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Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer

Myoman · 35 · 5959

Poll

Which is the superior Urban EDC knife?

Explorer
52 (65.8%)
Super Tinker
27 (34.2%)

Total Members Voted: 73

Offline Myoman

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Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
on: July 12, 2019, 09:25:18 PM
For urban EDC threads, I've noticed a trend. Either the Explorer will be the recommended knife for 85% of the thread, or the Super Tinker will be the recommended knife for the majority of the thread. It seems that fans of one or the other will make a strong showing, but never at the same time.

Well, this is for those fans of the two knives. Give your argument why either the Super Tinker or Explorer is the superior EDC. Please no other recommendations like the Swisschamp Huntsman, Farmer, Cadet, Yeoman, etc. Let's stick to those two knives, since after pouring over the urban EDC threads on here, those two seem the most recommended.

FIGHT!
« Last Edit: July 12, 2019, 11:04:43 PM by Myoman »


us Offline Nix

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #1 on: July 12, 2019, 09:29:14 PM
While I like the Super Tinker...a LOT...I've got old man eyes and that magnifying glass is just too handy at times. And I like the in-line Philips, too.

A fatter carry?  Yes.  But with some real advantages, let's spell that Phatter!  Explorer gets my vote for Urban EDC (and regularly goes in my pocket  :)).


us Offline Buzzbait

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #2 on: July 12, 2019, 09:44:35 PM
I definitely fall into the Explorer camp. As I grow older, and my eyesight gets worse, the magnifier becomes more and more valuable to me. The magnifier is even a ton of fun to play with.

Also, with my lack of eyesight, the eyeglass screwdriver has become extremely helpful, which you can't fit on a Super Tinker. It's very easy to use the tiny screwdriver in combination with the magnifier, to tighten the bows on my glasses.

And once you get the magnifier layer, the inline Phillips becomes yours as well, which I firmly believe to be approximately 623% more useful and easy to use than a backside Phillips.
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us Offline Buzzbait

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #3 on: July 12, 2019, 09:47:56 PM
A fatter carry?  Yes.  But with some real advantages, let's spell that Phatter!

Thicc knives save lives.
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'Buzz


Offline Myoman

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #4 on: July 12, 2019, 09:53:39 PM
I think the argument for the super tinker is that the can opener is a very effective philips driver, therefore making the inline philips slightly redundant. For tightening, breaking, and recessed screws, you can start/finish with the back philips driver.


us Offline Nix

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #5 on: July 12, 2019, 10:18:10 PM


us Offline Nix

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #6 on: July 12, 2019, 10:20:45 PM
I think the argument for the super tinker is that the can opener is a very effective philips driver, therefore making the inline philips slightly redundant. For tightening, breaking, and recessed screws, you can start/finish with the back philips driver.


I think you are right. For me and my needs, it's the magnifying glass that makes the difference. The in-line Philips is just a bonus. A bonus that allows space for the corkscrew tool........  :)


us Offline Sos24

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #7 on: July 12, 2019, 10:43:15 PM
If I were to vote between the two, it would be Explorer for me.

These are both great knives and the toolset is great on both.  What it comes down to is how much do you value the magnifier.  I enjoy the magnifier.  Also, I’ve had instances where the can opener tip just wouldn’t hold and there really wasn’t enough space to use the backside phillips, hence I prefer the inline phillips.

The biggest thing the Super Tinker has going for it is being the slightly thinner 3-layer.  This is why I instantly fell in love with the Yeoman when I got one used.


00 Offline Borg

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #8 on: July 12, 2019, 10:44:59 PM
Explorer for me, for the mag glass  :tu:
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us Offline sir_mike

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #9 on: July 13, 2019, 12:36:15 AM
Explorer without a doubt.  The inline philips is hands down a ton better tool then the back philips and gotta love the mag lens.  :)


nz Offline Sawl Goodman

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #10 on: July 13, 2019, 12:52:24 AM
Explorer all day long. :tu:

For me, the extra utility of the Explorer over the Super Tinker more than makes up for the added bulk, weight, and cost. You gain the multifunction corkscrew, the magnifier, and a much sturdier Phillips that's more convenient and comfortable to use. It handles nicely, too. Overall, a much better choice as an only carry, in my opinion.
Rambler


fi Offline temo

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #11 on: July 13, 2019, 12:55:45 AM
Think urban usage is opening wine bottles in park and looking flowers with magnifier


id Offline jaya_man

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #12 on: July 13, 2019, 01:43:02 AM
Super Tinker is a great tool set... Although the caplifter can be used as a phillips driver, to me it lacks the torque... I’ve seen a lot of bent caplifter tips... The backside phillips just wont do in tight spaces... plus its prone to fold while turning screws... This is why I used to edc an Explorer... mag glass comes as a bonus (seldom used but came convenient one time while trying to remove a splinter)...

Over time, the Explorer became bulky in the pockets as I carry more stuff...  It’s what convinced me that 3 layer is the max I can pocket carry... That’s when a  Yeoman took over...  as it still retains the two tools my SAK must have... Inline phillips and scissors...


us Offline smiller43147

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #13 on: July 13, 2019, 02:44:12 AM
Both fine knives, but I go for the 3 layer ST as my pick.
- Steve


us Offline cody6268

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #14 on: July 13, 2019, 02:47:03 AM
It's what YOU think you really need. I have both; and really like both equally, the slimness of the Super Tinker makes it a bit better. The Explorer has been carried hardly at all.  There for several months, the Super Tinker was my go-to SAK. And might I add, it was a mistake. I bought it to tear apart for restoring an older SAK, only to learn I couldn't fix a 1960s knife with 2010 parts.


spam Offline comis

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #15 on: July 13, 2019, 08:53:28 AM
Contrary to many, I actually don't mind the backspring phillips but voted Explorer because it is essentially a choice between:

Backspring phillips + 1 layer slimmer(Super Tinker) vs Inline phillips + mag glass + cockscrew + small eyeglass screwdriver(Explorer)

On average, every layer of tools in 91mm is approximately 20g(0.7 oz).  With that many tool implements to gain, I think most would naturally gravitate towards Explorer, especially when a 4 layers SAK is decent to carry(only around 100g/3.5oz).

This is a little off topic, I have very recently just made a Mountaineer mod with both backspring phillips and corkscrew, if you are interested, please keep an eye out for the future writeup in mod squad.





us Offline Barry Rowland

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #16 on: July 13, 2019, 04:33:13 PM
I vote for the Explorer, too.  I love the Super Tinker but I'm finding that the inline Philips and Mag glass are the deal breakers for me.
Barry


Offline Mattexian

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #17 on: July 14, 2019, 10:31:29 PM
I'm gonna vote for the Super Tinker as my preferred urban knife. Been carrying mine again, for a little over a week (since the 4th? Close enough), and haven't had any real complaints. While the Yeoman (my only other model for comparison) has the inline Phillips, magnifier, and corkscrew, I much prefer the dedicated opener layer and awl, and the pen blade.  Paired with one of my Spyderco knives for a one-handed opener, this has done a fair job of covering what my previous pairing of OHT and Classic did for my day-to-day needs.

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

R


us Offline Kraken

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #18 on: July 16, 2019, 09:08:34 PM
I've carried both as my EDC and my work SAK. I started out with the Explorer, then switched to the Deluxe Tinker, then came back to the Explorer again over the course of about a year. Although I liked the slimmer profile of the DT, the backside Philips was a deal breaker for me for two reasons: 1. Although it could access recessed screws, it needed a lot of side clearance to use, which wasn't always an option and 2. It always seemed to cam out on me when trying to use it if a lot of torque was required. I like the in-line Philips on the Explorer and if more torque is needed I can always lock it in the 90 degree position. To me, the added bulk from the extra tool layer is worth it to have the tool set I feel confident with when I'm out and about.
Semper Fortis


us Offline colt 1911

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #19 on: July 16, 2019, 09:56:04 PM
Explorer all the way for reason explained above. One step better is the Victorinox Passenger. one less layer, " scissors "
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za Offline Max Stone

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #20 on: July 16, 2019, 10:32:28 PM
For EDC 4-layers breaks the thickness aspect ratio (it’s thicker than its width), so will always be more noticeable in the pocket. If I had to live 24/7 with one of these, it would be the Super Tinker. Sure, it has less features and some compromises, but #1 priority for EDC is pocket-ability. It still has enough of what you really need...
Education is a journey that starts when you realize that knowing a little about something opens the door to the universe.


it Offline SirVicaLot

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #21 on: July 17, 2019, 04:45:58 AM
My vote goes to the Explorer. That magnifying glass is awesome, the inline Phillips a bonus and the corkscrew for knots and holding the mini screwdriver  :tu:

Also I am not a fan of the backside Phillips  :dunno:


spam Offline comis

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #22 on: July 17, 2019, 07:41:50 AM
For EDC 4-layers breaks the thickness aspect ratio (it’s thicker than its width), so will always be more noticeable in the pocket. If I had to live 24/7 with one of these, it would be the Super Tinker. Sure, it has less features and some compromises, but #1 priority for EDC is pocket-ability. It still has enough of what you really need...

I think the question lies in what kind of 4 layers we are talking about, Explorer 4 layers will be ever so lightly wider than the Mountaineer 4 layers.  Personally, I think the Explorer 4 layers is my soft cap for my urban EDC carry, it's almost like a narrow square 'block' which fits nicely into a hand.


pt Offline MacGyver

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #23 on: September 17, 2019, 09:30:15 PM
For EDC 4-layers breaks the thickness aspect ratio (it’s thicker than its width), so will always be more noticeable in the pocket. If I had to live 24/7 with one of these, it would be the Super Tinker. Sure, it has less features and some compromises, but #1 priority for EDC is pocket-ability. It still has enough of what you really need...

Completely agree  :iagree:

For standard (urban) work day EDC my limit is 3 layers 99% of the time. The 3 layer width and weight is as far as i will go.

I have the Explorer, and i like it. It's a very good SAK, i EDC'd it when i bought it for a couple of months, and got fed up with the bulk and weight. Having the inline phillips and mag glass dosen't compensate at all. Either the can opener or my moded bits are more than good enough for "incidental screwdriving", which is what i would use a sak for.

I would take the Super Tinker (or Climber) over the Explorer any time.  For comfort, both in pocket and in hand The Super Tinker even beats the Climber. I've filed off the ring tab on one of mine and it's very smooth. However i still like the looks of the CS more, and it adds the micro SD that i use a fair amount of times.

I've been carrying a Climber for almost a year (urban work days), and actually changed to the Compact in the last 4 months or so, as it can do a lot of what the Climber can, and it has only 2 layers. It's a bit of a compromise but it's worth it.


For weekends/off work days/other environments it can vary buy 4 layers (maybe 5 for the Ranger) is my top limit for a SAK, regardless of the tools
« Last Edit: September 17, 2019, 09:39:10 PM by MacGyver »
"Another Day...; a whole n'other set of fresh possibilities..." - MacGyver (S1E19 - "Slow Death")


us Offline VICMAN

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #24 on: September 17, 2019, 09:37:08 PM
I vote for the Explorer due to the in-line phillips, magnifying glass, corkscrew and mini screwdriver.


gb Offline AimlessWanderer

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #25 on: September 17, 2019, 09:43:15 PM
Completely agree  :iagree:

For standard (urban) work day EDC my limit is 3 layers 99% of the time. The 3 layer width and weight is as far as i will go.

I have the Explorer, and i like it. It's a very good SAK, i EDC'd it when i bought it for a couple of months, and got fed up with the bulk and weight. Having the inline phillips and mag glass dosen't compensate at all. Either the can opener or my moded bits are more than good enough for "incidental screwdriving", which is what i would use a sak for.


Ordinarily I would agree, and I didn't really gel with the Explorer for a daily carry knife. There's many a reason that the Wenger Traveler works so well for me, and the thickness is one of them.

That said, since I got my Deluxe Tinker recently (I had one years ago, but traded it away), I've hardly carried anything else. Occasionally I've picked up a traditional slippie instead, but the Deluxe Tinker seems a really good fit for me at the minute. I don't seem to have issues with the bulk either, although that might be because the pliers have been "enough", and so I haven't been carrying a pliers tool alongside.


The cantankerous but occasionally useful member, formally known as 50ft-trad


00 Offline Simon_Templar

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #26 on: September 18, 2019, 12:49:12 AM
Even though I like the Explorer better as a SAK, as an EDC - as in "everyday carry" - the Super Tinker (and its cousin the Climber) is superior.

In everyday (urban) life, scissors are the most relevant addition to the basic SAK toolset. Being 5 mm thinner and almost 20 g lighter, a Super Tinker will go unnoticed in many pockets where an Explorer will not. Consequently, the Super Tinker is less socially awkward while being equally competent in the vast majority of cases, and thus the better EDC (only rivaled by the Compact and the PX).
« Last Edit: September 18, 2019, 12:54:18 AM by Simon_Templar »


us Offline Rapidray

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #27 on: September 18, 2019, 01:41:28 AM
I also need all the help I can get with my eyes...Explorer...don’t even have to think about it!


us Offline strmliner

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #28 on: September 18, 2019, 06:54:18 AM
Tomato / Tomahto...everybody has a preference!   :drink:

Pocketability and scissors drive my uban EDC preference. And at three layers, my SuperTinker stays home more than it goes out. My Explorer only goes out in a backpack/duffle.  The refurbed/updated 2 layer Golfer goes out every day (and no stinkin' hooks).
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go."    -Will Rogers


Offline zenderfall

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Re: Urban EDC throwdown: Super Tinker vs. Explorer
Reply #29 on: September 18, 2019, 07:30:54 AM
I own both of these, and I also have a Deluxe Tinker as well....

Like most everyone says, the backside is a very poor location for that tool.  Also, the three layers may be thinner in the pocket and easier to carry, but it feels just too light for me.  Keep in mind it's not just the three layers, it's also taking into account the *thin-ness* of those layers as well.  Super Tinker has three really thin layers (unlike Cybertool with ONE BIG FAT LAYER), and to me that makes it feel too thin, and not a good grip in the hands.  The Explorer has four layers, yes, but magnifying glass is made of plastic, coupled with a short little stubby driver, does not add much weight, but a LOT more utility.  The thickness and weight of the Explorer seems to be just right.  I agree corkscrew might not be a big use, but that tiny screwdriver comes in handy a lot, for eyeglasses and certain brand watch bracelets.

I thought the Deluxe Tinker would be a benefit, but the thick pliers layer made it feel overbalanced.  Couple that, with the backside screwdriver and it was two steps back IMO.


 

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