Is it minimalist? Maximalism? Somewhereinbetweenism?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Warning- long, drawn out, rambling disassociated and confusing thoughts below.  You know, in case the subject line didn't indicate that.... 

My latest thought process (or perhaps lack thereof, but probably more overthinking than thinking) is about my most used SAK, the Nail Clipper, and how I may consider replacing it, at least for a little while.

A short history:

Wenger goes out of business, the Elsener family buys it and injects a crapload of money into it.  Wenger then starts pulling out all of the design concepts they had for years and starts releasing some pretty revolutionary new stuff.

The first new doodad they offer is a 63mm model, similar to the Esquire, but wider because it includes a nail clipper.  I see this, and think "What an idiotic, worthless thing," and I believe I made a few posts about that back in the old SOSAK days.   

Wenger sends me one for review and it becomes an instant must have for me.  Not only is it my most used SAK, I attach a Tile to it to ensure that I never lose it.  And, I buy a newer Victorinox version while traveling because I can't be without it, and I REALLY don't want to lose it.  I keep the Victorinox one in the truck and my Wenger model in the house next to my side of the couch.

All good right?

Well, the only thing I find a little awkward about the nail clipper model is the weight of the handle on the backside of the clippers, so I order a set of the clippers without the rest of the knife.  I like them, but I'm used to the heft of the knife version, so it's taking a little to get used to it.  Not a big deal, I think I am going to like them, but there's another problem- no nail file and nail cleaner. 

But, fortunately the folks at Victorinox are watching and they released the new Synergy series, and embarrassingly I know very little about it, but when I see a Synergy X in a store, I pick it up, and am pleased to see that it fills that gap nicely by having a nail file in it.

So now with the clippers and Synergy X I can clip, clean and file my nails on the go if I don't have my actual nail clipper SAKs around, and I have enough extra utility to be an actual EDC knife.  Bigger blade, bigger scissors, bottle opener, box cutter.... I have it all!

Except....

1- I find the nail file on the Synergy X to be a bit too aggressive for my taste. 

2- I wish the Synergy X had a lanyard ring so I could attach the independent nail clippers to it so I don't lose them.

I've always preferred the Wenger nail file to the Vic one, regardless of models, and I really do think the one on the Synergy X is more like the nail file found on cheaper knives.

So, am I minimalist because I have merged my EDC knife with my nail clipper knife?

Am I a maximalist by going to a larger knife with additional accessories?

Am I an inbetweenist for really not fitting nicely into either of the above categories?

Will I get used to the more aggressive nail file?

Will I find more uses for it so I accept it despite feeling it's too aggressive for fingernails?

I know, a long and pointlessly rambling message, but what else are we doing today? 

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

In case anyone is wondering, this is the dedicated clipper I was talking about.  It's identical to the clippers on the Swiss Clipper, but without the rest of the knife.

Def

[fullbreakfast]

Now if you really want minimalism when it comes to a nail clipper, you need Zwilling. Specifically this:



In its folded form 59mm long, 13mm wide and 4mm thick.  Seen here making an Alox Classic SD look like the large, bulky tool it is:



It pops up like this:



Zwilling + Alox Classic has my manicure needs for office days covered.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Very nice, but at almost five times the price of the Victorinox (really Wenger) ones I think I'll stick with what I have! 

Def

[powernoodle]

this is the dedicated clipper I was talking about.

That's the one I EDC too.  Though I would like one that Mr. FB's Zwilling, that hides the cutting edge to avoid any possibility of shredding my pocket.  I recently ordered from AliExpress a Mr. Green version that folds in such a way to hide the cutting surface.

[powernoodle]

Here is a Zwilling knock-off with case on Amazon for $13.

https://tinyurl.com/muhth5zy

Mr. Green has a similar one that I used to carry for about the same price, but has no case.

[fullbreakfast]

Very nice, but at almost five times the price of the Victorinox (really Wenger) ones I think I'll stick with what I have! 

Def

Damn, I’m sure I didn’t pay that kind of money. It was a while ago, though.

[fullbreakfast]

Here is a Zwilling knock-off with case on Amazon for $13.

https://tinyurl.com/muhth5zy

Mr. Green has a similar one that I used to carry for about the same price, but has no case.

Good find!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Far be it for us to recommend knockoffs, but as we have no sponsors to offend, I think that one looks great!   

Def

[powernoodle]

We can call it an homage rather than a knockoff.   

[nate j]

I may be in the minority, but if I have Vic scissors, a nail file, and a knife blade, then I’m all set for fingernail maintenance.  No need for dedicated clippers; a Vic Classic will do.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I felt the same way until Wenger sent me the nail clippers.

So the takeway here should be:

A- get a set of proper nail clippers and see what you are missing, or

B- do not get a set of nail clippers and enjoy the bliss of just using scissors, and avoid discussions like this so you aren't tempted.

 

Def

[nate j]

I actually use a knife blade more than scissors or nail files these days.  Just whittle the fingernails down about once a week.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I absolutely can't stand gunk under my nails.

Also, since I like to do things, I often have gunk under my nails.

I also frequently break my nails.

Ergo, I spend a lot of time cleaning, clipping and filing my nails.

Def

[Jazz]

I love the Wenger files too, and the Classic non SD file. I need clean nails, and the screwdriver tip is absolutely useless for that. It’s great, just not for cleaning under nails. I also really don’t like the crosscut new files. Just not good at all, in my opinion.

[nate j]

I use a knife blade for cleaning my fingernails too.
 

And before someone asks, the answer is no, I have never cut myself doing this.

[fullbreakfast]

I love the Wenger files too, and the Classic non SD file. I need clean nails, and the screwdriver tip is absolutely useless for that. It’s great, just not for cleaning under nails. I also really don’t like the crosscut new files. Just not good at all, in my opinion.

I agree that old style stippled files were way better.  Really strange choice by Victorinox to change to the crosscut style.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I use a knife blade for cleaning my fingernails too.
 

And before someone asks, the answer is no, I have never cut myself doing this.

I used to do that as well... until I got a proper nail file.   

Actually, I used to be a nail biter as a kid and none of this was an issue.  Then I met a girl in high school and that changed.  I had a proper nail file in those days, but eventually misplaced it and just used a SAK.  Originally it would have been my Camper, but then I would have switched when I got my Wenger Adventurer, which included a nail file.  I'd use the serrated scissors to trim my nails and the nail file and cleaner end to keep my nails clean.

I did that for many years until getting the Wenger Swiss Clipper.

I love the Wenger files too, and the Classic non SD file. I need clean nails, and the screwdriver tip is absolutely useless for that. It’s great, just not for cleaning under nails. I also really don’t like the crosscut new files. Just not good at all, in my opinion.

I've always hated the SD tip on the Classics.   

Def

[nate j]

Really strange choice by Victorinox to change to the crosscut style.

I suspect it was a cost-cutting move, but don’t know for sure.

[nate j]

I may be in the minority (as usual), but I like the SD tip.  It’s just the thing for some mid-sized flathead screws or light prying.

[gustophersmob]

I like the SD tip and stippled file.  I don't think the 58mm line has switched to cross-cut files have they?

[Farmer X]

I don't know if the 58mm has reverted to a cross-cut file, but I have an older 58mm that is so equipped. The cross-cut file is one reason my Executives don't see much carry or use; I prefer the stippled type.

[Jazz]

I really do like the screwdriver tip too. I carry both varieties, but on my keys is a regular Classic that was an Eidelweiss of my wife’s until the scales broke. I put white Signature scales on it so I have tweezers, a pen, and a way to fix and clean my nails. I wish the Classic could have both, like the Minichamp.

[Antti Lammi]

I really like my Nail Clip 581 cause it has all good of nailcare impliments, well maybe not blade goes that gategory.

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[powernoodle]

Nail Clip 582 - nail clipper with no implements.  Somewhat hard to find at a decent price, but available on the Victorinox website.

[psyjohn]

The cross-cut file is one reason my Executives don't see much carry or use; I prefer the stippled type.

Something like this?

[Farmer X]

Yes!

[Jazz]

Something like this?

Is that for real? 

[cbl51]

I may be in the minority, but if I have Vic scissors, a nail file, and a knife blade, then I’m all set for fingernail maintenance.  No need for dedicated clippers; a Vic Classic will do.

That is the camp I am in!

My classic takes care of all nail care, and if I need to get under the nail, then the tip of the knife blade is used. And no, I have never cut myself either. Each to their own.

BUT...I do find the SD tip to be as useful and the blade. It deals with the small Phillips screws  that seem to hold the world together these days. Thanks to the SD tip of the classic, I have replaced the latch on a Sear's Kenmore clothes drier door, a conked out motor scooter on a dirt road in the middle nowhere, and adjusted the rear sight on a Smith and Wesson model 66 revolver.

A Victorinox classic without the SD tip is like a gun without sights.

[psyjohn]

Is that for real? 

It sure is. The scissors have a single leaf spring so I guess it's late 70s. The only other one I've seen was in a YouTube video from either Mark Coffman or Swiss Army Dan.