AlanHo Posted September 20, 2018 Report Share Posted September 20, 2018 Ever since I were but a lad, and a boy scout ter-boot - I have always carried a small pocket knife. Later in life I developed a preference for Swiss army knives and have had various models over the years. The latest one being The Explorer. Coincidental with becoming a Swiss Army Knife fan many years ago - I developed a fetish for keeping the blades literally razor sharp. ( I couldn't afford a fetish in my early years). Regular sharpening, honing and leather stropping wears the blades down to the point where the end and cutting edge are exposed when folded - a danger you don't want in a trouser pocket so close to your dangly bits. Hence the knives get replaced every few years. We were flying home from Zurich a few days ago and had got to the airport early. To kill time I did something I rarely do - browsed all the shops in and around the duty free, one of which was a Victorinox Swiss army knife shop. I first saw this shop 2 or 3 years ago on a previous trip through Zurich and was then rather taken aback. If I was to try and get through security at almost any airport with a knife in my pocket - it would be confiscated and in the USA I would get flagged on their system as a potential terrorist. In Zurich airport, you can check in with and buy a Swiss Army Knife knife with a maximum blade length of 15 cms and take it on the plane. Knives of other manufacture are excluded. The Victorinox assistant when questioned by me said "Sir, I can assure you it is not a problem, The Swiss government looks after its industries" So I am now the proud owner of a new Explorer Swiss Army Knife I just spent an hour sharpening to a razor edge. My dangly bits are much relieved - the old knife was getting risky. To expand on the above :- My new Swiss Army Knife (SAK) provides me with instant access to the following tools :- Can Opener – great when camping. But we never go camping. Small flat screwdriver – regulary used for levering things apart as well as light screwing Philips screwdriver – occasional use when too lazy to get a proper one from my shed. Large blade – regular usage for carving and cutting up stuff Scissors – great for trimming finger and toe nails. Will even cut my big toenails which are very thick Small blade – see large blade. Magnifying glass – Used to read the very fine print on goods when shopping Bottle opener – rarely used. I don’t buy drinks with crimped tops Small screwdriver – useful for electrical plug fitting when too lazy to fetch a proper one from the shed. Wire stripper – I haven’t found this yet. I usually use my teeth after cutting round the insulation with a blade. Reamer – great for bodging and reaming new holes in leather belts. I never wear a belt Sewing eye – another tool I cannot identify. Perhaps it’s the hole in the reamer. Corkscrew – now your talking – a great aid. Mutipurpose Hook – a tool for hooking mutipurposes. I will find a need for it one of the days Key ring – I removed it – keys get in the way when using the SAK for various purposes Toothpick – very handy for those who have teeth. Not ideal for removing wax from ears Tweezers – too lightweight for plucking whiskers from top of ears – or anywhere else Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catgate Posted September 20, 2018 Report Share Posted September 20, 2018 Ever since my days as a boy scout I have always tried to have a good pocket knife with me at any time. Sadly I have lost several good pocket knives because of the wearing away of the pocket bottoms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted September 21, 2018 Report Share Posted September 21, 2018 My last company used to supply us reps with those to give away to good customers. I still have one in my pocket now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandalph Posted September 24, 2018 Report Share Posted September 24, 2018 One vital piece missing Alan. Compass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted September 24, 2018 Report Share Posted September 24, 2018 4 hours ago, Gandalph said: One vital piece missing Alan. Compass. He reckons he already knows where he is going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted September 26, 2018 Report Share Posted September 26, 2018 Perhaps he has a sat nav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandalph Posted September 26, 2018 Report Share Posted September 26, 2018 I've never seen a Swiss Army Knife big enough to house one of those andsome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belatucadrus Posted September 26, 2018 Report Share Posted September 26, 2018 Perhaps you need the Wenger 16999 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandalph Posted September 26, 2018 Report Share Posted September 26, 2018 Probably need a truck as well to carry the bloody thing in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Carry it in your saddle bag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandalph Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Fair enough andsome if you have a Horse to spare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 Do you want a large one or small? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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