Which multi tool?

[m16a]

Hey guys, I recently went to Ellis Island and lost my beloved SAK Explorer in black because I forgot it was in my pocket and was confiscated. I have searched around and decided and I will not re buy the the explorer and instead buy an SAK with better features. I have narrowed it down to an older model SAK Champion Plus for $30 or a newer SAK SwissChamp for $45. Which should I buy and why? I really liked the ability to lock the screwdriver in on the explorer. Do these two knives do this? Thanks for the help:twothumbs

M16a


EDIT: Thanks to all the help from you guys, I have decided on a leatherman Skeletool CX. Because of the fact it has the bare minimum that I need as well as being very cool looking and light. I will be getting a bit set for it in the future as well. Thanks to all who gave me input in and out of the thread:twothumbs

 

[HeadCSO]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I can't see too much difference between the 2 tools. The Champ Plus lists 30 tools vs Swisschamps 33. Unless you need something on the swisschamp that the plus has not got, I would get the Plus and splash the difference on a new belt pouch for the Plus.

 

[m16a]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I can't see too much difference between the 2 tools. The Champ Plus lists 30 tools vs Swisschamps 33. Unless you need something on the swisschamp that the plus has not got, I would get the Plus and splash the difference on a new belt pouch for the Plus.

Because I absolutely never EDC stuff on a belt, the extra money for extra tools and not having a belt pouch is a non factor. Thank you very much for your input, but does it change with this info? Thanks again.

M16a

 

[TIP AND RING]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

M16A,

I have both models. The main difference in the two models is the SwissChamp has the pliers. The Champion does not and is slightly thinner. I prefer the in-line phillips as opposed to the "T" configured phillips of other models. It makes it easier for me to work in confined spaces, door knobs,etc. I carry the Champion with a Leatherman Pulse. If not carrying the Pulse then I carry the pliers equipped SwissChamp. The older model should have a true glass magnifier. Most of the "new" (2008) models appear to have a plastic magnifier and a slightly shorter phillips among other tiny differences.

Regards,
T&R

 

[Dantor]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I have the champion plus and edc it everyday.

one thing to think about is while glass lens's were better,
they can break easier, so I'm guessing for that reason
and "legal" reasons, they mags are plastic now, but I
have no problems with my plastic mag, it's still nice.

also, with plus models you get a pen (which I like)
and plus models have a secret compartment, you have
to cut it out;

arrow shows were. so you can cut it out and put your own tool in it!
(as long as it's small!) the driver does not lock,
but it does have 2 positions and they are very tight and secure.

 

[m16a]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

Thanks for the info guys. I am seriously leaning towards the Champion plus and considering adding the $15 saved towards a light purchase. Any other opinions?

 

[m16a]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

Edit: Answer to asked question found

 

[scott]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

Both are pretty big for pocket carry. Just something to consider. I had a Champ but only carried it a few times. The Explorer is about as big as I'd want to carry in a pocket.

 

[m16a]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I am also looking at one of the leathermna juice tools. Would they be better options as opposed to the SAK's I am looking at?

 

[Dantor]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

If you need a more dedicated/stronger plier they would be better. They are nice tools but you don't get the lifetime warranty with Leatherman, you get 25 years.

Also, if your going to be in a corrosion environment; salt water, humid/dry conditions, they may get some spotting or other.

I think the Juice is a nice tool, but I like SAKs for their dependability, easy carry and better prices.

 

[scott]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

The Juice tools are nice. I used to carry an S2 and I own the discontinued KF4. The S2 is okay for pocket carry but I still prefer an SAK. Currently, I carry a modded Vic Farmer with scissors and Leatherman P4. There's not too much I can't handle with these two. A modded Farmer may not be your thing, but a Vic Huntsman or Fieldmaster and a LM P4 might work just fine.

 

[Black Rose]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I have the champion plus and edc it everyday.

Nice carrying pouch.

Who makes it?

 

[m16a]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I am carrying these to be prepared. The knife was the most used implement, follwed by the screwdriver, and the scissors. I think I am going to go with a Skeletool CX or a Juice Cs4. And know one say both because I flat out don't have the money.. Thanks for all the help so far guys!!

 

[Black Rose]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

Hey guys, I recently went to Ellis Island and lost my beloved SAK Explorer in black because I forgot it was in my pocket and was confiscated.

Why didn't they give it back when you left?

 

[m16a]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

When I finally got back, I went to the security checkpoint, only to find a fenced off line, with many people in tuxedos and ball gowns, surrounded by what appeared to be the secret service. I begged them to let me in and get it. They simply would not. Musta been some kinda big deal group.

 

[Dantor]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

Nice carrying pouch.

Who makes it?

it came with my Luma Power, Lumahunter/M3 Transformer lego.
I use the flashlight with the bigger configuration 2AA with the turbo force head (big)
and it doesn't fit in the supplied (that) pouch.
so I use it with a SAK and smaller AAA light.

 

[paulr]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

Call them on the phone about getting it back.

Anyway, the Explorer has always been my favorite model. I've lost a couple of them and gone through the same search for alternatives and ended up getting another Explorer each time. I have several other SAK's and a few multitools but the Explorer always seems like the right set of tools. It's too bad about the magnifier, the glass ones that I'm used to are pretty good. I've never had one break and I don't think there would be "legal" reasons to avoid a glass lens on a multi-blade knife that already has a lot more sharp edges . It must just be a cost cutting measure, which is a shame, since it indicates an overall departure from pursuit of quality.

 

[Tubor]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

I bought the Cybertool Lite. Nice, but I still end up using the explorer a lot more because of it's size.

Out of the two in the original question, I'd go for the newer one. And an explorer.

 

[Dantor]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

if you drop your tool, made from steel, I doubt the steel will break and shatter, but if it had glass in it, it may not do as good.

I was just speculating with the "legal" issues, but they had to have a reason(s) for changing them, most likely it was cost. I have no problem with the plastic magnifying lens, it works.

 

[Black Rose]

Re: Two SAK's. Which one

After reading this thread I was all ready to pull the trigger and buy a Victorinox Champion Plus from Amazon, since they have fantastic prices on them right now.

I read the desicription and discovered that Amazon will only ship them within the US :mecry: Exact same SAK up here costs almost 2.5 times as much