Of course, if you treat it as a hobby or fashion rather than just trying to get the job done, you can forgive how silly it can get. It's more of an escape, interest, and collection for me.
I think that sums it up quite nicely. One mustn't take it all too seriously. It's really not about whether collecting SAKs or searching for the "right" EDC objectively makes sense, but rather whether one subjectively enjoys it. Every intelligent mature person knows that material things won't bring you happiness, so collecting SAKs or carrying one in your pocket will not give your life any meaning. But it might generate some happy moments and interesting memories, and ultimately this is what it's all about imho. I might wake up one day to realize that all the SAKs in my drawer are in fact a huge waste of money, or that I have lost interest in SAKs altogether. After all, I spent most of my life without a SAK in my pocket, and my life wasn't any worse for it. If that day comes, I will not fret over whether or not I was stupid or whether I could have used the money I spent on SAKs more wisely. Because the nice memories my folly generated, like finding this forum and enjoying discussions like this one, will stay with me. In view of this, I frankly don't give a damn what my heirs might think when one day they find my stock of SAKs. If they don't like them, they can just throw them all away for all I care. If they think I was crazy for wasting my money on them, they will be entitled to their option as far as I am concerned. It matters not.
--snip --In the year+ period before I decided to buy/try a wider variety of SAKs, I exclusively carried a Tourist + Rambler. That combination did me just fine in every situation that wouldn't have required a dedicated tool anyway. In another thread, I said that I was in search of my "minimum viable SAK or SAK combo." I wouldn't be too surprised if it ends up being a Tourist + Rambler after all. But hey, I've learned a lot and had a lot of fun along the way no matter what!
Favorites so far are the Spartan/Tourist, Tinker/Tinker Small, Camper, Climber, and Super Tinker. exclusively carried a Tourist + Rambler. That combination did me just fine in every situation that wouldn't have required a dedicated tool anyway.
I'm skeptical of the combo tool, but I'm an open minded guy and I'll give it an honest try.
I think you’ll find the combo tool up to par as a cap lifter and can opener, but somewhat lacking as a screwdriver or light duty pry tool.
I figured they probably will never be any cheaper than they are today...