I bought a Sportsman a few weeks back and freaking love it! The 84mm size seems to hit a particular sweet spot in terms of EDC'ability, and it packs a ridiculous number of tools into its 2 layers. It weighs 52g and I hardly know I'm carrying it. I'm so glad I bought one!
I could not agree more! This is a fantastic tool. Being a little smaller is actually better, too, I think. Thank you for pointing out ways to get the plus scales.
My first SAK was Wenger Evo 14, which is basically the sportsman. Used it for years and still have it. Brilliant bit of kit. Retired now as my late Grandma gave it to me for my 18th so terrified of losing it now.
Good video. Love the natural G10 scales. But I’m sticking with my Compact. The parcel hook and scissors are the tools I use most, aside from the scale tools.
I do love the Compact too! I’d be interested to hear what u use the hook a lot for! It’s one of my least used tools for sure but it’s great to see what other people come up with for different tools ✌️🙂
@@accoutrements4469 Often for its original purpose, parcel hook, carrying twine bound bundles of periodicals for recycling. Another thing I use it for is a zipper hook. I have bag where the pull tab broke off the zipper. Replaced the tab with a small split ring. Rather than adding some kind of pull to the zipper, I use the hook on my compact. Easy open for me, not as easy for curious grandkids. Also comes in handy fish tea bag out of hot water when the tab slips in.
I love the Waiter too - one of my favourites! Slim, light, cheap and still very useful! I don’t have the standard red scales Bantam but have got an Alox one and that’s great too! So many great options from Victorinox!
Within the EU the 84 mm knives are the largest SAK's you can taken with you on an airliner: the blade is just below 60 mm. I recently flew with an Executive in my pocket. I was worried to have it confiscated, as this 74 mm knive has been discontinued by Victorinox. However, the blade measured 47 mm, so it was allowed. It may have helpend that I pointed them out that I had looked up the EU-regulations before the return flight. Nevertheless, I'm not going to taken this risk again and stick to the Manager. About the Sportsman: this size fits perfectly in the fifth pocket of your jeans. Wonderful knive!
Ah that’s great to hear - I haven’t risked flying with ANY bladed item in my pocket for years after having lost a couple of knives to the security staff (they’re probably still carrying my knives themselves to this day… bah! 😒)
The thing about the "Compact" is it works better "for me" for nail maintenance thanks to the scissors and nail file on the hook vs the Sportsman. I've got a custom Yeoman (basically Compact Explorer) set up with the same hook as the Compact. Though narrow... I kinda like the file on the hook the way it is because you don't need to open the hook to use it. So I can clip a torn nail and then file it without opening a second tool. (It's a little thing...but kinda nice.) All that being said... my Yeoman is my daily carry SAK. Magnifier for my failing vision, in-line Philips, Scissors + file on the hook for nail maintenance, nice sized blade for little food prep tasks (kept clean and sharp for that purpose only), corkscrew with micro driver for my glasses, and the combo tool to open those after work adult beverages. I don't have the Plus scales because I opted for nice smooth Titanium ones. (I carry a dedicated pen and marker for work already.) I'll occasionally carry a Victorinox Locksmith if I feel I might need more capability (larger one-hand open locking blade, wood saw, metal file, reamer, and locking Flathead for prying etc.) in addition to my Yeoman. Not an option for you folks across the pond... but legal here in Florida.
Thank you for the detailed comments!! Great to hear. Must say, I’d love a Yeoman - great model! There’s quite a few models I wish they’d bring back - would also snap up a Scientist if they brought that one back.
They need a cadet with scissors. Alox makes for such a classy edc, but the Pioneer X is a tad large and lacks the nail cleaner/file (my edc is more for everyday tasks like personal care, rather than maintenance and projects).
I've got two of these. One in my daily carry and one at home. At home I of course don't need scissors on my knife since i got proper ones and also nail clippers. I have a classic sd alox on my keys so I also have a pair of small scissors where ever i go. I really do love the sportsman and I'm sad how little attention it gets.
Even wearing light shorts all the time here in WA I can always justify a 91mm SAK. I edc the Field Master and have done for a while, that and an A8-perfect. Wouldn't be without the scissors and saw.
Was not aware that there are + scales for the 84mm models available. I have two Vic Sportsman. (maybe already commented that on another one of your videos) Both are quite old now and have served me very well. (one is still in my pocket almost every day, and is what people nowadays call my #1 EDC ;-) ) Mine both have the "diamond style" nail file.
Yeah, I DO really appreciate the excellent scissors but for me they’re not 100% essential - I dunno, it’s always something I really think I’ll miss if i carry a SAK without them, but unless I need to trim my nails I can generally do without them day-to-day 🤷♂️
I'm really torn what to EDC next to a Rambler - the Waiter or the Sportsman. I love that the Waiter is so slim and I don't really have a need for another file, as the Rambler already has me served there - but I think I want the sturdy opening layer instead of the rather filmsy opening tool. It's sad that the Sportsman is as wide as the Compact, but being a 2-layer knife, that probably can't be helped. Maybe I'm better off with a Cadet anyway - it has the sturdy tools and is very thin, but I mostly prefer the Cellidor knives for the corkscrew and scale tools. Decisions, decisions. Most SAK users end up buying them all anyways and I see myself doing the same. They're pretty cheap, after all.
You’re so right - it’s difficult to decide sometimes! The combo tool is a great idea in theory and fine for very light duty but if u need to do anything requiring a bit of force OR if u need to screw a Phillips screw it’s not very good… I LOVE the alox cadet but, as u said, is it worth losing the backside and scale tools…? Decisions, decisions…!
Yeah the Vic scissors are undeniably great so having a Rambler or Manager or Classic SD close by is useful. I’ve put a link to the Taschenmesser store in the video description - he makes the best scales! The Jade ones in the video are currently my favourite 👍👍👍 Thank you for commenting, & I hope you have a good Christmas 😃
@@accoutrements4469 Same to you, I understand that you like them. I never saw such scales and I liked them at first sight. Your vid also brought me a bit further in my search for the ideal SAK or combi of SAK's
Ah yes I forgot to mention that! I must say, I hardly ever use it as it’s soooo small, whereas the Sportsman’s file is a good size for nails or any other soft material like wood or plastic. Good point though - it’s good to have the file on the hook, & it should be standard on all the hooks, not just on the Compact!
Because not everyone feels they need a small set of scissors for everyday tasks… not when you’ve got a nice sharp blade. Scissors are “nice to have”, they’re NOT essential. A knife blade is essential. That’s my view 🤷♂️✌️
@@accoutrements4469I can't remember the last time I needed scissors for a task a blade could not handle. Plus I have a classic sd on my keyring if I ever did need to cut something that I couldn't with a knife. (Nose hair?)
I agree - the only things I really like to use scissors for are trimming my nails and maybe the odd rouge hair, as you say. I’ve done another couple of videos exploring this since making this video. Have to say, though, the overwhelming response was that folks feel they need the scissors. That’s not a view I share for an edc pocket knife though. As I’ve said in my reply to the chap above, scissors can be nice to have but they’re not an edc essential for me anyway 👍✌️
Give me a climber with a combo tool and inline Phillips in place of the two openers and I think I would be happy. I like the dual drivers better than the combo tool but to pick up a Phillips and stay at a 3 layer knife I think would be a good trade off.
That would be a great and popular tool! Phillips screws are far more common than flatheads where I live. I wish Victorinox would give us a custom knife building option on their website!
I bought a Sportsman a few weeks back and freaking love it! The 84mm size seems to hit a particular sweet spot in terms of EDC'ability, and it packs a ridiculous number of tools into its 2 layers. It weighs 52g and I hardly know I'm carrying it. I'm so glad I bought one!
That’s so great to hear!! I honestly love this model - easily one of the very best imho! 👌👍👌👍
The sports man is what I've been looking for considering the compact is so good. Thank you
They’re both brilliant knives 👍
I could not agree more! This is a fantastic tool. Being a little smaller is actually better, too, I think.
Thank you for pointing out ways to get the plus scales.
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, such a great knife! And I love the 84mm size, just that bit smaller and even more pocketable 👍
My first SAK was Wenger Evo 14, which is basically the sportsman. Used it for years and still have it. Brilliant bit of kit. Retired now as my late Grandma gave it to me for my 18th so terrified of losing it now.
Aye, sentimental value can never be measured can it - keep that one safe! 😊
Shame Wenger is long gone, and now even the Delemont line is gone too.
Sportsman is a sleeper! Not too many videos on it. I find the file more useful than a second blade
Yeah, hugely underrated model - definitely one of the very best imho 👍👌
Good video. Love the natural G10 scales. But I’m sticking with my Compact. The parcel hook and scissors are the tools I use most, aside from the scale tools.
I do love the Compact too! I’d be interested to hear what u use the hook a lot for! It’s one of my least used tools for sure but it’s great to see what other people come up with for different tools ✌️🙂
@@accoutrements4469 Often for its original purpose, parcel hook, carrying twine bound bundles of periodicals for recycling. Another thing I use it for is a zipper hook. I have bag where the pull tab broke off the zipper. Replaced the tab with a small split ring. Rather than adding some kind of pull to the zipper, I use the hook on my compact. Easy open for me, not as easy for curious grandkids. Also comes in handy fish tea bag out of hot water when the tab slips in.
Nice! I do love to hear the inventive uses people come up with for the hook! Thanks for sharing! 👍
Have one with the Taschenmesser plus scales, and yes, best 2 layer edc imo.
Yesssss, lovely to hear that! Awesome little knife, and Taschenmesser scales are the best!! 🤘
just don't tell my wife how much i've spent on them @@accoutrements4469
Ha ha ha, indeed! Nor mine!! “Oh, yeah, they were only a couple of quid…” 😝
Nice review. My first SAK was the waiter, since lost. My only 84 mm now is bantam - most carried apart from keychain SD classic. Thanks for sharing.
I love the Waiter too - one of my favourites! Slim, light, cheap and still very useful! I don’t have the standard red scales Bantam but have got an Alox one and that’s great too! So many great options from Victorinox!
I got the yellow compact too . Effing love it
I love the yellow scales! Makes it harder to lose your knife too 👍
Within the EU the 84 mm knives are the largest SAK's you can taken with you on an airliner: the blade is just below 60 mm.
I recently flew with an Executive in my pocket. I was worried to have it confiscated, as this 74 mm knive has been discontinued by Victorinox. However, the blade measured 47 mm, so it was allowed. It may have helpend that I pointed them out that I had looked up the EU-regulations before the return flight.
Nevertheless, I'm not going to taken this risk again and stick to the Manager.
About the Sportsman: this size fits perfectly in the fifth pocket of your jeans. Wonderful knive!
Ah that’s great to hear - I haven’t risked flying with ANY bladed item in my pocket for years after having lost a couple of knives to the security staff (they’re probably still carrying my knives themselves to this day… bah! 😒)
The thing about the "Compact" is it works better "for me" for nail maintenance thanks to the scissors and nail file on the hook vs the Sportsman. I've got a custom Yeoman (basically Compact Explorer) set up with the same hook as the Compact. Though narrow... I kinda like the file on the hook the way it is because you don't need to open the hook to use it. So I can clip a torn nail and then file it without opening a second tool. (It's a little thing...but kinda nice.)
All that being said... my Yeoman is my daily carry SAK. Magnifier for my failing vision, in-line Philips, Scissors + file on the hook for nail maintenance, nice sized blade for little food prep tasks (kept clean and sharp for that purpose only), corkscrew with micro driver for my glasses, and the combo tool to open those after work adult beverages. I don't have the Plus scales because I opted for nice smooth Titanium ones. (I carry a dedicated pen and marker for work already.)
I'll occasionally carry a Victorinox Locksmith if I feel I might need more capability (larger one-hand open locking blade, wood saw, metal file, reamer, and locking Flathead for prying etc.) in addition to my Yeoman. Not an option for you folks across the pond... but legal here in Florida.
Thank you for the detailed comments!! Great to hear. Must say, I’d love a Yeoman - great model! There’s quite a few models I wish they’d bring back - would also snap up a Scientist if they brought that one back.
Yes indeed, if they made the combo tool sturdier it would be good to replace the opener layer on other knives
Yes, it’s fine, just a bit flimsy for any relatively hard use.
They need a cadet with scissors. Alox makes for such a classy edc, but the Pioneer X is a tad large and lacks the nail cleaner/file (my edc is more for everyday tasks like personal care, rather than maintenance and projects).
Cadet X would be incredibly popular, I’m certain! Wish they would give us that!
I've got two of these. One in my daily carry and one at home. At home I of course don't need scissors on my knife since i got proper ones and also nail clippers. I have a classic sd alox on my keys so I also have a pair of small scissors where ever i go. I really do love the sportsman and I'm sad how little attention it gets.
So great to hear from other fans of this knife! It’s criminally underrated imho!
Even wearing light shorts all the time here in WA I can always justify a 91mm SAK. I edc the Field Master and have done for a while, that and an A8-perfect. Wouldn't be without the scissors and saw.
Sounds like solid choices to me! I have an A8 and edc that around my neck 👍
yeah, I saw the video, great idea@@accoutrements4469
Dead convenient way to carry I reckon 👍
Was not aware that there are + scales for the 84mm models available.
I have two Vic Sportsman. (maybe already commented that on another one of your videos)
Both are quite old now and have served me very well. (one is still in my pocket almost every day, and is what people nowadays call my #1 EDC ;-) )
Mine both have the "diamond style" nail file.
Definitely one of my favourite models! The 84mm plus scales are much harder to find but there’s a few seller out there. 👍
Thanks to Felix Immler’s channel I opened up the 4th tool slot and 2nd pinhole on my Plus scales!
Yeah, I will get around to doing that sometime soon 👍
I love the size I have a 84 mm tinker as well, but I really miss the scissors day to day
Yeah, I DO really appreciate the excellent scissors but for me they’re not 100% essential - I dunno, it’s always something I really think I’ll miss if i carry a SAK without them, but unless I need to trim my nails I can generally do without them day-to-day 🤷♂️
I'm really torn what to EDC next to a Rambler - the Waiter or the Sportsman. I love that the Waiter is so slim and I don't really have a need for another file, as the Rambler already has me served there - but I think I want the sturdy opening layer instead of the rather filmsy opening tool. It's sad that the Sportsman is as wide as the Compact, but being a 2-layer knife, that probably can't be helped. Maybe I'm better off with a Cadet anyway - it has the sturdy tools and is very thin, but I mostly prefer the Cellidor knives for the corkscrew and scale tools. Decisions, decisions. Most SAK users end up buying them all anyways and I see myself doing the same. They're pretty cheap, after all.
You’re so right - it’s difficult to decide sometimes! The combo tool is a great idea in theory and fine for very light duty but if u need to do anything requiring a bit of force OR if u need to screw a Phillips screw it’s not very good…
I LOVE the alox cadet but, as u said, is it worth losing the backside and scale tools…? Decisions, decisions…!
Hi, The combi Sportsman/ Rambler or Manager seems great to me. I like the green scales on the Sportsman. Could you add a link to the manufacturer?
Yeah the Vic scissors are undeniably great so having a Rambler or Manager or Classic SD close by is useful.
I’ve put a link to the Taschenmesser store in the video description - he makes the best scales! The Jade ones in the video are currently my favourite 👍👍👍
Thank you for commenting, & I hope you have a good Christmas 😃
@@accoutrements4469 Same to you, I understand that you like them. I never saw such scales and I liked them at first sight. Your vid also brought me a bit further in my search for the ideal SAK or combi of SAK's
@@bertnl530the search for the perfect pocket tool is an endless rabbit hole in my experience…! 😅
Good luck on your quest! 👍✌️
Very nice >>>>> Thank you
Thank you very much for the comment! 😃👍
There is a small file on the hook on the compact - I don’t think you mentioned it - apologies if you did dude
Ah yes I forgot to mention that! I must say, I hardly ever use it as it’s soooo small, whereas the Sportsman’s file is a good size for nails or any other soft material like wood or plastic. Good point though - it’s good to have the file on the hook, & it should be standard on all the hooks, not just on the Compact!
Great video!
Very kind of you, thank you! 😊🙏
@@accoutrements4469 Your welcome!
👍👍👍
I love my sportsman. my trusty sword.
Yessssss! 😃 So good to hear from another Sportsman fan! It’s such a little cracker! 👌👌👌
Why would you carry a Victorinox without scissors?
Because not everyone feels they need a small set of scissors for everyday tasks… not when you’ve got a nice sharp blade. Scissors are “nice to have”, they’re NOT essential. A knife blade is essential. That’s my view 🤷♂️✌️
@@accoutrements4469I can't remember the last time I needed scissors for a task a blade could not handle. Plus I have a classic sd on my keyring if I ever did need to cut something that I couldn't with a knife. (Nose hair?)
I agree - the only things I really like to use scissors for are trimming my nails and maybe the odd rouge hair, as you say. I’ve done another couple of videos exploring this since making this video. Have to say, though, the overwhelming response was that folks feel they need the scissors. That’s not a view I share for an edc pocket knife though. As I’ve said in my reply to the chap above, scissors can be nice to have but they’re not an edc essential for me anyway 👍✌️
Victorinox sportsman
Erm… yes, Victorinox Sportsman indeed! 👍
No, the corkscrew is far more useful, especially for holding tools, and an inline Phillips is far more useful on a SAK
Definitely prefer the corkscrew- the backside Phillips is frustrating! I so wish an inline Phillips was on more models 🙏
Give me a climber with a combo tool and inline Phillips in place of the two openers and I think I would be happy. I like the dual drivers better than the combo tool but to pick up a Phillips and stay at a 3 layer knife I think would be a good trade off.
That would be a great and popular tool! Phillips screws are far more common than flatheads where I live. I wish Victorinox would give us a custom knife building option on their website!