Thank you for pointing that out. All of my reviews are used on a daily or weekly basis. I have some dress watches that are monthly. Keeping things real! Have a great week.
Right on…I use my knives. And if they have scratches on the blade before I get them in front of the camera, so be it. Thank you for watching and hope to see/hear from you soon.
It's my work SAK. Fits in the pocket and as you've pointed out, the pliers is excellent for its size. I detect no lateral play which is the Achilles heel of many smaller, multitool pliers. Have a great weekend.
Nice video. I like your clever additions like a second pin and the magnets. My go-to SAK is the Swiss Champ. I own 3; a red one has kept me company for 30 years and traveled the world at least 20 times. There is always something that tool helps me with on a daily basis. Over the years keeping it clean, replacing springs for the scissors and pliers, new pen, toothpick, and tweezers as well as occasional sharpening are all it needs. They make terrific gifts to give.
I have the deluxe tinker, it has been more handy than a leather man that I’ve carried for years on the job as an aircraft maintenance tech, and way less bulky!
I have to agree with your comment wholeheartedly. I hadn’t owned a SAK for decades and I was dead set on gerber multi tools being the do all tool. Recently I went back to SAK and found they’re more user friendly and pocket friendly. I carry both on the job and carrying the SAK is not overkill in my opinion. Thank you for your comment. Have a great weekend.
I bought one. After holding it, I decided to leave it at my parents lake house for anyone who goes fishing. It’s too heavy for pocket carry. If I’m carrying something in a sheath, I might as go with a larger multi tool like a Leatherman. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best SAK is likely a 2 layer like an 84mm Sportsman , which disappears in the pocket. If I’m willing to go slightly bigger, you’ll go with the 91mm Climber. The trickiest thing is that I love my folding, locking blades (Bugout, Para3 LW, etc.).I’ll put up with a SAK slipjoint, but only because of all the other practical little tools. I guess the old saying is true… you can’t have your cake and eat it too. There will always be compromises. I’m cool with that I guess. Either way, thanks for making your video and sharing your thoughts about the Deluxe Tinker. It’s a break SAK… just too thick and heavy for EDC (for me).
Great points. I like carrying the Huntsman for hiking and compact for non outdoor work/activities. I think the Compact is more in line with your Sportsman.
It's surprising to me the simplicity of tools I'm engaging with and leaving behind tools packed with tools I have never used outside of my shop. Thanks for sharing.
Ah the Victorinoxes… I have a bunch of them. A Victorinox was my first knife, my dad bought it to me when I was around 9 or 10. I still remember that moment. I think these are the Casio equivalent as far as knives are concerned. My most used Victorinox is a huntsman, but this tinker looks really interesting!
There is just something about these SAK knives. Whether it is a Wenger or Victorinox They are time proven and although the steel is slightly soft, I have found it adequate for the odd jobs where ive needed mine. I've had Victorinox Classic on my keys for atleast 7 years and it has proven to be quite handy over the years.
I was a huge fan decades ago...went the dedicated multitool route...now I'm back and appreciate the space savings. Classic....is there anyone who hasn't had a classic?
@@Realidealgear They are awesome. These days however those little Knipex pliers seem to be all the rage. I want to try out one for myself to see what the fuss is about.
@@Realidealgear It's a multitool in itself. Mine is used as needlenose/normal pliers (okay I know really that's just one tool but that's how multitool manufacturers call it); adjustable wrench for nuts; pry bar; bottle opener and tweezers (I've pulled nose hairs out with it). I can take a normal small bit extender with a bit in, grip it from the side with the Knipex and get amazing torque. Only wish it had wire cutters. It only weighs 62g so 2 and a quarter ounces more or less. I know it's not cheap in the US. However here in the UK where Leathermans and other US branded multitools are much more expensive - even the ones made in China and Taiwan i.e. Gerber and SOG - I can buy a pair of Knipex pliers plus a Super Tinker (like yours but minus the pliers) for less than the price of a Leatherman Squirt PS4! However I do like your SAK, I don't have that particular model, I have the Swisschamp because I wanted the additional inline Phillips, wood saw and metal file/saw, and a few others with woodsaw and/or scissors, and I know that the pliers on your Tinker & my Swisschamp are way better than those on the Squirt PS4 or any other folding keychain multitool like the Gerber Dime etc. as when extended the whole tool fills the hand and gives you more reach and also more leverage, just don't torque on them too much but you shouldn't really do that with any multitool pliers.
I have around 30 SAKs and this is without doubt the best compromise apart from one thing, the Phillips screwdriver. I swapped mine for a corkscrew which is far more useful. You can see from this video the Phillips has never been used.
30 SAKs is impressive. I use the Phillips’s about every other eeek. I’ve never used the cork screw…although today I was tempted to try untangling a knot with it. I had the deluxe tinker and couldn’t. Someday. Whats your favorite outdoor SAK? I just picked up the ranger and I think I might take that with me hiking/camping. Have a great week.
@@Realidealgear The single knife that is always in the car, or goes with me when I travel, is the Swiss Champ. I always carry an Alox mini champ with me It's a pity there aren't more Alox options as I'd love one with pliers. I've made quite a few plastic scale custom SAKs, the one above for example, but not yet taken an Alox knife apart to see if the parts are interchangable. I suspect not as otherwise Victorinox would offer this. Victorinox are really disappointing in that they don't supply the large format knives with a full set of large format tools, they'd be fantastic with larger pliers and scissors. For this reason I tend not to use them much. The only one I tend to use is my Cheese Master which is often cheap to buy and great for picnics. It's also their only knife that rings when you close it. The serrated blades on any of the large knives are awesome.
I don't have an Alox SAK. They're interesting to me. The Compact seems to have take the Alox's place in line for the time being. The Champ is a LEGEND. That might be the last SAK I get as I don't think I need anything after that beast is acquired.
@@Realidealgear I keep saying this one is the last. 🤣 I delayed buying an Alox knife for years because they just don't look good in images. When you hold them in your hand all of that changes though. I don''t have a compact simply because I've yet to see one at a price that makes it seem good value compared with medium format knives. They often sell for twice what I consider they're worth. Why would you pay up to double what a Huntsman costs The Swiss Champ and Alox Mini Champ are great but I think my Work Champ is the most disappointing purchase of all my knives. The Handyman is a great knife but loses one layer over the Swiss Champ. You lose the magnifying glass and Phillips screwdriver but this layer never has a back tool. The fishscaler, and pen go too but again with no loss of back tool. What you gain is a noticeably thinner and lighter knife that still has most of what you need. Fitting the plus scales gives you the pen slot but when adding the cost of the pen you may as well buy the Swiss Champ. It's all too complicated. 🤣
I prefer a separate blade, so my most-used multitool is a Leatherman Style PS, only 47g weight, just pliers, scissors, tweezers, caplifter. Usually accompanied by an Opinel #6 (25g). That said, I've just pushed the button on a Deluxe Tinker, my first SAK.
That’s a well thought out setup. I think youll find the Deluxe Tinker a good companion for the separate blade. That’s my carry setup. If I need serious cutting duties accomplished, I go right to my folder. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great video. How did you add the extra slots in the scale for the pen and fire starter? Did you send it to victorinox or did it yourself?
Did it myself. I did order another set of scales because when the originals were pried off they’re just a little more loose and I don’t want to risk the scales coming off. Pretty straight forward mod. Have a great week.
I bought an extra set of scales because when they’re removed, they often don’t stay firmly in place. Remove the scales by simply prying them off with a screw driver. If you have a second SAK use the flat head/can opener edge to work the scales loose all the way around. Then, on the new scale cut a channel through the ‘ribs’ or trusses allowing the tool to slide in and out. I did that to make a second needle slot as well.
I have never seen a toothpick added to the front scale before, It would be interesting to hear how you did it, is it a standard large toothpick ? I was not aware there was an extra slot in the front scale.
Super Tinker for me if only for the scissors Athough lately I am using a tourist I found at an antique market.purely for it's compactness and it only owes me £10.00 if I loose it.
LOVE that you actually use your tool rather than just open it up and "review" it without actually using it.
Thank you for pointing that out. All of my reviews are used on a daily or weekly basis. I have some dress watches that are monthly. Keeping things real! Have a great week.
When I see a knife in that state I know it's going to be a GREAT review! Excellent work!
Right on…I use my knives. And if they have scratches on the blade before I get them in front of the camera, so be it. Thank you for watching and hope to see/hear from you soon.
The Deluxe Tinker is my edc. I carry it on my belt. It is amazing how often I find a use for the pliers.
It's my work SAK. Fits in the pocket and as you've pointed out, the pliers is excellent for its size. I detect no lateral play which is the Achilles heel of many smaller, multitool pliers. Have a great weekend.
Nice video. I like your clever additions like a second pin and the magnets. My go-to SAK is the Swiss Champ. I own 3; a red one has kept me company for 30 years and traveled the world at least 20 times. There is always something that tool helps me with on a daily basis. Over the years keeping it clean, replacing springs for the scissors and pliers, new pen, toothpick, and tweezers as well as occasional sharpening are all it needs. They make terrific gifts to give.
Thank you and well said. The SAK is a great pocket multitool.
I have the deluxe tinker, it has been more handy than a leather man that I’ve carried for years on the job as an aircraft maintenance tech, and way less bulky!
I have to agree with your comment wholeheartedly. I hadn’t owned a SAK for decades and I was dead set on gerber multi tools being the do all tool. Recently I went back to SAK and found they’re more user friendly and pocket friendly. I carry both on the job and carrying the SAK is not overkill in my opinion. Thank you for your comment. Have a great weekend.
I bought one. After holding it, I decided to leave it at my parents lake house for anyone who goes fishing. It’s too heavy for pocket carry. If I’m carrying something in a sheath, I might as go with a larger multi tool like a Leatherman. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best SAK is likely a 2 layer like an 84mm Sportsman , which disappears in the pocket. If I’m willing to go slightly bigger, you’ll go with the 91mm Climber. The trickiest thing is that I love my folding, locking blades (Bugout, Para3 LW, etc.).I’ll put up with a SAK slipjoint, but only because of all the other practical little tools. I guess the old saying is true… you can’t have your cake and eat it too. There will always be compromises. I’m cool with that I guess. Either way, thanks for making your video and sharing your thoughts about the Deluxe Tinker. It’s a break SAK… just too thick and heavy for EDC (for me).
Great points. I like carrying the Huntsman for hiking and compact for non outdoor work/activities. I think the Compact is more in line with your Sportsman.
Great knife have all three tinkers.
It's surprising to me the simplicity of tools I'm engaging with and leaving behind tools packed with tools I have never used outside of my shop. Thanks for sharing.
Great Tool, i just started picking these up and have gained a new respect for them and what they can do, thanks for sharing!!
Likewise, for a while I was all about other multitools....now I'm back and for casual carry, it's the SAK Compact!
I have one also I love it ! I use it everyday thank you for the Video !
Great to hear! It covers a lot of ground.
The cork screw is great for undoing knots so I prefer those models. I wish this model had it.
Good point. There's always the Champ!
There was version of the “Deluxe Tinker” that swapped the corkscrew for the phillips . It was called the “Deluxe Climber” but was discontinued.
i wish victorinox would come out with a dedicated marlin spike to replace the corkscrew or driver.
Ah the Victorinoxes… I have a bunch of them. A Victorinox was my first knife, my dad bought it to me when I was around 9 or 10.
I still remember that moment.
I think these are the Casio equivalent as far as knives are concerned.
My most used Victorinox is a huntsman, but this tinker looks really interesting!
Great comparison. SAKs are the equivalent to Casio.
This is the Deluxe Tinker. The Tinker is much thinner.
Correct.
There is just something about these SAK knives. Whether it is a Wenger or Victorinox They are time proven and although the steel is slightly soft, I have found it adequate for the odd jobs where ive needed mine. I've had Victorinox Classic on my keys for atleast 7 years and it has proven to be quite handy over the years.
I was a huge fan decades ago...went the dedicated multitool route...now I'm back and appreciate the space savings. Classic....is there anyone who hasn't had a classic?
@@Realidealgear They are awesome. These days however those little Knipex pliers seem to be all the rage. I want to try out one for myself to see what the fuss is about.
Let me know....I've an inclination toward that pliers...seems to be a lot of dedicated space/weight for a single tool.
Will do Tim! 👍👍
@@Realidealgear It's a multitool in itself. Mine is used as needlenose/normal pliers (okay I know really that's just one tool but that's how multitool manufacturers call it); adjustable wrench for nuts; pry bar; bottle opener and tweezers (I've pulled nose hairs out with it). I can take a normal small bit extender with a bit in, grip it from the side with the Knipex and get amazing torque. Only wish it had wire cutters. It only weighs 62g so 2 and a quarter ounces more or less. I know it's not cheap in the US. However here in the UK where Leathermans and other US branded multitools are much more expensive - even the ones made in China and Taiwan i.e. Gerber and SOG - I can buy a pair of Knipex pliers plus a Super Tinker (like yours but minus the pliers) for less than the price of a Leatherman Squirt PS4! However I do like your SAK, I don't have that particular model, I have the Swisschamp because I wanted the additional inline Phillips, wood saw and metal file/saw, and a few others with woodsaw and/or scissors, and I know that the pliers on your Tinker & my Swisschamp are way better than those on the Squirt PS4 or any other folding keychain multitool like the Gerber Dime etc. as when extended the whole tool fills the hand and gives you more reach and also more leverage, just don't torque on them too much but you shouldn't really do that with any multitool pliers.
I have around 30 SAKs and this is without doubt the best compromise apart from one thing, the Phillips screwdriver. I swapped mine for a corkscrew which is far more useful. You can see from this video the Phillips has never been used.
30 SAKs is impressive. I use the Phillips’s about every other eeek. I’ve never used the cork screw…although today I was tempted to try untangling a knot with it. I had the deluxe tinker and couldn’t. Someday.
Whats your favorite outdoor SAK? I just picked up the ranger and I think I might take that with me hiking/camping.
Have a great week.
@@Realidealgear The single knife that is always in the car, or goes with me when I travel, is the Swiss Champ. I always carry an Alox mini champ with me
It's a pity there aren't more Alox options as I'd love one with pliers. I've made quite a few plastic scale custom SAKs, the one above for example, but not yet taken an Alox knife apart to see if the parts are interchangable. I suspect not as otherwise Victorinox would offer this.
Victorinox are really disappointing in that they don't supply the large format knives with a full set of large format tools, they'd be fantastic with larger pliers and scissors. For this reason I tend not to use them much. The only one I tend to use is my Cheese Master which is often cheap to buy and great for picnics. It's also their only knife that rings when you close it. The serrated blades on any of the large knives are awesome.
I don't have an Alox SAK. They're interesting to me. The Compact seems to have take the Alox's place in line for the time being. The Champ is a LEGEND. That might be the last SAK I get as I don't think I need anything after that beast is acquired.
@@Realidealgear I keep saying this one is the last. 🤣 I delayed buying an Alox knife for years because they just don't look good in images. When you hold them in your hand all of that changes though. I don''t have a compact simply because I've yet to see one at a price that makes it seem good value compared with medium format knives. They often sell for twice what I consider they're worth. Why would you pay up to double what a Huntsman costs
The Swiss Champ and Alox Mini Champ are great but I think my Work Champ is the most disappointing purchase of all my knives. The Handyman is a great knife but loses one layer over the Swiss Champ. You lose the magnifying glass and Phillips screwdriver but this layer never has a back tool. The fishscaler, and pen go too but again with no loss of back tool. What you gain is a noticeably thinner and lighter knife that still has most of what you need. Fitting the plus scales gives you the pen slot but when adding the cost of the pen you may as well buy the Swiss Champ.
It's all too complicated. 🤣
I prefer a separate blade, so my most-used multitool is a Leatherman Style PS, only 47g weight, just pliers, scissors, tweezers, caplifter. Usually accompanied by an Opinel #6 (25g). That said, I've just pushed the button on a Deluxe Tinker, my first SAK.
That’s a well thought out setup. I think youll find the Deluxe Tinker a good companion for the separate blade. That’s my carry setup. If I need serious cutting duties accomplished, I go right to my folder. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great video.
How did you add the extra slots in the scale for the pen and fire starter? Did you send it to victorinox or did it yourself?
Did it myself. I did order another set of scales because when the originals were pried off they’re just a little more loose and I don’t want to risk the scales coming off. Pretty straight forward mod. Have a great week.
How did you make that extra slot across from the tweezers?
I bought an extra set of scales because when they’re removed, they often don’t stay firmly in place.
Remove the scales by simply prying them off with a screw driver. If you have a second SAK use the flat head/can opener edge to work the scales loose all the way around. Then, on the new scale cut a channel through the ‘ribs’ or trusses allowing the tool to slide in and out. I did that to make a second needle slot as well.
I have never seen a toothpick added to the front scale before, It would be interesting to hear
how you did it, is it a standard large toothpick ? I was not aware there was an extra slot in the front scale.
You have to carve out some space and it's only a couple internal 'ribs' needing be slotted. I looked it up on TH-cam a while back.
Felix Immler has a couple good videos on stuff like this and how to do it
Super Tinker for me if only for the scissors Athough lately I am using a tourist I found at an antique market.purely for it's compactness and it only owes me £10.00 if I loose it.
That’s another great option. Thanks for watching.
Work Champ 6 layer it is even better 111 MM size
Putting that on my list. Do you find it to be excessively bulky?