Wenger Evo S557: pix and first impressions

[Smaug]

Pix in this first post.

Alongside the Wenger Ranger 73 "Electrician":



Tools deployed:



In-hand 1:



In-hand 2:



In belt pouch:

[Smaug]

...words in this post.

In-hand and pocket:
The Wenger Evo S557 feels about as bulky in the hand as a 4 layer, 91mm Victorinox like the Explorer; that is to say, pushing it for pants pocket carry, but not completely out of the question. It is a tad thicker, but since it is shorter, it feels about the same.

I used to think Victorinox 84 mm SAKs were the perfect size for the pocket. I still think they're darned good. They're nice and thin, and not too long to ever be obtrusive either.

But the 84 mm Wengers are even better to me. The scales are a bit thicker, but are of a more modern shape. Not only do they have dents for the thumb, but the back is also curved to better fit the palm of one's hand.


Scales:
I like the Evo scales even better than the EvoGrip scales on my S16. I said in earlier posts that I suspect the plastic is softer; it is. I was able to dent it with some hard pressure with my thumbnail. However, I'm comfortable with this, as it will mean that in case I drop it, it will just get scratched, and not broken like the Cellidor of the Victorinox models.


Tool set:
In a word: Perfect. It has everything that an technical do-it-yourselfer would need:

• Wenger's famous springless, self-sharpening scissors
• Small slip-joint pliers
• Locking, in-line phillips
• Locking flat head screwdriver/bottle opener/wire stripper
• Can opener (which I think of more as a scraper or sharp pick)
• Locking blade
• Wrench (a rare tool, and hopefully useful for electronics!)
• Nail file (which I think of as an inline #1 flat phillips)
• Awl
• Corkscrew

This covers all of my wishes for a SAK for everyday use. For outdoor use, I'd probably swap it for my Ranger 78 or Vic Soldier.

I'm going to belt carry this one for the rest of the week and probably over the weekend too. I may try pocket carrying it too. I feel like I can pull it off when I'm dress informally. The question is: "Will carrying comfort be an issue?" We'll see.

I'll update this as I get some "miles" on it.

[Syph007]

To me that looks like a fantasic EDC SAK.   I have one on the way now too!

[macabee]

I agree that it would make a very useful EDC.
but not alas here in the UK as it has a lock blade

[Smaug]

I agree that it would make a very useful EDC.
but not alas here in the UK as it has a lock blade

One would think it would be worth Wenger's while to make UK versions of these. The locking blade, I consider to be kind of a "seatbelt": not needed most of the time, but nice to have if things go south.

What are the UK laws with regards to fixed blades? Not allowed outside the kitchen?

[sergemaster]

Amici,
All you have to do is pick up an S557 with evowood scales, and you'll have a matching set.

Cheers,
Serge

[Smaug]

All you have to do is pick up an S557 with evowood scales, and you'll have a matching set.

I thought about buying mine in EvoWood. I decided it would look weird in a thicker knife. I felt the elegance of the wood would be thrown off by the thickness of the tool stack.

But I DO like wood, and I do like the Evo shape, so I may get a thinner Wenger SAK with EvoWood!

[sergemaster]

Amici,
Those were my initial fears and thoughts the first time. But when I gave it a second try, whatever concerns I had quickly fell off the tool shed. Don't get me wrong I do also love the red evo scales, but the evowood S557 really does the tool justice aesthetically.

Cheers,
Serge 

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Looks like a nice SAK!  I like the fact it has that little wrench thingy on it and the slip joint pliers.  The locking blade is a nice feature too.  Nice little review!   You've got the bug really bad now, eh?   

[jerseydevil]

  You've got the bug really bad now, eh?   

Nonono, he's looking for his perfect EDC.  When he has one of each he can make his decision.    Jeremy, welcome to the club!  The S557 has become an almost daily carry SAK for me, and it's just great.  I pocket carry it, and have no issues with that.  The wrench has been very useful at times.  The only thing I wish is that the wrench was in one of the outer layers, rather than in the middle.  It would make it easier to use at times.  The slip joint pliers are great, aren't they?  I like them better than those on my Deluxe Tinker.  And I love the Wenger locking system, both for the drivers and the blade.  Enjoy your new toy! 

[ICanFixThat]

These are pretty nice SAKs because they have a large tool set in a pretty compact package.  For EDC though I'd have to sharpen the Awl and make it more of a Reamer even though it does not really have a great taper for that.

I like that you can get the pliers in there because they are not as thick as Vic pliers.  I'd like pliers on more of my Vics if they were think like these.

Mine is in EvoWood and I think the aesthetics are fantastic, but that's a pretty personal thing.

[Smaug]

Looks like a nice SAK!  I like the fact it has that little wrench thingy on it and the slip joint pliers.

Yeah, about that: The neat thing about it is that it doesn't have a big circular, coarse opening in the middle of the pliers like the Vic ones do. It doesn't need to, since it has the other setting. But Victorinox did a better job of keeping the serrations sharp, which makes the grip effectively strong on the Vic's.

Another thought: You'd better have strong nails for that phillips. It's a pretty tight spring, and not much length for leverage with it.

You've got the bug really bad now, eh?   

Yeah, I need to chill a little, too.

[J Mackrel Jones]

This is the knife that CEO Peter Hug says has every "exclusivity" in the Wenger line:
Locking blade, self-locking screwdrivers, universal wrench, integral-spring "springless" scissors, adjustable pliers, Evolution "ergonomic" scales.

[ICanFixThat]

This is the knife that CEO Peter Hug says has every "exclusivity" in the Wenger line:
Locking blade, self-locking screwdrivers, universal wrench, integral-spring "springless" scissors, adjustable pliers, Evolution "ergonomic" scales.

That was before the Cigar Cutter...

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Upon further reflection on this knife, I have to say, it seems like a very well thought out and designed tool.  My son has been afraid of the SAKs I've given him because the blades don't lock.  I think something like this, or an S16 or S18 might be a good choice for him.  He'll be testing for his blue belt in tae kwon do next month, so it might make a nice present! 

[Smaug]

Heinz, is he the kind of who would belt carry?

If not, it is an easy choice: S16.

But these are all light enough so as to disappear when carried in a belt pouch.

I've been wearing my S557 whenever I had pants on since I got it a few days ago. It's growing on me quickly.

I can't wait to try this l'il wrench!

[sergemaster]

Amici,
Once again you just gotta love Wenger!

Cheers,
Serge

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Yeah, I'm thinking an S16 is going to be the better choice for him. 

[Donald]

I like that Wenger! The Wenger S17 has been one of my most carried knives. Not as many tools, but easier on my pocket. If I had the S557 I guess I would try pouch carry. My first SAK was a 1 17 01.