2 layer vs 3 Layer SAK

[Steelej1976]

I'm tending to be more minimalist these days and carrying a 2 layer SAK over a 3 layer one.  Which one do you guys prefer?

[Jothra]

Which one do you guys prefer?

Yes.

[Ike582]

Yes.

Fantastic!

For me, it's seasonality more than anything.  In Summer when I'm wearing shorts or lighter clothes I tend to carry a thinner SAK.  If I'm wearing jeans or it's cooler out I tend to carry one of my thicker or heavier SAKs.

[Steelej1976]

Yes.

Good answer 

[nate j]

Three layers (Climber or PX) is about the minimum for me.

Two layers would mean I would have to do without the scissors, or accept the combo tool in place of the opener layer and small blade.  Neither trade-off is desirable for me.

[Nix]

I love the two layer SAKs, but it is so easy to carry three layers...or four...that my two layer SAKs don't get the pocket time they deserve.   

[ElevenBlade]

This time of the month?  I'm fine with a three-layer.

The third layer usually adds a significant amount of functionality, with only a small price to pay in terms of bulk. 
Which layer I'm counting as "third" makes a difference.  That might be the scissors on the Pioneer X or the opener-layer on the Climber (compared to the Compact).  That extra layer can be well worth it. 

If it was just the ergonomics, I would definitely prefer a 2 layer. 

But after all... Swiss Army Knives are just pocket knives if they don't have extra bells and whistles.  So, I prefer a bell or a whistle, and a third layer. 


 

[Jim the Brave]

so much little knives. I say, 2+3 = 5, and that's why I carry a Ranger. And six other knives today....

But I did take a Super Tinker along so I'd have a phillips. Didn't use it yet. Also my 111mm Hunter is a good 3-layer, I had it along as well. And of course my Farmer, which is a good 3. But ask me again in July what I've settled on by then, when it's 100 degrees out and I'm soaking my clothes with sweat just walking out the door.

[SgtTowser]

At 2 vs 3, 2 every time. Slimness is king at these layer numbers.

And I would like Vic to make an ultra lite 2 layer 90mm.

Carbon fiber layers.

Super thin CF scales.

Blade from Tungsten.

Tools half thickness.

[Echotech]

I really like the 2 layers, particularly pioneer/ mod61 soldiers and the 84mm line, but in an urban environment i like scissors and a country environment a saw, so 3 (or 4) layers mostly wins out…mostly.

Compact is all I need a lot of the time, and the walker has turned out to be a little winner.

There is no answer it’s a trick question

[Simon_Templar]

Every once in a while I try out two layer SAKs - in general, Compact or Pioneer - but then I find I just prefer the added functionality of the Climber or Pioneer X (provided I don't just return to my usual CT 34). So three layer SAKs it is for me.

That said, the Compact is excellent and I don't even mind the combo tool all that much. It's just that missing small blade that bothers me.

Incidentally, adding a Classic or Manager to the keyring fixes the aforementioned problems and makes two layer SAks perfectly viable.

[ulzhan]

I'm used to 2 (11 = 1+1) layers.  XLT rules.

Sometimes I use a Pioneer X. Scissors are a must.

[Rich S]

I have EDC-ed a Tinker for circa 30 years, but would have no problems with a Super Tinker in my pocket. A Deluxe Tinker would go in a belt pouch.
Rich

[pipedreams]

I love the variety available to me, but I could live happily with an Alox soldier/Spartan.

[comis]

I think the question really depends on what kind of 2 layers vs what kind of 3 layers.  If the third layer is the scissors, then I think I'm gonna choose the 3 layers most majority of the time.

[SgtTowser]

That said, the Compact is excellent and I don't even mind the combo tool all that much. It's just that missing small blade that bothers me.

Incidentally, adding a Classic or Manager to the keyring fixes the aforementioned problems and makes two layer SAks perfectly viable.

 

And for ultimate Lean SAKing...

Midnight Manager on a ring +  a compact with a pliers (not a scissor) in the pocket = definitive Lean SAKing

[sindri]

I tend to go for 2 or 8 layers, mostly swisschamp in belt pouch. When thats not practical Compact in pocket. So easy vote, 2 layer

[Steelej1976]

This time of the month?  I'm fine with a three-layer.

The third layer usually adds a significant amount of functionality, with only a small price to pay in terms of bulk. 
Which layer I'm counting as "third" makes a difference.  That might be the scissors on the Pioneer X or the opener-layer on the Climber (compared to the Compact).  That extra layer can be well worth it. 

If it was just the ergonomics, I would definitely prefer a 2 layer. 

But after all... Swiss Army Knives are just pocket knives if they don't have extra bells and whistles.  So, I prefer a bell or a whistle, and a third layer.

You are probably right Elvenblade.  I have been home more lately so maybe it is just not needing a  bigger SAK.  I usually just carry a Tinker around the house and when I go out a Climber/Rambler combo.  I do enjoy the minimalism but nothing beats those 91mm scissors.  I will probably swing back to the Climber when Spring hits.  It just got me thinking about SAK philosophy, lol, I probably need to get out more. 

[ElevenBlade]

You are probably right Elvenblade.  I have been home more lately so maybe it is just not needing a  bigger SAK.  I usually just carry a Tinker around the house and when I go out a Climber/Rambler combo.  I do enjoy the minimalism but nothing beats those 91mm scissors.  I will probably swing back to the Climber when Spring hits.  It just got me thinking about SAK philosophy, lol, I probably need to get out more. 

Where else but MTo can we find other people that need to get out more but can be just as content with thinking about and sharing SAK philosophy? 

[SgtTowser]

Where else but MTo can we find other people that need to get out more but can be just as content with thinking about and sharing SAK philosophy? 

Maybe even SAK Tao. 🤓

[pa_strunk]

I voted for 3 layers, yeoman will always be my favorite, but really believe Victorinox and Wenger could have done so much more with the two layer line. See a few of my favorite two layer mods below.

[SgtTowser]

I voted for 3 layers, yeoman will always be my favorite, but really believe Victorinox and Wenger could have done so much more with the two layer line. See a few of my favorite two layer mods below.

Pa Strunk, thx so much for these 2L mod examples.

[Steelej1976]

Where else but MTo can we find other people that need to get out more but can be just as content with thinking about and sharing SAK philosophy? 

Best Statement of the Day. 

[Steelej1976]

Maybe even SAK Tao. 🤓

 

[SurgeUk]

Alox (PX) End of! 

[smiller43147]

I voted for 3 layers, but my two most carried SAKs are the Compact (2 layer) and Pioneer X (3 layer), so I could have easily voted for 2 layers.
Guess I'm not much help.

[pomsbz]

It's a 2 layer Spartan for me.

[Nix]

It's a 2 layer Spartan for me.

No scissors.....?   

 

[SgtTowser]

I voted for 3 layers, but my two most carried SAKs are the Compact (2 layer) and Pioneer X (3 layer), so I could have easily voted for 2 layers.
Guess I'm not much help.

I am afraid there may be a compact in my future. I bought a 74 Executive to stifle the urge, but it will probably just be a gateway SAK for the Compact.

[Sawl Goodman]

Two layers for me, generally - alox Soldier, Recruit, Tourist, serrated Spartan. I’m also fond of the Camper. Any thicker and I may as well carry a Swisschamp.