The Classic vs the Waiter. Swinging back and forth.

[Juergen23]

New member here. I used to be active on bladeforums but decided that this place is a  better allround place to discuss my appreciaton for the humble SAK.
My SAK journey started when I was a kid in the 1980's with some Wenger model. Ever since I've owned and carried a SAK.

For many years now this has been a 58mm SAK, sometimes the Rally, but mostly the Classic SD. It is realistically all I need in my urban life. Over the last few weeks however, I have found myself coming back to my Waiter again and again? Why? I guess it is because the blade length is just a little longer and I like it for cutting open bread rolls at work.

Anyone else who swings back and forth between two SAK models and can't really decide what he likes best for his 'everyday' SAK?

[powernoodle]

Welcome to MTO!    

Yeah, switching between SAKs (and MTs and lights and firearms) is for me part of the fun.  I generally land on the Explorer Plus, but own and carry just about everything.  One can make it through the day just fine using a Classic.

[Farmer X]

I don't really flip back-and-forth between SAKs or other multis anymore. The Alox Bantam handles most of my needs pretty well, so it gets the lion's share of pocket time. An Executive, clipped to a neck lanyard, hangs off a hook on my bedroom door for when I need scissors or scale tools. A few with wood saws are ready to go at a moment's notice. That comprises probably over 99% of my SAK/multi usage. Now I'm thinking I should carry some of the others, so they don't feel too neglected.

[G-Dizzle]

Welcome! Don’t forget the Wenger version!

[Farmer X]

Ah, yes...the Entree!

[Grand_Banana]

I think changing it up is par for the course here.  Lots of folks doing challenges spending a month a specific tool or carrying based on a daily carry thread. 

It’s fun to find out what SAK or MT works best for my needs.  I tend to carry the same thing couple sets of tools for a while depending on what I’m working on.

You can go wrong with a Waiter.  I keep it food safe and often carry one to pair with my Spirit or Wave.

[Simon_Templar]

Welcome to the forum, Juergen!

I reckon it's quite normal to oscillate between different SAKs whilst looking for the perfect EDC. Personally, I have narrowed down my choices to the CT34, Companion, Pioneer X and Huntsman Lite. Of those four, I consider the Huntsman Lite the most versatile. It's not the smallest of SAKs, but it's still comfortable in the pocket while offering everything one might reasonably require when out and about. It's my go-to SAK whenever I go on a trip and one of my most frequent EDC choices (tied with the Companion).

Cheers,

Simon

[Swisster]

I always have 2 SAK's on me. A Manager on the keychain and some 91mm or 93mm Alox model with a SwissCard Lite in my ejector wallet. Sometimes stuff gets redundant like pen's, Scissor's , tweezer's and toothpicks. Some days I have 3 of each on me and it's kind of overkill.       

[Simon_Templar]

I always have 2 SAK's on me. A Manager on the keychain and some 91mm or 93mm Alox model with a SwissCard Lite in my ejector wallet. Sometimes stuff gets redundant like pen's, Scissor's , tweezer's and toothpicks. Some days I have 3 of each on me and it's kind of overkill.       

Simon: "Ejector wallet? You must be joking!"
Swisster: "I never joke about my EDC."

[JowiiYoyo]

Hello and welcome to the best forum on the web!!

Im in the boat where i always have a Classic SD on my keys and then i switch between an Alox Pioneer X as an EDC or a swisschamp for those other days when im out biking, hiking, climbing or some other outdoors activity. But i always have 2 SAKs on me 

[JowiiYoyo]

I always have 2 SAK's on me. A Manager on the keychain and some 91mm or 93mm Alox model with a SwissCard Lite in my ejector wallet. Sometimes stuff gets redundant like pen's, Scissor's , tweezer's and toothpicks. Some days I have 3 of each on me and it's kind of overkill.       

2 SAKs is the minimum!! 

[zenostoic]

I'm torn between the Compact and the Pioneer X. The Pioneer X's design and the inclusion of an awl are really appealing. On the other hand, the Compact's scale tools and mini screwdriver, along with its slimmer profile due to one less tool layer, make it a strong contender.

 

[Farmer X]

I'm torn between the Compact and the Pioneer X.

Perhaps oddly, I've never had either. I guess it would come down to whether awl or scale tools are more important. Somehow I think the awl would win out, as the Pioneer X could be paired with a minimal 58mm or 74mm.

[JowiiYoyo]

 

[Juergen23]

I like the Waiter because it doesn't add much weight over the Classic but offers a slightly larger blade. I do miss the nail file sometimes though.

For me a SAK or any pocket knife should be carried in the pocket. For this reason I also consider the Classic to be a real pocket knife and not something I would carry on a key chain. But I guess I can just stuff a Waiter in the right front pocket of my jeans and Classic in the fifth pocket. Anyone carry multiple SAKS in different pockets?

[JowiiYoyo]

Anyone carry multiple SAKS in different pockets?

Yeah, my Classic SD is on my keychain and sits in my left fron pocket and the Pioneer X in my right front pocket with my phone. Those days when i change the Pioneer X for something bigger like the SwissTool or the SwissChamp they ride in a pouch on my belt. 

[G-Dizzle]

I'm torn between the Compact and the Pioneer X. The Pioneer X's design and the inclusion of an awl are really appealing. On the other hand, the Compact's scale tools and mini screwdriver, along with its slimmer profile due to one less tool layer, make it a strong contender.

 

Despite both having a blade and scissors, these are extremely different SAKs. The Pioneer X is considerably larger, heavier, and more robust (with a 2d phillips I might add.) You will feel it in your pocket a great deal more than you will the compact. Which one to choose depends on your tolerance of carrying stuff.

[nate j]

I'm torn between the Compact and the Pioneer X.

They each have their niche, IMO.

Going to do something outdoors and want a SAK that is nearly bulletproof?
PX is the better option.

Planning more urban or suburban adventures?
The back and scale tools arguably give the Compact a more versatile tool set, in spite of the lack of awl and Phillips driver.  And as previously mentioned, the lighter weight makes it a better option for carrying in dress slacks or a suit pocket.

[nate j]

Anyone carry multiple SAKS in different pockets?

Rambler on my key chain and Alox Bantam in my wallet.  Sometimes I’ll add a 91mm or 93mm depending on how I’m feeling/what I’m planning for the day.

[zenostoic]

Perhaps oddly, I've never had either. I guess it would come down to whether awl or scale tools are more important. Somehow I think the awl would win out, as the Pioneer X could be paired with a minimal 58mm or 74mm.

Pioneer X and 58mm.. I might give that combo a go!

[zenostoic]

Despite both having a blade and scissors, these are extremely different SAKs. The Pioneer X is considerably larger, heavier, and more robust (with a 2d phillips I might add.) You will feel it in your pocket a great deal more than you will the compact. Which one to choose depends on your tolerance of carrying stuff.

My consideration is primarily to have scissors which I use the most. Compact is my preference for now, but I've recently caught the Alox bug from this forum and so the Pioneer X.

[zenostoic]

They each have their niche, IMO.

Going to do something outdoors and want a SAK that is nearly bulletproof?
PX is the better option.

Planning more urban or suburban adventures?
The back and scale tools arguably give the Compact a more versatile tool set, in spite of the lack of awl and Phillips driver.  And as previously mentioned, the lighter weight makes it a better option for carrying in dress slacks or a suit pocket.

[Farmer X]

Pioneer X and 58mm.. I might give that combo a go!

I think an Escort in particular would pair well with the Pioneer X.

[cbl51]

Anyone carry multiple SAKS in different pockets?

Hello Juergen!

Another refugee here from Bladeforums. You were the influence of me carrying the classic as my real world EDC for the past two years. I was jackknife on blade forums, but as the knife thing faded for me, I got totally disinterested in one trick ponies like a dedicated knife. I went totally SAK years ago, but out of habit I still looked.

My regular EDC was usually a classic on the keyring in a leather pouch type sheath I made so I could slip the classic out and just use it not attached to the keyring. In my other pocket was either a cadet or if I thought I was going to need it, my old Wenger SI that has been with me for decades.  But I found in my daily existence in greater modern suburbia, the classic was all I needed 98% of the time. The big fail of the classic is food duty, like cutting a large burger in half to share with the wife, or a large puffy cinnamon bun. I'm a lucky guy that my better half carried a Victorinox folding paring knife in her purse. She used to carry a regular serrated paring knife with the little red plastic blade cover the Victorinox shipped them with, but when they came out with the folding paring knife,  KT had to have one.

Some days, when I know I we're going for  walk in the woods, or I'm going over the sister in laws house to play handyman, I carry the old Wenger SI in a nylon webbing belt sheath with a velcro closing flap behind my right hip. It rides nice and close to the body and doesn't get in the way, so I can forget its there. Thats it. The classic SD and sometimes the Wenger SI are what I'm carrying most the time. I've long since sold off and given away my "other" knives, including the SAK's I no longer wanted to needed.  But most the time I walk out the door for a day in the life in suburbia, the classic SD is it. I make do with the classic. And 98% of the time that's all I need.

I tried the bantam and waiter, but I missed the scissors that I use a lot, and the nail file. I love the SD nail file for its ability to deal with small to medium Phillips screws way better than the combo tool, especially if the screws are recessed at all.  If I have to deal with cutting a food item in half, most places have the plastic knives, forks, and spoons on hand. I can use the plastic knife to spread jelly or cut a cinnamon bun in half.

Between the classic and waiter, I go classic all the way. It just has a wider mission capability in the tool department. I gotta have those scissors and SD nail file.

[Steelej1976]

To the OP question I struggle between different SAKs.  Frequently I will carry a Tinker and a Classic SD or a Super Tinker\Climber. although I just got a Deluxe Tinker and now I am totally blowing things up, lol.   

To me it seems like the Compact would be the best option for you but if you are trying to decide between the Waiter and Classic SD I would go with the Waiter due to the larger blade.  Scissors are great but having a larger blade IMO is more important.

[Juergen23]

Hello Juergen!

Another refugee here from Bladeforums. You were the influence of me carrying the classic as my real world EDC for the past two years. I was jackknife on blade forums, but as the knife thing faded for me, I got totally disinterested in one trick ponies like a dedicated knife. I went totally SAK years ago, but out of habit I still looked.

My regular EDC was usually a classic on the keyring in a leather pouch type sheath I made so I could slip the classic out and just use it not attached to the keyring. In my other pocket was either a cadet or if I thought I was going to need it, my old Wenger SI that has been with me for decades.  But I found in my daily existence in greater modern suburbia, the classic was all I needed 98% of the time. The big fail of the classic is food duty, like cutting a large burger in half to share with the wife, or a large puffy cinnamon bun. I'm a lucky guy that my better half carried a Victorinox folding paring knife in her purse. She used to carry a regular serrated paring knife with the little red plastic blade cover the Victorinox shipped them with, but when they came out with the folding paring knife,  KT had to have one.

Some days, when I know I we're going for  walk in the woods, or I'm going over the sister in laws house to play handyman, I carry the old Wenger SI in a nylon webbing belt sheath with a velcro closing flap behind my right hip. It rides nice and close to the body and doesn't get in the way, so I can forget its there. Thats it. The classic SD and sometimes the Wenger SI are what I'm carrying most the time. I've long since sold off and given away my "other" knives, including the SAK's I no longer wanted to needed.  But most the time I walk out the door for a day in the life in suburbia, the classic SD is it. I make do with the classic. And 98% of the time that's all I need.

I tried the bantam and waiter, but I missed the scissors that I use a lot, and the nail file. I love the SD nail file for its ability to deal with small to medium Phillips screws way better than the combo tool, especially if the screws are recessed at all.  If I have to deal with cutting a food item in half, most places have the plastic knives, forks, and spoons on hand. I can use the plastic knife to spread jelly or cut a cinnamon bun in half.

Between the classic and waiter, I go classic all the way. It just has a wider mission capability in the tool department. I gotta have those scissors and SD nail file.

Hi there!

I read your PM but for some reason this site doesn't allow me to respond. I guess this is because I'm new here.

The Waiter is currently in my pocket as 'everyday' SAK. I like the combo tool a lot and the extra blade length is nice to have for food duties. I am currently on a short trip to central Germany and the combo tool has been helpful in opening a few brews! I like dedicated bottle openers. I also have a Gerber Mullet keychain tool with me that could have opened those bottles.

When I get back to Holland I guess I'll retire the Waiter for 'home use' and make the Classic my sole EDC once more. A have a lot of love for the 58mm SAK and especially the Classic. There was a Classic in my pocket the night my son was born last November. And it even did duty in removing tags from his first set of baby clothes. And the Gerber tool will be there for bottle opening duty.

[nate j]

I read your PM but for some reason this site doesn't allow me to respond. I guess this is because I'm new here.

Yes, you need to have at least five posts to send or reply to a PM.

[Huntsman]

Simon: "Ejector wallet? You must be joking!"
Swisster: "I never joke about my EDC."

Sounds like one of Q's inventions for James Bond!!

[Huntsman]

Great thread and discussions everyone - Thanks for all the responses

As to the OP -
Yes for me I do flip-flop between 2 SAKs - These days it seems to be the Explorer (love the mag glass for small text etc) and the inline Phillips is always useful ..... Or the Compact  that is just great for lots of capability in a minimal package 

And like many have said here
- I really want to have scissors every day
- And as much as I like the 58mms - I find the small blade too small (eg cutting up an apple)

Oh and for outdoorsey walks etc - The Huntsman or Ranger 55 is great ..... saw!!       

Recently - I am doing quite a bit of DIY around the house and garden - and I find I am loving the sturdiness of the 93mm range - Got and Electrician in my pocket right now (- and I really think I should give my MTo Pioneer X more  of a chance).

So then I am back into the two SAK carry mode as - I do want scissors and a toothpick - My two most used tools - So would slip in a Rambler or Classic

Oh and the OP Q on the Waiter - Don't think I have ever owned one - For that size I would go Compact
And I am also quite a fan of the openers/awl layer
And if I wanted to go really slim - I would go for a Cadet or a Bantam.
So if you rationalise all the above - You will realise that I am all over the place SAKwise!!               

[pfrsantos]

New member here. I used to be active on bladeforums but decided that this place is a  better allround place to discuss my appreciaton for the humble SAK.
My SAK journey started when I was a kid in the 1980's with some Wenger model. Ever since I've owned and carried a SAK.

For many years now this has been a 58mm SAK, sometimes the Rally, but mostly the Classic SD. It is realistically all I need in my urban life. Over the last few weeks however, I have found myself coming back to my Waiter again and again? Why? I guess it is because the blade length is just a little longer and I like it for cutting open bread rolls at work.

Anyone else who swings back and forth between two SAK models and can't really decide what he likes best for his 'everyday' SAK?

Welcome aboard!