SAKs - Function and Form perfection?

[SteveP]

I carry a SwissChamp daily. Do I need every tool every day? Of course not. But they all have come in handy over time. Which got me thinking…

I’ve carried smaller SAKs - Explorer, Outdoorsman, Champion (OK, slightly smaller) - but always found myself going back to the Champ. Some folks say it’s too big and sure it’s a bigger SAK, but for Victorinox to cram all those tools into a package about 3.5” x 1.25” x 1” is pretty amazing. And these are robust tools too, that will withstand a lot of use.

I think that’s a big reason I like SAKs so much - the ingenuity and the beauty of the design and engineering. All of those possibilities combined into such a small, rugged package, whether that’s a SwissChamp or a Rambler or any other SAK.

What do you think?

[Cypren]

The Swisschamp is absolutely a classic, and was actually the first SAK I ever owned: even as a kid, I was obsessed with getting the biggest and most feature-packed knife on the market. But for me, personally, I think Victorinox's ultimate size-to-utility knife is the Cybertool 41, trading the fixed phillips, magnifying glass and fish scaler for the bit driver, a tool I use almost every single day. At this point, while I might pack other knives for the novelty factor, if I'm actually trying to get stuff done, it's always going to be a Cybertool or the XLT. (I do sometimes carry the XXL and the XAVT, which I suppose would also count, but let's be serious: nobody carries one of those monsters for practicality, only for the looks on people's faces when you pull it out.)

[Echotech]

I always found the champ too big but after doing the challenge I've come around, it's my fave fidget toy but I'll still more likely carry something smaller 

These days I prefer the combo carry, Huntsman or FX (or if I need a file the Ranger) with a Skeletool and the Rambler on my keys is just about perfect

Mostly the Compact, Climber or PX is all I need tbh and even then i'm amazed at what I get done with just the rambler

Having said that the Champ is a lovely SAK and I should use it more

 

[dmattaponi]

I carry a SwissChamp daily. Do I need every tool every day? Of course not. But they all have come in handy over time. Which got me thinking…

I’ve carried smaller SAKs - Explorer, Outdoorsman, Champion (OK, slightly smaller) - but always found myself going back to the Champ. Some folks say it’s too big and sure it’s a bigger SAK, but for Victorinox to cram all those tools into a package about 3.5” x 1.25” x 1” is pretty amazing. And these are robust tools too, that will withstand a lot of use.

I think that’s a big reason I like SAKs so much - the ingenuity and the beauty of the design and engineering. All of those possibilities combined into such a small, rugged package, whether that’s a SwissChamp or a Rambler or any other SAK.

What do you think?

Couldn’t agree more, and the Swisschamp is my favorite.  If I had to choose only one SAK it would be the Swisschamp.  Also agree that for the number of tools, it is a very efficient design.  I’ve often pocket carried it as my EDC.

[JowiiYoyo]

SWISSCHAMP FTW

[zenostoic]

The Swiss Champ is undoubtedly a masterpiece, packing an incredible amount of functionality into a compact design. While I personally find it a bit cumbersome for everyday pocket carry, it’s an indispensable tool that I always have on hand in my work bag.

[gustophersmob]

I carry a SwissChamp daily. Do I need every tool every day? Of course not. But they all have come in handy over time. Which got me thinking…

I’ve carried smaller SAKs - Explorer, Outdoorsman, Champion (OK, slightly smaller) - but always found myself going back to the Champ. Some folks say it’s too big and sure it’s a bigger SAK, but for Victorinox to cram all those tools into a package about 3.5” x 1.25” x 1” is pretty amazing. And these are robust tools too, that will withstand a lot of use.

I think that’s a big reason I like SAKs so much - the ingenuity and the beauty of the design and engineering. All of those possibilities combined into such a small, rugged package, whether that’s a SwissChamp or a Rambler or any other SAK.

What do you think?

I'm personally more of a minimalist when it comes to SAKs, so no SwissChamp for me.  That being said, I wholeheartedly agree with the bold part.  I like the design ingenuity, high quality, and precision engineering.  My flavor just happens to be the Pioneer.

[psyjohn]

I carried a Swiss Champ for several months a while back, but over time it became less pocket friendly for me. I still have one in the house, in my bag, and in my vehicle, so if I need one of the tools it's never far away.
My perfect form and function SAK is the discontinued 84mm Alumnus. I'm lucky to have one but I'm reluctant to carry it a lot since it would be next to impossible to replace. The 91mm Companion is a close second for a perfect SAK. Lately though I mostly carry two, a Pioneer and an Executive. Together they cover pretty much any task I encounter during a normal day.

[G-Dizzle]

For me, the most capable SAK has got to be the Workchamp. In my opinion it is up there with the best overall multitools of all time. Long blade, saw, and file with more surface area. Two sizes of inline phillips and two sizes of flatheads. It is significantly larger than the swisschamp, however. I find myself reaching for that when I want a SAK that can handle it all.

Recently, I have also started to enjoy the combination of the minichamp and a soldier/pioneer style SAK for lighter carry.

SAKs in general are great for EDC, and there are so many options and ways to set up your edc depending on which one you choose.

[psyjohn]

SAKs in general are great for EDC, and there are so many options and ways to set up your edc depending on which one you choose.

I couldn't agree more. They really are the perfect EDC.

[Farmer X]

A Bantam can handle probably about 90% of my needs. But for that 10% of the time, there are umpteen others within easy reach. The great thing about SAKs is that they offer fantastic quality and variety without breaking the bank. That's especially true if you buy a used example.

[IMR4198]

  I would like to have a SwissChamp but I would be fooling myself to think I would schlep one around.  Another minimalist.  Don't like pocket clips.  Refuse to wear a holster.  Refuse to carry two knives.  Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

I think that’s a big reason I like SAKs so much - the ingenuity and the beauty of the design and engineering. All of those possibilities combined into such a small, rugged package, whether that’s a SwissChamp or a Rambler or any other SAK.

Well of course I agree with this.

When it comes to the SwissChamp, it is just too heavy, too bulky, and too far past the point of diminishing returns for me to want to carry it.  I find the sweet spot to be four layers or fewer.

[Vadim]

Swiss Champ, it has absolutely everything I need.
And no, it's not heavy or bulky.

[Cypren]

I’ve always found it fascinating just how far apart people’s preferences sit when it comes to ideal and maximum carry size/weight for multitools. There are people who won’t carry anything larger than a Rambler and there are people like me who think nothing of pocketing an XLT. And each group thinks the other is insane. 

[Explorer]

the SwissChamp is a thing of beauty.
so many useful tools in such a small footprint. With a suspension clip or in the 5th coin pocket of some jeans you don't even notice it's there. I've been carrying mine this way a bunch lately and I really like the feeling of knowing no matter what life throws at me i'm covered when i've got the SC in my pocket.

[Farmer X]

I didn't find a SwissChamp to be obnoxious in the pocket. But, like Nate, I found it to have a few features that I rarely or never need day-to-day in an urban setting. I'll probably be adding one to my camping kit, though. (With winter fast approaching, I can do a lot of looking at camping gear.)

The Alox Bantam, though, has fantastic form factor. It's so slim and light that you barely notice it in your pocket. If I'm wearing Carhartt work pants, it rides very nicely in the fifth pocket. (However, it does like to wriggle its way out of some pockets, so a slip may be desirable.) You just know that it's there, ready to open that glass Coca-Cola bottle or cut some tape. As I see it, it's a perfect secondary or tertiary tool, and would serve a fair few folks well as a primary carry.

[Sos24]

I love SAKs and always have one in my pocket.  The variety of models means that there is one for almost any situation.  I usually won’t carry larger than a 3-4 layer SAK in my pocket, but even then you can have a lot of utility.