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Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 19, 2008, 11:17:28 PM

Title: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 19, 2008, 11:17:28 PM
So which one is actually the best ???
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 20, 2008, 01:09:07 AM
As a can opener I prefer the Wenger version- as a screwdriver, I prefer the Victorinox!

Def
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Leatherman123 on May 20, 2008, 01:27:48 AM
I find the Wenger can openers work better.. But, I like having the small flathead/philips screwdriver on the Vic!
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Dtrain on May 20, 2008, 01:41:28 AM
I feel that the Vic version packs in a bit more utility with the small screwdriver/Phillips option in a pinch.

Dtrain
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Swiss Man on May 20, 2008, 03:26:13 AM
I like the forward cut of the Victorinox. I always have trouble with the Wenger holding because it of the backwards cut.  Besides I like the mini screwdriver also.   
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on May 20, 2008, 06:00:43 AM
I prefer the Wenger style...also works for scraping, poking holes and as a scribe.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: NutSAK on May 20, 2008, 02:13:36 PM
The Vic combo tool is pretty good too!
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ringzero on May 20, 2008, 04:34:49 PM
As a can opener I prefer the Wenger version- as a screwdriver, I prefer the Victorinox!

Def


Exactly!

Wenger is somewhat better than Vic at opening cans.

Choose Vic if you want/need:
-a small screwdriver.

Choose Wenger if you want/need:
-a short, semi-hooked cutting blade.
-a scraper.
-a scribe.
-a short awl.

.
 
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ducktapehero on May 20, 2008, 05:24:22 PM
In Bold added by me



Exactly!

Wenger is somewhat better than Vic at opening cans.Again, this is opinion, NOT fact, we've covered this

Choose Vic if you want/need:
-a small screwdriver.
Phillips screwdriver
scraper
hook for carrying paint cans
wire bender
small pry bar
plus it cuts, smashes and dices!!!


Choose Wenger if you want/need:
-a short, semi-hooked cutting blade.
-a scraper.
-a scribe.
-a short awl.
OK here we go again, I'm glad you like the Wenger but contrary to what you think the Vic can opener is a wonderful "all around tool" also. It's not just a can opener and a screwdriver. And it'll open cans just as fast.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: NutSAK on May 20, 2008, 05:38:02 PM
+1.

It's a great staple remover, scraper, and works well to open most watch cases.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 20, 2008, 06:42:26 PM
Maybe someone can do a video to settle once and for all, what's fastest :)
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ringzero on May 20, 2008, 06:57:43 PM
OK here we go again, I'm glad you like the Wenger but contrary to what you think the Vic can opener is a wonderful "all around tool" also. It's not just a can opener and a screwdriver. And it'll open cans just as fast.


Since the Vic Tinker had been my EDC for 25+ years, I am somewhat familiar with the Vic canopener implement.

I realize that it can be pressed into service to do other things than open cans and drive screws.  At one time or another I've used it to accomplish most of the tasks you list.

However, for other than its primary functions of driving screws and opening cans, I don't find it that handy.  It may do in a pinch, but I don't really enjoy using it for other than its primary functions.

Of course, YMMV.

By contrast, I find the Wenger implement handy for a variety of tasks other than opening cans.  I actually enjoy using it to open packages, to cut, to scrape, to drill, and to scribe.
 
I like it enough that I am considering changing my EDC pocket knife to a Wenger.  Changing my EDC pocket knife isn't something done lightly, having stuck with the Vic Tinker through thick and thin for a long, long time.

.
 



Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: scrappy on May 20, 2008, 07:20:49 PM
how do I change my vote, I accidently voted wenger but meant vic.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Dunc on May 20, 2008, 07:49:37 PM
I cant really vote as I have never used a Wenger can opener  :o I get on fine with the Vic ones and they have outperformed every other brand , Leatherman , Gerber and Sog by a long shot .

Dunc
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Leatherman123 on May 20, 2008, 08:15:18 PM
IMO, the LM can openers are superior.. But, like I said it's my opinion. I like the versatility of the Vic openers but I find the Wenger/LM style works better for me.. But, how often do I use a MT can opener?  :D
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: NutSAK on May 20, 2008, 08:35:14 PM
Maybe someone can do a video to settle once and for all, what's fastest :)

I'm not sure it's going to be the same for everyone.  I've been using the Vic can opener for about 25 years, so I'm well practiced with it.  I've only used a Wenger 3 or 4 times in that period.  I've seen videos of people ripping through a can very quickly with a P-38, but it takes twice as long for me to use a P-38 over a Vic.

I also don't necessarily think fastest is synonymous with best.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 20, 2008, 10:19:28 PM
Maybe someone can do a video to settle once and for all, what's fastest :)

I'm not sure it's going to be the same for everyone.  I've been using the Vic can opener for about 25 years, so I'm well practiced with it.  I've only used a Wenger 3 or 4 times in that period.  I've seen videos of people ripping through a can very quickly with a P-38, but it takes twice as long for me to use a P-38 over a Vic.

I also don't necessarily think fastest is synonymous with best.
Sound argument Terry, like you I've used the Vic can opener for donkeys years so I know I'd be faster and more effiecient with that than one of Wenger's or anyone elses offerings :-\

Ok what about the cleanliness of the cut ???, I recycle all my tin's and a nasty jagged edge is an accident wating to happen. The Vic can opener, while not super smooth, doesn't tear up the can too much :), what about the wenger type?
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: NutSAK on May 20, 2008, 10:24:44 PM
The Vic one is fairly smooth, as you mention.  The Vic combo tool leaves a more jagged edge.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 20, 2008, 10:32:04 PM
The Vic one is fairly smooth, as you mention.  The Vic combo tool leaves a more jagged edge.
Yeah thats one of my few critacisms of the lumberjack as a woods knife :-\, it'll get the job done, but not with much finness.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Dunc on May 20, 2008, 10:36:19 PM
I think we could do a proper test with photos at the UK meetup . If we remember the tins  ;)  Suppose we had better do the bottle opener as well  :D I wont forget the bottles  :D

Dunc
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 20, 2008, 10:40:14 PM
I wont forget the bottles  :D

Dunc
I doubt you will mate :D

But the can race ain't a bad idea fella :cheers:
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ducktapehero on May 20, 2008, 10:42:10 PM
I want to say one thing. I've never said the Vic was the best. There isn't a "best". There's only what's best for you. But when someone says that a Wenger IS better, faster or more useful than a Vic I must disagree. Although most of my SAK's have been Vics I have also carried Wengers enough to make a fair decision for me. I open cans far faster with a Vic and I find the Vic design to be the most useful for me. 

Does that make the Vic the best? Nope, it's better FOR ME but that's it. Someone else may like the Wenger better. That's fine. If I'm stuck somewhere I hope the other guy has a Wenger so that between us we'll have even more uses than if both guys had the same brand.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Dunc on May 20, 2008, 10:48:27 PM
I dont think a flat out race to the nearest second is the best idea ( I'd better bring the first aid kit ) . The difference between some brands could be minutes  :o I sh*t you not .

Dunc
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 20, 2008, 10:57:34 PM
I dont think a flat out race to the nearest second is the best idea ( I'd better bring the first aid kit ) . The difference between some brands could be minutes  :o I sh*t you not .

Dunc
Mate I know exactly what you mean ::), I've used the can opener's on SOG's Gerber's and LM's as well as Vic's and Wenger's, I know just how slow other makes are, especially when they copy the swiss duo's designs and make them smaller and useless (you know who you are!) :)
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Leatherman123 on May 20, 2008, 10:58:55 PM
The P-38 is faster than the can openers on MTs because that's what the P38 was designed for.  ;)
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Swiss Man on May 20, 2008, 11:50:56 PM
The P-38 is faster than the can openers on MTs because that's what the P38 was designed for.  ;)

With all due respect, after 6 years in the military and numberous cans that I opened with a P38.
I find that the Vic can opener SMOKES the P38.  :twak:
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Leatherman123 on May 20, 2008, 11:58:18 PM
Well, we all have our own opinions..
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ducktapehero on May 21, 2008, 12:59:22 AM
The P-38 is faster than the can openers on MTs because that's what the P38 was designed for.  ;)
It may have been designed to open cans but it was designed to be cheap to build, not fast. The P-51 is a lot easier than a P-38 but I still can't open a can with it very fast.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: jock1 on May 21, 2008, 08:40:47 PM
Got to come down on the side of the Vic can opener  but both have their good points
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: FredKJ on May 21, 2008, 08:58:51 PM
The Wenger can opener tends to collapse and fold in on my while using.  I can still get the job done but it's a bit annoying.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ringzero on May 21, 2008, 10:16:16 PM
Ok what about the cleanliness of the cut ???, I recycle all my tin's and a nasty jagged edge is an accident wating to happen. The Vic can opener, while not super smooth, doesn't tear up the can too much :), what about the wenger type?


How's about nominations for worst canopener?

I nominate the combo canopener/bottleopener implement on the Gerber Suspension multi.

It'll open a can, but it's very slow and awkward.  You have to pay close attention as you progress around the circumference of the can to avoid going 'off track' and buggering up the top of the can.  And, it leaves a VERY jagged edge.

Unfortunately I have no way to post pics to prove just how bad this canopener is.  But, it is certainly the WORST canopener I've encountered on a namebrand knife or multi.

.


 
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 21, 2008, 10:39:49 PM
I very much doubt the Suspentions good at anything :D
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ringzero on May 21, 2008, 10:43:33 PM
I very much doubt the Suspentions good at anything :D

Please - don't get me started on the topic of my Gerber Suspension...

.
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 21, 2008, 10:45:21 PM
I very much doubt the Suspentions good at anything :D

Please - don't get me started on the topic of my Gerber Suspension...

.

Have you heard of a guy called Hawkchucker...he's not fond of his either I belive :D
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ringzero on May 21, 2008, 10:50:44 PM
I very much doubt the Suspentions good at anything :D

Please - don't get me started on the topic of my Gerber Suspension...

.

Have you heard of a guy called Hawkchucker...he's not fond of his either I belive :D


The name Hawkchucker does seem vaguely familiar...

Actually, I'm rather fond of my Suspension and it sees a lot of use around the house and out in the yard.  It has a few drawbacks, but I LOVE its springloaded pliers.

.

Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on May 21, 2008, 10:58:41 PM
I very much doubt the Suspentions good at anything :D

Please - don't get me started on the topic of my Gerber Suspension...

.

Have you heard of a guy called Hawkchucker...he's not fond of his either I belive :D


The name Hawkchucker does seem vaguely familiar...

Actually, I'm rather fond of my Suspension and it sees a lot of use around the house and out in the yard.  It has a few drawbacks, but I LOVE its springloaded pliers.

.


Yeah I'm always surprised that the spring loaded feature hasn't been more widely adopted :think:
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: J-sews on May 22, 2008, 02:18:15 AM
Ok what about the cleanliness of the cut ???, I recycle all my tin's and a nasty jagged edge is an accident wating to happen. The Vic can opener, while not super smooth, doesn't tear up the can too much :), what about the wenger type?


How's about nominations for worst canopener?

I nominate the combo canopener/bottleopener implement on the Gerber Suspension multi.

It'll open a can, but it's very slow and awkward.  You have to pay close attention as you progress around the circumference of the can to avoid going 'off track' and buggering up the top of the can.  And, it leaves a VERY jagged edge.

Unfortunately I have no way to post pics to prove just how bad this canopener is.  But, it is certainly the WORST canopener I've encountered on a namebrand knife or multi.

.
 

Worst can opener? That has got to be the one on the Leatherman Juice tools. Apparently no one thought to test one out on an actual can before producing them by the millions.  ::)
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ducktapehero on May 22, 2008, 04:13:28 AM
Quote
Worst can opener? That has got to be the one on the Leatherman Juice tools.
The Juice can opener is BY FAR the worst implement I have ever seen on a multi-tool, even the super cheap Chinese models. And the fact that they still produce them is just obscene. I can guarantee ya that Vic would never put out something so useless. 
Title: Re: Best Swiss Army Can opener
Post by: ringzero on May 22, 2008, 07:20:10 AM
Quote
Worst can opener? That has got to be the one on the Leatherman Juice tools.
The Juice can opener is BY FAR the worst implement I have ever seen on a multi-tool, even the super cheap Chinese models. And the fact that they still produce them is just obscene. I can guarantee ya that Vic would never put out something so useless. 


I don't have a Juice around here to examine, but I can remember trying to open several cans with a friend's Juice while on a camping trip - very frustrating.

Now that I recall using a Juice canopener, I think you guys may be right.  It may be true that Leatherman Juice has an even worse canopener than Gerber Suspension.

.