Explorer vs. Super Tinker.. Which to get for the Wife?

ToolJoe · **on:** December 17, 2015, 07:59:41 PM

I'm trying to figure out which of the two up there I am going to surprise mrs. TJ with for Christmas/anniversary. Scissors are a must and the phillips screwdriver would be key as well. Between the Explorer and Super Tinker, which should I go with?

glenfiddich1983 · **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:01:45 PM

What about a nice alox vagabond in a cheerful color?

Caranthanus · **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:21:32 PM

If the 1+ layer isn't an issue, then the Explorer (with inline philips, mag-glass and corkscrew (for an occasional glass of fine wine, of course) would be the way to go

s1xty7 · **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:24:42 PM

Is this pocket or purse type carry? Another option would be to split duties and do a Classic or Manager on the keys and maybe a Tinker Small for pocket or purse.

Or a Yeoman with plus scales.

HarleyXJGuy · **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:43:05 PM

Explorer because as much as it pains me to say it online Phillips beats backside Phillips all day everyday.

captain spaulding · **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:46:32 PM

I love that you are getting the wife a SAK. Not knowing your wife, but knowing women in general you better be getting her something else as a main gift and a SAK as a secondary gift. Just don't want to see TJ sleeping on the couch.

Corwyn · **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:47:33 PM

Super Tinker. Lighter, slimmer, the bsp carries better in hand than the cs.
The magglass feels useless to me and... what does a woman need a Philips for?
I think if my wife saw a Philips screw she'd call a repairman to unscrew it (don't touch it, Corwyn, you'll break it...)

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:52:19 PM

Super Tinker or Deluxe Tinker

cody6268 · **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2015, 10:22:03 PM

I have both.

Super Tinker--bought one for $8 as a parts supply for a practically destroyed 1960s Fisherman I was planning to rebuild, since the seller said the Super Tinker had broken scales. Found it had hardly been used (and was not damaged as the seller had said in the item's description) , so I added it to my pocket right after cleaning at the time. As much as I like the Soldier 1961, I miss scissors and scale tools. The Super Tinker is my favorite thin 91mm. It has most of what I need personally.

Explorer--I have one I bought used and the magnifier was part of the reason I bought the knife. It's really handy when looking at small stuff, like small markings on coins. Older ones, made pre-2005 have a much better glass 8x magnification lens and since this lens is smaller than the later versions, which were larger, they have a longer Phillips driver.

The backside Phillips works well on smaller No. 1 Phillips well in addition to No. 2 Phillips screws, but the Explorer's in-line only works on No. 2 Phillips Screws. I personally prefer the back-side version. But, with the Explorer, one can put the eyeglass screwdriver (which works on No. 0 Phillips too in addition to eyeglass screws) into the corkscrew.

I like both, but personally prefer the Super Tinker.

dks · **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2015, 10:35:05 PM

The one that you can get in her favourite colour.

sir_mike · **Reply #10 on:** December 17, 2015, 11:00:07 PM

I used to carry a Super Tinker quite a bit til I got the Explorer. I like the Explorer more as I too use the mag lens for coin dates, jewelry stamps, etc. and I really like the inline philips better too. Another plus is that I get the philips screwdriver and still can put a mini screwdriver in the cork screw so best of both worlds.

I don't know if you wife would ever need the inline or mag so I guess that is what you need to decide. What tool set is better suited for her.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2015, 11:01:28 PM

Quote from: dks on December 17, 2015, 10:35:05 PM

The one that you can get in her favourite colour.

cody6268 · **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2015, 02:46:09 AM

Quote from: cody6268 on December 17, 2015, 10:22:03 PM

I have both.

Super Tinker--bought one for $8 as a parts supply for a practically destroyed 1960s Fisherman I was planning to rebuild, since the seller said the Super Tinker had broken scales. Found it had hardly been used (and was not damaged as the seller had said in the item's description) , so I added it to my pocket right after cleaning at the time. As much as I like the Soldier 1961, I miss scissors and scale tools. The Super Tinker is my favorite thin 91mm. It has most of what I need personally.

Explorer--I have one I bought used and the magnifier was part of the reason I bought the knife. It's really handy when looking at small stuff, like small markings on coins. Older ones, made pre-2005 have a much better glass 8x magnification lens and since this lens is smaller than the later versions, which were larger, they have a longer Phillips driver.

The backside Phillips works well on smaller No. 1 Phillips well in addition to No. 2 Phillips screws, but the Explorer's in-line only works on No. 2 Phillips Screws. I personally prefer the back-side version. But, with the Explorer, one can put the eyeglass screwdriver (which works on No. 0 Phillips too in addition to eyeglass screws) into the corkscrew. I bought what was the cheapest at the time (before a slew of $20 old mag and hook versions were posted by various dealers), and got stuck with the plastic lens version that's 5x magnification.

I like both, but personally prefer the Super Tinker.

Grass · **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2015, 07:13:56 AM

The explorer. In line Phillips is the best; great mix of tools. I just got one as a gift for an aunt (!).

shibafu · **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2015, 10:58:09 AM

I vote Explorer as well. Even if the magnifying glass rarely sees use, it has a novelty factor because it's unusual and is very different from most "normal" SAK tools, which I think is nice for a gift. Also as has already been said, the inline phillips is a winner over the back side phillips. And finally the Explorer is available as a plus version with the handy pen.

Zephon · **Reply #15 on:** December 18, 2015, 12:56:38 PM

I'd vote for the Explorer simply for the plus scales it can come with.

With that said, since I've been wrapping gifts lately, it seems that a Manager can also be added to the mix.

strmliner · **Reply #16 on:** December 19, 2015, 12:57:51 AM

I'd vote for a Yeoman with plus scales...covers all the bases...

alexTOOL · **Reply #17 on:** December 19, 2015, 01:14:45 AM

Quote from: Zephon on December 18, 2015, 12:56:38 PM

I'd vote for the Explorer simply for the plus scales it can come with.

With that said, since I've been wrapping gifts lately, it seems that a Manager can also be added to the mix.

I suppose you can change plus scales to a Super Tinker...