Bantam (Bottle Opener/ Can Opener)

[captain spaulding]

Just wondering how well the Bottle Opener/ Can Opener on the bantam works. Obviously the bottle opener works fine, but the can opener is what i'm really asking about. It has a different shape than the can opener on most current model SAK'S. How sharp is it? Does anyone have any detailed pictures of the Bantams can opener? Thanks everyone.

[GigaHz]

The 91 and 84 combo tool.

Not sharp.

[jerseydevil]

It's not sharp, but it will open cans.  Not quite as smooth an easy as the standard Vic or Wenger opener, but it does work.    As a bottle opener I think the combo tool actually works better than the standard.

[captain spaulding]

Thanks for the pictures. Soooo how well does it work as a can opener?

[captain spaulding]

Thanks JD.

[hiljentaa]

As a bottle opener I think the combo tool actually works better than the standard.

I've had the opposite experience. I much prefer the standard bottle opener to the Bantam opener.

Have not opened cans with it before.

[Tyler_]

I can tell you one thing, as a can opener, it works a hell of a lot better than the Wenger combo tool. 

(on the left)

[rickinFL]

I prefer the combo tool for both bottle opening and can opening.

[PTRSAK]

I can tell you one thing, as a can opener, it works a hell of a lot better than the Wenger combo tool. 

(on the left)
(Image removed from quote.)

I've always wondered about that, I have SAK's with both and not tried Wenger's combo tool on cans, only as a bottle opener.

[lowtech]

I still have 2 of the old, battered Bantams lying around - If you care to PM me your address, I´ll send you one for field testing. Blade is rather useless on them, though.

[captain spaulding]

I still have 2 of the old, battered Bantams lying around - If you care to PM me your address, I´ll send you one for field testing. Blade is rather useless on them, though.

Honestly I already ordered one so I guess I will find out sooner than later, so I would be lying if I told you I needed yours to test it out. Thank you for the generosity though. If your just dying to give something away than you can send it my way.   

[captain spaulding]

Forgot to ask. It is used to open cans like a Leatherman style can opener right. Not forward like the more common VIC openers.   

[lowtech]

I´m not dying to get rid of it, but if you pm me the address I´ll send you one - Makes good mod fodder at least.

[Gareth]

Forgot to ask. It is used to open cans like a Leatherman style can opener right. Not forward like the more common VIC openers.   

Yeah, you go 'backwards' just like you would do with a LM/Wenger type can opener*.  TBH I really like it as a cap lifter, but it's not the best can opener.  It'll still stop you staring with hunger at a can of chilli though.



*Just to note, it was actually Vic who came up with that style of opener as well, but moved on to their current style in 1951.

See here under 1946: http://www.e-webtechnologies.com/sak/Victorinox_SAK_History_Urs_Wyss_-_Updated_12_FEB_08.pdf

[captain spaulding]

I´m not dying to get rid of it, but if you pm me the address I´ll send you one - Makes good mod fodder at least.

I'm sure I will find something I can use it for.      Sending PM. 

[meanx]

As a bottle opener I think the combo tool actually works better than the standard.

I've had the opposite experience. I much prefer the standard bottle opener to the Bantam opener.

Have not opened cans with it before.

Same here, personally I really don't like the combo tool, its the only tool on a SAK that will make me think twice before buying that specific SAK. The bottle opener (flat screwdriver) and can opener (phillips) are my most used tools on any SAK

[powernoodle]

Start at 3:00; ok, its not much, but you didn't pay much for my research either. 

[KiwiMark]

I prefer the standard can opener, but the Bantam is really nice to carry, so small & light with a pretty competent blade.  It's hard to think of a better way to have the ability to open both bottles & cans and still keep the tool to only 2 items (blade + combo tool).  You also get a toothpick & tweezers to make this a really useful tool despite weighing next to nothing.

The combo tool is also usable on small screws and even some phillips screws.
I'm pretty sure that if you need to open a can and the Bantam is all you have available then you will manage to get the job done with it.

[captain spaulding]

I prefer the standard can opener, but the Bantam is really nice to carry, so small & light with a pretty competent blade.  It's hard to think of a better way to have the ability to open both bottles & cans and still keep the tool to only 2 items (blade + combo tool).  You also get a toothpick & tweezers to make this a really useful tool despite weighing next to nothing.

The combo tool is also usable on small screws and even some phillips screws.
I'm pretty sure that if you need to open a can and the Bantam is all you have available then you will manage to get the job done with it.

My thoughts exactly.