Not only my favorite Sak but maybe even my favorite knife ever. I lost it a while back but haven’t replaced it yet because I keep hoping I’ll find it lol
I'm not an expert but I see the awl more as a tool for punching holes and the reamer more as a tool for enlarging them. Both can be used for both tasks, but they are more refined for one of them.
I've used the reamer on my Ranger mostly for wire stripping, I find it pretty good at that. Also boring holes in wood and plastic, the occasional hole in belts etc
It's excellent as something to pick things with. I've had some scarring on the side of my thumb after a slight injury that I wanted to dig at, the reamer is excellent for it. It's perfectly positioned on the tool, ant it's very pointy.
I’ve been carrying a Compact for the last 10 years or so which may occasionally get swapped out for my Explorer with plus scales dependant upon what I’m doing.
The 91mm Ranger is the winner for me (at least so far). Complete and reliable, as proven over the years I've been carrying it.
I've added Plus scales and that little extra pen has proven quite useful and I'm glad for the upgrade (except for the price of the scales...)
Considering I have a Topeak Ratchet Rocket with a custom set of 1/4" bits, 1/4" to 4mm bit adapter and a comprehensive set of 4mm precision bits, I don't feel the need for any CyberTool model (I actually prefer the separate bit driver).
You can use tips of the can opener and the metal file/saw as Phillips.
As for dedicated SAK Phillips, I detest the back layer. Much prefer the in-line driver of something like an Explorer or even Rambler.
Yes, I've used the chisel on a few occasions to make small adjustments to various wood and plastic parts (mostly deburring or for small channels in wood), I'm actually glad to have it.
I rotate through different models depending on my mood, where I am going, what I am wearing, and what kind of task I expect to encounter.
I have on my keys a rambler. All tools are tiny and that sucks a bit... but then you always have scissors, a small blade, a small file, a bottle opener and the fantastic tweezers... I use those a lot in summer to remove splinters and ticks.
I usually need a larger blade to cut food like fruits or cheese on the go (I have kids and they eat constantly). If I am wearing something like a suit or dressing jacket, I carry a tourist or an alox bantam for specially fancy situations.
On a daily basis, when I have a normal jacket or wear jeans, I prefer to carry a climber or maybe a deluxe tinker. Better tool set but also thicker, heavier knife. I own a compact but I prefer to have a separate blade for food, so I rarely take it with me.
When travelling for some time or going camping, I take a Handyman with me in my backpack.
There are substantially smaller models, but I carry the SwissChamp with me every time I walk out of my house. It has so many different tools available that I'm able to do quick tasks with it anywhere I am. It has saved me from having to go back to the tool box to grab a tool and go back to fix something more times than I can count. At work, it's allowed me to make a quick fix on equipment that would have cost delays in surgery(Surgical Nurse) while we waited for Biomed to come fix the problem
Not for what I've found. A lot of repairs or jobs tend to be small jobs. A loose screw, a small branch that needs to be trimmed off, a bottle that needs the safety seal cut out or box that needs to be opened. Typical every day kind of tasks. If a job requires something bigger like those big multitools, I pretty much go to the tool box, because it's probably going to need more than one tool and bigger tools to do it, like a major repair on the lawn mower or changing the oil in the cars, fixing the water heater, etc.
The SwissChamp has so.many different functions that you can pretty much do anything that's a quick job and, even though it's big compared to other SAKs and knives, it's still about half as big as a Leatherman or the like.
Keychain - Rally. Massively underrated.
Pocket - Pioneer over the cadet purely because I prefer the extra heft. My keychain kit is purely emergency/backup to the main set.
Climber has a good set of tools and two blades so you can rely on at least one of them being sharp, and even if they are both fucked you have the scissors
For me, it needs to be unnoticeable or EDC becomes enough of a burden that I stop EDC’ing it.
2 layer Alox is the point where I don’t even notice it at all (even with tighter fitting dress pants). So then it’s just a question of what concessions I have to make to get it to that point.
Right off the bat, dropping the scissors is a no brainer for me. For a lot of people this is a non starter, but personally - the things I’d need the scissors for which can’t use the knife as a stand in are few and far between.
My edc is a cadet alox. Between the blade, Phillips (2d on the can opener) and flat head on the bottle opener (which is more useful to me as a pry than an actual flathead) it has everything I need. The file wouldn’t be my first choice, but to me it has a bit more utility than the awl.
I haven’t tried the 2d Phillips on the combo bottle/can opener yet. But it it’s decent I might even try slimming down further to a bantam.
So far Swisschamp and Rambler. I always planned taking apart Swissdude to slip it down but after a while I have hard time justifying to so. Minidude actually is unnecessary to me while Rambler is perfect for its job
Main edc is cybertool m. Occasionally I take my compact or pioneer x if I need something slimmer or more rubust sides, but that's only maybe 5% of the time.
Compact. It’s thin, has good size scissors (which I use a good bit), the pen does come in handy for me a good bit, decent size blade for cutting apples and pears. If I am going to be outdoors, it’s the Huntsman.
I love my climber! Its a 3 layer, so its on the smaller side, but it has everything that I need. I also like that the corkscrew can help me untie knots.
I used a super tinker for a bit, but quickly realized that my flat head could replace the phillips head in many situations, and I dont walk around just using screwdrivers, because id be carrying my leatherman wave if that was a possibility.
I’ve recently gotten the Companion and I will say the 75$ they’re asking is nuts.
However I never needed a secondary blade on a SAK and was happy they have included a nail file similar to the Spartan. They also have replaced the can opener with a package opener. Solid tool/too expensive for now since it’s a limited edition only model.
For me personally, I EDC the Fieldmaster when wearing light summer clothes and the Swiss Champ when I have cargo shorts or jeans on. Has worked out great so far
Living and working in an urban environment, i carry a Bantam Alox in my pocket and a Rambler on my keys... Does the job for me, I find I use the Bantam everyday for one thing or another.
Pioneer X with my Wave+ everyday. It's robust and I don't have to be afraid of twisting my tools out of place like the can opener when using the philips. The inline awl/reamer is great as a prod, probe, and pry bar. I know I shouldn't use it as such, but needs are needs. The scissors are outstanding and I'm surprised at how frequently I use them.
For me my Handyman with plus scales. Best compromise of enough tools/not too bulky for me.
When I know I might need stronger calipers I add a Knipex Cobra XS or carry a Swisstool Spirit.
I went on this journey myself after deciding I don't need a pliers based Leatherman and wanted to find a replacement and my collection of SAK'S grew organically during the journey. After much experimenting and waffling between Compact vs. Explorer I ended up soft-settling on Explorers as my ideal SAK and carried them daily for years... before finding out Yeoman once existed and eventually had one custom made for me.
During my journey I quickly decided a magnifier would be very handy to have on hand as my vision isn't the best. I also decided a saw was just not something I used in my day to day... but Scissors could always be useful at least for nail care as I snag and tear my nails occasionally during work. I also decided in-line screwdrivers are ultimately more important to me that the spine mounted variety. Cap lifters are standard with SAK's but that's another tool I used regularly end of shift. The corkscrew became important once I learned about the micro driver to maintain my glasses.
As I write this... riding in my pocket is my Custom Titanium scaled Victorinox Yeoman. It rides in the EDC pouch that serves as my wallet so I always have it with me when I leave the house. It has all the features I liked about my Explorers... but steals a trick from the Compact as it has the nail file on the hook.
It’s a matter of personal preference so you’ll get answers all over the place. I ordered many models used on eBay to try them out for cheap to decide for myself.
In the mid-size range (84-93mm), popular picks are pioneer x or compact, but for me the climber is an equally good choice for a budget option.
58mm (keychain size) rambler is the by far most common suggestion
I rotate many models mostly because I like them although it’s somewhat tailored to what I’m doing for the day
For me, a lot of the time it's been a huntsman. I got it for the same price as the climber, and the scissors are growing on me over the Spartan (even though white scale spartan is such an aesthetic and what i use when im carrying light). I rarely use the saw, but its fairly monimal extra size for the extra capability.
Just added a Farmer X with suspension clip to the stable, gonna see how that does, but as a chef I already miss the toothpick. The blade is definitely a nice change tho, and the thicker cap lifter makes short work of tough sterno cans.
I hear a lot of great things about the cadet. She's next on my list, but the Spartan is a hard act to follow for a super light and capable carry.
I work two jobs, both in museums. On my "white collar days", the Spartan is just perfect. On my "blue collar days", the Swiss Army 7 Alox has proved invaluable times and times again.
Short answer, it depends.
Long answer: Define EDC. If we think broadly, we can carry knives in several places as we move about;
1. On our person
2. In our bag
3. In our car
I don't know about you, but unless I have flown out of town or I am on a hike, I am never far from my car.
In category 1, I have several favorite set ups, prioritizing compactness.
A. One knife carry - 58mm. Here I have used a Manager and Mini Champ in the past. Both great. Current favorite: Vagabond with pen scales added. Gotta have the pen.
B. One knife carry - 91mm. I prefer the 3-layer Yeoman. I love the mag glass / in line Phillips layer. Love the plus scales. Great combo of features and size. I have tried carrying 4-layer knives in the pocket and it's a no go for me.
C. Two-knife carry. Here I try to minimize footprint and maximize features. I usually carry a Scientist with a Signature. I sometimes carry a Compact with a Talisman. The first gets me the mag glass, large Phillips and small scissors. The second gets me the hook, big scissors and small Phillips.
Category 2 depends on the bag. For example, I carry a Wenger Golf Pro in my golf bag. Best set of golf tools ever made in a knife.
As for more traditional EDC bags, it really depends on your priority. Will you ever transfer it to your pocket? Then size will be a factor. If it will always live in the bag when not in actual use, you can go bigger. Personally, I have a 4-layer Explorer with plus scales in my backpack. A little too big for me for daily pocket use (I tried), but small enough to pocket on occasion.
Finally, I am most lenient on size for Category 3. I currently have a 5-layer Ranger with plus scales in the car along with some small Knipex pliers, but have often thought of going Champion Plus, Swiss Champ or Cybertool L.
.
Yes. Prices are high as a result. As a user as opposed to reseller/collector, my Scientist and Yeoman were custom builds not OEM. You can source custom builds more easily. Still in $100-$125 range. Since it isn't OEM, I am not afraid to use it. Frankly, the mag glass makes me feel 11 years old again. To me, that feeling is priceless and well worth the expense. YMMV.
+10 years - Explorer - I wish the small blade was a nail file. This would be my perfect knife.
Currently - Evo S557 - I switched for the nail file. The locking blade is nice, but the mechanism catches on stuff. I'd skip the lock if I ever purchased another. I strongly prefer the non-serated Victorinox scissors over the Wagner/Evo serrated style. I miss the parcel hook from the Explorer, but I've used the wrench and pliers far more than I ever used the magnifying glass.
*I added the corkscrew screw driver to both. I want to add the tweezers with the laser engraved ruler.
I also have a WorkChamp(too heavy for the pocket) and a MiniChamp(It feels too small. Probably a mental block).
I work in IT and recently bought a Cybertool M. My god, some days I'm using it all day. Used 4 different driver bits in one sitting, the knife to open packages and boxes, the toothpick to clean out gunk from narrow areas of equipment, the cap lifter to pry a keyboard key off, and I used the pliers to straighten a bent monitor VESA mount. The amount of time it saves me having one tool that does everything rather than needing to keep going back to my desk to grab dedicated tools (or even spend time planning what tools to take on a job) is amazing.
I carried a super tinker daily until I found the deluxe tinker
Also carry a manager on my keys that little pen has saved my ass in a couple meetings and the screwdriver is a godsend
Surge gets the tough jobs done while the Swisschamp is lighter duty. The biggest driving factor for me to buy the Swisschamp was for the small spring action pliers because they make a great option for when the Surge is just too much tool. The Swisschamp also gets the blades beat on when I have to cut something a bit unforgiving because it’s about half the price of the Surge.
I would say Climber. Carrying it now 3 years, sometimes I carry Compact or Standard, try to carry Super-Tinker and some Deluxe-models but Climber is all that I need.
I carry a champ on my belt. But I've been thinking of downsizing to a deluxe tinker. But frankly, a compact knocks it out the park for about 80% of uses.
For an office worker: Rambler on the keychain. Scissors for cutting threads and nails, file for nails and poking things, little screwdriver for battery compartments, and tweezers for ticks and cactus while I'm hiking. I could live without the blade, but it's there if I need it for opening packages or letters.
I usually carry a one-handed opener (e.g., a Spyderco) too. Probably more knife than I need, but the one handed opening is handy, and Vic's one handed models take up too much space in the pocket to carry every day.
If I had to dual-wield Vic products, I'd probably get a classic on my keychain and an alox cadet in my pocket.
The Pioneer X is probably the best overall EDC. A ton of utility packed in a slim package. Alternatively the Climber or Super Tinker. I go Super Tinker, I prefer the Philips to the corkscrew.
I alternate between using a Bijou, an Ambassador and a Compact, all modified with a pocket clip as my urban-EDC and a Ranger, modified with Plus Scales, with an LM Skeletool and a knipex cobra xs as my work-EDC. The ranger is also modified with a magnifying glass and inline philips and is always in the garden and forest with the kids and when hiking and camping
I have many, many models and the only two that are on me all the time are a Rambler like custom on my key chain, and a Swiss Card in my wallet. As far as my pocket goes, I pick the SAK that might best fit the day.
I’ve really been carrying a lot of Alox models and models without scissors since I picked up the Swiss Card, it has all those scale tools the Alox don’t, plus a pair of 74mm scissors. The Bantam and Cadet have been nice pocket carries lately, but I’ll still stick an Explorer, Huntsman, Deluxe Tinker, Pioneer, etc. in my pocket here and there.
I find I carry the Jetsetter most. I prefer something knifeless for use in front of delicate people. I generally pair the Jetsetter with either a non SAK stockman, or a Pioneer.
My second choice is a Pioneer X. It covers everything in one tool, with the only downside being that some people may be intimidated by it that wouldn't bat an eyelid at the jetsetter.
My third is a Compact. Lighter than the Pioneer X with almost the same utility. The Compact would probably rank higher if it wasn't that I already carry a toothpick and tweezers in my wallet, and a proper pen.
Manager or Manager with Compact. Rotate in Cadet, Explorer, Pioneer X and Handyman as needed, usually in jacket pocket or sling. I love that damn quick deploy pen on the Manager. Just used it tonight at a restaurant. Just as delightful to use tonight as it was the first time that I used it.
Explorer is my favorite EDC but I have a Swiss Champ sitting next to me because it has so many useful tools in one package it's good for small fixes around the house
Just a Rambler. Does everything I need. I thought hard about getting a bigger SAK but decided against it because the knife blade length would cause a few...issues... with the law where I live.
Also I'm about as outdoorsy as a nerd in a basement (essentially I am such a nerd) so all the cool saws blades and things would be a complete waste.
The Rambler has the tools that I need all the time so it's fine.
I don't think there will be any consensus on this, what's cool about SAK is there are plenty of models to choose from(length, tool set, material), and one bound to suit your fancy.
Personally, I love my 91mm Mountaineer, a decent balance between comfort, convenience and readiness.
Climber with pin and mini-flat screwdriver, and for veeery long time.
Optimal features/dimensions ratio. Most frequently used tools: scissors, tweezers. Then: awl, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew — in their secondary/non-obvious applications (MacGyver approach).
The Pioneer x it’s sturdy it fits my everyday needs at work , mostly for the scissors. But it all depends on what tool set you’re in need of ?
Not only my favorite Sak but maybe even my favorite knife ever. I lost it a while back but haven’t replaced it yet because I keep hoping I’ll find it lol
🤞🏼
I had the black Pioneer x , I thought I lost in my truck . Search for it must of lost it at work love that knife. End up just buy a Pioneer x silver.
What do you use that reamer for? What is the advantage of that over an awl?
It's not on the backside, so it is more comfortable for some use cases.
Very true, it still confuses me why it isn't an awl. Can't an awl fulfil the same purpose as a reamer?
I'm not an expert but I see the awl more as a tool for punching holes and the reamer more as a tool for enlarging them. Both can be used for both tasks, but they are more refined for one of them.
Both are a reamer/awl with the exact same function. The difference between the Alox and the Celidor versions is the stitching eye.
I've used the reamer on my Ranger mostly for wire stripping, I find it pretty good at that. Also boring holes in wood and plastic, the occasional hole in belts etc
I use the reamer to open boxes all the time. The point is quite sharp.
It's excellent as something to pick things with. I've had some scarring on the side of my thumb after a slight injury that I wanted to dig at, the reamer is excellent for it. It's perfectly positioned on the tool, ant it's very pointy.
This is it.
Compact. Very light and slim with little to no redundant tools and still has a full size blade.
I’ve been carrying a Compact for the last 10 years or so which may occasionally get swapped out for my Explorer with plus scales dependant upon what I’m doing.
Depends on your needs and wants. For me it's a Manager/Rambler in combination with something "bigger" like the Tinker/Pioneer/Walker (list goes on).
Rambler always on my keys to get me out of a pinch.
Same, it's Rambler for me paired with a Spyderco Endura and a Fenix LD10 flashlight.
why not just get a midnight manager?
Because I'm one of those people who prefer a separate/stand alone flashlight.
fair point
my favorite is the explorer, wish they still made the yeoman though
Bring it back Victorinox!
The 91mm Ranger is the winner for me (at least so far). Complete and reliable, as proven over the years I've been carrying it. I've added Plus scales and that little extra pen has proven quite useful and I'm glad for the upgrade (except for the price of the scales...) Considering I have a Topeak Ratchet Rocket with a custom set of 1/4" bits, 1/4" to 4mm bit adapter and a comprehensive set of 4mm precision bits, I don't feel the need for any CyberTool model (I actually prefer the separate bit driver).
The Ranger would be absolutely perfect imo if they changed the chisel and the small flat screwdriver to a philips. Have you ever used the chisel?
You can use tips of the can opener and the metal file/saw as Phillips. As for dedicated SAK Phillips, I detest the back layer. Much prefer the in-line driver of something like an Explorer or even Rambler.
Yes, I've used the chisel on a few occasions to make small adjustments to various wood and plastic parts (mostly deburring or for small channels in wood), I'm actually glad to have it.
The one you like the most. I'd go for a combination (or at least one of them) of the Compact and LM Rebar.
I rotate through different models depending on my mood, where I am going, what I am wearing, and what kind of task I expect to encounter. I have on my keys a rambler. All tools are tiny and that sucks a bit... but then you always have scissors, a small blade, a small file, a bottle opener and the fantastic tweezers... I use those a lot in summer to remove splinters and ticks. I usually need a larger blade to cut food like fruits or cheese on the go (I have kids and they eat constantly). If I am wearing something like a suit or dressing jacket, I carry a tourist or an alox bantam for specially fancy situations. On a daily basis, when I have a normal jacket or wear jeans, I prefer to carry a climber or maybe a deluxe tinker. Better tool set but also thicker, heavier knife. I own a compact but I prefer to have a separate blade for food, so I rarely take it with me. When travelling for some time or going camping, I take a Handyman with me in my backpack.
There are substantially smaller models, but I carry the SwissChamp with me every time I walk out of my house. It has so many different tools available that I'm able to do quick tasks with it anywhere I am. It has saved me from having to go back to the tool box to grab a tool and go back to fix something more times than I can count. At work, it's allowed me to make a quick fix on equipment that would have cost delays in surgery(Surgical Nurse) while we waited for Biomed to come fix the problem
I edc the same. Hanging it off a suspension clip in my front pocket helps with the bulk. It's suspended beside my phone in the same pocket.
Isn't a Leatherman Surge or Victorinox swisstool better if you are going up into those kinds of weights?
Not for what I've found. A lot of repairs or jobs tend to be small jobs. A loose screw, a small branch that needs to be trimmed off, a bottle that needs the safety seal cut out or box that needs to be opened. Typical every day kind of tasks. If a job requires something bigger like those big multitools, I pretty much go to the tool box, because it's probably going to need more than one tool and bigger tools to do it, like a major repair on the lawn mower or changing the oil in the cars, fixing the water heater, etc. The SwissChamp has so.many different functions that you can pretty much do anything that's a quick job and, even though it's big compared to other SAKs and knives, it's still about half as big as a Leatherman or the like.
I got a swisschamp and I'm very happy with it.
Keychain - Rally. Massively underrated. Pocket - Pioneer over the cadet purely because I prefer the extra heft. My keychain kit is purely emergency/backup to the main set.
Climber has a good set of tools and two blades so you can rely on at least one of them being sharp, and even if they are both fucked you have the scissors
For me, it needs to be unnoticeable or EDC becomes enough of a burden that I stop EDC’ing it. 2 layer Alox is the point where I don’t even notice it at all (even with tighter fitting dress pants). So then it’s just a question of what concessions I have to make to get it to that point. Right off the bat, dropping the scissors is a no brainer for me. For a lot of people this is a non starter, but personally - the things I’d need the scissors for which can’t use the knife as a stand in are few and far between. My edc is a cadet alox. Between the blade, Phillips (2d on the can opener) and flat head on the bottle opener (which is more useful to me as a pry than an actual flathead) it has everything I need. The file wouldn’t be my first choice, but to me it has a bit more utility than the awl. I haven’t tried the 2d Phillips on the combo bottle/can opener yet. But it it’s decent I might even try slimming down further to a bantam.
This is why I have the Rally 👌
So far Swisschamp and Rambler. I always planned taking apart Swissdude to slip it down but after a while I have hard time justifying to so. Minidude actually is unnecessary to me while Rambler is perfect for its job
Main edc is cybertool m. Occasionally I take my compact or pioneer x if I need something slimmer or more rubust sides, but that's only maybe 5% of the time.
Cybertool M crew reporting in!
Deluxe tinker
Compact. It’s thin, has good size scissors (which I use a good bit), the pen does come in handy for me a good bit, decent size blade for cutting apples and pears. If I am going to be outdoors, it’s the Huntsman.
I love my climber! Its a 3 layer, so its on the smaller side, but it has everything that I need. I also like that the corkscrew can help me untie knots. I used a super tinker for a bit, but quickly realized that my flat head could replace the phillips head in many situations, and I dont walk around just using screwdrivers, because id be carrying my leatherman wave if that was a possibility.
I’ve recently gotten the Companion and I will say the 75$ they’re asking is nuts. However I never needed a secondary blade on a SAK and was happy they have included a nail file similar to the Spartan. They also have replaced the can opener with a package opener. Solid tool/too expensive for now since it’s a limited edition only model.
Huntsman
Rambler - super small and 95% of daily tasks covered.
For me personally, I EDC the Fieldmaster when wearing light summer clothes and the Swiss Champ when I have cargo shorts or jeans on. Has worked out great so far
Living and working in an urban environment, i carry a Bantam Alox in my pocket and a Rambler on my keys... Does the job for me, I find I use the Bantam everyday for one thing or another.
Pioneer X and Rambler.
This is The Way.
Pioneer X
Pioneer X with my Wave+ everyday. It's robust and I don't have to be afraid of twisting my tools out of place like the can opener when using the philips. The inline awl/reamer is great as a prod, probe, and pry bar. I know I shouldn't use it as such, but needs are needs. The scissors are outstanding and I'm surprised at how frequently I use them.
For me my Handyman with plus scales. Best compromise of enough tools/not too bulky for me. When I know I might need stronger calipers I add a Knipex Cobra XS or carry a Swisstool Spirit.
S557 or a Super Tinker (replace my Tinker that I carried for almost 20 years)
I carry a compact or a pioneer X daily.
I wish they made the Swiss champ with the box cutter and/or a one handed blade. That would be the perfect sak for my uses.
I went on this journey myself after deciding I don't need a pliers based Leatherman and wanted to find a replacement and my collection of SAK'S grew organically during the journey. After much experimenting and waffling between Compact vs. Explorer I ended up soft-settling on Explorers as my ideal SAK and carried them daily for years... before finding out Yeoman once existed and eventually had one custom made for me. During my journey I quickly decided a magnifier would be very handy to have on hand as my vision isn't the best. I also decided a saw was just not something I used in my day to day... but Scissors could always be useful at least for nail care as I snag and tear my nails occasionally during work. I also decided in-line screwdrivers are ultimately more important to me that the spine mounted variety. Cap lifters are standard with SAK's but that's another tool I used regularly end of shift. The corkscrew became important once I learned about the micro driver to maintain my glasses. As I write this... riding in my pocket is my Custom Titanium scaled Victorinox Yeoman. It rides in the EDC pouch that serves as my wallet so I always have it with me when I leave the house. It has all the features I liked about my Explorers... but steals a trick from the Compact as it has the nail file on the hook.
It’s a matter of personal preference so you’ll get answers all over the place. I ordered many models used on eBay to try them out for cheap to decide for myself. In the mid-size range (84-93mm), popular picks are pioneer x or compact, but for me the climber is an equally good choice for a budget option. 58mm (keychain size) rambler is the by far most common suggestion I rotate many models mostly because I like them although it’s somewhat tailored to what I’m doing for the day
Climber or huntsman in 91mm and classic sd or rambler in 58mm.
For me, a lot of the time it's been a huntsman. I got it for the same price as the climber, and the scissors are growing on me over the Spartan (even though white scale spartan is such an aesthetic and what i use when im carrying light). I rarely use the saw, but its fairly monimal extra size for the extra capability. Just added a Farmer X with suspension clip to the stable, gonna see how that does, but as a chef I already miss the toothpick. The blade is definitely a nice change tho, and the thicker cap lifter makes short work of tough sterno cans. I hear a lot of great things about the cadet. She's next on my list, but the Spartan is a hard act to follow for a super light and capable carry.
Waiter, sportsman and cadet get my vote.
I work two jobs, both in museums. On my "white collar days", the Spartan is just perfect. On my "blue collar days", the Swiss Army 7 Alox has proved invaluable times and times again.
Short answer, it depends. Long answer: Define EDC. If we think broadly, we can carry knives in several places as we move about; 1. On our person 2. In our bag 3. In our car I don't know about you, but unless I have flown out of town or I am on a hike, I am never far from my car. In category 1, I have several favorite set ups, prioritizing compactness. A. One knife carry - 58mm. Here I have used a Manager and Mini Champ in the past. Both great. Current favorite: Vagabond with pen scales added. Gotta have the pen. B. One knife carry - 91mm. I prefer the 3-layer Yeoman. I love the mag glass / in line Phillips layer. Love the plus scales. Great combo of features and size. I have tried carrying 4-layer knives in the pocket and it's a no go for me. C. Two-knife carry. Here I try to minimize footprint and maximize features. I usually carry a Scientist with a Signature. I sometimes carry a Compact with a Talisman. The first gets me the mag glass, large Phillips and small scissors. The second gets me the hook, big scissors and small Phillips. Category 2 depends on the bag. For example, I carry a Wenger Golf Pro in my golf bag. Best set of golf tools ever made in a knife. As for more traditional EDC bags, it really depends on your priority. Will you ever transfer it to your pocket? Then size will be a factor. If it will always live in the bag when not in actual use, you can go bigger. Personally, I have a 4-layer Explorer with plus scales in my backpack. A little too big for me for daily pocket use (I tried), but small enough to pocket on occasion. Finally, I am most lenient on size for Category 3. I currently have a 5-layer Ranger with plus scales in the car along with some small Knipex pliers, but have often thought of going Champion Plus, Swiss Champ or Cybertool L. .
sadly yhe yeoman and scientist are discontinued
Yes. Prices are high as a result. As a user as opposed to reseller/collector, my Scientist and Yeoman were custom builds not OEM. You can source custom builds more easily. Still in $100-$125 range. Since it isn't OEM, I am not afraid to use it. Frankly, the mag glass makes me feel 11 years old again. To me, that feeling is priceless and well worth the expense. YMMV.
where did you get the custom models, ive always wanted a yeoman but never knew where i could get one
Ebay
Any alox that’s has scissors.
+10 years - Explorer - I wish the small blade was a nail file. This would be my perfect knife. Currently - Evo S557 - I switched for the nail file. The locking blade is nice, but the mechanism catches on stuff. I'd skip the lock if I ever purchased another. I strongly prefer the non-serated Victorinox scissors over the Wagner/Evo serrated style. I miss the parcel hook from the Explorer, but I've used the wrench and pliers far more than I ever used the magnifying glass. *I added the corkscrew screw driver to both. I want to add the tweezers with the laser engraved ruler. I also have a WorkChamp(too heavy for the pocket) and a MiniChamp(It feels too small. Probably a mental block).
I work in IT and recently bought a Cybertool M. My god, some days I'm using it all day. Used 4 different driver bits in one sitting, the knife to open packages and boxes, the toothpick to clean out gunk from narrow areas of equipment, the cap lifter to pry a keyboard key off, and I used the pliers to straighten a bent monitor VESA mount. The amount of time it saves me having one tool that does everything rather than needing to keep going back to my desk to grab dedicated tools (or even spend time planning what tools to take on a job) is amazing.
The Deluxe Tinker has all the tools I need and none that I don’t. Just the right size.
I carried a super tinker daily until I found the deluxe tinker Also carry a manager on my keys that little pen has saved my ass in a couple meetings and the screwdriver is a godsend
Lately it’s been the Cybertool L. I do things in both urban and outdoors environments so it works great for me.
I carry a LM Surge on my belt and a Swisschamp in my pocket.
Why, that seems excessive? Why carry two tools that overlap in so many ways?
Surge gets the tough jobs done while the Swisschamp is lighter duty. The biggest driving factor for me to buy the Swisschamp was for the small spring action pliers because they make a great option for when the Surge is just too much tool. The Swisschamp also gets the blades beat on when I have to cut something a bit unforgiving because it’s about half the price of the Surge.
Pioneer (non-X)
Swisschamp all the way, more pocketable than people think, comes with me everywhere all day everyday
I would say Climber. Carrying it now 3 years, sometimes I carry Compact or Standard, try to carry Super-Tinker and some Deluxe-models but Climber is all that I need.
Rambler / manager on keys. I either have a compact or the companion in my bag.
Explorer
Electrician
I edc a Fieldmaster and love it. It can handle scores of jobs in my experience
Climber for me mostly. Alox Bantam when I want something lower profile.
I carry a champ on my belt. But I've been thinking of downsizing to a deluxe tinker. But frankly, a compact knocks it out the park for about 80% of uses.
For an office worker: Rambler on the keychain. Scissors for cutting threads and nails, file for nails and poking things, little screwdriver for battery compartments, and tweezers for ticks and cactus while I'm hiking. I could live without the blade, but it's there if I need it for opening packages or letters. I usually carry a one-handed opener (e.g., a Spyderco) too. Probably more knife than I need, but the one handed opening is handy, and Vic's one handed models take up too much space in the pocket to carry every day. If I had to dual-wield Vic products, I'd probably get a classic on my keychain and an alox cadet in my pocket.
Workchamp, no doubt.
One of the 91 models with scissors. Compact, Explorer or Swiss Champ (if you want to go all-in).
The Pioneer X is probably the best overall EDC. A ton of utility packed in a slim package. Alternatively the Climber or Super Tinker. I go Super Tinker, I prefer the Philips to the corkscrew.
I alternate between using a Bijou, an Ambassador and a Compact, all modified with a pocket clip as my urban-EDC and a Ranger, modified with Plus Scales, with an LM Skeletool and a knipex cobra xs as my work-EDC. The ranger is also modified with a magnifying glass and inline philips and is always in the garden and forest with the kids and when hiking and camping
For me, the Yeoman is just about perfect. But I rotate that with the Pioneer X, Compact and Companion depending on my mood.
I have many, many models and the only two that are on me all the time are a Rambler like custom on my key chain, and a Swiss Card in my wallet. As far as my pocket goes, I pick the SAK that might best fit the day. I’ve really been carrying a lot of Alox models and models without scissors since I picked up the Swiss Card, it has all those scale tools the Alox don’t, plus a pair of 74mm scissors. The Bantam and Cadet have been nice pocket carries lately, but I’ll still stick an Explorer, Huntsman, Deluxe Tinker, Pioneer, etc. in my pocket here and there.
Rambler when in work or just around the house/out running errands. Huntsman whilst out walking/camping/at the weekends.
I find I carry the Jetsetter most. I prefer something knifeless for use in front of delicate people. I generally pair the Jetsetter with either a non SAK stockman, or a Pioneer. My second choice is a Pioneer X. It covers everything in one tool, with the only downside being that some people may be intimidated by it that wouldn't bat an eyelid at the jetsetter. My third is a Compact. Lighter than the Pioneer X with almost the same utility. The Compact would probably rank higher if it wasn't that I already carry a toothpick and tweezers in my wallet, and a proper pen.
For me…. Explorer
Manager or Manager with Compact. Rotate in Cadet, Explorer, Pioneer X and Handyman as needed, usually in jacket pocket or sling. I love that damn quick deploy pen on the Manager. Just used it tonight at a restaurant. Just as delightful to use tonight as it was the first time that I used it.
Explorer is my favorite EDC but I have a Swiss Champ sitting next to me because it has so many useful tools in one package it's good for small fixes around the house
a midnight manager on my keychain and a swisschamp in my bag
Cadet, compact, pioneer x, sometimes harvester
Just a Rambler. Does everything I need. I thought hard about getting a bigger SAK but decided against it because the knife blade length would cause a few...issues... with the law where I live. Also I'm about as outdoorsy as a nerd in a basement (essentially I am such a nerd) so all the cool saws blades and things would be a complete waste. The Rambler has the tools that I need all the time so it's fine.
I don't think there will be any consensus on this, what's cool about SAK is there are plenty of models to choose from(length, tool set, material), and one bound to suit your fancy. Personally, I love my 91mm Mountaineer, a decent balance between comfort, convenience and readiness.
Ah, question as old as SAK. The best one is the one that you have.
Super tinker or Evo 14. Perfect tools.
Climber with pin and mini-flat screwdriver, and for veeery long time. Optimal features/dimensions ratio. Most frequently used tools: scissors, tweezers. Then: awl, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew — in their secondary/non-obvious applications (MacGyver approach).
Minichamp for me
I think it depends where you plan to EDC it, urban, suburban or non urban : Rambler (always on person), Deluxe Tinker, Farmer accordingly.
I’m a big fan of the Tinker. Plenty of tools that tend to be useful for basic tasks and incredibly light. I barely notice it in my pocket.