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Old 01-15-2016, 09:30 PM
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Default Swiss Army Knife

I'm thinking it would be a good idea to start carrying one.

Victorinox or Wenger? They're both the same company now.

Which model?

Why do you like that model?
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Old 01-15-2016, 09:37 PM
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Unless you are wine drinker and carry it in a case, choose one without the cork-screw.

I have carried an "Executive" since I was a junior in high school. Don't know what I would do without it. I have several other models but rarely use them. I do like the Tinker and Super Tinker, too. (All named are Victorinox models.)

Whatever it is, I like having screwdrivers, scissors, nail file, tweezers, - and toothpick!

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Old 01-15-2016, 10:17 PM
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Wenger no longer makes knives under the Wenger name, but Victorinox makes some in Delemont still.

As far as which to get- Supertinker or Deluxe Tinker

I carry my custom made black scale Supertinker that I have modified with a house key in the can opener slot.
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Old 01-15-2016, 11:39 PM
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Out in the glove compartments of both jeeps I keep a Wenger. The one with the cigar cutter, thank you. Yes, I've used the scissors, screw drivers and tweezers. The knife blade is junk. The other implements make up for that.
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Old 01-15-2016, 11:52 PM
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You would be surprised what you can accomplish with a Swiss Army Tool. Locking blades is a nice plus as well.
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Old 01-15-2016, 11:56 PM
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I've seen a couple in stores.

The name Tinker stuck with me.

I seem to remember one called the Champion.

Mainly considering one for duty use.

For some reason I am convinced I need one with scissors.
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Old 01-16-2016, 12:05 AM
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Victorinox- got my first one almost 60 years ago
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Old 01-16-2016, 01:00 AM
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About 40-45 years ago there was a third company that SAK's: PUMA.

I think for standard use and fit in a blue jeans pocket the 11 to 15 function knives the best deal. I like my tinker because of the #2 Phillips screwdriver. I'm on my third or fourth, people like to walk away with them! when camping I carry a "Camper" I bought in Mexico in 1973. This knife is special to me and I carry it in a small Buck case and only when camping.

I gave my bride a similar knife on our honeymoon. I upgraded it to a 32 function version for our tenth anniversary. That got stole along with her purse shortly before our 25th anniversary. I replaced it with the monster 104 function SAK. The first SAK I gave her, she gave to our daughter, when she got married and she only carries it camping! She carries a Tinker everyday in her pocket. She is the mother of triplets and ends up using the knife all the time!

I make small emergency kits out of metal Band-aid boxes, those and every first aid kit have an Executive in them!

Victorinox makes a credit card multi tool in a couple of models. They are just Okay. In a wallet, they get sat on and won't hold up or even hold together. In a purse they have seemed to do marginal. A good medium sized 11-15 function seems to fill many more needs! I had personalized matching ones made for the 35th anniversary, mine didn't survive one year (actually more like 3 months!) Someone tried to impress me by giving me a replacement, It sits in the drawer unopened!

Most children in the extended family get an actual Swiss enlisted-mans or US Army knife at around 10 +/- a year. But, it is a Right, Tradition and Privilege reserved for Uncles! (Dates back to the loss of fathers in WWII).

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Old 01-16-2016, 01:10 AM
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I've carried a Tinker since about 1966. My first fell out of my patch pocket in my fatigue pants while sitting in a helicopter in RVN. My wife sent me another which I carried untl 2002, when both the big blade and the scales were worn. I bought another which slipped out of my pocket this year and asked for, and received another for Christmas. They're miighty useful tools. There's lots of models of SAK, but I think the Tinker is the most practical. And I agree; the steel in the blades is pretty soft stuff, but the presence of all those tools make up for it.
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Old 01-16-2016, 02:12 AM
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I like the Yeoman, but I think they stopped making it. The things I use most are the screwdrivers, scissors, ball point pen, toothpick, knife, and magnifying glass. I used to use the corkscrew a lot, but haven't drank wine in a long time now.
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Old 01-16-2016, 02:36 AM
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I carry a buck 110 on my belt, and a small victorinox tinker in my watch pocket. They compliment each other well. The scissors get the most use. They are great for trimming flies, and those plastic tag things when you buy a shirt. Nice to have the tooth pick and tweezers, and the little blade does things the buck cannot. It also comes in handy when somebody else asks to borrow a knife, and I don't want to give them my buck. @ $13 to $19 it is almost disposable.

I keep a lot of 4 way screw drivers around, so I don't really need silly screw drivers on my knife.

For reference, I spent my youth with a 4 blade victorinox in my pocket, I would open every can and, bottle cap, I could find, but found the screw driver less than satisfactory. It digs into your hand after just a few turns on a screw. I think I only got to use the corkscrew once.

Then carried a champion for a few years, that was fun, but it was too bulky when you just needed the blade. Although the magnifying glass worked very well with the tweezers, and had at least the potential to help light a fire.

If you really need a bulky knife with lots of tools that actually work, the leatherman is a much better choice.

So any victorinox that fits in your pocket is useful, the explorer looks like a good choice, it is the smallest knife that has the magnifying glass. For belt duty, go with a leatherman wave, or similar.

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Old 01-16-2016, 03:44 AM
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I think the best SAKs are unquestionably Victorinox. I think a 3 or 4 layer knife would be versatile enough and easy to carry in a pocket. I usually carry an Explorer but have also carried the Huntsman as well as the 5 layer Ranger. I would suggest thinking about what you may need then look at the SAKs and decide which one will suit you best.

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Old 01-16-2016, 04:02 AM
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For my needs I've found the Victorinox Tinker to be the best EDC knife for me. I've had one in my pocket since the eighties. Very little I can't accomplish with the Tinker and a little time.
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Old 01-16-2016, 08:03 AM
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I've got three or four of them around here. All Victorinox as far as I know, I didn't even know anyone else made them. One of them I carry every day and use about that often for something.

I got no idea what the name or model numbers are. I tend to like the smaller simpler ones, but the one I carry has two knife blades, scissors, bottle/can openers with screwdriver blades, an awl, and a Phillips head S/D, on the bottom.
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Old 01-16-2016, 08:15 AM
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I am very partial to the SwissChamp. Lots of good tools in a still usable pocket or sheath carry size. It is a 91mm long knife. The ever popular Alox soldier comes in 93mm length. If you can find an Alox soldier with a date stamped on the blade, then it was issued for the military. Those with no dates were for civilian issue.

Take a look at this web sight that is very useful in identifying SAKs.

SAKWiki | SAKWiki

If you scroll down, you can see all the various Victorinox and now discontinued Wenger models broken down by their various lengths. You should be able to narrow down a model you would like. The variety and models are a bit mind boggling however.

Wenger is no more, being bought out by Victorinox. For a few years, Wenger knives were being produced by Victorinox. This is no longer the case as of a couple of years ago. However, Victorinox still makes a few Wenger models but using the Victorinox logo at the old Wenger plant.

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Old 01-16-2016, 09:19 AM
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User/owner since 1968.

Lost my first one in 1973 at about 9,000 feet on the Muldrow glacier of Mt. McKinley, now Denali. Slipped out of my packet while working on an Optomis stove, and couldn't find it in the snow. Maybe with global warming I can go back and find it in about 300 years.

Replaced it with a series of Tinkers and Super Tinkers. Used them throughout my military career. I've begun carrying the SAK in one front pocket and my Benchmade Delux Mini Barrage in the other. Good tool on one side and good blade on the other.
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Old 01-16-2016, 09:35 AM
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I've had a few over the years. Right now there's one in my motorcycle tool kit. However, I've never fallen in love with them. I prefer single blade folders and a belt carried mult-tool.
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Old 01-16-2016, 10:16 AM
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Default IT HAS BEEN LOST, BUT CURRENTLY IS FOUND.

My Wenger 10 tool 1975 (counting the toothpick & tweezer) is 4 layers, app 1" thick & fine for pocket carry. The plastic is chipped, the scissor return steel is long broken/lost, the blade is worn down from sharpening I've used the corkscrew to good effect to the point that it's bent (I broke the one on the jumbo sized that I rarely used). I wish it had a file. Every tool on it has been used multiple times, mostly the awl, saw, can opener, nail file. If I'm gonna carry a tool on my belt it's my leatherman wave, a gift to me & my groomsmen at my wedding (I still have mine & use it often). The most useless tool? For me the fish scaler, who would want to clean fish scales/stink from all those nooks & crannies.
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Old 01-16-2016, 10:26 AM
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I have had and carried one with me since 1973. I have the basic recruit one. No scissors or saw type blades. The first one lasted until the late 1990s when it was lost on a plane trip Memphis; I replaced it when I landed. It lasted until about 2009 when I broke a red side of the handle when I dropped it. I sent back for repair and Victorinox sent me a new one. My car carries a Champ in the emergency kit. Rule #9 - I never leave home without it.
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Old 01-16-2016, 11:22 AM
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I've carried various models of SAK's, both Victorinox and Wenger, for almost 50 years. In that time, I've learned less is more, tool wise. Too big and it's not a convenient pocket carry. I carry either a Pioneer or Cadet. They've got everything you need and nothing you don't. Plus, both have ALOX metal scales, so they're darn near indestructible. There are many others, but have a look at those two first.
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Old 01-16-2016, 11:29 AM
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I just looked at the Swiss Army Knife Wiki.......

Holy Cow!

It's mind boggling.
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Old 01-16-2016, 01:51 PM
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I have been throwing SAKs ( a couple of Wengers, but mostly Victorinox) in my motorcycle tank bags for years, but rarely if ever carried one in my pocket. They have come in handy on many occasions.

At the same time, I had always shied away from the alox models, I don't know why, maybe because they don't have the toothpick and tweezers. I use a lot of toothpicks.

A couple of months ago, I picked up an alox Farmer; it has seldom been out of my pocket since, even though with three rows, it is a little chunky. A 2-row Pioneer would probably serve me better, as I have little use for a dinky little saw. Anyway, the alox scales feel really good to handle in the pocket, or to coon-finger in moments of boredom.

I always carry a Leatherman Micra as well. I prefer the scissors, as all the ones on my SAKs have broken springs. I also always carry at least one other knife, one with a decent blade, as I have learned to my regret that there are some occasions where the blade on a Leatherman or SAK just won't cut it.
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Old 01-16-2016, 03:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4506517 View Post
I'm thinking it would be a good idea to start carrying one.

Victorinox or Wenger? They're both the same company now.

Which model?

Why do you like that model?
Since 2014, the wenger models are no longer produced, the two plants only manufacture the "victorinox" line. I carry a cybertool version pretty much all the time. and a hercules when I am going out in to the woods.
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Old 01-16-2016, 04:07 PM
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I am intrigued by the models with pliers.

Anyone have any experience with the pliers?

Seems like they would be handy.
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Old 01-16-2016, 06:41 PM
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Quote:
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I am intrigued by the models with pliers.

Anyone have any experience with the pliers?

Seems like they would be handy.
They are handy but not heavy duty. One of the smallest easily available SAK with the pliers is the Deluxe Tinker which is a knife that has one of the best selections of tools in a 4 layer knife.

I think the smallest is the Mechanic.

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Old 01-16-2016, 07:07 PM
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I carry an Explorer daily. I use the small scissors for tons of things and at my age, having the small magnifying glass means I can get by without a pair of readers when it comes to extracting a splinter from one of my grand kids hands or trying to read the small print on a part.
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Old 01-16-2016, 07:21 PM
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I usually have my Victorinox Tinker or Camper on me. They are great pocket knives, and a good overall size IMO. I also will have a single blade locking folder as well most of the time.
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Old 01-16-2016, 08:01 PM
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I have a bunch of them I've used over the years.

The Tinker & Super Tinker have been the most useful, overall. I have smaller & larger, though. I found the Tinker to be a great addition to my uniform & plainclothes pocket gear. They served me well for a range of work tasks for which a Buck 110 or Gerber FSII weren't suitable.

I prefer the scissors over the pliers. If I want pliers, I'll add a multi-tool to the day's pocket load-out.

Got them with small & large scissors, and without scissors.

Even a large one with a locking blade.

Got one of the older OD green Mauser marked folders with 2 large blades and a saw (and assorted normal tools). It's one of a few that have my badge number scratched into the scales, so it goes back some years to when I was carrying bigger ones most of the time.

I usually carry 2-4 folding knives when I'm out & about, but nowadays SAK's have dropped down to positions 3 or 4. I've been enjoying a resurgence of interest in stockman & congress folders for a lot of everyday chores. Nostalgic, as well as handy as they've ever been for chores requiring blades.

When I'm on the road, I try to keep at least one SAK in my car and/or in my luggage (and a multi-tool).
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Old 01-16-2016, 08:17 PM
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The big olive drab ones are a German Army Knife pattern. They can still be had from a number of manufacturers, but not with the Mauser badging. The saw on the Victorinox really works.

I find a stockman really useful, too. Recently I picked up a four-bladed model from Rough Rider, screwdriver/cap-lifter in addition to the usual three blades.
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Old 01-16-2016, 10:37 PM
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I have no idea about model names. I found mine laying in the mud in an eddy in the creek decades ago. Get one with scissors. I can cut my toenails (which my wife describes as "paleolithic") with them better than any nail trimmer.
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Old 01-16-2016, 11:34 PM
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Default Alox

Aluminum handled Pioneer or Soldier. Stronger. Thicker blades.
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Old 01-17-2016, 12:58 AM
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Default SAK with pliers.

Quote:
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I am intrigued by the models with pliers.

Anyone have any experience with the pliers?

Seems like they would be handy.
My son and I were back a mile of swamp land and a mile of pasture land in our ARGO when the throttle housing cracked on the steering handle (accidentally hit by a big limb that was half rotten). The throttle cable had to be pulled--the action one does when rotating your wrist backward on the handle, like reving a motorcycle--to accelerate the engine and make the ARGO run. With the cracked housing, you could not engage the throttle cable, nor could we pull on it with our fingers. We were looking at a long, cold, wet walk back.

My son loves a SAK like any kid--the more implements and the fatter the better. He says "wait a minute" and pulls one he carries in his hunting vest. It has pliers which he uses to pull the throttle cable, rev the ARGO right up, and we limp it home.
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Old 01-17-2016, 01:06 AM
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I have had both Wenger and Victorinox for over 60 years and never paid much attention to the names of models. In general the Wenger like for like to Victorinox is a bit more compact making it ideal for one who wants a lot of features in as small a package as possible. Both are the same steel and other materials, and offer the same lifetime guarantee. You can not go wrong with either. My own collection is over 25 SA knives and the one I carry daily is a Wenger with a lock blade, saw, scissor, pliers and the other basics. I like the corkscrew because I put an instrument screwdriver in it to fix my glasses when they become loose. The plier is nice but I could do without it, but all the other features are mandatory to me. There are many stores who have sales on these and your best bet would be to go there and decide which would suit you best given your list of needs.

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Old 01-17-2016, 01:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Marshwheeling View Post
The big olive drab ones are a German Army Knife pattern. They can still be had from a number of manufacturers, but not with the Mauser badging. The saw on the Victorinox really works.
Wow!! I'd love to have one with the Mauser logo on it. Are they still available anywhere?
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Old 01-17-2016, 02:05 AM
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Every day I carry either a Vic Super Tinker or Pioneer--the Pioneer is the knife that actually was issued to Swiss troops for many years, with the alox scales with impressed checkering--along with either a Spyderco Endura or a SOG Flash II.

I've owned a couple of Wengers over the years, but never liked them as well as the Victorinox.
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Old 01-17-2016, 03:06 AM
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I've been carrying a Victorinox Spartan since 1972. I'm always needing a blade to cut something, and the screwdrivers and bottle opener get frequent use. I've collected others over the years that I keep in my emergency stash for the truck, hunting kit, and tank bag on my bike, but the Spartan has the basic tools without being overly bulky. Back in the day, Wegner had inferior steel that wouldn't hold an edge or sharpen up like Victorinox steel.
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Old 01-17-2016, 07:45 AM
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I am intrigued by the models with pliers.

Anyone have any experience with the pliers?

Seems like they would be handy.
I've got one with the pliers. It's too big for me to pocket carry, but it stays in a "junk box" where I keep my reloading stuff. Comes in handy for a lot of small jobs. I used to keep it in my fishing tackle box, now that I think about it. The pliers were perfect for the nuts that held the handles on casting reels. I've had that knife for probably 20 or more years. My ex-wife got that one with coupons from Marlboro cigarettes. She didn't smoke, but everybody she worked with did, and she just told them to give her the packs they were throwing away.

Like a lot of people I really like the tweezers and toothpicks on my SAKs, but I kept loosing them, so one day I ordered a half dozen or so of each. They were about fifty cents each or so.

Haven't lost one since.
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Old 01-17-2016, 08:21 AM
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Posted by Cyrano
"Wow!! I'd love to have one with the Mauser logo on it. Are they still available anywhere?"

SAKWiki | Mauser

They have been discontinued for quite some time now. They do come up on eBay from time to time though.

Last edited by Chako; 01-17-2016 at 08:23 AM.
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Old 01-17-2016, 10:29 AM
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I've carried the Climber (Vic) or Traveler (Weng) for over forty years now. I think they have the best all around set of things on them for the size. I don't like them with too many tools - too ungainly for me. I definitely like the Wenger type scissors better than the Vic. Other handy ones to have when space is an issue would be the (Wenger) Pocket Toolchest and the (Vic) Mini-champ or Executive models. In the mini-sizes, the Wenger is slightly longer. The new model Evolutions are real good - great grips. Don't discount having the corkscrew - it carries a high coolness factor. By far the best prices are on ebay for the old models. I gave my Mom one of the mini-size ones, and after she poo-pooed the heck out of it finally had to admit she used it almost daily for the rest of her life (scissors, nailfile mostly).
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Old 01-17-2016, 12:09 PM
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The Tinker and Super Tinker are the ones I keep finding most useful.
The one in my pocket now has the large blade, small blade, scissors, bottle opener /large screw driver, can opener / small screwdriver, on the back is a phillips head screwdriver, hole making awl, with a eyelet for using as a lacing tool (I think?) , tweezers and toothpick of course . A lot of useful tools in a compact size. I've always bought Victronox because they were good.
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Old 01-17-2016, 12:54 PM
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I have Tinkers and Soldiers, but the one I carry everyday is the One Hand Trekker.
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Old 01-17-2016, 12:58 PM
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Tinker Swiss Army Knife I have been carrying one for quite a while and it is a very useful knife I use mine on a regular basis.
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Old 01-17-2016, 03:54 PM
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Look into the Victorinox Compact a lot of tools in a nice size knife, fits well in the pocket.
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Old 01-17-2016, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Cyrano View Post
Wow!! I'd love to have one with the Mauser logo on it. Are they still available anywhere?
Dunno. This is an online pic of one similar to the one I own (posted by someone else). https://atmknives.wordpress.com/2013...orinox-mauser/

Also, victorinox mauser knife | eBay
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Old 01-17-2016, 07:06 PM
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Victornox is the real thing. That's what you want. I use Victornox Forsner at work top notch Swiss made knives. I also have a Victornox watch I've had for years.
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Old 01-18-2016, 12:14 AM
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I'm thinking it's going to be the Tinker.

Looks like its gonna best suit my needs.

Awww, who am I kidding? I'm probably going to start there and end up buying a couple to figure it out.

It's the most common answer to most questions in the gun world: "Just buy both".
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Old 01-18-2016, 12:27 AM
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Victornox is the real thing. That's what you want. I use Victornox Forsner at work top notch Swiss made knives. I also have a Victornox watch I've had for years.

Are you trying to say that you have a Vic. Forester model or a knife marked Forschner, a brand of kitchen knives made by Vic.? Forschner may also source knives from other makers. And Vic. sell their kitchen knives under their own name, too.

Are you maybe a butcher?

Last edited by Texas Star; 01-18-2016 at 01:19 AM.
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Old 01-18-2016, 01:06 AM
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First, the basic model for your trousers should probably be the Spartan (has corkscrew) or the Tinker (subs a Phillips-head screwdriver for the corkscrew.) These have the basic blades of a Boy Scout knife, plus a toothpick, tweezer, a second blade, and a better can opener. I chose the Spartan because I want a corkscrew and the small screwdriver will usually turn Phillips screws. It's on the can opener blade. The bottle opener blade has the large screwdriver.

If you want a smaller one for dress slacks and you seldom need a can opener, etc., the Executive model is good. The nail file blade can turn some Philips screws, as can the tip of the fruit peeler blade. And its teeth can cut some ropes, etc.

For police duty use, as the OP wants, I'd carry a Spartan in my pocket and a longer one with more tools in a coat pocket or in a briefcase. My briefcase holds a SOS Kit in nice black leather with a SwissChamp.

You may need a saw. The former German Army one has a nice one, with a combo tool on the tip that opens cans and bottles and works as a screwdriver. The saw is larger than on the regular 91mm closed knives, but even that saw, like on the Camper, SwissChamp, etc. is surprisingly effective.

The longer Hunter model is worth a look for a belt pouch or coat pocket. I plan to buy one. I like the roebuck/rhebok head on the handle. I think handles can be either red or green. I want green.

I've carried a SAK since 1966, and have maybe 20 in various models. Which I carry depends on where I'm going and what I'm doing that day.

Many tools serve more than the stated purpose. The corkscrew, for instance, undoes knots. (You may not want to cut something that has a knot in it, like a shoelace.) The corkscrew is useable, but should be regarded as sort of emergency tool if you are somewhere that no one has one.
The corkscrew on the larger German folding hunting knives, like the Puma Models 943 and 959 is a better corkscrew. At home or on picnics, the regular wooden corkscrew with two handles is best. Some corks are pretty stubborn, especially if the wine has been stored upright and the cork has dried out.

But the one on standard size SAK's usually works, if with a bit more effort. The larger one on the former German Army knife is better, and that knife is good to take hiking or on picnics. Be aware that Vic. is only one of several contractors to the Bundswehr. I think their knives are best, but saw one by Robt. Klaas, Kissing Crane brand that was also very good.

Actual German surplus knives are often sold for cheap prices, but may have seen considerable use. Try to see the knife before purchase. Mail orders are just taking pot luck.

CYRANO: The Mauser-marked brand is NOT identical to the German issue knife, which has the Bundswehr eagle on one handle scale. The Mauser model has an added blade. There was also a red one of the German model, made commercially only, as the Safari model. The red scales, like the OD ones on the military and Mauser models, are checkered. The springs are stronger and the knives are larger than the Tinker, etc.

I LOVE SAK's and appreciate them for what they are. If you do a lot of heavy duty cutting, yes, they can dull sooner than a harder steel of different characteristics. It isn't fair to expect a SAK blade to hold an edge as long as a 154CM blade on an expensive custom knife or a high end Benchmade, etc.
You're comparing a $20 knife to a $200 one! And the SAK has more than just cutting blades!

In normal use by someone who isn't an industrial worker who cuts carpet, etc. all day, the SAK blades are fine. And they're sure easier for most people to hone.

I think the true Victorinox brand SAK's are among the world's true best buys, even bargains.

You can see SAK's evaluated on YouTube. You can even take a tour of the factory. But be aware that many making videos know very little of their subject. Many of these ninnies don't know the tool names, or even the purposes! But the better vids are good, and if the video has good resolution, you can see the blades in use and get a look at that knife model.

Swiss Army Brands no longer imports as many models as they did, mainly due to knife regs for airlines and so many workplaces, court houses, etc. You can obtain other models from the actual factory, and import duty is low or none. Address the Export Director there. He has good English, of course.

The address is:

Carl Elsener Messerfabrik/Victorinox
CH-6438
Ibach-Schwyz
Switzerland

Last edited by Texas Star; 01-18-2016 at 01:39 AM.
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Old 01-18-2016, 06:30 AM
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Are you trying to say that you have a Vic. Forester model or a knife marked Forschner, a brand of kitchen knives made by Vic.? Forschner may also source knives from other makers. And Vic. sell their kitchen knives under their own name, too.

Are you maybe a butcher?
Yes meatcutter. They are Victornox forshner knives for butchering.
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Old 01-18-2016, 09:29 AM
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It's worth noting that a blade that dulls quicker is also quicker to sharpen. Couple swipes and it's back in business. I used one from 72 till 95 and the blade was half gone from sharpening. Instead of giving me a new blade, SAK sent me a new knife.
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