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

Caranthanus · **Reply #30 on:** March 27, 2015, 01:13:53 AM

Quote from: SAK Guy on March 25, 2015, 05:51:42 PM

What? No preference?

Would prefer Scientist with metal saw/file

SAK Guy · **Reply #31 on:** March 27, 2015, 01:15:50 AM

Quote from: Caranthanus on March 27, 2015, 01:13:53 AM

Quote from: SAK Guy on March 25, 2015, 05:51:42 PM
What? No preference?
Would prefer Scientist with metal saw/file

firiki · **Reply #32 on:** March 27, 2015, 03:05:48 AM

Quote from: Eyegor on March 26, 2015, 05:30:41 PM

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.

I hear that; I like the Rucksack very much and I find the Hunter a most interesting knife, especially when combined with a Climber (and a Pioneer, or Rancher, or Electrician

)

Scott_Servais · **Reply #33 on:** July 26, 2015, 08:28:26 PM

combo tool because you don't have to sharpen it

cody6268 · **Reply #34 on:** July 26, 2015, 09:44:18 PM

Both.

I like having separate can/bottle openers, mostly for the two separate screwdrivers, as I do not need a can/bottle opener all that often.

But, there are situations where they can't offer separate can and bottle openers.

I hate the fact that Alox models do not offer a combo tool. Some, with electrician's/pruner blades only have a bottle opener.

I love the original 108mm German Army Knife. Still packs all of my essentials, but is only two layers thick, thanks to the saw, can opener, nail file/match striker, bottle opener, and a screwdriver all being packed into that layer.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #35 on:** July 26, 2015, 10:42:05 PM

Hmmm... not sure how to vote here

The combo tool is a great bottle opener (better than the standard) and a very capable can opener. On some cans I have founnd it works better than the standard (different cans favour different openers in my experience). It also makes for a thinner SAK. The only downside is the lack of strength as a driver and pry tool....

However.....

The SAKs that have the combo tool, don't tend to have pliers or inline Phillips. As such, I'm very likely to have a pliers based tool on me too, which would have a Phillips AND a flat bladed driver.

So:
If I'm carrying a Gerber Balance, I generally wouldn't carry a SAK at all
If I'm carrying a Mini Tool, I'd want the full opener layer
If I'm carrying a Gerber Dime, I'll probably only have a 58/65mm SAK
If I'm carrying any other full sized pliers tool, the combo tool is fine
If I'm NOT carrying a pliers tool, I'd want the full opener layer

I think on balance, whilst the combo tool is perfectly adequate at opening cans and bottles, the opener layer is better. It adds prying and Phillips capabilities PLUS it also means you get the very excellent Victorinox awl

Smaug · **Reply #36 on:** July 26, 2015, 11:20:05 PM

I voted for the full opener layer, because I use the large flat head screwdriver/prybar and small tip (for Phillips) quite often, and the Combo tool can't do any of those things well.

It folds up on me about 50% of the time when using it as a screwdriver.

kari_sak · **Reply #37 on:** July 27, 2015, 01:26:16 AM

I voted for BO/CO layer because I use can opener tip for phillips screws. Actualy I almost never open cans .
Also I think its too big compromise to lose two screwdrivers for combo tool.

El Corkscrew · **Reply #38 on:** July 03, 2018, 05:21:15 AM

Reporting combo tool fail. Tried to open a bottle of Corona and the cap is on there pretty tight without much room to get under it. The combo tool on el compact failed after several attempts.

Got a tinker out of the kitchen drawer and opened it up fine

ThePeacent · **Reply #39 on:** July 03, 2018, 02:42:40 PM

I've bent the combo tool a few times since this thread

but it bends back to shape just as easily

TonySal · **Reply #40 on:** July 03, 2018, 02:45:26 PM

Yes, BO & CO- had problem with the combo re bottle cap too.

magentus · **Reply #41 on:** July 03, 2018, 02:53:38 PM

Quote from: El Corkscrew on July 03, 2018, 05:21:15 AM

Reporting combo tool fail. Tried to open a bottle of Corona and the cap is on there pretty tight without much room to get under it. The combo tool on el compact failed after several attempts. Got a tinker out of the kitchen drawer and opened it up fine

via Imgflip Meme Generator

Don Pablo · **Reply #42 on:** July 03, 2018, 03:41:54 PM

Quote from: magentus on July 03, 2018, 02:53:38 PM

Quote from: El Corkscrew on July 03, 2018, 05:21:15 AM
Reporting combo tool fail. Tried to open a bottle of Corona and the cap is on there pretty tight without much room to get under it. The combo tool on el compact failed after several attempts. Got a tinker out of the kitchen drawer and opened it up fine
via Imgflip Meme Generator

I knew I was justified in my preference for the mighty opener layer!

_{Last Saturday, I slightly twisted the tip of a 93mm alox bottle opener on a rusty screw. Ooops.}

_{I managed to un-twist it on the same screw later. I think that the combo tool is probably not appropriate for me?}

magentus · **Reply #43 on:** July 03, 2018, 03:46:30 PM

via Imgflip Meme Generator

pomsbz · **Reply #44 on:** July 03, 2018, 03:50:14 PM

I've never used a SAK combo tool but the LM one on my charge is far better, IMO, than the two SAK tools on my Farmer. Saves room for another tool and is far better at opening cans. I really don't like forward opening can tools such as the SAK's. Really really don't like it. I'd take a rear opening tool any day of the week. I also prefer the edged wire stripped on the LM. The Farmer for me is an outdoor camping tool. I don't need a pry bar or screwdriver. I would really like an additional small blade to pair with a combo tool on the same layer.