Is a six layer sak too bulky for edc?

[Myoman]

I used to have a 5 layer huntsman lite, which felt like a perfect size. It had heft to hold, you could feel it in your pocket but didn't feel like it weighed it down, and most importantly, because it was still relatively thin, the tools felt centered in your hand when you used them. The swisschamp has felt (too me) too bulky for pocket use, too back-heavy compared to the size and weight of the front tools, too wide in the hand, and the side tools were too off center.

I realize other people may feel different about the swisschamp, but that's my own experience.

 I'm thinking about a 6 layer knife. To those of you who have used and carried a handyman and the like, what has your experience been? How does it feel when using and carrying compared to a five layer?

Thanks!!!

[hiraethus]

The Lite layer is quite thick - there's not much difference in width between the Huntsman Lite and Handyman.

I'm quite happy to cart a 6-layer SAK around with me - I often have a Craftsman in my pocket.

[AimlessWanderer]

It all depends on the toolset IMHO. A Ranger is a five layer knife, which is about the same width as a four layer Explorer, but the five layered CT34 is a large jump in width, as it has two wide layers.

[Don Pablo]

As for being too bulky... some people pocket carry Swisschamps (and if you use a ‘dangler’, it’s actually not uncomfortable), while other people don’t like to pocket carry a tinker. It depends.

[ulzhan]

Have an old master craftsman with six layers here. It's almost the same as the CT 34 or the Huntsman Lite. It's not really that wide.

[Steinar]

The big difference between a Handyman and a Huntsman Lite really isn't the size (27.5 mm vs 24.8 mm), but the weight. The flashlight layer has a lot air and plastic, while the pliers layer is relatively massive. (155.4 g vs 121.5 g, that's roughly 28% increase.) That said, the Handyman and Craftsman are both really great knives, which are markedly thinner than the SwissChamp. I'm a big fan of the six-layer knives, so I think it's worth trying. They are a little back-heavy, but they feel more comfortable in the hand than a Champ since they're more than half a cm thinner.

[Butch]

Personally I have carried the swisschamp almost since the day it was released. I think it is just a matter of what you need the SAK for.& what you get used to..IMHO

[Sawl Goodman]

I carry a Handyman on workdays, in a cargo pocket. I do find it bulky this way but don't like to be without its functionality. I have another in my general edc bag where it doesn't bother me at all.

Having owned a Swisschamp, I also find the Handyman more comfortable to use.

[MacGyver]

Everybody's different... For me a 6 layer Sak is not "big", it's a darn "brick".... 
Not only for pocket carry or use, but also "look" wise. I like my Sak's to still look like "pocket Knives" mainly. The most i use or even own is 4 layers. I find my Explorer plus on the verge of starting to become uncomfortable. Had a Handyman which i never used or even carry'd it, gift it to my father in law, he keeps it in his car.

[Rapidray]

My brother has a Atlas, which I believe is a 5 layer. I have handled it and think I could handle it if I had to, but would prefer the 4 layers like the Huntsman. I think 6 would be to much but will handle them when I can to be sure. Another reason is the tool selection, I wouldn’t be using them all.

[Butch]

I guess I should add that I am a large fellow with hams for hands.

[ulzhan]

I'm used to take a Swisschamp XLT for EDC. It has 11 layers and weighs about 250 gr. And it is more brick than knife. But I like it. Used already every function.

Mostly it rides in my backpack or in the coin pocket.

[Don Pablo]

I'm used to take a Swisschamp XLT for EDC. It has 11 layers and weighs about 250 gr. And it is more brick than knife. But I like it. Used already every function.

Mostly it rides in my backpack or in the coin pocket.

That’s a big coin pocket. 

[ulzhan]

It's modded. That coin pocket, not the XLT.

 

[Don Pablo]

[blinker]

Before cell phones, a large SAK was no problem. I need more pockets.

[Rapidray]

I'm used to take a Swisschamp XLT for EDC. It has 11 layers and weighs about 250 gr. And it is more brick than knife. But I like it. Used already every function.

Mostly it rides in my backpack or in the coin pocket.

My first thought was you were a really big guy with big pants! Glad to see you modded the coin pocket! 

[VICMAN]

Personally I have carried the swisschamp almost since the day it was released. I think it is just a matter of what you need the SAK for.& what you get used to..IMHO

Like  you, I have carried a SwissChamp since they first came out and I agree that " it is just a matter of what you need the SAK for.& what you get used to".

If someone wants a smaller SAK with plenty of tools I think the Ranger would be perfect.

[Butch]

 

[Joe58]

For me, that’d be just too large for pocket carry. I find the 93mm alox is just the right size for me.

If I were to go to something that big, I’d probably switch to carrying a MT again in a belt sheath, with a small traditional pocket knife. This is what I went with back when I was still active duty and having the multitool pliers saved me many a trip back to the shop to grab pliers or a needle nose. A good MT is wonderful if you’re a working guy and not the lazy slug like I am now.

But it’s all what you’re comfortable with in the pocket. A 6 layer would feel like a brick to me. I’m a skinny guy though. And I tend to try and keep in the pocket carry as minimal as I can. Which leads me off on a tangent to complain about the giant asinine key fobs the auto makers force you to carry. Hate ‘em. I’m not launching a dang ICBM.

[pfrsantos]

As for being too bulky... some people pocket carry Swisschamps (and if you use a ‘dangler’, it’s actually not uncomfortable), while other people don’t like to pocket carry a tinker. It depends.

Different people will have different views on this. I'd say you try it and see if it works for you.

 

[pfrsantos]

I guess I should add that I am a large fellow with hams for hands.

I bet you're constantly bitting your nails...

 

[Rapidray]

I guess I should add that I am a large fellow with hams for hands.

I bet you're constantly bitting your nails...

 

that a good one!

[ddogu]

Even the Hercules (which is not even 6 layers) is too thick for me 

[ulzhan]

I guess I should add that I am a large fellow with hams for hands.

I bet you're constantly bitting your nails...

 

that a good one!

Don't bite the hand that feeds you!

[Butch]

I guess I should add that I am a large fellow with hams for hands.

I bet you're constantly bitting your nails...

 

Nope .......but once in awhile I do like coffee strong enough to have to chew it...........   bdaaaaarump .......

[dkop1]

Personal preference friend. For me, that's way too big.  4 is about the max I'll put it in a pocket, 5-6 needs a belt pouch and I'm really just not a fan of wearing them all the time. I will keep them in a bag though, like my explorer lives in my daybag.

[Kev D]

I pocket carry a swisschamp fairly often and don't find it too bulky.

[Grass]

A substantial amount of unscientific consideration has led to the following conclusion:

It is the weight that matters and that limit is about 130 grams (4.6 ounces).

This gives about...
2 layers for 130mm
3 layers for 111mm
5 layers for 85/91mm
Whatever for 58mm

:-)