Giving the Compact a go for edc

[AZ_Hiker]

Finally found a Compact at a price I liked.  I've been carrying a Climber for a couple years, see how it goes with a few less tools.  I do like that I'll have a backup pen in my pocket.   

[Exeter]

I think you won't be disappointed. I myself don't own a Compact, but I have its two closest relatives, the direct predecessor, the Golfer (no hook on the back) and the DofE (rounded blade, Phillips instead of the corkscrew) and these two are my most frequently carried SAK's. I switched from the Climber as well, and I do not feel it's a downgrade in any sense.

And in general I really like the combo tool, Vic really nailed it with that one, saving a layer without losing much functionality, if at all.

[pfrsantos]

I think you won't be disappointed. I myself don't own a Compact, but I have its two closest relativest, the direct predecessor, the Golfer (no hook on the back) and the DofE (rounded blade, Phillips instead of the corkscrew) and these two are my most frequently carried SAK's. I switched from the Climber as well, and I do not feel it's a downgrade in any sense.

And in general I really like the combo tool, Vic really nailed it with that one, saving a layer without losing much functionality, if at all.

General I!

 

[pfrsantos]

Got both models. Like the Climber but it's a bit heavy and stocky to pocket carry with ease. The Compact gives you awlmost the same capabilities (minus the two sizes screw drivers) in a much thinner, lighter package.

I added plus scales to my Climber, so it hasn't got less tools than the Compact (except for the nail file but it's so bad that it doesn't count).

 

[Exeter]

I think you won't be disappointed. I myself don't own a Compact, but I have its two closest relativest, the direct predecessor, the Golfer (no hook on the back) and the DofE (rounded blade, Phillips instead of the corkscrew) and these two are my most frequently carried SAK's. I switched from the Climber as well, and I do not feel it's a downgrade in any sense.

And in general I really like the combo tool, Vic really nailed it with that one, saving a layer without losing much functionality, if at all.

General I!

 

Previously Major Me, but I got promoted.   

[Douglas]

I've been EDC'n the Compact for about 2 months now and LOVE it. With the pocket clip and pull only know it's there when I need it.

[Nix]

My only wish is that the Compact had an awl in place of the Corkscrew. Even so, I think the Compact makes a great EDC.

[Aloha]

Go for it.  You'll never know if you dont give it a shot.  The plus scales to me are such a wonderful way to get a few extra goodies.  The pin has helped me on a few occasions and the pen is terrific when you need it.  I personally stopped carrying a pen when I have my plus scale SAK with me.  Sadly my 84mm doesn't have them. 

[pfrsantos]

I've been EDC'n the Compact for about 2 months now and LOVE it. With the pocket clip and pull only know it's there when I need it.
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

Is that a pen in your Compact or are you glad to see me?...

 

[Harris]

Could the hook on the compact be replaced with an awl by someone with sufficient skill?  Would if fit and function correctly? 

[Myron]

Love the compact!  It’s been an edc favorite of mine for years now.   

[pfrsantos]

Could the hook on the compact be replaced with an awl by someone with sufficient skill?  Would if fit and function correctly?

No! No! Leave the Hook alone!

 

[Harris]

Sorry! I have no use for the hook.  On the other hand, I use the awl quite often.  I might change my edc to a Compact if it could be modified without a lot of fuss.

[NorCalJim]

I have been retired since 2015 and have the luxury of wearing gym trunks around the house during the summer and warm-ups during the winter. My summer EDC is an Executive and my winter EDC is a Compact.  Too bad that there is not a Tinker version of the Compact since I would prefer a lower profile tool than the corkscrew. Thanks to the scissors and the Plus scales, the Compact punches way above its weight. Tucking the screw driver in the corkscrew adds even more function. The Compact is very handy as an EDC!

Jim

[pfrsantos]

Sorry! I have no use for the hook.  On the other hand, I use the awl quite often.  I might change my edc to a Compact if it could be modified without a lot of fuss.

No prob. There's an ongoing "war" between pro-hook and anti-hook around here. Maybe in the Mod forum you can find some info on that transformation you want.

 

[pfrsantos]

I have been retired since 2015 and have the luxury of wearing gym trunks around the house during the summer and warm-ups during the winter. My summer EDC is an Executive and my winter EDC is a Compact.  Too bad that there is not a Tinker version of the Compact since I would prefer a lower profile tool than the corkscrew. Thanks to the scissors and the Plus scales, the Compact punches way above its weight. Tucking the screw driver in the corkscrew adds even more function. The Compact is very handy as an EDC!

Jim

So, you're saying you're the exact opposite of most people here...

 

Show content

Your EDC gets bigger when it's cold.

 

[NorCalJim]

Actually, I was thinking about decades of dressing for work with long sleeved shirts and ties and now it's casual dress all the time. I consider this change pure luxury!

I have been retired since 2015 and have the luxury of wearing gym trunks around the house during the summer and warm-ups during the winter. My summer EDC is an Executive and my winter EDC is a Compact.  Too bad that there is not a Tinker version of the Compact since I would prefer a lower profile tool than the corkscrew. Thanks to the scissors and the Plus scales, the Compact punches way above its weight. Tucking the screw driver in the corkscrew adds even more function. The Compact is very handy as an EDC!

Jim

So, you're saying you're the exact opposite of most people here...

 

Show content

Your EDC gets bigger when it's cold.

 

[Nix]

Actually, I was thinking about decades of dressing for work with long sleeved shirts and ties and now it's casual dress all the time. I consider this change pure luxury!

Right there with you, Jim. 

[Nix]

My shirt and tie carry was a Cadet or a Classic. Leatherman in the briefcase.

[Nix]

Could the hook on the compact be replaced with an awl by someone with sufficient skill?  Would if fit and function correctly?

Harris, I'm going to go with "yes" to your question. But! I'm not a mod'er and might not be giving you the right answer.

I'd like to keep the hook and switch out the corkscrew. Although, for somethings the corkscrew can be has handy as the hook, so, I might be satisfied with a corkscrew/awl Compact, too. 

[Mechanickal]

I think the awl is too narrow to properly fit the hook spot.

[GoatDragon]

I am enjoying this thread. For me the Compact is a wonderful tool, but I am too attached to a full opener layer and two blades to bring myself to carry it. The Super Tinker that is in my pocket right now just wont get up and leave space for anyone else at the moment. Plus I get a hook and an awl, so that's pretty neat!

I really do wish I wasn't so attached to the full opener and blade layers, cause every time I look at my compact it is so slim and sexy. My pocket wants it inside of it! 

[Exeter]

I have been retired since 2015 and have the luxury of wearing gym trunks around the house during the summer and warm-ups during the winter. My summer EDC is an Executive and my winter EDC is a Compact.  Too bad that there is not a Tinker version of the Compact since I would prefer a lower profile tool than the corkscrew. Thanks to the scissors and the Plus scales, the Compact punches way above its weight. Tucking the screw driver in the corkscrew adds even more function. The Compact is very handy as an EDC!

Jim

Jim, you might wanna take a look at the DofE. The blade's a bit funny, but it has the Phillips instead of the corkscrew.

[NorCalJim]

Hmmm...I hadn't heard of this one.  I do prefer the standard blade (why I went with the Spirit X multi-tool). I'll give this a closer look--thanks!

Jim

I have been retired since 2015 and have the luxury of wearing gym trunks around the house during the summer and warm-ups during the winter. My summer EDC is an Executive and my winter EDC is a Compact.  Too bad that there is not a Tinker version of the Compact since I would prefer a lower profile tool than the corkscrew. Thanks to the scissors and the Plus scales, the Compact punches way above its weight. Tucking the screw driver in the corkscrew adds even more function. The Compact is very handy as an EDC!

Jim

Jim, you might wanna take a look at the DofE. The blade's a bit funny, but it has the Phillips instead of the corkscrew.

[AZ_Hiker]

It's subtle, but I am noticing the difference with one less layer in my pocket.   No major tasks yet for Compact Day #1, the combo tool does seem to be a better staple puller though. 

[NorCalJim]

I'm not a fan of the combo tool, but getting a knife and scissors in a 2 layer SAK is worth the compromise. Add in the Plus scales and extra tools and the Compact is definitely a keeper!

Jim

It's subtle, but I am noticing the difference with one less layer in my pocket.   No major tasks yet for Compact Day #1, the combo tool does seem to be a better staple puller though.

[smiller43147]

I carried a Compact for several years before the Pioneer X came out.  Like the Leatherman Squirts, it "punches above its weight".
I found it a good compromise of functionality and size/weight.

The Plus scales are a good idea, but I found the pen to be too skinny to use except in a real emergency.

[Douglas]

I've been EDC'n the Compact for about 2 months now and LOVE it. With the pocket clip and pull only know it's there when I need it.
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

Is that a pen in your Compact or are you glad to see me?...

 

[MacGyver]

I tried really hard to like the Compact as an EDC, honest.....
But for me, and for the functions that important for me to justify carrying a sak it just falls short im afraid....
Apart from a small knife blade i must have some reliable drivers, pry bar and the like with me. It's every bit as important as the cutting tasks. The combo tool is good if you just need to use it for its intended use, but for a pry bar, screw driver that can handle medium torque, scraper, etc, it just doesn't work for me. I can do 90% of what scissors do with the blades, just not as easily, but that doesn't bother me, and i can always use the ones on my key chain classic.
If it had the Phillips instead of the corkscrew at least it would have a light/ medium torque SD. The plus scales only add a pen, while handy not of huge value to me.
If i really only wanted the same functionality of the compact, id rather carry the Executive, much smaller and thinner 

[pfrsantos]

It's subtle, but I am noticing the difference with one less layer in my pocket.   No major tasks yet for Compact Day #1, the combo tool does seem to be a better staple puller though.

Major Tasks!