Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: ChopperCharles on June 10, 2019, 02:58:30 AM
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I have only had the 85mm Wenger and 91mm victorinox SAKs so far. I’m wanting a larger one, and thinking of movin up. There are precious few decent toolsets in the current victorinox ranger line, but I do really like the feel of the ranger wood in my hand. There are better toolsets available in the 120mm Wenger ranger line (basically I want an in-line driver), but the 111mm line has the best selection of tools available.
If you had to choose one, which would it be? Use is for camping, sheath or bag storage.
Charles.
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I believe 111 is the most reasonable of the 3 price wise. I like mine!
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The question is not which one should I get. The question should be which one should I get first.
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Since the 120 mm line has been discontinued for more than ten years, I wouldn't spend the time or money chasing one of those unless you see one that you think has the absolutely perfect tool set.
I have both 111 mm and 130 mm SAKs, and I doubt you'd be disappointed in either one. However, if you're looking for a 3D inline Philips, I think you're pretty much stuck with 111 mm.
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I'd go for a Hercules. It packs a lot of punch for it's size. The main question is more about the usage case... Or rather the environment you're in when you carry it.
Tradesman, Outrider and Atlas are other good picks...
I always have a 111mm Rescue Tool in the car too...
You could also go for a Soldier 08/Trekker/Trailmaster if you accept getting a backside Philips instead of an inline one.
That also opens up a few other very thin options:
Centurion/Adventurer <- if you have no need for a wood saw
A One-Hand Master RT could also be a good pick depending on your needs (and your ability to find one).
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I think it boils down to whether you could find the tools you really need in 111mm, and if there is an alternative in 120 or 130, does the extra length offer any advantage or just more weight?
Personally, I do own 111, 120 and 130mm tools, but my favorite has always been the 111mm One Hand plain-edge Trekker. It has very functional set of tools and pretty light weight at 127g/4.5oz(not much more than a 4 layers SAK), surely is my perfect companion whenever I go outdoor.
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:iagree: comis :hatsoff:
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Sounds like an Outrider would do it. Currently, a whole bunch of dealers in Germany have Bosch branded ones for about $35 shipped to the USA.
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Camping? Sheath or bag only? Swissgrip it is :multi:
Seriously though, there’s no “best” size, there’s what fits you the most. Personally, I find anything larger than an Atlas a handful. Incidentally, my perfect camping SAK is a Forester, though you still need something to carry the tweezers... damn you, limited tool selection!
(https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/CwtGOE5E7Ipo9dGIraO4cw--~B/YXBwaWQ9eWlzZWFyY2g7Zmk9Zml0O2dlPTAwNjYwMDtncz0wMEEzMDA7aD00MDA7dz02MDA-/https://media.knivesandtools.com/Exact675x450/104557/vt0-8361-mc$01-victorinox.jpg.cf.jpg)
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If I go 111mm, it's probably going to be a Hercules or WorkChamp.
130mm has a very limited selection of tools. I don't want the 130mm folding pliers, they're stupid. Far too thick in the tool, don't open wide enough, and I find the regular 91mm pliers more useful, TBH.
For 130mm, it's not really possible to find an inline phillips driver. I can go with a basic knife with basic tools - just openers, saw, and blade, and that's fine, but it won't be my "Do-Everything" camping tool.
There are 120mm knives out there that do cover this better, and they're not even that hard to find. They all have the mini Wenger pliers though, which I don't care for particularly much. Still, many of them have the clip point blade, which I prefer.
That said, I can get a 130mm new, and I do like the look of the Ranger Wood.
I actually have an immaculate Swiss Grip. I like it, but the pliers make it awkward to use as a knife, and it's so perfect I am feeling like I don't want to use it. Not sure if it's a keep or sell.
Charles.
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Keep in mind that if you go for the 130 mm series I believe most or all of them has the hex-bit cutout in the locking liner, just not cut through the scale. It's a decently straight-forward job of opening it up to take bits if it's just the driver you're missing. May or may not suit your style of carry. For my own taste the 130 mm are a bit too unfriendly-looking so I think I'll try and sell mine and keep my 111 mm instead.
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Well, looks like the answer is 120mm. I just snagged a brand new, still in the blister-pack SwissBuck Swiss Mate II for $100. 4-layer with clip-point blade, saw, openers, and Wenger pliers + inline driver.
I'm already halfway considering modding it to make it perfect (replace pliers with snap shackle) and I haven't even held it in my hands yet!
The more I look at the 111mm SAKS though, the more I think I'm getting one pretty soon. Though not this month. I also just bought myself a Center Drive and an Aitor knife, so tool outlays are on hold for the rest of the month.
Charles.
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Well, looks like the answer is 120mm. I just snagged a brand new, still in the blister-pack SwissBuck Swiss Mate II for $100. 4-layer with clip-point blade, saw, openers, and Wenger pliers + inline driver.
I'm already halfway considering modding it to make it perfect (replace pliers with snap shackle) and I haven't even held it in my hands yet!
The more I look at the 111mm SAKS though, the more I think I'm getting one pretty soon. Though not this month. I also just bought myself a Center Drive and an Aitor knife, so tool outlays are on hold for the rest of the month.
Charles.
Like I said the question should be "which should I buy first".