Which is the SAK that you thought wouldn’t work for you at all? But then you got it anyway, and it was surprisingly great!
The Classic SD. Something that small but SO Useful.
Well I was surprised to even find an Esquire in my box of Classics that arrived. I've carried the Esquire as a backup package ever since. I was surprised by the scissors on that thing....they seem to do better than on any 91 I've ever seen. I think it's because it's an entirely different spring system, making the Wenger scissors far more cutworthy in my undocumented opinon.The Esquire and Spartan may as well be married...the Spartan is missing its TnT, and the Esquire brings scissors and nail file into the picture. The only thing they have in common is a cutting blade.
My first Swisschamp that I bought knowing nothing about. Being used to a scout knife forever, I found it festooned with tools I'd thought I'd never use. Wouldn't be without one close at hand now.The Sportsman. Bought very cheaply out of curiosity after the SAK bug got me. I thought the Handyman would be my ideal knife. The Sportsman had a similar toolset to my easily carried lost scout knife and soon became essential pocket carry. Two layers, two openers, two thumbs up! Yep. I like the Rambler on my keyring for similar reasons.
Positive surprise: the CT34. Used to think it was just an overpriced, chunkier Deluxe Tinker. I only got it to amass more 91mm SAKs. Quickly turned into my casual wear EDC. Negative surprise: the Compact. It's not that I dislike it per se; I appreciate its being the slimmest 91mm SAK with scissors. The thing is, it turned out I really like having a small blade (or at least an awl) for everyday cutting jobs while keeping the large blade clean and sharp for foodstuff or those rare moments when I really need it. So if form factor is critical, I carry the Compact, but it didn't turn into my EDC as I had originally hoped.
Well... i guess it was the 58mm line really....I've always had keychain Classics, Cellidor and Alox, but it was more of a "grooming tool" (small scissors and nail file) and functional keychain than anything else....After i got the Alox Minichamp, i just got awed at what the 58's (esp. minichamp and rambler) can really do. For normal urban EDC it can do most anything you need, other than actualy needing a bigger blade for bigger cutting tasks.I'm using the minichamp almost exclusively for most of the tasks now... Haven't actually used the Deluxe Tinker i'm also carrying for much then the very ocasional mini pliers needs...
The one that surprised me was the Compact. I wondered how a 2-layer SAK could be so useful, but it has quite a bit of function. I like the plus scales and the file material on the hook on the back. I could easily use it daily and not feel too limited.
The minichamp always eluded me. Too much stuff on there I think i will never use
The MiniChamp is beefy for sure. I ended up loving the Vagabond and have a small collection of them.
Terrific idea for a thread Champion was a pleasant surprise.
Don’t have a Sportsman yet. Might have to give it a go
The MiniChamp is beefy for sure. I ended up loving the Vagabond and have a small collection of them. I even carry one on my keychain. It has 6 blades and removes the cuticle pusher and screwdriver/ruler found on the MiniChamp.(Image removed from quote.)
Let's see...Compact - As a long-time Climber fan, I was optimistic that the Compact would generally retain the functionality of the Climber while saving a layer. Ultimately, the lack of an awl and small blade, and even more so the trade-offs of the combo tool, led to the conclusion that the Compact just wasn't right for me. With regard to the functionality of the combo tool vs. opener layer, I found the following:Cap lifting - both options equally functionalCan opening - advantage opener layer, though combo tool also worksScrew driving - major advantage opener layer; combo tool a poor substitute, as it is less beefy than the cap lifter for use on stuck or stubborn slotted screws and doesn't fit Phillips screws very wellLight prying - major advantage opener layer; combo tool a poor substitute, as it is less beefy than the cap lifter but thicker than the edge of the can openerCybertool M/34 - I love the tool set on this model, especially for the electronics/small electrical work for which it was intended. But I just found it too awkward in hand and too heavy in pocket. In spite of my general preference for the opener layer over the combo tool, with the bit driver on board to handle screws, I think Victorinox missed an opportunity to make these chunky models a bit slimmer and lighter by failing to substitute the combo tool for the opener layer and small blade.PX/FX - I can't really get on with the Pioneer or Farmer because I find the key ring attachment too uncomfortable. (Yes, I know some people grind them off.) So, I felt like I was taking a bit of a chance ordering a PX (and a bit later, a FX). I'm not sure if it is the extra width that causes the key ring attachment to hit my hand a bit differently, or maybe Victorinox has subtly adjusted the manufacturing process a bit. While I would still prefer these models without the key ring attachment, it doesn't feel like quite the deal breaker on the PX and FX that it did on some other, earlier models.Classic (and other smaller SAKs) - While I agree that the Classic and other 58mm knives punch well above their weight, I don't think they are up to all the tasks I demand of a pocket knife on a regular basis. Things like opening heavy blister packs and cutting cable ties caused my Classic and even 74mm SAKs to bend in some alarming ways. They didn't fail or take a permanent set, but I got the clear impression I was pushing both the knives and my luck. 84mm and up fare much better, and are a superior choice for me.
As a Swiss boy, I grew up with SAKs. SAKs were useful to me, but I never really found them beautiful. When I was 20, I already had a few 91 and 111mm users as well as a few gentleman folders whose elegance and hand feel I missed so much at the SAKs. I had never noticed the Alox knives before so the first Pioneer in my hand really surprised me! This simple, robust elegance and the good feeling in the hand thanks the grippy scales and the smooth back without these more annoying than useful back tools.I was really amazed and thought: Wow, that's it! And that's still how I feel 30 years later.
Great idea for a thread!I was very pleasantly surprised by the Waiter. When I got it I was underwhelmed but I decided to carry it for a while and see what it’s all about. Especially with a pin in the scales and a mini screwdriver in the corkscrew it is a very handy tool that just disappears in my pocket. It is very handy to supplement a Leatherman or even by itself. The Minichamp disappointed me. When I first got it I was very excited but it just doesn’t replace my Classic on my keys, the extra functionality just doesn’t get used. Maybe I should just carry it for a month or so and really try to use it, it has been quite a while and preferences do change.
Terrific idea for a thread 84mm Golfer was a surprise in that I thought i'd have a heck of a time getting one but did. Then I thought I love the simplicity of it especially having scissors, I didn't. I just didn't get along with the combo tool. That also was a surprise, the combo tool and I not getting along. Champion was a pleasant surprise. I've had them in the past and they didn't do anything for me as I much preferred the Swisschamp if I was going to carry such a large SAK. After gifting the 2 I had to a member I thought I was done with the Champion. This year I got to thinking about a Champion again. I found one at the flea market and took it to work and was elated. I am not sure what changed in the few years of not owning one. I found a second one and its been a at home carry ever since.The 84mm line has been a very nice surprise. Its a great compliment to a 58mm and more than enough blade to take on daily chores.
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