#NKD & #NSD!

Hello fellow redditor's! 👋🏼
Posting and reviewing my recently arrived custom ordered SAK with custom scales too 😊

This is a long post that I have tried to make entertaining and informative, with many links throughout, so sit back, grab a cuppa (or your choice of beverage), and enjoy! ☕😁

(FYI, this is better to read via Reddit website, desktop mode).

TL;DR

Commissioned a special SAK project based upon three Victorinox SAK's (Cyber Tool L, Lite, and Electrician Pioneer Alox), with the aim of it being a potential exit-hobby endgame for a lifetime of enjoyable, dependable usage.
Thus:

Victorinox Electrician's Cyber Tool L Light Custom SAK

by u/Customknifemodsuk (Etsy store):

• Victorinox Cyber Tool L platform (1.7775.T)
• Hammered Titanium Plus Scales (no steel pin slot)
• Wood Saw tool removed and replaced with both
  • Magnifying glass, from Victorinox Cyber Tool Lite (1.7925.T)
  • Torch, from Cyber Tool Lite
• Small Blade removed and replaced with
  • Electrician's blade, from Victorinox Electrician Pioneer Alox >> Two versions of this unique SAK once existed: 0.8120.26 (silver Alox with shield), and 0.8120.27 (silver Alox with cross). Both can still be found as NOS but neither are in the Victorinox UK catalogue.
    >> Ditto most SAK's having this unique Electrician's Blade are discontinued, with the blade now only made and in production on the Victorinox Swiss Champ XLT (1.6795.XLT)
• Screwdriver 2.5 mm removed (😢)
• Steel Pin inside modified Toothpick
• Acid Etched tools (blackened)
• Brass Washed tools
• Original Victorinox aluminium liners and springs retained

Background

My approach on purchasing stuff

This is my first major post here and regarding the above special commissioned Swiss Army Knife made for me, however I will eventually post about another Swiss multi-tool as I am a recent owner of two Swiss knives!

My decision on getting a SAK is centered on my needs for an effective EDC compact toolset to carry in the UK, and to complement my very shiny and just shy-of-a-month old Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (both ratchet and wrench attachments).

I'm not someone who utilises tools on a daily basis, but wish I had quick access to tools when the need arrives. I'm also not an outdoorsman per se, don't have (a need for) survivalist equipment, and living in the urban UK culture all my life I'm aware that carrying SAK's (or rather, seeing them in use) is a unicorn sighting, if ever. Of course I cannot speak to all of the UK, just my personal experience around where I live.
That said, I adore certain hobbies and invest in them, especially mechanical objects such as timepieces (mechanical, digital/quartz, hybrid, etc), fine writing instruments, mechanical keyboards, gadgets, bespoke cases for electronics, gaming, audiophile (headphone gearhead), and so much more!

I've adored multi-tools and multi-functional knives since childhood, and though I've been close to purchasing certain larger models in the past (I own a small SAK from five years ago), I only really went in quite hard this year, thirty years+ late sure but here we are!
Essentially I'm still a newbie, in using and appreciating SAK's, whose now fallen down ANOTHER hobbyist hole 😃 (cheers 😑).

Whenever I set my sights on something I usually work towards it, often with the viewpoint of pouring effort, time, research and my own funds in large quantities for the best experience, or in this case long-term or lifelong use. I do not sell my stuff so value on aftermarket, though an important factor itself, is of the lowest importance to me.

I like to be clear that I'm someone who can do extensive deep dives, researching extremely quickly and efficiently, within a few weeks, and then either continue to or surface read of that hobby thereafter, steadily building knowledge from within that hobby once I have acquired something (even if I've exited/not purchased something after the initial purchase or purchases; for example a custom mechanical keyboard or an EDC wallet such as Secrid).
I don't do things by halves, but of course mistakes can also be a part of the learning process too.

EDC Torch

One good EDC example is in 2015 when I purchased the excellent Prometheus BetaQR v2 Copper torch with 219 Nicha LED, twice, with two titanium fade anodised clips as well. One for my dear friend, and one for me.
My torch has been on my person, and in heavy use, since purchase, and I adore it so.
(There are MANY more examples but I'll be writing here all day 😅).

Swiss Army Knives ownership, competition of brands, and UK Legal Carry considerations

Regarding knives I did already own a Victorinox SAK, albeit from the smaller 58mm range, in the form of the Victorinox Limited Edition 2016/2017 Classic SD, Space Walk (0.6223.L1707).
I've used it since acquiring it in July/Aug 2017 via then Massdrop (now Drop) and though great for packages and small items, it left me wanting when I needed to do DIY, help my dad, or build furniture.

I've toyed with the idea of owning a plier-based multi-tool, often considering either a Leatherman or Victorinox.

In my opinion, for heavy constant usage I believe Leatherman to be superior due to replaceable and modular tools, and a genuine excellent competitor to Victorinox quality. On the other hand I am a fan of Victorinox and Swiss quality for most of my life, and for infrequent or lighter use I consider Victorinox tooling individually to be mostly superior (let it be known that this is my own opinion). I just prefer the snap opening and closing of the tools, feel, and precision of Victorinox products.
That is not a slight against Leatherman at all, but a personal experience in handling these tools from the few friends I've known to own both, alongside my own bias, or rather knowledge of, Victorinox marketing and household status.

As I wanted the best compact tools I could afford, for again infrequent usage, in April this year I finally purchased the <strong>Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (Wrench, 3.0338.L)</strong>, and bought one half of the Ratchet set (3.0304) (need to acquire the Ratchet Bit Extension, 3.0305, for completeness but you can choose the Swisstool X Plus with Ratchet set under 3.0339.L).
This is a beautiful tool, with incredible engineering, design, and utility. Easily one of my favourite things.

Unfortunately, it's also <em>not legal to carry away from home in the UK</em> (without extremely good reason) due to having both a larger-than-permitted blade, saw, and locking tools.

Genesis of Custom SAK

Get another SAK or go all-out on a custom project 🤔

From there I knew that I required a second SAK, one that would be legal and reasonable to carry everyday, having tools I'd more likely use, and if it were to be one of the last SAK's I purchase then also my exit end-game too.
Thus I went into researching the nuances of UK law regarding knife carry within the context of multi-tools, what legal carry tools are out there, and what tooling I'd appreciate for my likely usage.

From that mindset I initiated my deep dive researching skills, and I discovered a tonne of information, especially YouTubers (eg Jon Gadget, K4T And More, Felix Immler, TX Tool Crib, Blackbelt Barrister, amongst others) and Reddit EDC communities.
Then I started to rationalise on what exactly did I want and whether I wanted the easy path of getting a nice SAK or go custom (well, you already know what path I chose 😂).
At one point I even considered having a knifeless multitool, but with help decided against it (cheers u/Customknifemodsuk for your succint points on this)!

Long story short (finally I'm sure for some of you still reading 😀), and a little disillusioned, I was left with the following choices: choose between the Victorinox Swiss Champ in Silver Tech (1.6794.T7), one of the Victorinox Cybertool platforms (M Blue Transparent: 1.7725.T2, L Red Transparent: 1.7775.T, or Lite Red Transparent: 1.7925.T), or have a modified SAK encompassing tools from other models.

OH WAIT, I've got much more to say... 😀

#NKD & #NSD!

Hello fellow redditor's! 👋🏼
Posting and reviewing my recently arrived custom ordered SAK with custom scales too 😊

This is a long post that I have tried to make entertaining and informative, with many links throughout, so sit back, grab a cuppa (or your choice of beverage), and enjoy! ☕😁

(FYI, this is better to read via Reddit website, desktop mode).

TL;DR

Commissioned a special SAK project based upon three Victorinox SAK's (Cyber Tool L, Lite, and Electrician Pioneer Alox), with the aim of it being a potential exit-hobby endgame for a lifetime of enjoyable, dependable usage.
Thus:

Victorinox Electrician's Cyber Tool L Light Custom SAK

by u/Customknifemodsuk (Etsy store):

• Victorinox Cyber Tool L platform (1.7775.T)
• Hammered Titanium Plus Scales (no steel pin slot)
• Wood Saw tool removed and replaced with both
  • Magnifying glass, from Victorinox Cyber Tool Lite (1.7925.T)
  • Torch, from Cyber Tool Lite
• Small Blade removed and replaced with
  • Electrician's blade, from Victorinox Electrician Pioneer Alox >> Two versions of this unique SAK once existed: 0.8120.26 (silver Alox with shield), and 0.8120.27 (silver Alox with cross). Both can still be found as NOS but neither are in the Victorinox UK catalogue.
    >> Ditto most SAK's having this unique Electrician's Blade are discontinued, with the blade now only made and in production on the Victorinox Swiss Champ XLT (1.6795.XLT)
• Screwdriver 2.5 mm removed (😢)
• Steel Pin inside modified Toothpick
• Acid Etched tools (blackened)
• Brass Washed tools
• Original Victorinox aluminium liners and springs retained

Background

My approach on purchasing stuff

This is my first major post here and regarding the above special commissioned Swiss Army Knife made for me, however I will eventually post about another Swiss multi-tool as I am a recent owner of two Swiss knives!

My decision on getting a SAK is centered on my needs for an effective EDC compact toolset to carry in the UK, and to complement my very shiny and just shy-of-a-month old Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (both ratchet and wrench attachments).

I'm not someone who utilises tools on a daily basis, but wish I had quick access to tools when the need arrives. I'm also not an outdoorsman per se, don't have (a need for) survivalist equipment, and living in the urban UK culture all my life I'm aware that carrying SAK's (or rather, seeing them in use) is a unicorn sighting, if ever. Of course I cannot speak to all of the UK, just my personal experience around where I live.
That said, I adore certain hobbies and invest in them, especially mechanical objects such as timepieces (mechanical, digital/quartz, hybrid, etc), fine writing instruments, mechanical keyboards, gadgets, bespoke cases for electronics, gaming, audiophile (headphone gearhead), and so much more!

I've adored multi-tools and multi-functional knives since childhood, and though I've been close to purchasing certain larger models in the past (I own a small SAK from five years ago), I only really went in quite hard this year, thirty years+ late sure but here we are!
Essentially I'm still a newbie, in using and appreciating SAK's, whose now fallen down ANOTHER hobbyist hole 😃 (cheers 😑).

Whenever I set my sights on something I usually work towards it, often with the viewpoint of pouring effort, time, research and my own funds in large quantities for the best experience, or in this case long-term or lifelong use. I do not sell my stuff so value on aftermarket, though an important factor itself, is of the lowest importance to me.

I like to be clear that I'm someone who can do extensive deep dives, researching extremely quickly and efficiently, within a few weeks, and then either continue to or surface read of that hobby thereafter, steadily building knowledge from within that hobby once I have acquired something (even if I've exited/not purchased something after the initial purchase or purchases; for example a custom mechanical keyboard or an EDC wallet such as Secrid).
I don't do things by halves, but of course mistakes can also be a part of the learning process too.

EDC Torch

One good EDC example is in 2015 when I purchased the excellent Prometheus BetaQR v2 Copper torch with 219 Nicha LED, twice, with two titanium fade anodised clips as well. One for my dear friend, and one for me.
My torch has been on my person, and in heavy use, since purchase, and I adore it so.
(There are MANY more examples but I'll be writing here all day 😅).

Swiss Army Knives ownership, competition of brands, and UK Legal Carry considerations

Regarding knives I did already own a Victorinox SAK, albeit from the smaller 58mm range, in the form of the Victorinox Limited Edition 2016/2017 Classic SD, Space Walk (0.6223.L1707).
I've used it since acquiring it in July/Aug 2017 via then Massdrop (now Drop) and though great for packages and small items, it left me wanting when I needed to do DIY, help my dad, or build furniture.

I've toyed with the idea of owning a plier-based multi-tool, often considering either a Leatherman or Victorinox.

In my opinion, for heavy constant usage I believe Leatherman to be superior due to replaceable and modular tools, and a genuine excellent competitor to Victorinox quality. On the other hand I am a fan of Victorinox and Swiss quality for most of my life, and for infrequent or lighter use I consider Victorinox tooling individually to be mostly superior (let it be known that this is my own opinion). I just prefer the snap opening and closing of the tools, feel, and precision of Victorinox products.
That is not a slight against Leatherman at all, but a personal experience in handling these tools from the few friends I've known to own both, alongside my own bias, or rather knowledge of, Victorinox marketing and household status.

As I wanted the best compact tools I could afford, for again infrequent usage, in April this year I finally purchased the <strong>Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (Wrench, 3.0338.L)</strong>, and bought one half of the Ratchet set (3.0304) (need to acquire the Ratchet Bit Extension, 3.0305, for completeness but you can choose the Swisstool X Plus with Ratchet set under 3.0339.L).
This is a beautiful tool, with incredible engineering, design, and utility. Easily one of my favourite things.

Unfortunately, it's also <em>not legal to carry away from home in the UK</em> (without extremely good reason) due to having both a larger-than-permitted blade, saw, and locking tools.

Genesis of Custom SAK

Get another SAK or go all-out on a custom project 🤔

From there I knew that I required a second SAK, one that would be legal and reasonable to carry everyday, having tools I'd more likely use, and if it were to be one of the last SAK's I purchase then also my exit end-game too.
Thus I went into researching the nuances of UK law regarding knife carry within the context of multi-tools, what legal carry tools are out there, and what tooling I'd appreciate for my likely usage.

From that mindset I initiated my deep dive researching skills, and I discovered a tonne of information, especially YouTubers (eg Jon Gadget, K4T And More, Felix Immler, TX Tool Crib, Blackbelt Barrister, amongst others) and Reddit EDC communities.
Then I started to rationalise on what exactly did I want and whether I wanted the easy path of getting a nice SAK or go custom (well, you already know what path I chose 😂).
At one point I even considered having a knifeless multitool, but with help decided against it (cheers u/Customknifemodsuk for your succint points on this)!

Long story short (finally I'm sure for some of you still reading 😀), and a little disillusioned, I was left with the following choices: choose between the Victorinox Swiss Champ in Silver Tech (1.6794.T7), one of the Victorinox Cybertool platforms (M Blue Transparent: 1.7725.T2, L Red Transparent: 1.7775.T, or Lite Red Transparent: 1.7925.T), or have a modified SAK encompassing tools from other models.

OH WAIT, I've got much more to say... 😀

#NKD & #NSD!

Hello fellow redditor's! 👋🏼 Posting and reviewing my recently arrived custom ordered SAK with custom scales too 😊

This is a long post that I have tried to make entertaining and informative, with many links throughout, so sit back, grab a cuppa (or your choice of beverage), and enjoy! ☕😁

(FYI, this is better to read via Reddit website, desktop mode).

TL;DR

Commissioned a special SAK project based upon three Victorinox SAK's (Cyber Tool L, Lite, and Electrician Pioneer Alox), with the aim of it being a potential exit-hobby endgame for a lifetime of enjoyable, dependable usage. Thus:

Victorinox Electrician's Cyber Tool L Light Custom SAK

by u/Customknifemodsuk (Etsy store):

• Victorinox Cyber Tool L platform (1.7775.T)
• Hammered Titanium Plus Scales (no steel pin slot)
• Wood Saw tool removed and replaced with both
  • Magnifying glass, from Victorinox Cyber Tool Lite (1.7925.T)
  • Torch, from Cyber Tool Lite
• Small Blade removed and replaced with
  • Electrician's blade, from Victorinox Electrician Pioneer Alox >> Two versions of this unique SAK once existed: 0.8120.26 (silver Alox with shield), and 0.8120.27 (silver Alox with cross). Both can still be found as NOS but neither are in the Victorinox UK catalogue. >> Ditto most SAK's having this unique Electrician's Blade are discontinued, with the blade now only made and in production on the Victorinox Swiss Champ XLT (1.6795.XLT)
• Screwdriver 2.5 mm removed (😢)
• Steel Pin inside modified Toothpick
• Acid Etched tools (blackened)
• Brass Washed tools
• Original Victorinox aluminium liners and springs retained

Background

My approach on purchasing stuff

This is my first major post here and regarding the above special commissioned Swiss Army Knife made for me, however I will eventually post about another Swiss multi-tool as I am a recent owner of two Swiss knives!

My decision on getting a SAK is centered on my needs for an effective EDC compact toolset to carry in the UK, and to complement my very shiny and just shy-of-a-month old Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (both ratchet and wrench attachments).

I'm not someone who utilises tools on a daily basis, but wish I had quick access to tools when the need arrives. I'm also not an outdoorsman per se, don't have (a need for) survivalist equipment, and living in the urban UK culture all my life I'm aware that carrying SAK's (or rather, seeing them in use) is a unicorn sighting, if ever. Of course I cannot speak to all of the UK, just my personal experience around where I live. That said, I adore certain hobbies and invest in them, especially mechanical objects such as timepieces (mechanical, digital/quartz, hybrid, etc), fine writing instruments, mechanical keyboards, gadgets, bespoke cases for electronics, gaming, audiophile (headphone gearhead), and so much more! I've adored multi-tools and multi-functional knives since childhood, and though I've been close to purchasing certain larger models in the past (I own a small SAK from five years ago), I only really went in quite hard this year, thirty years+ late sure but here we are! Essentially I'm still a newbie, in using and appreciating SAK's, whose now fallen down ANOTHER hobbyist hole 😃 (cheers 😑).

Whenever I set my sights on something I usually work towards it, often with the viewpoint of pouring effort, time, research and my own funds in large quantities for the best experience, or in this case long-term or lifelong use. I do not sell my stuff so value on aftermarket, though an important factor itself, is of the lowest importance to me.

I like to be clear that I'm someone who can do extensive deep dives, researching extremely quickly and efficiently, within a few weeks, and then either continue to or surface read of that hobby thereafter, steadily building knowledge from within that hobby once I have acquired something (even if I've exited/not purchased something after the initial purchase or purchases; for example a custom mechanical keyboard or an EDC wallet such as Secrid). I don't do things by halves, but of course mistakes can also be a part of the learning process too.

EDC Torch

One good EDC example is in 2015 when I purchased the excellent Prometheus BetaQR v2 Copper torch with 219 Nicha LED, twice, with two titanium fade anodised clips as well. One for my dear friend, and one for me. My torch has been on my person, and in heavy use, since purchase, and I adore it so. (There are MANY more examples but I'll be writing here all day 😅).

Swiss Army Knives ownership, competition of brands, and UK Legal Carry considerations

Regarding knives I did already own a Victorinox SAK, albeit from the smaller 58mm range, in the form of the Victorinox Limited Edition 2016/2017 Classic SD, Space Walk (0.6223.L1707). I've used it since acquiring it in July/Aug 2017 via then Massdrop (now Drop) and though great for packages and small items, it left me wanting when I needed to do DIY, help my dad, or build furniture.

I've toyed with the idea of owning a plier-based multi-tool, often considering either a Leatherman or Victorinox.

In my opinion, for heavy constant usage I believe Leatherman to be superior due to replaceable and modular tools, and a genuine excellent competitor to Victorinox quality. On the other hand I am a fan of Victorinox and Swiss quality for most of my life, and for infrequent or lighter use I consider Victorinox tooling individually to be mostly superior (let it be known that this is my own opinion). I just prefer the snap opening and closing of the tools, feel, and precision of Victorinox products. That is not a slight against Leatherman at all, but a personal experience in handling these tools from the few friends I've known to own both, alongside my own bias, or rather knowledge of, Victorinox marketing and household status.

As I wanted the best compact tools I could afford, for again infrequent usage, in April this year I finally purchased the <strong>Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (Wrench, 3.0338.L)</strong>, and bought one half of the Ratchet set (3.0304) (need to acquire the Ratchet Bit Extension, 3.0305, for completeness but you can choose the Swisstool X Plus with Ratchet set under 3.0339.L). This is a beautiful tool, with incredible engineering, design, and utility. Easily one of my favourite things.

Unfortunately, it's also <em>not legal to carry away from home in the UK</em> (without extremely good reason) due to having both a larger-than-permitted blade, saw, and locking tools.

Genesis of Custom SAK

Get another SAK or go all-out on a custom project 🤔

From there I knew that I required a second SAK, one that would be legal and reasonable to carry everyday, having tools I'd more likely use, and if it were to be one of the last SAK's I purchase then also my exit end-game too. Thus I went into researching the nuances of UK law regarding knife carry within the context of multi-tools, what legal carry tools are out there, and what tooling I'd appreciate for my likely usage.

From that mindset I initiated my deep dive researching skills, and I discovered a tonne of information, especially YouTubers (eg Jon Gadget, K4T And More, Felix Immler, TX Tool Crib, Blackbelt Barrister, amongst others) and Reddit EDC communities. Then I started to rationalise on what exactly did I want and whether I wanted the easy path of getting a nice SAK or go custom (well, you already know what path I chose 😂). At one point I even considered having a knifeless multitool, but with help decided against it (cheers u/Customknifemoduk for your succint points on this)!

Long story short (finally I'm sure for some of you still reading 😀), and a little disillusioned, I was left with the following choices: choose between the Victorinox Swiss Champ in Silver Tech (1.6794.T7), one of the Victorinox Cybertool platforms (M Blue Transparent: 1.7725.T2, L Red Transparent: 1.7775.T, or Lite Red Transparent: 1.7925.T), or have a modified SAK encompassing tools from other models.

OH WAIT, I've got much more to say... 😀

#NKD & #NSD!

Hello fellow redditor's! 👋🏼 Posting and reviewing my recently arrived custom ordered SAK with custom scales too 😊

This is a long post that I have tried to make entertaining and informative, with many links throughout, so sit back, grab a cuppa (or your choice of beverage), and enjoy! ☕😁

TL;DR

Commissioned a special SAK project based upon three Victorinox SAK's (Cyber Tool L, Lite, and Electrician Pioneer Alox), with the aim of it being a potential exit-hobby endgame for a lifetime of enjoyable, dependable usage. Thus:

Victorinox Electrician's Cyber Tool L Light Custom SAK

by u/Customknifemoduk (Etsy store):

• Victorinox Cyber Tool L platform (1.7775.T)
• Hammered Titanium Plus Scales (no steel pin slot)
• Wood Saw tool removed and replaced with both
  • Magnifying glass, from Victorinox Cyber Tool Lite (1.7925.T)
  • Torch, from Cyber Tool Lite
• Small Blade removed and replaced with
  • Electrician's blade, from Victorinox Electrician Pioneer Alox >> Two versions of this unique SAK once existed: 0.8120.26 (silver Alox with shield), and 0.8120.27 (silver Alox with cross). Both can still be found as NOS but neither are in the Victorinox UK catalogue. >> Ditto most SAK's having this unique Electrician's Blade are discontinued, with the blade now only made and in production on the Victorinox Swiss Champ XLT (1.6795.XLT)
• Screwdriver 2.5 mm removed (😢)
• Steel Pin inside modified Toothpick
• Acid Etched tools (blackened)
• Brass Washed tools
• Original Victorinox aluminium liners and springs retained

Background

My approach on purchasing stuff

This is my first major post here and regarding the above special commissioned Swiss Army Knife made for me, however I will eventually post about another Swiss multi-tool as I am a recent owner of two Swiss knives!

My decision on getting a SAK is centered on my needs for an effective EDC compact toolset to carry in the UK, and to complement my very shiny and just shy-of-a-month old Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (both ratchet and wrench attachments).

I'm not someone who utilises tools on a daily basis, but wish I had quick access to tools when the need arrives. I'm also not an outdoorsman per se, don't have (a need for) survivalist equipment, and living in the urban UK culture all my life I'm aware that carrying SAK's (or rather, seeing them in use) is a unicorn sighting, if ever. Of course I cannot speak to all of the UK, just my personal experience around where I live. That said, I adore certain hobbies and invest in them, especially mechanical objects such as timepieces (mechanical, digital/quartz, hybrid, etc), fine writing instruments, mechanical keyboards, gadgets, bespoke cases for electronics, gaming, audiophile (headphone gearhead), and so much more! I've adored multi-tools and multi-functional knives since childhood, and though I've been close to purchasing certain larger models in the past (I own a small SAK from five years ago), I only really went in quite hard this year, thirty years+ late sure but here we are! Essentially I'm still a newbie, in using and appreciating SAK's, whose now fallen down ANOTHER hobbyist hole 😃 (cheers 😑).

Whenever I set my sights on something I usually work towards it, often with the viewpoint of pouring effort, time, research and my own funds in large quantities for the best experience, or in this case long-term or lifelong use. I do not sell my stuff so value on aftermarket, though an important factor itself, is of the lowest importance to me.

I like to be clear that I'm someone who can do extensive deep dives, researching extremely quickly and efficiently, within a few weeks, and then either continue to or surface read of that hobby thereafter, steadily building knowledge from within that hobby once I have acquired something (even if I've exited/not purchased something after the initial purchase or purchases; for example a custom mechanical keyboard or an EDC wallet such as Secrid). I don't do things by halves, but of course mistakes can also be a part of the learning process too.

EDC Torch

One good EDC example is in 2015 when I purchased the excellent Prometheus BetaQR v2 Copper torch with 219 Nicha LED, twice, with two titanium fade anodised clips as well. One for my dear friend, and one for me. My torch has been on my person, and in heavy use, since purchase, and I adore it so. (There are MANY more examples but I'll be writing here all day 😅).

Swiss Army Knives ownership, competition of brands, and UK Legal Carry considerations

Regarding knives I did already own a Victorinox SAK, albeit from the smaller 58mm range, in the form of the Victorinox Limited Edition 2016/2017 Classic SD, Space Walk (0.6223.L1707). I've used it since acquiring it in July/Aug 2017 via then Massdrop (now Drop) and though great for packages and small items, it left me wanting when I needed to do DIY, help my dad, or build furniture.

I've toyed with the idea of owning a plier-based multi-tool, often considering either a Leatherman or Victorinox.

In my opinion, for heavy constant usage I believe Leatherman to be superior due to replaceable and modular tools, and a genuine excellent competitor to Victorinox quality. On the other hand I am a fan of Victorinox and Swiss quality for most of my life, and for infrequent or lighter use I consider Victorinox tooling individually to be mostly superior (let it be known that this is my own opinion). I just prefer the snap opening and closing of the tools, feel, and precision of Victorinox products. That is not a slight against Leatherman at all, but a personal experience in handling these tools from the few friends I've known to own both, alongside my own bias, or rather knowledge of, Victorinox marketing and household status.

As I wanted the best compact tools I could afford, for again infrequent usage, in April this year I finally purchased the <strong>Victorinox Swisstool X Plus (Wrench, 3.0338.L)</strong>, and bought one half of the Ratchet set (3.0304) (need to acquire the Ratchet Bit Extension, 3.0305, for completeness but you can choose the Swisstool X Plus with Ratchet set under 3.0339.L). This is a beautiful tool, with incredible engineering, design, and utility. Easily one of my favourite things.

Unfortunately, it's also <em>not legal to carry away from home in the UK</em> (without extremely good reason) due to having both a larger-than-permitted blade, saw, and locking tools.

Genesis of Custom SAK

Get another SAK or go all-out on a custom project 🤔

From there I knew that I required a second SAK, one that would be legal and reasonable to carry everyday, having tools I'd more likely use, and if it were to be one of the last SAK's I purchase then also my exit end-game too. Thus I went into researching the nuances of UK law regarding knife carry within the context of multi-tools, what legal carry tools are out there, and what tooling I'd appreciate for my likely usage.

From that mindset I initiated my deep dive researching skills, and I discovered a tonne of information, especially YouTubers (eg Jon Gadget, K4T And More, Felix Immler, TX Tool Crib, Blackbelt Barrister, amongst others) and Reddit EDC communities. Then I started to rationalise on what exactly did I want and whether I wanted the easy path of getting a nice SAK or go custom (well, you already know what path I chose 😂). At one point I even considered having a knifeless multitool, but with help decided against it (cheers u/Customknifemoduk for your succint points on this)!

Long story short (finally I'm sure for some of you still reading 😀), and a little disillusioned, I was left with the following choices: choose between the Victorinox Swiss Champ in Silver Tech (1.6794.T7), one of the Victorinox Cybertool platforms (M Blue Transparent: 1.7725.T2, L Red Transparent: 1.7775.T, or Lite Red Transparent: 1.7925.T), or have a modified SAK encompassing tools from other models.

OH WAIT, I've got much more to say... 😀