Wenger Handyman Vs. Evo S18

cody6268 · **on:** May 21, 2016, 02:51:22 AM

I bought a secondhand Handyman off Ebay a couple years back. It has three issues--the nail-nick saw, age (it was made in the early '80s or late '70s) and it's got advertising of a defunct company, thus irreplaceable. I'm torn between two options--a used Handyman with the newest variant of the saw, or buying a new Vic Delemont Evo S18, with a locking blade. I hear the new Evo scales are much more comfortable and slip resistant, but look stupid. It also has the superior Victorinox can opener with screwdriver. A normal Wenger Handyman looks like an SAK should, and is cheap, at $15 or less used.

Which should I get?

MadPlumbarian · **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2016, 02:59:00 AM

Idk, I've had my eye on the new evo18 for a while now, it's litterly tool for tool as my custom alox Sak, I just don't like the funky grip, but as for the handyman, I don't like the wegner combo tools.. So, idk?
JR

WoodsDuck · **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2016, 03:07:07 AM

Are we talking about Evo or EvoGrip? I have an EvoGrip S18, and overall I like it. I prefer the Vic can opener, so that's a bonus. And don't forget it has the Vic reamer instead of that blunt Wenger awl. Your mileage may vary, but I like that change too.

Personally I don't think the scales look stupid. The yellow is great for visibility, and contrasts nicely with the black. I've carried and used mine quite a bit over the last year or so, and the only real complaint I have is the lock. Sometimes the lever hangs up on things when I retrieve it from my pocket (usually have it on a suspension clip), but the more annoying problem is the way it interferes with deploying the scissors. You have to be fairly deliberate with how you approach it or you might accidentally bend your nail back with misplaced leverage. It gets easier with practice, but remains my only real issue with the whole thing.

Unfortunately I don't have a Handyman to compare, but that's my 2 cents on the S18.

SAK Guy · **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2016, 03:33:04 AM

I have 'em both and have to say, the Vic Delemonts having the features from both lines makes it extremely cool (IMO) The scales look great to me and I don't even realize the difference when using it. It's a win win!

Vic S18, 18 and Wenger 18

Wenger Handyman

jerseydevil · **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2016, 05:49:51 AM

My first Wenger was an an Evo18, and I love that knife. Honestly, since I have that, I've never bothered looking for a Handyman......

Grass · **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2016, 10:04:46 AM

I have had a red Wenger S18 Evolution and a yellow Vic Delemont S18 EvoGrip. I am a sucker for the lock blade, even though it takes a monumental stuff up to cut yourself either way.

The can opener is not a big matter here, though I do like having the additional screwdriver on the Vic can opener. For my purposes either awl does what I need, though I do prefer the Vic awl.

I find both look and feel of both fantastic in the flesh, even the EvoGrip (which particularly appeals to my kids for some reason). The grip and feel of the EvoGrip does have an edge over the Evolution.

Barry Rowland · **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2016, 04:59:00 PM

For what it's worth, I have a Handyman and love it. Great knife! However, in the long run, Vic is going to be able to cover a Delemont for repairs waaaaay down the road, but probably will run out of parts for the Wengers. Plus all the reasons stated above, the Vic parts on the Wenger design are a win/win situation! I like the Evo scales, but that's just my preference.