Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman ? : Discuss

[Mr.D]

Hello

Swiss army knife or Leatherman .

I have both . Swiss Champ and Leatherman Ti . I carry both of them with me but I have to say I usually have the swiss army knife and regard the Leatherman as my back up.

Reasons why I prefer the Swiss.

It takes a sharper edge generally on all the blades compared with the Leatherman. I can get it razor sharp quite quickly whilst the Leatherman takes a lot of work to get sharp.

Tools are much more usuable on the SAK than the Leatherman.

The SAK ( although its quite big) is just easier to carry in a pocket . I think Victorinox got this bit absolutely correct. The Leatherman is not something I want to carry about unless its on my utility belt like batman.

I use the tweezers on the SAK more often than anything! And they are damn good.

Lanyard : I have a small maglite hanging off the SAK.

The Leatherman gets used for putting furniture together as its got a better screwdriver.

I could lose the Leatherman ( actually I have once) . The SAK I've had for over 25 years and just replace the toothpick and pen occasionally.

Discuss....

[ach5]

Swiss stays in the car for emergencies, and a PS4 squirt is on my keys.

Leatherman Wave used to go in my bag, but it’s been replaced by the mighty squirt.

Tbh they only ever get used for opening parcels, but one day they may save a life, or help in an emergency.

[Saint-Just]

Wave when I might need the pliers, 4 layer sak in pocket, Swisschamp in man bag with Lansky sharpener.

[MADDOG]

Leatherman Wave for me. Always to hand when I need to a can of stewing steak.

[Dr.f]

I have both,leatherman stays at home and SAK is useful pocket knife.Based mainly on weight rather than legal obligations.

[Templogin]

I have the Crunch, and a Sog, the latter having the cool power pliers.

LM have an excellent warranty. I opened my KF4 and it fell into pieces in my hands. Sent it back and got a new replacement. No faffing about proving purchase or anything.

Never had any of the Swisstool stuff, but often looked at it.

[ETCHY]

SAK for me. I just find the things so useful (my EDC is the Mechanic - not often seen in the UK). However I have others & they are all excellent.

I have a Leatherman but apart from the pliers (which are beefier) I much prefer the SAK, it's small convenient, lighter & for me just more useful.

I feel lost without a SAK in my bag.

[Ares]

Given that most leathermans have a locking blade and you need to show good reason to carry one, I’ll stick to my oldschool Swiss Army knife which has mastered all jobs thrown at it so far... 😊

[ETCHY]

Given that most leathermans have a locking blade and you need to show good reason to carry one, I’ll stick to my oldschool Swiss Army knife which has mastered all jobs thrown at it so far... 

+1

[Taylor]

I keep a SAK in my pocket at all times (either my Alox Cadet or sportsman), keep a Leatherman Skeletool in my bag (just in case) or i carry my Wave if I'm doing jobs round the house.
The SAKs are so handy to have on you at all times and as said before, very UK legal.

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[Dr_Niss]

I keep a SAK in my pocket at all times (either my Alox Cadet or sportsman), keep a Leatherman Skeletool in my bag (just in case) or i carry my Wave if I'm doing jobs round the house.
The SAKs are so handy to have on you at all times and as said before, very UK legal.

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Leatherman as usual tool and Webber Minathor for watches

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[DACC]

I keep a SAK in my pocket at all times (either my Alox Cadet

Another vote for the Alox Cadet as my EDC



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[willie_gunn]

SAK every time.

I have lost count of how many I have but the ones that are with me every day (other than when flying) are either the Executive or a Bantam Alox. The latter you can still pick up on Amazon for 5p under £19, which seems incredibly good value. Both are discrete, tactile and just plain useful to have around.

I do have a Leatherman (Charge TTi) but it is only brought out when really needed.

[nr73]

SAK for me every time. I have a Leatherman micro which is pretty useful, and a regular leatherman which lives under the motorbike seat as a tool. Also have several SAK which tend to get rotated. The Minichamp is a particular favourite because you forget it's there until you need it. Swisschamp is also good and I have a few alox which are nice and slim. As has been stated they hold a very nice edge.

[djacks42]

I have been carrying the same SAK I found on a beach in Italy well over 25 years ago; like a Spartan but without the tweezers and toothpick. Used extensively throughout three fixer upper houses in conjunction with a leatherman wave. SAK wins on all round usability though.

[hogthrob]

For me, it would be a simple question of, do you need pliers?

[GraniteQuarry]

SAK sucks as a hammer, so LM for moi.

[Man of Kent]

I have 4 SAKs. One in the car (tinker); a Handyman at home hanging on a hook for real-life and everyday uses; a Waiter in the kitchen in the drinks cupboard, and a small classic on my keys.
I use them all. I had a LM and gave it to my father-in-law. Says it all really.

[Mr.D]

I suspect I'll be sending my old SAK girl off for a refurb. All still works but a bit worn now after 25 years , the spring for the scissors I replaced myself a few years back but it was quite tough to get in ( funnily enough I had to use my leatherman to force it in and a bit of cyano to lock it in place).

I wonder if they will just give me a new one rather than repair it , its been through thick and thin with me but it is just a SAK at the end of the day . Not sure I feel any real emotional attachment to it beyond its functionality. Was a gift from my ex-wife before she was my ex-wife so its maybe time for it to go bye bye.

[Saint-Just]

Leatherman’s UK distributor will honour the lifetime guarantee, no questions asked, and will exchange your faulty/broken tool for a new one (but I don’t think they do repairs).

[Complex]

I've had my Leatherman Wave (can't remember which exact model) since 2004. Haven't looked after it particularly well but it still functions completely satisfactorily. Would definitely recommend, presuming their quality is consistent with how they were built 15 years ago!

[JeremyO]

I’ve got both a SAK, Climber, and an original Leatherman PST.

Use the SAK far more often and the Leatherman is now kept in the house, mainly because of the lockblade.

Have a spare Climber in my fishing tackle box as its just so useful for this hobby.

[bwest76]

I’ve got both a SAK, Climber, and an original Leatherman PST.

Use the SAK far more often and the Leatherman is now kept in the house, mainly because of the lockblade.

Have a spare Climber in my fishing tackle box as its just so useful for this hobby.

Original PST doesent have a lock blade.

[Neil.C]

Leatherman’s UK distributor will honour the lifetime guarantee, no questions asked, and will exchange your faulty/broken tool for a new one (but I don’t think they do repairs).

They do.

My Leatherman had a broken file, I sent it back and they replaced the file, sharpened the blade etc FOC.

Great service, and one reason I prefer a Leatherman over a SAK.

[Valkyrie]

Is the legal carry thing really an issue? I’ve got one of the larger SAKs and its got a locking blade and is a fraction too long for EDC. But I’ve reached 50 without ever being stopped by the police never mind searched.


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[ALindsay]

SAK in my fishing kit and Leatherman in my SCUBA kit. Both are good at what they do for a variety of reasons. It could simply be that I have been fishing longer and got the SAK first. I do concur, the SAK blade is easier to get razor sharp.


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[Spike]

I'm a big fan of both, regularly having a SAK in a pocket but the recent acquisition of a Leatherman Skeletool has seen this taking centre stage, what an excellent bit of kit.
Whilst it doesn't have the versatility of some of the bigger models, what it does, it does well.
This outfit was the cheapest I could find and their service was good.
https://www.thomann.de/gb/leatherman...f=search_prv_5

[hughtrimble]

Victorinox and Leatherman for me, both in terms of being dual EDCs (Explorer and PS4) then plus a primary, rather more exciting pocketknife.

[woodacre1983]

Thought it best to revive this thread rather than start another. Looking for my first real quality multi tool to be used mainly in garden and on regular family camping holidays. I’ve just looked at the leatherman wave + and really liked this. But I can see that SAK are getting a lot of love here. For camping and garden what brand/model would you recommend?


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[seikopath]

leatherman, simply for the quality of their aftersales care in the uk.

[Templogin]

Yes, what he said

[MattMM]

I use the Wave for garden and home, has both saw and serrated blades, handy for bush/tree and weeding work. Also has pry bar, multiple screwdrivers (which can be supplemented with bit kit) and the pliers are more than decent. I find it easier to have it handy, rather than having to faff about in toolbox in garage for quick jobs.

Also just had great experience with Leatherman UK with my Style. File locking failed, so they replaced it with a new one, no questions asked.

[WhopperSenior]

I've had the same swiss army knife for the last 20 or so years and it's still looking pretty respectable. I can't say I use it in anger every day, but I like knowing it's available and has the tools I want to hand. I can't say I've ever thought I'd need pliers regularly so a leatherman is overkill for me.

[seikopath]

I've had a squirt ps4 for years.
truly pocket size ( have mine on my keyring) and exceptionally useful.
recently i noticed the spring clip on the scissors was missing - they sent me a new replacement foc , no quibble.

[bwest76]

Most have locking blades,though the Knifeless rebars a good tool.
I think leathemans superior in tool selection and use,not some of the new designs.
I don’t carry one on me much nowadays because of the weight, I find a SAK does most of what I need.

The other day I had a go at modifying for the first time.
I removed the locking blades on my Wave,it also made it slimmer.
I decided to put a backdoor key on instead as when I leave the house on my bike that’s the way I go.
It’s going into my under seat tool kit.

I filed it down using a super tool 200 file which I have to say is very good,as is the whole tool but it’s heavy to carry around and blades lock.
This or the original super tool is excellent to keep in your tool shed

[willie_gunn]

Most have locking blades,though the Knifeless rebars a good tool.
I think leathemans superior in tool selection and use,not some of the new designs.
I don’t carry one on me much nowadays because of the weight, I find a SAK does most of what I need.

The other day I had a go at modifying for the first time.
I removed the locking blades on my Wave,it also made it slimmer.
I decided to put a backdoor key on instead as when I leave the house on my bike that’s the way I go.
It’s going into my under seat tool kit.

I filed it down using a super tool 200 file which I have to say is very good,as is the whole tool but it’s heavy to carry around and blades lock.
This or the original super tool is excellent to keep in your tool shed

Not only ingenious but beautifully executed - nice job!

[MADDOG]

leatherman, simply for the quality of their aftersales care in the uk.

And a gaurantee that lasts for years.

[seikopath]

And a gaurantee that lasts for years.

25 years to be precise

[bwest76]

I have just found out Swiss Army knives where issued by NASA though I don’t know which model.
Victorinox are going to sell a special one for this anniversary.

Found this.

https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.p...ster+Craftsman

[Phil Lee]

Thought it best to revive this thread rather than start another. Looking for my first real quality multi tool to be used mainly in garden and on regular family camping holidays. I’ve just looked at the leatherman wave + and really liked this. But I can see that SAK are getting a lot of love here. For camping and garden what brand/model would you recommend?


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I use one of these in the garden. Sadly it’s been discontinued by Leatherman.



https://www.leatherman.com/hybrid-100.html

[willie_gunn]

Have a look at the Swisstool. I’ve used a Leatherman for years, and currently favour a Charge Tti, but the Swisstool is beautifully finished by comparison. The quality shines through.


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[woodacre1983]

Thanks for the quick responses. I ended up with the leatherman wave plus. Ended up with a good deal I think on price too. Got it new for £83. With a price match plus 10% offer!


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[Piemuncher22]

I’ve an original PST which is on my belt pretty much all the time I’m not suited and booted for work.
I have another original PST which I used to live in the bottom of my work bag, but which now spends most of its time at home on the dresser as I fly /Eurostar once a week these days.
I also have a third original PST which I have in case I lose one of the others. To my mind it is the perfect size. Small enough not to be a nuisance but big enough for everything I need.


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[woodacre1983]

Well one week in and I am already back on the look out. The wave + is great and I love it. But, for day to day pocket use I feel I need another lighter option. So,SAK Or a smaller Leatherman? Cautious on the leatherman as it will be a pocket item.. and I’m uncomfortable on the locking blade...


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[seikopath]

Squirt PS4

Like i said, if it's heavy you won't use it for daily carry.

[bwest76]

Well one week in and I am already back on the look out. The wave + is great and I love it. But, for day to day pocket use I feel I need another lighter option. So,SAK Or a smaller Leatherman? Cautious on the leatherman as it will be a pocket item.. and I’m uncomfortable on the locking blade...


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Your walking around with a locking blade?

[woodacre1983]

Your walking around with a locking blade?

No, I bought the leatherman wave + which is perfect for the jobs I bought it for but it isn’t a day to day carrying tool. Which is now what I need too. So I am looking for one. I know the SAKs are ok legally. I love the Squirt but I am aware they have locking blades so am unsure as to using it day to day with uk law


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[bwest76]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb...=2UYKPQQ6ZV7WN

Farmer
Pioneer
Or X

if you want more than a blade
I bought a pioneer and cut the key ring off

[seikopath]

No, I bought the leatherman wave + which is perfect for the jobs I bought it for but it isn’t a day to day carrying tool. Which is now what I need too. So I am looking for one. I know the SAKs are ok legally. I love the Squirt but I am aware they have locking blades so am unsure as to using it day to day with uk law


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What makes you say the squirt has a locking blade?

[woodacre1983]

What makes you say the squirt has a locking blade?

According to the leatherman site the only none locking ranges are juice and micra. Do you have a squirt?


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