Any cheers or jeers on this lil' one? I really want to get a slimmer SAK (own a Rally and Explorer Plus atm), and the Compact looks like a rather nice 2 layer option. I would have bought it without any hesitation had a there been a reamer in place of the hook (i really don't see too much use from these hooks >.<) and the corkscrew with a philips (yeah, back spring I know, but I'd rather have one than not ;P).
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Victorinox Compact?
- Thread starter Lock1454
- Start date
I am a pretty big fan of the compact. It works well enough on its own, and it is slim enough to complement another knife or tool e.g the Victorinox Spirit which does not have a regular blade, corkscrew, or great quality scissors.
The hook is random and not as useful to me as a reamer; however, it does have a nail file on the back of it which can be handy for grooming or lighting strike-anywhere matches. Though the knife lacks a dedicated philips head, the combo tool can fit into a variety of philips head bits. Not the most ideal, but a solution which will work.
The hook is random and not as useful to me as a reamer; however, it does have a nail file on the back of it which can be handy for grooming or lighting strike-anywhere matches. Though the knife lacks a dedicated philips head, the combo tool can fit into a variety of philips head bits. Not the most ideal, but a solution which will work.
The combo head works as a philips in a pinch? 
*puts finger inside trigger guard and gets ready to pull*
Is there any purpose for the hook? I mean, is there a practical deliberate use for it? (e.g., can opener opens cans, knife cuts, etc.) Or is it just a case of "Gee whiz Billy, I wish I had a small slender hooking device right about now!"
*puts finger inside trigger guard and gets ready to pull*Is there any purpose for the hook? I mean, is there a practical deliberate use for it? (e.g., can opener opens cans, knife cuts, etc.) Or is it just a case of "Gee whiz Billy, I wish I had a small slender hooking device right about now!"
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The hook has a number of improvised uses, though it was initially designed to carry parcels and packages wrapped in cord so you wouldn't hurt your fingers. It can help tighten boot laces, lift a pot with a handle out of somewhere hot, act as a makeshift hanger, and various other things. Not the most useful implement, but you might as well use it while it's there. I believe it's also the only thing that can go on the backspring of the scissors, as well.
A Victorinox Compact is great if you need only the blade, scissors, toothpick, and tweezers but you want something larger and stronger than the Victorinox Classic.
Personally I prefer a (Tinker + Classic) combo. With this SAK combo and a pair of needlenose pliers I have an EDC kit that can do almost anything that a multitool can do for a fraction of the multitool's size and weight.
Personally I prefer a (Tinker + Classic) combo. With this SAK combo and a pair of needlenose pliers I have an EDC kit that can do almost anything that a multitool can do for a fraction of the multitool's size and weight.
Yeah, the compact is great. Unlike most on here, I own precisely one knife, and this is it. So it goes everywhere. Yeah, a reamer would be more useful than the hook, but you can never have the perfect SAK.... And yes, the 'combo tool' works very nicely as a medium sized philips, in a pinch (you kind of angle it, so the point of the tool goes down into the middle of the cross cut.) 2 layers is definitley nicer in the pocket than 3, as well. (I previously had a climber, lost to airport security....)
Cheers,
I.
Cheers,
I.
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- Dec 20, 2001
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- 1,217
Although discontinued, the other option was the long nail file which IMHO has FAR greater utility than the hook. I like the compact or an old golfer might be a good choice. Tough to find though.
Old Golfers and Victorinox Climbers with a long file on the back can be found occasionally through eBay and FelineVet's shop.
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I'd jump on an 84mm version of the Compact like a fat kid on a donut. Alas, they don't make 'em in that size.
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- Dec 20, 2001
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I'd jump on an 84mm version of the Compact like a fat kid on a donut. Alas, they don't make 'em in that size.
That would be the Golfer! They did, but they don't any more. One of my favorites is the long nail file golfer. Yes, they can be found on eBay and at Felinevet, but it's certainly not an everyday occurence. I know...I look....everyday!
I'd jump on an 84mm version of the Compact like a fat kid on a donut. Alas, they don't make 'em in that size.
I used to have one and I must admit I was better served by either the full sized file on the Mountaineer or the regular nail file on a classic. Don't get me wrong, it was still an awesome knife, a real benchmark as to how many tools can be placed into a tiny convenient package, but there were just better options for me. Best of luck with your search none the less!
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- Dec 20, 2001
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Depends what you need the file for and how important thickness is. If you need a metal saw, and sometimes you do, the the Mountaineer or the old Motorist are definitely the way to go. If an actual nail file, or something with very fine teeth are more important than the long nail file is my choice. Also, the pointed long nail file makes a decent awl in a pinch. The other thing the long nail file is just awesome at is drywall work. It is IMHO the best tool for making a drywall hole the PERFECT size when doing wall anchors.
i love the nail file on the hook, all Vic hooks should have the file on the back.
The hook can be used to pull buttons throught button holes.
I have a few shirt that are really tight in the wrist area.
Put the hook through the button-hole, put the hook part on the thread under the button then pull the button through the hole.
A Compact with a saw and pliers added would be about the perfect 4 layer sak.
For me it would displace the Huntsman as the new 4-layer king!
The hook can be used to pull buttons throught button holes.
I have a few shirt that are really tight in the wrist area.
Put the hook through the button-hole, put the hook part on the thread under the button then pull the button through the hole.
A Compact with a saw and pliers added would be about the perfect 4 layer sak.
For me it would displace the Huntsman as the new 4-layer king!
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- May 31, 2007
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- 945