Swiss Army Knife ????'s

[PM4HIRE]

I'm in the market to buy a Swiss Army knife (SAK)
as everyday carry utility knife for my TB medium
Cafe bag.

I'm seriously considering a SAK Climber Stayglow,
anyone have any other knife I should consider?

I've carried a Leatherman Squart P4 for years, but
want something a bit more substainful.

[blackfungi]

get a spyderco knife.

[PM4HIRE]

A Spyderco knife is a bit too aggressive for my tastes.

[RedBeard]

I like the SAK Super Tinker. I find I use the Philips screwdriver much more than the corkscrew.

[PM4HIRE]

Yes, it is between the Tinker and the Climber.

[JohnDel]

You can have both

The Wenger Nomad, no longer manufactured but occasionally available on ebay and probably other places, has both a corkscrew and a Phillips screwdriver. Plus a locking large blade. The Victorinox Nomad is very different.

I own a variant Wenger version that has a fingernail cleaner/file instead of a small knife blade.

The currently offered SAKs with both a corkscrew and Phillips are all the larger, more expensive models such as the Wenger Evolution S557.

[PM4HIRE]

Thanks for all your inputs.

[ratdeau]

Don't be fooled by the name, it's only a brand.

Here are the official Swiss Army Knives

New one / old one

[BPritchard]

A Leatherman

I carry the Leatherman wave along with the additional steel bits.

Fits in front pockets of my Co-Pilot.

Very useful tool.

[Fat Crip]

I carry the Leatherman wave along with the additional steel bits.

Fits in front pockets of my Co-Pilot.

Very useful tool.

I've had one for about 10 years. To my mind, it beats a Swiss Army Knife hands down in oh so many ways. Unfortunately, mine has gone AWOL recently. I hope it'll turn up. The only other thing is it doesn't have a cork screw - though less of an issue these days. Mind you, these days in the UK you get treated like a rapist if you have a knife about your person in any public place!

[aiethabell]

I have both a Climber and an original Super Tinker (the scissors are adjustable in the original, not the later ones). To be honest, I also have the credit-card shaped versions (Tool Logic and SA), five or six minis in various colors, a Leatherman, and oodles of other tool-holding gizmos. (My motto is: if you can't fix your vehicle with a headlamp, a Leatherman, a crescent wrench, duct tape, and some WD-40, or replace a bad hose clamp with a spare, it's time to call AAA.) I hate traveling without one, but these days you just can't get it on the plane. I DON'T check bags... ever.

Anyway, here's the thing. If you need to fix things and need that Phillips head in most cases, get the Tinker. If you're a wine lover and go on picnics, get the Climber. Torn? Here's the tipping point. If you wear glasses, the Climber's corkscrew can hold what I consider my SAK's absolute most-used item: a glasses screwdriver attachment!

And remember: you may see real, used SA knives for a song at estate sales and other places, just because they're missing the toothpick and/or tweezers. Or the 'spring' piece in the scissors or the mini pliers. I've picked up Tinkers for as low as $2 and then spent a pittance for the parts. You can get replacements easily on eBay. As long as the knife isn't rusted solidly shut, and the case isn't cracked, get it for as little as possible, if it's a genuine SAK and not a Chinese knockoff. (Case plastic replacements are available, but the cost can be prohibitive.) Buying replacement parts on eBay? Get a few; the shipping is the same for one as for five, from many sellers. You can always use new tweezers or toothpicks or springs down the road... trust me.

Cleaning a dirty, used knife is easy: drop it in a dishwasher with all the blades, utensils opened out. If there's any rust a damp cork dipped into wetted Bon Ami makes short work of it. Check with a knife shop for their recommended knife oil for lubing after the wash, since recommendations do change. Pick up a sharpening stone (and instructions) while you're at it. A dull knife should be a crime. If the knife is really nasty, it may need a second wash.

I've washed mine a few times, and it's amazing how much easier the blades open without all that miniscule grit slowing it down. No dishwasher? Soak it in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of original Dawn. Overnight should do it. You'll probably be amazed at the grit in the bottom of the bowl.

[PM4HIRE]

Ratdeau: I have the SAK Soldier you pictured on the right of your photo. Today, this knife is considered a collector's item.

I bought this knife: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

Of all the Leatherman tools, the Wave is probable their best seller, however, I already have a similar tool from SAK. There's videos on YouTube on how to clean your SAK, very informative.

Visit the SAK wiki to learn more: http://www.sakwiki.com

In an urban environment, the Tinker and Climber are your best bets if your into SAKs.

[PM4HIRE]

SOG Twitch II

Here's a knife that makes a mighty fine EDC knife, the SOG Twitch II: http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-...=24ZEBE8SUASXY

Checkout the Youtube videos on this knife.

[Twitchy]

I always found gerbers more to my liking

Gerbers at amazon

[LarryA]

I have no idea what model it is, but I still carry the Wenger Swiss Army Knife my uncle gave me for Christmas in 1977. :-)