Swiss Army Knife
- Thread starter 4506517
- Start date
SAK with pliers.
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.
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.
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.
Last edited:
Wow!! I'd love to have one with the Mauser logo on it. Are they still available anywhere?
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
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.
I've owned a couple of Wengers over the years, but never liked them as well as the Victorinox.
Ranger514
Member
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.
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.
Last edited:
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.
"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:
SAK
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).
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).
gwpercle
Member
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.
Gary
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.
Gary
kilo charlie
Member
I have Tinkers and Soldiers, but the one I carry everyday is the One Hand Trekker.
mg357
Absent Comrade
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.
Look into the Victorinox Compact a lot of tools in a nice size knife, fits well in the pocket.
Dunno. This is an online pic of one similar to the one I own (posted by someone else). https://atmknives.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/victorinox-mauser/
Also, victorinox mauser knife | eBay
cjcutter1
Member
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.
OP
4506517
Member
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".
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".
Texas Star
US Veteran
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:
Texas Star
US Veteran
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
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:
cjcutter1
Member
Yes meatcutter. They are Victornox forshner knives for butchering.
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.
gwpercle
Member
My brother , a meatcutter also, gave me one of his old Forschner boning knives, they bought new ones, I own a lot of knives but the Forschner is the best, cuts like a razor, holds an edge and sharpens easily. Didn't know they were made by Victornox untill I went to their web site. If you want one of the best meat cutting knives for not a whole lot of money , use what the pro's use Forschner. I'm going to buy a few more !
Gary
cjcutter1
Member
I have many. They are the best. 12" ciameter, 8" breaking and 6" semi stiff curved boning knife are my daily cutlery. Detail work,trimming and portioning. Great tools.
Backlighting
Member
Carbon steel vs stainless steel.
No need to frequently sharpen my stainless SAK (Tinker), which is a quality piece...I just can't fillet fish with it.
It resides in my backpack, when hiking, for the other chores it does very well.
It's my understanding that stainless will hold the edge longer than carbon...but you can get a sharper edge on carbon.
I have a carbon steel 12" butcher knife that can cut paper thin slices off a roast beef.
No need to frequently sharpen my stainless SAK (Tinker), which is a quality piece...I just can't fillet fish with it.
It resides in my backpack, when hiking, for the other chores it does very well.
It's my understanding that stainless will hold the edge longer than carbon...but you can get a sharper edge on carbon.
I have a carbon steel 12" butcher knife that can cut paper thin slices off a roast beef.
Last edited:
Texas Star
US Veteran
As for steels, whether carbon or stainless holds an edge better depends on the particular steels compared and their heat treating.
Gary Randall told me that of his blades, the stainless might hold an edge maybe 10% less long, but if you need rust resistance, that's clearly the main factor.
And based on the knives I've seen, I think Randall's stainless blades tend to be better polished.
Of course, Victorinox's blades are really well polished, not given the "satin" look of so many modern knives. I like that. Their knives resist rust very well.
Use a pipe cleaner to clean inside pocketknives, and carry only the knife and a handkerchief in the same pocket. Coins, keys, etc. scratch up a knife something awful.
Gary Randall told me that of his blades, the stainless might hold an edge maybe 10% less long, but if you need rust resistance, that's clearly the main factor.
And based on the knives I've seen, I think Randall's stainless blades tend to be better polished.
Of course, Victorinox's blades are really well polished, not given the "satin" look of so many modern knives. I like that. Their knives resist rust very well.
Use a pipe cleaner to clean inside pocketknives, and carry only the knife and a handkerchief in the same pocket. Coins, keys, etc. scratch up a knife something awful.
Last edited:
gwpercle
Member
I thought the Forchner my brother he gave me was a boning knife, but after looking at the cimeter pattern , had to look that one up , it's a cimeter that has been sharpen so many times it comes to a point and just looks like a boning, even in a well used condition it's still awesome! I could barely make out the name on it. Thanks for the recommendations for patterns
Gary
Last edited:
cjcutter1
Member
They do wear down over time from sharpening and just normal usage I still keep all mine and rotate them and work buys a me a set every few years. I use a chefschoice electric sharpener the professional model. Best $400.00 I've spent takes all the guess work out of sharpening. Which is a art form in itself,and I don't have it. I don't even have to use a steel during a days work cutting. Just bring my knives home and a few second touch up on each and I'm good for another day of cutting. I've seen guys try to sharpen there knives and just destroy the edge over time,makes for a sore arm and hard cutting day. Some use knives that look like pencils they have been sharpened so many times but they still work. You have a good tool there. A boning knive would be a 5" or 6" blade when new.Straight or curved,stiff,semi-stiff or flexible.
birdshooter
Member
Loyal Victorinox user here. Been carrying one for 15+ years. I'm on my second one as I lost my camper last year. Only knife I carry. I wear dress clothes a lot and don't think the belt clip style of knife looks good sticking out of the pocket. Seems I use the other tools more often than the blade too. Can't see ever being without one.
Texas Star
US Veteran
My only real gripe about SAK's is that most don't have really sharp blade tips. You have to carefully hone the last fraction of a inch for them to stab well.
Even if you don't intend to ever use the knife as a weapon, stabbing is useful for such things as sticking the blade into cardboard seals when opening new medicine bottles. or when opening some packages.
I've been going over my Victorinoxes, and I need to sharpen several blade tips. The smaller pen blades are often okay, but the main blades tend to have dull tips.
Does this bother anyone else here? Do you sharpen the tips? It just takes a mm or less distance to sharpen them. The stone that comes in their SOS Kit pouches will work.
Even if you don't intend to ever use the knife as a weapon, stabbing is useful for such things as sticking the blade into cardboard seals when opening new medicine bottles. or when opening some packages.
I've been going over my Victorinoxes, and I need to sharpen several blade tips. The smaller pen blades are often okay, but the main blades tend to have dull tips.
Does this bother anyone else here? Do you sharpen the tips? It just takes a mm or less distance to sharpen them. The stone that comes in their SOS Kit pouches will work.
Last edited:
Similar threads
- Locked
