The Swiss Army Knife

[MontanaMan]

These knives just seem to be everywhere, and after owning several of them of the years I understand why. They are both versatile and extremely durable. I have three of them right now, the one pictured is my spare and has the clear ruby red handles. I think this one may be the Tinker model.

Jesse

[marlinluvr]

Got a couple of them myself and love 'em. Much easier to open and close that the leatherman however, I do like the pliers on my leatherman.

[Oz]

The same one has been in my pocket since 1989. I never leave home without it.

Mark.

[camerjam]

The same one has been in my pocket since 1989. I never leave home without it.

Mark.

Mark I have been carrying an executive since 1989 also the two things I like are the nail file and the orange pealer blades. I don't use it for much except opening mail and it works ok. I am not in love with the steel in the blades, but I have not found a knife with a better orange pealer blade or nail file blades. About 5 years ago I bought a second one off evilbay when I found they discontinued the executive. When I want a real knife I reach for a fixed blade.

[MontanaMan]

Mark I know what you mean about not leaving home without your Swiss army knife, I'm the same way. People might consider me somewhat eccentric in that I carry several knives in my pockets at all times, oh well, it is what it is, right?....grin. I have the knife pictured in the standard red handles, the very small gentleman's knife, my Schrade Uncle Henry Signature, and my Victorinox Spirit multi-tool with me whenever I leave the house. I find myself constantly using both of the Swiss knives, the Uncle Henry gets it's share of use as well. The multi-tool has been coming out of the sheath more and more often lately too.

I like a good fixed blade knife myself, I'm very happy with both my Tops Cougar Claw and my Grohmann #1 Original Canadian Belt Knife, but I think the Cold Steel Canadian Belt Knife is a great value with excellent steel.

Jesse

[Oz]

Hay Jesse, I'm glad that I'm not the only wierd type who carries more than one.

Mine was given to me on my first day on the job at a large Swiss drug company, yeah that one, in 89. It has got me out of strife more times than I care to remember and into it a couple of times too. One time I ran out of fuel and had to cut a piece of hose to reach the fuel filler under the tray of my ute. I was running late for work and in a hurry and cut the end almost off my finger and ended up that night after work at the hospital and that's a story on it's own.

An other time I turned up at the port in a coach to meet a cruise ship. Of course the security bloke wanted to inspect the luggage bins and engine bay. The latches were the type that have a slot that you push in and turn with a coin or such. Well I didn't have a coin so out came the Swiss knife. The security bloke who was new to the job jumped back and exclaimed "THAT'S A KNIFE!!!" With out a pause I turned and opened the hatch at the same time said "don't be stupid, it's a screw driver". His partner in crime, a woman, almost wet her pants.

Some other time I'll tell the saga of the six stiches in the finger and the trainee doctor from New Giunea.

Mark.

[MontanaMan]

Mark I can see right now I'm going to enjoy listening to your stories, thank you my friend....smile. It never ceases to amaze me how some people see a pocket knife as a weapon when it is a tool, plain and simple. I've carried a pocket knife every day of my life since I was 4 years old. When I turned 4 my dad gave me my first pocket knife and my first BB gun. He told me not to cut my fingers and not to shoot my eye out...smile. Well I certainly did cut my fingers, but I never did shoot my eye out....grin. It wasn't too many years after that I started learning to sharpen my own knife and I've been at it ever since.

Jesse

[whitecloud]

Ok, I need to throw in my story. I filled out a questionaire at my first job out of school and the company sent me the "Spartan". Carried it for 25 years and actually wore the plastic logo imprint off the red handles. I "lost" it this past spring....to the TSA. I carried it everywhere but once too often.

I did get a replacement. they still make the model but now with a toothpick and tweezers. I'm hoping for another 25 years out of the next one.

BTW-the cork screw is used more than I thought it could be.

[Festus]

I have several Swiss Army Knives but my favorite is this Officers Model I picked up while in Switzerland. It has been a faithful companion on many fishing and camping trips and is still in great shape. It has dug more than one hook out of someone’s finger (luckily not mine) and sliced many of tomatoes to make the favorite southern “Tomato Sandwich”.

I spent some time in Switzerland back in the 90’s. While there I found a little knife shop that had everything Swiss Army, unfortunately my per diem allowance did not cover my desires to buy SA knives and memorabilia. I think I was upside down on every trip I made there…

[Pat/Rick]

SAK's? yep, always got one in my pocket.