Staring me right in the face, patiently

[fivesense]

I carry a couple Spydercos, alternating between a Yojimbo 2 and PM2 with the PM2 getting the lion's share of general cutting (mail, packages, plastic bags, etc...). My primary SAK is a Swiss Champ when I'm at home, Explorer while traveling for business.

Although the steel is great and the knives are tough, I'd been looking for a knife to ride shotgun with either of the Spydercos when I want something for more grunt work- light prying, popping of aluminum can tabs, whatever. I looked at Benchmade- specifically the Mini and full sized Griptilian- as well as ZT and various other Spydercos.

All the while, my Swiss Champ and Explorer waited patiently for me to remember why I bought them- because they represent the ultimate in utility. Not only are the blades more than capable for general cutting tasks, but they each have a slew of additional tools that can- often redundantly- handle anything else, and probably better than any blade.

SAKs offer such peace of mind. Their only drawback is that once you own one or two capable SAKs- what else do you really need?

Don't worry, I'll answer.... Another SAK!!! Cheers to us! 

[Douglas]

 

[WolfyW]

 

[ThePeacent]

Swisschamp is all you need



but other toys are fun too!vv

[Mechanickal]

Well sometimes I get a feeling of "can I reduce this?" And buy something smaller.
Sometimes I want a do-it-all and I buy a larger layer SAK.

Variation, variation and variation.
Keeps the day/carry interesting and keeps the mind open to find more uses for your SAK!

[kkokkolis]

The Spirit is a thin and lightweight Swisschamp (no fish scaler, if you need some) with tools that lock and have great reach and leverage. If it's too lightweight, there's always the Swisstool.

[Mechanickal]

Kkokkolis has a point there!

Unfortunatly for you though, the best Swisstool in the world reached the UK a few days ago

[Aloha]

I think I'm the opposite.  I reach for my SAK  .  before a folder when I head out.  I feel that a knife only tool for me doesn't make sense for most of what I need or use a knife for.  That being said I do enjoy carrying a folder at times especially for the OHO and lock.  There are times when those features make sense for me.  The SAK however with all its utility always makes sense. 

[fivesense]

I think I'm the opposite.  I reach for my SAK  .  before a folder when I head out.  I feel that a knife only tool for me doesn't make sense for most of what I need or use a knife for.  That being said I do enjoy carrying a folder at times especially for the OHO and lock.  There are times when those features make sense for me.  The SAK however with all its utility always makes sense.

Ultimately, I think you are right, or I at least agree with the application of the SAK often preceding that of a folder. I reach for the folder primarily because of the quick one-handed deployment of the locking blade for most slicing and dicing tasks. However, the SAK will do almost everything (and much more) my Spyderco does. I carry both so I have the option of using both, which is great fun!

I'd gotten away from using my Skeletool CX in favor of carrying a Swiss Champ because the SC has so much more versatility, and the only real advantage of the Skeletool is the pliers, the strength of which I only need sparingly (SAK pliers work for most of what I need without going to the tool box).

But, the comments here also have me looking at the Swiss Tool, something I hadn't considered. How does the Swiss Tool compare to a similarly spec'd Leatherman? Is it just personal preference?

Regardless, it will be hard to justify anything more than the all-in-one Swiss Champ. It's lighter than the Swiss Tool with more functionality, so unless I need the heavier duty pliers I think I'm set with the SC!

[Mechanickal]

The SC is an awesome set.
The Swisstool is heavy indeed, but the Spirit is the same toolset in a lighter and more ergonomic package.

How to they compare to equaly sized tools?

More tool density
Perfect fit & finish
Not easy to mod

You'd need to hold it to understand.

Now, why not best of both worlds?
A one hand opening 111mm Victorinox will give you a Spyderco type opening with the functions of a SAK included.

[Ron Who]

I'm with Aloha. My Spyderco blades don't get much use, but they are there when I need them. On SAKs I prefer the eyeless blades, OHO is not that important for me.

[twiliter]

Is it just personal preference?

Isn't everything?

It takes a while to refine one's carry preferences (if it ever happens), with lots of trial and error, and then there's always something new/novel/you haven't seen before. Anymore I stick with the ones I'm used to. My Spydie is usually in the kitchen, but it's nice to take along on outings too. I like that it can happily go in the dishwasher when I need it to. 

[fivesense]

Now, why not best of both worlds?
A one hand opening 111mm Victorinox will give you a Spyderco type opening with the functions of a SAK included.

I had an Outrider (no Spyder eye) and it does indeed fit the applications here. I suppose I just really like having a sharp Spyderco on hand. But, I may revisit the 111mm SAKs for the reasons you point out.

[Aloha]

I almost made a thread related to my post.  I have had an on and off relationship with folders.  I really like them but........

I cannot find anything BUT reason to carry my SAKs.  I found the Swisschamp king for a long time.  I was and am enamored with that SAK.  I also have to say the Champion even tho plier-less is pretty darn great.  I've gone round and round with what SAK is "best" for what I need. 

As to knife only carry.  I primarily have Sypercos that will see carry.  I love having my Delica's on me.  I have a fully SE and PE both are wonderful.  I also have a Native SE that is a joy to carry.  The only non Spyderco I carry is Kershaw Dimension.  When I do carry a folder its because I've needed access to OHO while working.  I really like having the convenience of OHO and at times need it.  Yes I have my MT on me but what the heck would I be on a tool forum for then?  I love having options. 

 

[pfrsantos]

I carry a couple Spydercos, alternating between a Yojimbo 2 and PM2 with the PM2 getting the lion's share of general cutting (mail, packages, plastic bags, etc...). My primary SAK is a Swiss Champ when I'm at home, Explorer while traveling for business.

Although the steel is great and the knives are tough, I'd been looking for a knife to ride shotgun with either of the Spydercos when I want something for more grunt work- light prying, popping of aluminum can tabs, whatever. I looked at Benchmade- specifically the Mini and full sized Griptilian- as well as ZT and various other Spydercos.

All the while, my Swiss Champ and Explorer waited patiently for me to remember why I bought them- because they represent the ultimate in utility. Not only are the blades more than capable for general cutting tasks, but they each have a slew of additional tools that can- often redundantly- handle anything else, and probably better than any blade.

SAKs offer such peace of mind. Their only drawback is that once you own one or two capable SAKs- what else do you really need?

Don't worry, I'll answer.... Another SAK!!! Cheers to us! 

General Cutting!
 

I tend to carry a SAK and a folder. Usually the folder for food prep and the SAK for all the rest.

[ThePeacent]

Years ago I only EDCed my SAK as a cutting tool, a 111mm one.
But when I got my first Spydercos and Cold Steels, the OHO feature got me hooked. I haven't gone back. The 111mm big blade was replaced by the big OHO blade on my folders, and the functions I had with that SAK were supplied by the Swisschamp which I inherited from my grandpa.
Years later the MTs arrived and I carried the three, thick fat SAK, big OHO folder and pliers based MT.
In the last 2 years the redundancy of the Swisschamp pliers has been overcome, and now I mostly carry a non-plñiers SAK, pliers based MT and one or more OHO folders.

so, in brief, my evolution was:
1st. 111mm SAK (Outrider, OHO Trekker)
2nd: big thick SAK (Handyman, Swisschamp) + OHO folder
3rd: big thick plierless SAK (Champion, Cybertool) + MT + OHO folder

and that's where I've settled in for the last two years more or less, having all three every time I leave the house, as I post on all my EDC and carry pics and threads, adding to that a 4th always present element, the flashlight

Some pics of current carries:
 

[fivesense]

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Sound strategy. I'm not too far off but as I don't need the dedicated MT pliers often enough to justify carrying it, I typically rotate in or out another knife (Yomimbo 2). But I think you've got your bases fully covered with your rotation!

[pfrsantos]

Years ago I only EDCed my SAK as a cutting tool, a 111mm one.
But when I got my first Spydercos and Cold Steels, the OHO feature got me hooked. I haven't gone back. The 111mm big blade was replaced by the big OHO blade on my folders, and the functions I had with that SAK were supplied by the Swisschamp which I inherited from my grandpa.
Years later the MTs arrived and I carried the three, thick fat SAK, big OHO folder and pliers based MT.
In the last 2 years the redundancy of the Swisschamp pliers has been overcome, and now I mostly carry a non-plñiers SAK, pliers based MT and one or more OHO folders.

so, in brief, my evolution was:
1st. 111mm SAK (Outrider, OHO Trekker)
2nd: big thick SAK (Handyman, Swisschamp) + OHO folder
3rd: big thick plierless SAK (Champion, Cybertool) + MT + OHO folder

and that's where I've settled in for the last two years more or less, having all three every time I leave the house, as I post on all my EDC and carry pics and threads, adding to that a 4th always present element, the flashlight

Some pics of current carries:
 

Pretty good! Only one thing missing from perfection:

Show content

Big baddaboom!
 

[ThePeacent]

Years ago I only EDCed my SAK as a cutting tool, a 111mm one.
But when I got my first Spydercos and Cold Steels, the OHO feature got me hooked. I haven't gone back. The 111mm big blade was replaced by the big OHO blade on my folders, and the functions I had with that SAK were supplied by the Swisschamp which I inherited from my grandpa.
Years later the MTs arrived and I carried the three, thick fat SAK, big OHO folder and pliers based MT.
In the last 2 years the redundancy of the Swisschamp pliers has been overcome, and now I mostly carry a non-plñiers SAK, pliers based MT and one or more OHO folders.

so, in brief, my evolution was:
1st. 111mm SAK (Outrider, OHO Trekker)
2nd: big thick SAK (Handyman, Swisschamp) + OHO folder
3rd: big thick plierless SAK (Champion, Cybertool) + MT + OHO folder

and that's where I've settled in for the last two years more or less, having all three every time I leave the house, as I post on all my EDC and carry pics and threads, adding to that a 4th always present element, the flashlight

Some pics of current carries:
 

Pretty good! Only one thing missing from perfection:

Show content

Big baddaboom!
 

you mean Alice?
you mean a girlfriend?
you mean a redhead?
you mean blue eyes?
or do you mean a fifth element?   (1.SAK + 2.Knife +3.MT + 4.Light + 5.fifth element)

[pfrsantos]

Years ago I only EDCed my SAK as a cutting tool, a 111mm one.
But when I got my first Spydercos and Cold Steels, the OHO feature got me hooked. I haven't gone back. The 111mm big blade was replaced by the big OHO blade on my folders, and the functions I had with that SAK were supplied by the Swisschamp which I inherited from my grandpa.
Years later the MTs arrived and I carried the three, thick fat SAK, big OHO folder and pliers based MT.
In the last 2 years the redundancy of the Swisschamp pliers has been overcome, and now I mostly carry a non-plñiers SAK, pliers based MT and one or more OHO folders.

so, in brief, my evolution was:
1st. 111mm SAK (Outrider, OHO Trekker)
2nd: big thick SAK (Handyman, Swisschamp) + OHO folder
3rd: big thick plierless SAK (Champion, Cybertool) + MT + OHO folder

and that's where I've settled in for the last two years more or less, having all three every time I leave the house, as I post on all my EDC and carry pics and threads, adding to that a 4th always present element, the flashlight

Some pics of current carries:
 

Pretty good! Only one thing missing from perfection:

Show content

Big baddaboom!
 

you mean Alice?
you mean a girlfriend?
you mean a redhead?
you mean blue eyes?
or do you mean a fifth element?   (1.SAK + 2.Knife +3.MT + 4.Light + 5.fifth element)

You got it right at the 5th try!
 

Show content

Still, any of the other entries (plus Mila Jovovich and top model) would be fine, too.

 

[Mechanickal]

Years ago I only EDCed my SAK as a cutting tool, a 111mm one.
But when I got my first Spydercos and Cold Steels, the OHO feature got me hooked. I haven't gone back. The 111mm big blade was replaced by the big OHO blade on my folders, and the functions I had with that SAK were supplied by the Swisschamp which I inherited from my grandpa.
Years later the MTs arrived and I carried the three, thick fat SAK, big OHO folder and pliers based MT.
In the last 2 years the redundancy of the Swisschamp pliers has been overcome, and now I mostly carry a non-plñiers SAK, pliers based MT and one or more OHO folders.

so, in brief, my evolution was:
1st. 111mm SAK (Outrider, OHO Trekker)
2nd: big thick SAK (Handyman, Swisschamp) + OHO folder
3rd: big thick plierless SAK (Champion, Cybertool) + MT + OHO folder

and that's where I've settled in for the last two years more or less, having all three every time I leave the house, as I post on all my EDC and carry pics and threads, adding to that a 4th always present element, the flashlight

Some pics of current carries:
 

Pretty good! Only one thing missing from perfection:

Show content

Big baddaboom!
 

you mean Alice?
you mean a girlfriend?
you mean a redhead?
you mean blue eyes?
or do you mean a fifth element?   (1.SAK + 2.Knife +3.MT + 4.Light + 5.fifth element)

You got it right at the 5th try!
 

Show content

Still, any of the other entries (plus Mila Jovovich and top model) would be fine, too.

 

Allthough that would carry better without any extra weight attached