How many knives, multitools or SAKs are enough?

[kkokkolis]

I know there's no straitforward answer to this. It depends on a multitude of factors, among them having a specific hobby or job or being a collector are the most obvious. But, still.
Most people have none, I'm sure. Almost all children and females and most males.
Between those who have, this might be a Classic, a Spartan, an Opinel or, worse, cheap imitations of these.
And then we have those -overrepresented here- who have more than one, more than a dozen, more than a hundrend, up to ad infinitum (also known as Chakos).
I had just one or two, for most of my life. It was a Camillus US Navy since I was a boyscout and then an Executive type knife (with advertising on metal scales and Solingen Rostfrei or something, I lost that one). Then a ribbed Cadet and shortly afterwards a Swisschamp, replaced twice after lost and stolen, with the same model.
Then I came here. I said to myself "get one MT and that's it" and then "just one fixed knife" and then "just one folder", and then "let's see that" and "this". I won some nice multitools and SAKs, I bought others for my beloved, gaveaway a few, but, still, there are boxes in two drawers (I rearranged them yesterday, while thinking about these words I now write), containing (whith the ones around the houses and the cars) 35 SAKs, 13 Multitools, 13 folding knives and 3 fixed, lots of accessories, sharpening tools etc, and some cheapies.
How that happened? I am a frugal person, I save for my kids' studies and the house loan for my daughter. I spend on astronomy, microscopy, minerals, toy soldiers, toys, books and some gadgets too, from a restricted budget. Everytime I get something new I say "This is for my wife/daughter/son", "this is for Xmas pool, or 5000 GAW" but some of them I feel obliged to try and carry them, at the expence of my spine.
I finally use the Spirit, or the Swisschamp XLT, what the hell am I going to do the rest?
So, as we ruminated in astronomy forums "how many telescopes" or "how many eyepieces do we really need", everybody said "two" or "three" but most people had 12-36, me included.
So, how many knives, multitools or SAKs are enough? Could we, we MTO followers, live with one of each kind? Or just one, itself? WTF of a multitool is one, if it can't replace a folding knife or a SAK, or vice versa?
How many are enough?
Collectors don't have to answer that, it would be hopeless.

[dks]

As many as you can easily afford.
From a utility point of view 3,4 may be enough.

[kkokkolis]

I guess you followed proposition no1 in real life, correct?

[Aloha]

Most could easily get along with what a couple  MTs.  A back up is not a bad thing nor is a model that differs from the one being used. 

SAKs fall into the same category as well, one for the keychain and a larger one for the pocket.  I'd say back up for each is not a bad thing since these can become lost or stolen or broke. 

I see pocket knives pretty much the same as above.  Maybe a serrated and plain edge or a primary and back up. 

Fixed blades knives is where I'd say one could possible use more than 2.  Depending on what one does, hunt, camp, backpack, bushcraft, fish, etc. 

     

[neillcurrie]

So, assuming n represents the total number of knives/tools etc you "need", then the formula that represents the number that you end up with is (n+x) factorial L.
Note that n will always increase as x increases, and factorial L is the MTO "Lust" factor. There's a feedback loop built in.
This simple formula explains why you can never actually attain a state of satisfaction with your tool/knife collection. Just give in, and enjoy the ride.

[Etherealicer]

Pretty easy for me, its 18

There are only 6 SAKs/MTs/Knives I really carry (Soldier '76, Spirit RT, Böker Roper, CT29, Alox Classic)
Of course I want back-up so I have 3 each. Ok, so I have 7 Ropers, still in theory this holds true, I could easily get rid of the rest.

I do carry others for trial or fun, sometimes even for style (Soldier '52, or any colored alox).

[Aloha]

I'll have to count what I have.  I use 5 of my MTs tho my BO Wave and 5 of my SAKs.  I carry a folder on and off and recently its been off.  Fixed blades see a lot of use when camping and hiking 3-4 of them total. 

I do like to carry some tools because I enjoy them but that accounts for only 2-3. 

My count then is 17 total tools that I use.  I do not have back ups of fixed blades or folders.

The rest of my items are purely enjoyed thru ownership.     

[Smashie]

I buy stuff I like and/or find useful, I don't collect any brands in particular. If new, shiney and improved comes out and I like it I'll buy it

[gregozedobe]

How many are enough?
Collectors don't have to answer that, it would be hopeless.

Yeah, I'm hopeless (and still finding extras to buy - but I have slowed down a lot in the last 6 months).

In terms of actual "users" then I have about 4 plier-based MTs that get used reasonably frequently, plus another 2 in each vehicle that get used occasionally.

[magentus]

If push came to shove I can get away with Pikachu and my Spirit. That covers all the bases for me. Unfortunately EDC'ing the Spirit here in the UK isn't worth the hassle if I ever got caught with it so I guess if I had a Swisschamp that would be all I need.

I wouldn't want my collection to get any bigger than it is now (9 SAKs) from here on I would operate a one in one out system.

[dks]

42

[kkokkolis]

Let me count mine, not many but some see no use.
If you can count them, they aren't really many, correct?

1.   SWISS ARMY KNIVES
1.1.   Victorinox Swisschamp XAVT  Translucent Ruby SHOWPIECE (SELFKING)
1.2.   Victorinox Swisschamp XLT Translucent Ruby EDC “Katerina”, Previous EDC, now by my bed, used when at home.
1.3.   Victorinox Swisschamp Translucent Sapphire Old, Previous EDC (3rd in a row for 25 years), now in my car
1.4.   Victorinox Swisschamp Black New, Backup for 2 and 3
1.5.   Victorinox Cybertool 34 Translucent Ruby, my wife's SAK, now back to me (exchanged with Juice Pro) for repair and revival.
1.6.   Victorinox Mountaineer Translucent Ruby Plus Soft, Previous Urban EDC, might come back to that (I love that knife but it doesn't fit into my Skinth 2XL)
1.7.   Victorinox Hiker Red, no use, might give it or put it in a toolbox
1.8.   Victorinox Green Harvester Alox, Previous outdoor EDC, whittling knife
1.9.   Victorinox Farmer Alox, no use
1.10.   Victorinox Solo Alox, no use but a keeper, don't ask me why I like it
1.11.   Victorinox Custom Alox Compact “Animus”, with scissors from hiraethus, Previous EDC, now I use a Squirt S4 but might come back to that, so it's a keeper
1.12.   Victorinox Spartan Black no use
1.13.   Victorinox Spartan Black Nylon Scales no use
1.14.   Victorinox Spartan Red I donated that previous week
1.15.   Victorinox Spartan Red no use
1.16.   Victorinox Spartan Red no use
1.17.   Victorinox Cadet Alox Ribbed, Previous EDC for 25 years, gift from my wife, they will bury (or burn) me with it.
1.18.   Victorinox Executive, I keep it in my shaving case, use it all time
1.19.   Victorinox Minichamp Aquamarine Translucent, keychain EDC, I love it
1.20.   Victorinox Classic Red, back up
1.21.   Victorinox Classic Orange Translucent, gave it to my daughter, she gave it back after use (she has another I gifted her, so this is her backup)
1.22.   Victorinox Classic Red no use
1.23.   Victorinox Classic Blue no use
1.24.   Victorinox Watchmaker Pallas Alox Blue, I use it to open watches and such, rare use but useful
1.25.   Victorinox Recruit Red, no use
1.26.   Victorinox Recruit Blue, no use
1.27.   Victorinox Camper Red, no use
1.28.   Wenger ToolChest Plus Red “Kon. G. Kokkolis”, it belongs to my son, he keeps it in my drawer but he'll estimate it one day
1.29.   Wenger New Ranger 57 “Hunter” 130mm Black, my outdoor EDC now, I love it
1.30.   Wenger Commemorative 700 Jahre Confederatio Helvetica Climber SS Scales, very nice, I don't use it but it will be used someday by somebody, it is a Climber kind of SAK.
1.31.   Wenger Professional 1 74 00 Stockman, no use but it is a nice SAK for whittling, needs some care
1.32.   Wenger Air Traveler Red, keeper for air travel but I didn't dare to use it (afraid of airport authorities silliness)
1.33.   Wenger Eddie Bauer Esquire, no use yet, but I'll do something with it, it's so nice
1.34.   Ritsartz Picnik knife Olive Drab, used it for eating at work, now replaced with Varde Norsk
1.35.   Victorinox Pioneer X? I want to buy that one, for sure
2.   MULTITOOLS
2.1.   Victorinox Swisstool CS Plus with Ratchet, what about a nice 5000 GAW soon?
2.2.   Victorinox Swisstool Spirit S EDC, period
2.3.   Leatherman Surge Plus Bitsets/ Jigsaw blades/ Bit Extender, previous EDC, in my car
2.4.   Leatherman Charge TTi, previous EDC, keeper (I play with OHO on it and use it in the house)
2.5.   Leatherman Crunch, previous EDC, a nice pair with Charge, (I play locking head on it and use it in the house)
2.6.   Leatherman Skeletool, I don't know, I want to like it but...
2.7.   Leatherman Juice Pro, gave it to my wife for her jewel making/fixing
2.8.   Leatherman Squirt S4, EDC for scissors the Spirit lacks
2.9.   Leatherman Squirt P4, keychain EDC (recent and pilot study)
2.10.   Victorinox NailClipper, just because it is nice, I prefer scissors.
2.11.   PocketWrench II, EDC
2.12.   Varde Norst Design full size eating multitool, use it at work for eating, might give it to my daughter who camps regularly
2.13.   PST I Clone, I keep it because nobody wants it
2.14.   Leatherman Juice XE6? Should I get it to replace the Pro, or not?
2.15.   Leatherman Signal? I don't need it (maybe that's why I would like to try it?)
3.   FOLDING KNIVES
3.1.   Helle Skala, love at first sight, this will be my "dress" folder, in place of Opinel #8
3.2.   Opinel #8 Outdoor, previous EDC, I like it, if only it had a plain blade
3.3.   Opinel #9 Bricolage – I gave it away
3.4.   Opinel #8 Couteaux de Jardin “Katerina” my EDC, most used item in the list
3.5.   Opinel #12 Explore, GAW material
3.6.   Spyderco Ladybug Purple EDC, goes with Minichamp
3.7.   Spyderco Endura 4 FFG VG-10 Blue, the only tactical knife I need, I carry it rarely but keep it just in case
3.8.   Otter Messer Mercator K55K, possible EDC item, I just can't leave the Opinel behind to carry this (maybe in the future)
3.9.   110 Hunter Knockoff, very nice, it just doesn't say Buck on it and it costs less than 10 euros, I used to have it in the car.
3.10.   Ballisong Tactical Spearhead, just for fun, pretending to be a kung fu master
3.11.   Mil-Tech Rescue Red CDC, in my son's car, he likes it a lot
3.12.   Mother of Pearl Miniature double Toothpick knife, in my minerals and gems collection
3.13.   Folding safety knife and blade, in my toolbox
4.   FIXED KNIVES
4.1.   Skandi wood and brass, leather seath, I love that, no brand name on it, definitely a user, but I'm afraid that I'll go in jail for life if caught with it
4.2.   Bahco 2444 (x2) CDC, one in my car, one back up
4.3. Miniature drop point with bone handle, in my minerals and gems collection

[m47mu74nt]

I collect SAKs (really started in 2015) so I have more than one (something around 40, not counting the one i bought and then gifted)
I don't collect Multitools, so I have 3 (MP400, Squirt P4,and  Micra -in that order-)
I don't collect Flashlights so I have 2 (Fenix LD12, Nitecore MT06 -dead, might buy a Lumintop IYP365-)
I don't collect cars so I have none xD

EDIT: i also have 1 Sandvik/Mora, 7 Opinel, 1 MAM, 3 Kershaw, 5 CRKT, 1 MCUSTA, 1 Benchmade, 1 Buck, 1 Sog, and a few others I don't remember....

[powernoodle]

When we buy more than we objectively need, we are doing it solely to feel good.  Buying excessive numbers of MTs or SAK or shoes or golf clubs has the effect of distracting us from the reality that we will never walk on the moon or play leapfrog with Kate Upton.  It is the same effect as using heroin or crack cocaine, albeit without most of the adverse consequences.  That is to say, buying a SAK or MT serves as anesthesia to the train wreck between our ears because it distracts us and makes us feel good for a short while.  When you are buying a SAK or anticipating its arrival in your mailbox, you may think less about your crappy job at Home Depot, your rusty 2006 Dodge Neon and the growing reality that you will never be Jason Bourne.  When the good feeling wears off, we start to look at other SAKs on the internet, we talk about them, we start to plan what we will purchase next and the process continues.  The whole point is to distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.

Again, there is nothing wrong with this process as long as we recognize what is going on, and limit the adverse consequences of our addiction (i.e., not spending non-discretionary income).  We do it with SAKs, while others may do it with fastidious house cleaning or bodybuilding.  Anything that feels good, distracts us from our angst, and has the thin veneer of normalcy.

[cody6268]

Until you fill whatever you're putting them in--and then you buy a bigger container.  I have a medium sized Kobalt three-drawer toolbox--the kind that's meant to be carried around, not kept in a workshop. I've got a drawer full of traditionals, a drawer full (and even more than that!) of crap, and a drawer that is shared between SAKs, M/Ts, and Boy Scout knives. The top is filled with boxed knives, M/Ts, SAKs, OPTs (mostly, a zip lock baggie filled with pocket screwdrivers and bottle openers, and a couple oddballs that won't fit in the drawers or block (Schrade USA Navitool, very old Green River hoof knife). I also have a knife block with fixed blade hunting knives, my great-grandfather's "hog killing" knives,  and a couple kitchen knives (Henckels) that came with the $15 block.


As for carry--usually one knife and an SAK or multitool is enough--plus SwissCard in my wallet. That's enough.

[glenfiddich1983]

I have about 70 SAKs I think.

Enough?

No   

[kkokkolis]

When we buy more than we objectively need, we are doing it solely to feel good.  Buying excessive numbers of MTs or SAK or shoes or golf clubs has the effect of distracting us from the reality that we will never walk on the moon or play leapfrog with Kate Upton.  It is the same effect as using heroin or crack cocaine, albeit without most of the adverse consequences.  That is to say, buying a SAK or MT serves as anesthesia to the train wreck between our ears because it distracts us and makes us feel good for a short while.  When you are buying a SAK or anticipating its arrival in your mailbox, you may think less about your crappy job at Home Depot, your rusty 2006 Dodge Neon and the growing reality that you will never be Jason Bourne.  When the good feeling wears off, we start to look at other SAKs on the internet, we talk about them, we start to plan what we will purchase next and the process continues.  The whole point is to distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.

Again, there is nothing wrong with this process as long as we recognize what is going on, and limit the adverse consequences of our addiction (i.e., not spending non-discretionary income).  We do it with SAKs, while others may do it with fastidious house cleaning or bodybuilding.  Anything that feels good, distracts us from our angst, and has the thin veneer of normalcy.

Spot on! You could quit your Home Depot job and make money the way I do (and spend them on more SAKs I guess, because even my job feels crappy after another 12 hours in the 20th year).

[glenfiddich1983]

When we buy more than we objectively need, we are doing it solely to feel good.  Buying excessive numbers of MTs or SAK or shoes or golf clubs has the effect of distracting us from the reality that we will never walk on the moon or play leapfrog with Kate Upton.  It is the same effect as using heroin or crack cocaine, albeit without most of the adverse consequences.  That is to say, buying a SAK or MT serves as anesthesia to the train wreck between our ears because it distracts us and makes us feel good for a short while.  When you are buying a SAK or anticipating its arrival in your mailbox, you may think less about your crappy job at Home Depot, your rusty 2006 Dodge Neon and the growing reality that you will never be Jason Bourne.  When the good feeling wears off, we start to look at other SAKs on the internet, we talk about them, we start to plan what we will purchase next and the process continues.  The whole point is to distract ourselves from our inner turmoil.

Again, there is nothing wrong with this process as long as we recognize what is going on, and limit the adverse consequences of our addiction (i.e., not spending non-discretionary income).  We do it with SAKs, while others may do it with fastidious house cleaning or bodybuilding.  Anything that feels good, distracts us from our angst, and has the thin veneer of normalcy.

Well... I actually did own a Dodge Neon for 6 years...

Luckily I sold it two years ago, before I started collecting SAKs 

But one day I will be Jason Bourne!
Please don't burst that bubble!

[Ron Who]

I could do with 3 SAKs (large, medium and small) but I have about 50, and some 100 other knives, mostly European traditionals and hunters. Also a few expensive Japanese gentleman's knives and various damascus blades. Then there are maybe 6 or 7 Spyderco's (very nice) and some CRKTs (mostly crap).

I was exposed to my first Vic at age 6 and have never been without since.

[Alan K.]

I'm always looking for something that might suit me better than what I already have.  You don't know until you try it if it might be the ideal knife, multi-tool, or combination there of.  I will try something, and then I will try something else.  I carry the ones I like, and the ones I used to like before I got something I liked better are relegated to the drawer.  The knives and tools in the drawer then get carried, occasionally, out of a sense of nostalgia or for a challenge.
 

[PTRSAK]

All of them.

[Joe58]

Trick question? You mean just today, this morning, or.......?

Can't answer, too many variables. I'm almost 60 and still don't know.

 

[kirk13]

So, assuming n represents the total number of knives/tools etc you "need", then the formula that represents the number that you end up with is (n+x) factorial L.
Note that n will always increase as x increases, and factorial L is the MTO "Lust" factor. There's a feedback loop built in.
This simple formula explains why you can never actually attain a state of satisfaction with your tool/knife collection. Just give in, and enjoy the ride.

 !

[kirk13]

In reply to the OP...

Just one more!

[ColoSwiss]

Being a collector, all of the different models and variations.   

Never going to happen, but fun to try for.

[Top-Gear-24]

I'll answer with a song ...





P.S.: They also have a song for the Leatherman owners ...



 

[Kampfer]

Just one more, please.....

[MadPlumbarian]

  hmm, good question! It all depends on what you do, I mean a multitool is a good little tool, but not a pair of pliers! Anything work wise you need a real pair of pliers! But for little stuff then yeah a mt is useful, so what do you really need?
One sak or mt in the glovebox,
One of either as a edc,
And another to switch hit,
One in a quick grab bag,
A small on a keychain,
Now on the other hand,
One of either as a retired,
And One of special meaning that doesn't get used
So I guess a minimal of seven?
JR

[Chako]

There are more than one of me around here? Is that safe? 

How many knives, multitools or SAKs are enough?

For me, a handful to be honest. I tend to carry a Swiss+Tech 6 in 1 Utili-key on my key-chain along with a small flashlight. For years, I wore a Leatherman Knifeless Fuse due to work restrictions. So long as I have a pair of scissors, I can live without a knife blade. I have adopted a Leatherman MUT for my motorcycle and range duties, and the Schrade Navitool for those days when I venture into the woods. These days, I do not even carry a multi-tool to work.

The biggest thing about having so many multi-tools and stuff, I know fairly well what I like and what I do not like. When I am off work, I do like to try a multitude of different models as a part time EDC. My summer time vacations will have me trying all sorts of different tools. I most definitely know very well what I like and find useful for me anyhow.

[yud]

I could probably get by with 3-4 err 5-6 is what I meant.  An Alox (pioneer X preferably), Swisschamp, couple of Swisscards, a Paratool, oh and a classic here or there, then you could add back-ups to that.  Also knives when dressed up, SAKs for various bags, and so on.

This reminds me of a conversation I had yesterday at work.  In talking about the new knife I am making, I mentioned I was going to have to start giving them away or something otherwise I'll just end up with a pile of fixed blades (2 done, 2 need handles, and one that I am not happy with), which aside from kitchen knives I have only ever bought one fixed blade because I don't use them.  Then one of my friends countered with as opposed to all the folders you have? (And he only really knows about the 17 SAKs, 7 MT, and the 2 Swisscards I brought with me to Delaware because I thought they might be useful). So I suppose what I am say is my name is yud and I have a slight problem.

Edit: forgot about the congress I have for work.