A couple of years ago I started carrying a SAK in my pocket. I have found them to be the perfect pocket tool. I have had several Leatherman tools but I like the SAK more. I started with the Pioneer X and then got a few Cadet's and then a Farmer and a Fieldmaster. I found that sometimes I needed a saw and others the scissors. I always seemed to have the wrong one. I finally picked up the Swisschamp. I have carried it daily for almost a year now and I love it. You can get really creative for what you can use some of the tools for. Earlier this year I was taking some blinds down and my stakes were deep in the ground. I used the multipurpose hook that I thought I would never use to pull the stakes out. I still carry a ZT folder in my other pocket but the SAK gets much more use than the other knife. Are there any other SAK users here?
Sidearms & Scatterguns Any Swiss Army Knife Fans?
- Thread starter Nosler243Shooter
- Start date
Oh yeah.
I'd had small and/or cheap ones even as a child, but I bought a Mauser-badged Victorinox when I was about 18 and carried it quite a bit hiking and camping. I was thinking I lost it or sold/traded it but my mom passed away in 2013 and I found it in my dads possessions (he's passed several years earlier) with some other knives and then I recalled I'd given it to him when I was on a lull on carrying it.
A few years went by where I didn't have one and a long time friend and fellow hiker (and former 82nd ABN E5) was carrying a Swiss Champ on several of our overnight hikes here in the Western NC mountains and I was impressed with all the functions. Until then I was AWARE of the Champ in the line but always thought it was too big (even thinking it was so "overdone" with functions it was funny. ) After noticing how many tasks he did with his however I decided I needed one.
I mentioned this to my fiance (now my wife of 22 years!) and she bought it for my birthday on our first year together, and I carried it everywhere - either in the top compartment of a pack when hiking, or a "warbag" (I was carrying EDC bags before it was "cool") for everyday carry. This knife was bought with the "SOS Kit" (black leather pouch with a compass, honing stone, some safety pins, band-aids, etc.) I used to joke I could take over a small third world country with that kit...
That kit lasted from 1995 until 2006 when I lost a BUNCH of gear in an on-duty car fire (Crown Vic). The knife was burned beyond use but I still have it somewhere. I replaced it in January of 2007 but the SOS Kit was hard to find and I never replaced it. I had THAT Swiss Champ until last year at Thanksgiving when a 14 year old (but very mature) nephew admitted he's lost the one I had gotten him for Christmas the year before. I "gifted" him mine on the spot and ordered my THIRD, which is now in my "warbag" which rides with me everywhere on and off duty.
So...about 10 years seems to be the average life expectancy of a Swiss Champ for me.
A couple years ago I bought a Huntsman Plus that I actually carry in my left pants pocket... I bought two others which I gave my brother and his son-my only remaining immediate family. All three are identical with matching red fobs.
Also-I always harp to others how many functions they can do...and the BLADES are some of the LEAST used (because I usually have more primary EDC blades close at hand.) I can't tell you HOW MANY times I have used the straight pin (*I always suggest putting about a 5 degree bend in it when you buy one with the pin so it doesn't fall out*), or the ink pen (probably 50-75 times over the years in the bank drive thru alone, when I had no other pens on me or in the car). I was able to help a stranded motorist once with loose and corroded battery terminals get her car started with the pliers and file. SO many uses!
I'd had small and/or cheap ones even as a child, but I bought a Mauser-badged Victorinox when I was about 18 and carried it quite a bit hiking and camping. I was thinking I lost it or sold/traded it but my mom passed away in 2013 and I found it in my dads possessions (he's passed several years earlier) with some other knives and then I recalled I'd given it to him when I was on a lull on carrying it.
A few years went by where I didn't have one and a long time friend and fellow hiker (and former 82nd ABN E5) was carrying a Swiss Champ on several of our overnight hikes here in the Western NC mountains and I was impressed with all the functions. Until then I was AWARE of the Champ in the line but always thought it was too big (even thinking it was so "overdone" with functions it was funny. ) After noticing how many tasks he did with his however I decided I needed one.
I mentioned this to my fiance (now my wife of 22 years!) and she bought it for my birthday on our first year together, and I carried it everywhere - either in the top compartment of a pack when hiking, or a "warbag" (I was carrying EDC bags before it was "cool") for everyday carry. This knife was bought with the "SOS Kit" (black leather pouch with a compass, honing stone, some safety pins, band-aids, etc.) I used to joke I could take over a small third world country with that kit... That kit lasted from 1995 until 2006 when I lost a BUNCH of gear in an on-duty car fire (Crown Vic). The knife was burned beyond use but I still have it somewhere. I replaced it in January of 2007 but the SOS Kit was hard to find and I never replaced it. I had THAT Swiss Champ until last year at Thanksgiving when a 14 year old (but very mature) nephew admitted he's lost the one I had gotten him for Christmas the year before. I "gifted" him mine on the spot and ordered my THIRD, which is now in my "warbag" which rides with me everywhere on and off duty.
So...about 10 years seems to be the average life expectancy of a Swiss Champ for me.
A couple years ago I bought a Huntsman Plus that I actually carry in my left pants pocket... I bought two others which I gave my brother and his son-my only remaining immediate family. All three are identical with matching red fobs.
Also-I always harp to others how many functions they can do...and the BLADES are some of the LEAST used (because I usually have more primary EDC blades close at hand.) I can't tell you HOW MANY times I have used the straight pin (*I always suggest putting about a 5 degree bend in it when you buy one with the pin so it doesn't fall out*), or the ink pen (probably 50-75 times over the years in the bank drive thru alone, when I had no other pens on me or in the car). I was able to help a stranded motorist once with loose and corroded battery terminals get her car started with the pliers and file. SO many uses!
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And not technically one of the SAKs we are discussing but this is on my wishlist:
I already carry either a Spyderco Delica and Endura on me everyday, so it would be completely intuitive (thumbhole opening, back lock blade release.)
I already carry either a Spyderco Delica and Endura on me everyday, so it would be completely intuitive (thumbhole opening, back lock blade release.)
She's a beauty!
Great story, thanks for sharing. That pen has been so useful. When I use the pen I put it in the space where the hooks sits and close the hook back on top of it so I have a larger area to hold on to. I'll be buying a few more Swisschamp's this year for Christmas gifts.Oh yeah.
I'd had small and/or cheap ones even as a child, but I bought a Mauser-badged Victorinox when I was about 18 and carried it quite a bit hiking and camping. I was thinking I lost it or sold/traded it but my mom passed away in 2013 and I found it in my dads possessions (he's passed several years earlier) with some other knives and then I recalled I'd given it to him when I was on a lull on carrying it.
A few years went by where I didn't have one and a long time friend and fellow hiker (and former 82nd ABN E5) was carrying a Swiss Champ on several of our overnight hikes here in the Western NC mountains and I was impressed with all the functions. Until then I was AWARE of the Champ in the line but always thought it was too big (even thinking it was so "overdone" with functions it was funny. ) After noticing how many tasks he did with his however I decided I needed one.
That kit lasted from 1995 until 2006 when I lost a BUNCH of gear in an on-duty car fire (Crown Vic). The knife was burned beyond use but I still have it somewhere. I replaced it in January of 2007 but the SOS Kit was hard to find and I never replaced it. I had THAT Swiss Champ until last year at Thanksgiving when a 14 year old (but very mature) nephew admitted he's lost the one I had gotten him for Christmas the year before. I "gifted" him mine on the spot and ordered my THIRD, which is now in my "warbag" which rides with me everywhere on and off duty.
So...about 10 years seems to be the average life expectancy of a Swiss Champ for me.
A couple years ago I bought a Huntsman Plus that I actually carry in my left pants pocket... I bought two others which I gave my brother and his son-my only remaining immediate family. All three are identical with matching red fobs.
Also-I always harp to others how many functions they can do...and the BLADES are some of the LEAST used (because I usually have more primary EDC blades close at hand.) I can't tell you HOW MANY times I have used the straight pin (*I always suggest putting about a 5 degree bend in it when you buy one with the pin so it doesn't fall out*), or the ink pen (probably 50-75 times over the years in the bank drive thru alone, when I had no other pens on me or in the car). I was able to help a stranded motorist once with loose and corroded battery terminals get her car started with the pliers and file. SO many uses!
As a grain farmer I really like the tinker and carry it everyday. Seems like it is always getting me out of a pinch and saving me walking back to the shop for a different tool. Only thing I wish they made was a lock blade in this configuration that was as compact and light.
I'm a Field Service Specialist in AV/Electronics and have carried a Swiss army of one kind or another for decades. The current knife I found under the dresser of my Dad's bedroom. He passed away and we were cleaning out stuff and moving my Mom to another easier to maintain home and I found it while packing up to move her.
I use it every day and keep it sharp and oiled. Not fancy but functional with a toothpick, tweezers, dual blades, and screw driver.
I used to make knives and have several really nice customs. My EDC pocket knife is a Swiss Army knife.
VooDoo
I use it every day and keep it sharp and oiled. Not fancy but functional with a toothpick, tweezers, dual blades, and screw driver.
I used to make knives and have several really nice customs. My EDC pocket knife is a Swiss Army knife.
VooDoo
When I was stationed in Switzerland the departing gift to each Marine was a trip to the local Victorinox store to pick out a knife.
Most guys got the fattest, most accessorized knife they had.
I picked up one of the side lockers with a saw, the can opener, blade, tooth pick, tweezers and maybe one other tool.
Guys we're kind of bummed I got such a simple knife but it's a fantastic in the pack companion tool.
I EDC other knives but my Red scaled SAK is a very functional piece.
Most guys got the fattest, most accessorized knife they had.
I picked up one of the side lockers with a saw, the can opener, blade, tooth pick, tweezers and maybe one other tool.
Guys we're kind of bummed I got such a simple knife but it's a fantastic in the pack companion tool.
I EDC other knives but my Red scaled SAK is a very functional piece.
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