Combo tool gripes. Suggestions?

[sambeaux]

I love the dedicated openers on my SAK's. I've recently acquired a Compact and I'm learning to deal with the combo tool. I've read in some places that people prefer the combo tool over the dedicated openers.

Is that just because of the space saving? Or does anyone prefer the actual tool? So far, I'm a little frustrated with mine. I'm fine using the dedicated can opener on Wenger or Victorinox SAK's. I have a preference for the Vics... But the combo tool was a bit of a pain to use. I expected it to take significantly
more force to use, which was not the case. What I did not expect was how slippery the combo tool is.
I was more likely to slip the tool into the same cut I just made than I was to actually expand the cut.
Are there any techniques that would help? Has anyone tried to rough up the inside of the hook to make it bite better?

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Sam

[hiljentaa]

I prefer the combo tool over dedicated openers. Mostly for saving a layer, and partly because it opens bottles better than the dedicated bottle opener.

I am just as quick, and sometimes quicker opening cans with the combo tool compared to the dedicated can opener. Just takes practice.

[jazzbass]

I prefer the combo tool to the dedicated tools mainly because I think I've opened exactly 2 cans ever with a SAK. It's really a "use in case of emergency" kind of thing for me. If can opening was a regular thing with me, I'd use the dedicated tools instead.

[NG VI]

The reason I like the opener layer over the combo tool is because I like that it gives you two separate screwdriver heads, I just appreciate that versatility, and honestly screwdriving, bottle opening, and package opening are my SAK's most frequent tasks.

[sambeaux]

My first SAK was a Camper. I often wished I had a screwdriver instead of the corkscrew. I mostly used the can opener and bottle opener as screwdrivers. In fact, that's most of what I used that knife for...

Fast forward 20 years... I tried carrying a Tinker, which I love... but I don't care for the phillips screwdriver, I *ALWAYS* have my Leatherman, and my girlfriend drinks wine... So now I've been alternating between carrying a Compact and a Sportsman.

I rarely use the openers as screwdrivers, because I have my leatherman. I often use my SAK as a can opener ( for lunch, etc. ), bottle opener ( beer and soft drinks ), corkscrew ( girlfriend's wine )... My SAK's are mostly used for food prep these days. It's funny how requirements change.

Sam

[Sags]

I much prefer the Vic can opener which goes forward over any other I've used.  Just works better for me, also the flathead on the end of it is small enough I've found it will drive a #2 phillips head in a pinch.

I should add that I don't even own a "real" kitchen style can opener.  I only use SAK ones, so I end up using it nearly every day.

[nate j]

I carried and tried to like the compact for a while, but I just couldn't get used to being without the dedicated opener layer (especially for the screwdrivers), and ultimately went back to the climber for weekend EDC.  The only thing I really miss about the compact is the nail file on the back of the hook...

[sambeaux]

Success! A few swipes with the diamond file on my leatherman to rough up the cutting edge on the combo tool helped. A few more swipes to square the tip and make a slightly pointier tooth also drastically reduced the amount of force necessary to make the initial puncture. While I'm still more comfortable with the dedicated can opener, this is a huge improvement.

Sam

[Monrogue]

I prefer the combo tool to the dedicated tools mainly because I think I've opened exactly 2 cans ever with a SAK. It's really a "use in case of emergency" kind of thing for me. If can opening was a regular thing with me, I'd use the dedicated tools instead.

This is the case for me as well.  I like that it also cuts down a layer.  I do like the dedicated openers as well for their other uses, but considering those uses are only occasional and I rarely need to use a can opener to open cans (we have an actual can opener in the kitchen anyway for the occasional can opening need), nor do I need to open many bottles, so the combo tool is just more practical for me.

[k12cop]

I find people use can openers on SAKs wrong...don't think of it as punching through the can time after time, punch through the first time, and then think of slicing around the can with subsequent rocking of the opener...never pulling tool all the way out...turning the can with your other hand.

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[sambeaux]

I find people use can openers on SAKs wrong...don't think of it as punching through the can time after time, punch through the first time, and then think of slicing around the can with subsequent rocking of the opener...never pulling tool all the way out...turning the can with your other hand.

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That's exactly what I do. That's also what I found difficult about the combo tool. It would slip in the cut rather than extending it. It was too slippery.

Sam

[k12cop]

I find people use can openers on SAKs wrong...don't think of it as punching through the can time after time, punch through the first time, and then think of slicing around the can with subsequent rocking of the opener...never pulling tool all the way out...turning the can with your other hand.

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That's exactly what I do. That's also what I found difficult about the combo tool. It would slip in the cut rather than extending it. It was too slippery.

Sam

never had that problem...maybe a one time thing with that particular tool?

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