Mine is the nylon-handled Economy version. Bought abroad in a quaint hardware shop on clearance for about 5 quid. It has since shared in many a DIY situation and has uncomplainingly earned its keep many times over. When I know the job will involve a bit of abuse it is my SAK of choice, paired up with an equally well used Opinel No 7. It still amazes me how useful this battle-scarred duo is.
As an EDC I can heartily recommend the Tinker. Less bulk than many of its brethren, and slightly less weight in the pocket than even the streamlined Alox Pioneer, while giving the advantage of the back tools and the not-to-be-sniffed-at tweezers and toothpick. My Pioneer weighs 70g, the Tinker 60g. The Tinker is maybe 2mm thicker, and of course 2mm shorter. The Phillips screwdriver has held up well, but in honesty if it's a little DIY, an ordinary screwdriver will be present, if I know I will need one. So the SAK's driver is a backup. Backed up in turn by the can opener tip.
So. If a person has no pocketknife and wished to buy one, the Vic Tinker would be an excellent candidate. Although for EDC, and based on personal experience and preferences, the Small Tinker would be worth considering.
SAK tools have the inherent advantages of uses beyond the obvious. With imaginative application born out of sudden inspiration and necessity, a humble SAK at times saves the day. One advantage of a stainless blade: working with porous tiles, say some marble kitchen tiles before they're sealed, a carbon steel scraper will leave a dark mark. Whoops. But a stainless blade doesn't. And the polished back of the blade can be helpful to coax stubborn labels or minor debris from a porcelain object without scratching. Same with the minutely rounded and polished end and sides of the excellent flat screwdriver. Eliminates a dried paint drip from a window where an ordinary tool might damage the glass. The half stop is a useful feature.
Most of the time I prefer the corkscrew on a Huntsman or the charming and friendly 84mm Tourist. Accompanied by the tiny but oh so handy eyeglasses screwdriver. And straight pin. The corkscrew likewise has other uses, for instance cleaning many smaller sizes of internal threads, where there isn't space for a blade tip or other tool.
Check the web for people's insights and opinions. A few suggestions are really worth the time. Vics offer good steel, lifetime warranty, modest price, great availability and therefore are easy to replace. Wood scales are a popular self-made upgrade, and many take their mods further.
Whittlers also tend to rate Victorinox, especially for a beginner or occasional green wood hobbyist. Much performance for little money. The Phillips makes a pretty good countersink for most softwoods, or a starter for a larger countersunk hole. Between the classic awl and the Phillips, useful holes in many materials can easily be made. Extra belt holes, pilot or clearance holes in wood, plastic or plasterboard, etc etc. The Tinker handles it.
And food prep!
But the basic Tinker is a fine choice. Like its namesake, humble and versatile, whether the job is a case of make do and mend, ambitious DIY, or simply to accompany you in life's journey, it's quietly capable and ready when you are.
