Compact Appreciation

[Bunk Tuppins]

It's the thinnest 91mm with a scissor and that is its raison d'etre.  I don't use mine much but it's fine if what you need is a scissor and a main blade and maybe open a bottle or can.  The nail file is not great but ok in a pinch.

[MacGyver]

It's the thinnest 91mm with a scissor and that is its raison d'etre.  I don't use mine much but it's fine if what you need is a scissor and a main blade and maybe open a bottle or can.  The nail file is not great but ok in a pinch.

For me, being the thinnest with scissors it of little comfort per-se, while it's fine as a pocket knife, it's not really reliable as a multitool which is my main reason for carrying a SAK and not just a regular pocket knife, I probably use the opener layer more than i use the blade or scissors, and it's definitely for the bottle or can opening features. I rarely open bottles with it, and opened like 2 cans in 40 years of SAK use, literally.

[NutSAK]

I probably use the opener layer more than i use the blade or scissors, and it's definitely for the bottle or can opening features. I rarely open bottles with it, and opened like 2 cans in 40 years of SAK use, literally.

You use the opener layer for bottle or can opening features rarely, but more than you use the blade or scissors?   

[MacGyver]

You use the opener layer for bottle or can opening features rarely, but more than you use the blade or scissors?   

Yes. Because the bottle and can opening functions are the least of my use (or interest) for the opener layer.
The bottle and can opener are my screwdrivers (or bit drivers), my pry tools, scrape tools, prod tools, push tools, even pull tools in the case of the can opener.
Those two combined have probably more frequent use than the blade itself.

[NutSAK]

Yes. Because the bottle and can opening functions are the least of my use (or interest) for the opener layer.
The bottle and can opener are my screwdrivers (or bit drivers), my pry tools, scrape tools, prod tools, push tools, even pull tools in the case of the can opener.
Those two combined have probably more frequent use than the blade itself.

Got it!  I was misinterpreting what you were saying.  Thanks for clarifying.

I appreciate the Compact for what it is and have the occasion to carry one, but I ensure my screwdriver and awl needs are covered by another tool.  The Leatherman Juice KF4 is one example.

[gadgetman7]

Yes. Because the bottle and can opening functions are the least of my use (or interest) for the opener layer.
The bottle and can opener are my screwdrivers (or bit drivers), my pry tools, scrape tools, prod tools, push tools, even pull tools in the case of the can opener.
Those two combined have probably more frequent use than the blade itself.

That’s true for me as well. I used the scissors the most and then openers but not usually for opening cans or bottles.


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[Jazz]

Loving the Compact so much, I just got 2 more. One will get blue scales, and one, green micarta.

I have 4 now, and all definitely have magnetized rings. Very annoying. I wish Victorinox would at least explain why. I took them off and replaced with similar ones from the fishing section of Canadian Tire.
 Here’s proof…

[BerkshireHunter]

Is this a good deal?

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[Echotech]

Is this a good deal?

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That’s less than A$60 (Australian) and here they’re normally at least $90, usually over $100 so I’d say yes but don’t know what you normally pay for them there

[victordomingos]

Got one on sale in Europe for less than 34€ including shipping. I usually carry a SAK with more tools like an Explorer or a SwissChamp but will be trying the Compact paired with the MiniChamp.




I can say that the compact disappears in my jeans pocket, which is nice. Will be a nicer option for summer when using a formal uniform. I just checked and the combo tool flat screwdriver fits perfectly the 3 screws on the trombone (which rarely need any intervention).

The file in the hook is pretty thin, not sure if it can really be of any use. The MiniChamp is a nice complement, since it adds the nail file and cleaner, small blades, a nice small Philips screwdriver and a few other tools.




I have plus scales on the Explorer and SwissChamp, but in the Compact the pen is way more comfortable to use while fitted in the hook slot.

The small screwdriver in the corkscrew will be more useful than ever before, since I am now using non-sun glasses.

For my everyday urban carry, I am pretty sure I will be occasionally missing stuff from the SwissChamp, it happens not to be around. What I won’t be missing is the bulky size and weight

[nate j]

Is this a good deal?

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Assuming everything is legitimate, it is a good deal.  They are usually $50+ these days.

[charlie fox]

Still loving mine! If Santa Elsener is listening, my wishlist starts and ends with an 84mm Alox version

[Swisster]

Black Compact’s are the sexiest. SAK in Black. BKM Black Knives Matter.

[peski]

Got this for Christmas from my wife. I carry it everyday with me, putting it to work on every occasion.

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Replaced the toothpick & tweezers with red ones. They blend almost perfectly with the scales.

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[Juan el Boricua]

I'm bumpin' this thread ... this has been a dream (godsend) tool for my uses/lifestyle!!!

My first Compact was what I thought at first was "a hack job": cheap, no file on hook, and a suspicious rrsistance when opening said hook. Although I understood later (and thanks to this thread and Sakwiki!!!!) that pre '99's (and mine looks to be among those) did not had it, I longed for one with it. Scouring for a couple of weeks got me a white, latter vintage Compact but, it had no mini driver, straight pin, lanyard ring or ... pen and pen slot; hardly, if ever used, someone in its previous life took the plus scales and their tools, leaving behind this set of standard ones (which, the back one was scratched). Had spare tools in hand but, my only plus scales were red (for a Climber; bland to my eyes), the yellow ones are still traveling and, I kinda like white. Well, after watching a Felix Immler tutorial, and some fine sanding and polishing, I now have white, plus scales!!!!
Completely functional and dead gorgeous, the only telltale is inside the slot, where you can see a small gap due to having to cut close to one of the bushing sockets. I like them, and I'm even thinking of leaving them instead replacing with the yellow ones but, what do you think?


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[Farmer X]

 

[Juan el Boricua]

 

[pfrsantos]

Ok, guys. This is awl very fine and dandy, but I think we should close this thread.

 

Show content

I mean, c'mon! A Compact Appreciation thread... with over 20 pages! Really?!

 

[Luke Walker]

Oh, given that there are millions of Compact fans out there, I'd consider everything under 1.000 pages as compact 

Didn't know about this thread until now, that's why I'm chiming in to show my appreciation for this model. If I absolutely had to chose one SAK model as an EDC for the rest of my life, this would be it. I also love the Pioneer & Soldier, but it isn't complete for me without a 58mm Signature. That's why the Compact would be the one. I've carried mine for years and have started rotating my SAK more recently (maybe in the last 6 months or so).  Still coming back to the Compact.

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[Luke Walker]

Ok, guys. This is awl very fine and dandy, but I think we should close this thread.

 

Oh come on man, don't say that word in a thread about my beloved Compact. That's like musing about the joys of running in front of a bunch of people in wheelchairs...

[pfrsantos]

Oh come on man, don't say that word in a thread about my beloved Compact. That's like musing about the joys of running in front of a bunch of people in wheelchairs...

Hum... thanks for the idea. I have so few things that give me joy right now... I'll try it and let you know how it went.

 

[Swisster]

Black Compact. BKM. Black Knives Matter.     

[Luke Walker]

Hum... thanks for the idea. I have so few things that give me joy right now... I'll try it and let you know how it went.

 

Ok, that wasn't a fair comparison...   We can choose to carry a SAK with any tool we want.

But your comment actually made me think how the awl could be integrated in the Compact. My only idea would be to replace the hook with an awl with a small nail file on the side. I might actually prefer that to the hook! Only used it once or twice...

[victordomingos]

Well, I have been camping this summer and the compact went with me. The hook was very useful for two things: hanging clothes while showering, and pulling some stuck tent pegs from the hard ground. 

For EDC, I miss the awl and a proper Phillips screwdriver, though. I pair it with a 58mm, which solves most issues, but there’s no awl.

[Farmer X]

I miss the awl and a proper Phillips screwdriver, though.

I can see a way around it: replace the corkscrew with a Phillips and pair it with a Pioneer. A Compact with the wood saw modded in would be cool (and more useful for camping, in my opinion); maybe the back layer awl could be made to fit under the wood saw?

[knifecoop]

Here is a Compact that I modified, replaced corkscrew with phillips, replaced the hook with an awl and added aftermarket denim micarta scales.

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[victordomingos]

What we are all missing is a Mary Poppins’ bag style SAK, that have more tools that actually can fit in its size.

[Luke Walker]

Here is a Compact that I modified, replaced corkscrew with phillips, replaced the hook with an awl and added aftermarket denim micarta scales.

Wow, that looks amazing! That's not a Compact anymore, that must be a Magician! 

[Juan el Boricua]

Here is a Compact that I modified, replaced corkscrew with phillips, replaced the hook with an awl and added aftermarket denim micarta scales.

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Now, THIS looks interesting ... 

[Farmer X]

Those Micarta scales...