Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: Leatherman123 on March 25, 2008, 07:28:35 PM
-
IMO, the LumberJack is the best SAK ever! It is very small, light, and useful implements. I also LOVE the economy scales... They don't scratch up like the normal cellidor? scales... The Farmer is my second favorite! Well, the Handyman is my second favorite! I am very satisfied with the LumberJack! BTW, thanks Apple!
-
Yep, Lumberjacks are pretty cool, Alox ones are even better :D
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh46/mickyd1234567/DSC00498.jpg)
-
I think you need to buy MANY more SAKs before you call the Lumberjack the best one. It is the best knife for a PSK, IMO. Though the ALOX (P)Lumberjack is great, I still prefer the nylon scaled ones for PSK, since they have the T&T (toothpick and tweezers).
I thought the Safari Hunter was the best.(?)
I'm sending a couple of Cadets off to Scibeer in the near future to add a saw. That will be pretty close to perfect too.
-
I'm sending a couple of Cadets off to Scibeer in the near future to add a saw. That will be pretty close to perfect too.
A mini Farmer!!!, now that would be a very cool sak, all those great woods knife features in a tiny 84mm chassis :drool:
-
Which ever one is in my pocket. ;)
Mike
-
Which ever one is in my pocket. ;)
Mike
Sage advice mate :)
-
I'm sending a couple of Cadets off to Scibeer in the near future to add a saw. That will be pretty close to perfect too.
A mini Farmer!!!, now that would be a very cool sak, all those great woods knife features in a tiny 84mm chassis :drool:
Mini Farmer is what I was thinking but it won't have that great awl, unfortunately. I like the nail file idea for a match striker though. I'm thinking I could grind an edge on the nail file to use as an awl in a pinch...
-
A mini-Farmer would be nice.
-
The best SAK is the SAK I've EDCed for over 25 years now: the TINKER!
For me, nothing else Vic makes comes close to being as good as a Tinker.
In my everday life I very rarely have need of a saw, never need a corkscrew, but my Tinker's slothead and Phillips screwdrivers get used frequently.
Tinker has everything I really need - save pliers.
Tinker has nothing I don't really need.
Therefore, Tinker is small and light enough so that it is ALWAYS with me.
.
-
We all know the Technogolfer is the best SAK ever. :P
-
I'm sending a couple of Cadets off to Scibeer in the near future to add a saw. That will be pretty close to perfect too.
A mini Farmer!!!, now that would be a very cool sak, all those great woods knife features in a tiny 84mm chassis :drool:
Mini Farmer is what I was thinking but it won't have that great awl, unfortunately. I like the nail file idea for a match striker though. I'm thinking I could grind an edge on the nail file to use as an awl in a pinch...
I think I'd miss the awl too, but as a back up tool or a last ditch psk style sak, it'd be hard to beat :)
-
The best SAK is the SAK I've EDCed for over 25 years now: the TINKER!
I have a soft spot for the Tinker. I carried one for about 15 years. And I still break out my custom Tinker and carry it quite often but I hate to say it but in my pocket the Farmer has replaced it for general EDC. With the exception of recessed Phillips screws, I can do anything with a Farmer that I could do with a Tinker, however, the opposite is not true because of the woodsaw. Of course with a standard Tinker you have tweezers and a toothpick but I've always had a Classic or something similar on a keychain so it's redundant.
Although if I ever get the money I'm thinking about getting a custom handled Hiker so I'll have the best of both worlds.
-
I really am gona have to get a tinker at some point :)
-
If it didn't cost so much for me to ship it to ya I'd give ya an extra one that I have. I have no idea where it came from or what, but there it is, sitting in my sock drawer.
-
If it didn't cost so much for me to ship it to ya I'd give ya an extra one that I have. I have no idea where it came from or what, but there it is, sitting in my sock drawer.
I appreciate the sentiment mate, but you should keep it, as you can never have enough Saks :)
-
I appreciate the sentiment mate, but you should keep it, as you can never have enough Saks
Oh I'd reward myself for doing it by buying another SAK. :D I'm kinda looking at a Fieldmaster right now, I don't need one but I want one.
-
I appreciate the sentiment mate, but you should keep it, as you can never have enough Saks
Oh I'd reward myself for doing it by buying another SAK. :D I'm kinda looking at a Fieldmaster right now, I don't need one but I want one.
Need and want are the same thing surely :D
-
Back in the old days before carrying a knife on a plane would get you a cavity search or a kid busted on a felony charge in school when virtually everyone carried a pocket knife you could tell a lot about a persons social class, occupation, lifestyle by the type of knife they carried. It didn't take a Sherlock Holmes to look at someone's pocket knife to tell those things. So the best SAK preference would be determined by lifestyle. A computer geek like me is naturally drawn to stuff with a lot of gadgets. A business professional like a lawyer would carry something very small and simple. A working class person would pick something heavy duty. An outdoor person would go for something like the Farmer.
-
I have a soft spot for the Tinker. I carried one for about 15 years. And I still break out my custom Tinker and carry it quite often but I hate to say it but in my pocket the Farmer has replaced it for general EDC. With the exception of recessed Phillips screws, I can do anything with a Farmer that I could do with a Tinker, however, the opposite is not true because of the woodsaw.
I do remember seeing a pic of your custom Tinker - a very nice looking knife. If I had a fancy Tinker like that, I'd be set for life.
Do you actually find yourself needing a woodsaw on a day to day basis? Unless your job keeps you outdoors for most of the day, then I rather doubt the woodsaw will get used much.
A SAK woodsaw may be one of those things that is nice in theory, but lacking in practice. In daily urban life it's just exceedingly rare (for me at least) to actually need to saw wood.
On the other hand, the Phillips on my Tinker gets used quite frequently. As time goes by it seems Phillips are becoming more common, gradually replacing slotheads.
I often encounter recessed Phillips screws that need to be removed to change batteries, or to disassemble the plastic cases of various gizmos.
Although if I ever get the money I'm thinking about getting a custom handled Hiker so I'll have the best of both worlds.
Hmmm, let's see:
Super Tinker = Tinker + Scissors
Mechanic = Tinker + Pliers
Deluxe Tinker = Tinker + Scissors + Pliers
Hiker = Tinker + Saw, is that correct?
I did get a Mechanic - a very nice SAK, but slightly too thick for me for EDC.
.
-
For ten years I carried a Super Tinker. The darkhorse unexpected tool I had on it that I wouldn't have missed before was the scissors. One thing I liked about having the scissors is that when I had a nail clipper everyone in the family "borrowed" it and they dissappeared. That problem went away when I had the scissors. They didn't borrow that. Now I carry a Champion plus or a Wenger S557 because I like the extra gadgets.
-
All of you should just buy a Cybertool 41 and stop wasting money on inferior SAKs :D
-
All of you should just buy a Cybertool 41 and stop wasting money on inferior SAKs :D
I believe Sir that you have offended my Southern gentleman Alabama honor by calling my Wenger S557 inferior. The only way this can be settled is with a cyberstalking duel at 20 paces. :D
-
Heh, you mentioned the one SAK Ive thought about buying in nearly a year actually, I was flicking through old articles on SOSAK last night and the Evogrips looked damn tempting...
(http://www.campist.com/archives/wenger-evogrip-s557-knife.jpg)
-
Yes, I love it. I added a Victorinox micro screwdriver to the corkscrew. The two screwdrivers lock when you use them by pushing into the tang. The blade has a lock. It's a nice toy :climber:
-
Do you actually find yourself needing a woodsaw on a day to day basis? Unless your job keeps you outdoors for most of the day, then I rather doubt the woodsaw will get used much.
Not TOO often, but I do use it sometimes. Just a week or two ago I was outside and cut off a branch so I could whittle and keep myself busy while my 3 year old was wandering around in the front yard.
And a couple of days ago I used it to make an adjustment on my cane. I had a rough spot on the "horn"(pointy part by your hand) and used a saw to make that look better.
So yeah, now that I have it I'm finding that I use it. And when I'm actually taking something apart or putting it back together I usually break out my Spirit so recessed Phillips screws STILL don't have a chance.
-
Not TOO often, but I do use it sometimes. Just a week or two ago I was outside and cut off a branch so I could whittle and keep myself busy while my 3 year old was wandering around in the front yard.
And a couple of days ago I used it to make an adjustment on my cane. I had a rough spot on the "horn"(pointy part by your hand) and used a saw to make that look better.
So yeah, now that I have it I'm finding that I use it. And when I'm actually taking something apart or putting it back together I usually break out my Spirit so recessed Phillips screws STILL don't have a chance.
Well ducktapehero, it seems to me that if you EDC a Spirit in addition to your Farmer, then most of the functions of the Farmer are redundant anyhow. What can a Farmer do that a Spirit can't?
You could probably get by just as well carrying your Spirit and one of those little keychain SAKs featuring scissors and nailfile.
.
-
What can a Farmer do that a Spirit can't?
Turn a screw while holding the nut in the plier head? :D
There's something that can be said for a bit of redundancy with the more commonly used implements.
Def
-
What can a Farmer do that a Spirit can't?
Turn a screw while holding the nut in the plier head? :D
There's something that can be said for a bit of redundancy with the more commonly used implements.
Def
True, but why carry the Farmer with its woodsaw when the Spirit offers a better woodsaw?
I'd rather carry (Tinker + Spirit) than (Farmer + Spirit.)
I can forsee needing to hold a nut with the Spirit's pliers while turning a bolt using the Tinker's Phillips screwdriver, which can't be done with the Farmer.
Of course you could hold something with the Spirit's pliers while you saw on it with the Farmer's saw, but I can't forsee needing to do that very often.
.
-
Do you actually find yourself needing a woodsaw on a day to day basis? Unless your job keeps you outdoors for most of the day, then I rather doubt the woodsaw will get used much.
A SAK woodsaw may be one of those things that is nice in theory, but lacking in practice. In daily urban life it's just exceedingly rare (for me at least) to actually need to saw wood.
See Mike, it's not just me. :P :D
-
Well ducktapehero, it seems to me that if you EDC a Spirit in addition to your Farmer, then most of the functions of the Farmer are redundant anyhow. What can a Farmer do that a Spirit can't?
I don't EDC my Spirit, but since I rarely go out it's usually near me. I keep in in a centrally located place in my house so I'm always close to it. And if I DO carry it I don't carry my Farmer.
But since getting my Farmer I have yet to come across a Phillips screw that couldn't be handled by the Farmer. I use the saw more often than I need to go find a different Phillips screwdriver so for me the Farmer is a better choice.
-
True, but why carry the Farmer with its woodsaw when the Spirit offers a better woodsaw?
In your opinion, how is it "better"? The Farmer's woodsaw is longer than the Spirit's. IMO, that is "better".
I can forsee needing to hold a nut with the Spirit's pliers while turning a bolt using the Tinker's Phillips screwdriver, which can't be done with the Farmer.
A Farmer can't turn phillips head screws?
In my experience, the end of the can opener works better for turning phillips screws than the backspring phillips, unless the head of the screw is in tight quarters. The backspring phillips is too polished and rounded to grab many screws, and has a very short reach due to the T-handle setup.
-
All good points, but as I've said before, the third layer in the ALOX models like the Farmer, Electrician Plus and Pioneer Harvester also add a significant level of comfort in addition to the saw. Even if you don't use the saw, it makes them fit your hand better than a Soldier etc. Or at least, that's been my experience! :D
You are right though, there aren't a lot of good reasons to double up on the saw or some of the other tools.
Def
-
In my experience, the end of the can opener works better for turning phillips screws than the backspring phillips, unless the head of the screw is in tight quarters. The backspring phillips is too polished and rounded to grab many screws, and has a very short reach due to the T-handle setup.
This is true, even when I used to carry a Tinker I used the can opener tip unless it was a recessed screw. The Vic can opener is a pretty darn good Phillips screwdriver too.
-
In my experience, the end of the can opener works better for turning phillips screws than the backspring phillips, unless the head of the screw is in tight quarters. The backspring phillips is too polished and rounded to grab many screws, and has a very short reach due to the T-handle setup.
This is true, even when I used to carry a Tinker I used the can opener tip unless it was a recessed screw. The Vic can opener is a pretty darn good Phillips screwdriver too.
I can't say I have ever tried that. I will do now though. :)
-
I don't EDC my Spirit, but since I rarely go out it's usually near me. I keep in in a centrally located place in my house so I'm always close to it. And if I DO carry it I don't carry my Farmer.
Ooops, my bad. I mis-remembered you mentioning that you EDC your Spirit.
But since getting my Farmer I have yet to come across a Phillips screw that couldn't be handled by the Farmer. I use the saw more often than I need to go find a different Phillips screwdriver so for me the Farmer is a better choice.
Glad to hear the Farmer works for you.
However, a Hiker might well fit your needs even better as it offers both woodsaw AND dedicated Phillips driver.
.
-
I don't need saw, day in day out, but I find it comforting to know it there :)
-
I don't need saw, day in day out, but I find it comforting to know it there :)
Hear, hear! :cheers:. It works well on materials other than wood too, such as PVC and sheet rock.
-
Ooops, my bad. I mis-remembered you mentioning that you EDC your Spirit.
I used too but then it got relegated to shelf duty when I got my Farmer. It's being modded with a pocket clip right now so when I get it back it may become my EDC again. Who knows? My EDC varies quite a bit. :P
However, a Hiker might well fit your needs even better as it offers both woodsaw AND dedicated Phillips driver.
LOL Actually I'm thinking of getting a Fieldmaster with PLUS scales, that way I can quit carrying my Classic on my keychain. But if I go that route I'm sure I'll still go back and forth between what I carry. I have the attention span of a 3 year old on speed.
-
I've lost count of the thing's I've used that saw for, and it'd never needed sharpening!
-
I would say the Swisschamp but it is a too big sometimes . Its got to be a Climber paired with a Swisstool :climber: :multi: Not alot comes close .
Dunc
-
Maybe we should have a poll ???
-
I would say the Swisschamp but it is a too big sometimes . Its got to be a Climber paired with a Swisstool :climber: :multi: Not alot comes close .
Dunc
I'm finding my Spartan paired with my Swisstool is working very well. :)
-
A Spartan you say :think:
-
A Spartan you say :think:
Yeah. You should get one. :P
-
A Spartan you say :think:
Yeah. You should get one. :P
I had one...very briefly :D
-
They do one that comes without the key ring as well. :D
-
They do one that comes without the key ring as well. :D
Do they ???, how terribly novel of them :D
-
In your opinion, how is it "better"? The Farmer's woodsaw is longer than the Spirit's. IMO, that is "better".
I don't own either Spirit or Farmer, but have briefly handled them in a store.
So, perhaps I am mis-remembering...
But, doesn't the Spirit woodsaw lock open? And, doesn't the Farmer not have a locking woodsaw?
I didn't directly compare saw lengths between Spirit and Farmer, but surely there isn't that much of a difference...
A Farmer can't turn phillips head screws?
In my experience, the end of the can opener works better for turning phillips screws than the backspring phillips, unless the head of the screw is in tight quarters. The backspring phillips is too polished and rounded to grab many screws, and has a very short reach due to the T-handle setup.
Perhaps I should have been more explicit in my example: "holding a nut with the Spirit's pliers while turning a RECESSED bolt using the Tinker's Phillips driver"
I've used a SAK can opener to turn Phillips screws when the SAK I was using lacked a dedicated Phillips. Mostly it worked out OK, but I also recall buggering up some Phillips screws when turning them with the can opener.
So, in general I'd prefer to use the SAK dedicated Phillips driver rather than the can opener. Plus, I encounter lots of recessed Phillips that the can opener won't even touch.
.
-
The saw on the Spirit does indeed lock open, but I've never had a Farmer saw blade fold on me, so I think it's a moot point, regarding the lock (or lack there off), the greater length of the Farmer however is hard to argue with :)
-
So, in general I'd prefer to use the SAK dedicated Phillips driver rather than the can opener. Plus, I encounter lots of recessed Phillips that the can opener won't even touch.
You should try a model with the in-line phillips driver if you haven't. It's the best of both worlds. It fits more heads, gets into tight areas, and has great reach.
I've buggered-up many more phillips screws with that over-polished backspring phillips than anything else. Out of the 60 SAKs I own, I now only have one that has the backspring phillips, and that's just because I can't find a SAK that has the same implements as a Deluxe Tinker w/a corkscrew instead of the phillips.
-
I agree, the inline one is far better. :) I just wish it didn't have to come on the same layer as a magnifyer. :(
-
Yep the inline is far better, until it closes on your fingers :o
-
The saw on the Spirit does indeed lock open, but I've never had a Farmer saw blade fold on me, so I think it's a moot point, regarding the lock (or lack there off), the greater length of the Farmer however is hard to argue with :)
I'm not arguing with it.
Since you own both, perhaps you could enlighten me as to the difference in length?
Personally, I'd prefer to have a slightly shorter locking saw to a slightly longer saw that didn't lock.
.
-
I agree, the inline one is far better. :) I just wish it didn't have to come on the same layer as a magnifyer. :(
...or that crappy LED.
I find uses for the magnifier, but most of the time I just put up with it as a consequence of needing the phillips. :)
-
I agree, the inline one is far better. :) I just wish it didn't have to come on the same layer as a magnifyer. :(
...or that crappy LED.
I find uses for the magnifier, but most of the time I just put up with it as a consequence of needing the phillips. :)
Ever come across any mods that don't have either of these?
-
Yep the inline is far better, until it closes on your fingers :o
I've never had that happen, but I have had the backspring one close on me.
Have you tried the newer phillips that comes with the new design magnifier? The backspring engages a slot in the back of the driver, and works as a passive "lock" that keeps it snapped open pretty tightly.
-
The saw on the Spirit does indeed lock open, but I've never had a Farmer saw blade fold on me, so I think it's a moot point, regarding the lock (or lack there off), the greater length of the Farmer however is hard to argue with :)
I'm not arguing with it.
Since you own both, perhaps you could enlighten me as to the difference in length?
Personally, I'd prefer to have a slightly shorter locking saw to a slightly longer saw that didn't lock.
.
There's not much in it, (just ran up stairs to check :D) maybe 5-6 mm, I've got to admit to being suprised at that as it feels longer :think:
-
Yep the inline is far better, until it closes on your fingers :o
I've never had that happen, but I have had the backspring one close on me.
Have you tried the newer phillips that comes with the new design magnifier? The backspring engages a slot in the back of the driver, and works as a passive "lock" that keeps it snapped open pretty tightly.
Nope, not tried the newer design yet :), good to see that Vic are still tweaking the design though :)
-
I agree, the inline one is far better. :) I just wish it didn't have to come on the same layer as a magnifyer. :(
...or that crappy LED.
I find uses for the magnifier, but most of the time I just put up with it as a consequence of needing the phillips. :)
Ever come across any mods that don't have either of these?
No, but it certainly would be worth looking into, wouldn't it? It might be difficult to find another tool that would fit in there due to the width of that layer. An electrician's blade (sheepsfoot) would be great, but it's too narrow and would have to be spaced out.
-
Where's Bill when you need him. :D A robertson would be cool.
-
You should try a model with the in-line phillips driver if you haven't. It's the best of both worlds. It fits more heads, gets into tight areas, and has great reach.
I've been tempted to try one, but they mostly come in the fatter SAKs that are too thick for EDC for me. Two layer SAKs are the limit for me for pocket carry, which is why I love the Tinker so much.
Plus, I've heard that the in-line Phillips doesn't grip screws even as well as the backspring Phillips, because the driver head is machined differently.
I've buggered-up many more phillips screws with that over-polished backspring phillips than anything else. Out of the 60 SAKs I own, I now only have one that has the backspring phillips, and that's just because I can't find a SAK that has the same implements as a Deluxe Tinker w/a corkscrew instead of the phillips.
I've had pretty good luck with the backspring Phillips over the many years I've carried a Tinker.
It's saved the day many times out in the field, allowing me to open cases to change out batteries, disassemble external pack frames, stoves, etc.
.
-
Where's Bill when you need him. :D A robertson would be cool.
That would be a great idea. It's a shame that robertson screws haven't reached the popularity in the US as they appear to have in the UK and Europe. Torx are quite common, but I rarely see robertson here.
-
Where's Bill when you need him. :D A robertson would be cool.
That would be a great idea. It's a shame that robertson screws haven't reached the popularity in the US as they appear to have in the UK and Europe. Torx are quite common, but I rarely see robertson here.
They are not all that common here actually. I do have a few in my car though.
A T-20 torx would be great to have.
-
You should try a model with the in-line phillips driver if you haven't. It's the best of both worlds. It fits more heads, gets into tight areas, and has great reach.
I've been tempted to try one, but they mostly come in the fatter SAKs that are too thick for EDC for me. Two layer SAKs are the limit for me for pocket carry, which is why I love the Tinker so much.
Plus, I've heard that the in-line Phillips doesn't grip screws even as well as the backspring Phillips, because the driver head is machined differently.
That's a good point--the inline phillips will always add another layer, and thus more width to the knife.
My experience with the grip on screws is totally opposite to what you've heard. The in-line driver fits more sizes of screws and the grip is much better.
-
My experience with the grip on screws is totally opposite to what you've heard. The in-line driver fits more sizes of screws and the grip is much better.
That's what I have found as well.
-
You should try a model with the in-line phillips driver if you haven't. It's the best of both worlds. It fits more heads, gets into tight areas, and has great reach.
I've been tempted to try one, but they mostly come in the fatter SAKs that are too thick for EDC for me. Two layer SAKs are the limit for me for pocket carry, which is why I love the Tinker so much.
Plus, I've heard that the in-line Phillips doesn't grip screws even as well as the backspring Phillips, because the driver head is machined differently.
That's a good point--the inline phillips will always add another layer, and thus more width to the knife.
My experience with the grip on screws is totally opposite to what you've heard. The in-line driver fits more sizes of screws and the grip is much better.
Well, maybe I should try one. I just recall people on various forums complaining that they don't grip that well.
Isn't there a two-layer SAK with an inline Phillips? Lumberjack maybe?
.
-
The Scientist is the only two-layer model I know of with the inline phillips. Sadly, it was discontinued years ago. Similarly, the Yeoman was the only three layer that I'm aware of, and it was discontinued.
You'd need to turn to Scibeer for something like that these days. Or, buy a four layer Explorer.
Hell, if the backspring phillips works that well for you, stick to it.
-
I've got an Explorer (thanks Calvin) and it's a great model, it's certainly doesn't feel too bulky for edc :)
-
The saw on the Spirit does indeed lock open, but I've never had a Farmer saw blade fold on me, so I think it's a moot point, regarding the lock (or lack there off), the greater length of the Farmer however is hard to argue with :)
I'm not arguing with it.
Since you own both, perhaps you could enlighten me as to the difference in length?
Personally, I'd prefer to have a slightly shorter locking saw to a slightly longer saw that didn't lock.
.
There's not much in it, (just ran up stairs to check :D) maybe 5-6 mm, I've got to admit to being suprised at that as it feels longer :think:
I'd gladly give up 5mm = 0.2" of saw blade to gain a secure lock!
I've had saw blades fold on my hand on a few occasions and it's something I'd prefer to avoid in the future!
.
-
Yeah it would sting a bit :D
But it's honestly not a problem on the farmer as it has a very sturdy back spring :)
-
Yeah it would sting a bit :D
But it's honestly not a problem on the farmer as it has a very sturdy back spring :)
I've nearly always had a SAK with a saw, starting with a Camper 25 years ago. I've used the saw hundreds of times, and I've never had it fold up. That Camper doesn't have near the backspring that a Farmer has either.
The saw on the 111mm models is really sweet. The angle of it makes it nearly impossible to fold up in use also.
-
The Scientist is the only two-layer model I know of with the inline phillips. Sadly, it was discontinued years ago. Similarly, the Yeoman was the only three layer that I'm aware of, and it was discontinued.
You'd need to turn to Scibeer for something like that these days. Or, buy a four layer Explorer.
Hell, if the backspring phillips works that well for you, stick to it.
I'm pretty happy with the Tinker after 25+ years of EDC.
Although I've experimented with other SAKs over the years, none of them ever replacded the Tinker as my EDC.
It'd have to be a custom model, but it's hard for me to visualize any two-layer SAK better than a Tinker.
Maybe a custom three-layer alox SAK, with:
-big blade and small blade
-can opener and bottle opener
-inline Phillips and awl
If a three-layer alox custom SAK was the same thickness as the two-layer Tinker, then maybe I'd be tempted to change my EDC.
.
-
The problem is though, the inline phillips comes on the magnifyer layer.
-
The problem is though, the inline phillips comes on the magnifyer layer.
I figured if I was paying someone to build a custom alox SAK that I could specify what implements I wanted.
Are you saying that an inline Phillips couldn't fit in the same layer with an awl?
.
-
Due to the thickness of the phillips, I would think not. :-\
-
I'm pretty happy with the Tinker after 25+ years of EDC.
Although I've experimented with other SAKs over the years, none of them ever replacded the Tinker as my EDC.
Please don't get me wrong. I wasn't trying to "dis" the Tinker. I love the Tinker. I was just mentioning that, for ME, I like the Farmer better. But then again I don't use the Phillips very much. I used to, but now, other than putting together a toy for my son I rarely need it.
The main reason I like the saw is "insurance". I live in the Ozarks and the possibility of me spending an unplanned night in the woods is something I like to be at least minimally prepared for. If I walk out of the house I want to have at least a good blade, a saw and a lighter. If it's cold I also take a coat even if I don't plan to use it.
-
The main reason I like the saw is "insurance". I live in the Ozarks and the possibility of me spending an unplanned night in the woods is something I like to be at least minimally prepared for. If I walk out of the house I want to have at least a good blade, a saw and a lighter. If it's cold I also take a coat even if I don't plan to use it.
I've backpacked many, many miles in the Ozarks over the years and have camped in the Ozarks more times than I can remember, mainly on caving and canoe trips. (There happen to be only a few thousand known caves and springs in the Ozarks.)
Many moons ago the Boy Scouts taught me to always "Be prepared."
For even a short walk in the woods I always carry a light rucksack with a few essentials: rain gear, firestarting materials, emergency shelter, water, and a few calories of food.
If I break an ankle and have to spend several nights in the woods, the main thing I'm concerned with is hypothermia.
A lightweight 5x7 nylon tarp and 50 feet of paracord takes up very little room in the rucksack, weighs less than half-a-pound, and will provide enough shelter to stay dry. Even if it isn't raining or snowing, the tarp can be rigged as a windbreak and rolling up in the tarp will provide extra warmth for sleeping.
The rucksack used to contain a lightweight Gerber folding saw, but nowdays a Vic GAK has replaced it because its saw works surprisingly well - much better than what I expected. The GAK doesn't have the cutting ability of the Gerber saw, but I've decided that it's "good enough." I've tried it on small saplings and it works well enough to cut poles and pegs to rig a tarp for shelter.
With a GAK and an original Leatherman Tool in my rucksack, I feel well prepared for the unexpected with a total tool weight of less than 10 ounces.
.
-
Good choice. The GAK is what I always carry in the woods.
Is yours a 108mm GAK or 111mm? (non-locking blade, or locking?)
-
Good choice. The GAK is what I always carry in the woods.
Is yours a 108mm GAK or 111mm? (non-locking blade, or locking?)
It's a one-hand, liner-lock model that I got through Felinevet - similar to the OHT. Has lovely OD scales with a German eagle molded into one scale.
.
-
Ah, yes. That model has the best saw in the business, IMO. I like how it's angled a bit past horizontal. That reduces the chance of it folding on you.
I normally carry a 108mm GAK in the woods. It's a bit more compact and lighter, but the blade doesn't lock. The saw is shorter but is very wide and doesn't flex as much as the other Vic SAKs.
-
I take it back, the LumerJack isn't the best SAK ever... After looking through my collection I would have to say I like my Vic OH Fireman. It is just like the Safari Hunter but with a OHO and many more features... Screw the Safari Hunter! :o
-
Ah, yes. That model has the best saw in the business, IMO. I like how it's angled a bit past horizontal. That reduces the chance of it folding on you.
Yeah, I had read comments on various forums about how good the GAK saw was, but I remained skeptical.
I've never been that impressed with the SAK woodsaws and I do prefer locking saws. But, I figured the GAK saw might just be "good enough" for emergency use.
It cuts far better than I believed it would, and although I still wish it locked, the raked back angle does seem to work to prevent accidental folding.
A great little saw for emergency use, although I'd still carry the little Gerber folding saw if I were expecting to do much sawing.
.