OK.i use mine at least once a day.
If you do not need or use one, don't carry one.
If you do not need or use one, don't carry one.
Why a Swiss Army Knife.
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I have carried a SAK Huntsman in my left front pocket virtually every day since I was at school. I have found good use of every tool and blade on it so many times I'm glad I had it when I wanted it. It has been all around the world with me and has, on more than one occasion, been the saviour of a situation that would have bene difficult without, either for me or one of my travelling companions.
In places where the local water cannot trusted it opens crown-top bottles for everyone when no other member of the group has the tool for the job. It opens cans of food. It cuts firewood up to 3" thick .. I could go on.
It doesn't frighten people. That's probably it's biggest selling point. If needs be you can use a SAK pretty much anywhere, even in these days of panic about knives, and people see it for what it is ... a tool for a job, and they don't become hysterical about someone carrying or using a knife.
I did once lose mine. I dropped it at an Autumnal Bardsters get-together (If new here ask and 'oldie
). First thing once home I ordered another, upset at losing my trusted companion of so many miles and explorations. The following Spring I retraced my steps at Bardsters and found the original just where I had lost it in the long grass and buttercups. I pocketed it and the 'spare' now lives in the Landy 'just in case' 
I'll admit it, it's not my automatic go-to for cutting with a strong, sharp blade. For that I reach for the knife pocket-clipped to my right front pocket, but that's another matter
In places where the local water cannot trusted it opens crown-top bottles for everyone when no other member of the group has the tool for the job. It opens cans of food. It cuts firewood up to 3" thick .. I could go on.
It doesn't frighten people. That's probably it's biggest selling point. If needs be you can use a SAK pretty much anywhere, even in these days of panic about knives, and people see it for what it is ... a tool for a job, and they don't become hysterical about someone carrying or using a knife.
I did once lose mine. I dropped it at an Autumnal Bardsters get-together (If new here ask and 'oldie
). First thing once home I ordered another, upset at losing my trusted companion of so many miles and explorations. The following Spring I retraced my steps at Bardsters and found the original just where I had lost it in the long grass and buttercups. I pocketed it and the 'spare' now lives in the Landy 'just in case' I'll admit it, it's not my automatic go-to for cutting with a strong, sharp blade. For that I reach for the knife pocket-clipped to my right front pocket, but that's another matter
Just ate a Big Mac and fries. Used the Soldier. If you don't use a sharp knife the salad squidges out everywhere, or at least that's what I tell people.
I have a SAK sat on my desk at work and no one gives it a second thought. It would probably raise a few eyebrows if there were any other kind of sharp knife sitting in it's place though.
I have never felt the need to. My oldest SAK is 15 years old, well used and is quite grubby inside now. But that hasn't affected the performance or smoothness of movement in any way.
As HorseGuy says it might not need it, but I very often use my Officier Suisse for food and often wash it under the tap so it does need lubrication now and again. A tiny amount of very light oil (SWMBO's sewing machine oil in my case) is all it takes. Animal fats (e.g. from my skin and hair) would probably do it if I didn't have the Singer oil. I can't remember the last time I oiled the Soldier; I don't use that for food so often and then I usually just wash the blade without dunking the rest of it -- that's easier because it's a much bigger blade.
My pockets must be grubbier than yours.
I find that if I don't clean mine it gets harder to open. This is more noticeable with the smaller and less used blades. After cleaning under the tap with washing up liquid and an old toothbrush it's better. Sometimes I lubricate with cooking oil, sometimes I don't bother. Not much difference!
No wonder it gets harder to open! Cooking oils are more heat transfer fluids than lubricants. Some will set solid if you leave them exposed to the atmosphere.
That's nice, WWII period or shortly after ? I've recently come to realise that its actually a form of marlin spike for splicing rope and getting tight knots apart etc. But with modern ropes, like horses and can openers, it's becoming obsolete. Bottle openers though, still seem to common on better classes of beer, I'm glad to say.
Huntsman is my favourite can’t remember for how long must be 40 years plus, if not a similar one someone mentioned opined on this thread never been able to get on this and always went back to the old faithful Huntsman or if needed a lock the Outrider
Ranger model for me. Over 30 years old and my first professional pocket knife. Only problem it has a locking mechanism on the main blade which probably makes it illegal now. Other is an Alox Farmer which is totally legal to carry round. The one thing I cant understand is these huge SAKs with about 50 tools that are broader as long. What is the point of that?
Fun.
I have an Opinel #13. (Giant -220mm blade) It does what it says on the box: Carves meat, bread and cheese and I do occasionally use the old shelf Queen but it’s just a fun thing to own.
(An aside: it is NOT a folding machete as many YouTubes suggest.)
I totally understand pleasure in ownership. My OP came from surprise that the Swiss Army knife was almost universally popular when I thought it had long ago been superseded by other multitools.
I have an Opinel #13. (Giant -220mm blade) It does what it says on the box: Carves meat, bread and cheese and I do occasionally use the old shelf Queen but it’s just a fun thing to own.
(An aside: it is NOT a folding machete as many YouTubes suggest.)
I totally understand pleasure in ownership. My OP came from surprise that the Swiss Army knife was almost universally popular when I thought it had long ago been superseded by other multitools.
= camellia oil.
I’ve just cleaned up a Kama for a friend. The kit includes camellia oil and soft stone.
