I just purchased Super Tinker to go in my tool kit. Even though I have a multitool in my kit, I like to have some redundancy.
The Super Tinker exhibits typical high quality, in both materials and workmanship, from Victorinox. The knife includes the following implements/functionality:
- Large blade
- Small blade
- Slot screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Wire stripper
- Pry tool
- Multipurpose hook
- Reamer
- Sewing eye
- Tweezer
- Toothpick
This is a very good knife. Good, but not perfect. The steel is good quality stainless. Be aware that stainless steel isn't truly stainless-nor is it corrosion proof. Stainless steel does hold up to wet conditions and corrosion much better than high carbon steel, but it should be cleaned and wiped with machine oil on a regular basis. I keep a small nalgene bottle with an oily cloth in my toolkit for this purpose.
My only complaints are with the phillips screwdriver and multipurpose hook. The phillips screwdriver is an odd size. I suppose one would describe it as a "number 1.5" bit. Phillips screws typically come in the following sizes: #1, #2, #3. The #2 is the most common. I don't know why Victorinox used this interim size. Including a full #2 bit would only have added marginal weight and width to the knife. Victorinox doesn't seem afraid to add width as evidenced by some of ridiculously wider "super" knives. The bit is, as described above, made from stainless steel. Stainless is softer than D2 tool steel, but the tradeoff for wet hands is understandable. However, the combination of soft stainless and an undersized bit has, in my past experience, resulted in premature failure of such undersized phillips bits. Screw heads are softer than the bit, but repeated use of a poor fitting bit does result in damage or accelerated wear.
My other complaint is the multipurpose hook. I really don't understand the inclusion of this implement. I am, admittedly, a novice at ropecraft, but use with line in some scenario is the only practical purpose I can think of. Such use would seem to be more in keeping with the climbing, camping, hunting, or similar products from Victorinox. I would much prefer a second #1.5 phillips bit or even a #1 phillips bit.
Field tip: the toothpick can be used as a marlinespike to work with stubborn knots-as can a disposable plastic flossing aid.
My complaints are, however minor issues. I have long purchased Victorinox products both for myself and for gifts. The knives work well and are long lasting.
Highly Recommended
