My Three SAKs

[Sea Monster]

OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD

I'm going to have to write this later, I'm too excited! 

[Benner]

What ya get??

[Sea Monster]

Okay, whew. I'm calm.

Seriously.

I'm calm.

Okay.

It didn't occur to me until I cracked the blade, but now I know I need to get a Soldier from my Birth year, a quest for another day perhaps.


I had actually expected to be getting a used Soldier, but as far as I can tell this is fresh off the production, dated '07.

Fricken' BEAU-TEE-FUL.

I...

I can't use it.

Then I slipped open the OHT.

Black.

Black like ninjas.

Big too.

Big like...big ninjas.

First the main blade - the angles are a bit funny in my hand for thumbing open, but I'll get used to it.
Weird round tip, but oh well.

Then the Cap lifter.

Wow.
This thing is a goddamn Shovel!

It took me a moment to spot the Saw...I don't really need a saw, but hey, it might come in handy, and it's really unobtrusive, so cool.

Then the Can Opener - Now I'm sad. Same can opener as on every vic - a great can opener sure, but I expected it to be...bigger, the rest of this baby looks made for men with overexcited pituitary glands, I wanted a big can opener, for big cans.

Then the Awl & Screwdriver - I've never liked backspring tools, (except for Cork Screws & Hooks), but I'm glad this has the Phillips, as I wanted it to be all-manly. I have my waiter for being a sissy-pants.

So, cool huh (Upcoming usage notes & comparison with Soldier)


Then, the final package, the "spur of the moment just chose it because I couldn't decide on anything else" Blue Alox Classic.

Holy Fricken Hell.

Now I know what all the alox fuss is about.

This thing is GORGEOUS

Freakin' amazing.

Anyway, I'm babbling, and can't think of actually useful things to say beyond how pretty everything is, so I'll just leave you with the promise of Pics tomorrow 

[Freudian Frog]

... took ya long enough.

[I'm Still Bison]

    Everybody should have an Alox Classic,one of the best key ring tools ever.I think you're going to love your OHT,you'll wonder why you didn't get one sooner,and you don't have to live in the bush to appreciate the saw,in time you'll find many uses for it around the home.

I'd like to get a birthyear Soldier,but all I'd need would be a rock with Roman numerals scratched on

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Nice score fella, just mind your fingers on the OHT

[Sea Monster]

I promised some pictures,

I don't have time for anything arty, so I just emptied my pockets onto the nearest surface (sorry, couldn't find a post!)

This more or less makes up my entire current collection (Collection is the wrong word, I generally give/trade/lose tools rather than hoard them away to waste on a shelf)




Just a moment for a few short comments:

(Criticism first as always - it's easier, and compliments only come with time and understanding - so enjoy my hateful ignorance while it lasts)

The OHT doesn't feel as quality in the hand as other SAKs.
I don't know if it is the bulky size, the weird feel (and sound?) of the  hollow nylon scales, or the way the blade just doesn't seem to snap like other SAKs.

I'm sure it is excellent quality, and will serve loyally for years as any SAK would, but I'm just not feeling it, yo.

(Now for some History)

I wanted a OHT for a few reasons:
1. I wanted a 111mm of some kind since I knew they existed.
2. All the cool kids have one.
3. One handed opening is still new to me and was interesting.

So far I'm just not sure the OHT and Nomad are going to be best buddies.

I'm not native to One-Handing, and though I will probably adapt, I wish it had the nail nick as well so I could open it just like old times.

My Tiny girly hands may be happier with a Two-Layer 111mm..(Like the Nomad )

If I had my choice, I probably would not have gone with a Saw - they should make a OH with Scissors and File as options also.

I've already complained about backspring tools and their limited use.

I'm also a bit underwhelmed with the tool selection, both the Main blade and Saw take up a layer each.
Would it have been possible to have a Hook on the back, and Scissors/(One of the thin tools? I can only think of the combo tool and small penknife off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are more)

Anyway, it is still a SAK, and while the shape and several of it's features are all new to me, I'm sure we'll get along eventually.


The Classic -

I was presently surprised to note it is a "SD" which I tend to prefer over the standard variety (non-alox one pictured above is standard)
Anyway, I can't bring myself to actually use this one yet. I don't want it hanging out with my keys as the old one does, getting all scuffed and so one, so we'll see what happens there.

The Soldier.

It's a Vic Soldier, what more do you want?
It provides exactly what it promises, nothing more, nothing less.



(If I had to choose something to complain about with the Soldier - I think a hollow rivet would be cool)

Well, I'll finish with another Pic



(For interests sake - Pricing on the above (roughly in AUD)
OHT -       Vic Soldier       Squatter             Alox Classic       Vic Classic
$50-60        $45-55        $19.95-24.95        (No idea)             ($15-22)
(Never seen (going          (These are
one in          by               available
stores,       Wenger SI      everywhere
but going     Pricing)         so I know the
by other                         price well )
111mm
pricing)

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

And I thought it was just us Brits that got shafted on price

I'm not a huge fan of the OHT either, as like you they just don't feel like proper saks to me

[Sea Monster]

Now That I've got the Soldier, I can't believe I was ever satisfied with the Squatter as a replacement for a Pioneer.

The Squatter is absolutely excellent, don't get me wrong, and in it's own space a shining star.

But in comparison to the Soldier, when side by side, the Soldier is like the Squatter (or Recruit?) x2. Everything on it is bigger and better feeling.

[DaveK]

I still like the middle "customised" one best Nomad.

Interesting thoughts about the OHT - and I'm a bit surprised to be honest. I'd assumed that it would have the same sort of "feel" as any other SAK. If you're not too fussed about the OH opening, maybe you should try a GAK. I can't put this one down - it's a beast, but has all the "solid" characteristics you seem to long for.

And I agree about the Alox - the Cadet that Gadget Guy sent me is a truly wonderful thing.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

It's very hard to argue against the quality of the 93mm's , there just that bit more rugged that it makes a lot of difference

[Sea Monster]

Interesting thoughts about the OHT - and I'm a bit surprised to be honest. I'd assumed that it would have the same sort of "feel" as any other SAK.

I guess they lost something in the chase to compete with American sports knives?

The backspring is not very tough either, if you hoiked out linerlock, I would not feel confident using it.

[DaveK]

Interesting thoughts about the OHT - and I'm a bit surprised to be honest. I'd assumed that it would have the same sort of "feel" as any other SAK.

I guess they lost something in the chase to compete with American sports knives?

The backspring is not very tough either, if you hoiked out linerlock, I would not feel confident using it.

So is it 111mm - like the GAK? Forgive my Swiss ignorance.....

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Interesting thoughts about the OHT - and I'm a bit surprised to be honest. I'd assumed that it would have the same sort of "feel" as any other SAK.

I guess they lost something in the chase to compete with American sports knives?

The backspring is not very tough either, if you hoiked out linerlock, I would not feel confident using it.

It's lighted so you can use it OH, The regular 111mm have much stronger backsprings

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Interesting thoughts about the OHT - and I'm a bit surprised to be honest. I'd assumed that it would have the same sort of "feel" as any other SAK.

I guess they lost something in the chase to compete with American sports knives?

The backspring is not very tough either, if you hoiked out linerlock, I would not feel confident using it.

So is it 111mm - like the GAK? Forgive my Swiss ignorance.....

Yep it's just got different scales and no T & T

Or are you talking about the 108mm Gak that Mikko sent you

[DaveK]

Oh yeah - it's shrunk to 108mm now I've measured it properly 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Oh yeah - it's shrunk to 108mm now I've measured it properly 

Thought as much

108's are definetly a bit special

[Splat]

I read the title for this thread and still thought of this.....    

[Sea Monster]

Getting more used to the OHT in my hand, but still not convinced.

I think I need to stop thinking of it terms of the Saks I am used to, and get one of LMs Multi/Folder combo options and see how it compares on that playing field.

(Spending more money in the name of science?)

The Saw blade still has little metal shavings on it from when it was cut, or however they make them. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not.

Some food for thought;

Surge Maximum Dimensions:  (Measured with Ruler, someone stole my calipers)
40mm W
21mm T
114mm L

OHT:
35mm W
18mm T
111 L (Gee, really?)

[DaveK]

Some food for thought;

Surge Maximum Dimensions:  (Measured with Ruler, someone stole my calipers)
40mm W
21mm T
114mm L

OHT:
35mm W
18mm T
111 L (Gee, really?)

Whilst that's obviously right, it sounds, well.. wrong doesn't it? I accept that the weight might be slightly more lop sided of course.

[Poncho65]

Very nice bunch of knives there Nomad

[Sea Monster]

My latest "cool or tool" trick is "spyder-drop"ping the OHT.


I'm still working on holding the blade between thumb and forefinger and manipulating the lock with my ring finger.

I'm also disappointed that the OHT has the same issue as the LM Kick of not fitting in the weird tool pockets you get on tradesman pants.

[WhichDawg]

Congrats, some nice ones there

the OHT is a fav of mine. it's got what I want. I've practiced opening it without looking,
and knowing all the tools by memory. Waiting for 111 stayglows! (just the scales)