I gift a deluxe tinker to all my friends and family members who move into a new apartment or house. They hate to admit it, but it's always the most used and abused thing they own lol
For the Scouts and Explorers trying to keep SAK costs down ... a 3/32 inch ferrocerium rod will fit perfectly into the cork screw. Wrap the corkscrew with some waxed jute to complete the kit. The back of the SAK saw makes a great striker and doesn't damage the tool. Also worth mentioning is the needle can be easily magnetized by rubbing it in one direction on a magnet to create an emergency compass when floated on a leaf in water.
I prefer the shadow / stick method to find North, even if you lose absolutely all your gear, that can never fail you short of nightime. An analogue watch is another option too.
My favorite SAK currently is the Farmer X , it has everything I need and then some. If I had to choose an underappreciated SAK, it would be the Rangergrip. You get a full grip, the blade locks and you get a fairly large wood saw, bigger than any you see on the normal SAKS. Just a great knife
It was missed in the video, but the alox SAKs are more than just the durable aluminum scales. The springs are beefier and hold open a bit better. The knife blade is a little longer, deeper, and has a slightly beefier spine (more durable). Likewise, the prybar/screwdriver and can opener are also thicker and more durable. The inline awl is pretty much universally agreed to be better than the one on the back of the celidor SAKs. Finally (and hardly last), the liners are nickel-silver rather than aluminum and are MUCH more corrosion resistant. Because of these differences, I'd pick a Farmer X over the Huntsman pretty much every time for outdoor usage.
I was happy enough you responded here in the comments section to my original question, but then you answered my question by making an ENTIRE video. Thankyou! NOW all I have to do is choose one!!! LOL
In 1978 my dad gave me a classic SD keychain Swiss army knife..blade . Nail file with screwdriver tip... Scissors & toothpick and tweezers.. I have carried a SD on my keychain ever since. My first one in 78.. it is extremely useful I would feel naked without it
Love this, especially since I’ve moved more into Vics lately. Been carrying an older model Super Tinker - out of everything else they’ve made - for three or more decades. Broke the handle and epoxied the piece back in with no problems, holding all this time. I Aldo always carry a fixed or single lock blade. But the tweezers! LOVE the tweezers. The edges meet! I worked in a machine shop/factory fir 30 years and never found anything better for those tiny metal slivers. Just saw the comment from Felix Immler, too - live his videos, very helpful. Keep up the good work, David.
Guys, gotta share this one - in EDC use and in bushcraft, from all the knives I have (from superlight Kershaw folder, over fancy Extrema Ratio Rao, to sword-ish Bowie and everything in between) THE best and most useful knife turned out to be no other but inexpensive Victorinox Allox!
Went straight from purchasing the Wenger s18 (yellow with lock as shown) to the boonies for a week of camping. It did everything expected. I don't hesitate to recommend SAks to anyone anymore for anything anywhere
Update from my comment a month ago. I got the Fieldmaster, and I’m almost mad at how *good* it is! I already carry three knives at once just to justify owning so many, and the Fieldmaster has so many functions that it’s trying to make itself a permanent part of my rotation. Every tool on it works exactly like it’s supposed to. Just yesterday I used the wood saw to cut a 4-inch branch that had fallen off of an oak tree to break it into smaller pieces and make carrying it to the dumpster easier. The small blade is the perfect size for opening boxes and packages. The tweezers allow me to pluck annoying hairs. And all of these functions fit into a package that I can fully wrap my hand around. It fits comfortably in a shirt pocket. It’s almost unbelievable what the size/weight-to-utility ratio is for this thing!
Hey DCA & Team, I totally agree with you on your recommendation with the Scout Master. He must be teaching in a high end school. Your suggestion was affordable, friendly & absolutely fictional. I myself was a cub scout, a full scout & later a ranger. I learn from fairly primitive tools & learn how to survive on that, then work my way up to high end tools. Now just watching your show, it improve my capabilities & knowledge on how to use a apparatus to the environment we're in. You're a LEGEND mate. Greetings from Australia.
Excellent! Well chosen topic, well gleaned questions and very insightful, solid and humorous presentation and elaboration. Cheers David. George from Greece.
I looked through so many saks trying to find one I could afford and would be thrilled with. I went with a huntsman and love. The one I really want when I can afford it is the outrider. It was very cool to see both of them in this video. Excellent advice by the way and well presented.
Great review, I especially like your suggestion for a $50 ''starter'' pairing of a Mora with the Huntsman/Fieldmaster. To someone here in the UK wishing for a similar setup at under £50 I would recommend a Mora like the Companion, together with a Farmer alox and a Classic SD. Mora £10.50, Farmer £23, Classic SD £13, all including free delivery. Or you could go for Huntsman/Fieldmaster which is available for as little as £27 incl delivery, bringing that setup in at under £40. This covers a number of configurations - all 3 for the outdoors with the Classic being reserved for hygiene/first aid tasks, and the Farmer and Classic for urban EDC. The Farmer is a little bit more robust in terms of springs and blade thickness, and I find the inline awl is more capable than the backtool awl on 91mm celidor SAKs. However I do own a Hiker and a Climber so can fully recommend the Huntsman/Fieldmaster too as I have it's toolset between those 2!
Another great Q&A video! Love the recommendation of the Huntsman plus Mora combo, my son used this when in the Scout movement. The Huntsman also has the pin hole behind the corkscrew (ideal for an emergency compass and for taking out those pesky splinters!!), but the pin has to be purchased separately.
Fantastic knives, it's almost unbelievable that a Companion here in the UK and in the rest of Europe is available for just £10! I don't know how they do it. These knives are surprisingly robust and capable, despite not being full tang, I saw a yt upload of torture testing a Companion in terms of batonning capability, it took a lot of beating with a full size sledgehammer, holding the blade in two vices, to eventually break it, which means it's virtually impossible to break using it to baton.
DCA, you're the best. You take so much into account with your suggestions. Honestly, your consistency and attitude in these vids have made me a big fan! Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for recommending the Morakniv Pro series knifes. That's a GREAT option for young campers. I bought an inexpensive Mora just for the blade, with the intention to re-handle it and use for EDC (Every Day Cary).
Best entry level knife for cub scouts is the pocket pal . Comes in different colors with the cub scout emblem. Terrific knife to teach responsible use to the kids . Brought a dozen to a den meeting , left with none , parents & scouts were thrilled. Affordable...
Oh man! For the “Slimmer SAK” question, I would have recommended the Cadet. So slim, so useful. Only thing you don’t get is the tweezers and and toothpick. Great video, DCA! I love all your videos’, but SAK”s are my favorite knives!
Swiss Army knife is the most useful multitool I’ve ever had. It sits right next to another great :Leatherman Wingman yet the hand usually reaches for my Victorinox Skipper. It has most things I need except for the spring loaded pliers of the Wingman.
Hi David (and Seth), My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question: I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features: 1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard") 2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (*MUST* be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong) 3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but *MUST* have it... 4) About 3" or more Blade Length 5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly. 6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip 7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each.
Shopping intensive for over three years and no regular use. Myself and my wife... You know we want larger SAK good size main blade and then over size sissors... those two things are all we want for cutting ---------- are scissors for plastic bags opening across the top ............extras for the other stuff. Standard level extras are fine but no Corkscrew.. Show oversize scissors & Locking standard size big blade. Minimal other stuff and no Corkscrew. Buld For me? Of course a final SAK index that would lead me directly to such a knife.... Someone make an index of the many models wandering around... Thanks to all who Loves this shop.
Hahhaha the last question was very funny! All the today's video was a pleasure to watch, I love swiss army knives from my childhood, thank you my friends. Ciao!.
$200 higher end Combo: 1. Victorinox Farmer X (alox, with saw, scissors, awl, can and bottle openers). $59.99 2. Benchmade 200 Puuko, great bushcraft 3V steel. $127.50 3. NDuR Fire Steel & Striker. $11.99 Total - $199.48 (Oct 9, 2021). DCA, got it agree Outrider is an excellent 111mm SAK. Can openers a must, pull tabs break all the time. Sure you can open a can by plunging the blade repeatedly - but really damages a blade.
I feel compelled to say this on every DCA SAK vid, but as a city slicker and occasional country boy, the SAK Compact can’t be beat for urban carry. Knife, scissors, can opener, flat head, wire stripper, pen, toothpick, tweezers, needle, nail file, parcel hook, make shift philips head. It’s an amazing toolset on small package. Hardcore outdoorsman, Farmer X has everything covered.
I've gifted several SDs. I usually go with the color that kinda goes with them: medical - white, LEO - blue, Fire - red. Big occasions get personalized.
The farmer is one of my favorites. I also have the oht but favorite sak so far gotta agree with you I love the outrider. Nicely sized bigger blade. It's become my go to pocket knife
The Mora Craftline can be modified with a bit of sandpaper to give it a 90 degree spine. There are numerous videos here that teach you how to do that, as well as one Canadian who teaches how to sharpen with sandpaper. The one I stumbled on outfitted the sheath with a little survival kit consisting of a mini ferro rod held on with tape (tinder in a pinch) and wrapped with paracord. That knife is also a surprisingly good knife for the money, and I pair mine with a SAK Hiker (I've never seen the need for the corkscrew), which, all total, came to about $35. And no, I didn't mod my Mora, but I plan on buying another to do so.
Another great use for the corkscrew on a SAK is picking out a backlash on a baitcast fishing reel. I don’t even refer to mine as a corkscrew, I just think of it as the backlash tool.
The Victorinox “Midnight Manager” is a small model with a blade, scissors, nail file, and a Phillips screwdriver. It also has a ballpoint pen and a light!
Regarding the Question at 21:41 I would suggest the Victorinox bantam alox which is even thinner and the integrated tool combines the flat screwdriver and can opener in such a way that there also is a fitting tip for philips screws. I carry one in the coin pocket of my jeans every day and while it is also not perfect for philips screws, it works and is a great choice if you want to go absolutely minimalistic.
I love my Victorinox knives almost as much as my much more expensive knives. My favourite combo is a Cadet and a Classic SD, it has almost all the tools I need but still being small, lightweight and easy to carry.
I really like that Mora Kansbol. I have a Condor Terrasaur which is an excellent blade for the price, but this is just cool with the steel and sharpener and unique grind. I also have both the FireAnt and Firefly, and prefer to give up the toothpick and use the longer Firefly starter in my Huntsman. (I also think a kid might be better off with the longer Firefly as the FireAnt Ferro rod is pretty tiny and might be more easily lost, YMMV). I put the helix tinder in the corkscrew, but keep the small eyeglass screwdriver on top of it. I do use the FireAnt you show there in the corkscrew of the Ranger Wood 55 which has no toothpick. That corkscrew is longer than those on a standard SAK, so I can use longer sections of tinder which I get from Tortoise Gear. FYI, the orange helix tinder is waterproof and burns for at least two minutes, but they also make gray helix tinder that burns a bit more erratically but hotter for a slightly shorter time, and is both water and wind proof. By the way, thought I had the 111mm size covered with the green German Army SAK, but that Outrider looks like it adds another layer. Very cool.
I carry a SAK Hiker in addition to my main blade. I have a small hobby farm with livestock and the Hiker is just perfect. I also have an ALOX Cadet and a Recruit. Might have to add the Super Tinker.
The best swiss army knife for a kid is going to have the Philips head screwdriver. The cork screw isn't necessary. Even when you put those fancy things in the corkscrew, that's just not what they need. And it's just more stuff for them to lose. My first screwdriver ever was the one on my Victorinox Fieldmaster. And I used it all the time. The Fieldmaster is the same as the Huntsman but with the Philips head screwdriver instead of the corkscrew. The Explorer has both the screwdriver and the corkscrew but it lacks the saw. (Side note: To this day I've never used the saw on a Swiss Army knife. It's just too small to be useful for much.) The other option would be the Huntsman Lite. It has the saw, scissors, Philips head, corkscrew, and a flashlight, as well as all the basic tools. So it has everything you would actually use plus the saw and corkscrew. It's my new favorite backpack knife, but it's bulky and a little more expensive. My actual edc Swiss Army knife is the Tinker Small. It only has the basic tools but that's all I need most days. And because it's the 84mm version of the Tinker it rides in the change pocket of my jeans. That's the next best thing to having a pocket clip in my opinion. So to sum up my suggestions are: -Victorinox Fieldmaster (For in my pocket/backpack) -Victorinox Huntsman Lite (For in my backpack) -Victorinox Tinker Small (For in my change pocket) Bonus option: -Victorinox Spartan Lite It has all the basic tools plus the flashlight and Philips head. So like the Huntsman Lite and the Explorer it has both the Philips head screwdriver AND the corkscrew. What the Spartan Lite lacks is the scissors and the saw. I have one in my car. Swiss Army knives I can't recommend: -Compact (no Philips head screwdriver, and the "opener" tool is the bad version) -Camper (no Philips head screwdriver) -Huntsman (no Philips head screwdriver)
My favourite Sak is the outrider it is a 111mm knife with a blade, saw, sizzors, bottle and can opener, Phillip screwdriver, reamer, toothpick and tweezers and a corkscrew
Just bought the Outrider because I thought it would be the perfect outdoor knife which is not too bulky. Glad to see here that my knife choice was good, despite it being most overlooked. 😄
Hi ,Dave! Yeah, the Tinker series - I've used them for so many years I forget how long! I have only one complaint with it - it has no saw! Yes, I understand it's intended for a different set of needs, BUT I still want a saw! So now I have to resort to my Swiss Champ whenever I need a saw. So, what I actually need is a bright blue Huntsman (which wasn't around out in the Colonies in those days (SA!). 16:07 "... the Skandi is regarded as easy to sharpen..." I see this quoted a lot - except by knifemakers! In the field a Skandi is a veritable pig to sharpen properly! Mostly, I think the Skandi grind is overspecialised, and single use. An ESSE 3/4 would be a much better Boy Scout camp knife and much easier to use and keep sharp enough. I think you answered that later in the segment, thanks. 17:04 Food prep with a Skandi - not so much! They don't really slice all that well. the SAK would be a better prepper knife, at least for the smaller stuff. 21:15 That hook - is that not actually a skinning hook? Thanks for a great video, Dave.
Removed a Ferro rod/fire steal from one of those magnesium blocks.. wrapped duct tape around the tip for a grip.. then I took a drill and bored a hole in the back of the mora knife . So the fire steel fits in the handle with a tiny end of the fire steel protruding
Sir David, The Pull-Out King is highly impressed at how your presentations are actually improving from a beginning point that was already excellent. The Pull-Out King really liked how Sir David took into consideration the financial concerns of young future citizens, in regards to suggesting cutlery for Scouts. Not only that, but outlining the lineage of blade steels was an added bonus that I didn’t expect. Your delivery is great; I think that if someone completely new to knives was to take a look at your videos, they would be able to follow. Thanks again for another great presentation. With my highest regards, The Pull-Out King
Get out of my head, DCA! I just started obsessing over SAKs last week! I’ve got my eyes firmly set on the Fieldmaster. I never appreciated the first Victorinox I had as a kid, because I never learned how to use it properly. But about two weeks ago an old friend gifted me his vintage Boy Scout camp knife made in the 50’s, and in just a few days I was blown away to find myself regretting not having it with me for the extra tools it offers. My dad showed off an old camp/hobo knife he got as a kid in the 60’s, which included a saw, scissors, a fork and spoon. I’ve been looking for one just like it ever since, and the Fieldmaster most closely fits it while keeping tools I can actually use.
You can't go wrong with the Fieldmaster. I switch between the Fieldmaster and the EvoGrip 18 (the first SAK shown in the video, though mine is the non-locking model) for my main everyday carry. If I want something lighter I have a Tinker.
@@Just1Guy1000 Absolutely the Phillips over the corkscrew everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. DCA tries to sell it but I just have never found it more useful than the Phillips.
I agree with both of y’all. I was originally going forward the Huntsman, until I discovered the Fieldmaster replaced the corkscrew with a Philips head. Besides, I already own a tool designed specifically for tying and untying knots. Do either of y’all, or anyone else for that matter, know of any SAK that has a small shovel head as a tool? I’m looking for an all-in-one gardening tool, and a folding trowel a la hobo knife spoon would be perfect.
A good multi tool for a mountain biker would be a Crank Bros F15, or any of the rest of their line. Also the Crank Bros tire lever, and Olight makes a front and rear bike light.
I love the bantam and have been carrying it on my keychain for about two years now. Super affordable, light weight and has all the tools that I want in a swiss army knife
Hey DCA! I don't know if you've covered this yet, but I'd love to see some of your favorite knives, and maybe your edc, or some of your favorite things to edc!
I like SAKs and have bought a few because they're cool (I especially like the Pioneer), but I rarely end up carrying them. For me, pliers and screwdrivers are the must haves for a multitool. So, I end up carrying my Leathermans. I get more use out of them. Also, there's a philosophy of use issue with most SAKs. Their primary tool is the knife, which, as mentioned, is a good but not great knife. I carry a dedicated knife so it makes sense to choose a multitool that prioritizes a more useful tool (like pliers or scissors) over the knife blade.
G’day sir! Seeing as how your front flipping skills have improved vastly over the course of these videos, and I’m looking for a new front flipper, I was wondering what you would recommend? Really digging the Centauri but can’t get one in Canada from you guys 😖 Under $150, 3” blade and up, and snappy flipping action. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Mr. Anderson, I love the overall look of the LionSteel Thrill especially with the push button flush mount pocket clip. However, I was curious if there is a more budget friendly gentleman alternative with a similar pocket clip design. Maybe something in the $50 - $100 range. Thank you.
“The Best knife is the one you have with you.” This point can’t ever be stressed enough. I have all kinds of tools at home, but I use the ones on my Swiss Army Knife more than any others. That, of course, is because I have my SAK in my pocket when I’m away from home. That’s also why I prefer a relatively small and simple a Swiss Army Knife to the models that have everything including a kitchen sink. If it’s bulky and heavy, I won’t carry it most of the time. Which brings us back to “The best knife is the one you have with you.” That’s also the principle of credit card knives and keychain knives and earring knives and so on. But below a certain size, the usefulness is pretty limited.
I carry a Classic SD in my watch pocket along with my Para 3 LW and most days I use the Victorinox only and definitely more then the Spyderco. A hiker I watch carries only an SD and no other knife
Hi David, big fan of the channel, I am just starting in building my knife collection and have decided to build out my collection around iconic military knives, my first purchase was a Ka-bar mark2, followed by a Gerber LMF II, and a Fallkniven F1, hoping for a couple suggestions of any other iconic military knives to add to the collection (no daggers please).
I have a wenger evo-grip that I’ve been EDC since I was a child. It’s so beat up now, but it’s probably the most sentimental item. I came to this video to try and find the best replacement since now I’m more scared of losing it. (Got it when I was 8, I’m 22 now)
Victorinox Forester with locking blade would be perfect for Scouts with HULTAFORS Outdoor Knife OK1 combo. Any Victorinox knife with Blade, Scissor and cap / can opener is good enough for EDC. Rest of added tools are just like custom picks. That should be your choice to select among many offered. ☝️😎
Hello DCA, as a man of the kitchen and the forest you are the perfect person to answer my Nessmuk question. I need a muk that is great at skinning and outdoor food processing. It needs to be long enough to handle most food prep, but light and nimble enough to skin small game. I like "natural" handles but it will get pretty gutsy, so it needs to be easily cleanable. What would you suggest? I have been looking at the Boker Nessmi in D2, the Lion Steel H1 Skinner in M390, and the Esee Nessmuk in 1095. You've talked about how course steels are good for cardboard, and fine steels are good for wood, what is your preferred steel for meat and food?
Hello David. Thanks for this interesting video! Greetings from Switzerland
Felix
love your channel Felix
Grüße in die Schweiz!
The SAK Master himself!
@@FullyAdamatic My face skin getting red... thanks for the roses
Felix got the best SAK channel. I'm amazed at what SAKs are actually capable of
Yay, it's Felix Immler!
I gift a deluxe tinker to all my friends and family members who move into a new apartment or house. They hate to admit it, but it's always the most used and abused thing they own lol
Now that's a good friend man
For the Scouts and Explorers trying to keep SAK costs down ... a 3/32 inch ferrocerium rod will fit perfectly into the cork screw. Wrap the corkscrew with some waxed jute to complete the kit. The back of the SAK saw makes a great striker and doesn't damage the tool. Also worth mentioning is the needle can be easily magnetized by rubbing it in one direction on a magnet to create an emergency compass when floated on a leaf in water.
I prefer the shadow / stick method to find North, even if you lose absolutely all your gear, that can never fail you short of nightime. An analogue watch is another option too.
Where do you get a 3/32-inch ferro rod? Online, I see lots of offers to sell 5/16 and 1/2 inch rods, but no mention of one as thin as 3/32.
My favorite SAK currently is the Farmer X , it has everything I need and then some. If I had to choose an underappreciated SAK, it would be the Rangergrip. You get a full grip, the blade locks and you get a fairly large wood saw, bigger than any you see on the normal SAKS. Just a great knife
Kyle sentz
Agreed.
I like the Farmer X red Alox exclusive that KnifeCenter sells. I also have the Ranger Wood 55 similar to the Rangergrip, and agree it’s a great model.
I have the one before the ranger got popular,the rucksack type,still use it on a daily base
My Farmer X instantly became one of my favorite carriers. It's a fantastic piece!
I really like my Rangergrip 78. That saw is really useful and I like the locking blade and the shield unlocker.
It was missed in the video, but the alox SAKs are more than just the durable aluminum scales. The springs are beefier and hold open a bit better. The knife blade is a little longer, deeper, and has a slightly beefier spine (more durable). Likewise, the prybar/screwdriver and can opener are also thicker and more durable. The inline awl is pretty much universally agreed to be better than the one on the back of the celidor SAKs. Finally (and hardly last), the liners are nickel-silver rather than aluminum and are MUCH more corrosion resistant.
Because of these differences, I'd pick a Farmer X over the Huntsman pretty much every time for outdoor usage.
I have the Pioneer X and it is much nicer than the models with plastic scales. The Alox knives are worth the extra $
Yes, SAK Alox was my gateway drug.
Very informative comment!
scaling back the Scout's question was admirable and why this is a great channel. BB Scotland.
I was happy enough you responded here in the comments section to my original question, but then you answered my question by making an ENTIRE video. Thankyou! NOW all I have to do is choose one!!! LOL
Great video as always, but DON"T ruin the awl to strike a fire steel. Use the back of the saw!!!
Great Recommendation for the Scouts! Wish I knew about Mora back then.
In 1978 my dad gave me a classic SD keychain Swiss army knife..blade . Nail file with screwdriver tip... Scissors & toothpick and tweezers.. I have carried a SD on my keychain ever since. My first one in 78.. it is extremely useful I would feel naked without it
Love this, especially since I’ve moved more into Vics lately. Been carrying an older model Super Tinker - out of everything else they’ve made - for three or more decades. Broke the handle and epoxied the piece back in with no problems, holding all this time. I Aldo always carry a fixed or single lock blade. But the tweezers! LOVE the tweezers. The edges meet! I worked in a machine shop/factory fir 30 years and never found anything better for those tiny metal slivers. Just saw the comment from Felix Immler, too - live his videos, very helpful. Keep up the good work, David.
Guys, gotta share this one - in EDC use and in bushcraft, from all the knives I have (from superlight Kershaw folder, over fancy Extrema Ratio Rao, to sword-ish Bowie and everything in between) THE best and most useful knife turned out to be no other but inexpensive Victorinox Allox!
Went straight from purchasing the Wenger s18 (yellow with lock as shown) to the boonies for a week of camping. It did everything expected. I don't hesitate to recommend SAks to anyone anymore for anything anywhere
The Victorinox hunter doesn't get enough love. Thanks for showing it. I love that knife.
Update from my comment a month ago. I got the Fieldmaster, and I’m almost mad at how *good* it is! I already carry three knives at once just to justify owning so many, and the Fieldmaster has so many functions that it’s trying to make itself a permanent part of my rotation.
Every tool on it works exactly like it’s supposed to. Just yesterday I used the wood saw to cut a 4-inch branch that had fallen off of an oak tree to break it into smaller pieces and make carrying it to the dumpster easier. The small blade is the perfect size for opening boxes and packages. The tweezers allow me to pluck annoying hairs.
And all of these functions fit into a package that I can fully wrap my hand around. It fits comfortably in a shirt pocket. It’s almost unbelievable what the size/weight-to-utility ratio is for this thing!
I've been carrying a Spartan with plus scales for five years or so now & I love it, I never leave the house without it.
Hey DCA & Team, I totally agree with you on your recommendation with the Scout Master. He must be teaching in a high end school. Your suggestion was affordable, friendly & absolutely fictional. I myself was a cub scout, a full scout & later a ranger. I learn from fairly primitive tools & learn how to survive on that, then work my way up to high end tools. Now just watching your show, it improve my capabilities & knowledge on how to use a apparatus to the environment we're in. You're a LEGEND mate. Greetings from Australia.
"Functional" not fictional..! Lol.
Excellent! Well chosen topic, well gleaned questions and very insightful, solid and humorous presentation and elaboration. Cheers David. George from Greece.
I looked through so many saks trying to find one I could afford and would be thrilled with. I went with a huntsman and love. The one I really want when I can afford it is the outrider. It was very cool to see both of them in this video. Excellent advice by the way and well presented.
I love my modded SAK Tinkers and Spartans. Spending rainy days playing with them is always fun.
Great review, I especially like your suggestion for a $50 ''starter'' pairing of a Mora with the Huntsman/Fieldmaster. To someone here in the UK wishing for a similar setup at under £50 I would recommend a Mora like the Companion, together with a Farmer alox and a Classic SD. Mora £10.50, Farmer £23, Classic SD £13, all including free delivery. Or you could go for Huntsman/Fieldmaster which is available for as little as £27 incl delivery, bringing that setup in at under £40. This covers a number of configurations - all 3 for the outdoors with the Classic being reserved for hygiene/first aid tasks, and the Farmer and Classic for urban EDC. The Farmer is a little bit more robust in terms of springs and blade thickness, and I find the inline awl is more capable than the backtool awl on 91mm celidor SAKs. However I do own a Hiker and a Climber so can fully recommend the Huntsman/Fieldmaster too as I have it's toolset between those 2!
Always enjoy FAQ.
Y'all are my favorite knife channel.
Thanks!
Another great Q&A video! Love the recommendation of the Huntsman plus Mora combo, my son used this when in the Scout movement. The Huntsman also has the pin hole behind the corkscrew (ideal for an emergency compass and for taking out those pesky splinters!!), but the pin has to be purchased separately.
I gotta give a shout out to the rangergrip series. Great for larger than average hands and very capable in the wilderness.
I have the one before the ranger got popular,the rucksack type,a d still use it on a daily base
Love Swiss Army knives. Multi tools such as these, make life much easier.
PS: the Huntsman is in my pocket now. My daughter carries one daily too.
Thanks for the dedicated multitool content. Great video and suggestions!
As an outdoor and knife enthusiast from Sweden I’m always proud when you show Mora Knifes. Morakniv’s are almost something we’re born with over here.
Fantastic knives, it's almost unbelievable that a Companion here in the UK and in the rest of Europe is available for just £10! I don't know how they do it. These knives are surprisingly robust and capable, despite not being full tang, I saw a yt upload of torture testing a Companion in terms of batonning capability, it took a lot of beating with a full size sledgehammer, holding the blade in two vices, to eventually break it, which means it's virtually impossible to break using it to baton.
Your scout recs are spot on great call
DCA, you're the best. You take so much into account with your suggestions. Honestly, your consistency and attitude in these vids have made me a big fan! Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for recommending the Morakniv Pro series knifes. That's a GREAT option for young campers. I bought an inexpensive Mora just for the blade, with the intention to re-handle it and use for EDC (Every Day Cary).
Best entry level knife for cub scouts is the pocket pal . Comes in different colors with the cub scout emblem. Terrific knife to teach responsible use to the kids . Brought a dozen to a den meeting , left with none , parents & scouts were thrilled. Affordable...
when you were talking about the scouting and sak combined with a Mora, the Farmer X is a great knife.
Oh man! For the “Slimmer SAK” question, I would have recommended the Cadet. So slim, so useful. Only thing you don’t get is the tweezers and and toothpick. Great video, DCA! I love all your videos’, but SAK”s are my favorite knives!
Swiss Army knife is the most useful multitool I’ve ever had. It sits right next to another great :Leatherman Wingman yet the hand usually reaches for my Victorinox Skipper. It has most things I need except for the spring loaded pliers of the Wingman.
The Huntsman and the Deluxe Thinker are two of the best SAKs for gifting! I do it all the time and it's always a success 😁
Hi David (and Seth),
My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question:
I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features:
1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard")
2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (*MUST* be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong)
3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but *MUST* have it...
4) About 3" or more Blade Length
5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly.
6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip
7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each.
Thanks so much!
Shopping intensive for over three years and no regular use. Myself and my wife... You know we want larger SAK good size main blade and then over size sissors... those two things are all we want for cutting ---------- are scissors for plastic bags opening across the top ............extras for the other stuff. Standard level extras are fine but no Corkscrew.. Show oversize scissors & Locking standard size big blade. Minimal other stuff and no Corkscrew. Buld For me?
Of course a final SAK index that would lead me directly to such a knife.... Someone make an index of the many models wandering around... Thanks to all who Loves this shop.
Love my Tiger Orange Hunter Pro Alox.
Hahhaha the last question was very funny! All the today's video was a pleasure to watch, I love swiss army knives from my childhood, thank you my friends.
Ciao!.
I love the 111mm SAKs. Hercules is my favorite and rotates as EDC between my Gerber Armbar and Cybertool.
$200 higher end Combo:
1. Victorinox Farmer X (alox, with saw, scissors, awl, can and bottle openers). $59.99
2. Benchmade 200 Puuko, great bushcraft 3V steel. $127.50
3. NDuR Fire Steel & Striker. $11.99
Total - $199.48 (Oct 9, 2021).
DCA, got it agree Outrider is an excellent 111mm SAK.
Can openers a must, pull tabs break all the time. Sure you can open a can by plunging the blade repeatedly - but really damages a blade.
I feel compelled to say this on every DCA SAK vid, but as a city slicker and occasional country boy, the SAK Compact can’t be beat for urban carry. Knife, scissors, can opener, flat head, wire stripper, pen, toothpick, tweezers, needle, nail file, parcel hook, make shift philips head. It’s an amazing toolset on small package. Hardcore outdoorsman, Farmer X has everything covered.
Thank you DCA! Another Master Class on SAKs!
The boy scout combo was right on the money. Exactly the combo im getting my son for his first knives for scouts.
I've gifted several SDs. I usually go with the color that kinda goes with them: medical - white, LEO - blue, Fire - red. Big occasions get personalized.
Very informative and useful vid. Thanks for pointing out the more affordable options. 👍👍
The farmer is one of my favorites. I also have the oht but favorite sak so far gotta agree with you I love the outrider. Nicely sized bigger blade. It's become my go to pocket knife
I recently got a climber with micarta scales and ite perfect for me and feels great in the hand with the micarta.
The Mora Craftline can be modified with a bit of sandpaper to give it a 90 degree spine. There are numerous videos here that teach you how to do that, as well as one Canadian who teaches how to sharpen with sandpaper. The one I stumbled on outfitted the sheath with a little survival kit consisting of a mini ferro rod held on with tape (tinder in a pinch) and wrapped with paracord. That knife is also a surprisingly good knife for the money, and I pair mine with a SAK Hiker (I've never seen the need for the corkscrew), which, all total, came to about $35. And no, I didn't mod my Mora, but I plan on buying another to do so.
Fine topic for a video! Thank you
Love to see Swiss Army Knife videos!
Another great use for the corkscrew on a SAK is picking out a backlash on a baitcast fishing reel. I don’t even refer to mine as a corkscrew, I just think of it as the backlash tool.
The Victorinox “Midnight Manager” is a small model with a blade, scissors, nail file, and a Phillips screwdriver. It also has a ballpoint pen and a light!
Regarding the Question at 21:41 I would suggest the Victorinox bantam alox which is even thinner and the integrated tool combines the flat screwdriver and can opener in such a way that there also is a fitting tip for philips screws. I carry one in the coin pocket of my jeans every day and while it is also not perfect for philips screws, it works and is a great choice if you want to go absolutely minimalistic.
I love my Victorinox knives almost as much as my much more expensive knives.
My favourite combo is a Cadet and a Classic SD, it has almost all the tools I need but still being small, lightweight and easy to carry.
That's also my combo. But the cadet with a scissors would just be perfect
That was a very fun video. Thanks so much!
I really like that Mora Kansbol. I have a Condor Terrasaur which is an excellent blade for the price, but this is just cool with the steel and sharpener and unique grind.
I also have both the FireAnt and Firefly, and prefer to give up the toothpick and use the longer Firefly starter in my Huntsman. (I also think a kid might be better off with the longer Firefly as the FireAnt Ferro rod is pretty tiny and might be more easily lost, YMMV). I put the helix tinder in the corkscrew, but keep the small eyeglass screwdriver on top of it. I do use the FireAnt you show there in the corkscrew of the Ranger Wood 55 which has no toothpick. That corkscrew is longer than those on a standard SAK, so I can use longer sections of tinder which I get from Tortoise Gear. FYI, the orange helix tinder is waterproof and burns for at least two minutes, but they also make gray helix tinder that burns a bit more erratically but hotter for a slightly shorter time, and is both water and wind proof.
By the way, thought I had the 111mm size covered with the green German Army SAK, but that Outrider looks like it adds another layer. Very cool.
You should have mentioned the slot behind the corkscrew that takes a pin. Very useful outdoors.
Great video, keep making more multi-tool videos.
Love that DCA is an Alton Brown fan! Me too!
I carry a SAK Hiker in addition to my main blade. I have a small hobby farm with livestock and the Hiker is just perfect. I also have an ALOX Cadet and a Recruit. Might have to add the Super Tinker.
The best swiss army knife for a kid is going to have the Philips head screwdriver.
The cork screw isn't necessary.
Even when you put those fancy things in the corkscrew, that's just not what they need.
And it's just more stuff for them to lose.
My first screwdriver ever was the one on my Victorinox Fieldmaster.
And I used it all the time.
The Fieldmaster is the same as the Huntsman but with the Philips head screwdriver instead of the corkscrew.
The Explorer has both the screwdriver and the corkscrew but it lacks the saw.
(Side note: To this day I've never used the saw on a Swiss Army knife.
It's just too small to be useful for much.)
The other option would be the Huntsman Lite.
It has the saw, scissors, Philips head, corkscrew, and a flashlight, as well as all the basic tools.
So it has everything you would actually use plus the saw and corkscrew.
It's my new favorite backpack knife, but it's bulky and a little more expensive.
My actual edc Swiss Army knife is the Tinker Small.
It only has the basic tools but that's all I need most days.
And because it's the 84mm version of the Tinker it rides in the change pocket of my jeans.
That's the next best thing to having a pocket clip in my opinion.
So to sum up my suggestions are:
-Victorinox Fieldmaster (For in my pocket/backpack)
-Victorinox Huntsman Lite (For in my backpack)
-Victorinox Tinker Small (For in my change pocket)
Bonus option:
-Victorinox Spartan Lite
It has all the basic tools plus the flashlight and Philips head.
So like the Huntsman Lite and the Explorer it has both the Philips head screwdriver AND the corkscrew.
What the Spartan Lite lacks is the scissors and the saw.
I have one in my car.
Swiss Army knives I can't recommend:
-Compact (no Philips head screwdriver, and the "opener" tool is the bad version)
-Camper (no Philips head screwdriver)
-Huntsman (no Philips head screwdriver)
My favourite Sak is the outrider it is a 111mm knife with a blade, saw, sizzors, bottle and can opener, Phillip screwdriver, reamer, toothpick and tweezers and a corkscrew
A great use for the parcel hook is frapping cordage. Got that one from Dave Canterbury
Workchamp for me. With me spirit and Swiss champ right behind it.
The nail file on the Cadet can also be used for (smaller) Philips head screws.
Pioneer and cadet are my favorites. 👍
Just bought the Outrider because I thought it would be the perfect outdoor knife which is not too bulky. Glad to see here that my knife choice was good, despite it being most overlooked. 😄
The Victorinox Bantam is the one for steveeb, only the blade and the combo flat screwdriver/2D Phillips/bottle opener. One layer thin.
Aftermarket pocket clips are available for many Swiss Army Knives. Some of them fit into the toothpick hole or the tweezers hole.
Hi ,Dave! Yeah, the Tinker series - I've used them for so many years I forget how long! I have only one complaint with it - it has no saw! Yes, I understand it's intended for a different set of needs, BUT I still want a saw! So now I have to resort to my Swiss Champ whenever I need a saw. So, what I actually need is a bright blue Huntsman (which wasn't around out in the Colonies in those days (SA!).
16:07 "... the Skandi is regarded as easy to sharpen..." I see this quoted a lot - except by knifemakers! In the field a Skandi is a veritable pig to sharpen properly! Mostly, I think the Skandi grind is overspecialised, and single use. An ESSE 3/4 would be a much better Boy Scout camp knife and much easier to use and keep sharp enough. I think you answered that later in the segment, thanks.
17:04 Food prep with a Skandi - not so much! They don't really slice all that well. the SAK would be a better prepper knife, at least for the smaller stuff.
21:15 That hook - is that not actually a skinning hook?
Thanks for a great video, Dave.
Another knife that would meet the needs of Web Richburg’s question is the 74mm Ambassador. It’s like an oversized Classic SD.
Removed a Ferro rod/fire steal from one of those magnesium blocks.. wrapped duct tape around the tip for a grip.. then I took a drill and bored a hole in the back of the mora knife . So the fire steel fits in the handle with a tiny end of the fire steel protruding
Sir David,
The Pull-Out King is highly impressed at how your presentations are actually improving from a beginning point that was already excellent.
The Pull-Out King really liked how Sir David took into consideration the financial concerns of young future citizens, in regards to suggesting cutlery for Scouts.
Not only that, but outlining the lineage of blade steels was an added bonus that I didn’t expect.
Your delivery is great; I think that if someone completely new to knives was to take a look at your videos, they would be able to follow.
Thanks again for another great presentation.
With my highest regards,
The Pull-Out King
Get out of my head, DCA! I just started obsessing over SAKs last week! I’ve got my eyes firmly set on the Fieldmaster.
I never appreciated the first Victorinox I had as a kid, because I never learned how to use it properly. But about two weeks ago an old friend gifted me his vintage Boy Scout camp knife made in the 50’s, and in just a few days I was blown away to find myself regretting not having it with me for the extra tools it offers. My dad showed off an old camp/hobo knife he got as a kid in the 60’s, which included a saw, scissors, a fork and spoon. I’ve been looking for one just like it ever since, and the Fieldmaster most closely fits it while keeping tools I can actually use.
You can't go wrong with the Fieldmaster. I switch between the Fieldmaster and the EvoGrip 18 (the first SAK shown in the video, though mine is the non-locking model) for my main everyday carry. If I want something lighter I have a Tinker.
I carry a Fieldmaster nearly every day. I prioritize the Phillips head over the corkscrew.
@@Just1Guy1000 Absolutely the Phillips over the corkscrew everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. DCA tries to sell it but I just have never found it more useful than the Phillips.
@@John-tx1wk Totally agree. Refuse to own a SAK with one.
I agree with both of y’all. I was originally going forward the Huntsman, until I discovered the Fieldmaster replaced the corkscrew with a Philips head. Besides, I already own a tool designed specifically for tying and untying knots.
Do either of y’all, or anyone else for that matter, know of any SAK that has a small shovel head as a tool? I’m looking for an all-in-one gardening tool, and a folding trowel a la hobo knife spoon would be perfect.
A good multi tool for a mountain biker would be a Crank Bros F15, or any of the rest of their line. Also the Crank Bros tire lever, and Olight makes a front and rear bike light.
Deluxe tinker and sog flash have been in my pocket for almost 20 years now... Yes, that is the key, always have both
Dang! I really love that cigar SAK, think I need that in my life
I love the bantam and have been carrying it on my keychain for about two years now. Super affordable, light weight and has all the tools that I want in a swiss army knife
Outrider for the win, it doesn't get enough love and it is literally the most complete SAK package one could take out hiking or camping.
.....
@@s.marctapper6226 ….
I really really want one. I couldn’t afford it right now so I got a huntsman which I do love. One day I’ll get an outrider
Awesome episode thank you.
I found my first knife in a closet this week. I think it's a Tinker? Anyway, I was thrilled to find it
The alox farmer x is the best sak without a doubt. Also legal in 🇬🇧 UK.
Hey DCA! I don't know if you've covered this yet, but I'd love to see some of your favorite knives, and maybe your edc, or some of your favorite things to edc!
I like SAKs and have bought a few because they're cool (I especially like the Pioneer), but I rarely end up carrying them. For me, pliers and screwdrivers are the must haves for a multitool. So, I end up carrying my Leathermans. I get more use out of them.
Also, there's a philosophy of use issue with most SAKs. Their primary tool is the knife, which, as mentioned, is a good but not great knife. I carry a dedicated knife so it makes sense to choose a multitool that prioritizes a more useful tool (like pliers or scissors) over the knife blade.
G’day sir! Seeing as how your front flipping skills have improved vastly over the course of these videos, and I’m looking for a new front flipper, I was wondering what you would recommend? Really digging the Centauri but can’t get one in Canada from you guys 😖
Under $150, 3” blade and up, and snappy flipping action. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I edc a minichamp. However, I carry multiple dedicated folders as well.
Really surprised you didn't even mention the numerous pouches, sleeves and cases that vnox offers!
Classic SD new ones 2021
Mr. Anderson, I love the overall look of the LionSteel Thrill especially with the push button flush mount pocket clip. However, I was curious if there is a more budget friendly gentleman alternative with a similar pocket clip design. Maybe something in the $50 - $100 range. Thank you.
“The Best knife is the one you have with you.”
This point can’t ever be stressed enough. I have all kinds of tools at home, but I use the ones on my Swiss Army Knife more than any others. That, of course, is because I have my SAK in my pocket when I’m away from home.
That’s also why I prefer a relatively small and simple a Swiss Army Knife to the models that have everything including a kitchen sink. If it’s bulky and heavy, I won’t carry it most of the time. Which brings us back to “The best knife is the one you have with you.”
That’s also the principle of credit card knives and keychain knives and earring knives and so on. But below a certain size, the usefulness is pretty limited.
Great video. Thanks.
I carry a Classic SD in my watch pocket along with my Para 3 LW and most days I use the Victorinox only and definitely more then the Spyderco. A hiker I watch carries only an SD and no other knife
Yes, YIKES on that last one..!!!
As a knife person you can't go wrong with any Swiss army knife as a gift. I would be happy getting any of them even if I own the same model.
I edc both, my 36 year old Swiss Champ and a Gerber Gator in 154CM that I'v carried for 3 or 4 years.
Can't go wrong with a sak. My favorites are my compact, huntsman, outrider, s18 and champ. And anu alox!
Hi David, big fan of the channel, I am just starting in building my knife collection and have decided to build out my collection around iconic military knives, my first purchase was a Ka-bar mark2, followed by a Gerber LMF II, and a Fallkniven F1, hoping for a couple suggestions of any other iconic military knives to add to the collection (no daggers please).
I have a wenger evo-grip that I’ve been EDC since I was a child. It’s so beat up now, but it’s probably the most sentimental item. I came to this video to try and find the best replacement since now I’m more scared of losing it. (Got it when I was 8, I’m 22 now)
Victorinox Forester with locking blade would be perfect for Scouts with HULTAFORS Outdoor Knife OK1 combo.
Any Victorinox knife with Blade, Scissor and cap / can opener is good enough for EDC. Rest of added tools are just like custom picks. That should be your choice to select among many offered. ☝️😎
Hello DCA, as a man of the kitchen and the forest you are the perfect person to answer my Nessmuk question. I need a muk that is great at skinning and outdoor food processing. It needs to be long enough to handle most food prep, but light and nimble enough to skin small game. I like "natural" handles but it will get pretty gutsy, so it needs to be easily cleanable. What would you suggest? I have been looking at the Boker Nessmi in D2, the Lion Steel H1 Skinner in M390, and the Esee Nessmuk in 1095. You've talked about how course steels are good for cardboard, and fine steels are good for wood, what is your preferred steel for meat and food?