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Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: Mr. Whippy on December 17, 2008, 04:26:29 AM

Title: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mr. Whippy on December 17, 2008, 04:26:29 AM
Alright. I admit it.  A coupla new SAKs arrived this week.  :climber:

Here is a picture comparing the XAVT, Cybertool 41, Vic Spirit and Sears Craftsman (Schrade ST5)

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/Knife1215004.jpg)

And in profile:

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/Knife1215003.jpg)

Ok, yea.  It's big.  But honestly, not really out of line with the Schrade Tough tool.  Also note, however, it has about 4 times as many tools in that volume too.

Now I'm not saying it's a practical EDC, but, it really isn't outrageous.




On the other hand, the Cybertool 41 is a very sweet package and in many ways more functional than a standard SwissChamp...

 :D
(I'll take a bit driver over a fish scaler any day)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 17, 2008, 09:16:04 AM
I really, really want one of those :drool:

I demand even more pictures mate :pok: :pok: :D
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: J-sews on December 17, 2008, 06:12:10 PM
Dang that Cybertool looks good. I really like the bit driver concept. (never actually handled one in person though)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: WhichDawg on December 17, 2008, 06:17:56 PM
WoW! really sweet, in your will, remember I'm your best friend here! :P
Congrats and sweet score :cheers:
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: zepla on December 17, 2008, 07:24:41 PM
Not a SAK expert, even never had one as far as I can remeber, so please forgive me for the following:

I always thought the XAVT was for display/marketing only. But do you actualy carry it around? It is very big indeed  :o And if you do, is it of any use?
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: WhichDawg on December 17, 2008, 07:41:09 PM
their is another (sounds like star wars now) that is much much bigger zepla (I believe),
this one is for usage.

you might be thinking of this;
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2mpae4j.jpg)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: EZ822 on December 17, 2008, 10:40:10 PM
their is another (sounds like star wars now) that is much much bigger zepla (I believe),
this one is for usage.

you might be thinking of this;
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2mpae4j.jpg)
Man that thing is a beast! :o
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: DaveK on December 18, 2008, 01:32:50 AM
their is another (sounds like star wars now) that is much much bigger zepla (I believe),
this one is for usage.

Hmmm, wonderful piece of kit that it is, surely half of the tools are unusable, or at least incredibly awkward to use? I've never handled one, so I may be well of the mark, but it looks impractical.
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mr. Whippy on December 18, 2008, 02:44:51 AM
Ok...

A few more pictures and comparison

The XAVT is not really practical for a tool, compared to say the cybertool 41.  Seriously, who needs to bit drivers at the same time?

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/001.jpg)

The pliers are near one end compared to the Cybertool...

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/003.jpg)

The scissors are more centrally placed for easier use though.

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/004.jpg)

Both have a can opener and bottle opener,

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/002.jpg)

...and saws and metal files/saws...

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/005.jpg)

But only the XAVT has a spare can/bottle opener, 2 magnifying glasses, pharmaceutical spatula, and light!

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/misc/knife/006.jpg)

In all seriousness, the Cybertool 41 is an awesome SAK.  The XAVT would make a nice desk clock that could be used as a SAK for show and bluster, but really is pretty huge and over the top.  I really do like the barometer and thermometer functions!
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 18, 2008, 07:13:21 AM
Damn fine pics sir :salute:
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Gareth on December 18, 2008, 10:09:06 AM
As a conversation piece I'd love one but I don't think it'll ever make my EDC list.  Nice shots BTW.
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: zepla on December 18, 2008, 11:16:47 AM
their is another (sounds like star wars now) that is much much bigger zepla (I believe),
this one is for usage.

you might be thinking of this;
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2mpae4j.jpg)

Is that a SAk in your pocket, or are you just happy..... :D

That one would make Mcguyver cry of happiness I'm sure!!  :climber:

Nice pictures tough  :tu:
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Benner on December 18, 2008, 11:20:15 AM
Thanks for the great pics.  :)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Neil on December 18, 2008, 02:32:16 PM
Thanks for the nice pics.   :tu: 

 Hopefully they'll get me off the hook for not having taken pictures of mine yet
  :-[

Neil
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Gareth on December 18, 2008, 02:48:24 PM
Thanks for the nice pics.   :tu: 

 Hopefully they'll get me off the hook for not having taken pictures of mine yet
  :-[

Neil

You would thinks so wouldn't you?  But somehow it hasn't. >:D

 ;)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 18, 2008, 06:30:11 PM
Thanks for the nice pics.   :tu: 

 Hopefully they'll get me off the hook for not having taken pictures of mine yet
  :-[

Neil
Nice try :pok: :pok:
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: AndyTiedye on December 18, 2008, 07:30:08 PM
As a conversation piece I'd love one but I don't think it'll ever make my EDC list.  Nice shots BTW.

It fits nicely in this handcuff pouch:
(http://web.mac.com/andytiedye/Site/xavt-in-pouch.jpg)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: WhichDawg on December 18, 2008, 07:31:26 PM
Thanks Andy! now I want it more :D
great set up ;)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: bren10man on December 19, 2008, 07:01:26 PM
Totally worthless as a practical tool.  More like a conversation piece.  Thumbs down on this montrosity.

As someone who has served in the sandbox and USED knives, multitools, and SAK's over there, my pre-1987 Champion served me well, along with the SOG Power Plier EOD (black finish), Emerson-design Benchmade tactical folder, and a Gerber Mark-II.  I retired them all as they are historical and valuable (except I didn't retire the SOG Power Plier EOD).

When you go to the box, you consider size, weight, and practical worth.  I was issued a Phrobis M9 bayonet, and after 2 days inside Iraq, gave it back to the armorer (it is worthless I told him).  If I needed, REALLY needed, a pick-sticker, we were already in deep doo doo.....

I kept it like this: multiplier (must), fixed blade combat knife (to cut rope, 550 cord, etc), and general use (SAK).  The Benchmade was to heavier use that the SAK Champion could not possibly handle (rare). 

If I go back, I will take another Champion SAK, a Cold Steel SRK that I bought 2 months ago (or a Randall #14 if I can find one or a Chris Reeve SF), the SOG Power Plier EOD multitool, and a Benchmade mini-Stryker automatic (switchblade) tactical knife I bought at Brigade Quartermasters retail store last summer while on leave.
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mr. Whippy on December 20, 2008, 01:28:04 AM
Totally worthless as a practical tool.  More like a conversation piece.  Thumbs down on this montrosity.


Ow! Ow! Ow!  :ahhh

Ok, to be fair, I was surfing SAK websites with my friend Glen, Glen Fiddich (any of you know 'em?  ;)), when I came across the XAVT. 

I showed it to my wife to see what her reaction was.  She said, "Does Amazon carry it?"

That's why she's a saint.  :cheers:

Honestly though, practicality is defined by the situation.

When ice climbing, I want minimum weight for functionality.  Most important is the knife, but bit driver is essential for crampon and ice tool repair.  A file is useful too. 

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z231/bluebadger88/ice%2008/element057.jpg)

In this setting, SwissChamps, Cybertools and most SAKs are just too heavy.  I've gotta put a hand on some of the Ranger sized tools (since locking blades are a must), but currently, the Skeletool is the winnah!
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: J-sews on December 20, 2008, 03:05:07 AM
Is that you Mr W? Do you actually climb that? What makes the ice like that, is it like a frozen waterfall?

(stunning picture by the way) :tu:
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mr. Whippy on December 20, 2008, 04:45:33 AM
That's my partner (I'm taking the picture).  Yes, we climbed that.   That's located up in the Adirondacks, by a mountain called Pok-o-moonshine.  The formation is called the Waterfalls.  It is a weepy area of steep rocks that forms that beautiful ice in winter.

Excess weight is an issue in this sort of endeavour.
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Neil on December 20, 2008, 12:26:07 PM
Lovely to look at but I'll leave the climbing to more adventures souls :)

Neil
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Benner on December 20, 2008, 12:26:48 PM
Amazing pic buddy.  :)
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: zepla on December 20, 2008, 04:36:13 PM
Wow, very nice picture! You don't want to drop of that one  :o
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 20, 2008, 06:19:53 PM
Wow! incredable picture mate :tu:

But sod climbing it :D
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Nikos on December 20, 2008, 09:35:44 PM
When ice climbing, I want minimum weight for functionality.  Most important is the knife, but bit driver is essential for crampon and ice tool repair.  A file is useful too. 
[...]
In this setting, SwissChamps, Cybertools and most SAKs are just too heavy.  I've gotta put a hand on some of the Ranger sized tools (since locking blades are a must), but currently, the Skeletool is the winnah!
Great photo dude!
Yet, I have to comment on that Skely argument. Most (if not all) SAKs with <=4 layers weigh less than the Skeletool (although the blade doesn't lock, but perhaps someone would mod one of the Wenger S models). Even 111mm ones, such as the OHT and Locksmith come in at less than or around 5 oz (the latter also features a file).
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Mr. Whippy on December 20, 2008, 10:27:18 PM
When ice climbing, I want minimum weight for functionality.  Most important is the knife, but bit driver is essential for crampon and ice tool repair.  A file is useful too. 
[...]
In this setting, SwissChamps, Cybertools and most SAKs are just too heavy.  I've gotta put a hand on some of the Ranger sized tools (since locking blades are a must), but currently, the Skeletool is the winnah!
Great photo dude!
Yet, I have to comment on that Skely argument. Most (if not all) SAKs with <=4 layers weigh less than the Skeletool (although the blade doesn't lock, but perhaps someone would mod one of the Wenger S models). Even 111mm ones, such as the OHT and Locksmith come in at less than or around 5 oz (the latter also features a file).

One handed opening (sometimes the other hand is REALLY busy  :ahhh), locking blade, pliers and bit driver combination is pretty hard to find.  And it is pretty handy to clip it to the rope so it can be sent down (or up ) to a partner.  I don't think I've seen a SAK with this combo.
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: duckman1975 on December 20, 2008, 10:40:44 PM
When ice climbing, I want minimum weight for functionality.  Most important is the knife, but bit driver is essential for crampon and ice tool repair.  A file is useful too. 
[...]
In this setting, SwissChamps, Cybertools and most SAKs are just too heavy.  I've gotta put a hand on some of the Ranger sized tools (since locking blades are a must), but currently, the Skeletool is the winnah!
Great photo dude!
Yet, I have to comment on that Skely argument. Most (if not all) SAKs with <=4 layers weigh less than the Skeletool (although the blade doesn't lock, but perhaps someone would mod one of the Wenger S models). Even 111mm ones, such as the OHT and Locksmith come in at less than or around 5 oz (the latter also features a file).

One handed opening (sometimes the other hand is REALLY busy  :ahhh), locking blade, pliers and bit driver combination is pretty hard to find.  And it is pretty handy to clip it to the rope so it can be sent down (or up ) to a partner.  I don't think I've seen a SAK with this combo.
If you want one handed operation on everything try looking into the Buck Xtract, only downside is that the pliers are next to useless but the other tools are great. By the way cool picture! :tu:
Title: Re: So, how big is an XAVT anyways?
Post by: Freudian Frog on December 21, 2008, 01:33:22 AM
Well, instead of paying for a Skeletool you could equip two people with OHTs, then there's no problem with the passing. :D