I am not sure how you four layer SAK guys do it

[BJE]

I really like Swiss Army Knives, one could go as far as to say I love my Tinker and my Soldier, but I look at all these SAK threads and see so many of you with 3,4,and even 5 or 6 layered knives and I wonder how you do it.

I don't like having any more than two at a time. I guess I think of my favorite SAK's as knives with tools built into them, not tools with a knife bulit in. I also find the tools to be a bit repetative with the larger models and don't really see where the bulk is warranted, if the job needed done is that specialized, chances are I will have a special tool. But then again this is coming from a guy that gets by with only a two blade Case and classic most of the time. Two layers just feels good and natural in my hand.

So I guess my question is
1. what makes you feel a larger tool is needed?
2. does carrying a larger tool become irritating, do you sometimes wish it were smaller?

 

[Buzzbait]

1. what makes you feel a larger tool is needed?

Because I need the tools. It's that simple. You obviously only require the most basic of tools in your day-to-day living. I need more. Take, for example, my Cybertool 34. I use it every day at work, where I work in IT, traveling from building to building repairing computer equipment. The bit driver gets used constantly. So do the pliers and the scissors and the main blade. Heck, I also use the tweezers, a small magnifier, and a flashlight too. I've had to use the straight pin many times. The small blade and the corkscrew are probably the only tools on that SAK that I could live without.

2. does carrying a larger tool become irritating, do you sometimes wish it were smaller?

Of course. Everybody wants a toolbox that occupies no space whatsoever, and is weightless. But we do what we have to do. When you need a tool often enough, it's less effort to keep one on you, than it is to keep going to find one and bring it back.

 

[powernoodle]

I carry a 4-layer Explorer Plus (like this but with the "plus" features) and never know its there until I need it.

So it just depends on what you get used to, I guess. A 4-layer SAK in the bottom of my pocket goes unnoticed. :thumbup:

I took my progeny fishing this weekend, and brought along a Leatherman Wave for removing hooks from fish lips (plier) as well as replacing swivels, cutting line, etc. The utility of the tool outweighed, well, its weight.

What I'm getting here I guess is that we engage in a cost-benefit analysis when it comes to multitool (and everything else for that matter), and when the benefit outweights the cost, we carry it.

 

[BJE]

The added bulk of a larger tool doesn't bother me while I carry it as much as when I am using it, I hate trying to unscrew something with a screwdriver that is shaped like a brick. I can see the usefulness of a pair of pliars while fishing, that is why I keep a set of needle-nose in my tackle box, I would much rather lose those in the water than an expensive multi-tool, they are also easier to clean and weigh less than a Leatherman.

Buzzbait-
I use many tools on a daily basis as I work on alot of automobiles, but I don't use my SAK as a substitue for my dedicated tools, so I have no use for any more than I use when away from my tool box. In the rare case of an emergency I keep spare dedicated tools in my truck and I doubt that a Swisschamp would allow me to fix what my Tinker could not.

I can see where you would get some extra miles out of that bit driver, but that isn't the case for many people here, I see alot of pictures where people out of doors are carrying a very large tool that would not help them in a natural environment. I have never personally ran into a screw in nature that I couldn't tackle with the can opener or back-phillips.
Maybe they carry the extra tools for the cool gadget factor or the feeling they get for being extra prepared. It is OK to carry something you don't need to if you like it, just wondering if that is the case for the majority or if they actually need all those tools.

 

[Harayasu]

1. what makes you feel a larger tool is needed?

For EDC I usually carry a SAK with 2 or 3 layers. They have all the tools I need for the tasks for which I want to use a SAK in daily life. The model with the most layers I have is the Huntsman, which I regularly carry with me when I go outdoors, because it provides a saw.

2. does carrying a larger tool become irritating, do you sometimes wish it were smaller?

When I go camping I carry a more heavy SAK with me, often even a 111mm model. Getting used to carrying a New Soldier after EDC-ing a Spartan takes a while, but you get used to it and after a while I don't even notice that bigger SAK in my pockets.

On this forum there are a lot of people who own and use SAK's as their hobby and a lot of them probably want to use a SAK for everything, so they want a SAK with lots of tools. So the fun of using a SAK and the fun of having many tools is probably also a reason for carrying a SAK with many layers.

A reason for carrying a SAK with many layers when going outdoors could be: being able to repair your gear. I don't have a Swiss Champ or comparable model, but I can imagine it can make it easier to repair specific camping gear than for example a Spartan, especially if you carry complex gear. I prefer basic gear, but when I go camping or hiking, I often meet people carrying a lot of electronic gadgets.

 

[Millhouse]

When hiking, I carry a Huntsman. For me, it has the tools I may need. I use to carry a multi tool (now relegated to the pack), so the Huntsman is actually smaller and lighter.

 

[Toyz]

A large multi - layered SAK is a pain when you have it in a front pocket in dress pants. I edc it in my rr pocket next to my wallet and it goes unnoticed.

I have on me at all times either my Climber of my Huntsman during the week.

On the weekend it's my Champ with a chain connecting to belt loop.

After a while the weight and size vanishes.

 

[Gareth UK]

I've started using a belt pouch for any SAK four layers or more. A Huntsman most often but also a Swiss Champ and a Champion amongst others. I know where you are coming from though, 5-8 layers can start to feel bulky to use IMO. i suspect it's just a case of what you get used to.

 

[Buck_Fan]

When I go camping I carry a more heavy SAK with me, often even a 111mm model. Getting used to carrying a New Soldier after EDC-ing a Spartan takes a while, but you get used to it and after a while I don't even notice that bigger SAK in my pockets.

On this forum there are a lot of people who own and use SAK's as their hobby and a lot of them probably want to use a SAK for everything, so they want a SAK with lots of tools. So the fun of using a SAK and the fun of having many tools is probably also a reason for carrying a SAK with many layers.

A reason for carrying a SAK with many layers when going outdoors could be: being able to repair your gear. I don't have a Swiss Champ or comparable model, but I can imagine it can make it easier to repair specific camping gear than for example a Spartan, especially if you carry complex gear. I prefer basic gear, but when I go camping or hiking, I often meet people carrying a lot of electronic gadgets.

Yup. I am a hobbiest that carries a sak to be able to do whatever comes up, just to use my SAK. I guess some of it for me is I use to do maintanence as a job. I have been on disability for 2 years now and I miss fixing things and using my hands. I can't do much anymore, but if I see a loose screw, I want to be able to fix it. Makes me feel useful for a minute or so.

But I laugh when people ask this because I don't understand people complaining about the weight in the pocket. I carry a CHamp Plus or a Explorer plus and don't even notice them. I also carry a OH Trekker and it is no bother at all in my front pocket. I guess I am one that is not bothered by stuff in my pockets. Some of it might be I carried a 38 in my pocket for years. At 28 oz loaded and about 6"X4" in size, a knife is nothing. I have a Tinker and a Cadet and like how small they are. But for me having my Champ plus bothers me no more than my cadet. But I guess that is just me. If you want to carry a larger knife, just do it. You will get use to it.

 

[Dantor]

different strokes for different folks. some have no problems, others need compact and light.

I personally like redundancy and preparedness but I do like my specialized tools and I would never think my MT or SAK can do the same job/have the same strength or ability but I don't always have my specialized tools on/with me. A MT or SAK is always on me and lots of layers are nice!

Good for those that want more, good for those that want less! (god bless us all, everyone)

 

[Doug S]

Like some of the others, I don't even notice a 4 layer SAK in my pocket, and most days I can get by with an Explorer Plus in my pocket. Still, some days I find a need for a file, saw, and ruler, so right now I'm trying out a Champion Plus in the pocket, and even that isn't too bad IMO. There are also those days when pliers are needed, and I've even been known to carry a Swisschamp in my pocket, but that one is a bit more challenging. I've found the Swisschamp more enjoyable in the Victorinox clip-on belt pouch. Carrying a Swisschamp in the pocket isn't so bad size-wise, it's the weight that I notice.

 

[GIRLYmann]

the further away i get from home, the thicker the sak gets.
but this is mainly a practice where it involves going on the road and not nature hikes where less imo could possibly be best.

 

[wotanson]

I carry Champion Plus or SwissChamp as my EDC as either has the tools I need and are manageable in the pocket or on my belt in a pouch. I used to carry a larger 111 mm 2-3 layer knife with a smaller (Executive or Mini Champ) knife for the scissors. Now I have the in line phillips driver I always wanted and full size scissors along with a ruler and saw in a manageable package. The Champion Plus is way lighter than any pliers based multi-tool and is jam packed with usable tools.
Cheers,
Rob

 

[mdauben]

I1. what makes you feel a larger tool is needed?

Well, it obviously provides more options for more different tasks than a smaller SAK with less tools does. Of course, I admit that at least part of their appeal is the "bigger is better" syndrome many of us share.

2. does carrying a larger tool become irritating, do you sometimes wish it were smaller?

No, not really. Now, if I was carrying it loose in my pocket, perhaps, but I carry my my larger SAKs either in a belt pouch, or hanging from a belt clip. :thumbup:

 

[BJE]

You all have some good points, but what if you have to do extended cutting, like finely cutting lots of veggies for a stew, or taking the hide off a deer, even cutting your own gasket out of paper looks more difficult when you can't close your fingers around the tool.
I use my knife pretty often for extended periods of time so comfort is very important to me, and definately a higher priority than a magnifying glass and fish scaler/ruler.

 

[Toyz]

You all have some good points, but what if you have to do extended cutting, like finely cutting lots of veggies for a stew, or taking the hide off a deer, even cutting your own gasket out of paper looks more difficult when you can't close your fingers around the tool.
I use my knife pretty often for extended periods of time so comfort is very important to me, and definately a higher priority than a magnifying glass and fish scaler/ruler.

All good reasons to carry multiple knives!!!

 

[BJE]

Wish I could carry more, but every pocket has at least one item in it already and I don't like excess bulk. Plus I like having to think about problems and findind solutions with a minimum of extra tools. Makes me feel like macgyver.

 

[Harayasu]

"If you don't have the right equipment for the job, you just have to make it yourself.", MacGyver said.

But you do have a point. When I go camping now, I would take a 111mm SAK with a saw with me. A few years ago, I wasn't very much into knives and the only SAK I carried with me was a Soldier. Then I was faced with the same 'problems' like I have now: set up the camp, making fire, food preparation, etc. So, that 111mm SAK with its saw isn't really necessary, but it just makes it a bit easier and perhaps it also made me a bit lazier. On the other hand, having a more advanced tool, could result in making more advanced equipment.

 

[Eyegor]

"If you don't have the right equipment for the job, you just have to make it yourself.", MacGyver said.

But you do have a point. When I go camping now, I would take a 111mm SAK with a saw with me. A few years ago, I wasn't very much into knives and the only SAK I carried with me was a Soldier. Then I was faced with the same 'problems' like I have now: set up the camp, making fire, food preparation, etc. So, that 111mm SAK with its saw isn't really necessary, but it just makes it a bit easier and perhaps it also made me a bit lazier. On the other hand, having a more advanced tool, could result in making more advanced equipment.

As I often mention I have EDCed the 111mm Rucksack for years. When it was time for a replacement I went with a Hunter. The jury is still out. I'm not convinced on the combo tool yet but we'll see. Anyway, the point is I EDC the Hunter in my pocket because I like the way it feels in my hand and it has the tools I want. I used to and could still get by with a "scout" style pocket knife from any of several makes, Wenger SI, Vic old style Soldier, Camillus, etc. However, wardrobe and circumstances do dictate. There are times when I can only get away the Vic Classic on my keys. I won't fault anyone there personal choice, but comfort and functionality are often opposing forces.

 

[gazz98]

Because I need the tools. It's that simple. You obviously only require the most basic of tools in your day-to-day living. I need more. Take, for example, my Cybertool 34. I use it every day at work, where I work in IT, traveling from building to building repairing computer equipment. The bit driver gets used constantly. So do the pliers and the scissors and the main blade. Heck, I also use the tweezers, a small magnifier, and a flashlight too. I've had to use the straight pin many times. The small blade and the corkscrew are probably the only tools on that SAK that I could live without.


Of course. Everybody wants a toolbox that occupies no space whatsoever, and is weightless. But we do what we have to do. When you need a tool often enough, it's less effort to keep one on you, than it is to keep going to find one and bring it back.

+1. I worked in IT as well (laid off) and used most of the tools on a daily basis. I didn't carry it in my pocket tho, I bought a cheapie cell phone holder and carried it on my belt.