Victorinox Economy Series

[addyb]

I was wandering around one of Nanaimo's local knife shops earlier today and came across a selection of Econo series SAK's. I've been after one for ages ever since I'd read up on them over on BladeForums. Anyway, to make a long story short I've got very mixed feelings on them. The knives are extremely low priced (in the $20 dollar range as opposed to the upper $40's) but they just feel.....light. The nylon handles are obviously extremely durable, but the tools did not have that characteristic 'snap' that SAK's are famous for. As well, from the heft of the knives I was feeling I got the feeling that the aluminum sides under the scales are of a much thinner, weaker stock than regular SAK's. The blades are still of fantastic Victorinox quality, well shined and I'm sure they'll take and hold an edge as well as any SAK but overall, I'm still not completely sold on them. I guess what I'm trying to say is for any of you out there thinking of purchasing one, you might want to think twice before swiping your cards!

As I always way, this is only my two cents!

Adam

 

[JonathanD]

I think this series of knives are aimed at the younger market, and as such are introductory knives offered at a lower price to keep those budding new boyscouts from buying the cheaper rip-offs. And lets face it, we've probably all bought one of those things in our youth when starting off adventuring, as the SAKS were just out of pocket money range.

 

[Jon Mawer]

I've got a couple of them and have found them to be fine, don't know if I've just been lucky though....

 

[addyb]

Well, after sleeping on it I've been having second thoughts....again. Gosh, sometimes I can never make up my own mind!

I mean, an SAK is still an SAK right? The blade steel is still the same blade steel and the tools are still the same tools. But so what if each individual knife hasn't had 90 people do a hands-on check? So what if Econo series knives are just spot checked? The way I treat my SAK's it's a wonder I still have them kicking around. Over the years I've ground one of the blades down to absolutely nothing, and I bent the large screwdriver tip on one of my others. So maybe I deserve to be purchasing a low end SAK, one that I can abuse and not feel guilty?

I'll think some more and let you guys know!

Adam

 

[nitram55]

I have the economy version of the recruit and am very happy with it.
It holds a good edge and "walks and talks" just fine.

Regards
Martin

 

[MartiniDave]

I thought the only difference was the material of the scales. I've around 30 SAK's of one model or another and can see no difference in the liner thickness (haven't measured them though to be honest.)
You can even swap the scales from ane economy model onto a non-economy and they fit perfectly.
Either way I doubt you'll be dissapointed by any victorinox blade.

Dave

 

[addyb]

Hmm....well, thanks for the feedback guys. You've just convinced me to give the knives a second viewing. (I must've been right out of it that day)

Adam

 

[sargey]

yep, dave's right, the only difference is the material the scales are made from.

nylon instead of cellidor??? IIRC?

cheers, and.