The HOOK brings you back

[ironraven]

We should start a thread of verbs one can use their SAK and all it's variously shaped pieces of metal for, to me this is the raw simplicity of a SAK or it's inner essence?
1. Pry
2. Twist
3...

I would add "pierce" to the list, but other than that, that could very well serve as a template for evaluating a multitool.

Probably needs a few more verbs- bash (hammer functionality), illuminate (flashlight) and a few others, but....

Let me think on this. This has promise.

[Tired_Yeti]

...
And which verbs apply to various tools. 

Scissors: 6.
Bottle Opener: 1, 2, 3, 4, etc...

Once we apply a specific verb or action to a tool, don't we run the risk of mentally boxing ourselves in again just as with the tool labels?

For example, if we see the cap lifter as a pry bar, don't we run the risk of not seeing it as a screwdriver or any number of other options?

It's hard to imagine there is anyway to list all the potential actions of a tool. So we may, by virtue of trying to expand our ideas, end up limiting them.

For example, if I see the cap lifter as a pry or screwdriver, I may overlook that it can be a clamp or an electrical contact.


Of course, all this is just philosophical argument. If we listed actions we thought of, we might be helping someone else think outside the box. That's a good thing! I was just playing "devil's advocate" for the sake of the discussion.

P.S. To all you diehard Alox lovers, take a look at the photo and ask yourself if that'd be something you'd try with Alox scales?

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[AlephZero]

I like that. 
The Parcel Hook is a hooked piece of metal.
The Corkscrew is a a twisty piece of metal.
The Awl is a pointy piece of metal with a edge.
The Bottle opener and can opener are pieces of metal with uncountable uses.
The Saw is a piece of metal with lots of teeth.
Etc...
Open your mind, see them for what they are: pieces of metal in various shapes. 

+1

Improvise, people, improvise... That's what SAKs are made for

[twiliter]

P.S. To all you diehard Alox lovers, take a look at the photo and ask yourself if that'd be something you'd try with Alox scales?

I would not short circuit a battery with any SAK. No way.

[Tired_Yeti]

I would not short circuit a battery with any SAK. No way.

Why not?

Bearing in mind, the photo I posted should be considered an emergency survival fire starting method only.

Also, I've never tried this technique yet so I don't know how much insulation the celloid scales give (if any). I don't know if the technique is painful or not.


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[theonew]

I use the saw a lot as a back scratcher

[Don Pablo]

I use the saw a lot as a back scratcher

Surely the fish tickler(aka fish scaler) would be better suited? 
And you can use it for cocktail sausages and olives afterwards! (Or before, if thats how you swing)

[theonew]

Just tried it. Not aggressive enough. It does make a good cocktail fork, I will give you that

[Don Pablo]

Sputters Not aggressive enough...
Do you have rhino hide? 
My back would be shredded by the saw.

[theonew]

I can reach anywhere on my back to scratch an itch. But if the itch comes right back then I need a tool that will make it go away for good 
No power tools though 

[ironraven]

I have two problem with that way of using your SAK as a fire starter.

One, the steel wool WILL rust. When you need a fire, you are usually wet. Too late to find out you've been carrying a load of non-combusting rot in your knife, assuming you haven't noticed in the past.

Two, this is a good way to weld a contact to your knife.

If you're that worried, there are plenty of ferrorods that are keychain sized.

[Don Pablo]

I have two problem with that way of using your SAK as a fire starter.

One, the steel wool WILL rust. When you need a fire, you are usually wet. Too late to find out you've been carrying a load of non-combusting rot in your knife, assuming you haven't noticed in the past.

Two, this is a good way to weld a contact to your knife.

If you're that worried, there are plenty of ferrorods that are keychain sized.

And syph just said in another thread that the SAK stainless steel will rust more easily if it's touching non stainless steel, like steel wool I presume. 

[strmliner]

I use the saw a lot as a back scratcher

          

Ah...umh...no, not ever.

[Tired_Yeti]

I have two problem with that way of using your SAK as a fire starter.

One, the steel wool WILL rust. When you need a fire, you are usually wet. Too late to find out you've been carrying a load of non-combusting rot in your knife, assuming you haven't noticed in the past.

Two, this is a good way to weld a contact to your knife.

If you're that worried, there are plenty of ferrorods that are keychain sized.

I agree. Personally, I wouldn't do it either. I posted it to fish out opinions so I thank you for that thoughtful answer. There are many ways to start a fire and I assume that if someone had the presence of mind to tuck away some steel wool into their SAK, they should have the presence of mind to carry a survival tin with them anyway. If I had to rely on a SAK for fire, I'd prefer to carry one with the magnifier and use sunlight (assuming it's available). Again, for the size of a box of Sucrets or Altoids, you could have several adequate options at hand.

Welding your SAK to something is a sure recipe for disaster in a survival situation.

Not to mention the possibility of having the battery overheat or even explode in your hand. May not be likely, but it's possible.

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[El Corkscrew]

I had a cheap AAA battery spontaneously explode in my wireless mouse a couple weeks ago, no kidding.   Energizer henceforth

[Nix]

I had a cheap AAA battery spontaneously explode in my wireless mouse a couple weeks ago, no kidding.   Energizer henceforth

Hmmm...sounds like one of your enemies sabotaged your mouse.



Stay vigilant, my friend!

[theonew]

Ahhh yes, the old exploding battery in the mouse trick

[Tired_Yeti]

I had a cheap AAA battery spontaneously explode in my wireless mouse a couple weeks ago, no kidding.   Energizer henceforth

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[AimlessWanderer]

Has anyone ever found the hook on the Spirit useful?

I have used the 91mm hook a few times with success, but don't think I've ever used it where the Spirit hook would also have done the trick (safely). I don't mind it being there, as it's really just a fancy shaped kick for the awl (which is necessary for the awl to stow properly), but has anyone found it beneficial?

[strmliner]

Welding your SAK to something is a sure recipe for disaster in a survival situation.

Not to mention the possibility of having the battery overheat or even explode in your hand. May not be likely, but it's possible.

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You think? 

[Tired_Yeti]

You think? 

I try to


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[magentus]

Has anyone ever found the hook on the Spirit useful?

I have used the 91mm hook a few times with success, but don't think I've ever used it where the Spirit hook would also have done the trick (safely). I don't mind it being there, as it's really just a fancy shaped kick for the awl (which is necessary for the awl to stow properly), but has anyone found it beneficial?

NO!
I will defend the 91mm hook to my dying breath as it's been very useful in several situations.

The Spirit hook however is a mystery, except as you say Al, as a fancy kick. I imagine if you try to use it as a parcel hook the awl will shred the material in no time. 

[AimlessWanderer]

Has anyone ever found the hook on the Spirit useful?

I have used the 91mm hook a few times with success, but don't think I've ever used it where the Spirit hook would also have done the trick (safely). I don't mind it being there, as it's really just a fancy shaped kick for the awl (which is necessary for the awl to stow properly), but has anyone found it beneficial?

NO!
I will defend the 91mm hook to my dying breath as it's been very useful in several situations.

The Spirit hook however is a mystery, except as you say Al, as a fancy kick. I imagine if you try to use it as a parcel hook the awl will shred the material in no time. 

I was thinking the same for cord word, for fishing electrical cable out of a "nest", and any other time the hook may be useful, the awl will likely be an obstacle.

[firiki]

I've often wondered the same about the Spirit's hook. So far, the only potential use I see for it wiuld be carrying a bucket with a bare metal handle or something similar, like a paint can.

It is, however, very useful for manipulating the awl it comes attached to

[magentus]

I've often wondered the same about the Spirit's hook. So far, the only potential use I see for it wiuld be carrying a bucket with a bare metal handle or something similar, like a paint can.

It is, however, very useful for manipulating the awl it comes attached to

The Hook that brought our dear firiki back to us!   

[firiki]

AND, I have found a use for the much maligned 91mm SAK hook but l want to illustate with pictures so it'll have to wait a little 

[firiki]

I've often wondered the same about the Spirit's hook. So far, the only potential use I see for it wiuld be carrying a bucket with a bare metal handle or something similar, like a paint can.

It is, however, very useful for manipulating the awl it comes attached to

The Hook that brought our dear firiki back to us!   

All praise the hook   

[El Corkscrew]

All hail the cat the lord!

[magentus]

Great pic Dan 

[Tired_Yeti]

I've often wondered the same about the Spirit's hook. So far, the only potential use I see for it wiuld be carrying a bucket with a bare metal handle or something similar, like a paint can.

It is, however, very useful for manipulating the awl it comes attached to

bucket of paint? 'Spose it could be. Seems like a lot of extra work to whip that out for carrying a bucket. Still...(shrug).

I don't understand the idea behind the design. As a hook it seems like it would have almost no reach to speak of.


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