Victorinox Compact Review (The Best EDC Knife) 

Whoops! So cleverly hidden in there I never remember that guy! Thank you for the reminder!

I've only used it once, and it was to unclog a can of bug spray. Pretty handy though!

Costs nothing to have so why not!?

@@EngineersPerspective701 Some other models have the little hole for the pin (but not all of them...not sure why) so I went and bought some pins and stuck them in the models that accept them as it turns out it can be quite handy to have a little pin. Didn't think I'd really need it, but put it this way, it's been used more often than the likes of the hook and corkscrew, and maybe even the combo tool, which really only gets used to pry stuff open. The Compact is definitely my favourite carry SAK because like you, I love that you get the scissors in a 2 layer knife. I sometimes rock a Pioneer X or a Climber, but the Compact just disappears in my pocket. If only it had an awl. Also the Compact is quite expensive compared to other SAK's of a similar size. Where I am most 2 layers are off the top of my head, between 18 - 25, and 3 layers are like 25-30, but the Compact tends to be about 35...maybe 30 if you can find a deal.

@@stuarcari The Compact model is over $40 on Amazon. It's very marked up. A Spartan is only $23.

Exactly! I think TX Toolcrib or MAXLVLEDC did a video about how really any 91mm vic can get the "compact" treatment. A 3-layer compact huntsman would really be a winner I think.

I’ve seen a handful people so the belt sheath route, but I feel like I’d rather so to a Leatherman at that point and I don’t have to carry the extra tools. That said I really enjoy a pocket organizer with a Vic, pen, light, and then throw in the cobra XS. That’s a mean combination!

@@EngineersPerspective701 The Victorianox belt sheaths are pretty crap but some smaller low profile ones available. Anyway, good content. atb

Overall the answer is no. The rambler scissors are equally if not more precise so they will save the day with hangnails or other small things but just too small for lots of daily stuff

@@EngineersPerspective701 Thank you )) appreciate the reply 🤝

A compact with a Philips would be great

Very cool! Never thought it would be stiff enough to do that. Thanks for sharing!

Wouldn’t be the first time! Actually trim my sons bangs and side burn somewhat frequently with them!

Crazy, never thought about that, but theyre probably better for cutting hair than any other pair of scissors i got :D

Can’t assume the rest of the population does the same things you do

@@EngineersPerspective701 fair🤸‍♀️

Nice little setup! Would a Knipex XS fit in there? They’re freaking amazing! Or maybe swap the style for a squirt?

@@EngineersPerspective701 Wouldn’t fit in the zipper pouch. It’s pretty loaded up so things don’t slide around. I have the 125mm water pump pliers that I sometimes carry in a pocket. Used it to tighten a wheel nut on a Target shopping cart once. I also have a Squirt PS4, but I like the larger scissors on the Style CS. I do change things up every now and then, so might try another combination before too long.

It’s my constant companion. I just don’t feel right without it!

Variety is the spice of life! I change it out every so often to keep it fresh but I'm right there with you at 95% of the time my compact lives in my left front pocket. Honestly I may even compliment with a second SAK or something else more often than I switch it out.

@@EngineersPerspective701 I've never gone with dual SAKs, but I'm interested in getting a Midnight Manager (especially if I can find the elusive Midnight Manager@work) to give it a try.

I have a manager and love it. Would love an even more elusive Alox Rambler though!

@@oliverpolden Is that a real thing? I want one!

@@EngineersPerspective701 the Alox Rambler? Yes it is but it’s not in production. You can still get them though if you’re willing to cough up the dough! Yeah I really want one, but not quite as much as people are charging! Maybe send a message to Victorinox, hopefully if enough people say they want them then they’ll put them back into production. I’d really like a ruler on the other side of the file, flat head screwdriver thing.

Still to this day it’s my ride or die!

I’d even say the Style PS would be better depending on the type of file you want. Lighter and better reach with its 2D Phillips driver

I really love the compact! Hope it fits your niche!

@@EngineersPerspective701 Been playing with it since yesterday! Fidget friendly size. Gotta admit tho, my Huntsman is still my fave. Makes me feel complete without any fluff. I just love its size to tool ratio overall

Generally I wouldn’t carry two 91/93mm SAKs at the same time. I think the farmer X plus a version of the classic or rambler for the scale tools is a sweet setup though! Or even the Sportsman with a midnight manager to get scissors, pen, light

Never thought of that, thank you for the new idea!

Do it! Carry mine with a cobra XS all the time!

Lots of people diss it but I just really prefer it. Glad I'm not the only one!

You’d be surprised how often I use the hook! Honestly I don’t personally use the awl on my Vics very often. I do like it on my Leathermans though so I’m not sure why that is 🤔

You can put the pen under the hook for easier writing

Another use for it for sure. It can actually thread into the cork screw as well but the under hook trick is how I cross things off at the grocery store!

I find the scissors work ok for some occasions you would use an awl.

@@anoNEMOs You can do the same thing with the corkscrew and key ring.

definitely can but then I'd be getting into drilling out rivets and such. I'm just not at that point and may never be. The custom ones people sell are tempting but the cost can be brutal for an SAK. I would probably go for it if I wasn't allowed to carry a locking blade like in the Europe.

Holy crap that thing looks awesome! Perfect pairing to add the online philips on there. I swear Victorinox needs to bring that back and start a whole line of tools that have gone through the “compact” treatment!

Absolutely love 'em! I did get a pioneer x yesterday so I'm giving that a shot. Doubtful it will replace the compact long term though. Initial impressions video coming on Wednesday.

I did actually try it! I gave it away though after a while. It’s not just the screwdriver, it’s the classic set plus the screwdriver

@@EngineersPerspective701 Yeah the Rambler is better it's just that as you said you get a lot of tools in double with a compact. The explorer could be an alternative. You get a philips too.

The micra does have great scissors but Victorinox just absolutely nails them so they take the cake for me.

Such a great combo!

At least more models with the inline philips driver would be super appreciated!

Awesome choice, not much isn’t covered by the huntsman

Great tool! Use the suspension clips on the key ring? How do you feel about those scissors vs the Vic style?

@@EngineersPerspective701 Yeah the suspension TEK clips, works well for me. These scissors feel more heavy duty, especially with the bar spring vs bent spring, have used them to cut zip ties, and they are supposed to be self sharpening serrations so longevity may be improved vs the original scissors, though you can get replacement bent springs and if this bar spring breaks that's it. I have used them to cut hair and they work great for that too, just probably not as fine of a cut as a plain edge.

Thank you!

nice! fixes its greatest weakness by far

I don't know. The corkscrew is very good, it holds the small screw driver. Can hold fire starting kit. The multi tool can be used for philips screws. You are losing two tools to get one that you already have.

@@MankindFails everything is a trade off for sure. I do agree with you though. Personally the Philips driving is a severe weak spot but the uses I get out of the corkscrew are worth it considering the combo tool.

I like the mini champ for the rare occasion that I will only be carrying a keychain tool and nothing else. And don’t feel the need for pliers. Otherwise I tend to prefer the rambler and it’s variants because that’s really all I need. Funny enough I got the mini champ first and fell in love with that little phillips which lead me to the rambler!

@@EngineersPerspective701 well ordered the Minichamp too. The Compact arrives Saturday the Minichamp Sunday. I now have those the Huntsman, Tinker, Swiss Champ and Classic SD.

@@jeffreyarnold2929 it’s a good tool, don’t get me wrong! Just a niche tool for me when I have the rambler as an option! Highly recommend getting either a cadet or pioneer x as your next purchase if you still need to scratch that itch!

You tried the super tinker? They add scissors and the hook.

@@EngineersPerspective701 I might just get one or maybe a compact

Price and availability are definitely drawbacks to the compact. Those scissors are what keeps me coming back though

@@EngineersPerspective701 I understand. I also have the compact, but I replaced it with the waiter. If I need scissors, there is an alox classic on my keychain.

Those 51mm scissors are amazing for sure, I've probably cut 98% of my son's hangnails with those scissors. I adore the rambler for the philips driver and the reversed split ring placement.

Same, it's so good! The only time I don't carry it is if I'm experimenting with something new for the most part.

It's great! I really want to track down a sapphire one eventually

That sneaky, discreet little needle. Forget it every time

The camper was actually my first Victorinox! It currently resides in my hunting pack as a camp tool. I've started many a basic fire with that thing. The rambler lives on my keychain about 100% of the time but I only have my keys on me 20% of the time maybe so those big scissors are still a must for me.

Makes sense, if I didn't have my rambler close by 90% of the time, I would prefer switching my main SAK to something with scissors. Maybe a mountaineer since the metal saw is a tad more versatile.

@@Eragon954 how do you use metal saw/file in city, may I ask? Just curious 😊

Rambler scissors are too soft, 91mm do job much better

Totally agree, the way the compact pairs with several Leathermans is amazing! I actually shot a video about pairing it with the skeletool but haven't posted it yet.

@@EngineersPerspective701 I also rock a Manly Wasp S90V, and like straight and clean lines of the Rebar (which is a very well-rounded tool, yet underrated). I also have in my backpack a Pioneer X, a Xiaomi screwdriver set, a fixed Mora blade

I have a video on why the rebar may be a ether choice than the wave because it’s way underrated. There are some missing features for me but it’s a great host for some modding. I have the wrenches to loosen the screws in the mail from Russia right now to tinker with it!

😂 The pipe crew at the sugar refinery always offered new engineers a plexiotomy. This was the procedure of placing a piece of plexiglass in the abdomen so engineer's can see when their head is up their rear. Definitely would have been useful a time or two!

Ouch, I've never dealt with their warranty but that is rough!

The scales are replaceable, you can buy new ones online and change them out yourself (search youtube for instructions).

@@evaskoklamut9479 I've got some sapphire ones I'm thinking about for the mechanic.

Yeah I was gutted when I dropped my 25 year old Swiss Champ and chipped a scale. But now I've changed them (by choice) to a different colour which I like even more. Having fixed it myself, I have even more affinity for the knife.

It’s my favorite model for sure. Although the pioneer x is a close second

@@EngineersPerspective701 your idea of putting on in my Swiss Tool pouch is brilliant. Definitely going to do that. I'm ashamed I haven't thought of it myself.

You don’t stop! Keep going!

@@EngineersPerspective701 Can I ask you a question? I bet you have much more experience with these knives. Do you often see some play/craftmanship defetcs etc in new knives? I'm a bit confused, bought an Outrider and a Compact (new) lately, and both have problems with play, rubbing etc. Such a disappointment(

@@Eugenetra7 I have quite a few (10-15) and haven't seen any major defects. Probably the most consistent knife/pocket tool brand I know of honestly. I've probably had a few more notable issues but none come right to mind.

@@EngineersPerspective701 Sadly, I have two of their knives now with a substantial play. An Outrider with a huge play in the can opener (but that can be normal because of the liner lock). And I got a Compact with some play in the key ring, and the can opener closes too softly, almost without any click at all. Feels like the spring does not work properly. Cleaned, relubed, nothing changed. Do you think that can be a defect or that is normal? I got both knives new.

@@Eugenetra7 Come to think of it my Pioneer X actually has some pretty soft springs too. No snap like I'm used to. Not sure if it would be warrantied or not but you can try.