Looking for thoughts/opinions on the Compact

[gustophersmob]

Howdy!

I’ve long been a fan of alox in general, and the pioneer in particular. I’ve EDC’d a pioneer for 11 years now, combined with an alox classic on my keys.

The current lower price on the compact on Amazon in the US has made me start thinking about getting one.

In theory, I like the idea that it could replace three things I carry with one: the pioneer, classic, and bullet space pen. That’s the main thing I like. The other potential benefit I see is that I would get the eyeglass screwdriver, and I have eyeglasses (though never had a screw loosen up )

The downsides for me are: I don’t love plastic in my edc, so cellidor isn’t preferred. I also don’t love little bits and bobs like the scale tools; too much stuff to lose. I don’t like how the back springs aren’t flush with the liners as I find it uncomfortable and aesthetically unpleasing. I also am skeptical of the combo tool. I use the bottle opener on the pioneer as a pry tool often, and I wonder if the combo tool can take it. I also just feel like cellidor models have a cheaper, less solid feel in hand, though I know they are robust in general.

So what are your thoughts? I’m thinking I’d probably be disappointed and switch back, but there is an appeal to this minimalist at heart to take the three items pictured down to one.

Edit to add: another wrinkle in this is that both the pioneer and classic I carry were gifts from my family, so there’s some sentimental value which makes me want to carry them.

[gustophersmob]

Aaaaaand, I think I've already talked myself out of it. 

 

[FolderBeholder]

Aaaaaand, I think I've already talked myself out of it. 

 

Now what did you go and do that for! 
I am a fan of the Compact.  I like the toolset it has. 
But I can clearly see your point about carrying sentimental tools. 

[MadPlumbarian]

lol, it’s not a bad knife, I myself am still hooked on alox, and haven’t carried anything besides a FarmerX for like 3yrs, I did get a compact but I kinda switched things around, cause I added an extra layer adding a saw and switched out the corkscrew for a Philips, that made it have all my tool needs with the multi hook which has the file as bonus tool, but I’d still rather carry the FarmerX with a alox keychain,
JR

[powernoodle]

The Compact is not my favorite because it lacks a phillips driver.  You can always carry a phillips driver with your keys, though.  Though the corner of the flat driver can be used for phillips, its not optimal for that use.

[LoopCutter]

Aaaaaand, I think I've already talked myself out of it. 

 

Good job!

 

[nate j]

Cellidor isn’t as durable as alox, but it is better than it sometimes gets credit for.  (If you haven’t already, take a look at “The 30 Day Victorinox Huntsman Challenge!” thread.)  YMMV, but personally I find that cellidor is plenty durable for what my EDC typically sees.  With the exception of scenarios where a replacement would be difficult to get, such as perhaps a military deployment or extended camping trip, I feel that the additional utility of back tools trumps the superior durability of alox.

The combo tool isn’t as stout as the bottle opener/flat screwdriver tool.  Adding a small one piece pry tool (PWII, GPT, etc.) may be the way to go depending on what level of force you are using, but of course your tool count then goes back up.

I find the Vic removable scale pen quite awkward to use, so unless you only carry the pen for very short and very occasional use, you’re probably going to want to stick with the Fisher bullet there.

I actually prefer the Climber over the Compact as a stand alone SAK, for the following reasons:
- Two knife blades instead of one
- Climber has the awl, while Compact does not
- Bottle opener/flat screwdriver is more robust than the combo tool for stubborn screws and or prying
- I don’t consider not having plus scales any great loss (and if you did, you could always put plus scales on a Climber)
- Climber’s can opener tip is great on most commonly encountered Phillips screws, as long as they aren’t too deeply recessed.  Compact doesn’t have a great way to handle Phillips screws; some advocate for using the corner of the combo tool, but I find this awkward at best.
- Not having the nail file is a bit of a loss, but between the knife blades and scissors I can generally make do without

With regard to the sentimental value, only you can judge.

[Enginears]

I have been carrying something like a compact (subbed phillips for corkscrew and replaced combotool for 93mm awl). My takeaway is that knowing you can have 1 sak on you that covers so much is great, and being 2 layers is great.  I actually left the house today and needed the scale pen.

That said, a Pioneer + small SAK are formidable and easy to carry. I pry things frequently and have actually bent the awl and combotool before, never the can opener and cap lifter through.

[marlowe221]

Cellidor isn’t as durable as alox, but it is better than it sometimes gets credit for.  (If you haven’t already, take a look at “The 30 Day Victorinox Huntsman Challenge!” thread.)  YMMV, but personally I find that cellidor is plenty durable for what my EDC typically sees.  With the exception of scenarios where a replacement would be difficult to get, such as perhaps a military deployment or extended camping trip, I feel that the additional utility of back tools trumps the superior durability of alox.

The combo tool isn’t as stout as the bottle opener/flat screwdriver tool.  Adding a small one piece pry tool (PWII, GPT, etc.) may be the way to go depending on what level of force you are using, but of course your tool count then goes back up.

I find the Vic removable scale pen quite awkward to use, so unless you only carry the pen for very short and very occasional use, you’re probably going to want to stick with the Fisher bullet there.

I actually prefer the Climber over the Compact as a stand alone SAK, for the following reasons:
- Two knife blades instead of one
- Climber has the awl, while Compact does not
- Bottle opener/flat screwdriver is more robust than the combo tool for stubborn screws and or prying
- I don’t consider not having plus scales any great loss (and if you did, you could always put plus scales on a Climber)
- Climber’s can opener tip is great on most commonly encountered Phillips screws, as long as they aren’t too deeply recessed.  Compact doesn’t have a great way to handle Phillips screws; some advocate for using the corner of the combo tool, but I find this awkward at best.
- Not having the nail file is a bit of a loss, but between the knife blades and scissors I can generally make do without

With regard to the sentimental value, only you can judge.

I also vastly prefer the Climber, and for much the same reasons. To me, the traditional opener layer is just too useful for so, so many things (official uses and otherwise).

I have a 91mm Golfer (the Compact’s immediate predecessor) and I have to say that the combo tool just doesn’t cut the mustard for me.

Also, the Compact is only a couple of millimeters thinner than the 3 layer Climber - and the Compact is normally about twice as expensive as the Climber for those of us in the States.

That said, there are a lot of Compact fans out there, if the internet is any guide…

[Bunk Tuppins]

I have a couple of Compacts.  They are ok and are probably dandy for working in an office: thin and unobtrusive and including scissors.  I find the tool set somewhat underwhelming.  I actually think I would like the Yeoman tool set better than the Compact.

[AndyAaron]

I am fan of Climber too, actually. It offers the set of tools I use most.
I like Compact however I would appreciate  it to be 84mm instead of 91 to be more compact
Recently I ended up carrying combo of miniChamp and EDC folding knife.

[z1913]

I have as well somewhat ambivalent relatiosnhip with Compact. My approach to SAKs is rather minimalist, so in theory the Compact should be an excellent solution.

I even enhanced it with Quattro screwdriver as scale tool (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,90094), I find the combo tool sufficient and do not feel the need for full opener layer, but still I prefere for normal use Waiter/Bantam/Wenger 63 + any 58 with scissors.

Why is that I am not sure... It is more the feelings only - I prefere just the single layer in my pocket, tactile feeling of the aligned back spring in bantam/wenger 63, the 91s feel too large vs 84s....
If I want to have only one SAK on me, then Compact is a rational choice, but I am not in love with it.

On the other hand - why not to try it? Sometimes only the real hands-on experience can tell and may open new path.

[Swisster]

Compact's are great but you probably want a Pioneer X since you don't like scale tools. I would go Pioneer X or Electrician or both. They are both around $50 each. Compact's is sexy in black. Black Knive Matter !!! BKM

[Old Boy]

I tried the Compact but missed the dedicated drivers and openers. The combo tool didn’t fail on me but I could tell the dedicated drivers were more robust especially when prying.

[gustophersmob]

Now what did you go and do that for! 
I am a fan of the Compact.  I like the toolset it has. 
But I can clearly see your point about carrying sentimental tools. 

  What can I say, I'm fickle!

[gustophersmob]

lol, it’s not a bad knife, I myself am still hooked on alox, and haven’t carried anything besides a FarmerX for like 3yrs, I did get a compact but I kinda switched things around, cause I added an extra layer adding a saw and switched out the corkscrew for a Philips, that made it have all my tool needs with the multi hook which has the file as bonus tool, but I’d still rather carry the FarmerX with a alox keychain,
JR

Yeah, that mod sounds cool.  But to add layers kind of defeats the main attraction to the compact to me: 2 layers with (in theory) all the tools I need.

Unfortunately, I think the tools just become too compromised at that point.

[gustophersmob]

(Image removed from quote.)
The Compact is not my favorite because it lacks a phillips driver.  You can always carry a phillips driver with your keys, though.  Though the corner of the flat driver can be used for phillips, its not optimal for that use.

That's a good pairing!

[gustophersmob]

Good job!

 

I know the answer is usually to "buy both," but I just can't buy stuff that won't get used, and I don't think I'll be able to switch to the compact from what I currently use.

[gustophersmob]

Cellidor isn’t as durable as alox, but it is better than it sometimes gets credit for.  (If you haven’t already, take a look at “The 30 Day Victorinox Huntsman Challenge!” thread.)  YMMV, but personally I find that cellidor is plenty durable for what my EDC typically sees.  With the exception of scenarios where a replacement would be difficult to get, such as perhaps a military deployment or extended camping trip, I feel that the additional utility of back tools trumps the superior durability of alox.

The combo tool isn’t as stout as the bottle opener/flat screwdriver tool.  Adding a small one piece pry tool (PWII, GPT, etc.) may be the way to go depending on what level of force you are using, but of course your tool count then goes back up.

I find the Vic removable scale pen quite awkward to use, so unless you only carry the pen for very short and very occasional use, you’re probably going to want to stick with the Fisher bullet there.

I actually prefer the Climber over the Compact as a stand alone SAK, for the following reasons:
- Two knife blades instead of one
- Climber has the awl, while Compact does not
- Bottle opener/flat screwdriver is more robust than the combo tool for stubborn screws and or prying
- I don’t consider not having plus scales any great loss (and if you did, you could always put plus scales on a Climber)
- Climber’s can opener tip is great on most commonly encountered Phillips screws, as long as they aren’t too deeply recessed.  Compact doesn’t have a great way to handle Phillips screws; some advocate for using the corner of the combo tool, but I find this awkward at best.
- Not having the nail file is a bit of a loss, but between the knife blades and scissors I can generally make do without

With regard to the sentimental value, only you can judge.

Yeah, that Hunstman thread is a great one, an MTO classic for sure.  And I agree, cellidor is much tougher than it appears.  As I often say, if I'm doing something I don't think a 91mm SAK can handle, then its time for a fixed blade or dedicated tool. That being said, there is just something about the feel of alox, a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it feel indestructible.  TO me, the alox feels like it can be an heirloom, while all the plastic and bits and bobs of a cellidor seem more disposable.  Its one of the reasons I don't like plastic for most stuff, it seems so impermanent.  Irrational, I know.

The back tools are one of the things I actively dislike, not so much for the tools (though they are often awkward to use) but because the springs aren't flush with the liners.  NOt only is it a pain to keep lint out of, but its just uncomfortable to me.

My bullet pen is strictly a limited use one.  When I'm at work where I do more writing, I carry a Zebra F-701 (with a space pen refill).  So the Vic pen would be an acceptable compromise.

I like the idea of the climber, but it just adds too much bulk for daily carry.  To me the appeal of the Compact is to get most of that in two layers, though I've convinced myself the tool compromises are too great.

[gustophersmob]

I have been carrying something like a compact (subbed phillips for corkscrew and replaced combotool for 93mm awl). My takeaway is that knowing you can have 1 sak on you that covers so much is great, and being 2 layers is great.  I actually left the house today and needed the scale pen.

That said, a Pioneer + small SAK are formidable and easy to carry. I pry things frequently and have actually bent the awl and combotool before, never the can opener and cap lifter through.

Yeah, I've been carrying the Pioneer/alox Classic combo every day for 11 years now and have never felt under-knifed or under-tooled.  That being said, I'm never far from proper tools, so I don't feel the need for something like a Swisschamp.

[gustophersmob]

I also vastly prefer the Climber, and for much the same reasons. To me, the traditional opener layer is just too useful for so, so many things (official uses and otherwise).

I have a 91mm Golfer (the Compact’s immediate predecessor) and I have to say that the combo tool just doesn’t cut the mustard for me.

Also, the Compact is only a couple of millimeters thinner than the 3 layer Climber - and the Compact is normally about twice as expensive as the Climber for those of us in the States.

That said, there are a lot of Compact fans out there, if the internet is any guide…

If the combo tool can't cut mustard, I'd definitely say its useless 

And yes, I think I use the opener layer for "unofficial" uses more than not.  I actually can't remember the last time I opened a can or bottle with it, but I've used the can opener already today to pull staples.

[gustophersmob]

I have a couple of Compacts.  They are ok and are probably dandy for working in an office: thin and unobtrusive and including scissors.  I find the tool set somewhat underwhelming.  I actually think I would like the Yeoman tool set better than the Compact.

I think this is the rub for me, to get what I really want out of a compact, reducing the number of items carried, it gets bigger than I want.  The Pioneer basically disappears in the pocket and the alox classic is unobtrusive on my keys. Plus, I mainly use the scissors for grooming, so they aren't as critical for me as they are for others.

[gustophersmob]

I am fan of Climber too, actually. It offers the set of tools I use most.
I like Compact however I would appreciate  it to be 84mm instead of 91 to be more compact
Recently I ended up carrying combo of miniChamp and EDC folding knife.

The minichamp/single blade folder is a cool combo.  I think I'd end up needing bigger drivers, but I can see how it would be useful.

[gustophersmob]

I have as well somewhat ambivalent relatiosnhip with Compact. My approach to SAKs is rather minimalist, so in theory the Compact should be an excellent solution.

I even enhanced it with Quattro screwdriver as scale tool (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,90094), I find the combo tool sufficient and do not feel the need for full opener layer, but still I prefere for normal use Waiter/Bantam/Wenger 63 + any 58 with scissors.

Why is that I am not sure... It is more the feelings only - I prefere just the single layer in my pocket, tactile feeling of the aligned back spring in bantam/wenger 63, the 91s feel too large vs 84s....
If I want to have only one SAK on me, then Compact is a rational choice, but I am not in love with it.

On the other hand - why not to try it? Sometimes only the real hands-on experience can tell and may open new path.

I 100% agree with the aligned/flush back springs!

The main reason not to try is I don't like to waste money on things that won't get used (I have a pretty strict "no-shelf queens" policy) and the compact is pricey for what it is.  If I find one used for a low price, I may give it a go.  But even the current sale price of $39 is too much for something I am 90% certain I wont get along with.

[gustophersmob]

Compact's are great but you probably want a Pioneer X since you don't like scale tools. I would go Pioneer X or Electrician or both. They are both around $50 each. Compact's is sexy in black. Black Knive Matter !!! BKM

I had the MTO pioneer X briefly and then sold it on.  It sat like a brick in the pocket.  And, for me, scissors are primarily used for grooming, so I'm ok with compromising on their size in the 58mm frame.

[gustophersmob]

I tried the Compact but missed the dedicated drivers and openers. The combo tool didn’t fail on me but I could tell the dedicated drivers were more robust especially when prying.

 

[Steelej1976]

gustophersmob

I'm glad you self corrected because I was going to say to stay with what you have.  I have debated the Compact but I use the regular opener layer for prying, scraping, and screwdrivers and from what I have read and seen of the combo tool it is too much of a compromise for my day to day uses. 

Also your red Alox Pioneer is beautiful and having a Classic SD you get a better nail file, an additional Phillips driver and I actually like the 58mm scissors better as I feel they are even more precise then the 91mm.  My recent carry has been a Recruit and Classic SD because like you I find the backside tools underwhelming and I agree with you about keeping lint out and the flush liners are more comfortable to hold.   

I have a Pioneer X but like you I find it to be a brick in my pocket.  While it doesn't happen often when the bigger scissors spring does break you have a huge tool that is basically nonfunctional on your main carry.  I know they are replaceable but it still can be frustrating.   I am actually looking to get a Red Pioneer like yours if I can find one and keep my cellidor Classic SD as I do enjoy the tweezers and toothpick on a smaller grooming tool like the Classic.

[powernoodle]

That's a good pairing!

   

[marlowe221]

The minichamp/single blade folder is a cool combo.  I think I'd end up needing bigger drivers, but I can see how it would be useful.

An option I often go with is a 2 layer 91 or 84mm and something like a Classic SD or Rambler.

I like the Spartan, Tinker, Sportsman, or Recruit for my larger, 2 layer SAK but a Pioneer would be wonderful too!

The nice thing about the combo like this is that the 58mm is so small and light that you don't notice the weight or presence of it. And I like the smaller scissors too - personally, most of the times I find I need scissors the smaller size is better for the job because it's a task that requires some precision, or it's in a small space, etc.

A Pioneer plus a Rambler would get you a full size blade, in-line awl, full size opener layer (all in an alox 2 layer SAK), plus the scissors and 3D Phillips on the Rambler.

I get that some people prefer to only carry one tool, and that's cool, but as lightweight as a 58mm SAK is.... it's basically "for free"!

[Helvetica Bold]

Love the look of what you are currently carrying - battered red is my fave finish :0) Pioneer plus rambler (or my favourite Manager) gets you a formidable toolset. I’m not a fan of the compact but how about a climber with a plus scale upgrade? Sorted. Or swap your 58 to a manager on your keyring and keep your larger an alox?