, and I always have a Swisstool X in my backpack nearby.

Climber vs Compact - Climber is obviously more useful, but with extra usefulness comes extra weight. I like both!

Climber vs Yeoman - Climber wins with better cutting (small blade), prying (true cap lifter), poking (awl). Yeoman has a mag glass that I'd rather have in my wallet, and a Phillips that I've went over.

Climber vs Cadet or Pioneer - The alox brothers are missing scissors so they lose.

[kilowatt]

Too close to call for me which is why I own both of them.

[Smaug]

Climber all day son! Why do you think the only SAK emoji is this one haha -->
<snip>

Great write-up!

How about Climber vs. Mountaineer?

The Mountaineer adds a 4th layer for the file, but it is a thin layer, not like the Phillips/magnifier of the Explorer. I'm trying to talk myself into one of these next...

I find that I use the file for cleaning up sloppy molding on plastics and sharp edges elsewhere.

[Fast Bill]

Climber all day son! Why do you think the only SAK emoji is this one haha -->
<snip>

Great write-up!

How about Climber vs. Mountaineer?

The Mountaineer adds a 4th layer for the file, but it is a thin layer, not like the Phillips/magnifier of the Explorer. I'm trying to talk myself into one of these next...

I find that I use the file for cleaning up sloppy molding on plastics and sharp edges elsewhere.

Yep. This. Ok I like the file on the Evo but I just don't love the scales or the scissors. So that's a Mountaineer for me please 

[Corwyn]

91mm < 85mm - I honestly can't tell the length difference when they're riding in the pocket, but still, damn you Victorinox and your lack of 84mm scissor models

Well... you're definately not going to see those nowadays, now that the Delemont range has launched. Victorinox isn't crazy to make two similarly-sized lines with the same tools to cannibalize each other...

[captain spaulding]

Climber all the way. Better scales, I like a secondary small blade and absolutely never use a nail file, better can opener, better flat driver, better awl, has the hook, better scissors. No contest for me.

[getahl]

I prefer the Climber,  if only because I like the Vic scissors over Wenger's. I also like having a second blade.

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[strmliner]

91mm < 85mm - I honestly can't tell the length difference when they're riding in the pocket, but still, damn you Victorinox and your lack of 84mm scissor models

Well... you're definately not going to see those nowadays, now that the Delemont range has launched. Victorinox isn't crazy to make two similarly-sized lines with the same tools to cannibalize each other...

Well, you're correct on that!   Probably their strategy all along.  I just wish there was an option for flat scales and that they'd change to the Vic awl.

[Smaug]

I think it was a good call. Wenger had obviously put more thought into their 85mm line than they did in their 84mm line.  Better to kill the minimal 84mm line that was completely covered by Wenger's offerings.

[roamingcat]

I prefer the EVO14.

- The shorter length means better pocketability which is important to me.
- Prefer nail file over the short blade which is an unnecessary duplication to me.

[pfrsantos]

I prefer the EVO14.

- The shorter length means better pocketability which is important to me.
- Prefer nail file over the short blade which is an unnecessary duplication to me.

Whoa! It took you 7 years to make up your mind?!

 


 

[Simon_Templar]

Well, it's tricky, both knives have their merits. I am also still pondering the question! 

[mattbod]

Not owned a Delamont knife before so might try one of these of the little Executive 81. That Wenger scissor mechanism looks better than victorinox’s spring which has an irritating habit of popping out of its groove on the Victotinox scissors. I hear the Evos have locking knife blades  though which make them illegal to carry here in the UK. The Delamont knife is a bit more expensive though. I thought Delamont was a research/design centre now. Interesting they have kept the knife production line open there. I guess they don’t have the Victorinox spring but I guess healthy market from French Swiss. Last time I saw that production line waa in a pre Victorinox video being hosted by their marketing person a Ms Christ who now sells pastry cups. She may be called Christ but couldn’t perform post 9/11 .

[Tasky]

I hear the Evos have locking knife blades  though which make them illegal to carry here in the UK.

I believe that only applies to the S variants. That is to say, the Evo 17 is fine, while the Evo S17 has a lock.
Also, it's not outright illegal. There are various exemptions, and you are perfectly entitled to carry one if you have a legally valid reason.

[kkokkolis]

Great write-up!

How about Climber vs. Mountaineer?

The Mountaineer adds a 4th layer for the file, but it is a thin layer, not like the Phillips/magnifier of the Explorer. I'm trying to talk myself into one of these next...

I find that I use the file for cleaning up sloppy molding on plastics and sharp edges elsewhere.


Yep. This. Ok I like the file on the Evo but I just don't love the scales or the scissors. So that's a Mountaineer for me please 

Mountaineer is the least I would choose if Swisschamps would be forbidden.

[mattbod]

I believe that only applies to the S variants. That is to say, the Evo 17 is fine, while the Evo S17 has a lock.
Also, it's not outright illegal. There are various exemptions, and you are perfectly entitled to carry one if you have a legally valid reason.

I would really like to carry a rescue tool in the glove box of my car to cut myself out if I rolled it. I don’t trust the Old Bill though. They like to stick a nice easy charge on you and if I ever got pulled over and they found it. This guy tried to argue food reason but failed. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1266170/Disabled-caravanner-prosecuted-keeping-penknife-car-use-picnics.html

[nate j]

I believe that only applies to the S variants. That is to say, the Evo 17 is fine, while the Evo S17 has a lock.

This is correct.