Victorinox SAK Farmer...What's so special about them?...

P

PharmBoy01

Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
62
I'm new to this forum but not new to knives or Victorinox SAK's...I've noticed that a lot of people talk about Vic Farmers like they're the best things since sliced bread but I just don't get it...Yeah, they have useful blades but there are many other models with the same (and many more) blades for about the same$$$...I'm not downing the model or those who love them, but why not get a: Ranger, Rucksack, FieldMaster, Forester, Hiker, Hunter, Huntsman, Trekker, ect?...Thanks and Fire Away....
 
I don't much get it either. I just don't see the usefulness of that tiny saw.
 
T. Erdelyi said:
Ever built a sheler with one, cleared a tree stand for a better view, ever done any sheetrock work, (install outlets, cableboxes)?
Click to expand...


No I carry a folding saw in my pack for sawing limbs. I have done a lot of drywall work. For that I would use my sheetrock saw or my Dremel. They would get the job done better than the farmer.
 
It has the most useful tools I think. My favorite is the two layer Farmer which just has the blade, saw and awl.

The saw is quite good. Some of the time it is easier and faster to use than an axe or knife.
 
PharmBoy01 said:
I'm new to this forum but not new to knives or Victorinox SAK's...I've noticed that a lot of people talk about Vic Farmers like they're the best things since sliced bread but I just don't get it...Yeah, they have useful blades but there are many other models with the same (and many more) blades for about the same$$$...I'm not downing the model or those who love them, but why not get a: Ranger, Rucksack, FieldMaster, Forester, Hiker, Hunter, Huntsman, Trekker, ect?...Thanks and Fire Away....
Click to expand...

I wondered that myself? I have several Vic's but never saw the hype like the Farmer.
 
To me its my favorite SAK. I love the alox scales, and the saw is an awesome little bugger. Works great for helping notch trap parts, and it makes a mean shower of sparks off a fero rod.
 
Those who question the saw haven't used it. Easily outcuts the leatherman saws, IMHO. Cuts sheet rock just like a sheet rock saw. I build/install custom cabinets, I would hate to do without mine. Alox knives also have thicker blades and a very high dollar feel to them, if that makes since.
 
I was out at my camp house and had to cover a hole in the wood siding. The saw cut some wood battens to length, the awl cut pilot holes for the screws and the screw driver put in the screws. Since I did not have my dremel tool, sheet rock saw, etc on me, I had to rely on my farmer which was up to the task. :thumbup:
 
It is a great knife for EDC. I must ask a question to the people who can't quite understand what all the hype is about. Have you actually used a Vic. Farmer? I am not asking to be a smarta$$. Somethings just need to be experienced to understand. My suggestion is spend the $20.00 and find out what everyone is raving about.

For me it is built very well. I like the weight of the alox scales. I also feel it has perfect tools for EDC I use them quite a bit during the week.

Paul
 
I find them aesthetically appealing, and own probably half a dozen of them. But my Explorer generally ends up with EDC duty because it has more tools that do the trick for me.

:thumbup:
 
I've done the "Leatherman type" multi-tool for a while. I simply find carrying them in a pocket a bit bulky, don't really like the sheaths, so I end up not carrying them much except in a pack, and they feel cumbersome to me to open and close. I don't really use the pliers or scissors much at all. What I use most are the blade, screwdrivers and the saw. I do like locking blades on folders, so instead of the Farmer I ordered a Trekker modified with a pocket clip. Ordered it today before opening this thread, as a matter of fact (irony).Can't wait to get it.
 
I don't have Farmer for the simple reason is that I am cheap. One day I will pic one up because my camper/hiker models are awesome and the soldier I EDC at work is just lacking one thing...a saw.
 
I have owned and used a farmer before and a lot of other SAKs. IMO I just don't think the farmer is any better than other similar knives or tools.
 
INFI Kid said:
No I carry a folding saw in my pack for sawing limbs. I have done a lot of drywall work. For that I would use my sheetrock saw or my Dremel. They would get the job done better than the farmer.
Click to expand...

See that's the problem I don't always have those things on me but my Farmer is attached to my keys, always with me.
 
First off, I use several SAKs, and they're all great in their own way. The Farmer is just my favorite because the alox is handsome, it's compact enough to fit in my pocket inobstrusively for EDC or the woods, and it's got all the right tools. The three most important SAK tools, for me, are the blade, saw and awl (not those awls that come perpendicular to the spine when opened).

The rucksack/etc are great too, but they're not comfy to carry in a pocket, and they lack the good awl.

But this is why they make a million flavors of SAKs...
 
bladefrienzy said:
Those who question the saw haven't used it. Easily outcuts the leatherman saws, IMHO.
Click to expand...

I was about to say exactly the same. I compared my LM Wave with my Vic saw and there is a noticable difference.

Why all the famer hype? Well, IMO the blade looks much better than the normal blades (they're bigger and thicker) and it feels better and more solid than the normal models, without feeling heavy. Of course I'm not just speaking for the farmer, but for other ALOX models, too.

So, my advice: Take one in your hand. If you're still not convinced then, well, it's not for you. It's really a matter of opinion. If you need a corkscrew or a second tiny blade, forget it.
I also noticed all the hype, went into a shop, handled one and I understood immediately where the "hype" came from. I couldn't resist from that point on. Also, the price is very good, so you won't regret buying one no matter what. I didn't throw the spartan away that I bought when I was a kid, but I prefer the farmer now.

It's a knife that can do almost everything you need in the woods. I wouldn't use it as my primary bushcraft knife, because the knife is just a compromise, and comfortability isn't it's highest priority. But it does the job and is easy to carry. That being said, the other SAKs won't let you down either, they're just as good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top