Poll: Combo Tool or Bottle Opener / Can Opener layer?

[kosmo]

I see some advantages of the Combo Tool over the Bottle Opener / Can Opener Layer including:

• It can eliminate an extra layer on some knives of separate can opener and bottle opener.
• It works in opposite direction of other can opener.
• It is ambidextrous (can't open a can left handed with the normal Victorinox can opener).

Assuming that all other tools you wanted where available on a SAK, which would you prefer?

[Steinar]

I voted for the bottle opener/can opener layer not only because I prefer that, but also because that's the layer where the awl usually lives. (I saw the clause on “all other tools” available, but I think I probably still would prefer the dedicated layer.)

Edit: If combo tool -> Certainly with small blade. I use the small blade far more often than the main blade on my SAKs.

[SAK Guy]

I wish there was a "both" choice. I usually like a dedicated layer but on knives like my Trail Guide, the combo tool adds some versatility in a minimalist package...I like that.

[Corwyn]

Despite edcing a Compact I said opener layer.
On my Compact I miss the awl and prying ability so much I am thinking of going back to Tinker/SuperTinker...

[kosmo]

I wish there was a "both" choice. I usually like a dedicated layer but on knives like my Trail Guide, the combo tool adds some versatility in a minimalist package...I like that.

Abracadabra ... "Both" added

[magentus]

I really like the seperate openers, thogh the even handedness of the combo appeals to the soSmurfpillst in me.

[SAK Guy]

I wish there was a "both" choice. I usually like a dedicated layer but on knives like my Trail Guide, the combo tool adds some versatility in a minimalist package...I like that.

Abracadabra ... "Both" added

Thank you Kosmo!!!

[Caranthanus]

  If I would have to choose, then I would choose openers, of course. As those layer holds "real screwdriver" and "real pry bar", then dedicated vic/wenger can openers are such a great tools, they have a wide range of uses - you name it. That said, I like them both. Combo is a compromise, and it is like all compromises, there somewhere in the middle, but it's a great tool that makes SAKs as thinner as possible and, last but not least, it can save the day. Moreover, I need combo desperately for keep thinner and not duplicating tools on The "Hook" SAK Hook is mandatory, of course

So, "assuming all other tools you wanted are available", that means SD/opener & can opener are available would vote both.
In this kind of configuration:

 

[Mr. Blonde]

I voted vor can and bottle opener, because i often use the bottle opener as pry bar. The combo tools semms to be to thin for this task.

[Steinar]

I voted vor can and bottle opener, because i often use the bottle opener as pry bar. The combo tools semms to be to thin for this task.

The three most common ways of damaging a Vic SAK judging from my subjective impression given forum traffic and people I know: 1. The tip of the can opener when using too much force on Philips screws. 2. The pin holding the back mounted Philips driver when using too much force on... 3: The combo tool, Philips screws, and... you know the drill by now.

Edit: I wouldn't use the combo tool as a pry bar either.

[captain spaulding]

Its no secret I hate the combo tool so I would get rid of that.

[firiki]

Can + bottle opener for me. The combo tool has two and a half uses -counting light duty prying- whereas the dedicated tools have at least four and they are sturdier than the CT. That plus no awl with the CT.

[kosmo]

One of the reasons this subject came to mind, is how few SAKs have the option of the Combo Tool.  I have an older 111mm Hunter with the Combo Tool and prefer it to the normal can opener.  I was looking to see what other 111mm models also have the Combo Tool, but according to SAK Selector only the Hunter, Equestrian and WorkChamp XL have the Combo Tool.  Since the WorkChamp XL has nearly everything included it is not really something I would carry or use and the Equestrian is essentially a Hunter with the Gutting Tool swapped for the Hoof Cleaner.  I was hoping there was a slim One-handed model of one or two layers in the 111mm that had a Combo Tool and no Can/Bottle opener layer

Similar rarity of the Combo Tool exists on the 84mm's and only a few of the narrow 91mm's (Compact, Scientist, Yeoman and the elusive "Special Mechanic") offer the Combo Tool.  So I don't think many people are inconvenienced by the existence of the Combo Tool.

[Gareth]

The combo tool definitely has it's place IMO, though I'd not want one on every SAK I own.

I will just add, as a leftie myself, you most certainly CAN use the standard Vic can opener left handed.

[zoidberg]

The combo tool definitely has it's place IMO, though I'd not want one on every SAK I own.

I will just add, as a leftie myself, you most certainly CAN use the standard Vic can opener left handed.

+1 on all that from another leftie here. 

[jerseydevil]

The combo tool definitely has it's place IMO, though I'd not want one on every SAK I own.

I will just add, as a leftie myself, you most certainly CAN use the standard Vic can opener left handed.

+1 on all that from another leftie here. 

+2 I just used my Swisschamp to open a can of tuna, and I can't do smurf right-handed.....

[Mextreme]

If you pair the combo tool with in-line philips, I'm fine. Like the Yeoman/Scientist.
In my opinion cans without pull-ring are so rare nowadays that the odd times needed the combo tool is good enough but the Philips capability is essential so it needs to be combination with some philips solution a'la Yeoman/Scientist.
 

[kosmo]

In my opinion cans without pull-ring are so rare nowadays that the odd times needed the combo tool is good enough but the Philips capability is essential so it needs to be combination with some philips solution a'la Yeoman/Scientist.

I was thinking about this the other day. The pull-ring cans are becoming increasingly common.  Even the the bottle cap is being increasing relegated to only beer bottles.

[hiraethus]

Definitely prefer the opener layer to the combo tool - not just because the individual tools are much more effective at opening cans and bottles, but also because the cap lifter is a better poky/levery tool and the small pen blade is probably my most often used tool.

[jerseydevil]

For me, the biggest strike against the combo tool is the fact that it's too thin to be used for prying.  The bottle opener sees tons more use as a prybar than opening bottles in my hands.

[holygoat]

Too thin for prying, too thick for using as a scraper/separator, rubbish at opening cans or bottles, and a surprisingly terrible flat head screwdriver.

Can you tell I bought a Compact and wish I'd got a Climber Plus?

[cbl51]

Can + bottle opener for me. The combo tool has two and a half uses -counting light duty prying- whereas the dedicated tools have at least four and they are sturdier than the CT. That plus no awl with the CT.

This!!^^^^^^

[firiki]

Can + bottle opener for me. The combo tool has two and a half uses -counting light duty prying- whereas the dedicated tools have at least four and they are sturdier than the CT. That plus no awl with the CT.

I forgot to say the small blade that the combo tool usually replaces is one of my all time favourite tools so there's one more reason not to prefer the CT.

[nervium]

combo tool is enough for urban life.

[mrog]

Opener layer > combo tool for me.

There aren't many cases where I have a choice between the two though.

Compact vs Camper/Super Tinker? Camper/Super Tinker. The extra weight is negligible. You go from barely any phillips capability to almost complete capability.

Cadet vs Bantam? Cadet. The extra weight goes unnoticed, and I need the keyring for a suspension clip and security.

Custom Alox? Has to have a pocket clip. Therefore it has to be 3 layers or less. Has to have Knife, Scissors, and pliers. That leaves only one small tool slot. Awl, small blade, nail file, or combo tool? Combo tool in this case, but the opener layer wasn't even possible in this situation.

I EDC an Alox MiniChamp and Alox Cadet everyday though. I strongly prefer alox over cellidor and I don't think that will ever change.

[Gareth]

I might be going against the tide here, but I really rate the combo tool as a bottle opener.  Better in fact than the standard one.  I do agree though that it's not nearly as good as the can opener, though it'll still get you into a can and stop you going hungry.

[SAK Guy]

As I said earlier I like both depending on the model SAK your talking about. Case in point, look at the seller's pic below and tell me which you would choose? Combo Tool or Bottle Opener / Can Opener? 

[SAK Guy]

What? No preference?   

[kosmo]

I'm thinking of building a Scientist or something similar, if I get hold of a 91mm CT to use with my Champion.

I can see a difference for some people in wanting for collecting and wanting for use.

I'm still trying to find love for the opener layer.  I keep telling myself, I'll learn to love it.  The only big benefit for me is the addition of a small blade.

[Eyegor]

Stepping up to the 111mm I found I that while I really missed my dedicated openers from my Rucksack, I grew to love the combo tool on my Hunter that replaced the Ruck as EDC. Why?
1) The combo tool gave me the added feature of the 111mm small gutting blade, which I loved.
2) How few SAKs have the combo tool made it fun to have as well.