Building the Yeoman is not that difficult a job, and very satisfying. Buy a Compact and an Explorer, take them apart, swap the inline Philips and magnifying glass to the Compact and you end up with a Yeoman PLUS a Climber. You can use the rods from the four layer Explorer for the three layer Yeoman, but will need new ones for the Climber. Use drills sized 2,5 mm for both outer rods and 2,2 mm for both inner. Make sure to spare the rivets by punching indents in the middle of the rods before drilling. Arrange all the parts taking out in order on your table, and take pictures of each layer before disaasembling it. Put the Philips and magnifying glass in the middle layer for better ergonomics than the original Yeoman: the inline Philips works best when centered. This is like in the Swiss Bianco version of the Yeoman. Just cut the rods to a minimum overlength (2 mm for the first rivetting side, at the Climber), otherwise they bend during rivetting, and you will have to start all over again. Just over 0,5 mm for the second side is enough for proper closing of the rivets. And do polish the edges if the liners while the knives are apart with real fine sanding paper (grid 400 and finer): the punched liners by Victorinox look cheap. The resulting Climber is really nice, but the Yeoman… wow! All components together were less than €100.
Only a few models come with a pin in the scales, but all modern scales have the hole itself, so you can add a pin from a sewing kit. I added one to all my Cellidor SAKs. It already came in handy for removing a splinter, or cleaning out my windshield nozzle.
My day-to-day city in-backpack is now an Explorer (waiting on the plus scales to upgrade it). My outdoor kit has a Hunstman and a small Leatherman combo. In my pocket I usually can't got past a 3 layer. So a Waiter with plus scales, Spartan are my go-tos at the moment + Leatherman squirt. Just got a Tinker Deluxe as a Christmas gift. Interesting in seeing if it can replace my in-pocket setup. I also started modifying and fixing some old Victorinox and Wenver models I had laying around, making my own combos. Which has lead to me understanding and admiring SAKs even more.
Superb video! That Swiss Champ Silver-Tech is beautiful. Another "retired" SAK to check out is the Passenger - It's similar to the Yeoman and 3 layers as well.
Cool one! Only thing about the Passenger is it has a second blade and two the separate can opener + cap lifter. I personally prefer to always have the combo tool, in this case that lets the Yeoman also add scissors.
Victorinox comes close to "The Perfect Knife" so many times and it's just a tool or two away. Like an unfinished sentence left for SAK modders to complete. I get the fact that with every new model they would hurt the sales of another model but still. They could innovate so much in the 91 mm range it's hard to believe. They could make plus scales universal all across the board. They could develope more possible scale tools (why an outside company had to come up with the in-scale ferro rod?) They could have an option on the ordering page of their website where you could customize each layer (within the physical possibilities of course, given what tools could fit together on the same layer). Everyone could have exactly what they want, even if it cost extra money. They could figure out how to put scale- and backtools on alox knives. A Pioneer X like that (with pen etc.) would sell like hotcakes (I would personally throw my money at them for it). They could work together with the likes of Olight on new models that incorporate flashlights (instead of having that next to useless LED on Lite models and on the Midnite Manager). They worked with other companies (like Off-White recently) on not-for-actual-use showpieces, why not make something practical again? If you watch Felix Immler's channel you might have known there is theoretically enough space in plus scales for another scale tool. So many things could fit there (micro SD card for example, judging by the size).
Great xomparison video, i currently carey the compact but might switch it for a super tinker. I wish the inline phillips was more avavliable in other mdoels
I like the compact for urban edc. It has what I need most… tools to open packages and occasional personal care stuff (combi tool is great for cleaning nails!). An interesting mod would be to add the pliers, since they are like very effective tweezers for that personal care role… plus building it off a Tinker Deluxe would make it easy to add a Phillips. I may do that one day.
I concur, Victorinox could do alot more with their 2 and 3 layer options. Like, a Compact and add Pliers. A 91mm Bantam X with Scissors, (either the Alox, or Plastic). A 93mm (starting from one end) Combo Tool, Blade, Scissors, Pliers.
I would take the Yeoman as my EDC, but since it's discontinued (bring it back Victorinox!), I have gone with an explorer as it suits my uses the most out of all available SAK's under 4 layers.
Just wanted to let you know there was another version of the Yeoman called Yeoman Mechanic (4 Layers) which added the pliers and after that there was the Modeler (5 Layers) that is basically an Explirer with an added metal file/saw
The very basic ' recruit ' with a slight mod (video, ' victronox explorer ,huntsman, farmer,climber, can opener mod ) is my go to SAK ! Easy mod on can opener gives you small screwdriver and Phillips and better can opener. At 84mm super compact 'Recruit ' is just about all you need.
Except it is rare, I do not see the point in that - Explorer with the can open and the bottle opener gives one more layer, but 3 or 4 doesn't really matter, I carry a Ranger on a clip, and I'm fine with 5-6 layers in my pocket knife.
Yowman ? Victorinox ~ 58mm, 84mm, Wenger~ 65mm, 85mm, Knives with the grey magnifying glass have a slightly longer philips because of the difference in the size of the magnifier. (Those parts would have had to come from a vintage knife) 93mm knives have beafier tools and larger hinge pins the two layer pattern was used as there military issue soldier knife for many years They also have a superior awl. The Farmer model with the saw is very popular with the bushcraft community.
Thanks and great call outs! Yes Rebel mostly uses original era correct parts for their products. You can also custom order new versions if desired, cool.
I think it's hard to beat a Swiss champ. There are only a couple tools I don't use. The rest of the knives have too few tools and the Swiss champ only has maybe an extra layer
I have to admire all you SAK experts in the way you don't break a fingernail or two with all the tool opening you do! I show my collection of Flickr see #SAKAlox etc, The Handle or hook tool has been demonstrated on RUclips to have at least 40 uses...
Ooh good question: 1) It won’t come with a box, 2) take off the scales, 3) it depends if he used OG parts or modern parts ie logo on the main blade, hope this helps!
Interesting video. I like how you compared the Yeoman to do many other options. As a veteran of the US Navy, I have to correct your pronunciation; yeoman should be pronounced like woman with the first syllable rhyming with toe. I have a Yeoman that I modded myself and agree that it is a great tool combination. Look forward to seeing your future videos.
The saw is a thinner layer indeed, but a 3-layer alox Farmer is just as thick as a 2-layer Spartan. What makes this even more amazing is that the tools themselves (the blade and the bottle opener) are significantly thicker and stronger on the 93 mm Alox.
Get rid of that cork screw, throw in a carrying hook. Dispose of those scissors and replace it with a metal/wood file and you’d have my ideal lineup. I’d also replace the magnifying glass for an awl
I'm not so sure if you can really use it as a chisel. Usually you use a chisel in a very flat angle to shave off very fine parts of the wood, but the position of the tool on the knife seems to force you into a very steep angle. I don't have a champ, so I never tried it, but I can't imagine that it works very well in this configuration.
It won't if you only pull backward, but if you use it like a real saw, pulling and pushing, it can catch when doing the push cut motion then fold and snap on your finger(s).
Good video. I want a Yeoman somehow. Pronounced Yo like row (Yo- muhn) not ( "Yow man"). Ow man, that hurts!... Yeoman,a low ranked administrative position in a royal house or in the military like in Star Trek (Yeoman Rand, used to flirt with Captain Kirk).. I think the Yow man is a cryptid creature lol
I get that you don't like the saw. But even for folks who do like the saw, many of our ideal knives don't exist. Eg a compact plus a saw, or compact plus saw and file.
@@pocketpriorities I don't know, but they mention 1884 as the year the company was founded. I believe they changed the name to Victoria in 1909(?) and to Victorinox in 1921, but it probably was still the same legal entity as what they already used when patenting some officer's knife designs in 1897.
don't know where you got your info from but it's incorrect. Victorinox was founded in 1884 and it's kind of common knowledge of that and they had the military contract before Wenger
It’s pronounced ‘Yo man’. yoeman ~ a man who owns land and is responsible for its cultivation. Yoemanry were a class of people, who derived a living from their land and or trade, enough to live comfortably and save a little. But not enough to stave off poverty if they fell ill or were robbed.
Ok, 2 years and 100+ comments “yo-man not yow-man”… I get the point lol. 😂
Building the Yeoman is not that difficult a job, and very satisfying. Buy a Compact and an Explorer, take them apart, swap the inline Philips and magnifying glass to the Compact and you end up with a Yeoman PLUS a Climber. You can use the rods from the four layer Explorer for the three layer Yeoman, but will need new ones for the Climber. Use drills sized 2,5 mm for both outer rods and 2,2 mm for both inner. Make sure to spare the rivets by punching indents in the middle of the rods before drilling. Arrange all the parts taking out in order on your table, and take pictures of each layer before disaasembling it. Put the Philips and magnifying glass in the middle layer for better ergonomics than the original Yeoman: the inline Philips works best when centered. This is like in the Swiss Bianco version of the Yeoman. Just cut the rods to a minimum overlength (2 mm for the first rivetting side, at the Climber), otherwise they bend during rivetting, and you will have to start all over again. Just over 0,5 mm for the second side is enough for proper closing of the rivets. And do polish the edges if the liners while the knives are apart with real fine sanding paper (grid 400 and finer): the punched liners by Victorinox look cheap. The resulting Climber is really nice, but the Yeoman… wow! All components together were less than €100.
Geez. I would love to pay you to do this for me
Only a few models come with a pin in the scales, but all modern scales have the hole itself, so you can add a pin from a sewing kit. I added one to all my Cellidor SAKs. It already came in handy for removing a splinter, or cleaning out my windshield nozzle.
My day-to-day city in-backpack is now an Explorer (waiting on the plus scales to upgrade it).
My outdoor kit has a Hunstman and a small Leatherman combo.
In my pocket I usually can't got past a 3 layer. So a Waiter with plus scales, Spartan are my go-tos at the moment + Leatherman squirt.
Just got a Tinker Deluxe as a Christmas gift. Interesting in seeing if it can replace my in-pocket setup.
I also started modifying and fixing some old Victorinox and Wenver models I had laying around, making my own combos. Which has lead to me understanding and admiring SAKs even more.
Greatness, love it!
Hi
Where did you find 84mm plus scales for the waiter?
@@tm2bow653 I modified the original scales to fit the pin and pen.
Dang…going to make me buy another Victorinox 😂
Great video. Everyone will have a different opinion but I enjoy seeing some detailed thoughts on the knife.
Superb video! That Swiss Champ Silver-Tech is beautiful. Another "retired" SAK to check out is the Passenger - It's similar to the Yeoman and 3 layers as well.
Cool one! Only thing about the Passenger is it has a second blade and two the separate can opener + cap lifter. I personally prefer to always have the combo tool, in this case that lets the Yeoman also add scissors.
@@pocketpriorities Excellent point! And now that I think about it, it lacks the plus scales as well.
@@mikeyoung5737 Indeed, def better than most having that screwdriver in the layer!
Victorinox comes close to "The Perfect Knife" so many times and it's just a tool or two away. Like an unfinished sentence left for SAK modders to complete. I get the fact that with every new model they would hurt the sales of another model but still.
They could innovate so much in the 91 mm range it's hard to believe. They could make plus scales universal all across the board. They could develope more possible scale tools (why an outside company had to come up with the in-scale ferro rod?) They could have an option on the ordering page of their website where you could customize each layer (within the physical possibilities of course, given what tools could fit together on the same layer). Everyone could have exactly what they want, even if it cost extra money.
They could figure out how to put scale- and backtools on alox knives. A Pioneer X like that (with pen etc.) would sell like hotcakes (I would personally throw my money at them for it).
They could work together with the likes of Olight on new models that incorporate flashlights (instead of having that next to useless LED on Lite models and on the Midnite Manager). They worked with other companies (like Off-White recently) on not-for-actual-use showpieces, why not make something practical again?
If you watch Felix Immler's channel you might have known there is theoretically enough space in plus scales for another scale tool. So many things could fit there (micro SD card for example, judging by the size).
❤️🔥🫡🤯 love it, thanks for the great comment!
Great xomparison video, i currently carey the compact but might switch it for a super tinker. I wish the inline phillips was more avavliable in other mdoels
I have a Yeoman MS, which is a Yeoman with the file added, and I absolutely love it. Haven’t carried anything else since getting it
Nice!
Great job...very helpful 👍
Thanks!
I like the compact for urban edc. It has what I need most… tools to open packages and occasional personal care stuff (combi tool is great for cleaning nails!). An interesting mod would be to add the pliers, since they are like very effective tweezers for that personal care role… plus building it off a Tinker Deluxe would make it easy to add a Phillips. I may do that one day.
I concur, Victorinox could do alot more with their 2 and 3 layer options. Like, a Compact and add Pliers. A 91mm Bantam X with Scissors, (either the Alox, or Plastic). A 93mm (starting from one end) Combo Tool, Blade, Scissors, Pliers.
Yessss… I’ll submit your resume to them for product management! :)
Did they hire you yet? 🤞🙏
Nice review…. Does anyone know how Victorinox can tell whether you send in a custom build or an authentic factory SAK for service and repairs?
Very comprehensive video!
Thanks!
I would take the Yeoman as my EDC, but since it's discontinued (bring it back Victorinox!), I have gone with an explorer as it suits my uses the most out of all available SAK's under 4 layers.
Just wanted to let you know there was another version of the Yeoman called Yeoman Mechanic (4 Layers) which added the pliers and after that there was the Modeler (5 Layers) that is basically an Explirer with an added metal file/saw
That’s awesome, what a package for a 4 layer!
The very basic ' recruit ' with a slight mod (video, ' victronox explorer ,huntsman, farmer,climber, can opener mod ) is my go to SAK ! Easy mod on can opener gives you small screwdriver and Phillips and better can opener.
At 84mm super compact 'Recruit ' is just about all you need.
I use the can opener at work for my tuna cans. Works pretty good. The Wenger can opener is the best tho tbh.
You must be popular at the office 😂
Except it is rare, I do not see the point in that - Explorer with the can open and the bottle opener gives one more layer, but 3 or 4 doesn't really matter, I carry a Ranger on a clip, and I'm fine with 5-6 layers in my pocket knife.
Yowman ? Victorinox ~ 58mm, 84mm, Wenger~ 65mm, 85mm,
Knives with the grey magnifying glass have a slightly longer philips
because of the difference in the size of the magnifier.
(Those parts would have had to come from a vintage knife)
93mm knives have beafier tools and larger hinge pins the two
layer pattern was used as there military issue soldier knife for many years
They also have a superior awl. The Farmer model with the saw is very popular
with the bushcraft community.
Thanks and great call outs! Yes Rebel mostly uses original era correct parts for their products. You can also custom order new versions if desired, cool.
I love my yeoman! Sadly not made anymore... so I carry my explorer...
🫡
I think it's hard to beat a Swiss champ. There are only a couple tools I don't use. The rest of the knives have too few tools and the Swiss champ only has maybe an extra layer
I have to admire all you SAK experts in the way you don't break a fingernail or two with all the tool opening you do! I show my collection of Flickr see #SAKAlox etc, The Handle or hook tool has been demonstrated on RUclips to have at least 40 uses...
On the 7 layer Champ you just forgot the name of the chisel tool....
@@billcrowle the awl?
@@pocketpriorities No, it looked like a blade screwdriver and has been described as a chisel!
Very cool tour of your collection. Is there any way to tell the “Rebel Yeoman” from a genuine one?
Ooh good question: 1) It won’t come with a box, 2) take off the scales, 3) it depends if he used OG parts or modern parts ie logo on the main blade, hope this helps!
13:07 "in the Alox version"
That's a Bantam; not a Waiter.
Interesting video. I like how you compared the Yeoman to do many other options. As a veteran of the US Navy, I have to correct your pronunciation; yeoman should be pronounced like woman with the first syllable rhyming with toe.
I have a Yeoman that I modded myself and agree that it is a great tool combination. Look forward to seeing your future videos.
His 3 year old didn't bother me but every time he said "yow man" i wanted to slap him. Did he never even watch Star Trek?
Thank you, this was triggering the 💩out of me !
How do people not know that Google has an audio file of pronouncing every word ???
On the compact, The hook is useful to hold the pen.
It's still awkward to write with, but better than the just the pen.
Good insight!
The saw is a thinner layer indeed, but a 3-layer alox Farmer is just as thick as a 2-layer Spartan.
What makes this even more amazing is that the tools themselves (the blade and the bottle opener) are significantly thicker and stronger on the 93 mm Alox.
Ideed, those hollow plastic scales and liners aren't nearly as efficient on space
Does anyone know how Victorinox can tell whether you have a genuine or a custom SAK when you send them in for service???
Get rid of that cork screw, throw in a carrying hook. Dispose of those scissors and replace it with a metal/wood file and you’d have my ideal lineup. I’d also replace the magnifying glass for an awl
Exactly what use is the hook ?
While I find the corkscrew useless for corks, putting a pocket clip on the corkscrew with the fire tinder made me happy. Third channel fero rod.
What is a third channel fero rod, please?
They have 130mm out now
The Swiss Champ is no thicker than a 3 layer if you carry it flat in your pocket. No need to carry anything else.
Interesting point!
Get the belt clip and it hangs about 1" into your pocket and will never fall, because it's attached!
I carry the handyman because it has everything I need and I still cant stand how big it is.
27:47 It's a chisel. Mostly useful for woodwork I assume, but probably also as a scraper as you said.
I'm not so sure if you can really use it as a chisel. Usually you use a chisel in a very flat angle to shave off very fine parts of the wood, but the position of the tool on the knife seems to force you into a very steep angle.
I don't have a champ, so I never tried it, but I can't imagine that it works very well in this configuration.
@@Comment0815 I agree. I haven't tried it either, and I also doubt that it's super useful, but it's still supposed to be a chisel. :)
Can you please include a link to rebel restorations? They don’t seem to be anywhere on the web
Same… can’t find anything
Wengers are 85mm and the smaller one 65mm
I believe the pronunciation is “Yo-man” not “Yee-ow-man”. It is a naval rank term, Yeomen perform secretarial/administrative and clerical work.
How did your thumb get cut?
Wild guess?
Yeoman = used Explorer Plus + used Waiter (for the combo tool). ruclips.net/video/So2zjuPSW10/видео.html
I used the saw a few times and I still have 9 fingers.
Seriously though I do not get it. How can you cut your finger using this saw ?
It won't if you only pull backward, but if you use it like a real saw, pulling and pushing, it can catch when doing the push cut motion then fold and snap on your finger(s).
@@pocketpriorities Ok thank you for the answer. I used it only to cut a few branch in my yard. Great video btw.
02:35 Wenger? 85 mm.
What’s a yowmin?
It’s a troll on RUclips, see mirror for details 😁
What like to see a cadet X…..👍
Good video. I want a Yeoman somehow. Pronounced Yo like row (Yo- muhn) not ( "Yow man"). Ow man, that hurts!... Yeoman,a low ranked administrative position in a royal house or in the military like in Star Trek (Yeoman Rand, used to flirt with Captain Kirk).. I think the Yow man is a cryptid creature lol
I get that you don't like the saw. But even for folks who do like the saw, many of our ideal knives don't exist. Eg a compact plus a saw, or compact plus saw and file.
What would your perfect knife be in terms of layers and tools?
I got the yeoman for 12 bucks. i thought it was the explorer with a boy scout logo
Wow nice!!
@@pocketpriorities thanks
Victorinox was not started in 1907.
Karl Elsener started his cutlery (that eventually evolved into Victorinox) in 1884.
When was Victorinox incorporated? :)
@@pocketpriorities I don't know, but they mention 1884 as the year the company was founded. I believe they changed the name to Victoria in 1909(?) and to Victorinox in 1921, but it probably was still the same legal entity as what they already used when patenting some officer's knife designs in 1897.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
It’s yo-men. The e is silent
don't know where you got your info from but it's incorrect. Victorinox was founded in 1884 and it's kind of common knowledge of that and they had the military contract before Wenger
Yeah just under a different name, you’re right
It’s pronounced ‘Yo man’.
yoeman ~ a man who owns land and is responsible for its cultivation.
Yoemanry were a class of people, who derived a living from their land and or trade, enough to live comfortably and save a little. But not enough to stave off poverty if they fell ill or were robbed.
Yeoman= Yo Man .
It's YOmuhn, not yaoman.
I love how 1+ year later I still get this comment ❤️
It’s pronounced ‘Yo’min’
'Yōmən
I knōw-man… does anyone check the comments before posting? 🤣
Pronounced: yo-men
YOH-man, not YEOW-man. It’s a fairly common word.
Lol common? 🙄
@@pocketpriorities Yes. Yeoman is not an uncommon word.
@@jamesc7277 when did you last use it in a conversation?
"Yow-man?" Damn, that's annoying to listen to.
Good thing you are free to not listen to it amigo :)
Try: yo-man.
Or: yo-min.