What are your least favorite SAK tools and why?

[NorCalJim]

I am a firm believer that creativity and Swiss Army Knives go hand in hand as was frequently demonstrated by MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) so I am not the most sympathetic audience when someone complains about the multi-purpose hook.   On the other hand, some tools are so far down on my likelihood of using them, it is just a shame that they are not used for a more functional tool. The pharmaceutical spoon on my Minichamp is taking up space better used by a more useful tool. I feel the same way about the fish scaler.  Give me an inline awl in both cases and I would be happy.

What about you?

Jim

[AimlessWanderer]

I am a firm believer that creativity and Swiss Army Knives go hand in hand as was frequently demonstrated by MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) so I am not the most sympathetic audience when someone complains about the multi-purpose hook.   On the other hand, some tools are so far down on my likelihood of using them, it is just a shame that they are not used for a more functional tool. The pharmaceutical spoon on my Minichamp is taking up space better used by a more useful tool. I feel the same way about the fish scaler.  Give me an inline awl in both cases and I would be happy.

What about you?

Jim

The cuticle tool on the Minichamp, is probably the only tool on that I'd want that isn't already on the Rambler/Manager. Why? Snuff spoon! Taking a pinch of English snuff is fine, but Indian snuffs are oiled and very messy. A very "person specific" requirement, but that's why so many people like such different things. 

Personal dislikes:

Fish tickler
Mag glass (particularly the 85mm one)
Anything with 84/93mm alox scales
Absence of technician drivers across the range. Putting one on the back of the saw backspring doesn't count - we should be able to have one inline, other than the Cybertool or having to mod a can opener. They really should bring that tool back.
85mm locking blade
Alligator wrench
There's probably more 

[strmliner]

I agree with an inline awl for the 91mm line, definitely. I also agree that the pharmaceutical spoon in the Minichamp is pretty worthless. I've had a couple of fish scalers on a few of my SAKs for over 35yrs and don't believe I've ever had an occasion to use one...ever, though if I lived somewhere else in the world where scaling fish was the norm (I'm a western US kind of guy), then maybe it's purpose would be served. However, even with all the group hugs over the value of the hook, I've no use for it and look for older versions without it.

[Tired_Yeti]

I am a firm believer that creativity and Swiss Army Knives go hand in hand as was frequently demonstrated by MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) so I am not the most sympathetic audience when someone complains about the multi-purpose hook.   On the other hand, some tools are so far down on my likelihood of using them, it is just a shame that they are not used for a more functional tool. The pharmaceutical spoon on my Minichamp is taking up space better used by a more useful tool. I feel the same way about the fish scaler.  Give me an inline awl in both cases and I would be happy.

What about you?

Jim

Corkscrew.
I know you're NorCal Jim so being in wine country, you probably think that's absurd. I don't drink wine. Literally, not even once a year. Outside of removing the cork, I see very limited use for it. It has a very specific, unique shape and (partially due to that), it bends very easily.

So for me, I have very little use for a corkscrew--on a SAK or anywhere else for that matter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoatDragon]

Absence of technician drivers across the range. Putting one on the back of the saw backspring doesn't count - we should be able to have one inline, other than the Cybertool or having to mod a can opener. They really should bring that tool back.

Why not the Cybertool, isn't that exactly what you are asking for? It even comes in three sizes so you can have your technician screwdrivers any way you like them!

[AimlessWanderer]

Absence of technician drivers across the range. Putting one on the back of the saw backspring doesn't count - we should be able to have one inline, other than the Cybertool or having to mod a can opener. They really should bring that tool back.

Why not the Cybertool, isn't that exactly what you are asking for? It even comes in three sizes so you can have your technician screwdrivers any way you like them!

Sorry, I'll try to be clearer.

I like the Cybertool, but it does make for a bulky knife. They used to do a technicians driver which could be sited in lieu of the can opener or small blade on a 91mm model. Personally I have no need of two knife blades, and have found myself with a Climber or such in my pocket, and been unable to turn certain screws.

Here's the tool in question ...

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Screwdriver-Fine-Technician

[NorCalJim]

Absence of technician drivers across the range. Putting one on the back of the saw backspring doesn't count - we should be able to have one inline, other than the Cybertool or having to mod a can opener. They really should bring that tool back.

Why not the Cybertool, isn't that exactly what you are asking for? It even comes in three sizes so you can have your technician screwdrivers any way you like them!

Sorry, I'll try to be clearer.

I like the Cybertool, but it does make for a bulky knife. They used to do a technicians driver which could be sited in lieu of the can opener or small blade on a 91mm model. Personally I have no need of two knife blades, and have found myself with a Climber or such in my pocket, and been unable to turn certain screws.

Here's the tool in question ...

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Screwdriver-Fine-Technician

Thanks for the link explaining the driver you like. I continue to learn so much through posts like these.



Jim

[AimlessWanderer]

Absence of technician drivers across the range. Putting one on the back of the saw backspring doesn't count - we should be able to have one inline, other than the Cybertool or having to mod a can opener. They really should bring that tool back.

Why not the Cybertool, isn't that exactly what you are asking for? It even comes in three sizes so you can have your technician screwdrivers any way you like them!

Sorry, I'll try to be clearer.

I like the Cybertool, but it does make for a bulky knife. They used to do a technicians driver which could be sited in lieu of the can opener or small blade on a 91mm model. Personally I have no need of two knife blades, and have found myself with a Climber or such in my pocket, and been unable to turn certain screws.

Here's the tool in question ...

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Screwdriver-Fine-Technician

Thanks for the link explaining the driver you like. I continue to learn so much through posts like these.



Jim

 

I might consider modding one from a can opener and try putting it in the small blade location, while still keeping a full can opener in it's own slot. There's too many other mods that I have planned first though 

[NorCalJim]

I am a firm believer that creativity and Swiss Army Knives go hand in hand as was frequently demonstrated by MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) so I am not the most sympathetic audience when someone complains about the multi-purpose hook.   On the other hand, some tools are so far down on my likelihood of using them, it is just a shame that they are not used for a more functional tool. The pharmaceutical spoon on my Minichamp is taking up space better used by a more useful tool. I feel the same way about the fish scaler.  Give me an inline awl in both cases and I would be happy.

What about you?

Jim

Corkscrew.
I know you're NorCal Jim so being in wine country, you probably think that's absurd. I don't drink wine. Literally, not even once a year. Outside of removing the cork, I see very limited use for it. It has a very specific, unique shape and (partially due to that), it bends very easily.

So for me, I have very little use for a corkscrew--on a SAK or anywhere else for that matter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the corkscrew fit better in an earlier time and place. I think the same could be said to some extent about the cap lifter and can opener considering twist-off caps and pull tabs, etc. The corkscrew does have some use for loosening knots and some other creative functions. I'm not a big fan of the corkscrew and gravitated towards the Tinker and Super Tinker instead of the Spartan and Climber. I've accepted it because of my partiality toward the Explorer and Swiss Champ.

Jim

[NorCalJim]

Absence of technician drivers across the range. Putting one on the back of the saw backspring doesn't count - we should be able to have one inline, other than the Cybertool or having to mod a can opener. They really should bring that tool back.

Why not the Cybertool, isn't that exactly what you are asking for? It even comes in three sizes so you can have your technician screwdrivers any way you like them!

Sorry, I'll try to be clearer.

I like the Cybertool, but it does make for a bulky knife. They used to do a technicians driver which could be sited in lieu of the can opener or small blade on a 91mm model. Personally I have no need of two knife blades, and have found myself with a Climber or such in my pocket, and been unable to turn certain screws.

Here's the tool in question ...

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Screwdriver-Fine-Technician

Thanks for the link explaining the driver you like. I continue to learn so much through posts like these.



Jim

 

I might consider modding one from a can opener and try putting it in the small blade location, while still keeping a full can opener in it's own slot. There's too many other mods that I have planned first though 

Modding is another area that I find fascinating. There seems to be a number of people who frequent this forum with modification abilities. I'm not looking to develop those abilities myself since I have enough hobbies but I still admire them in others (wonder if there are YouTube videos).



Jim

[ironraven]

Inline flashlight. Just.... sucks.

Vic Pliers. They are more like big tweezers or non locking hemostats.

And now for the heresy. The Cybertool is has possibility, but the execution fails. The tool is fine. The problem is the bits. Too limited options, way too expensive. If they'd put a magnet in the bottom of the 4mm holder, it would be better. Or if they replaced it with a 1/4" socket stud and it might not be bad, but easily over torqued, it's just not robust enough.

[theonew]

Scissors. If you don't have a knife then scissors are quite handy. If you do have a knife then scissors are basically redundant. Now that I have reprofiled and sharpened the small clip point blade on my Wenger, I have been able to tackle that oft mentioned task of scissors fanatics - nose hair    91mm scissors are the worst in that they take up a relatively thick layer compared to layers like the saw and file and only offer the hook as a back layer tool. They are basically a fun little gadget that may give the user an air of sophistication but really offer much less functionality than adding a serrated blade with a plain edge blade.

[holygoat]

I can't stand the combo tool. No use as a driver (either kind), way worse at opening cans and bottles, not so good at light prying, no use for scraping… the dedicated openers together have so many more uses. Oh, and it's strangely ugly.

[Steinar]

Nailfile on the back of the hook. SAKs are pocket knives. Pocket knives should be more or less smooth when all tools are closed, because you should be able to pocket carry a pocket knife comfortably and without ruining other stuff you carry or your pockets themselves. Having an outside facing file loose in the pocket, is in my opinion a very bad idea.

[El Corkscrew]

Nailfile on the back of the hook. SAKs are pocket knives. Pocket knives should be more or less smooth when all tools are closed, because you should be able to pocket carry a pocket knife comfortably and without ruining other stuff you carry or your pockets themselves. Having an outside facing file loose in the pocket, is in my opinion a very bad idea.

blasphemously put

[El Corkscrew]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

[glenfiddich1983]

There are a couple of tools I barely use (like the fish scaler, chisel) but I wouldn't call them my least favorite. Those tools probably will do what they are made for. The tool I consider to be my least favorite is the combo tool. I have very ambivalent feelings about it. Yes, it's the only way to get rid of the opener layer while still keeping those functions. But the problem is that while it is a cap lifter and a can opener, it doesn't do any of those tasks very well.

[magentus]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

I'm with you on the scaler M'Lord - very useful in certain circumstances so I'm sold on it. 

The one tool I really don't get is the combo tool. There's no weight to it and for the sake of a layer I find the can opener and cap lifter too darn useful.

100% for the in-line awl as standard in the 91mm range.

[ThundahBeagle]

The HOOK!!! Please do away with this most useless appendage as soon as possible. I see it as a waste of time, space, and resources. I've not yet been shown any use for it that cannot be duplicated with another tool on my SAK, or with common sense. Some of the uses I have seen have been so invented as to be ridiculous, with the user going out of their way or dropping all common sense just to be able to say they used the hook for X.

Twist off bottle caps and pull tab cans are often not available in all parts of the world. Many developing countries do not have them at all, or in very small quantity. Even here in the US, many cans and bottles are not twist/tab. Plus, In the event of catastrophe, you may find yourself somewhere where regular bottles and cans have been stored for some time, and may not be as new as that. So I still want those on my SAK.

Scissors...I have more SAKS with scissors than saws (BSA Tinker, a Super Tinker from the 80's, and  Tinker Deluxe from 5 years ago) even though I am a firm believer that I would far more likely need the saw when outdoors roughing it. Then again, a lot of my LM' s have saws, and I always try to carry both a SAK and  LM. And before I carried an LM, I would camp with a small folding saw. So even though I don't have many, I still really like the saw.

Corkscrew. I use a Philips head more than a corkscrew, but I also like the idea of having a corkscrew on a SAK. Wish they made a 3 or 4 layer with both scales cut out...one side a Philips, the other a corkscrew. The awl could be center (replacing that Gawd awful hook) or inline. The corkscrew can be used to open wine for the lady while semi-roughing it, or in celebration at the top of a peak. Plus it can do near anything the hook can do.keep the corkscrew.

Fish scaler. Although I have no SAK fish scalers I do like them. Seems very useful when roughing it.

Yeah, I would say that my least favorite tool I have encountered on a SAK is the hook. I have only one SAK with the hook, and that was a gift to me. My friend who gave it to me was equally baffled by it, as it seemed so unnecessary. When making SAK purchases these days, if I want one with scissors, I actively seek out older models with no hook. I would rather have on older model with the crossbow stamped tang anyway.

Down with the hook!

[ThundahBeagle]

Post Script,

The plyers on my Tinker Deluxe...I see what they are trying to do, but meh. The plyers on the LM Squirt PS4 are far, far superior in every way. Better purchase on the handles. Better leverage, better wire cutters, better spring. I will use the Tinker Deluxe plyers in a "pinch" (see what I did there), but I don't really care for them. I still don't dislike them as much as the hook, though - that useless waste of backspring.

[ducttapetech]

I know I am gonna catch some flack for this, but any 58mm SAKs. Wenger did a better job with there 65mm, and I still don't carry any of them. Now saying that, they are built very well and they do have there uses and some gentleman use them all of the time. My hat off to you guys. Me, they are to small and lack the tools I use.

[Don Pablo]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

I'm with you on the scaler M'Lord - very useful in certain circumstances so I'm sold on it. 

The one tool I really don't get is the combo tool. There's no weight to it and for the sake of a layer I find the can opener and cap lifter too darn useful.

100% for the in-line awl as standard in the 91mm range.

Thou speaketh the truth! 

Warning: People viewing my "Slim Fishy" mod may undergo temporary distress if they dislike the fish scaler. 

[magentus]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

I'm with you on the scaler M'Lord - very useful in certain circumstances so I'm sold on it. 

The one tool I really don't get is the combo tool. There's no weight to it and for the sake of a layer I find the can opener and cap lifter too darn useful.

100% for the in-line awl as standard in the 91mm range.

Thou speaketh the truth! 

Warning: People viewing my "Slim Fishy" mod may undergo temporary distress if they dislike the fish scaler. 

As far as I'm concerned the 'Slim Fishy' is an instant classic Pabs.  You will turn a few heads with that one hun.

[Don Pablo]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

I'm with you on the scaler M'Lord - very useful in certain circumstances so I'm sold on it. 

The one tool I really don't get is the combo tool. There's no weight to it and for the sake of a layer I find the can opener and cap lifter too darn useful.

100% for the in-line awl as standard in the 91mm range.

Thou speaketh the truth! 

Warning: People viewing my "Slim Fishy" mod may undergo temporary distress if they dislike the fish scaler. 

As far as I'm concerned the 'Slim Fishy' is an instant classic Pabs.  You will turn a few heads with that one hun.

You gain instant class when using the "Slim Fishy" to eat olives at a cocktail party.
If I could change one thing on it, I would add a keyring (or bail!  ) for easier neckcarry 

[magentus]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

I'm with you on the scaler M'Lord - very useful in certain circumstances so I'm sold on it. 

The one tool I really don't get is the combo tool. There's no weight to it and for the sake of a layer I find the can opener and cap lifter too darn useful.

100% for the in-line awl as standard in the 91mm range.

Thou speaketh the truth! 

Warning: People viewing my "Slim Fishy" mod may undergo temporary distress if they dislike the fish scaler. 

As far as I'm concerned the 'Slim Fishy' is an instant classic Pabs.  You will turn a few heads with that one hun.

You gain instant class when using the "Slim Fishy" to eat olives at a cocktail party.
If I could change one thing on it, I would add a keyring (or bail!  ) for easier neckcarry 

Cocktail party? Olives?? that already makes you a classy dude Pabs 

Last time I used my scaler was to clear a plug of hair from one of my residents sink. Not very classy. We live in different worlds Pabs.

[Don Pablo]

Generally speaking, the back layer Phillips pretty much ruins a SAK for me... I'm like,"Hey! Get outta my spot!!"

I guess I'm not a huge fan of the wax scraper on my Wenger Ski Loper.. Though, nevermind, it's cool.

The idea of the fish scaler is getting more acceptable to me for some very rational reasons i won't get into.

That's my 33¢

I'm with you on the scaler M'Lord - very useful in certain circumstances so I'm sold on it. 

The one tool I really don't get is the combo tool. There's no weight to it and for the sake of a layer I find the can opener and cap lifter too darn useful.

100% for the in-line awl as standard in the 91mm range.

Thou speaketh the truth! 

Warning: People viewing my "Slim Fishy" mod may undergo temporary distress if they dislike the fish scaler. 

As far as I'm concerned the 'Slim Fishy' is an instant classic Pabs.  You will turn a few heads with that one hun.

You gain instant class when using the "Slim Fishy" to eat olives at a cocktail party.
If I could change one thing on it, I would add a keyring (or bail!  ) for easier neckcarry 

Cocktail party? Olives?? that already makes you a classy dude Pabs 

Maybe the olives are not a surefire indicator of classiness... Many the common bar in some regions(like parts of spain) serve olives and other little snacks with your beer.
Cocktail party though? Oh yeah. 

[Don Pablo]

Ok ok, I'll go back on topic. 
I would nominate the Backside Phillips in stock SAKs.

Why the backside phillips? Because in its current position, a T-handle screwdriver, it implies that it can handle lots of torque, when really, because of a combination of a very small tang, thin aluminium liner sandwich, and 2.2mm brass pinstock holding it in place, it will irreparably twist out of its slot with relatively little torque(that the inline philips and maybe the can opener would be able to handle), damaging your SAK badly.   

Now, if you were to use Ti liners, and 1/8" steel barrel pivots to hold it in place, like Syph does with his 91mm Ti mods, THEN its not so bad, because like that, it can walk as good as it talks. 

[Forklift]

Ok ok, I'll go back on topic. 
I would nominate the Backside Phillips in stock SAKs.

Why the backside phillips? Because in its current position, a T-handle screwdriver, it implies that it can handle lots of torque, when really, because of a combination of a very small tang, thin aluminium liner sandwich, and 2.2mm brass pinstock holding it in place, it will irreparably twist out of its slot with relatively little torque(that the inline philips and maybe the can opener would be able to handle), damaging your SAK badly.   

Now, if you were to use Ti liners, and 1/8" steel barrel pivots to hold it in place, like Syph does with his 91mm Ti mods, THEN its not so bad, because like that, it can walk as good as it talks. 

Has anyone ever done a test comparing the strength of the backside phillips and the can opener tip.  I've never damaged either as I stop before I do any damage.  The phillips is easy to know how far you can push it because you can start feeling the knife flex.  It seems to me that you can put more torque on the backside phillips, but I don't know at what point exactly the can opener tip will bend.  I've noticed that the 111 backside phillips handles much more torque- at least on the 2-3 layer liner lock models, that may not be the case with the slide locks or 4+ layer knives.
Either way it is much easier to repair an over-torqued can opener tip.  I've fixed that on a 2nd hand knife before.

[Zhenchok]

I’ll be honest I do not like having a nail file on any Sak or Wagner.  It does work well and I do find it useful from time to time, but I feel like I’m carrying a gimmick tool when my tool has it and wish it was a small knife instead. I do like having one on the classic because it’s mostly a dedicated nail clipper for me.  As a guy I rarely need to file my nails and the knife turns me off when I see the nail file.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nix]

I’ll be honest I do not like having a nail file on any Sak or Wagner.  It does work well and I do find it useful from time to time, but I feel like I’m carrying a gimmick tool when my tool has it and wish it was a small knife instead.

Funny, I'm the exact opposite. If a SAK has a large and small blade, my instantaneous thought is "too bad they didn't replace the small blade with a nail file." I find I'm drawn to more utility per layer.

Oh, there's no way I'm giving up my hook. .....or corkscrew.