Victorinox Classic aka keychain SAK alternatives

P

proileri

Joined
Dec 23, 2015
Messages
3
Hi guys,

I noticed that there seems to be pretty limited selection of keychain SAKs, especially now that Leatherman Style (the single-handle version) has been discontinued.

So are there any alternatives to the small Victorinoxes now, if you want a tiny SAK with max. 2" blade on it?
 
Welcome to Bladeforums.

I find nothing but the 58mm Victorinox lineup to be small enough for a keychain:

- Classic SD
- Rambler
- Signature
- Manager

Some people ride with a Leatherman PS4 or Gerber Dime on the keys, but they are too big for me.

You can also go with a Spyderco Ladybug, etc., if you are just looking for the blade. But as for small, keychain-sized SAKs, its pretty limited. I carry a Manager on mine.
 
Well... you have the Leatherman Squirt, Micra and PS4, the Gerber Dime, the SOG Crosscut.

For Victorinox you have the Rambler, Rally, Minichamp plus the light and pen versions.
I for one carry a Rogue, as it has a nail cleaner.

You also have the Victorinox 75 mm line (Ambassador, Escort, Exceutive, Prince) and the Delemont/Wenger 65 mm line (Pocket Tool Chest, Esquire, Nail Clipper).
 
The only keychain sized SAK I carry is the Rambler, which is almost unnoticeably thicker and heavier than the Classic but provides a dandy bottle opener and #1 Ph screwdriver. In addition, the key ring is on the butt side of the knife, a much better placement than the one on the Classic. What Classics are good for is introducing kids and often grownups to the usefulness of pocket knives. Over years I had picked up several of these to give away, and as of this Christmas they have all gone off as gifts for various friends and/or their children. That's me...Johnny SAKleseed :D .
 
Yep, I'm thinking there's a Rambler in my future as well, I do like the idea of a small Phillips bit.

Actually picked up one of the Leatherman Styles that are going out, but unfortunately the Style isn't much of an update to the Classic - in fact, I think the ergonomics and getting the tools out might be worse, no idea how they managed to pull that one off :rolleyes:

I'm just amazed that there's no more competition when it comes to small SAKs. A SAK makes a pretty ideal tiny pocket knife, but still, the design is quite old and I'm sure there would be a lot of room for small improvements.
 
proileri said:
Yep, I'm thinking there's a Rambler in my future as well, I do like the idea of a small Phillips bit.

Actually picked up one of the Leatherman Styles that are going out, but unfortunately the Style isn't much of an update to the Classic - in fact, I think the ergonomics and getting the tools out might be worse, no idea how they managed to pull that one off :rolleyes:

I'm just amazed that there's no more competition when it comes to small SAKs. A SAK makes a pretty ideal tiny pocket knife, but still, the design is quite old and I'm sure there would be a lot of room for small improvements.
Click to expand...

You're right, there is no real competition for the 58mm SAK's. They pack so much use into such a tiny package that it may be hard to beat. The small Leatherman tools like the micra and squirt are wonderful tools, but they are actually too heavy for the keychain. I tried to carry the micra on my keyring, but it ended up loose in my pocket.

As for the keychain knife, yes you can get Spydeco lady bugs, sliding blade Christy knives, and such, but they are shallow one trick ponies. The little SAK's give you a scissors, SD tip on the nail file that deals with all kinds of phillips and flat screws, tweezers that are actually functional, plus a thin sharp little knife blade. All in all, a very hard package to beat. The 58mm SAK's have no competition. They sell world wide to people that are not knife nuts nor tool nuts. My Aunt jane won't carry a micra, but she loves her classic. My better half finds the micra too 'industrial and clunky' but use loves her classic's that she has in multiple colors. Andnow Victorinox has come out with almost unlimited colors and patterns on the classic that will appeal to almost anyone.

I think it's safe to say that Victorinox has a world wide lock on that market niche and a smart business is not going to challenge a giant like Victorinox. With 9 to 10 million classics a year going out the door, that would be a hard fight.
 
Don't forget about the Vic Jet Setter. You have no blade but you do get a phillips.

I used to carry the original Leatherman Squirt, until it go so ugly I replaced it with a Classic SD. But the knife blade was better and had everything but a toothpick. I wonder why they were not more popular?
 
The Leatherman Micra and Freestyle are both perfectly suited for a keychain. My wife carries the Freestyle CS daily and has for years.
 
DocT said:
Don't forget about the Vic Jet Setter. You have no blade but you do get a phillips.

I used to carry the original Leatherman Squirt, until it go so ugly I replaced it with a Classic SD. But the knife blade was better and had everything but a toothpick. I wonder why they were not more popular?
Click to expand...

Couldn't say, but my wife likes hers. For myself I prefer the Micra, which she hates, doesn't even want to touch. Too "industrial" for her. Can this marriage be saved? :D
 
They are siblings. How can you choose one over the other and say it is better? Just different. So, yes, the marriage is okay. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top