Phillips screws.

cbl51 · **on:** April 10, 2025, 05:52:56 PM

Looking back on all my SAK use, aside from the blade to cut stuff and open plastic packaging, I think the ability to deal with Phillips screws have been the most important thing to me. I can't count the number of times that having a few simple tools on my SDAK let me fix something way out in the middle of nowhere. The SD tip of the classic, or the small SD tip of the can opener, makes it easy to just take off a cover or get something apart enough to tinker, finagle, or screw with to get it going again.

Conked out motor scooter on a dirt road far from anywhere, a drifting boat in the Florida Straits with nothing in the direction we're drifting aside from Cuba, were fixed with the SD tip of a SAK. Just the ability to take part a grungy gummed up old carburetor on a rental boat was really invaluable. Being a pipe smoker and having a habit of keeping a spare pipe cleaner or two in the tobacco pound was nice.

If I had to name a third tool in order of importance, I would say the scissors. SAK scissors are known for their cutting, and are worthy of operating room use. It's weird how often a nice sharp little scissors is a handy thing to have.

Soooo, blade, SD tip, and scissors. They cover a hell of a lot of ground for getting through a day.

What tools are indispensable to you?

gustophersmob · **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2025, 06:19:28 PM

I like the blade and opener layer. It’s amazing how many out of the box uses the can opener/screwdriver gets. Basically like a metal fingernail.

Grand_Banana · **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2025, 12:32:58 AM

I’d agree the driver is essential on any SAK. Many many uses around the house and out of the house. Really helpful for the same fixing engines and fuel lines on the old law tractors and rototillers. I watched a video a month or so ago where a guy replaced I think a manifold gasket on his jeep… with mostly a SAK. Maybe that was someone from here

I most frequently carry a Spirit so Philips driver pliers and chisel/wire stripper have become my most used on it.

I should add too I use the 58mm combo tool Phillips extensively wiring up relays in the lab.

SteveP · **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2025, 08:01:29 AM

I carry a SwissChamp and probably use the blades, can opener screwdriver tip (to lever staples out of wood), magnifier, and pliers the most.

But all of the tools have saved the day at some point. I still remember being on the roof and needing to cut an overhanging branch. Having the SwissChamp in my pocket saved me from descending, getting a saw, and climbing back up.

Farmer X · **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2025, 08:52:31 PM

Indispensable tools for me are the blade and openers. A wood saw, scissors, and a file can be nice to have. 91mm pliers come in handy for light work. Occasionally I'll use the Phillips. The others I can take or leave.

ThisAlarm7 · **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2025, 11:16:39 PM

That's why I don't see why the Classic is more popular than the Rambler.....the latter is so much more useful. The SD the Classic has can work in a pinch but works best with the Rambler's combo tool.

cbl51 · **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2025, 11:55:26 PM

Quote from: ThisAlarm7 on April 11, 2025, 11:16:39 PM

That's why I don't see why the Classic is more popular than the Rambler.....the latter is so much more useful. The SD the Classic has can work in a pinch but works best with the Rambler's combo tool.

For the same reason the executive went extinct. For some reason unknown to us peasants, the corporate guys at Victorinox decided to m make the classic "It." They push them for company logos, push them in every big box store going down the road, and keep the price low. The rambler isn't out there like the classic, just like you never saw an executive in the Academy Sports or Walmart hanging on a peg alongside the receipt and tinkers. To me, it's corporate stupidity. Oblivious to the wants of the customers, they just push the lower level item on the unwashed masses.

The rambler is a better tool, but it's the red headed step child. Like the executive.

nate j · **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2025, 05:32:12 AM

Quote from: cbl51 on April 11, 2025, 11:55:26 PM

For some reason unknown to us peasants, the corporate guys at Victorinox decided to m make the classic "It."

I think the reason is that, for the majority of folks (who aren’t knife/MT knuts), the less expensive and simpler options generally win out.

This is the same reason why so many of the people I know carry those folding utility knives. They are cheap, simple, and easy to maintain (just pop in a new blade as needed). Never mind that there are better pocket knife options available for not much more money.

Must have tools:
- blade
- scissors
- drivers
- something to pry with

Nice to have tools:
- nail file
- corkscrew
- openers

Sometimes come in handy:
- toothpick
- pliers
- awl

Tweezers would be on my list, but I have stand-alone field tweezers/sliver grippers that I much prefer over SAK tweezers.

Storm · **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2025, 06:30:34 AM

Blade, SD tips/large SD used as a pry bar and awl are my three most used tools at work, which is probably why the pioneer is my favourite tool and has got "ol reliable "engraved on it

Farmer X · **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2025, 06:43:11 PM

I think Nate nailed it. There are many people whose needs could be met entirely with a Classic SD. And they're almost completely non-threatening (to use Nate's parlance, "sheeple-friendly"). But that 58mm combo tool can be incredibly handy. I've had to remove a screw that was in such a tight space that only a 58mm combo tool would do the trick. For that reason, I'm extremely unlikely to purchase another 58mm that lacks the combo tool.