Explorer, Fieldmaster, or Huntsman Lite?

Singh · **on:** November 13, 2009, 05:31:07 PM

My current SAK is a Super Tinker and I like all that is has.. except an inline Philips and/or a saw would be nice. The back-mounted Phillips is balls because the T handle setup has more-than-once resulted in inability to reach screws.

A saw became much more useful to have after sawing down several saplings this summer with my original Supertool.

The candidates:

Explorer: Inline Phillips but no saw.

Fieldmaster: It’s a super Tinker with a saw but no inline Phillips.

The only candidate that has the inline Phillips AND a saw is the Huntsman Lite. But I’m not sure about it because it may be too bulky for daily pocket carry. But the Huntsman is the only candidate that fits the bill. But the Huntsman is a bit pricey… but as they say, ‘you only buy it once’.

Thoughts?

Gareth · **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:50:59 PM

You're right the slimmest factory SAK to have all the tools you want is the Huntsman Lite. It's five layers thick so right at the upper limit of what I can pocket carry myself (although some folks manage to pocket carry the Swiss Champ). The Champion Plus is cheaper but even thicker (though not by much). You could look at a belt hanger or a pouch perhaps?

I just thought of another option; the Master Gardener. http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Master+Gardener
Not in production anymore but you can still find them.

ducktapehero · **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:51:26 PM

I have a Fieldmaster and I love it. Yeah the back mounted Phillips is a bit of a pain but for most Phillips screws I use the can opener. It works great for me.

jazzbass · **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:36:41 PM

Quote from: Gareth on November 13, 2009, 05:50:59 PM

I just thought of another option; the Master Gardener. http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Master+Gardener
Not in production anymore but you can still find them.

This is a pretty good suggestion IMO. The gardener is the thinnest knife with a saw and inline phillips you can get from the factory. I looked on eBay and there are several still available for about $32. This was a special run model, so if you want one, get it now - once they sell out, they're gone. It's a very cool knife with a pruning blade. The only issue I have with it is the back mounted Phillips, which is redundant with the inline. I got a Huntsman Lite a few years ago for EDC, but found it too thick. I also find the carrying a LED knife in your pocket inevitably leads to the lite turning on and the battery dying, so that's a problem with the Gardener, too.

If you went custom, you could get whatever you wanted. A yeoman + saw sounds like it might be the perfect knife for you. A custom Woodsman (Explorer + saw) might be an option, too, as it'd easier to build (get a Champion Plus for $28 and pull out the fish scaler and metal file). A real Woodsman is pretty hard to find and expensive when you do. If you don't need scissors, pull them out, too for a knife that is the same size as a Hunstman.

FYI, I measured some of mine for thickness to give you an idea of how they compare:

Fieldmaster: 20mm
Explorer: 21.4mm
Master Gardner: 22mm
Woodsman: 23mm
Huntsman Lite: 24.8mm

Nikos · **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:46:45 PM

Which reminds me... I still have the bits for a Yeoman lying around in a box for the past year or so... $:-\$ Darn real life!

Gareth · **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:53:03 PM

Quote from: Nikos on November 13, 2009, 06:46:45 PM

Which reminds me... I still have the bits for a Yeoman lying around in a box for the past year or so... $:-\$ Darn real life!

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:56:14 PM

I know it's not the slimmest of packages, but I'd still go for a Swisschamp

Yes there a tad bulky, but I've been edc'ing one on and off since I was 18

andrea.from.roma · **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2009, 07:08:21 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 13, 2009, 05:31:07 PM

My current SAK is a Super Tinker and I like all that is has.. except an inline Philips and/or a saw would be nice. The back-mounted Phillips is balls because the T handle setup has more-than-once resulted in inability to reach screws. A saw became much more useful to have after sawing down several saplings this summer with my original Supertool.

The candidates:

Explorer: Inline Phillips but no saw.

Fieldmaster: It’s a super Tinker with a saw but no inline Phillips.

The only candidate that has the inline Phillips AND a saw is the Huntsman Lite. But I’m not sure about it because it may be too bulky for daily pocket carry. But the Huntsman is the only candidate that fits the bill. But the Huntsman is a bit pricey… but as they say, ‘you only buy it once’.

Thoughts?

I'm a Sakphile (a guy who suffers from Victorinoxphilia) so the answer is quite simple: buy them all! But that would be the wrong answer...

Among the ones you suggested, I would go for the Huntsman. Yes, it is the largest of the three, but it's not as large as the Handyman I carried for years and years - without a problem. Before I bought my beloved Spirit, of course. And I loved that little toolbox, the Handyman, believe me. I used to carry it in a nylon belt sheath.

A.

PS A very predictable suggestion: why not a Spirit? It's got it all...

Blackbeard · **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2009, 08:52:09 PM

Amazon has the $10 off $50 promo going again, so theres deals to be had.

Singh · **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2009, 09:04:06 PM

Quote

A very predictable suggestion: why not a Spirit?

I have a Swisstool RS. Outside of work, I carry the Swisstool on my belt and S.Tinker in the pocket. At work, a Swisstool on my belt would cause too much attention. So I need a SAK for pocket carry.

Then again, the S.Tinker has everything I need while at work. Heck, a Compact would have all I need while at work. Hey..now there’s an idea.

Freudian Frog · **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2009, 09:18:56 PM

I say... get both Explorer and Huntsman.

Explorer is perfect for work/metro carry IMGO.

ducktapehero · **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2009, 09:22:39 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 13, 2009, 09:04:06 PM

Quote
A very predictable suggestion: why not a Spirit?

I have a Swisstool RS. Outside of work, I carry the Swisstool on my belt and S.Tinker in the pocket. At work, a Swisstool on my belt would cause too much attention. So I need a SAK for pocket carry.

Then again, the S.Tinker has everything I need while at work. Heck, a Compact would have all I need while at work. Hey..now there’s an idea.

A Spirit might fit in your pocket where a Swisstool wouldn't. But a Super Tinker is a mighty fine choice too.

1jump2many · **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2009, 12:02:16 AM

I have to second Gareth's suggestion about the Master Gardener. It sounds like exactly what he is looking for. It's one that I don't have and will have to get now. See what you went and did now Gareth?

Chako · **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2009, 12:29:32 AM

Just to wet the appetite.

nuphoria · **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2009, 12:32:27 AM

I carry a Craftsman which is not actually too big for the pocket - try carrying a bigger one and see if you get on with it.

Gareth · **Reply #15 on:** November 14, 2009, 12:59:34 AM

Quote from: 1jump2many on November 14, 2009, 12:02:16 AM

I have to second Gareth's suggestion about the Master Gardener. It sounds like exactly what he is looking for. It's one that I don't have and will have to get now. See what you went and did now Gareth?

I would say I'm sorry, but it would be a big fat lie.

I hope you like the new SAK.

1jump2many · **Reply #16 on:** November 14, 2009, 01:24:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on November 14, 2009, 12:59:34 AM

Quote from: 1jump2many on November 14, 2009, 12:02:16 AM
I have to second Gareth's suggestion about the Master Gardener. It sounds like exactly what he is looking for. It's one that I don't have and will have to get now. See what you went and did now Gareth?

I would say I'm sorry, but it would be a big fat lie. I hope you like the new SAK.

I ordered one right after I left that post.

Man.....this forum is like an alcoholic living in a Tavern to me.

cryptrick · **Reply #17 on:** November 14, 2009, 01:35:27 AM

Quote from: 1jump2many on November 14, 2009, 01:24:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on November 14, 2009, 12:59:34 AM
Quote from: 1jump2many on November 14, 2009, 12:02:16 AM
I have to second Gareth's suggestion about the Master Gardener. It sounds like exactly what he is looking for. It's one that I don't have and will have to get now. See what you went and did now Gareth?

I would say I'm sorry, but it would be a big fat lie. I hope you like the new SAK.

I ordered one right after I left that post. Man.....this forum is like an alcoholic living in a Tavern to me.

I think nearly everybody here has said that before

This place gets you spending alright

Nice choice anyway 1j2m

bren10man · **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2009, 02:45:59 AM

I have EDC a Champion since I was 14......I have tried others, but keep drifting back to the ole, reliable Champion. I added the corkscrew mini screwdriver, and does all I need. If I need pliers, a SOG EOD Powerplier works.

After the car battery died last weekend, and no pliers (cresent wrench too big or nearly too big), the SOG is going to STAY in the car from now on!!!

Styerman · **Reply #19 on:** November 14, 2009, 03:40:48 AM

I would pick the Huntsman lite , I've played with one , but don't own one . I believe it would pocket OK , It's not too far off a Ranger in thickness , give or take about 3/32" , I often carry one in the pocket on a Monroe dangler clip ( TKS Gadget Guy !!!)

Chris

Singh · **Reply #20 on:** November 14, 2009, 02:46:52 PM

Decision: Fieldmaster.

ducktapehero · **Reply #21 on:** November 14, 2009, 07:54:47 PM

The Fieldmaster is a great SAK. I have one and carry it occasionally. It's even better with PLUS scales.

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.

Explorer, Fieldmaster, or Huntsman Lite?

Donations

Community Links