# New Swiss army knife **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 6, 2013, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234 "2013-11-06T12:08:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Longshanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/1 "2013-11-06T12:08:16Z")
I was planning on getting a new SAK for Christmas, so could anyone recommend a good value for your money knife. Ideally I would want one with both scissors and and a screwdriver (not sure if they make any like that) along with the usual bottle opener, can opener, big knife, little knife etc. ---
**Author:** ![JLRogers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@JLRogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JLRogers)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/2 "2013-11-06T13:27:56Z")
The [Super Tinker](http://www.swissarmy.com/us/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Everyday-Use/Super-Tinker/53341) seems to fit the bill. I had a regular Tinker years ago and it was a pretty good knife. ---
**Author:** ![Longshanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/3 "2013-11-06T13:39:41Z")
It is on the rather pricey side of things. It costs nearly £50 which is nearly $80. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/4 "2013-11-06T14:17:47Z")
I’m addicted to my [Explorer](http://www.swissarmy.com/us/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Everyday-Use/Explorer/53791) - so much so that I have a spare available so if I lose or misplace it I don’t have to go without. I use all the tools more or less regularly, with the sole exception of the hook. I note that this is available via Amazon for under 29 $US. ---
**Author:** ![Longshanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/5 "2013-11-06T14:21:33Z")
The leatherman multi-tools seem better than the SAK to me, does anyone have experience with both care to show on the pros and cons of either type. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/6 "2013-11-06T14:46:43Z")
> [@Longshanks](#): > > The leatherman multi-tools seem better than the SAK to me, does anyone have experience with both care to show on the pros and cons of either type. My Leatherman Wave rocks. It has literally done everything I have asked of it except open wine bottles. The SAK [Handyman](http://www.swissarmy.com/us/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Do-It-Yourself/Handyman/53722) is also decent and fully functional. Granted these knives are well beyond the scope of the OP and this is not meant as thread-sh-tting. I’ve had a bare-bones SAK in my back pocket since college. I retired it to the camping equipment bins a few years ago when the scissors became unreliable, but its still sharp and durable. I think the OP will be happy with any of the knives mentioned though. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/7 "2013-11-06T14:54:35Z")
I think “value for money” would be more of a question if you were cross-shopping brands. Any SAK is going to be good value for money. It sounds to me like you need to decide whether a SAK will do or if you want to go with a multi-tool, then identify a model that fits your needs below a certain price. You’re best bet is to browse online or in a store and check them out first hand. ---
**Author:** ![Longshanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/8 "2013-11-06T15:05:13Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > I think “value for money” would be more of a question if you were cross-shopping brands. Any SAK is going to be good value for money. It sounds to me like you need to decide whether a SAK will do or if you want to go with a multi-tool, then identify a model that fits your needs below a certain price. You’re best bet is to browse online or in a store and check them out first hand. Well the thing about SAK is that they seem to cost exorbitant prices simply because of their reputation, whereas other multi-tools like leatherman can cost must more reasonable prices while not sacrificing versatility. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/9 "2013-11-06T15:20:31Z")
> [@Longshanks](#): > > It is on the rather pricey side of things. It costs nearly £50 which is nearly $80. Then I guess [this one](http://www.wengerna.com/giant-knife-16999) is totally out of the question? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/10 "2013-11-06T15:32:11Z")
Do a search on the Dope for “multitool” and “swiss army knife.” You’ll find a bazillion threads where we all hash out which ones we like the best and fight over features. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/11 "2013-11-06T15:39:22Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Then I guess [this one](http://www.wengerna.com/giant-knife-16999) is totally out of the question? :eek: The thing looks like some bizarre photoshop on The Onion. “87 Implements/141 Functions”? It’s more than 8 inches wide. Normal pocket knife length and thickness, but nearly 9 inches wide. Crowning irony: the claim that it’s “Designed to fit the contours of the human hand perfectly which creates a firmer grip and makes every knife safer and more precise.” 😛 I would not want to meet the anatomical freak of nature for whom that knife was designed. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/12 "2013-11-06T15:46:49Z")
I carry lots of knives, but I always have my [Squirt](http://www.leatherman.com/22.html)with me! SAK makes great tools, and I have many, but I’ve defaulted to a dedicated knife and multi-tool combo as EDC. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/13 "2013-11-06T16:16:19Z")
I had a deluxe tinker that served me quite well. I now use a leatherman Wave. Both have scissors, screwdriver blades, can opener. The Leatherman doesn’t seem to have a bottle opener, but frankly, it’s been years since I came across a cap that wasn’t a twist off. A SAK comes with a toothpick and tweezers. And it’ll just slide into your pocket. A Leatherman wants to be in a pouch worn on your belt. That might make a difference to you. ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/14 "2013-11-06T16:23:00Z")
Have any of you guys tried to fly with these? ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/15 "2013-11-06T16:26:07Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Then I guess [this one](http://www.wengerna.com/giant-knife-16999) is totally out of the question? I’m sure glad they priced that at $2149.95. A knife that cost $2150.00 would be just too expensive for me. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/16 "2013-11-06T16:27:20Z")
> [@pancakes3](#): > > Have any of you guys tried to fly with these? TSA has enough tools already. Don’t add to their collection. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/17 "2013-11-06T16:27:59Z")
The wife had one she loved that we bought in Los Angeles mid-'90s. Loved, loved it. Flash forward to 2010, we’re in Vietnam preparing to fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City. Guess what she forgot to put in her check-in luggage and had in her backpack? I feebly asked the security screener if we could run back and put it in her check-in, but nothing doing. Suspiciously, we watched him deposit it in his pants pocket. Hmmm. Must have made a nice gift for his son. She was pissed off royally. It’s only recently she’s allowed me even to tell the story. She picked up a nice wood-paneled one in the Museum of Modern Art’s gift shop in New York last year. To me, a Swiss army knife must have at least as a bare minimum a bottle opener and a pair of scissors. Plastic toothpick’s a nice touch too, as are tweezers. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/18 "2013-11-06T18:43:20Z")
> [@Longshanks](#): > > Well the thing about SAK is that they seem to cost exorbitant prices simply because of their reputation I’m not sure how you get “exorbitant” from a tool that costs $29, fits in your pocket, offers 12 functions (useful several times a day), and lasts almost forever. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/19 "2013-11-06T18:58:49Z")
I love my Leatherman Micra: [Micra Multi-Tool | Leatherman​​](http://www.leatherman.com/20.html) I carry it everywhere, except on planes. ---
**Author:** ![Longshanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234/20 "2013-11-06T22:28:01Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > I’m not sure how you get “exorbitant” from a tool that costs $29, fits in your pocket, offers 12 functions (useful several times a day), and lasts almost forever. There’s quite a few leatherman multi-tools that cost about half the price and do essentially the same functions as a SAK. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-swiss-army-knife/673234.md?page=2)