Pocket knives and other every day carry tools - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 10:49:54 pm
content: Inspired by Dave's most recent mailbag, here's the question: do you carry any tools like a pocket knive, and if so, which one and why? Also, is there anything the tool might do better?I'll start: being Swiss,of courseI carry a Swiss Pocket Knive, wouldn't do to ignore the preconceptionMine is the Victorinox Rallye:I picked it because size really comes first for me, I want the smallest possible package that still provides reasonable utility, and with that awesome philips screw/bottle opener tool, the Rallye gives me that. And to my own surprise, the flat screwdriver tool has seen quite a lot of use as a prying tool for opening enclosures. It's strange, like whenever we have a meeting at work to receive and discuss some piece of equipment manufactured for us, noone ever thinks to bring a screwdriver so we can look at the construction. Out comes the Rallye to save... well, not the day, but 2 minutes for sureI'd like if the Rallye was available with aluminium covers, they look awesome and are even thinner. I'm kind of on the fence whether I'd want o give up the tweezers (don't care for the toothpick) for them, but I'd buy it instantly.

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 10:58:44 pm
content: I have this one, Wenger Delemont

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:00:04 pm
content: Some slightly diluted Swiss blood here too.Alox Victorinox Farmer. Had it for about 8 years now. Legal carry in UK. Has a saw which makes short work of big cardboard boxes compared to the others and a reamer/punch which is handy. Of course tin opener, which I actually know how to use and the most important feature: bottle opener... plus it's not plastic which means it doesn't get knackered in two minutes flat.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:06:40 pm
content: I too was impressed with the mailbag Swiss knife.I looked on-line and that model seems to retail at around $50. Had Swiss army knives in the past either as company gifts or sales swag, but my how the prices have steadily risen over the years.Are there any other knife manufactures that maybe don't have the brand appeal at better prices. Have the Chinese started in this market yet?

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:18:43 pm
content: Quote from: retrolefty on March 01, 2016, 11:06:40 pmThere are many knock-offs, but there's a huge quality gap usually. What does that mean? The blades on the original don't go bad, unless you go to some trouble to break them. I'd expect the knockoffs to corrode or lose their sharpness pretty rapidly. And the thing is, if you do break your Swiss Army Knive, you can get it serviced, instead of having to throw it away. At least over here, if they deem what you've been doing has been regular use, it'll be free too, even if that includes replacing a tool.As for price... there's a premium on the models that include all the bells and whistles. The basic models are inexpensive imo. The Rallye I mentioned above costs a mere 11 CHF here (eh, about the same in USD or EUR, give or take 20%.)

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:24:45 pm
content: I live in the middle of nowhere. I almost always have a Swiss Champ full size,a knife like a Benchmade Griptilianor Cold Steel Code 4or Ontario RAT1or Spyderco Paramilitary 2or something similar in size, plus a Leatherman Charge TTior Surgewith extra bitsplus a small lighterplus a OLight I3S EOS flashlightplus a Fallkniven U2and a small wrench toolWhen I go to places where I don't want the pouches on my belt, like a city, I put the bigger stuff in a backpack and have an Ontario RAT2and the Fallkniven knives and the Swiss Champ in my pockets.For the average person, the Swiss Champ is the biggest they want to carry all the time. If you want something with real pliers, then the Leatherman Juice S2or CS4or XE6or Wingmanare really good every day carry choices depending on what tools are important to you beyond a knife and pliers. Other Victorinox knives worth considering are the Manager, Midnight Manager, Fireman, and Classic.Knives and multitools are another whole area of obsession!

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:27:57 pm
content: I always wanted one of these (check out the reviews):http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-16999-Swiss-Knife-Giant/dp/B001DZTJRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456874368&sr=8-1&keywords=Wenger+16999But, unfortunately, it's currently not availableGuess my trusty old Sackmesser will have to do for a few more years.

author: Stupid Beard
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:49:00 pm
content: I never go anywhere without my Victorinox Spartan. At least I think it's a Spartan, I've had it so long I don't remember. I've also come to appreciate the tin opener and knowing where it's been. Rotary tin openers that have been used on cat food and not washed afterwards are gross. Lots of things are worse than cat food in your custard, but it's still pretty nasty.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 01:45:57 am
content: My carry blade is a SOG Escape. When working, I also carry Gerber Multi-Tool 600. I have other knives, including a Wenger Swiss Army Knife. The Gerber and SOG are what I carry, by far, the most.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 02:09:52 am
content: Quote from: Augustus on March 01, 2016, 11:27:57 pmWhen they said "giant" I expected one of these:-https://i.ytimg.com/vi/THHBjquC5dc/maxresdefault.jpgThere were a lot of them about as shop displays,years back.I wonder what happened to them?

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 03:12:36 am
content: Benchmade 710 McHenry & Williams axis lock. Got it in about 2002, carry it daily. Smooth as silk, opens and closes with one hand. It's also badly in need of sharpening - I sometimes think that the back of the blade is sharper than the business end.-Pat

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 03:56:55 am
content: got this one too, but not for dayly use

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 04:16:59 am
content: I keep aLeatherman Squirt PS4on me all the time.It's got all the usual multi-tool bits, but a good bit smaller than usual - very nice for regular carrying. The knife is nice and sharp and seems to hold its edge well, too.

author: mojoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 05:10:59 am
content: Speaking of Victorinox knives, they also make a line of multi-tools. I have the Swiss Tool that has two knife blades. I don't need or use the scissors that is on the other variants. I also carry an LED flashlight. That gets used almost as often as the multi-tool.

author: GK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 08:01:56 am
content: I call it my mediator.

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 09:54:21 am
content: Quote from: GK on March 02, 2016, 08:01:56 am

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 02:00:18 pm
content: have the Victorinox Handyman in my bag most of the timehttp://www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Handyman/p/1.3773

author: rickv14623
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 04:00:26 pm
content: Gerber lock blade in the pocket. Center console of the car holds the leatherman and corkscrew.

author: PointyOintment
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 04:24:57 pm
content: I used to carry a small pocketknife, but I lost it and haven't been able to find a replacement I like.For a few years I've carried a set of flush cutters (Hakko CHP-170) in my backpack every day. They're very useful for all sorts of things, includingtrimming fingernails, and cheap enough that I don't need to worry about cutting copper only (though I've never seen anything damage the blades). (I used them last night to cut and peel open laptop battery packs and then to cut the cells apart and pull the tabs off.) I also carry a screwdriver set and (recently) a pair of super scissors, as well as a SparkFun Cerberus 3-ended USB cable and a few other minor things.

author: elecman14
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 04:36:30 pm
content: I am quite a fan of the Leatherman Squirt ES4. Having a set of wire strippers at all times comes in quite handy.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 05:04:18 pm
content: Victorinox Huntsman here. I got first one like that from my dad when I was 8. Now after over 20 years of everyday use I feel kinda 'not fully dressed' without a pocket knife.Sent from my HTC One M8s using Tapatalk.

author: rickv14623
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 05:53:52 pm
content: Quote from: poorchava on March 02, 2016, 05:04:18 pmSame here, just gotta remember that before trying to get to the boarding gate.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 06:38:01 pm
content: Quote from: rickv14623 on March 02, 2016, 05:53:52 pmBeen there done that. First time, I was kindly told where there was a kiosk to ship it home to myself. The second time, I was rushed, and simply put it into my checked luggage. Needless to say, when I got home, I found my luggage searched and my Gerber multi tool gone. My boss was kind enough to pay for a replacement as I was traveling for the company. I was pissed as Gerber stopped making that particular model and the replacement was larger which I didn't like. However, after a couple of months of carrying the replacement, I didn't mind the size anymore.

author: fantis1337
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 07:03:37 pm
content: Compared to the tools I work with my everyday multi tool is garbage, I found it outside and have abused it in every possible way. Also carry a small pocket knife with a really sharp 3 inch blade.Looks something like this.

author: rollatorwieltje
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 09:49:48 pm
content: I mostly use this. Got it for free with an order, and to be honest the quality is what you would expect, however it has been very useful so far. I use the bit driver all the time. It takes the standard bits that you use with cordless drills, not those smaller or custom ones.Biggest issue is that the pliers are difficult to open as the handles don't lock to the head. As it's made from the finest Chinesium, when you try to cut something like a wire it often gets stuck between the cutting edges, jamming the head. Same for the scissors, even a single sheet of paper is a challenge. Don't bother cutting your nails, it will be quite a painful experience.I'm looking for something better quality, but I don't need a dozen features. Needle nose combination pliers, knife, hex bit driver and flat pick is all I really use. Scissors would be nice if they actually work. Also not a fan of the "tacticool" look, seems like a good way to draw unwanted attention.

author: BillyD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 10:51:52 pm
content: A CK double blade penknife, and a phase tester have been my pocket companions since about the age of 12 and I can't get by without them. One or both will get use every single day. If they are not on my person it means I'm either in beachwear or going through airport security. Even on my wedding day I had them and had occasion to use the phase tester.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2016, 04:52:08 am
content: Swiss+Tech Utili-Key: Unobtrusive yet surprisingly handy.orVictorinox Super Tinker: Bigger than the Utili-Key, but not too big.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 07:10:44 pm
content: I like and carry the Tinker, and add a smaller Victorinix, similar to the OPs just to get the nail file and smaller knife blade. Usually have a multi-tool within reach. The ones I prefer are from Gerber since they don't punish your hands in plier mode.I have found, been given and rarely bought a variety of Victorinix knock offs. None of them is worth the effort of opening the package. Low quality steel, poor fit and finish, and actually thicker parts leading to a larger overall package size. If there is a good knock off I haven't seen it.Similar story in multi-tools, but there are at least two or three quality brands.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 07:28:06 pm
content: I used to have the obligatory Swiss Army Knife ( the military version, complete with NATO number on it) but it did eventually wear out and was no longer repairable, so it now is in a drawer. I use a knife that was a promo from RS, pretty good, and I use it regularly, and keep it sharp enough to shave with. As well I carry a cheap leatherman knock off as a portable tool kit. Both get regular use.

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 10:31:50 pm
content: Quote from: bitseeker on March 04, 2016, 04:52:08 amI have one of those too, and it's actually still on my keychain... but, I really don't think it's terribly useful. The blade's too short even for opening letters, and using the other functionality (particularly the bottle opener) I've managed to cut myself a number of times. So... nice idea, but just doesn't work that well in practice imo. Although I shall note one advantage: it's the one "multitool" I can take with me when flying. After two dozen flights or so, it hasn't been noticed yet. If it ever gets confiscated, I'll probably not replace it though.Quote from: SeanB on March 06, 2016, 07:28:06 pmIf you have a Victorinox dealership nearby, I suggest you try and see what they say about it. Victorinox' idea of "repair" is pretty flexible (in a good way), they'll happily replace everything but the main frame, usually for free or cheap (at least over here.) Since Victorinox bought Wenger a couple of years ago, they'll repair Wenger knives too.

author: apis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 12:09:20 am
content: I recently got several Vicotrinox knifes actually. I've had a "climber" since I was a kid and it survived all kinds of abuse, they really are great quality and will last a lifetime.A "Mountaineer" for every day carry:A "Hunter" (the American version with Philips screwdriver instead of the corkscrew) when Hiking:And a "Swisstool spirit xc" for when I might need pliers (when cycling, etc.)I got them relatively cheap from ebay, some local stores have ridiculous prices.You can get the "climber" for 25 EUR including shipping from here for example:http://www.ebay.de/itm/Victorinox-Schweizer-Taschenmesser-Climber-rot-mit-Gravur-/251212602810but I've seen a local store selling them for less than 20 EUR as well.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 03:45:51 am
content: The juice s2 seems pretty popular. I was considering one until i saw the price.I have a white victorinox (meant to be exclusive to switzerland) around the house somewhere.I much prefer to use a stanley knife to cut boxes, or a real tool nws/knipex for pliers.

author: crazyjim30
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 05:38:20 am
content: I carry a Leatherman Wave for everyday use and a Sypderco "something or other" with the wave feature for when I need a beefier blade. I also have a Gerber MP900, an Emerson folder, and a few other knives in various drawers and such.Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

author: GK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 10:10:46 am
content: I've had this Swiss Army Victorinox for more than half my life time. It still looks brand new because it's a useless dinky toy (OH! NO! GASP! HERESY!) that I've never really used for anything, so it just sits here in my top drawer. Can't remember anymore if it was birthday or a Christmas present but I remember it was pricey - $200, 20-22 years ago. That's probably another reason why I've never used it, well at least those ~20 years ago, lol.The Swiss Army must be a formidable fighting force with this kind of weaponry at their disposal

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 10:21:53 am
content: most of the time i have one of these on hand, mainly because i do a fair bit of low voltage electrical wiring, and its pretty easy to cut and prep wires with just a knife when you get the hang of it,

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 11:54:51 am
content: Quote from: dexters_lab on March 02, 2016, 02:00:18 pmThat's the one I have - with a couple of variations....After an uncountable number of drops, the red cheeks are a little the worse for wear and a couple of the 'chassis' pieces are a bit banged up - which makes opening the can opener blade difficult.The tweezers and toothpick are missing and the pen has run dry - but I did lash out and purchase the eyeglasses screwdriver, because it fits in the corkscrew ... and I didn't have one.I did go through airport security once to see somebody off, forgetting I had it in my pocket. It got picked up and confiscated - but being somewhat unhappy about it, I returned 30 seconds later and asked if I could retrieve it and take it out to my car. I was very happy when they allowed me to do that. A couple of minutes later I was back again going through the same security checkpoint - when I said a second thank you.

author: apis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 01:55:15 pm
content: I believe the one the army use is this model nowdays:It's intended to be used as a tool of course, not a weapon. They probably get them cheap because it's good marketing for Victorinox. That said, some other armies use incredibly crappy stuff, in some places soldiers are expendable.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 02:06:12 pm
content: Screwdriver:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-7-Bits-8-in-1-Extending-Screwdriver-Set-250547/1914121631671

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 03:36:36 pm
content: Quote from: apis on March 07, 2016, 01:55:15 pmDutch Army knife ("Koninklijke Landmacht") 1987 vintage (duh.. shows my age). Lives in the glove box of my car. Anodised aluminium grips, no plastic 'stuff'. Victorinox product.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 04:16:54 pm
content: I've got a Wenger bought from the Cailler Chocolate Factory in Switzerland. I didn't go there though :/. It was a giftIt's a nice design, I don't remember the model number. I has a little chocolate cow printed on one of the covers. It's not in a very nice shape, but it works perfectly. The knife is sharp and useful. The nail file is also useful. I'm just missing the Philips screwdriver. The nail file is pointes and it's supposed to serve as a flat shaped philips screw driver but it only works on #0 and sometimes #1 screws. And wow, the can opener is very strong. The knive is just the right size to be legal. It's width is the legal limit for it not to be considered a weapon (1/2 an inch, or 1.27cm).And tweezers! Those things are useful!

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 06:52:55 pm
content: Quote from: GK on March 07, 2016, 10:10:46 amI used to think they were worthless too. Just for wannabe geeks. Then the wife got me one (of a variety small enough) to keep in my pocket. I use the knife blades almost daily. The screwdriver blades weekly. The toothpick, tweezers and scissors often. The awl/drill often. And the bottle opener is priceless when you need it. The potholder comes in handy when pulling wires and other similar things. Mine doesn't have a corkscrew, but I don't drink wine so that is fine.All of these uses occur when I am away from my toolboxes and shop. When the right tool is available I prefer to use it, but I also don't want let something go just because I don't have a tool at hand. And that is why the higher tool count versions of these still don't float my boat. If you don't have it on you all of your waking hours it isn't worth having.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 09:23:50 pm
content: Swiss army knives (Victorinox) have their uses, many in fact. I can't understand how anyone would call them useless or toys. The exception to this would be their pliers. They aren't useless but are rather small and limited. That is why Leatherman tools were invented, to address the pliers problem. I love my Swiss Champ. It has almost anything you need for general use in a very compact package. The exceptions are really good pliers and hex and torx bits. Other Victorinox tools have some torx bits, USB drives, etc. I was looking at some of their latest offerings:The Outrider:and the Work Champ:These give you nice big knives and a good assortment of tools.

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 11:13:38 pm
content: I bought the minichamp. I'm a sucker for Dave's money shot.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 11:33:39 pm
content: The other consideration for official equipment for soldiers is weight. They need the lightest gear that can do the job. It all adds up in their back packs. The Swiss Army knife official issue is designed to be light and accomplish the usual tasks that a soldier might face in the field; cutting rope, opening cans of food, preparing fire kindling, field repairs, etc. All of this while carrying a rifle, hand gun, tent, sleeping gear, food, first aid supplies, maybe even water, plus ammunition in the biggest quantity possible. Now add to that a helmet, body armor, flashlight, fire starting tools, radio and who knows what else....The knife/multi-tool better be capable, but light too.For me weight is not that big of an issue when I am around my and and close area. A big multi-tool plus other other things is not that much weight in total. In some areas though, my bigger knives and multi-tools on my belt just don't fit in with the sheeple, and so I downsize. Even though, I always have my Swiss Champ with me. It really is hard to beat its combination of size and selection of tools. The alternative I carry is a Leatherman Juice XE6 Pro. Unfortunately the Pro version is not available anymore, but the regular XE6 is really good.

author: highwayman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 11:41:19 pm
content: Squirt PS4 - I love the pliers and both screwdrivers. The scissors are OK. I use the knife for beater use where I do want to use the Spyderco.Ladybug3 on the key chain. So handy and sharp.

author: strangersound
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 12:12:16 am
content: Just a medium sized Victorinox if I'm carrying it. I'm not a fan of stuff in my pockets. If I need tools, I'm grabbing my tool bag, which weighs a ton and that's just the hand tools. I also have a cool briefcase soft sided bag that has a bunch of interior/exterior pockets that I have all my electronics tools and smaller stuff in.This thread reminds me of a cool blog I follow on Tumblr. I can't think what it's called, it's some abbreviation, but it's where people take a picture of the contents of what they carry around everyday. It's usually a wallet, a phone, a pocket knife, etc...but then it gets interesting depending on what that particular person is into or does for a living. Cool stuff.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 01:02:51 am
content: Quote from: GK on March 07, 2016, 10:10:46 amUnfortunately the idiots in charge of UK knife law have just this attitude and so have made safety (locking) blades illegal by statute. The ignoramus shiny arsed lawyers who never went to boy scouts think a simple glorified tin opener is a weapon of war, rather than just a handy tool.It really pisses me off I can't have safety locking blades on my tools because of this absurd law that has never been overturned. More people in the UK have lost fingers or ended up wasting the NHS A&E time with ridiculous self inflicted wounds by the very same "weapon" laws that are antithesis to "health and safety" laws - for simple compact tools with blades, far more incidents than actual terrorists using a locking Victorinox to cut his apple or slice his cheese.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 01:12:24 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on March 08, 2016, 01:02:51 amWho the hell cuts apples?You pick it up & bite it!Cheese--tear lumps off with your fingers!

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 08:19:41 pm
content: A nice feature of the minichamp is its very small size. I put it on my keychain so as not to lose it and it is about 2/3 the length of my car key. I was given a standard swiss knife when I was younger and I kept it in my pocket. Problem was when I pulled it out to use it I left it laying where it was and lost it. I think it will be safer on my key chain.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2016, 01:14:29 am
content: Quote from: Maxlor on March 06, 2016, 10:31:50 pmHmm, I have not experienced those issues. We must have different techniques.QuoteI have experienced this, by accident of course.

author: Isamun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2016, 04:57:03 pm
content: Been carrying the Victorinox CyberTool 34 for a couple of years. Really love it. The fact that it has an acceptable array of bits along with the standard pocket knife essentials in a light package makes it very versatile. You'd be surprised how often the 4mm hex bit fits (bicycles, furniture...etc).My main grief with it is that the only included flat-head bit is too big for most screw terminals.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2016, 03:22:44 am
content: I had a pocket knife when I was ten!

author: apis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2016, 11:31:27 pm
content: So did I. I also had shoes, a pen, a hammer, a compass, a calculator, a ruler and many other useful things.I use the small blade to open packages and letters and such every day. The larger blade is used almost exclusively for food when not at home: peeling fruit, cutting bread, slicing cucumber/salami and so on. The other day we had a pizza but no cutlery, easy to cut to nice pieces with my pocket knife. I suppose it's possible to tear apart a pizza, but I've never had to try so I don't know. Having a pocket knife is like augmenting yourself with tools that makes you better/more capable, it's transhumanism.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 12:19:05 am
content: QuoteAnd you carried all these things around in your pocket, everyday?These days, I keep tools at a bench or in a vehicle. I ain't gonna whip a crappy screwdriver-slash-can opener out of my back pocket to fix nothing for no one, lol.If I know I'm going to be out for more than a quick run here or there, I will often slip a 1.5" pocket knife off the bench and into the front pocket. 99% of its reason for being, away from a bench, is opening packages and cutting down the boxes. That's about it. At the bench, with other tools and materials and lighting to work with, it is quite a bit handier.Opening letters/bills, sure. I am doing that at a desk/bench. Usually opening packages and processing the cardboard and packaging at a work bench. Usually doing anything with tools at a bench. And if the work can't come to the bench, I shall usually have to pack the right bag, and it probably won't include a swiss army knife.That said, I have several multitools. The only ones I use much are Gerbers that are essentially pliers with a few odd bits stuck in the handle. And the last time I ever used them for anything more than pliers, I can't remember. But they have good (the best, I daresay) scissors for a multitool, if it comes to that.

author: apis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 03:57:28 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on March 11, 2016, 12:19:05 amI didn't carry them around all day when I was 10, especially the pocketknife since you weren't allowed to have it at school and a corkscrew, etc, is arguably of limited use to most 10-year olds, I hope. I got it as a kid because I was a member of the scouts, for hiking and camping and such and we abused it a lot being dumb kids. But it survived, and many years later it is/was still in good condition which I think is a testament to the quality of the things. Now I recently bought a new one and a few others because the old one got stolen...As an adult however I do carry many of these things daily, except a hammer and a ruler (although I have a small measuring tape in the bag I usually carry with me). Compass, calculator, and pen (sort of) is incorporated in a gadget called a smartphone. I also carry a pocketknife, keys, wallet, glasses/contact lenses and clothes. The phone has a built in torch and a camera, gps and several other things. I probably use the pocket knife about as much as the phone if not more. In my bag I have an extra pen, small torch and charger, medicine, ebook-reader and sometimes a laptop etc.That said, I know a few people who insist on not having pen-knife, mobile phone and computer and they do just fine, for the most part.

author: mos6502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 05:29:53 pm
content: Excellent, if a bit heavy. The included diamond file is incredibly useful. And so is the fact that you can exchange it for standard T-shank jigsaw blades. The pliers are great too and the wire cutters and crimpers work surprisingly well.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 11:47:29 am
content: I was really taken with this little fellow, lots of useful stuff for me. Dumb name though "midnight manager at work".

author: GK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 12:16:21 pm
content: Quote from: CatalinaWOW on March 07, 2016, 06:52:55 pmI've got tools in the shed, the garage and the house. I keep a basic tool kit in the vehicles. At work I've got tools coming out of my arse. When I occasionally go away (as in the middle of some of the remotest country  on the planet) I've got a comprehensive tool kit with me by necessity. For me there just isn't any use for this dinky Swiss knife that would outweigh the bother of keeping it always on my person.

author: GK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 12:28:46 pm
content: When I was about 10 years old I bought myself a "survival knife". I had a mate into militaria at the time and he had one. I though it was cool and after seeing it started saving my pocket money. Big Rambo-like knife with the serrations on the top edge, except the blade was plain steel painted black. It came with a holster and for a time I carried it everywhere (even to primary school in my pencil case) and honestly no one that I can remember could have cared less or ever kicked up a stink. I'm only 39; this wasn't in 1940 or anything.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 03:33:15 pm
content: Quote from: Maxlor on March 01, 2016, 10:49:54 pmSince I live in Portland,of course, I carry a Leatherman.

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 04:01:21 pm
content: I've been carrying a Leatherman with my keys since 2008. My current one is a PS4, with a good set of tools in a small form factor.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 06:46:20 pm
content: Quote from: VK5RC on March 12, 2016, 11:47:29 amYeah, that's a pretty sub-optimal name. "Engineer" or "Techie" would have gotten the point across much more efficiently.

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 02:22:38 am
content: A problem with the key chain is the metal keys scratch the knife's sheath.

author: sarepairman2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 02:49:46 am
content: the best swiss knife is the craftsman.http://www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army-craftsman?gclid=CIn6kLjTvMsCFVAjgQodWlsGmA

author: mos6502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 02:34:14 pm
content: Quote from: sarepairman2 on March 13, 2016, 02:49:46 amMight as well go for the Workchamp and have roughly the same tools, but with a longer knife, a longer saw, a longer file and much better Phillips screwdrivers.But really, all the screwdrivers on those multitools aren't that great. If nothing else, they always lack reach. This is a much better solution:

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2016, 03:30:42 pm
content: I've started thinking about my choice of standard-sized SAK. I've been carrying a Victorinox Climber in my bag so far, but not much choice went into it when purchasing it. So I revisited that and tried to find the "best" SAK for me, and came to this conclusion:It's the Victorinox Compact. It's only two layers thick, but has all the functionality of the larger and heavier Climber (minus the reamer/punch) and a couple of useful extra features, like the pen or nailfile (not visible, it's on the backside of the hook). So since I value small size a lot, it's a winner for me.