Someone is going to say it eventually::Link, image, any sort of reference other than our own Google ability please
Has anyone purchased or used this knife? How does it compare to the Swiss offerings? The ZDP-189 main blade is interesting as that is the one feature I really want to improve on my Victorinox/Wenger SAKs. Is it worth $108 shipped to the USA in your opinion?Or is there a better option from a modder on this side of the Pacific? The Boker Plus SAKs look interesting with their 12C27 Sandvik main blades but, they are hollow ground and the tools are cheap Chinese stamped stainless which doesn't sound like a good option for a can opener and screw drivers.G. Sakai's main blade seems to be more a sheepsfoot shape though and I prefer the Swiss/German Spearpoint shape and have been tempted by a Hartzkopf offering. I'm looking to give Santa some ideas so I appreciate the help!
Cool, but I doubt that I'd spend that kind of money on it. the SAK steel does just fine for most stuff and is a breeze to sharpen. I carry a higher-end CPM S30v spyderco folder (or H1 of I carry serrated) and most of my fixed blades are 1095 so If I need something other than a SAK steel I use it.
I find that customs, police, "man on the street", etc. generally don't view a SAK as a weapon with evil intent unlike some of my past carry options so, I will gladly spend a $100 in holiday money on superior example before I buy another Spyderco, Benchmade, etc.
QuoteI find that customs, police, "man on the street", etc. generally don't view a SAK as a weapon with evil intent unlike some of my past carry options so, I will gladly spend a $100 in holiday money on superior example before I buy another Spyderco, Benchmade, etc.For me, having something (legal under local laws) that can be used as a weapon if needed is a requirement of my edc, regardless of the perception of others. It is more important to protect myself and even more importantly those I love. If it is legal to carry a locking blade or fixed blade, I personally will, and if not, I will carry something that is legal (baton, carabiner[for makeshift brass knuckles], a kubaton, stun gun, pepper spray, even a sharp pencil if nothing else is legal) I also plan on getting my carry permit for firearms in the foreseeable future. I already keep one loaded beside my bed at night. You never know in todays world!To each his own though! not trying to start any riots here
Quote from: gdoolittle on October 21, 2016, 04:53:54 PMQuoteI find that customs, police, "man on the street", etc. generally don't view a SAK as a weapon with evil intent unlike some of my past carry options so, I will gladly spend a $100 in holiday money on superior example before I buy another Spyderco, Benchmade, etc.For me, having something (legal under local laws) that can be used as a weapon if needed is a requirement of my edc, regardless of the perception of others. It is more important to protect myself and even more importantly those I love. If it is legal to carry a locking blade or fixed blade, I personally will, and if not, I will carry something that is legal (baton, carabiner[for makeshift brass knuckles], a kubaton, stun gun, pepper spray, even a sharp pencil if nothing else is legal) I also plan on getting my carry permit for firearms in the foreseeable future. I already keep one loaded beside my bed at night. You never know in todays world!To each his own though! not trying to start any riots here I have lived in Arizona and Texas most of my adult life so I am well versed in Open and Concealed Carry of Pistols. However, standing inline at Walmart in Tucson with a 1911 cocked and locked, while legal, will still cause you unnecessary hassles. In my rural area, a rifle is always within easy reach. However, don't try traveling with a Glock/HK/Colt/Sig/..... to very many areas on the East or West Coast as it could lead to lengthy jail terms and loss of your rights to own firearms and vote if things don't go your way.As for fixed blades and various locking blades, while not a problem in the rural area where I live it's not something you want to do in Europe or the Mid-East. Regarding the other stuff, if things like that are a valid consideration (or if I need a rifle, handgun, knife, etc.) why the *%^! am I traveling there?So yes, while using a SAK as a defensive knife is definitely a last resort, as is picking up a beer bottle, tree branch, trash can, etc. I'm really looking for something much different with a totally different purpose.In terms of perception, if you are worried about crime in general or police action, your best option is not to attract attention. I have no illusions of fighting a one man street war in a domestic municipality or foreign land. My wallet or backpack is not worth getting cut or stabbed (or worse) and the vast majority of bad encounters are related to financial crimes unless you are drunk, super arrogant, or something similar which you brought on yourself so, loosing a modest amount of money is worth it to me to avoid the hassles that come from more assertive and aggressive action.So now, back to a bagel and cheese slicer, suitcase repair tool, can opener, etc.
I don't think spending 90 notes on a premium steel "Spartan" would have me feeling it was money well spent. Most of the knives I've carried and used in the last 25 years have been basic, easy to sharpen steels. That's what I'm familiar with, and what you'll find in my pocket most days. I don't tend to need more than that.Aside from this I have two knives with S30V blades which hardly gets used, and one D2 blade which hardly gets used either. If I splashed out on this knife, I'd spend way more time lamenting the absence of scissors and other tools than feeling elated by a knife that needs touching up a little less often.
Quote from: 50ft-trad on October 21, 2016, 05:06:31 PMI don't think spending 90 notes on a premium steel "Spartan" would have me feeling it was money well spent. Most of the knives I've carried and used in the last 25 years have been basic, easy to sharpen steels. That's what I'm familiar with, and what you'll find in my pocket most days. I don't tend to need more than that.Aside from this I have two knives with S30V blades which hardly gets used, and one D2 blade which hardly gets used either. If I splashed out on this knife, I'd spend way more time lamenting the absence of scissors and other tools than feeling elated by a knife that needs touching up a little less often.While I can polish a SAK on a smooth riverstone when I travel, that isn't practical in hotels in major cities. I have tried concrete but, my skills with that medium are lacking. Ideally, I would want a knife that doesn't need to be sharpened at all while on travel (for reasonable periods of time) so I can cleanly cut bagels, paper, etc. With modern slip joints and SAKs running $30~$50 a piece, $100 doesn't seem to be too far out there or unreasonable, after all most of us probably have 2 or more knives we don't use much or appreciate that could easily make up the difference. For me it's more about quality and having the right tool and less about having several tools that I may not need nor want.
Have you considered taking a small travel sized sharpener with you?
Quote from: gdoolittle on October 21, 2016, 05:40:43 PMHave you considered taking a small travel sized sharpener with you?Yes but, I am really trying to declutter and make travel less of a hassle by taking less stuff. It is way to easy for me to overpack, leave stuff behind, get baggage overage fees, and it's amazing what gets confiscated at airport security or stolen out of your suitcase in the bowels of the airport and belly of a plane. So far, a SAK or slip joint hasn't been an issue with baggage theft at the airport but, I have lost a few to airport security ...
I have a Case Scout Jr. It's a nice knife, and I enjoy using it (it's part of my hiking kit), but to be honest I would say that a SAK is a better performer.
I'm also another fan of travel sharpeners. Victorinox does a nice one with stone and mini cross sticks which weighs little but will keep a knife in good order.
Sidpost, I am in no way trying to talk down this item. If you feel it would suit you then go for it, and I hope it brings you good service and enjoyment. It wouldn't suit my preferences, it kind of goes off in the wrong direction for what I want from a knife, but it may well be the perfect pocket knife for you
I don't think I'm helping your desire for a high end steel on a slipjoint but have you looked at the Case Jr. Scout knife? Beautiful piece and around 70 bucks if I remember correctly. Doesn't have the back layer tools though. They may have a carbon steel version. It is on my "list"
Hmmm.. Not even the little pen shaped ones? I have used the bottom if a coffee mug before if that helps. You can always strop it on a belt or jeans to maintain it as long as possible.
Quote from: gdoolittle on October 21, 2016, 05:51:44 PMHmmm.. Not even the little pen shaped ones? I have used the bottom if a coffee mug before if that helps. You can always strop it on a belt or jeans to maintain it as long as possible.Thanks! I hadn't considered the bottom or a coffee mug but, for SAK steel I bet that works pretty good. It would definitely work for minor edge deformation realignments.Regarding stuff getting lost and left behind, I have a real issue with dimly lit hotel rooms before the sun comes up. It's amazing what I almost left plugged into a wall socket or setting on a dark wood desk in the past. Why does so much stuff come only in black? And, are energy efficient light bulbs really that expensive? Jet lag and predawn flights don't help either.
Quote from: 50ft-trad on October 21, 2016, 06:27:21 PMSidpost, I am in no way trying to talk down this item. If you feel it would suit you then go for it, and I hope it brings you good service and enjoyment. It wouldn't suit my preferences, it kind of goes off in the wrong direction for what I want from a knife, but it may well be the perfect pocket knife for you The various HOBO and SCOUT knives have an attraction all their own in my world. However, for business travel and most pleasure air travel I don't think they are a good choice for me.
Quote from: gdoolittle on October 21, 2016, 06:04:54 PMI don't think I'm helping your desire for a high end steel on a slipjoint but have you looked at the Case Jr. Scout knife? Beautiful piece and around 70 bucks if I remember correctly. Doesn't have the back layer tools though. They may have a carbon steel version. It is on my "list" I occasionally and randomly check Ebay for those. Someday when I have money and find one that has been rode hard and put away wet, it will likely become mine. A.G. Russel made one long discontinued that is to die for nice. Problem with that one however is that is too nice to risk on travel.
Ideally, I would want a knife that doesn't need to be sharpened at all while on travel (for reasonable periods of time) so I can cleanly cut bagels, paper, etc.
It's also unfortunate in my opinion that there isn't enough interest in a better blade steel for SAKs to cause either the manufacturer or a modder to offer something for the classic SAKs! I realize it is a non-starter for Victorinox and really does not fit their business model but, is there enough opportunity present to be worthwhile for a modder?
Quote from: sidpost on October 21, 2016, 07:39:59 PMIt's also unfortunate in my opinion that there isn't enough interest in a better blade steel for SAKs to cause either the manufacturer or a modder to offer something for the classic SAKs! I realize it is a non-starter for Victorinox and really does not fit their business model but, is there enough opportunity present to be worthwhile for a modder? This, I was thinking this while going through the topic. It would be awesome to see some alternatives for blade steel, maybe offering carbon-, Damascus- and a modern steel.
Thanks for the all the contributions in the thread everyone!Yes, the G. Sakai knife is a bit spendy and would get shipped from Japan. However, I must say I have had knife shipments in the past from Japan arrive faster than domestic ones ordered at the same time. One order was literally ~48 hours from hitting the submit payment button to the mailman knocking on my door to sign for it. Costs are generally reasonable too except for locally produced cast iron. As the knife is relatively expensive, it is a purchase decision I need to consider carefully for both function and risks of loss while on travel. A $~12 Spartan from Ebay doesn't stress me if things go badly on the road but, loosing this knife would hurt. It is a bit out of the norm and clearly meant for the Japanese home market so, I realize it would be a bit of an odd choice. However, at the cost of ~2 Alox Pioneers it isn't that unreasonable for many people either. Cork screws and Awls really don't add anything for me on business and pleasure travel. I must admit that while not much of a wine drinker, I did buy a bottle of wine once in Germany to test the cork screw! I must admit though, I generally try to wear out the cap lifter when in Europe! European beer ..... mmmmm .... It's also unfortunate in my opinion that there isn't enough interest in a better blade steel for SAKs to cause either the manufacturer or a modder to offer something for the classic SAKs! I realize it is a non-starter for Victorinox and really does not fit their business model but, is there enough opportunity present to be worthwhile for a modder?
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