The tweezers, pen, and mini screwdriver on the Victorinox are essential once you start using them. A blacked out serrated blade looks very intimidating too, while everyone recognises a Swiss Army Knife as being much more benign in looks and usefulness.
@@chevy4x466 almost in no time. Small black knife is scary to many people but a large knife with orange or bright red scales is not. Maybe they just racist? 😂😂😂😂
138 year lineage, ubiquitously known by its name and as the Gentleman's tool, no "scary jagged edge" (you mentioned you're in England), known quality and craftsmanship...Imma stick with Victorinox. I gave my coworker a Huntsman, and about a week later she went to visit a friend in the hospital. Security searched her bag, and produced the Huntsman. She was mortified, thinking she's about to get in trouble for bringing a knife in. The guard said "Oh, a Swiss Army Knife. Cool.", gave it back to her, and she was allowed to go about her business, WITH THE KNIFE.
Agreed that's quite a price for only gaining a pocket clip and having less tools at your disposal. The Ellis is a whole lot sleeker and classier looking though. The Ellis would be good for business folks and urban carry.
The thing is build quality and material upgrades. Swiss army is my favorite, I don't own any of these knives though, that being said the materials are cheap, which is why the low price point stands. Also, a Swiss Army compact is around 60 dollars not on sale, at least last time I looked
Best Victorinox advert ever 👍. Finally, replacement of the compact by spending three times as much and only when carrying another Victorinox. Recon I'll stick with my sak but thanks for the heads up 👍
I’ve read a couple of comments below and there’s a lot of love for the SAK still. It’s nice to ring the changes sometimes of course. It’s not even the cost that puts me off the Ellis, it’s that it basically a two tool knife with a screw driver on the knifes through tang/structure. I still think the SAK has such good reassuring friendly relationships with community who carry EDC tools/knives. Plus, people ingenuity make the tools very versatile. For the sake of a clip I think I would stick with a worldwide tested SAK. Just my opinion of course. Always nice to see new ideas though Jon.
@@JonGadget It's a really great option for non-locking blade primary, Especially if you have a pouch of other tools for lesser required purposes as Jon does
Too expensive, I would be worried about losing it. A plus for the compact blade, easy to sharpen unlike that combo one and I have the victorinox pen-like sharpener as part of my EDC. Also, I love the tool set on the compact and find myself using them a lot more than I expected, though often in ways not intended 😀
Love the Compact. Used the parcel hook the other day to open my frozen gas cap door on my car. Easy to carry then an EDC satchel and more versatile than the knife you're reviewing.
@ Jon for the price I could afford to replace victorinox a couple of times! never needed a pocket clip! I think the Ellis is more of a status symbol like a Rolex watch! nice but there are more accurate and durable watches than overrated and overpriced Rolex watches. I had a GMT master that was a gift. it was beautiful but not that great as a timepiece,and after a few years I got rid of it. I'm afraid this knife is probably the same, nice but not worth the money! Sam Adler from Vietnam
@@JonGadget "You get what you pay for" and what you get with james brand is spotty quality control where spacers on scales are commonly poorly fitted, a foreign manufacturing charging at a premium price tag note this is an american company charging prices that you'd see if they were actually manufacturing in the states so already pretty questionable, another issue is the price for 12c27n im not steel snob but for the price of 100$ here in the US thats pretty overpriced for a slipjoint knife with a cheesy combo edge and a pair of scissors and no scale tools like the Victorinox with from a questionable quality control company as is. Sorry chief but you got taken for a ride for what you paid for on that.
You're right. In a pocket knife, the price is a function. I love my Compact but the knife I use everyday is... my Waiter because it's even cheaper and I'm not afraid to loose it (I added a needle and a little screw driver on the cork screw).
One of the advantages of carrying a SAK is it’s non-threatening by reputation. There isn’t any heavy rock guitar background music when I take it out of my pocket; perhaps some yodeling.
I’m sticking to my Compact. I value the extra tools. I wouldn’t carry an extra Victorinox in order to carry the James Brand Ellis also. It seems silly and excessive. For me, the Compact is the perfect EDC.
@@JonGadget Thanks Jon. Appreciate your comments. For me the point of distinction is I don’t carry an urban kit also. The Compact (with the same pocket clip you recommended) goes with me everywhere. I appreciate your work.
I agree. I do prefer the Compact too. And don’t forget that you can buy three Compacts for the price of the Ellis. For me, a $119 knife is nothing but men jewelry.
My EDC should have the things I need daily - not requiring a 2nd kit in another bag somewhere! Also, that screwdriver looks abysmal for real life use compared to the Victorinox. Glad you like the new knife but it's definitely not for me. I can't quite get past the obsession with an ultra thin device. To each his own I guess!
It looks nice but i require a saw along with scissors and hardly anyone makes one that doesn't have to many other items i don't use, the VICTORINOX SILVER ALOX FARMER X hits all the tools i really wanted in a pocket knife and its pretty slim still.
I definitely see the appeal of a slimline option with scissors and an integrated pocket clip, and the Ellis looks lovely. But I suspect £120 is going to be pretty tough to justify for many people! Particularly when the compact is so solid and available for a fraction of the price. Really enjoying the channel by the way. I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the Heinnie Windmill as a possible budget alternative...
Thanks for the feedback Matt - I agree this is pushing the price boundary and the Compact is no less great than it was before. The Heinnie Windmill I haven't handled but it looks good to me and is amazing value.
@@JonGadget Cheers Jon! I might have to try the Windmill, and I'll look forward to a long-term review of the Ellis. It's interesting to see lots of similar comments - I think this speak to the fact that you are really offering something different by focusing on practical utility and value, rather than show. I can't be the only one that finds a lot of the collector-oriented reviews on other channels fairly monotonous... I'm much more interested in simple improvements to everyday life! Keep up the great work.
@@michaeljdauben and I have a black on black one coming. I don't have as much need for the tool as much as I am a collector of knives. This looks like a useful one.
It's fine, but I'll warn you that even though I've tried to replace my Compact many times, I always end up going back to it 😅😁. As always, your videos are outstanding, congratulations. Kind regards.
Thanks for the great feedback - it would not surprise me if that happened to me - sometimes you don't know how good something is until it goes away - good to try something new though and I'm very happy with it so far.
I was going to say something similar.. that his next video would be titled “why I’m switching back to the Compact” 😅 I think he’s in love with the looks of the knew knife, but time will tell him that the Compact is much better and practical.
I’ve never heard of them, but WOW that thing looks nice! Love the G10 grip, the partially serrated blade, and the larger than normal scissors. Looks well made and the packaging presentation is really nice.
After watching this video, I did buy a James Brand Ellis (all black of course) and compared it to my Compact. Wow, holding/playing with them both plays up how awesome each of them are. However, I'm noticing how each tool of the Compact feels a bit like a compromise to use vs. how using the Ellis' scissor or blade don't feel like a compromise at all. The Ellis' slipjoint works really nicely.
That is a nice combo. I have been a huge advocate for Victorinox to make a two layer knife that included scissors for years. I think it would resonate with a large contingent of people to have a slim carry that included scissors to compliment multi tools that did not include them, or as a stand alone product. This is a great setup, but the price will deter people from selecting this option in my opinion. Great video! Great knife!
Still it’s Victorinox for me…😊🙏🏻 You can’t beat the additional functionalities, affordability and guaranteed quality of a SAK,… but I’m happy for you if you’re happy with your choice. Thanks for the review.
cool for sure (even if i don't like serrated blades). btw i don't think it would replace a victorinox by the practical point of view. for sure i welcome gladly a new pocket multitool knife!
The best Victorinox alternatives to me are: 1) Civivi Sendy. One handed deployable locking Nitro V blade, tweezers, toothpick, pocket clip, Vic Compact size and weight. Pairs great with a 58-74mm Victorinox with scissors and a nail file (or a SwissCard for that matter), 2) Roxon KS2 Elite - All the tools lock, and almost all can be deployed one handed. Managed to do something Victorinox never did: in line reamer AND an in line Phillips. Great scissors. D2 steel. Saw. It's a Fieldmaster/Huntsman killer.
These knives are excellent. I have two "The Pike". They replaced my EDC spyderco knives. James brand knives are top notch and highly recommend them to anyone.
That's good to hear - there is a feeling here in the comments I believe that they might be style over substance - I'm looking forward to finding out.....
Interesting to see that you’re at the point in your EDC that you’re looking at the most minimalist (but still good) option available. I’m still pretty fresh in the hobby phase, so I may be carrying as many as seven blades amongst the various knives and multi tools I have with me. 😂 I think of my EDC set-up as being loosely inspired by Batman. No matter what situation I encounter, I have a tool for the job in one of my pockets. Is it practical? No. 🤷♂️ Is it fun? Yes.
haha yeah, just carrying everything gets pretty tiring. I watched a bunch of guys go over their EDC pouches that looked more like softballs in width and thought "yeah RIGHT these guys carry this everywhere they go". My maxped Micro is about as thick as my compact+the bic lighter that lines up with it when it's closed and weighs about 500g. Even that seems 'heavy' when you carry it long enough.
Came here after watching the more recent video where he goes back to the SAK. Didn't expect the vast majority of comments here to be telling him he's making a mistake which he obviously did. LOL!
Great vid as always Jon, very appreciate it. I am not carrying any manager or mini champ so it's still the compact + key smart combo for me. I used to underestimate the pen in my Compact but then it save me quite a few times. I wish I can change the bottle opener/ can opener to the combo tool (with ruler, file and flathead) I mean who open a can in an urban environment nowadays? I would kill to swap the hook with a Philip screw driver too haha
Luckily I'm still perfectly happy with my Spartans in translucent green and orange that I carry in turn. The Ellis is really a cool knife, but 120$ plus shipping to Europe plus taxes - that would really be too much for me. Btw Jon you have a very soothing voice, sometimes I'm watching your videos for the second or third time, just to get the horrible news out of my head before I go to sleep... :-)
The serrated knife blade is very useful to cut German bread or a crisp French baguette. In that case my Vitorinox with a smooth blade always fails to cut through the hard crust.
I originally first saw the pocket clip that screws directly to the Swiss Army knife so I was planning on getting one for my favorite pocket knife, the Victorinox Super Tinker. But after watching your videos where you show the Keysmart clip I thought about it and decided to buy one like it for way less than the SwissQlip that connects direct to the knife. I'm glad I did because it is so comfortable that I hardly feel that it's in my front pocket despite it being a 3 layer knife. Your videos saved me some money and made my knife easier to carry.
Looks pretty nice. I saw that in a KnifeCenter video, too. However, I think the low price on a Victorinox is a huge factor for EDC, because it makes me feel liberated from worrying about mucking it up. Also, this isn't a deal breaker for me, but I do prefer gear not made in China. But your praise of these scissors means a lot.
My main objection to the new knife is the screwdriver! It’s very broad and short, which is precisely the opposite of what I look for in such a tool. Also, as a glasses wearer, the teeny tiny screwdriver that fits into the corkscrew is a must.
Jon - your very well produced videos are always a joy. The scissor test, just about won me over. The end scrapper/screwdriver position and angle concern me. Can you tell if the pocket clip will interfere with the approach angle for prying or scraping? As always appreciate the content, and best wishes.
Thanks for another comprehensive review. So many good, and poor, knives on the market. I appreciate that unlike many reviewers, you explain your choices.
An impressive knife and a worthy replacement. The website has some really interesting and unique products and if truly high quality...at a reasonable price. Another great video. Thanks. Be safe-Be well
Victorinox has nothing to worry about. The price difference alone is enough to turn most people off. Why pay the extra money to buy something whose only improvement is a pocket clip. Personally, I like my classic at the bottom of my pocket anyway.
Good afternoon. I had various Swiss army knives and found I didn't use most of the tools. I now carry the dinky little Gerber Splice. It has a good and easily accessible scissors - the tool I would use the most. It also has both a straight and serrated blade. Sometimes less more 👍
I've had an original Ellis for about 2 years now. It replaced my previous blade-only knife, and I've loved it. I *hate* pocket clips b/c I never use them and they always seem to snag in my pocket, so I was very happy the original Ellis didn't have one. The main things I use my EDC tool for are all sorts of cutting (boxes, rope, heavy shrink wrap, zip ties, etc) and bottles (work a concession stand on weekends) so the original was perfect for me. I generally do *not* like scissors on my pocketknives b/c they always seemed too flimsy and insubstantial, but these seem to actually be worth having. First video I've seen from you, and I appreciate the focus on detail, but w/o marketing fluff or filler. Thanks
The serrated blade is a deal killer for me, I hate 'em. But thanks for taking the time to make the vid! I recently bought the Hiker, as I like having a Phillips head screwdriver, saw, and second blade. But it's a 3 layer knife and it is a bit thicker then I like to throw in my pocket every day. There's a hole behind the Phillips head screw driver for a pin or needle, in case someone do know that. I only noticed it after watching hit other video. I knew they are often behind the corkscrew, but I didn't think to check behind the Phillips. However, I also don't normally need a saw when in town, usually only when I'm in the woods. So the Compact makes a lot of sense as an EDC. Plus you educated me on some of its features that I wasn't aware of. I'm close to buying a Compact now. Luckily, we're more free here in Texas, and I can carry any kind of knife I wish, along with just about any kind of firearm as well. So I also carry a locking knife that's made for self defense. But I've taken to carrying second knife for cutting up "regular " stuff. The only down side to the Compact is that it's not a one handed opening knife. But the features seem like they might make up for that. Enough that I'm willing to give it a try since the Compact is pretty affordable.
Interesting option. I generally carry a Victorinox Compact, a small locking folding knife with a thumb stud (living in the US so that's an option here), and often a Spirit X multitool if I'm wearing a belt. Personally, I think I'm going to stick with the Compact because I don't carry a pouch and wouldn't want to add something to replicate the glasses screwdriver and pin. Also, working in an office, when someone asks to borrow a knife for a moment, the Compact is far more innocuous than the Ellis with the slightly more "tactical" colors and serrations. Everyone is familiars with SAKs and no one thinks twice about it but I could see getting some looks with the Ellis. Not to say that there's anything inherently more dangerous but you know how people can be. Also, for the price, I feel a higher end steel would be more appropriate.
I have the older version of the Ellis. It was happily my only pocket knife for two or so years before I branched out to some other knives (like Victorinox). I still carry it often.
The thing I seem to use most is my swiss card! I've got the one with magnifying glass ( getting old) and mini led light. I thought it was a gimmick at first but typical victorinox, it's actually quite good at close range. The scissors we know about, the tweezers too. The blade is very small but really sharp. Such a great design.
Looks great. The price is a little much for me right now. I EDC a Boker plus atlas. Blade and scissors, same sturdy scissor design as the James. I’ll be keeping my eye out for this knife though. 👍
The James product certainly has its appeal, however at that cost it is not replacing all other tools in the Compact’s feature set without further expenditures to flesh out the kit. One of the nicer aspects of EDC is that some products offer multiple functions, and having a bit of overlapping functionality (i.e., redundancy, also known as “backup”) is still a worthy endeavor. There are tasks I still feel the Compact addresses in this. I find I prefer having a secondary or fallback tool for most of my EDC is preferable. In a pinch, relying on only one tool as a solution seems to yield failure as often as success. You may well call me skeptical! I appreciate your channel, your insightful commentaries, and your discoveries! Your career is enviable. Thank you for sharing your content in so approachable and appealing a manner.
Great stuff! In the same way you have the manager around, I decided to get a nail clip 582 for my briefcase. Having tweezers around is so convenient, an for me, with the added benefit to be int'l travel friendly, so I never need to prepare my briefcase prior to a trip.
I would argue that a SAK on the hanging hoook will sit more comfortably than a pocket hook that is fixed to the knife. I wear a ranger and have no issues with it .
Thank you for this video. The JBE seems to be a beautiful little companion. The scissors seem sturdy and comfortable to use. I'm very interested in how they perform on the long run. Note that SAK's scissors are serrated (not sure they will ever have to be sharpened) and the spring can be replaced, but look less sturdy than the JBE's. Actually just watched Immler cut through two sheets of a Swiss army blanket with the SAK scissors, would love to see something similar with the JBE scissors. The pry bar looks potentially useless with the scales so close to the tip, wonder if it helps the leverage or if it's in the way of getting a good "sink in". All in all, I think you are comparing apples with ...stylish dragonfruit tools-wise, but your experience taught you which tools you really need, and obviously your new set-up fits your needs better than before, and that's all that matters. No need to defend the SAK, if you don't use the numerous features and are happy to carry a back up tool for some of these features, then why would you need a standard SAK? The difference is in your requirements. A tip for those that I haven't bored to death yet, regarding missing pocket clip: the standard length SAK usually fits nicely into the watch-pocket of your jeans. If you have a deep pocket or want to use a bigger pocket, a little paracord on the key-ring helps get it out. Doesn't work well with skinny tight jeans or with the SAK Swiss Champ of course...
this is it exactly, Jon isn't saying this knife is a replacement for the compact, he's saying his EDC duplicates enough of what is offered in the compact to carry something more focused in purpose, in this case basically a dedicated blade+amazing scissors.
Yeah, I'm sue most people would pretend to abandon a perfectly good knife and claim to now carry the £120 one if it was sent free by the manufacturer... and since that's what JB have done with most RU-vid reviewers, I can only presume that's the case here. JB are a markup company like TAD, but without the cool styling to back it up, leaving you with overpriced junk intended for hipsters who know nothing about knives and can't spot the points that show how poorly made their stuff is. So many user reviews absolutely slate this brand, and with good reason!
While I'm reluctant to call out Jon for doing that it is definitely true for A LOT of Instagram and RU-vid reviews. James Brand is overpriced and overhyped with average (at best) fit and finish and worse quality control. It has all the hallmarks of a 'brand' brand, where the brand and image is more important than the tools. Overpriced, mediocre materials, 'action shots', fancy packaging and an obvious design language.
Please don't assume Sarrienne, I purchased this from their website and haven't had any contact from JB. It sounds like you are saying you have used JB knives and compared them - or maybe not!
@@JonGadget I did not assume. I quite specifically presumed, and explained the basis for such supposition. I didn't recall you specifying your source, either way. And yes, I have had some experience with their previous models. Some weren't bad, while others were prime examples of hideously poor QA. One I actually sent back, while the others I ended up selling on.
When I saw the lack of a smaller driver, I just knew you were going to be relying on your additional kit. For me, the Compact is the first line of defense, and I'm just not willing to give up anything that is on in. Having done the clip carry thing for years (mostly Spyderco) and returning to Victorinox, I just don't see the appeal. Are your pockets really so crowded? That said, great video, always appreciate your thoughts on these things, this may be the first time I've ever disagreed with you.
Would be nice to see a comparison video between James Brand Ellis scissors and Victorinox scissors how they cut different materials such as stiff cardboard and other difficult packaging materials for example. Intereresting RU-vid channel you've got! Greatings from Finland! 🇫🇮
Great video. So important you took the time at the beginning to remind everyone of your specific carry regime and needs. I just couldn't live without a bottle opener and corkscrew (we picnic often), and the mini screwdriver is a must have for our reading glasses (my wife and I are both over 50). I'm not carrying anything else, just one all purpose pocket knife, so the Compact is perfect for my needs. But everyone is different, definitely!
SAK's are cool, but it takes a backseat to Leatherman. the Surge or Wave are all you need. if youre feeling fancy, you can get a Charge+ with s30v/154CM steel. Way better than the cheap steel found in SAK's
Yeah, having spent most of my adult life employed as a workman, I can't bring myself to give up pliers/wire cutters. It is possible that some of my edc might not conform to UK carry regulations.
Thanks for the video John. Very good content as always. As for the competitor, it's close and may have some advantages with the right overall edc set up, however, comparing head to head, I'll stick with my Compact everyday of the week. More function, history, charm, and it factor in the Compact - IMHO. This morning I used the corkscrew to untie a knot in the trash bag so I could get rid of an empty milk gallon. The Ellis wouldn't have done that for me. At the end of the day, it's no Swiss Army knife 🤙
I have a number of Swiss Army knives ,the Farmer in Silver Alox & Hiker or the Hiker in red scales is my EDC choice . I also carry a Letherman Squirt pS 4 on my key ring in black . These cover most things . Not sure but I think any blade that is serrated is classed as an illegal Zombie knife ,that carries a mandatory prison sentence of 5 years if caught in possession in public .
Great looking knife. Ticks a lot of boxes for me. But partially serrated blade and the price make it a no for me. James Brand if you are watching; please make a full straight blade version with one handed opening (front flipper slip joint maybe). Cheers Jonathan for sharing, fantastic presentation as always.
Thanks Michael, I would like a single hand opening blade too - but I know that would make it illegal in Germany so I guess this might have wider appeal as it is - serrated blade is a deal breaker for many I think
@@JonGadget It is always nice to see companies making stuff for a wider market (especially an American company making stuff for the European market and our silly rules). For me personally the serration is useless day to day in my non working life, a full straight blade is so much more useless. This Ellis clearly is not an outdoors knife but I appreciate JB adding more functionality.
Watched this vid right after I placed an order for a Compact… I cannot express how confused I felt… why the Ellis? Sure, it looks great, but other then that, less functionality and a combo blade where most people prefer the straight blade. But seeing this vid almost made me buy the Ellis. Especially for the looks. Thank you you were redeemed later on :) and I luckily never fell into the Ellis trap
Most excellent video, Sir! However, after consideration, I am unconvinced. The Ellis is beautiful and exudes quality with a clearly superior blade; the scissors are also perhaps an upgrade. However, I feel too many functions are lost from the Compact. I cannot reasonably consider features from a third knife in the comparison. Then, the PRICE differential! Alas, this, alone, is controlling. (However, I fear I must now also have an Ellis...) Congratulations on an outstanding channel. We appreciate your work!
All pocket-tools are a compromise, but how is the Ellis’ stubby “screwdriver” even functional as a “screwdriver,” and more importantly, how often does one even find a slotted screw on anything, specifically one that wide! So, at least for me the Ellis is a $100.00 two function “pocket-tool” so the search continues! Thanks for the excellent video!
I bought a James Brand knife as a gift for a friend recently, and was really impressed with the quality of it, have been thinking about getting one for myself, but a lot of their items are Out of Stock at the moment. My only hesitation on the Ellis over a Victorinox is that one of my most used items is in fact the toothpick! 🤣 Also the tweezers on the Swiss Army knives are garbage imo, tried to remove a sliver with them recently and they were all but useless for that task!
My UK carry edc is Swisschamp , all I need in one tool literally , no additional folder or anything else . For many people too bulky , but with vic belt leather hanger is ok ,
I like this as a “pocket knife” minus the part serrated edge. But I’m terms of replacing a victorinox I wouldn’t. And you made an update video about it so I can see you changed your mind 🙃
I personally carry a Victorinox Explorer as I love the Magnifying glass and the layout of the other tools and A quick blade on my right pocket Living in Canada there are no issues with a locking blade so I get the benefit of some really great quick knife options Right now I have the Civivi Elementium carbon Fibre scale with Damascus style blade. but it changes when the mood suits. It is the way of things I have collected knives for decades LOL. Love your channel and your reviews! You have a wonderful talent for seeing things in a different way than I do and it lead me to switch to the Victorinox Explorer from the tinker as my needs had significantly changed.
I think the price is fine although a lot in the comments disagree but you can spend a lot more on a knife and the quality here seems very good to me - Vics hard to beat of course for VFM
really like the ellis and i love the fact i can get it with straight edge option, while i have only switched to a sak in the last 2 years (used a leatherman before) i have come to appriciate the sak. i might order an ellis for the quality alone and leave the sak in my edc pouch
Nice tool! If I wasn't retired as a service technician, I would have AT LEAST two of those, one in the tool bag and one in my pocket. I carry an automatic knife these days so my EDC tools are separate. Under 100 USD. Got one coming from Blade HQ. FWIW I never carry a knife that doesn't have a serrated edge. Plain edge knives don't cut plastic or nylon fibers as well.
That Ellis looks really cool, but that price is quite a bit more for less tools, granted the knife/scissors are my most used tools, but for that price I think I'd just go with a top-end leather man. That said I live in the US so I can carry a knife that locks, which may impact your decision. Still, great video Jon. Thanks for sharing.
Have you seen the Leatherman Free multitools? The are pocket knife style multitools like a SAK. They do all have locking blades, though, so they are probably not an option if you are in the UK like Jon.
Your reviews are excellent Jon. I have taken on a top to bottom overhaul of my EDC based largely on your kits. The Ellis looks like it will be a sturdy addiction to your EDC. I am very much considering purchasing one. Although here in Australia I can carry a locking option I want to carry an edc knife that others don’t find threatening, often an issue with larger knives. Victorinox have cornered the market in that department I feel but the sleek design of the Ellis also might serve to do the same. Looking forward to your next video!
You might want to try a small sheepsfoot to keep things non threatening, depending on budget some of the Italian brands or almost anything designed by Jesper Voxnaes might hit the mark. A cheaper option would be the Pillar 3 by CRKT.
Interesting to see that someone finally managed to compete with Victorinox scissors :D These seem to work very well, indeed. How wide they open up should be enough, I guess, but what I don't like about this spring construction is the up and down movement of the whole tool while using it. As far as I can see, that's the case on this one as well, but doesn't seem to be too bad. But the serrations are a no for me, and Vic screw drivers seem to be a whole lot more versatile than this huge one. This looks more like a pry bar to me, it wouldn't fit into any of the screws I come across.
the scissors actually don't move up and down in use - the static blade remains still when cutting which is part of the appeal - screwdriver is heavy duty but as you say more for hose clips than battery compartments!
