Victorinox: Explorer vs. Huntsman

C

Carloxicus

Joined
Oct 3, 2011
Messages
175
So I'm planning to buy a new Victorinox SAK, and as of now, I've narrowed it down to two, the Explorer and the Huntsman. However, I'm having a bit of a hard time deciding and I was hoping guys here would help guide me to a solid decision. So here are my pro's and cons for the 2 knives.

EXPLORER

Pros
1. Has inline phillips screwdriver which is a very good and quite rare tool. No need to think about replacing the corkscrew as this phillips is quite arguably better than the one placed at the back.
2. The multi-purpose hook is easier to open because there is some space between it and the keyring. No broken nails here at least.
3. The magnifying lens is fun to play with. I like observing and seeing things up close. Good for seeing finer work on crafts.

Cons
1. The magnifying lens might not be as necessary or as needed as some of the other tools.
2. A bit thicker than the Huntsman.
3. Lack of a wood saw as compared to the Huntsman.
4. The profile of the Explorer is a bit fatter because the inline phillips and the magnifying lens stick out a bit. Might snag on pockets.

HUNTSMAN

Pros
1. Has a wood saw blade. Tried and tested. A powerful tool that cuts way above its weight division. This, along with the 2 blades and the scissors create a package that can tackle most cutting jobs.
2. Thinner than the Explorer by a millimeter.
3. I think the wood saw deserves two Pro points.

Cons
1. There is no dedicated phillips screwdriver. Will have to rely on the two other screwdrivers and the tiny detachable eyeglasses screwdriver for all... erm... screwing jobs.
2. The multi-purpose hook is almost a nailbreaker to open because it is cramped right beside the keyring, allowing very little of the fingernail to get in the nick.
3. No easy way to maintain the wood saw once it has been overused.

As of now, I am leaning towards the Explorer because I rarely go out into the woods because I live in a very urban area. However, the popularity of the Huntsman is making me think twice. The Huntsman wood saw is one great cutting tool as proven to me by my SwissChamp. However, as I said, I rarely go out into the woods, and the only time I really use the wood saw is if I have some wood crafts I need to do. Even then, the wood saw is far more useful than the magnifying lens, for obvious reasons. But maybe the presence of the inline phillips helps balance the disparity?

Help me decide please. Thank you!
 
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I'd go with the Explorer, particularly if you already own a Farmer, Fieldmaster or other model with a saw on it.

I'm tempted by the Explorer myself, even though I suspect it's too fat for me to want to carry in a pocket. But it's a cool knife for sure.
 
I've been carrying a huntsman for about 20 years -- before that it was a camper. (upgraded due to the scissors) rides easily in the front pocket of my jeans, cargos, or "dockers".
I've used the saw a lot indoors and the scissors have been extremely handy over the years, generally to cut zip ties at work where someone has attached a computer cable in the wrong spot.
 
I *really* like my Huntsman but as great a tool as the wood saw is, I think I use that less than anything else on that tool.

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Beckerhead #42
 
The Explorer Plus has long been my favorite SAK. For me, its the closest thing to the optimal combo of tools.

IMG_1865.jpg
 
Well you can use the screwdriver of the tin opener for most phillips-screws. I´ve a Huntsman too (withe Silverteck skales), but i carry now a Swisschamp everyday and i´ve no problem with the size.
 
Good luck wearing that saw out. The saws on my Vic's have been used tons and tons in the woods and also to cut other materials and show no signs of giving up soon. Go with the huntsman or check out te huntsman ruby lite. It has an inline Phillips, pen, pin, light and eyeglass screwdriver.
 
Have ya thought of the Fieldmaster? Sames as the Huntsman but drops the corkscrew for a phillips.

Fieldmaster

fieldmasterredcompositi.jpg
 
The Fieldmaster is my preferred tool config over the Huntsman. But the Huntsman comes in better colors, whereas the Fieldmaster is just another red SAK. Evidently the Spartan based models just sell better than the Tinker based models, since there are always better color choices.
 
Actually, I was considering that, but I want one that has a corkscrew. One of the reasons why I'm leaning towards the Explorer. I get both. :)

Also, I've found that the more useful phillips is the one that's inline. :)

Thanks though.
 
I use my corkscrew all the time - for working out knots in paracord and so forth. Used the saw yesterday for the first time in a while too. Had to pretty up some poles for a bushchair project...

20111216_ac_0006.jpg


20111216_ac_0007.jpg


Worked like a dream.
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Beckerhead #42
 
Of my SAKS, the Huntsman is by far the most versatile and accompanies me more than any other. The Fieldmaster would be a close second. That's the "problem" with SAKS. So many choices.

I find I use the saw for much more than wood alone, and so far it remains as sharp as day one.
 
Mud Shrimp Moe said:
The Fieldmaster is my preferred tool config over the Huntsman. But the Huntsman comes in better colors, whereas the Fieldmaster is just another red SAK. Evidently the Spartan based models just sell better than the Tinker based models, since there are always better color choices.
Click to expand...

Buy your own color of scales to install. Easy pop off and pop on. Vistor message sent.
 
I've had my Huntsman for several decades. I use the small screwdriver (on the can opener) for phillips heads. I don't use the saw very often although when I have it worked well. Either will serve you well.
 
I prefer the Explorer over the Huntsman for most of the reasons previously given,in line phillips etc. How ever I do get a lot of use out of a SAK saw ,so I also carry a Swiss tool Spirit. So as added bonuses,Iget extra knives,rocking pliers and other backups. I still carry the explorer because it has the magnifying glass and tweezers(think splinter) and the glass comes in useful for other things for old eyes. I own about five explorers and only one huntsman.
 
If you're having a hard time choosing why not just get the Champion Plus? It has everything that each of those knives have and a couple of more tools to boot. It's also cheaper than either one too!
 
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