The HOOK brings you back

[AimlessWanderer]

The last time I used the hook was when I was remaking my neck lanyard. It's not a tool I use often, but as the alternative is no tool (just a backspring) I'm happy for the hook to be there in case I need it 

[strmliner]

Did you expect this much hate when you welcomed criticism in the original post El C? 

Everyone without a hook badge needs to vacate the premises. 


Or go sit on the naughty step for a while, or something. 

Oh soo theatening there Twilight...not to worry, I've got a Get off the Naughty Step card, so I can criticize hooks to my hearts content...   

[twiliter]

   

[Syph007]

When I used to add scissors to alox mods I bought hundreds of climbers just to take the scissors from so I still have all those backsprings and hooks in a box doing nothing.

Wow Robert, I'd be careful there. The last thing we'd want is for all those hooks to start reproducing...this world doesn't need more SAK Hooks!   

I think that it does need more hooks! 

I'd like to see a SAK with lots of hooks, in the same vein as this one. 
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,55385.msg970096.html#msg970096

LOL ok challenge accepted.  I'll make a SAK with as many hooks as I can. LOL

Pics if you do it!   

Will do.  Look for a thread titled "I'm hooked on this SAK!"  It will have at least 20, possibly 30 if I can fit 3 per layer.

[strmliner]

The last time I used the hook was when I was remaking my neck lanyard. It's not a tool I use often, but as the alternative is no tool (just a backspring) I'm happy for the hook to be there in case I need it 

That's where a Marlin Spike comes in handy.  One like found on the Sea Pioneer works best for paracord-type work, though the one on my Vx Helmsman does a tolerable job.  I'd love to find one like the Sea Pioneer to put on a 91mm SAK.

[Nix]

I found myself without a SAK in Jackson, Wyoming, USA, once upon a time, during an extended car-camping trip. Call it 7 years ago. I might be wrong about that.

I had lost my SAK somewhere during the trip, can't remember the model anymore, and, in a panic, I ran into a sporting goods store in Jackson. After checking out a couple models, I settled on a Fieldmaster. When I realized the knife had a hook--the first I'd ever seen on a SAK--I thought, "well that's stupid." I told the sales rep that it seemed like a waste to add a useless 'tool' like the hook. But, since a hookless Fieldmaster wasn't an option, I bought the knife and proceeded on my way.

Sure enough, the hook started becoming useful. First for lifting a hot pot off a camp fire by it's bail. Then tightening the laces on cross-country ski boots while wearing gloves. And then opening boxes where the ends are tucked in with tabs. Then tying some knots. The more I used the hook, the more I came to appreciate it. I came to think of the hook as a tiny little GI Joe 'kung-foo grip' hand that I could slip into tight spaces to pull, lift, or yank on something.

I have two Climber model SAK's, one with the hook, and one without. Yeah, the one I slip into my pocket the most is the one with the hook. And why knot?

[El Corkscrew]

I found myself without a SAK in Jackson, Wyoming, USA, once upon a time, during an extended car-camping trip. Call it 7 years ago. I might be wrong about that.

I had lost my SAK somewhere during the trip, can't remember the model anymore, and, in a panic, I ran into a sporting goods store in Jackson. After checking out a couple models, I settled on a Fieldmaster. When I realized the knife had a hook--the first I'd ever seen on a SAK--I thought, "well that's stupid." I told the sales rep that it seemed like a waste to add a useless 'tool' like the hook. But, since a hookless Fieldmaster wasn't an option, I bought the knife and proceeded on my way.

Sure enough, the hook started becoming useful. First for lifting a hot pot off a camp fire by it's bail. Then tightening the laces on cross-country ski boots while wearing gloves. And then opening boxes where the ends are tucked in with tabs. Then tying some knots. The more I used the hook, the more I came to appreciate it. I came to think of the hook as a tiny little GI Joe 'kung-foo grip' hand that I could slip into tight spaces to pull, lift, or yank on something.

I have two Climber model SAK's, one with the hook, and one without. Yeah, the one I slip into my pocket the most is the one with the hook. And why knot?

   

[twiliter]

The Spirit has one. 

[AimlessWanderer]

The last time I used the hook was when I was remaking my neck lanyard. It's not a tool I use often, but as the alternative is no tool (just a backspring) I'm happy for the hook to be there in case I need it 

That's where a Marlin Spike comes in handy.  One like found on the Sea Pioneer works best for paracord-type work, though the one on my Vx Helmsman does a tolerable job.  I'd love to find one like the Sea Pioneer to put on a 91mm SAK.

I've never had a 93mm with one on, but I did have a 111mm with marlin spike. I never really got that much use from that style, as I found it too wide for anything I wanted to do, and I ended up getting rid of it. If I do need a marlin spike, I tend to reach for a British Army clasp knife. The marlin spike on that is great as it has a nice slow taper.

[Don Pablo]

A use for the hook, opening big cans easily. 


Of course, the pull tab had to break when I tried to open the can, after taking the photo, so I needed pliers to finish the job. 

[strmliner]

The last time I used the hook was when I was remaking my neck lanyard. It's not a tool I use often, but as the alternative is no tool (just a backspring) I'm happy for the hook to be there in case I need it 

That's where a Marlin Spike comes in handy.  One like found on the Sea Pioneer works best for paracord-type work, though the one on my Vx Helmsman does a tolerable job.  I'd love to find one like the Sea Pioneer to put on a 91mm SAK.

I've never had a 93mm with one on, but I did have a 111mm with marlin spike. I never really got that much use from that style, as I found it too wide for anything I wanted to do, and I ended up getting rid of it. If I do need a marlin spike, I tend to reach for a British Army clasp knife. The marlin spike on that is great as it has a nice slow taper.

Yep, I know what you mean, though mine isn't worth much when I do any work on lines smaller than 1/4". The spike on the Helmsman will do the smaller lines, but I'm really looking forward someday to getting the thinner marlin spike like on the 93mm. 

[strmliner]

A use for the hook, opening big cans easily. 


Of course, the pull tab had to break when I tried to open the can, after taking the photo, so I needed pliers to finish the job. 

Well Pablo, as much as you like the Hook, it appears that it was the wrong tool for the job. Otherwise we'd have to say that you had an owner/operator error...   

[Don Pablo]

A use for the hook, opening big cans easily. 


Of course, the pull tab had to break when I tried to open the can, after taking the photo, so I needed pliers to finish the job. 

Well Pablo, as much as you like the Hook, it appears that it was the wrong tool for the job. Otherwise we'd have to say that you had an owner/operator error...   

Comprise, a combination of user error and design error? I mean, pulling the tab at the wrong angle is bad, but a standard sized tab on a big can is also bad... 

[twiliter]

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I see what you're saying ThundahBeagle, and I understand, despite being a hook lover. 

Question, what would you put in the place of the hook?

Don't say awl, fine screwdriver, etc, because Victorinox seems to like pairing tools. So the Awl goes on the Can/Bottle opener layer, the hook on the scissors layer, etc. And I don't see them changing that anytime soon. 

Is the hook so bad that you would rather have no tool in that location, instead of the hook? We ran a poll a while back I think, and I got the impression that lots of people would rather have no tool on the scissors layer than have the hook, which I thought was kinda weird.   
Because it takes up no space and doesn't compromise the integrity of the SAK. 


Oh, and some trivia. The hook was introduced in 1991, so it came along a bit late for carrying parcels wrapped in brown paper and string. 

Hi Pablo,

I would rather it had been left well enough alone. No tool necessary there. Just nice clean flat back spring.

Yes, the hook was introduced in 1991 as a parcel carrier. That is what is insane about it. When in 1991 did anyone think that then, or in the future,packages would be bound in twine, and that it was mission critical that SAK s assist in carrying them.

The hook may not take up much space, but it does bulge out a bit - more than the awl or Philips- and ruins the  lines of the tool. But my biggest gripe is...how did a corporate committee decide that humanity could not do without a tool that has no specific purpose. And they would have had to vote that in, design it, cost it out and alter the production process to do add it. That takes a lot of time effort and expense to add a tool that has no specific purpose assigned to it.

Actually, please allow me to amend this statement. While I would have liked for them to leave this hook out of it and have a nice clean backstrap, I also would not mind seeing the awl moved to the center of the back, with a Philips AND a corkscrew, one on either side of the awl. If there had to be three tools down there, I think that would have been a better layout with much more use.

[MacGyver]

I see what you're saying ThundahBeagle, and I understand, despite being a hook lover. 

Question, what would you put in the place of the hook?

Don't say awl, fine screwdriver, etc, because Victorinox seems to like pairing tools. So the Awl goes on the Can/Bottle opener layer, the hook on the scissors layer, etc. And I don't see them changing that anytime soon. 

Is the hook so bad that you would rather have no tool in that location, instead of the hook? We ran a poll a while back I think, and I got the impression that lots of people would rather have no tool on the scissors layer than have the hook, which I thought was kinda weird.   
Because it takes up no space and doesn't compromise the integrity of the SAK. 


Oh, and some trivia. The hook was introduced in 1991, so it came along a bit late for carrying parcels wrapped in brown paper and string. 

Hi Pablo,

I would rather it had been left well enough alone. No tool necessary there. Just nice clean flat back spring.

Yes, the hook was introduced in 1991 as a parcel carrier. That is what is insane about it. When in 1991 did anyone think that then, or in the future,packages would be bound in twine, and that it was mission critical that SAK s assist in carrying them.

The hook may not take up much space, but it does bulge out a bit - more than the awl or Philips- and ruins the  lines of the tool. But my biggest gripe is...how did a corporate committee decide that humanity could not do without a tool that has no specific purpose. And they would have had to vote that in, design it, cost it out and alter the production process to do add it. That takes a lot of time effort and expense to add a tool that has no specific purpose assigned to it.

Actually, please allow me to amend this statement. While I would have liked for them to leave this hook out of it and have a nice clean backstrap, I also would not mind seeing the awl moved to the center of the back, with a Philips AND a corkscrew, one on either side of the awl. If there had to be three tools down there, I think that would have been a better layout with much more use.

Humm...  while it would be more usable, it would also require to have a cut out on the front and on the back of the Sak, and that would ruin the look of the Sak... 
At least for me it would... 

[ThundahBeagle]

I see what you're saying ThundahBeagle, and I understand, despite being a hook lover. 

Question, what would you put in the place of the hook?

Don't say awl, fine screwdriver, etc, because Victorinox seems to like pairing tools. So the Awl goes on the Can/Bottle opener layer, the hook on the scissors layer, etc. And I don't see them changing that anytime soon. 

Is the hook so bad that you would rather have no tool in that location, instead of the hook? We ran a poll a while back I think, and I got the impression that lots of people would rather have no tool on the scissors layer than have the hook, which I thought was kinda weird.   
Because it takes up no space and doesn't compromise the integrity of the SAK. 


Oh, and some trivia. The hook was introduced in 1991, so it came along a bit late for carrying parcels wrapped in brown paper and string. 

Hi Pablo,

I would rather it had been left well enough alone. No tool necessary there. Just nice clean flat back spring.

Yes, the hook was introduced in 1991 as a parcel carrier. That is what is insane about it. When in 1991 did anyone think that then, or in the future,packages would be bound in twine, and that it was mission critical that SAK s assist in carrying them.

The hook may not take up much space, but it does bulge out a bit - more than the awl or Philips- and ruins the  lines of the tool. But my biggest gripe is...how did a corporate committee decide that humanity could not do without a tool that has no specific purpose. And they would have had to vote that in, design it, cost it out and alter the production process to do add it. That takes a lot of time effort and expense to add a tool that has no specific purpose assigned to it.

Actually, please allow me to amend this statement. While I would have liked for them to leave this hook out of it and have a nice clean backstrap, I also would not mind seeing the awl moved to the center of the back, with a Philips AND a corkscrew, one on either side of the awl. If there had to be three tools down there, I think that would have been a better layout with much more use.

Humm...  while it would be more usable, it would also require to have a cut out on the front and on the back of the Sak, and that would ruin the look of the Sak... 
At least for me it would... 

Mac, do you feel that the corkscrew/Phillips side of the SAK is unsightly? While the other side is elegant I it's simplicity, I like the cutout and would be fine with one on each side...wouldnt mind a SAK with 2 blades, 2 openers, saw, and scissors, awl, corkscrew and Phillips. And that's it.

[El Corkscrew]

I think the old style awl/cut out is as elegant as it gets..

[MacGyver]

I see what you're saying ThundahBeagle, and I understand, despite being a hook lover. 

Question, what would you put in the place of the hook?

Don't say awl, fine screwdriver, etc, because Victorinox seems to like pairing tools. So the Awl goes on the Can/Bottle opener layer, the hook on the scissors layer, etc. And I don't see them changing that anytime soon. 

Is the hook so bad that you would rather have no tool in that location, instead of the hook? We ran a poll a while back I think, and I got the impression that lots of people would rather have no tool on the scissors layer than have the hook, which I thought was kinda weird.   
Because it takes up no space and doesn't compromise the integrity of the SAK. 


Oh, and some trivia. The hook was introduced in 1991, so it came along a bit late for carrying parcels wrapped in brown paper and string. 

Hi Pablo,

I would rather it had been left well enough alone. No tool necessary there. Just nice clean flat back spring.

Yes, the hook was introduced in 1991 as a parcel carrier. That is what is insane about it. When in 1991 did anyone think that then, or in the future,packages would be bound in twine, and that it was mission critical that SAK s assist in carrying them.

The hook may not take up much space, but it does bulge out a bit - more than the awl or Philips- and ruins the  lines of the tool. But my biggest gripe is...how did a corporate committee decide that humanity could not do without a tool that has no specific purpose. And they would have had to vote that in, design it, cost it out and alter the production process to do add it. That takes a lot of time effort and expense to add a tool that has no specific purpose assigned to it.

Actually, please allow me to amend this statement. While I would have liked for them to leave this hook out of it and have a nice clean backstrap, I also would not mind seeing the awl moved to the center of the back, with a Philips AND a corkscrew, one on either side of the awl. If there had to be three tools down there, I think that would have been a better layout with much more use.

Humm...  while it would be more usable, it would also require to have a cut out on the front and on the back of the Sak, and that would ruin the look of the Sak... 
At least for me it would... 

Mac, do you feel that the corkscrew/Phillips side of the SAK is unsightly? While the other side is elegant I it's simplicity, I like the cutout and would be fine with one on each side...wouldnt mind a SAK with 2 blades, 2 openers, saw, and scissors, awl, corkscrew and Phillips. And that's it.

Well i guess is just a matter of personal taste here. I love the current look of the 84/91mm sak's and wouldn't change a thing as far as asthetics go. I would however improve on some tools maybe, and definitely bring back the 84mm scissors and expand on the 84mm line. A 84mm golfer with a awl shaped nail file in the back and choice between CS/SD would be great for example, and quite doable, even shape the end of that file to a small SD

[ThePeacent]

The Spirit has one. 

to me that awl/hook is the single most precious and unique implement on the Spirit. I've found 101 uses for it, and it's the best Victorinox hook ever devised, IMO...it locks too!

[twiliter]

 

[twiliter]

The Spirit has one. 

to me that awl/hook is the single most precious and unique implement on the Spirit. I've found 101 uses for it, and it's the best Victorinox hook ever devised, IMO...it locks too!

(Image removed from quote.)

An awesome tool, no doubt about it. 

[Don Pablo]

I've started a trend?   

[twiliter]

I've started a trend?   

Either that or I'm just a copycat, probably the latter Pabs. 

[Tired_Yeti]

The Multipurpose Hook, a highly underestimated tool indeed...The hook has a very satisfying element of surprise to it. And it saved my day on more than one occasion.

Once I was riding my bike to school, it was exam day! Halfway my chain got derailed and got stuck, really stuck, between the rear gears. It was impossible to budge. I tried sticks, my hands. I was a oily mess and nothing worked. Then I recalled my Handymand an opened the hook. One tug and the chain was free! I quickly replaced it and raced to school.  Just shy of 20 minutes late, the deadline for entry.

I wouldn't want to miss the hook!

This has got to be one of the BEST uses of the hook that I've heard so far!
All the stuff the OP mentioned such as tightening small brass hooks or pulling guitar strings I always do with my fingers. But the bike chain. Hey hey! Good idea!

Always think outside of the box and keep a loose and open mind

I think most people do, actually. How many times have you seen someone use a kitchen knife as a pry bar, screwdriver, an even a hammer?
What's odd to me is how many "unprepared" type people who are quick to abuse a kitchen utensil and would never think to buy a SAK, think of using a knife blade for everything. But the type of people who buy a SAK seem more resourceful and prepared, in general, but we often struggle to think of using a tool for an "off label" use.
I think we're all resourceful under the right conditions. As the saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of Invention". I think our problem is focusing on the labels. I like what another poster said about the hook. (Paraphrasing) It's not a "parcel hook"; it's just a metal hook.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ThundahBeagle]

Not to say my position on this issue is softening at all but, I saw an earlier post where a lady uses the hook to tighten corset laces...um...how does one say "no" to THAT? So I decided to give this thing another look.

I saw the bike chain use but that did not peak my interest as much as the bike wheel spoke wrench use. That did get my attention (though still not as much as the corset).

I ride an old Mongoose Hill Topper. Sometimes on trails, sometimes the 18 miles to and from work. I can see the spoke wrench aspect being very helpful, but again, I already carry a Park Tool with spoke wrench and all the necessary Allen wrench sizes, so again, I say that whatever the hook can do, seems to be able to be done by something else. Even the corset. Think outside the box.

[Don Pablo]

The Multipurpose Hook, a highly underestimated tool indeed...The hook has a very satisfying element of surprise to it. And it saved my day on more than one occasion.

Once I was riding my bike to school, it was exam day! Halfway my chain got derailed and got stuck, really stuck, between the rear gears. It was impossible to budge. I tried sticks, my hands. I was a oily mess and nothing worked. Then I recalled my Handymand an opened the hook. One tug and the chain was free! I quickly replaced it and raced to school.  Just shy of 20 minutes late, the deadline for entry.

I wouldn't want to miss the hook!

This has got to be one of the BEST uses of the hook that I've heard so far!
All the stuff the OP mentioned such as tightening small brass hooks or pulling guitar strings I always do with my fingers. But the bike chain. Hey hey! Good idea!

Always think outside of the box and keep a loose and open mind

I think most people do, actually. How many times have you seen someone use a kitchen knife as a pry bar, screwdriver, an even a hammer?
What's odd to me is how many "unprepared" type people who are quick to abuse a kitchen utensil and would never think to buy a SAK, think of using a knife blade for everything. But the type of people who buy a SAK seem more resourceful and prepared, in general, but we often struggle to think of using a tool for an "off label" use.
I think we're all resourceful under the right conditions. As the saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of Invention". I think our problem is focusing on the labels. I like what another poster said about the hook. (Paraphrasing) It's not a "parcel hook"; it's just a metal hook.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

One has to know the tool as well. We all know that prying with blade tips is BAD, due to the way they are made, and the the SAK screwdrivers are better for the job.
Think outside the box, like MacGyver, but know the theoretical stuff, such as reasons why it might(will)/might not (will not) work, like MacGyver.   

[Nix]

..so again, I say that whatever the hook can do, seems to be able to be done by something else...

Well that is true. It's also true of every tool on every SAK. The only thing a SAK can do, that some other tool can't do, is look like a real SAK. Your line of reasoning would seem to suggest that you should put your SAK's in storage...or ***gulp***...sell them all and invest in task specific tools. 

Let's say you were not out riding and didn't have your bicycling tool kit, but encountered a damsel in distress who need a spoke tightened on her bicycle while wearing a loose corset. Would you render assistance if you could with your trusty SAK and extensive knowledge?

Prepared is prepared. Just sayin'.....

 

[ThundahBeagle]

..so again, I say that whatever the hook can do, seems to be able to be done by something else...

Well that is true. It's also true of every tool on every SAK. The only thing a SAK can do, that some other tool can't do, is look like a real SAK. Your line of reasoning would seem to suggest that you should put your SAK's in storage...or ***gulp***...sell them all and invest in task specific tools. 

Let's say you were not out riding and didn't have your bicycling tool kit, but encountered a damsel in distress who need a spoke tightened on her bicycle while wearing a loose corset. Would you render assistance if you could with your trusty SAK and extensive knowledge?

Prepared is prepared. Just sayin'.....

 

TWICE if possible!

But seriously...all of the other tools on the SAK have at least one dedicated purpose. Some are even named after that purpose. Screwdriver. Bottle opener. The hook is just such a wide net to cast.

I have a 30 year old Super Tinker with no hook and I love it. Then again, I have a newer Tinker Deluxe with a hook, and I haven't tossed that out as junk

[Tired_Yeti]

I use the hook to pull open the zippers of my backpack. When i ride the train or in public im pretty sure that no one would bother trying to open my pack sneakily.

So have you removed the zipper pulls for added security and just used your SAK to open them?

If that's the case, I have to say that's a pretty clever idea.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk