I've got an Explorer that I'm going to remove the scissors layer and go to orange g10 liners with Prometheus Design Werx milled od green g10 scales, and it will be used mainly for aircraft inspections on the flightline. It will have the two screwdrivers for popping quarter turn fasteners to check behind panels, the magnifier for inspecting for cracks in specific areas, can opener for opening cans of oil and hydraulic fluid, the two knife blades for doing various cutting tasks, and the microdriver for doing fine adjustments on avionics pots.
That sounds like a beautiful build, and I hope you’ll share when done! A modern Passenger, huh? I love hearing about the specific applications SAK owners make; looks like Victorinox has really earned your personal and professional confidence.
I initially thought that was just the Scientist, but I checked and the scientist uses the large blade/combo tool layer like the compact. But yes, apparently the passenger had a similar layout to what you’ve designed. Sounds very cool!
Thanks for watching, and for the encouragement! I watch a lot of SAK videos by folks with tons of knowledge, vast collections, and great production, so I figured I’d focus on more niche stuff and hopefully highlight a tidbit or two with not as much coverage.
I have a modded Compact and a modded Explorer I carry a lot, both have Tasschenmesser MAD scales. The Compact is imo the perfect SAK for daily (office) carry.
@@pascalmanders5781 Agreed! Although I’ll admit this long, hot summer and dressing accordingly has made me find new appreciation for the minimalism of my Midnite Manager; I got another one in the SilverTech handles that I just find so cool and functional to carry.
Watched this video and immediately added shrink tubing to cover my helix tinder/eyeglass screwdriver and a round headed pin. Also bought the upgraded tweezers. Love a hood level up for a well used tool. lol
Great video. Currently on the edge of deciding to disassemble one Walker and one Sportsman to combine them in a mini Camper with a file (and probably a Bantam with the excessive parts), but still not having the guts to destroy the donors
I've thought a lot about that very build! It would definitely pack a lot of utility into a small package. I hear you; I thought the Walker would be around a lot longer, and only have the one I managed to grab before they dried up. I wish Vic would make an awl that would go behind the 84mm saw; that would really open up possibilities for smaller, condensed toolsets. Thank you for watching and the kind words!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun Well, I was happy enough to find an online shop, that have them available. To be honest, it was the 5th or 6th that I tried, and the shop itself was too strange to be true. And when I ordered one and it came I immediately ordered the next one and the Sportsman, and even the price was pre-covid, so I think it was a small miracle
Hey buddy, tnx for the shoutout for my "Medical Climber" video hahahah. I could not believe when I heard it! Almost fell from my bed! I am a small channel so this honor means a world to me!!! Great video my friend!! Awsome!!! 👍👍👍
Interesting journey, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! That compact Huntsman is awesome! You have mentioned the new Companion, but have you tried one? I have similar requirements and carried the Compact for the last 2-3 years exclusively. I recently got the Companion and haven't carried the Compact since. You only gain functionality with it: better file, better drivers, backside reamer, package opener. Yes, you lose the can opener. However, in an emergency you can use the reamer and the large screwdriver to open a can. I have tried it - it's not convenient but it works. The package opener also works great as a scraper and it can also be used to split things. In my case I have gained a lot of functionality without losing anything relevant, as I haven't ever needed my SAK to open a can. Which I still could with a little more effort.
Thanks for the great thoughts! I did (thanks in large part to videos by @slipjointsawyer and @thevineclimber) recently take the plunge on the Companion; it’s been rotated in pretty regularly, and I’m definitely planning to include it in a final update video (along with another custom build, an updated Troubleshooter!). The New York Style scales are also a pretty great new addition to the EDC color palette. I haven’t found myself missing the can opener yet, but I do wish they would pair the package opener with a thicker combo tool so you wouldn’t lose any functions. Thanks for the tips if I ever have to open a can in a pinch!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun That's cool to hear! That New York Style is quite cool. I got the colorful Sydney edition and swapped the scales right away 😄 My wife loves them on her Climber and even got compliments for it at work from (female) colleagues. So Victorinox might be on to something... To open a can you can simply put some holes close to each other and then connect them with the screwdriver. Once you got an inch or so open, you can basically pry the lid open.
@@Moontrak Have you been shifting to the 93mm Alox models at all? I recently followed a suggestion to store a toothpick/tweezers/pin in tubing under the Farmer’s saw blade, which makes me feel more comfortable about EDC-ing it.
Just jumped straight into my old boy scout knifes. making two different knifes, plus acid etching and G10 liners. (80's models) 😊 of course plus scales too ! 😊
For me, the EDC unicorn would be a Walker with scissors instead of a saw, and a Philips on the back. For the bush If I could switch out the cap lifter on my Farmer X for the sheepsfoot blade off an Electrician I think it would be pretty awesome. Until then I'll just keep rockin' the Fieldmaster.
@@bushleague3472 Awww, a Compact Super Tinker Small would be something! I really wish Vic would expand the 84mm line and really dedicate it to compactness with the combo tool and broader additional toolsets. I’ve never gotten to use the sheepfoot/Electrician’s blade, but I bet they’re very versatile.
@@MinstrelOnTheRun A sheepsfoot of any sort is great for piercing cuts, since you can apply pressure against the lock. As much as I love SAK's, things like gutting a fish or skinning a rabbit with one require alot of care with those spear point blades.
I like the idea of the Deluxe Tinker but for the Philips. I’ve no need of a Philips, whereas I use the corkscrew on one of my mystery SAKs. I don’t see the point in buying a Deluxe Tinker, just to have to pay someone to dismantle it, so I could have a corkscrew. (Hardly ever encounter a Philips screw, as it’s mostly Posi-drive around here.) Then there’s the Climber. If only it had pliers. Same thing as above, I’d be buying it, just to have someone dismantle it, in the hope of swapping out the saw for pliers. Got little if any need of a saw but would use the pliers. (I often have a Silky with me, so why would I need a tiny saw?)
I dont get the mini saw. Its purpose is for small twig which cab be easily snapped wuth bare hand. I plan to get climber one. The compact looks so good but the price is more steep than climber.
@@AmandaHu-ig6um It’s more of an insurance policy, if you had to cut larger or tougher branches or use it for striking a fire steel in an emergency. More than anything, I’ve used it for cutting loose large bushes. I don’t have too many other knives with the wood saw, aside from a Farmer, Ranger, and an old Craftsman, none of which I actually carry. I don’t even carry the Compact Huntsman much at the moment, but probably will if I get back into hiking.
I've been a SAKaholic for many years now I've grown to accept my affliction the only thing I can do is keep buying SAK's and pray I get the help I desperately need,in the meantime I'm going to buy another SAK, later days brother 🇺🇲🙏😎
my unicorn would be my explorer with a saw and pen. i don't know if the saw mod is possible at all, but at least i could try subbing the pen for the toothpick, although i'm not sure it fits
@@peabody3000 Neat combo! A Champion Plus is kinda in the ballpark of what you’re looking for, at least for ease of modding. I’ve loved adding and modding plus scales, but that gets expensive quick!
Did you ever consider combining a 58mm Victorinox with one of your two layer 91mm knives? The Classic models have fingernail file and small scissors. If you get the silver alox version it holds up very well to pocket wear.
I do carry the 58mm models, but on summer/dress days: Alox Minichamp, a Minichamp with carbon fiber scales, and a SilverTech Midnite Manager. The Alox Classic is a great recommendation for a complementary/keychain knife, but I try to keep my keychain knife-free, and I find it overly clunky to carry two knives as I’ve tried to refine my EDC. Thanks for watching!
Love the Yeoman but it's too thick in pocket and prefer carrying a Compact over any 91mm SAK. The Pioneer X is the same thickness as a Compact and it's 3 layers , like you like them.
I grabbed the 2021(?) Pioneer X - should have brought it out for this video! Beautiful knife, but a little heavy (if more capable), and I missed the backside and scale tools. I think the Yeoman/Explorer is similar to the Huntsman/Ranger; the thinner version is still pretty big, and you gain a lot of capability going up one layer.
My perfect sak should always have a philips and flat scree driver. Have not found it yet. The super tinker and tiker are close but prefer a straight philips. Cybertool S is close but no scissors. I might just settle with cybertool S in the expense of scissors
@@MinstrelOnTheRun I have not yet tried the combo tool to determine if it will work as a philips alternative. If I will go to that point, I think the standard can opener head may be more suitable for that task. I am still not bold enough to DIY. But I do plan to purchase the explorer and compact. Then merge them to become the yeoman. I have just bit the bullet and bought a cybertool S, found one for about USD 60. Bought it before remaining stocks completely runs out. If it doesnt work out, might mod it to a cyber compact (with or without scissors depending if I get to find brass rods). no scissors if no brass rods, and with scissors if i find brass rods. How is the combo tool? Some reviewers say it is inferior to the standard bottle and can opener tool. To be honest I love the can opener tool I use it for a lot of things.
@@clodvonclout As a can opener, I think it works better than the dedicated, forward-cutting version. As a bottle opener, it is totally sufficient. As a screwdriver, I find it works well enough for what I use an SAK for (mainly light work and tightening a loose screw here and there). If I'm using it with any kind of heavier torque, I try to grip it with my fingertips and twist from the base of the combo tool, to put a little less stress on the tool, handle, and pivot. If a flat screwdriver was a main tool for you and you were using it A LOT, I'd consider that with your build plans. Good luck, and I hope we can see the results of what you go with!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun One more question. How good does the combo tool work as a pry tool? I use the pry tool everyday. Max prying torque is like prying a can of 1 liter paint can.
Thanks! I considered a scale swap, but ultimately decided maintaining the history/vintage (and actual carrying alternatives) outweighed my personal objections. I think I’d go for another custom build with a modern file and backside awl if I ever did carry a Trail Guide configuration. Maybe I can trade FX, haha!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun The custom builds look nice. I’ve always wondered if it’s possible to swap the opener layer of an explorer with a combo tool and 84 mm file
@@jooky5 Interesting idea, and I don’t think I’ve seen that combo anywhere. It would be a very thin layer (even with spacer(s) to allow them to rest alongside each other); maybe on the back spring of the saw?
I've got an Explorer that I'm going to remove the scissors layer and go to orange g10 liners with Prometheus Design Werx milled od green g10 scales, and it will be used mainly for aircraft inspections on the flightline. It will have the two screwdrivers for popping quarter turn fasteners to check behind panels, the magnifier for inspecting for cracks in specific areas, can opener for opening cans of oil and hydraulic fluid, the two knife blades for doing various cutting tasks, and the microdriver for doing fine adjustments on avionics pots.
That sounds like a beautiful build, and I hope you’ll share when done! A modern Passenger, huh? I love hearing about the specific applications SAK owners make; looks like Victorinox has really earned your personal and professional confidence.
I initially thought that was just the Scientist, but I checked and the scientist uses the large blade/combo tool layer like the compact. But yes, apparently the passenger had a similar layout to what you’ve designed. Sounds very cool!
That is one sweet modified SAK. Compact Huntsman FTW.
It was a dream build, for sure! Blows my mind how many functions it has in three layers; it’s the closest thing I have to a Simon Templar knife, haha!
This channel goes full on granular SAK philosophy, love it!
Thanks for watching, and for the encouragement! I watch a lot of SAK videos by folks with tons of knowledge, vast collections, and great production, so I figured I’d focus on more niche stuff and hopefully highlight a tidbit or two with not as much coverage.
I have a modded Compact and a modded Explorer I carry a lot, both have Tasschenmesser MAD scales. The Compact is imo the perfect SAK for daily (office) carry.
@@pascalmanders5781 Agreed! Although I’ll admit this long, hot summer and dressing accordingly has made me find new appreciation for the minimalism of my Midnite Manager; I got another one in the SilverTech handles that I just find so cool and functional to carry.
@@MinstrelOnTheRun Always have a Rambler on mt keychain, best Victorinox I own
Watched this video and immediately added shrink tubing to cover my helix tinder/eyeglass screwdriver and a round headed pin. Also bought the upgraded tweezers. Love a hood level up for a well used tool. lol
Great video. Currently on the edge of deciding to disassemble one Walker and one Sportsman to combine them in a mini Camper with a file (and probably a Bantam with the excessive parts), but still not having the guts to destroy the donors
I've thought a lot about that very build! It would definitely pack a lot of utility into a small package. I hear you; I thought the Walker would be around a lot longer, and only have the one I managed to grab before they dried up. I wish Vic would make an awl that would go behind the 84mm saw; that would really open up possibilities for smaller, condensed toolsets. Thank you for watching and the kind words!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun Well, I was happy enough to find an online shop, that have them available. To be honest, it was the 5th or 6th that I tried, and the shop itself was too strange to be true. And when I ordered one and it came I immediately ordered the next one and the Sportsman, and even the price was pre-covid, so I think it was a small miracle
Hey buddy, tnx for the shoutout for my "Medical Climber" video hahahah. I could not believe when I heard it! Almost fell from my bed! I am a small channel so this honor means a world to me!!!
Great video my friend!! Awsome!!! 👍👍👍
You’re quite welcome! Hope to see more of your great work!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun well i have ordered some g10 material so i will try to make some g10liners in the next video... That is the plan but we will see...
Interesting journey, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! That compact Huntsman is awesome!
You have mentioned the new Companion, but have you tried one? I have similar requirements and carried the Compact for the last 2-3 years exclusively. I recently got the Companion and haven't carried the Compact since. You only gain functionality with it: better file, better drivers, backside reamer, package opener. Yes, you lose the can opener. However, in an emergency you can use the reamer and the large screwdriver to open a can. I have tried it - it's not convenient but it works. The package opener also works great as a scraper and it can also be used to split things. In my case I have gained a lot of functionality without losing anything relevant, as I haven't ever needed my SAK to open a can. Which I still could with a little more effort.
Thanks for the great thoughts! I did (thanks in large part to videos by @slipjointsawyer and @thevineclimber) recently take the plunge on the Companion; it’s been rotated in pretty regularly, and I’m definitely planning to include it in a final update video (along with another custom build, an updated Troubleshooter!). The New York Style scales are also a pretty great new addition to the EDC color palette. I haven’t found myself missing the can opener yet, but I do wish they would pair the package opener with a thicker combo tool so you wouldn’t lose any functions. Thanks for the tips if I ever have to open a can in a pinch!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun That's cool to hear! That New York Style is quite cool. I got the colorful Sydney edition and swapped the scales right away 😄 My wife loves them on her Climber and even got compliments for it at work from (female) colleagues. So Victorinox might be on to something...
To open a can you can simply put some holes close to each other and then connect them with the screwdriver. Once you got an inch or so open, you can basically pry the lid open.
Thx for review. Love 91 mm format but realy cant stand cut out part as philips or corkscrew. Feels weird in my hand.
@@Moontrak Have you been shifting to the 93mm Alox models at all? I recently followed a suggestion to store a toothpick/tweezers/pin in tubing under the Farmer’s saw blade, which makes me feel more comfortable about EDC-ing it.
Just jumped straight into my old boy scout knifes. making two different knifes, plus acid etching and G10 liners. (80's models) 😊 of course plus scales too ! 😊
You modders are really inspiring me to try an SAK teardown/rebuild!
For me, the EDC unicorn would be a Walker with scissors instead of a saw, and a Philips on the back. For the bush If I could switch out the cap lifter on my Farmer X for the sheepsfoot blade off an Electrician I think it would be pretty awesome. Until then I'll just keep rockin' the Fieldmaster.
@@bushleague3472 Awww, a Compact Super Tinker Small would be something! I really wish Vic would expand the 84mm line and really dedicate it to compactness with the combo tool and broader additional toolsets. I’ve never gotten to use the sheepfoot/Electrician’s blade, but I bet they’re very versatile.
@@MinstrelOnTheRun A sheepsfoot of any sort is great for piercing cuts, since you can apply pressure against the lock. As much as I love SAK's, things like gutting a fish or skinning a rabbit with one require alot of care with those spear point blades.
I like the idea of the Deluxe Tinker but for the Philips. I’ve no need of a Philips, whereas I use the corkscrew on one of my mystery SAKs. I don’t see the point in buying a Deluxe Tinker, just to have to pay someone to dismantle it, so I could have a corkscrew.
(Hardly ever encounter a Philips screw, as it’s mostly Posi-drive around here.)
Then there’s the Climber. If only it had pliers. Same thing as above, I’d be buying it, just to have someone dismantle it, in the hope of swapping out the saw for pliers. Got little if any need of a saw but would use the pliers.
(I often have a Silky with me, so why would I need a tiny saw?)
@@dcvariousvids8082 Maybe try a Handyman? Although it sounds like would add extra tools/bulk that might dissuade you from actually carrying it.
@@MinstrelOnTheRun- I agree with you there. I’d be carrying extra weight and bulk.
Pioneer X Alox is my EDC. Currently. Love it.
Beautiful knife. I couldn't pass up the orange 2021 edition!
I dont get the mini saw. Its purpose is for small twig which cab be easily snapped wuth bare hand.
I plan to get climber one. The compact looks so good but the price is more steep than climber.
@@AmandaHu-ig6um It’s more of an insurance policy, if you had to cut larger or tougher branches or use it for striking a fire steel in an emergency. More than anything, I’ve used it for cutting loose large bushes. I don’t have too many other knives with the wood saw, aside from a Farmer, Ranger, and an old Craftsman, none of which I actually carry. I don’t even carry the Compact Huntsman much at the moment, but probably will if I get back into hiking.
I've been a SAKaholic for many years now I've grown to accept my affliction the only thing I can do is keep buying SAK's and pray I get the help I desperately need,in the meantime I'm going to buy another SAK, later days brother 🇺🇲🙏😎
my unicorn would be my explorer with a saw and pen. i don't know if the saw mod is possible at all, but at least i could try subbing the pen for the toothpick, although i'm not sure it fits
@@peabody3000 Neat combo! A Champion Plus is kinda in the ballpark of what you’re looking for, at least for ease of modding. I’ve loved adding and modding plus scales, but that gets expensive quick!
Did you ever consider combining a 58mm Victorinox with one of your two layer 91mm knives?
The Classic models have fingernail file and small scissors. If you get the silver alox version it holds
up very well to pocket wear.
I do carry the 58mm models, but on summer/dress days: Alox Minichamp, a Minichamp with carbon fiber scales, and a SilverTech Midnite Manager. The Alox Classic is a great recommendation for a complementary/keychain knife, but I try to keep my keychain knife-free, and I find it overly clunky to carry two knives as I’ve tried to refine my EDC. Thanks for watching!
Love the Yeoman but it's too thick in pocket and prefer carrying a Compact over any 91mm SAK. The Pioneer X is the same thickness as a Compact and it's 3 layers , like you like them.
I grabbed the 2021(?) Pioneer X - should have brought it out for this video! Beautiful knife, but a little heavy (if more capable), and I missed the backside and scale tools. I think the Yeoman/Explorer is similar to the Huntsman/Ranger; the thinner version is still pretty big, and you gain a lot of capability going up one layer.
My perfect sak should always have a philips and flat scree driver. Have not found it yet. The super tinker and tiker are close but prefer a straight philips. Cybertool S is close but no scissors.
I might just settle with cybertool S in the expense of scissors
@@clodvonclout Would the Yeoman work for you (if you could find one), or is the combo tool too much of a compromise for the flat driver?
@@MinstrelOnTheRun I have not yet tried the combo tool to determine if it will work as a philips alternative. If I will go to that point, I think the standard can opener head may be more suitable for that task.
I am still not bold enough to DIY. But I do plan to purchase the explorer and compact. Then merge them to become the yeoman.
I have just bit the bullet and bought a cybertool S, found one for about USD 60. Bought it before remaining stocks completely runs out. If it doesnt work out, might mod it to a cyber compact (with or without scissors depending if I get to find brass rods). no scissors if no brass rods, and with scissors if i find brass rods.
How is the combo tool? Some reviewers say it is inferior to the standard bottle and can opener tool.
To be honest I love the can opener tool I use it for a lot of things.
@@clodvonclout As a can opener, I think it works better than the dedicated, forward-cutting version. As a bottle opener, it is totally sufficient. As a screwdriver, I find it works well enough for what I use an SAK for (mainly light work and tightening a loose screw here and there). If I'm using it with any kind of heavier torque, I try to grip it with my fingertips and twist from the base of the combo tool, to put a little less stress on the tool, handle, and pivot. If a flat screwdriver was a main tool for you and you were using it A LOT, I'd consider that with your build plans. Good luck, and I hope we can see the results of what you go with!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun Thank you for sharing and encouragement.
@@MinstrelOnTheRun One more question. How good does the combo tool work as a pry tool? I use the pry tool everyday. Max prying torque is like prying a can of 1 liter paint can.
Light sandpaper and mineral oil will take care of that Marlboro logo!
Thanks! I considered a scale swap, but ultimately decided maintaining the history/vintage (and actual carrying alternatives) outweighed my personal objections. I think I’d go for another custom build with a modern file and backside awl if I ever did carry a Trail Guide configuration. Maybe I can trade FX, haha!
@@MinstrelOnTheRun The custom builds look nice. I’ve always wondered if it’s possible to swap the opener layer of an explorer with a combo tool and 84 mm file
@@jooky5 Interesting idea, and I don’t think I’ve seen that combo anywhere. It would be a very thin layer (even with spacer(s) to allow them to rest alongside each other); maybe on the back spring of the saw?
Wouldn’t that be a Serrated Super Climber?
That would be one with a grappling hook: ua-cam.com/video/_Q2Fe5InAtc/v-deo.htmlsi=gcLxsfsnLAdtYo-y 😂