I was WRONG! The Victorinox Compact is BACK.

3 months ago I said goodbye to my Everyday Carry knife, the Victorinox Compact, and switched to the James Brand Ellis. It turns out that for me, the Victorinox Compact is the best EDC knife you can buy. This video explains why.
My name is Jonathan, I have a passion for all things 'gadget, travel and EDC' which has filled both my personal and work life for many years. This includes sourcing, reviewing and product development and the creation of two UK national retail chains. Find out more here: • About Jon Gadget - Who...
This channel is here to help you find great travel and carry gear on the back of solid and detailed reviews along with years of experience. I also hope to give you ideas and inspiration when it comes to everyday carry gear, travel gear and gadgets, which make life a little bit easier and perhaps more fun.
I welcome any feedback on my videos or the channel in general. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Amazon Links:
(these are affiliate links for more information see below)
Victorinox Compact geni.us/oJZU2b0
Victorinox Fireant firestarter (different to Firefly used in the video) geni.us/B3wAjoM
James Brand affiliate link:
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120827...
Link to Felix Immler KZbin Channel / feliximmler
Website for Firefly and Corkscrew Tinder can be found at www.tortoisegear.com
🐦 You can find me on twitter at:
/ jongadget
Contents of this video to help you navigate:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - Why I am going back
01:01 - Comparing features
04:05 - Victorinox Compact extra features
06:53 - Using the Victorinox to start a fire
08:28 - Alternatives and Price
09:31 - Is there something better?
Product Sourcing:
When it comes to sourcing a product for review, I will usually either purchase and item personally or reach out to a supplier requesting a sample for review. Most suppliers, after seeing the channel, are supportive if they are confident in their product, appreciating the value of greater exposure.
I am sometimes asked to review a product by a supplier which I will only agree to if the product fits the channel and I believe will be of interest to you, my audience. Also the product needs to be worthy of a review. It is not in my interest to review inferior or poor quality products and therefore as you might expect many requests are politely declined.
Any sponsored videos (paid for reviews) are clearly stated as such so there can be no misunderstanding. Even with sponsored reviews I will only agree to a sponsorship on products and services which I believe will be of genuine interest to viewers.
I will always make reference in the video to products which have been provided for review by a supplier and I always make it clear to the supplier that they cannot influence or be involved in the review in any way if they choose to supply a product.
Sometimes a supplier will provide a link to the product or the supplier which I am happy to include in the description. Sometimes I will be provided with an affiliate link so I can earn a commission on sales and this helps to support channel costs but never at the expense of an honest review.
If a product I have reviewed is available from Amazon I will often include an Amazon link in the description. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
Comments:
I really appreciate the feedback in the comments - I find it a source of knowledge and inspiration - so thank you to all of you who take the time to contribute. I have recently found that if I continue to respond to all the comments as the number of videos builds, it takes time away from being able to produce new content which would be very counter productive! - so my aim is to read everything I can and reply when I can, after each video goes live, until the next video goes live a week later. I'll see how that works out 😊
Thank you for supporting the channel so I can continue to provide you with regular reviews, thoughts and ideas and (hopefully) inspiration! Please consider subscribing to keep up to date with new video releases.

[@jasoncrane]

So cool to see a video where someone says, "Hey, I tested this thing and I'm going back to my previous choice." It's that honesty and integrity that make your channel so useful.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Jason that's appreciated.

[@paulsilver1625]

It’s like. Ok. I have little to say but if I say a negative it’ll let me find a positive. So. I’ll say a positive. I’m waiting for the negative. And so it continues. But. It’s all money in the bank. And it’s KZbin paying. But in reality. You’re selling your self short. Easy money isn’t exhilarating. It’s boring. Do it for love not gain less is always more

[@kilruf]

If I remember correctly, and correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say didn't need those extra's that the Compact had because they were in your edc kit? Either way, cool video. The Compact has been my edc since watching your video on the Compact. The only time I don't carry it is at the school I work, so I carry the Victorinox Jetsetter instead.

[@dizawnofwizar]

I thought it was his buttery accent and mild mannerisms

[@dizawnofwizar]

@@kilruf I think the deal here is, sure, he has those tools but having the same tools in your pocket, easily at hand, suits him more because he uses those tools very frequently. Doesn't require opening a pouch, etc

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for this interesting reasons why you go with the Victorinox. Greetings from Switzerland

[@JonGadget]

Hi Felix, hope you are keeping well.

[@CaptainPupu]

When legends collide!

[@chasc301]

Agree with your observation about the ‘non- threatening’ and friendly appearance of the familiar Victorinox. This is a key reason for this being my pocket knife of choice.

[@etherealicer]

Well the blacked out is very aggressive looking. Color changes perception strongly. I once was at an Airport check with metal detector (for the visitor deck, so not as strict). My baby-blue Mini Griptillian was ok, but my Victorinox Spirit RT (dark glossy frame, polished tools). And let's face it, that makes no sense.

[@juvieguy]

I retired 8 years ago from my job in corrections, where carrying any type of knife was strictly forbidden. I chose the Compact for my EDC. I carry it in a leather sheath made for me by a dear friend 40 years ago. I've found the Compact meets almost all of my needs. I've even used the pen on a few occasions!

[@kevinjlarson]

I was disappointed when you went away from the Compact, but I’m glad you’re back. I bought one thanks to your previous review. I have 10 Victorinox knives, but the Compact is my go-to. I sometimes carry the Explorer, but I miss the file on the Compact hook.

[@JonGadget]

Hi Kevin. It looks like the Compact is going to be hard to beat!

[@inandouttv5365]

Same here, Compact my number one and sometimes Explorer. I own 8 knives / multitools and love them all but Compact is the king for daily urban EDC 🥳

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

There's a file on the Manager, except for the corkscrew the Manager has smaller versions of tools but is even smaller.

[@dougbotimer8005]

Your previous videos had made me realize what I was missing when my EDC knife has evolved from a Boy Scout to a tactical knife. I had switched back to a three blade stockmen knife like I carried from elementary school through being a Marine grunt. I finally got a Compact just before you released the Ellis video, and have been very pleased to carry it for many of the same reasons as you. Now I’m fully back, after several decades, to EDC a utility pocket knife. Like you, and thanks to you, I found the Victorinox Compact hard to beat. I do have a Hunter for hiking and camping. Looking back, a Victorinox or Wenger was my go to even when my EDC was a Kabar and my knife was in constant use, from meal time to gear maintenance, and even personal grooming and minor medical chores.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the great feedback Doug 👍

[@lemmyjoker3678]

Cool to hear you have a Hunter as well. It’s what I went with and I really enjoy it. Mind you some if that enjoyment is just pulling out all the tools to look at them, haha

[@dougbotimer8005]

@@lemmyjoker3678 A fidget toy since whenever the first one was made.

[@Dglenn2185]

This is exactly the appeal of victorinox, the blade is non threatening and the tool set is unmatched.

[@888johnmac]

yeah exactly

[@deeps2761]

Totally agree, I've carried a small knife in my pocket since I was a boy and I'm 54 now. Mostly a SAK of some sort and for the last 30 or so its been a Spartan. Nobody bats an eyelid when you pull a SAK out of your pocket (I've a AAA powered smally torch attached to mine which can be a hindrance and can be removed but adds to the 'fluffiness') as they're sort of known as a handy tool rather than a knife, all down to perception of course but that's where we're at so why make life hard for yourself by carrying some 'tacticool' looking pocket knife when there's a SAK that will cover pretty much all your bases whatever it is you're after (apart from a machete).

[@JonGadget]

very true!

[@Dglenn2185]

@@deeps2761 I carry a handyman despite the girth. The large blade never sees any use, the small blade is my package opener, otherwise it’s an entire toolbox in my pocket.

[@deeps2761]

I've carried a Camper (I think) in the past and I didn't take to that slightly wider knife. That's absolutely batcrap crazy because I carry a lot of other gear in my pockets so don't have a leg to stand on with that logic but there ya go.... people, we're a strange bunch. There's pretty much a SAK for whatever you want though and I still have to stop and stare like a kid if I'm passing a display of SAK's.

[@LordCinnamon]

I like this video and your brand as a whole. Many youtubers say that "this is the best thing ever and I'm only going to us this form now own" and we never see them use or talk about it again. Its also nice to see someone try new things and not just swear by the same old gear that they've always used.

[@miscelaneasmiscelaneas6593]

So glad to have you back among "us"!!! Best regards. Victorinox Fundamentalist Group.

[@alexpaulk9364]

For years, I carried the Pioneer. In 2016, they came out with the Pioneer X. Since then, I have carried it a lot but I still often go back to the original Pioneer. I fully understand going back to what works for you.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Great video, thanks! You know, I first got the Compact about a year ago, based solely on your recommendation, and carry it daily in the 5th pocket of my jeans. I saw your switch to the Ellis, but EDC a larger knife as well, a Spyderco, Benchmade, ZT, Chaves, Reeve, etc. And thought the James Brand stuff was overpriced for the steel you get, so just stuck with the Compact. I’m glad to see you take another look at your EDC needs and go back. I also have the tortoise gear setup on all my SAK’s, and it’s a great option. I learned quickly NOT to strike on the Firefly rod with the tip on the ground with the wire stripper pushing down as they’ll snap pretty easily (dumb lesson) but now do it correctly the way you show. Thanks again.

[@user-dh2xz4pe5d]

I’ve been carrying a Spartan for years, I saw your video on the Compact with the KeySmart clip. This clip is a game changer, it keeps your SAK in place so it’s easy to get to. I used to fish around in my pocket trying to find my Spartan, not any more, I also bought a Compact which I just received and I am loving it. Thank you for videos and the great tip on SAK accessories, I’ll probably be ordering the Firefly ferro rods and tinder. Keep up the great work.

[@lukebusbridge6611]

These videos are always so informative: there's loads of detail about the equipment and the visuals + audio are excellent as well. JG is an ambassador for safe EDC knife use in the UK, and anyone who wants to own + carry a swiss army knife should refer to his videos. Great material.

[@1xayekim]

I love that your channel just reads like every one else that EDCs stuff. "Ohhhhh a new shiney, I love this thing, this is perfect!" .... then stuff happens and you miss that other perfect thing you liked before and you back and forth. Great content!

[@kabayan9746]

Nothing beats my Compact personally at this stage of my life. I actually just bought black scales to replace the original red to make it more preferable for me. A lot of us for sure keeps on coming back with Victorinox Compact.

[@Bill1844]

Always enjoy your reviews! Great job.

[@mars5172]

There is a version of the compact that has a Phillips instead of the corkscrew. It's called the Duke of Edinburgh pocket tool. Bought one for my daughter to gift to her when she is older. For myself I had a compact modified and switch between the regular and the modified version when there is a need to...

[@xrysoryba]

Unfortunately the DoE knife seems to only be available in the UK. I also don't like how they rounded the knife end. Makes it much less usable.

[@marcolabranche2480]

Just ordered a compact yesterday and can’t wait to get my hands on it. Been wanting it for many months and a 15% sale on Amazon give me the push to make a move and buy it. Love your channel, one of my favorite of all time. Thanks !

[@SpacecityEDC]

Great video Jon. I finally picked up the Compact after watching many KZbinrs and scouring over the comments and have to say you are so right 👍 I really like it for an EDC. I have a pretty fair collection of Victorinox pocket knives that I have collected over the years to choose from but I think this one will be hard to beat. Glad you came back to it and that guys like you take the time to share these videos and information for everyone. Take care.

[@summer.of.69]

Nice review. I ordered my compact today. It is exactly what I wanted. Thank you

[@chriss3886]

Another great and well thought out topic. I too have cycled between various SAKs and more modern EDC options. Finding myself currently pairing a Classic Midnight Manager (key chain) and Evo S18.

[@dbag57]

Cheers John! I just got mine in the mail and couldnt be more pleased. Im hoping to carry it for many years

[@DWMurry]

Excellent explanation of the nuance involved in edc gear

[@negolfman]

Thanks for posting this review 😊. The pen also fits into the corkscrew for writing.

[@Kleiner_Lutz]

I really love my compact, it's always on me even though for everyday cutting tasks I prefer a one-hand operated blade. But while those change rather often, the compact always stays in my other pockets because of its (in my eyes) perfect toolset for edc

[@kermitthepog7063]

Called it! This is why I enjoy you videos Jon, we're often on the same wavelength when it comes to EDC.

[@JonGadget]

You did call it!

[@lucchese20]

Classic: “I use the tweezer to grab a stray ear hair” That’s the clincher for me!. 😁 Welcome back to the SAK Compact. 👍🏻

[@JonGadget]

Thank you 😁

[@razgrizbird4562]

Great video. A lot of people feel like going back is somehow wrong, but it isn't. I personally had a similar evolution, from multi tools to a tactical knife (USA), but I added on instead of going back. I found I had a lot of uses for the larger blade that wouldn't be fulfilled by the multi tool, so now I carry both a Victorinox minichamp and a ZT or OKT RAT.

[@DKBoerner]

Thank your for the great review. I am happy the Compact is back in your pocket, since it is my favorite knife at all. 🙂

[@teutatix]

good to have you back home 😉

[@naturecalls3465]

I can see you feel right back at home with the Compact! Thanks for the video. Nothing beats the feel a Victorinox. :)

[@daninmi1648]

My desire to own a Compact is gone (as I've realized my scissors use has greatly diminished and I never use the pen), but I completely understand why people like them. I have seen them modded with a Phillips screwdriver in place of the corkscrew. My favorite SAK carriers these days are Spartans, Tinkers, Pioneers, and Alox Bantams. A wood saw is a must if I'm doing yard work. From the Ellis being a little more intimidating to the bit about the ear hairs, there is much truth in this video. Nicely done!

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback and comments 👍

[@Just1Guy1000]

My favorite SAK is the Fieldmaster. Double blades, scissors, saw, & no corkscrew.

[@dizawnofwizar]

i'm not really a big fan of the saw. Sure it can be handy but damn does it get FILTHY with sap and crap. difficult to clean.

[@daninmi1648]

@@dizawnofwizar I can't recall having gotten my SAK saws gummed up with sap. But they usually come pretty clean with warm water, mild dish soap (blue Dawn excels if you can get it), and a toothbrush.

[@Just1Guy1000]

@@daninmi1648 SAK saws are designed for green wood that's why they don't gunk up like others.

[@markbowen1051]

Great video Jon. I like it when someone admits they were wrong in the light of new evidence. Great call out to Felix. He is a Swiss star! So practicality won out over style. I chose the Pioneer X alox after your video. Less doodads than the Compact but enough for me and so much more stylish/slimmer in my pocket.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Mark - Pioneer X is a great option.

[@chrishyde7798]

I also purchased and daily carry the Pioneer X after watching Jon's video. It's a great tool. I do kinda wish the alox scales could be produced with the ability to include the two compartments to hold the toothpick and tweezers.

[@mccoyburgess844]

Appreciate the video. Bought a couple of the pocket clips. Makes carrying a Swiss Army knife easier, frees up pocket space, and improves access. Still trying to decide on a new Compact. Really like your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@geradebowden3293]

Two layers are my favorite for EDC

[@Castleknight]

I like your reviews a lot. I like your voice (it's calming), your backdrop, professionalism and neatness.

[@JonGadget]

thank you - very kind

[@user-dq9el6zk1d]

Glad your back! Please give more consideration to the humble hook. I use it often. Mostly to open tabs of packaging. Consider a product with clear plastic packaging with a tab clasp on one end.(usually for rectangular packages). With my hands to open the tab only pulls the sides in tighter till I must rip it and hopefully not cut myself on the rough jagged plastic. Much better to slide the hook in the packaging parallel to the tap. Turn perpendicular to catch the tab and pull open the package! For boxes like nails and screws, this saves the cardboard box from tearing making its reuse easy over and over. Lastly it’s a great zipper pull when you catch your clothes or gear in the teath of the zipper. I hope you give these suggestions a try. Thanks for reading my comment.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the great suggestions - I am beginning to appreciate the hook more!

[@urielmartinez2161]

I really admire your testing system and patience. Hats off sir 👏 🙌

[@simonh6371]

I've had a similar experience with a similar SAK, the Climber (not going to go into why I prefer it over the Compact but really they're very similar). I own a Farmer X which is more or less the same thickness but still find myself carrying the Climber 5 days a week as (a) I am less afraid of losing it as the Farmer X is around 50 quid and my Climber was less than half that and (b) I use the small blade pretty much every day for mundane stuff like cutting boxes for the recycling at work. I have other nice knives with better blade steel like Manly Wasp in S90V or Bokerplus Atlas in 12C27 but these have less functionality - so I only carry them in combination with a multitool like the LM Squirt - and are a bit threatening looking in deepest London, so the Climber which I bought on a whim as it was a good price for the black scaled model at the time, and didn't carry a lot at first, has ended up being carried and used most. But like me it gets a weekend off so tomorrow it's probably the Farmer together with the Nextool Mini.

[@Pinki2019]

Yeah, I like having the secondary blade and the awl/reamer.

[@fathersonsurvival]

Thanks for the honesty. Bought a compact.

[@adamclaxton8528]

I was searching and searching for my everyday carry and I knew I wanted it to be 2 layered not 3, have the standard blade plus scissors and the corkscrew after watching some of your reviews. After looking at various UK high street sites I thought I was going to have to compromise on either the Spartan or the Climber and then I saw your review on your top 8 Victorinox and at last, it does exist!- the Compact, has everything I think I might need everyday and nothing that I wont - that's what you want in your pocket! Great videos, keep up the good work and thank you👍

[@mikeprunty1]

Glad you’ve seen the light again Jon. Welcome back

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Mike 😁

[@ELaster1]

I like the changes to the editing! I had a feeling you'll come around 😉But every tool has its role, I guess for a nicer occasion you would prefer the Ellis.

[@JonGadget]

The Ellis will find a place - it's a good knife - just not my EDC 😊

[@inandouttv5365]

Being a big fan of the Compact and Jon's reviews, this video was incredibly heartwarming LOL. Thank you Jon!

[@FrancisLCorro]

Another insightful video, Jon!

[@TheGrenadier97]

Great video! Always fine to hear opinions based on experience. I learned a truth two years ago: it's impossible to get rid of these red things as soon as you get them, hahaha. One may say that you're being unnecessarily focused in minor details - like the scale texture and clip - but those "minor details" truly show up in everyday carry and use and may be really annoying to just ignore.

[@JonGadget]

That's very true - the small things become amplified with lot's of use

[@MrDiPY]

Loving the new intro!

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback - great to know

[@iyn1911]

I switch from the Cadet to the compact for my EDC. Thanks for reviewing this knife.

[@MaxTaube]

I do absolutely agree on your decision, I own 8 Victorinox knifes and more than 50 pocket knifes in total, but the Compact is the one I carry all day and it never disappointed me for now.

[@dionst.michael1482]

I started with a Huntsman and then picked up a Handyman for the extra pliers and a more complete edc tool but just ordered the compact for warmer days I want to wear shorts or when I’m just bumming around home in just track pants for something a little lighter but still chock full of useful tools. Wasn’t really on my radar but thanks to KZbinrs like yourself I have since seen the light! Great little edc on those days you might want something a little lighter, slimmer and basic! I love it! Love Swiss Army ❤

[@ClassicType]

Nice new opening👍

[@JonGadget]

Great to get feedback - thank you

[@DonMcCulloughCyber]

I love a Victorinox and carry the Explorer as I need to read the tiny print on stuff that I am building all the time, and the magnifying glass is essential. I would love to see some gadgets around us older guys who need such enhancements to keep doing what we love HEHe I find your honesty and precise style to be totally refreshing and I am a huge fan of your channel!

[@charlesmckinley29]

I saw the video when you went away from the compact and it had me thinking. I’m not surprised you went back to it. I’ve carried a Leatherman Juice SC2 for almost 20 years.

[@angusaxeblood1080]

I’ve had my huntsman for 41 years and still use it although I often carry my pioneer x. My most useful knife is a little alox sd for cutting and filing my nails. 🙂

[@lisantica842]

I agree with your assessment of the Compact. I have recommended it to others, and it isn't until they actually buy and use it that they understand my enthusiasm. I have many other Swiss Army Knives, but I find myself reaching for the Compact very often. In the 58mm range, I like the Vagabond, discontinued, but worth finding on the used marketplace.

[@normc8169]

Thank you Jon for another great presentation. You convinced me to get the Compact for edc pocket knife. Just ordered. Had the Spirit Plus wich is great but for carying everyday is a little heavy on the belt. I'll keep it for camping though.

[@johanbertilsson2213]

Nice to see that your Compact is back. I use a Victorinox Compact as my daily goto EDC knife, i carry mine in a homemade canvas holster together with a small torch. I think i use it everyday. Sometimes my coworkers calls to me do you have your tools on you. About thd pin, in every Victorino i own if they can carry a pin i put one there.

[@JonGadget]

great feedback and good to know 👍

[@gilbertoesquivel9668]

I went with the Victorinox based on your remommendation. The Compact replaces so many other tools that it has become my indispensable companion...if anything I'll probably buy another one just to have a back up!

[@GlockNinja]

Brilliant. You have convinced me to replace the tooth pick and get the tinder bit.

[@latetodagame1892]

Wow! Nice fire starting!

[@eugen-august]

Perfect Jon, many times i changed some edc gear and many times i went back to my older stuff. In Switzerland we say, you can better cook on a old pan.👍😏 Kind regards Eugene

[@PandaCristos]

Welcome back to the Compact squad. Still the best urban EDC ever. The other day I fix my roborock with only a compact and a screwdriver, stripping wire, with the blade and combi tool, clean up hard places with the pin and the tweezer…etc feel so good!

[@JonGadget]

It is a great feeling!

[@DonnieGladfelter]

I love the Compact for its size. That said, I’ve settled on the Explorer because it has an in-line Philip’s (and as a dad, using the Philip’s to open battery compartments of my kids toys is one of the most common things I use my SAK for). Likewise, if ever there was anything less intimidating than the Victornox logo when using a knife in public, it’s the Victornox logo plus the Eagle Scout badge - which the Explorer offers but the Compact doesn’t.

[@argus.]

Grest video. I also purchased a Compact. It will arrive today and will replace my current Bantam as EDC knife because of more options by being light and compact at the same time.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Thank goodness for that Jon, happy days

[@JonGadget]

🤣👍

[@siener]

You just saved me quite a bit of money. Thanks! It turns out it's hard to beat the original and I already have a couple of Victorinox knives that do their job very well.

[@martina.710]

I told you so ;-) I bought the Compact after your first review of it and I absolutely love it. Thanks Jon!

[@piggymito]

I carry the explorer daily and it seems to me to be a somewhat overlooked tool. I was looking at a huntsman but what swung it was the end mounted Philips seemed more day to day useful than a saw and luckily I was right. If I'm going to be anywhere that I'll need a saw chances are I'll have my leatherman anyway. Granted tye explorer is a but chunky but I'm not a skinny jeans type of guy anyway. Reckon I'll look at that firefly though looks very useful as I never use the toothpick either. Cheers dude keep up the good work, as fellow Brit it's nice to have a UK EDC guy that also has to conform to our silly knife laws. 👍

[@mickwallace3655]

Excellent gentleman’s knife with functionality. Great review…

[@tacticaltruth8118]

Great video. Now I have to have both the Ellis and the Victorinox.

[@ek8652]

Your first video made me think about getting a compact. Your newer video is gonna make me get one right now. As I mentioned in the last video, the only thing that would make the compact perfect is if they made one in Alox WITH the pen, tweezers, toothpick, and pin.

[@rashadnagi7531]

I saw that little pocket clip and I'm buying like three! I always carry a SAK in my left pocket and my main tool or knife in the right, and that clip is brilliant!

[@enricoflor3601]

Got my KeySmarts, thanks to your video. Will go to my EDC MiniChamp ☺️

[@darrenvanderwilt1856]

Great video. I'm discovering the EDC capabilities of Victorinox SAK's. This started from another content creator, "Kit Badger," who reviewed Prometheus Design Werx SAK replacement scales with a built in pocket clip. The Key Smart pocket clip is a far less expensive alternative that I'll also try in the near future. I find the SAK's to be more useful than a stand alone knife for most EDC.

[@davidkay1386]

I like your new intro and outro. Also I like the Compact.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback on the intro/outro - constantly trying to improve on each vid. Compact is good 👍

[@sprokthered]

Very sensible decision !! Thanks great review

[@dustymileroad]

Hey there Jon, great video. You said it, Compact is the best! Love mine and I feel naked leaving home without it!

[@renexwing1546]

coolness vs. functionality 👌 Hats off to that step back👌

[@mauradlayouni3080]

Create job explaining why you went back, Thank you very much. I find myself using the Victorinox Midnight-Manager more and more these days. I wish the compact had a retractable pen and flashlight.

[@matthewstrunk605]

Excellent video as always. Glad you gave up all that style for the SAK. I still swing back and forth between the Victorinox Yeoman and Compact as the perfect EDC. Two layers vs three does make a difference in pocket real estate, however just think how cool a fire starting demo would be with the magnifying glass and who does not like an inline Phillips driver.

[@sakko406]

You are a class act sir! I appreciate your honesty and the fact you are willing to acknowledge other KZbinrs!! Well done sir!

[@dalecarr5445]

I agree with you about the Compact. For its size, I don’t know of anything that even comes close. I do have a Robert Jessard mod where the awl replaces the hook and the Philips replaces the corkscrew. That’s my perfect version of the Compact.

[@woodchild48]

Good video, the Compact is a great knife! My knife that I always have with me is a Victorinox Classic Signature on my keychain. The ballpoint pen is very handy with an open nail file and next to the ballpoint pen you can easily drill a hole for a pin. In addition, in the urban area an 84mm Pocket Pal, Secretary or Popular and when it comes to nature a 93mm Bushcrafter or Harvester with the hooked blade reground to a carving knife.

[@epbrewtus1]

In the American vernacular "I love me some Felix too!" I am also quit fond of your series. Thanks for this video. I have a small collection of knives and I am currently trying to explain to my wife why I need "just one more" and I think you've just shown me the perfect knife. Help me by wishin' me good luck with the Mrs. So here I go. Thanks again!

[@ste-c1218]

GREAT VIDEO JOHN AS EVER... JUST BOUGHT MYSELF THE COMPACT AND THE COBRAS THANKS TO YOU INFO... REALLY PLEASED WITH THEM... SAID GOODBYE TO MY MULTI TOOLS...LOL MANY THANKS MATE 😊

[@mccoyburgess844]

I think I just found the replacement for my SAK Classic and Case medium Stockman! Thank you very much!

[@FullCT]

You’re speaking to so many of my core values in this one.

[@davidsaxby5400]

Glad you recommended Felix “Hello KZbin “ Immler. He’s a legend. I don’t think I’ll ever get round to all the tricks and clever uses he has on his channel. Or even some of your tips ( ear hair pulling!). But I love all things SAK and have but a few choice models that I love. Your presentations confirm my choices are justified.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback David - he is a legend!

[@murdock5537]

Best choice! Welcome back to SAK! As a minimalist I prefer the Bantam (in urban areas), outdoor the Camper 🙂.

[@JonGadget]

Good choices 👍

[@kessler003]

I ADORE my Vic Compact. Hook can be use to retrieve keys if to deep to grab, just tie some cord on the SAK with the hook opened and lower to get keys or whatever you can with the hook.

[@bigjohn3038]

I almost changed to the Ellis, but kept with the Compact in the end. Now I feel happy having saves £110 in the process! Thanks Jon. 👍

[@JonGadget]

The Ellis is good but I couldn't cope with sacrificing so much compared with the Ellis.

[@ironman2326]

I'm a PT and the parcel hook is great for untying knots in Theraband without tearing it.

[@JoelPerri7777]

Ya know, it’s funny how us knife guys will spend untold amounts of money on expensive modern folders, or vintage sought after slip joints, but when it comes down to practical usefulness, it’s always the SAK. I would say I’ve recommended the SAK as a first knife to people, more than anything else. In fact, I was on the modern folder kick for awhile, until I bought a new huntsman and then I totally got into slip joints over modern folders.

[@oleksiiyershov9414]

Welcome back :) A nail file is not diamond, it is made with electric spark errosion technology.

[@cparedes2302]

Good for you! The Compact is the best EDC! I also prefer a key smart clip to carry my SAK toma pocket clip.

[@tommyd5605]

Good information will help in my purchase.

[@assistivetek]

Like you I carry my Compact everyday! Great tool set in a light package 📦

[@JonGadget]

good to know

[@cheeng1]

great review

[@adawolf9483]

Good that you went back to the light, a reminder of the old saying "If your EDC ain't broke, don't fix it"

[@JonGadget]

yes!

[@anothorestes]

I think the perfect EDC tool is going to vary greatly depending on the person. I use a SOG powerpint, which is somewhat similar to the leatherman micra. It's tiny but the tools are all quite functional. I have a full sized leatherman, but it tends to stay at home or in a larger bag. The powerpint is always on me. It's light, totally non-threatening, and does so much. The leatherman micra is pretty nice as well (the one with the scissors in lieu of pliers). The big scissors are excellent. But the other tools are a bit flimsy. I had a gerber dime too. it's better than the micra, but the scissors were too small, pliers too thin, and the bottle opener can get in the way. And it's just slightly too small.

[@FreedomFox1]

I love the PowerPint… very capable pliers and locking tools (impressive for the size). But I find myself missing the scissors on the compact (also the combi-tool for cleaning my nails). The PowerPint and Compact compliment each other nicely.