The half stop on the bottle opener has two functions. Obviously it enables you to get more leverage when prying with it, while putting less strain on the frame. The second function is so that you can use the little wire stripper slot in conjunction with the large blade to score the plastic sheath of wires before stripping them. You have it in the half stop position, with the wire you want to strip in the small slot at the base of the tool and then you gently close the large blade onto the wire while it’s held in the slot. Using the tension in the blade spring you can rotate the wire to score around it. Extra cutting force can be added by resting your index finger on the blade. This truly works. Felix Immler has a wonderful UA-cam channel called Tips and Tricks with Felix Immler, where he explains all the obscure functions and many more things to do with the 9.1mm SAKs. He really entertains and is a great teacher. Definitely worth a visit. He’s done hundreds of quality videos on SAKs..
I just got a super tinker! All aok! A Spartan in mail! A huntsman in 4 inch leather pouch on garden jeans! Can opener is easy with fairly smooth edges! Diamond flat and leather strop to a razor sharp edge in all tools!!!!!!! The cap opener is a perfect fitnpop! The flat is a perfect pry for cann jar lids
The Tinker is definitely a solid choice if you want to take a minimalist approach to your EDC. I had one gifted to me years ago as a teenager, but it sadly sat in storage until I came to appreciate it more as an adult. As my first SAK, (and my very first "multitool") it definitely has a special place in my collection. But as someone who doesn't take too much issue carrying a thicker knife, I think the Explorer is my favorite. It has the scissors, and the in-line Philips driver blows the T handle one out of the water in my opinion. The presence of a corkscrew also means I can carry the Victorinox eyeglass screwdriver, and if I use the magnifying glass, my terrible eyes can see what I'm doing while tightening my glasses. Adding in the writing pen and straight pin, I feel like it's the perfect package for me. But yes, the Explorer is one and a half times thicker than the Tinker, and thus not worth it to many people. If that's the case, then I feel like the Super Tinker or Climber are the perfect compromise between size and functionality, while still having a very similar toolset to my Explorer. But some people still think they're too thick. Personally, if I was THAT concerned with compactness, I would probably opt for the Tinker Small. It has the exact toolset of the Tinker, just in an 84mm frame. Pair it with something else even smaller small like a Victorinox Ambassador or Classic, and you can have decent scissors and a nail file too!
I love the explorer also! It’s one of the greats I think. And just like you I have an emotional connection to the tinker. Had it for many years and has been a great companion. I don’t mind carrying larger tools and sometimes change it up. Thanks for watching!
I sometimes have to remind myself that it’s easy to go overboard with compactness…..considering most of our smart phones that we carry everyday are massive lol
I have to SAK’s. My long standing one is the Climber. I’ve had this format since 1982. It didn’t have the parcel hook then or the key ring. I’ve taken the key ring off. I’ve discovered over the last 5 years that the parcel hook is very useful….see videos on You Tube. Also I have put on the super scales so that I have a pressurised pen. I use that a lot. Also have the mini screwdriver in my corkscrew. I love it. I use the corkscrew often….although many bottles of wine nowadays have screw tops. Incidentally, I bought my daughter a SuperTinker. My other knife is for the woods. It’s the Pioneer Gardener or Alox 7. I love the saw and the billhook for pruning. The awl is an inline one…..get great purchase on that. Also, it’s a much stronger knife than my climber…..thicker blade, bigger bottle opener…..scales are stronger than the cellador ones.
My go to SAK EDC is Handyman, dependable: Champ, get work done (like help a friend relocate) Champ XLT, go to work (IT) Midnite Mini Champ (for security reasons can't carry anything bigger), outdoor or bushcraft or gardening Work Champ, fix some electronics Cyber Tool Lite. It's amazing how a SAK model is created for almost every aspect of life. But the Tinker has a special place in my heart, I keep it with me when I'm home. I don't use it much, it's just an 'in case you need one' SAK.
Thank you so much for watching. Yes, there are so many options to choose from in order to fit your particular needs. I have been really enjoying the Explorer, the Compact, the Super Tinker, and the Huntsman. I’m going to try modding a SAK to create something of my own! Love Swiss Army Knives!
I have have used the screwdriver in the half stop position several time when I had a very tight screw. I used the body of the knife as a lever to get more leverage on the screw. Caution must be used when doing this as things can slip very easily and disaster happens. Sometimes in life we don't get good options and have to make do. I carry the Deluxe Tinker and do't have a problem with the size (but that's me). The most used tool on my SAK knife is the scissors, I just seem to find them the tool that I go to the most. Nice video😀
The half stop comes in handy for me to get into tight spaces. I am a maintenance man at an apartment complex and one thing that I use this tool for is tightening the door handle on bi-fold closet doors. I have to have the door partly opened in order to reach behind it to tighten the screw. A normal screwdriver does not always work depending on the size of the door, and it’s almost never an option to step in the closet and close the door for better access. You can also use this tool in the half stop position to gently pry apart two objects, applying more force using the knife as a lever. Move it counterclockwise to help prevent popping the scale off. Thicker SAK knives work better for this as they help prevent flex with stacked layers.
You’re so right about the standard two layer Tinker being the perfect size in pocket and hand. Not too big for pocket and just enough in the hand. This is also the reason I love the Alox Pioneer and Electrician.
The Tinker was my first SAK for almost 10 years. Over the years, my requirement for a SAK included a pair of scissors. After misplacing the Tinker, the replacement was a Cybertool 34 (M). I’ve had a Cybertool 34 of some kind including the Lite for 20 years now.
From a purely functional point of view, the corkscrew beats the dedicated Philips driver. It can open wine as stated, but it can also untie knots in shoelaces and paracord and kite twine, things like that. It can also be used to pull a knot even tighter with 550 paracord. The corkscrew can also carry the mini screwdriver. It can also be screwed into softer materials like wood, for making the whole knife useful as a carry handle, or temporarily mounting the knife for hanging other objects from the knife itself. I have found that the canopener is a complete replacement for the T handle Philips screwdriver since I have successfully used it on everything from tiny screws on remote control battery compartment lids (#0 size I think) up to the large #3 sized Philips screws on stair rails at work. The dedicated Philips is only a traditional #2 size, and can be useful for #1 screws at times also, but I wouldn’t use it for a #3 because of slippage, and I believe it is far too large for a #0 screw. Having the ability to use the canopener as an inline Philips driver AND at 90° is a big plus. It lacks the half stop but 90° can still be done if you are careful. If Victorinox adds a half stop to this tool, I think it would make the T handle Philips driver completely obsolete. Some advantages of the Philips are that it lays flatter on the knife and provides a nicer grip than the corkscrew does. Less of a hot spot that way. Also because it is solid, it helps retain the straight pin stored in the scale beside it from slipping out. They say if you get the actual Victorinox branded pins that they don’t slip. I use standard sewing pins which do slip, and the corkscrew allows them to come out far enough that it prevents opening of the corkscrew, but this is not an issue with the Philips driver.
@@strikenryken I find it more useful, but I believe the philips driver is more comfortable when holding the knife because of its smoother surface and laying flatter against the side of the knife. But another advantage of the corkscrew that I forgot to mention is it can also carry the miniscrewdriver or the fireant fire starter, and even some fire tinder.
@@duanebledsoe7566 I agree that the Philips driver is more comfortable, and is my preference, but will say in actual use the corkscrew is a non-issue, much like the key ring. IMO hotspots become a problem with heavy carving, at which point almost all the pressure is in two points, at the front of the grip on the heel of your hand, and on your pinky and ring fingers under the rear of the grip.
Since I already have Philips on can opener, I definetly get Corcscrew over Philips on back,... If had to chose, Tourist is your way,... If you want scizors, Climber is here for you
I like them all . Only i have to MOD that can opener. As you touched upon the small flat works as a 2d Phillips. If you grind the can opener off and slight reshaping you get a good 2.5mm flat (with good access/ reach ) and a first class Phillips. So much so the Phillips on the back is never needed. So i never go for that model. Fav is Recruit, then Tourist, then Angler. I think i am unusual in that i give low priority to scissors? The scissors is excellent, however i don't use them much . I don't have the Spartan, the Tourist is 84mm version. But i plan to get a Spartan with plus scales in yellow, will absolutely do the grind off can opener when i get it . See my video: Victorinox Angler Black plus scales and modification. To see my MOD . Loved your video and how you use and enjoy your SAK .
Those micarta scales look awesome! I wish Victorinox would sell their SAKs with G10 or micarta options. I usually carry a PioneerX and a Rambler around the house. If I'm outdoors it's usually either my Huntsman or Rangergrip 78 depending on what I'm doing. Good video!
Thanks for the review and info on the scales. Love the scales and considering a set for my Climber. Other than the wire stripper the 90° flathead allows you to get more torque on flat heads. The other function of the corkscrew is to use to untie knots and it very is effective. My other SAK is One Hand Trekker. Very robust tool set. Thinking hard about Super Tinker or a Deluxe Tinker. Again enjoyed the vid.
I carried a Tinker exclusively for about 40 years. I never thought about getting anything else until I discovered the Super Tinker. I still carry the Tinker a couple days a week.
I just bought a victornox climber,needs new scales,the ones I found cost 2 or 3 times as much as I paid for the knife used,I only really needed one side ,why do plastic scales cost so much? I guess I will just push my scales and live with it.its a good knife other then a couple of deep scratches.
Awesome video! I just ordered a tinker and I'm supposed to get it in just a few days. I'm excited about it because I just can't wait to get it. I have a huntsman, fieldmaster, classic sd, and a rambler. I really like all of those but if I had to pick one it would be the fieldmaster. That one is my go-to.
Good video! I also like the Tinker...you might want to pick up the Tinker II, with the nylon scales(Ecoline)...I like the Explorer & the Swisschamp as well...
The tinker is one of my favorites but out of the alox I like the pioneer X. I just wish it had the dedicated Philips head I also carry the small tinker in my pocket /pouch/organiser all the time
I carried a Tinker exclusively for over 40 years. In that time I've lost a couple, given some away, and ruined one. I now also have a Super Tinker and a Pioneer X in my EDC rotation, but the Tinker still falls into my pocket at least a couple times a week. As much as I love the Super, I still think the Tinker is the best pocket tool ever made.
Hi, thanks for the video :) I carried SAK many years in a row (Spartan) but got into SAKs only recently. My favourite SAK (as you said, if I had to choose only one) is Swisschamp. It's super versatile, not so big as it looks like, fits in jeans perfectly. And I am able to solve mostly any technical situation with it. When I have to go light, I choose Mountaineer. It's most optimal SAK for my EDC in city and office. Again, choice of EDC (and SAK model particularly) is very personal thing. For example my least used tool on my multitools are screwdrivers. I just don't need them (OK, the tip of can opener is needed, but that's it)
My favourite is still the Alox Pioneer. I like the minimalism and the fact it’s more robust than the Cellidor models, plus I love the in-line reamer. I live in the uk and have to be careful when not working not to carry a locking blade. But I often carry a bladeless Leatherman Rebar EDC, or just a pair of pliers, a pocket ratchet with double ended bits and my Pioneer. I do like the look of the tinker and think it would make a great one piece edc for me because of the screwdriver, except I love carrying my leatherman or just the pocket ratchet and pliers..
If you want a 2 layer knife with scissors you should check out the Victorinox Compact. It was my edc for years as I really just wanted a blade and scissors. It may be too much of a compromise as you lose the small blade and you get a combi-tool which is a single bottle opener, can opener and driver all in one. It was fine for me as its still good for scraping or light prying, you do gain a pen and an eye glasses micro screwdriver though. Like I say check it out as its perfect if you want scissors in a thin form factor. I carried it for years and got on great with it. It only got replaced when they brought out the Pioneer X (an Alox knife with scissors) as I prefer the slightly bigger and thicker blades on the alox models and then finally stuck some scissors on an Alox model. Saying that, I still sometimes carry the Compact if I want something smaller and lighter.
@@averageknifeguy83 not great as it's not much narrower than the standard flat blade on the bottle opener. Never bothered me much as if I'm at home I have dedicated screwdrivers and when I'm out and about I don't really ever need a screwdriver going about my normal day, but everyone is different. There are some decent reviews of the Compact on UA-cam if you want a better idea about the knife. It still does well at both opening bottle tops/caps and as an actual can opener, although I mainly use mine for scraping or prying. Like I said, a blade and scissors in a small package were the main features I was looking for. For phillips screwdriving (other than an actual screw driver) I found the Leatherman Juice far better than any SAK, whether it was the tip of the can opener or the dedicated driver like the one on the tinker. It's a great little alternative to a SAK, but sadly I think they've discontinued them. It's been a while since I checked and I don't really know what the new alternative would be.
@@stuarcari great!! Thank you very much. I am surprised how often I use my Philips on my tinker so a Phillips driver is important for me. A lot of people have recommended the Compact to me and since I love SAKs I will probably end up buying one to add to my other 40 lol
The other nice thing about the Compact is that you get the hook (with additional nail file) in a two layer model. I think the hook is usually in 3 layer knives and larger. And I also love having the pen with it. Of course, you do lose the awl. My daily carry is usually either the Compact or a Super Tinker. I too, love the scissors as a "must-have".
I just ordered a Super Tinker because the back Philips screwdriver is more likely to be useful over the corkscrew on the Climber. I do have a Handyman with Plus scales (and a Swiss Champ) if I need more tool options. The ST will basically be a "drop in the pocket" knife (although I have a heck of a lot of those anyway).
How would you feel about a "Mini Tinker" which removes the blades, and the awl, and moves the opener layer to the blade layer with the Phillips? I've made a couple of these, and I'm getting the process down. Having a simple 1 layer, companion tool around the house is really nice.
That’s a very nice idea. I personally like the blade on a SAK. It serves as a secondary to my main edc. But thats just me. I can see alot of people enjoying the option you created.
@@averageknifeguy83 Yes, but it's my second Swiss Champ. I had my first one for about a year when, on a High school hike in the woods I lost it out of the belt pouch I purchased with it. I'v pocket carried my second one ever since. It has saved my bacon many many times !
I’m getting re-aquatinted with SAKs and am really enjoying my huntsman and my Swiss tool. I’m on the look out for a slimmer EDC and really like this video and your take on the thinker. BTW do your scales have slots for tools? An ideal SAK for me would include all the scale tools pin and pen included
The Micarta scales do have the standard slots for both tweezers and toothpick. Usually when I replace scales I opt for the Plus scales that add the pen.
I watched multiple videos something like this so if I ask my mom for Christmas I can well technically bribe her to get it because I really wanted to switch I mean I know when I was like seven or eight I stole one and was Scott so I asked my mom if I could have one this was like two years later and she let me have one but it was a classic but this Christmas I want a tinker
I have restored some old Swiss Army knives that have been quite tight. What I have had great success with is……a tub of warm water with dish soap. Open all tools up and soak it in the warm water and use a toothbrush in the all the joint and backspring areas. Manipulate joints in order to free up gunk and debris. Clean it extensively for about 15 min. Dry it well. Use mineral oil to lube up all joints or something like CLP oil. For me….that has done it every time.
@@averageknifeguy83 Ok, i will try. I think it's sea water that did the damage. I eat mango on beaches and it's messy so I rince my hands and the knife in the waves.... Thanks
Happy Saturday AKG , I have Liked your video & Subscribed, I am Subscriber #13 ( I'm not superstitious ) . Wishing you good luck in growing your channel - onward to 1K subscribers! Now the the pleasantries are over, 19 minutes of video to ramble & rant on about a Tinker is 18 1/2 minutes too long. I am a life long Swiss Army knife collector & EDC user with over 190 SAK's ( Victorinox & Wenger ) and I do not have even one regular Tinker, I have a Super Tinker bought at a big discount & have never used it and a Deluxe Tinker which I have & use as part of my Home Tool Kit of various 4 - 5 layer SAK's . I find the Tinker far less useful than the basic Spartan for 2 reasons - firstly the Philips on the back layer is almost unusable - in my experience a Phillips is only useful as an in line tool such as on the Spartan Lite & the Explorer and secondly the corkscrew is useful not just for pulling out corks ( I rarely drink ) but undoing knots in shoelaces & parcel string and for drilling screw holes in wood or drilling into a wooden broom handle till its fully tight inside & then opening the blade to create an improvised spear which can be used in an emergency situation and of course as a tool holder in its own right to hold the mini-eyeglass screwdriver or the Fire Ant ferro rod & a tinder spiral . None of this you can do with a Tinkers Philips screwdriver which will fold on you whilst you are trying to open any tight & rusty screw heads & lets face it more & more gadgets are being made today with Torx head screws & not Philips head screws. I don't have a favorite SAK apart from my keychain SAK , currently a hybrid 58mm SilverTech scaled Midnite Mini-Champ & when I go out I carry a 2nd EDC knife with a larger blade, sometimes its a Victorinox 91 mm Climber or Huntsman, or a 93mm Pioneer X or Farmer X, or any of the various 111mm SAKS I have in my collection or then again it might not be a SAK at all but a Buck, Civivi, Kershaw , Case , Rough Ryder or some other large locking blade knife.
Thank you very much for the best wishes! The Philips on the tinker has been very useful in my experience, prefer it any day over the corkscrew. I don’t share your dislike of the tinker, but…….that’s the great thing about SAKs…there are so many to choose from to find the right one for your needs. Thanks again for watching!!
@@averageknifeguy83Happy Sunday. If anybody ever asks you why Victorinox is so successful in selling its knives, just answer them that " the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few "
@@edgaraquino2324 Happy Friday, there are a number of SAK's that I have decided not to buy besides the regular Tinker, the Swiss Champ, the Handyman , the Fisherman, the Alox Farmer ( as I have 2 Farmer X's ) the Alox Electrician & the Swiss Army 7 to name but a few
i purchased this for my 11 year old son as his first sak, the price was right. his includes the scissors. however, it is not a credible sak. the can opener is such a worthless tool especially considering there is a dedicated phillips on the back. sak needs to combo the can and bottle opener. but i got it for $20 for him. but i would never carry it
Nice! Looks like you got him the super tinker!! One of my favorites. Believe it or not, I love the can opener! I don’t use it for opening cans. The thin blade portion is great to get into thin area to pry. Not heavy prying. It also has served me as a scraper and I like the small flathead. It has been useful. However, everyone’s lives are different and present different situations. So….carry what you like! Thanks for watching.
I use the can opener all the time, and the little driver nub on the end is an engineering marvel. The wide range of Philips screws it will fit is truly astounding. The amount of times its the best fit on slotted screws, even with a full roll cab of tools at my disposal, is also notable. As far as I'm concerned that single tool might just be what makes a SAK so indispensable... take it out of your pocket and you need to add three more items to your pack.
You sound like a nice guy...but dude...I'm 5 minutes in and I still haven't learned anything about the Tinker. At this point I kinda feel like you've violated my trust in your title/description of what I'm going to learn about in this video.
At least at the time I'm viewing this the title is how it's his favorite, and the 1st 5 minutes are absolutely filled with love for this knife. Not facts but the emotional side. Got to love that too.
The half stop on the bottle opener has two functions. Obviously it enables you to get more leverage when prying with it, while putting less strain on the frame. The second function is so that you can use the little wire stripper slot in conjunction with the large blade to score the plastic sheath of wires before stripping them. You have it in the half stop position, with the wire you want to strip in the small slot at the base of the tool and then you gently close the large blade onto the wire while it’s held in the slot. Using the tension in the blade spring you can rotate the wire to score around it. Extra cutting force can be added by resting your index finger on the blade. This truly works.
Felix Immler has a wonderful UA-cam channel called Tips and Tricks with Felix Immler, where he explains all the obscure functions and many more things to do with the 9.1mm SAKs. He really entertains and is a great teacher. Definitely worth a visit. He’s done hundreds of quality videos on SAKs..
I just got a super tinker! All aok! A Spartan in mail! A huntsman in 4 inch leather pouch on garden jeans! Can opener is easy with fairly smooth edges! Diamond flat and leather strop to a razor sharp edge in all tools!!!!!!! The cap opener is a perfect fitnpop! The flat is a perfect pry for cann jar lids
I sharpen the cork screw for diy odd stuff! Picknpry twistee jobz! Pickntwine knotz too!!!
The Tinker is definitely a solid choice if you want to take a minimalist approach to your EDC. I had one gifted to me years ago as a teenager, but it sadly sat in storage until I came to appreciate it more as an adult. As my first SAK, (and my very first "multitool") it definitely has a special place in my collection. But as someone who doesn't take too much issue carrying a thicker knife, I think the Explorer is my favorite. It has the scissors, and the in-line Philips driver blows the T handle one out of the water in my opinion. The presence of a corkscrew also means I can carry the Victorinox eyeglass screwdriver, and if I use the magnifying glass, my terrible eyes can see what I'm doing while tightening my glasses. Adding in the writing pen and straight pin, I feel like it's the perfect package for me. But yes, the Explorer is one and a half times thicker than the Tinker, and thus not worth it to many people. If that's the case, then I feel like the Super Tinker or Climber are the perfect compromise between size and functionality, while still having a very similar toolset to my Explorer. But some people still think they're too thick. Personally, if I was THAT concerned with compactness, I would probably opt for the Tinker Small. It has the exact toolset of the Tinker, just in an 84mm frame. Pair it with something else even smaller small like a Victorinox Ambassador or Classic, and you can have decent scissors and a nail file too!
I love the explorer also! It’s one of the greats I think. And just like you I have an emotional connection to the tinker. Had it for many years and has been a great companion. I don’t mind carrying larger tools and sometimes change it up. Thanks for watching!
I sometimes have to remind myself that it’s easy to go overboard with compactness…..considering most of our smart phones that we carry everyday are massive lol
@@averageknifeguy83 I have spartin i wish I had tinker
I have to SAK’s. My long standing one is the Climber. I’ve had this format since 1982. It didn’t have the parcel hook then or the key ring.
I’ve taken the key ring off. I’ve discovered over the last 5 years that the parcel hook is very useful….see videos on You Tube.
Also I have put on the super scales so that I have a pressurised pen. I use that a lot. Also have the mini screwdriver in my corkscrew.
I love it. I use the corkscrew often….although many bottles of wine nowadays have screw tops.
Incidentally, I bought my daughter a SuperTinker.
My other knife is for the woods. It’s the Pioneer Gardener or Alox 7.
I love the saw and the billhook for pruning. The awl is an inline one…..get great purchase on that.
Also, it’s a much stronger knife than my climber…..thicker blade, bigger bottle opener…..scales are stronger than the cellador ones.
Great to have I bought two tinkers for the price of two of them.
Love the tinker! Thanks for the video!
My go to SAK EDC is Handyman, dependable: Champ, get work done (like help a friend relocate) Champ XLT, go to work (IT) Midnite Mini Champ (for security reasons can't carry anything bigger), outdoor or bushcraft or gardening Work Champ, fix some electronics Cyber Tool Lite. It's amazing how a SAK model is created for almost every aspect of life.
But the Tinker has a special place in my heart, I keep it with me when I'm home. I don't use it much, it's just an 'in case you need one' SAK.
Thank you so much for watching. Yes, there are so many options to choose from in order to fit your particular needs. I have been really enjoying the Explorer, the Compact, the Super Tinker, and the Huntsman. I’m going to try modding a SAK to create something of my own! Love Swiss Army Knives!
@@averageknifeguy83 have fun
I have the red tinker mini. I used to have the colonial swissarmy knife. Love them both.
I have have used the screwdriver in the half stop position several time when I had a very tight screw. I used the body of the knife as a lever to get more leverage on the screw. Caution must be used when doing this as things can slip very easily and disaster happens. Sometimes in life we don't get good options and have to make do. I carry the Deluxe Tinker and do't have a problem with the size (but that's me). The most used tool on my SAK knife is the scissors, I just seem to find them the tool that I go to the most. Nice video😀
Thank you for watching!!
The half stop comes in handy for me to get into tight spaces. I am a maintenance man at an apartment complex and one thing that I use this tool for is tightening the door handle on bi-fold closet doors. I have to have the door partly opened in order to reach behind it to tighten the screw. A normal screwdriver does not always work depending on the size of the door, and it’s almost never an option to step in the closet and close the door for better access.
You can also use this tool in the half stop position to gently pry apart two objects, applying more force using the knife as a lever. Move it counterclockwise to help prevent popping the scale off. Thicker SAK knives work better for this as they help prevent flex with stacked layers.
You’re so right about the standard two layer Tinker being the perfect size in pocket and hand. Not too big for pocket and just enough in the hand. This is also the reason I love the Alox Pioneer and Electrician.
The Tinker was my first SAK for almost 10 years. Over the years, my requirement for a SAK included a pair of scissors. After misplacing the Tinker, the replacement was a Cybertool 34 (M). I’ve had a Cybertool 34 of some kind including the Lite for 20 years now.
From a purely functional point of view, the corkscrew beats the dedicated Philips driver. It can open wine as stated, but it can also untie knots in shoelaces and paracord and kite twine, things like that. It can also be used to pull a knot even tighter with 550 paracord. The corkscrew can also carry the mini screwdriver. It can also be screwed into softer materials like wood, for making the whole knife useful as a carry handle, or temporarily mounting the knife for hanging other objects from the knife itself.
I have found that the canopener is a complete replacement for the T handle Philips screwdriver since I have successfully used it on everything from tiny screws on remote control battery compartment lids (#0 size I think) up to the large #3 sized Philips screws on stair rails at work. The dedicated Philips is only a traditional #2 size, and can be useful for #1 screws at times also, but I wouldn’t use it for a #3 because of slippage, and I believe it is far too large for a #0 screw. Having the ability to use the canopener as an inline Philips driver AND at 90° is a big plus. It lacks the half stop but 90° can still be done if you are careful. If Victorinox adds a half stop to this tool, I think it would make the T handle Philips driver completely obsolete.
Some advantages of the Philips are that it lays flatter on the knife and provides a nicer grip than the corkscrew does. Less of a hot spot that way. Also because it is solid, it helps retain the straight pin stored in the scale beside it from slipping out. They say if you get the actual Victorinox branded pins that they don’t slip. I use standard sewing pins which do slip, and the corkscrew allows them to come out far enough that it prevents opening of the corkscrew, but this is not an issue with the Philips driver.
I am currently between a climber and super tinker. So corkscrew on climber wins?
@@strikenryken I find it more useful, but I believe the philips driver is more comfortable when holding the knife because of its smoother surface and laying flatter against the side of the knife. But another advantage of the corkscrew that I forgot to mention is it can also carry the miniscrewdriver or the fireant fire starter, and even some fire tinder.
@@duanebledsoe7566 I agree that the Philips driver is more comfortable, and is my preference, but will say in actual use the corkscrew is a non-issue, much like the key ring. IMO hotspots become a problem with heavy carving, at which point almost all the pressure is in two points, at the front of the grip on the heel of your hand, and on your pinky and ring fingers under the rear of the grip.
It's seventeen dollars on offer in the Netherlands now. That's hard to beat
I’ve been to Maastricht! Was a blast.
Since I already have Philips on can opener, I definetly get Corcscrew over Philips on back,... If had to chose, Tourist is your way,... If you want scizors, Climber is here for you
I like them all . Only i have to MOD that can opener. As you touched upon the small flat works as a 2d Phillips. If you grind the can opener off and slight reshaping you get a good 2.5mm flat (with good access/ reach ) and a first class Phillips. So much so the Phillips on the back is never needed. So i never go for that model. Fav is Recruit, then Tourist, then Angler.
I think i am unusual in that i give low priority to scissors? The scissors is excellent, however i don't use them much . I don't have the Spartan, the Tourist is 84mm version. But i plan to get a Spartan with plus scales in yellow, will absolutely do the grind off can opener when i get it .
See my video: Victorinox Angler Black plus scales and modification. To see my MOD .
Loved your video and how you use and enjoy your SAK .
Im also a tinker lover! Thank you!
The halfstop is so you can put some leverage in there when screwing/un-screwing
Lefty-Loosey // Righty-Tighty !!
Those micarta scales look awesome! I wish Victorinox would sell their SAKs with G10 or micarta options. I usually carry a PioneerX and a Rambler around the house. If I'm outdoors it's usually either my Huntsman or Rangergrip 78 depending on what I'm doing. Good video!
Yes it would be cool to get some other options straight from the factory. Pioneer X is awesome and I also love the rambler and huntsman!
@@averageknifeguy83 Merry Christmas!
I have around 30+ swiss army knifes and mainly Classic SD more than one dozen.
Thanks for the review and info on the scales. Love the scales and considering a set for my Climber. Other than the wire stripper the 90° flathead allows you to get more torque on flat heads. The other function of the corkscrew is to use to untie knots and it very is effective. My other SAK is One Hand Trekker. Very robust tool set. Thinking hard about Super Tinker or a Deluxe Tinker. Again enjoyed the vid.
Thanks man! You can’t go wrong with either Tinkers, but if you don’t mind the extra layer in your pocket……..I say get the deluxe! Thanks for watching
Purchased a tinker v recently. Good review, thanks. Good value, useful tools with just two layers. Easy pocket carry.
I carried a Tinker exclusively for about 40 years. I never thought about getting anything else until I discovered the Super Tinker. I still carry the Tinker a couple days a week.
I just bought a victornox climber,needs new scales,the ones I found cost 2 or 3 times as much as I paid for the knife used,I only really needed one side ,why do plastic scales cost so much? I guess I will just push my scales and live with it.its a good knife other then a couple of deep scratches.
It is my favourite too... it has everything you need and for a minimalist, this is the tool!
Absolutely!! Thanks for watching!!
Awesome video! I just ordered a tinker and I'm supposed to get it in just a few days. I'm excited about it because I just can't wait to get it. I have a huntsman, fieldmaster, classic sd, and a rambler. I really like all of those but if I had to pick one it would be the fieldmaster. That one is my go-to.
Good video! I also like the Tinker...you might want to pick up the Tinker II, with the nylon scales(Ecoline)...I like the Explorer & the Swisschamp as well...
Great review, thanks. New tinker is my go-to SAK now. Eminently pocketable compared to my camper and huntsman that are reserved for longer days out.
The tinker is one of my favorites but out of the alox I like the pioneer X. I just wish it had the dedicated Philips head
I also carry the small tinker in my pocket /pouch/organiser all the time
I carried a Tinker exclusively for over 40 years. In that time I've lost a couple, given some away, and ruined one. I now also have a Super Tinker and a Pioneer X in my EDC rotation, but the Tinker still falls into my pocket at least a couple times a week. As much as I love the Super, I still think the Tinker is the best pocket tool ever made.
If I'm on the trail,I like to carry my huntsman
Hi, thanks for the video :)
I carried SAK many years in a row (Spartan) but got into SAKs only recently. My favourite SAK (as you said, if I had to choose only one) is Swisschamp. It's super versatile, not so big as it looks like, fits in jeans perfectly. And I am able to solve mostly any technical situation with it.
When I have to go light, I choose Mountaineer. It's most optimal SAK for my EDC in city and office.
Again, choice of EDC (and SAK model particularly) is very personal thing. For example my least used tool on my multitools are screwdrivers. I just don't need them (OK, the tip of can opener is needed, but that's it)
My favourite is still the Alox Pioneer. I like the minimalism and the fact it’s more robust than the Cellidor models, plus I love the in-line reamer. I live in the uk and have to be careful when not working not to carry a locking blade. But I often carry a bladeless Leatherman Rebar EDC, or just a pair of pliers, a pocket ratchet with double ended bits and my Pioneer.
I do like the look of the tinker and think it would make a great one piece edc for me because of the screwdriver, except I love carrying my leatherman or just the pocket ratchet and pliers..
My top 5 saks
1. Compact
2.sportsman in nylon scales
3. Alox cadet
4. Alox pioneer x
5. Classic sd
Honorable mention: 74mm ambassador. It’s a bigger classic.
If you want a 2 layer knife with scissors you should check out the Victorinox Compact. It was my edc for years as I really just wanted a blade and scissors. It may be too much of a compromise as you lose the small blade and you get a combi-tool which is a single bottle opener, can opener and driver all in one. It was fine for me as its still good for scraping or light prying, you do gain a pen and an eye glasses micro screwdriver though.
Like I say check it out as its perfect if you want scissors in a thin form factor. I carried it for years and got on great with it. It only got replaced when they brought out the Pioneer X (an Alox knife with scissors) as I prefer the slightly bigger and thicker blades on the alox models and then finally stuck some scissors on an Alox model. Saying that, I still sometimes carry the Compact if I want something smaller and lighter.
How does the combo can opener tool perform as a Phillips driver? Does it work well?
@@averageknifeguy83 not great as it's not much narrower than the standard flat blade on the bottle opener. Never bothered me much as if I'm at home I have dedicated screwdrivers and when I'm out and about I don't really ever need a screwdriver going about my normal day, but everyone is different. There are some decent reviews of the Compact on UA-cam if you want a better idea about the knife.
It still does well at both opening bottle tops/caps and as an actual can opener, although I mainly use mine for scraping or prying. Like I said, a blade and scissors in a small package were the main features I was looking for. For phillips screwdriving (other than an actual screw driver) I found the Leatherman Juice far better than any SAK, whether it was the tip of the can opener or the dedicated driver like the one on the tinker. It's a great little alternative to a SAK, but sadly I think they've discontinued them. It's been a while since I checked and I don't really know what the new alternative would be.
@@stuarcari great!! Thank you very much. I am surprised how often I use my Philips on my tinker so a Phillips driver is important for me. A lot of people have recommended the Compact to me and since I love SAKs I will probably end up buying one to add to my other 40 lol
The other nice thing about the Compact is that you get the hook (with additional nail file) in a two layer model. I think the hook is usually in 3 layer knives and larger. And I also love having the pen with it. Of course, you do lose the awl. My daily carry is usually either the Compact or a Super Tinker. I too, love the scissors as a "must-have".
I just ordered a Super Tinker because the back Philips screwdriver is more likely to be useful over the corkscrew on the Climber.
I do have a Handyman with Plus scales (and a Swiss Champ) if I need more tool options. The ST will basically be a "drop in the pocket" knife (although I have a heck of a lot of those anyway).
How would you feel about a "Mini Tinker" which removes the blades, and the awl, and moves the opener layer to the blade layer with the Phillips? I've made a couple of these, and I'm getting the process down. Having a simple 1 layer, companion tool around the house is really nice.
That’s a very nice idea. I personally like the blade on a SAK. It serves as a secondary to my main edc. But thats just me. I can see alot of people enjoying the option you created.
I'v pocket carried my Swiss Champ for over 30 years.
Wow! Is it the original one that you bought 30 years ago?
@@averageknifeguy83 Yes, but it's my second Swiss Champ. I had my first one for about a year when, on a High school hike in the woods I lost it out of the belt pouch I purchased with it. I'v pocket carried my second one ever since. It has saved my bacon many many times !
The half stop is for extra tourk for the big screwdriver mechanical advantage is the reason .
84mm tinker 👍
I’m getting re-aquatinted with SAKs and am really enjoying my huntsman and my Swiss tool. I’m on the look out for a slimmer EDC and really like this video and your take on the thinker. BTW do your scales have slots for tools? An ideal SAK for me would include all the scale tools pin and pen included
The Micarta scales do have the standard slots for both tweezers and toothpick. Usually when I replace scales I opt for the Plus scales that add the pen.
Thank you for watching!!
If they produced a SAK the size of the tinker with an in-line dedicated Philips I’d jump in it
I watched multiple videos something like this so if I ask my mom for Christmas I can well technically bribe her to get it because I really wanted to switch I mean I know when I was like seven or eight I stole one and was Scott so I asked my mom if I could have one this was like two years later and she let me have one but it was a classic but this Christmas I want a tinker
Just a guess on the half stop on the flat head screwdriver head is increased leverage.
The word you were looking for is corkscrew
Use the corkscrew all the time on my Explorer!!
When the tools gets hard to pull up due to rust or something, how to make them easy to move again ? WD40 doesn t work very well.....
I have restored some old Swiss Army knives that have been quite tight. What I have had great success with is……a tub of warm water with dish soap. Open all tools up and soak it in the warm water and use a toothbrush in the all the joint and backspring areas. Manipulate joints in order to free up gunk and debris. Clean it extensively for about 15 min. Dry it well. Use mineral oil to lube up all joints or something like CLP oil. For me….that has done it every time.
@@averageknifeguy83 Ok, i will try. I think it's sea water that did the damage. I eat mango on beaches and it's messy so I rince my hands and the knife in the waves.... Thanks
Happy Saturday AKG , I have Liked your video & Subscribed, I am Subscriber #13 ( I'm not superstitious ) . Wishing you good luck in growing your channel - onward to 1K subscribers!
Now the the pleasantries are over, 19 minutes of video to ramble & rant on about a Tinker is 18 1/2 minutes too long. I am a life long Swiss Army knife collector & EDC user with over 190 SAK's ( Victorinox & Wenger ) and I do not have even one regular Tinker, I have a Super Tinker bought at a big discount & have never used it and a Deluxe Tinker which I have & use as part of my Home Tool Kit of various 4 - 5 layer SAK's . I find the Tinker far less useful than the basic Spartan for 2 reasons - firstly the Philips on the back layer is almost unusable - in my experience a Phillips is only useful as an in line tool such as on the Spartan Lite & the Explorer and secondly the corkscrew is useful not just for pulling out corks ( I rarely drink ) but undoing knots in shoelaces & parcel string and for drilling screw holes in wood or drilling into a wooden broom handle till its fully tight inside & then opening the blade to create an improvised spear which can be used in an emergency situation and of course as a tool holder in its own right to hold the mini-eyeglass screwdriver or the Fire Ant ferro rod & a tinder spiral . None of this you can do with a Tinkers Philips screwdriver which will fold on you whilst you are trying to open any tight & rusty screw heads & lets face it more & more gadgets are being made today with Torx head screws & not Philips head screws. I don't have a favorite SAK apart from my keychain SAK , currently a hybrid 58mm SilverTech scaled Midnite Mini-Champ & when I go out I carry a 2nd EDC knife with a larger blade, sometimes its a Victorinox 91 mm Climber or Huntsman, or a 93mm Pioneer X or Farmer X, or any of the various 111mm SAKS I have in my collection or then again it might not be a SAK at all but a Buck, Civivi, Kershaw , Case , Rough Ryder or some other large locking blade knife.
Thank you very much for the best wishes! The Philips on the tinker has been very useful in my experience, prefer it any day over the corkscrew. I don’t share your dislike of the tinker, but…….that’s the great thing about SAKs…there are so many to choose from to find the right one for your needs. Thanks again for watching!!
@@averageknifeguy83Happy Sunday. If anybody ever asks you why Victorinox is so successful in selling its knives, just answer them that " the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few "
@@stevesinclair4159 well said!!
I don't think your collection is complete without a regular Tinker & a Tinker II....
@@edgaraquino2324 Happy Friday, there are a number of SAK's that I have decided not to buy besides the regular Tinker, the Swiss Champ, the Handyman , the Fisherman, the Alox Farmer ( as I have 2 Farmer X's ) the Alox Electrician & the Swiss Army 7 to name but a few
I got one too!
I use the Toothpick to loosen ty-raps
Ik gebruik de Tandenstoker voor het losmaken van ty-raps
Those scales are so expensive that one can by another knife in case it's Rambler, Classic or Spartan
Half stop for more tourk on flat screwdriver.
I would not carry an EDC Victorinox without scissors.
Why?
Yea. Why??
Scissors to useful to discard in my opinion,i agree with @ulixes
@@-adam- if im carrying the Victorinox Tinker, i like to mix it with the Classic SD
@carlos, cool😎
Hay new friend 😊
Quiero una Please! 😮
i purchased this for my 11 year old son as his first sak, the price was right. his includes the scissors. however, it is not a credible sak. the can opener is such a worthless tool especially considering there is a dedicated phillips on the back. sak needs to combo the can and bottle opener. but i got it for $20 for him. but i would never carry it
Nice! Looks like you got him the super tinker!! One of my favorites. Believe it or not, I love the can opener! I don’t use it for opening cans. The thin blade portion is great to get into thin area to pry. Not heavy prying. It also has served me as a scraper and I like the small flathead. It has been useful. However, everyone’s lives are different and present different situations. So….carry what you like! Thanks for watching.
I use the can opener all the time, and the little driver nub on the end is an engineering marvel. The wide range of Philips screws it will fit is truly astounding. The amount of times its the best fit on slotted screws, even with a full roll cab of tools at my disposal, is also notable. As far as I'm concerned that single tool might just be what makes a SAK so indispensable... take it out of your pocket and you need to add three more items to your pack.
Ehr... well... ok....
This is your opinion. I respect it.
But... i'm done.
Good bye.
You sound like a nice guy...but dude...I'm 5 minutes in and I still haven't learned anything about the Tinker. At this point I kinda feel like you've violated my trust in your title/description of what I'm going to learn about in this video.
At least at the time I'm viewing this the title is how it's his favorite, and the 1st 5 minutes are absolutely filled with love for this knife. Not facts but the emotional side. Got to love that too.
Stop playing with your cards. Very distractinng.
Half stop gives you more leverage for turning tight screws.