Are four layer SAKs the least pocketable size?

[Steinar]

Relax, hear me out, I think haven't totally gone off the deep end quite yet:

Thinner (and lighter) than four layers is obviously more pocketable than four layers.

The thing is, I find five (or more) layers better in the pocket than four too. Four layers are more or less square in their cross-section, making them the same thickness however they are oriented. Five and up will be no thicker than four layers in the pocket, they will however be more stable and better stay in a given position, thus making them more comfortable.

Depending on your clothing, the weight of many layers may of course become a problem.

So, what do you think? I have seen this opinion stated before, so I know I'm not totally alone.

[twiliter]

I can think of one very useful EDC 4 layer that carries much like a Climber, which is the Mountaineer. 

On the other hand, Rangers are great, and there's the compact 5 (along with the Master Craftsman/Astronaut). 

[AimlessWanderer]

 

Trouser pocket: Up to three layers is fine.
Jacket pocket: Up to CT41 is fine

I will carry a larger SAK in my trouser pocket if necessary, but I don't find the squarer section tools (Voyager Lite, Huntsman, Ranger, Orig Outdoorsman) any less carryable than a CT41

Of the models I listed above, if I'm going to carry more than a Climber/Traveller, the most likely to end up in the pocket is the Original Outdoorsman (essentially a Ranger but with serrated main blade, and pruner blade as small blade), which although it's actually 5 layers, it's very similar to an Explorer in thickness.

One of my mods (Brian) is a 4 layer Wenger with inline Phillips, and the square section makes it more comfortable and natural as a driver. The Voyager Lite is quite similar in this respect too.

[Barry Rowland]

I'd rather carry a Ranger or Craftsman than I would my Fieldmaster.  I don't know why, but I think they ride better too.  This is coming from a guy who carried a Huntsman exclusively for cover 30 years!  Let me add that I carry most of mine in my back pocket

[Fast Bill]

Another vote here for the Mountaineer as decently pocketable 4 layers. On a personal level the Fisherman is equally great but I'm not going to start another round of The Great Fish Scaler Debate 

[sergemaster]

Amici,
I normally carry either a Champion, Craftsman, to even a SwissChamp, and would feel quite vulnerable if I didn't..

In my career field, the tools offered in any of the 4 plus layers helps me immensely with everything from troubleshooting to installation. Throw in a flashlight, and I'm a happy camper regarding my EDC. 

Despite their girth, you can get by using a suspension clip quite comfortably, depending on what you're wearing. Jeans not an issue whatsoever. But slacks or suit trousers, totally different animal.

Cheers,
Serge

[twiliter]

Another vote here for the Mountaineer as decently pocketable 4 layers. On a personal level the Fisherman is equally great but I'm not going to start another round of The Great Fish Scaler Debate 

A man after my own heart. 

The original Fisherman is one of my favorite 4 layers, but it never wins popularity contests. 

[MacGyver]

Well from my experience from up to 4 (thick) layers of carry, as far as it siting put in your pocket, my Explorer for example sits better than the climber or super tinker or any other 3 layer or thin 4 layer. I had a handyman that I gave away that carried rather good, but the weight and bulk and a bunch of stuff I don't regularly need drove me away.
So yes, from a stability point of view 4 layers up carries better in the pants pocket, especially jeans or similar.

Since for me personally I've basically went back to two layers for edc, it's not a problem anymore 

[Steinar]

I personally EDC from 1 up to and including 8 layers, so it's not like I find four layers a problem as such. I have just ended up with a preference for either light and thin or large and “flat” (when it comes to pocketability). I personally find four layers knives somehow fall between two stools, even though they “should” have been in a goldilocks zone.

[Ron Who]

Carrying 1-2 layers in jeans pocket, 3-4 layers in jacket pocket, anything bigger in belt sheath or backpack.

[pfrsantos]

I think it comes down to non-square SAKs for confort. The thinner ones stay put, like the thicker ones. The only difference is that on the thinner ones the scales are facing you, on the thicker ones it's the tools.

 

[ThePeacent]

I always carry the Swisschamp, Champion or Handymen in the RRP or LRP hanging from a P7 clip clone



comfortable and I barely notice it's even there

[classicrock]

I'd prefer 4 layers SAK as EDC such as Deluxe Tinker or Yeoman Mechanic, because pliers and scissors is a must for me.


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