Victorinox Compact Review (The Best EDC Knife)

The victorinox compact has become my constant pocket companion due to its thinness, lightweight, and usefulness. The amazing scissors come to the rescue regularly and keeping the knife perfectly sharp gives me a great backup blade. These can be difficult to come by so buy one if you have a chance.
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[@briananderson4386]

You forgot the needle! Love my compact! Accents my leatherman tools

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@imp2247]

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

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Costs nothing to have so why not!?

[@stuarcari]

@@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.

[@camryuser]

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

[@dbag57]

Just recieved mine after doing A LOT of research. I couldnt be more pleased!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@2371Anita]

I always have my compact with me. Never let me down.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@rustybarrel516]

I like the combination of the Compact and Rambler. I’ve got a Rally (alas, no scissors), and that little Phillips driver is great! I don’t carry the Rally though. I carry a small zipper pouch (about the size of my palm) in my pocket that houses a small pen, nail clippers, a Style CS, eyeglass screwdriver, and some other little odds and ends). With all that, the only thing I need from a pocketknife is satisfied by the Cadet. Sometimes I’ll add a Skeletool if I think I might have a need for pliers.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@rustybarrel516]

@@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.

[@dgalloway]

I love both of my Compacts (black and green), my EDCs for 15 years now. I have a few other Vics for other purposes (OHT when camping, Pioneers X to change things up, Swissflame for a conversation piece, Ranger for a paperweight) but Compact is what I have in my pocket 95% of the time.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@dgalloway]

@@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.

[@oliverpolden]

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

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@oliverpolden]

@@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.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

I know this is a old video but i love your videos very informative.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thank you!

[@roy-batty]

Just grab a bit for a keychain, either drill a hole through it or order one online pre drilled to serve as a keychain pendant. If you get a double ended one you can get Phillips and slotted in one. I got that one plus double ended torx. Works surprisingly well.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@johnorick6070]

Love the compact! Carry it just about every day!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Ooooooh, breaking twist ties with the hook? What a great use! Thanks for the tip. Never thought of doing that. We come across tons of those little suckers on our heavy equipment. I just ordered the compact after hearing a handful of KZbinrs singing it’s praises and rightfully so. Great little edc on those days I might not want to carry my larger Huntsman or Handyman! Like when it’s warmer and I want to wear shorts or for days I’m just bumming around the house in just some sweats and don’t want to sacrifice my tools entirely. It’s nice to have a smaller, lighter more compact platform that still offers tons of useful tools. Cheers friend

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@dionst.michael1482]

@@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

[@nitchdesigns9662]

Nice vid! Evo 14 is my carry, bigger three layer, but lovely fat spear blade, wenger serrated edge scissors with leaf spring (cut fantastic), nail file that doubles as a phillips driver, sharpened can opener (my pref), and awl on the backside I find useful. Traded my toothpick out for the tortoise gear ferro rod just for fun. Chunkier multitool, I carry it on a clip, or more often just thrown in a bag.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@nitchdesigns9662]

@@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.

[@oliverpolden]

It would be great if they made more knives based off the compact. A three or four layer would be great. Looking at my Swiss champ (which is too big for EDC) it would be nice to see perhaps the awl and/or chisel from that. Then a file, saw and/or philips screwdriver. I love that they managed to combine the bottle opener and can opener tool on the compact and the combo philips on the rambler is great too. More combos like that would be great.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@jrhaskins76]

Great video!! I am lucky to have the discontinued Victorinox Yeoman that helps with the Philips situation. Plus a magnifying glass

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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!

[@ccmogs5757]

I love the corkscrew.........to hold the screwdriver for my glasses :) great EDC :)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@30munzir]

I'm going to get the Compact! Just after watching your video in 2024😅. it would be perfect combination with my knipex cobra xs and wrench xs👍

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@StefanCatargiu]

The Compact and Rebar combo is awesome to me.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@StefanCatargiu]

@@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

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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!

[@nicolanicola1067]

Compact is the best! I love my yellow compact!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

Carry the compact and rambler as well! I should try the skeletool and compact as you have.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Such a great combo!

[@Eragon954]

Great point made, my two cents are: Since the Rambler already covers the scissors and nail file, I'd rather lose the hook and switch the Compact for the Camper. It's marginally thicker, but the added saw and awl are a must if you do any hand crafting. Especially since you can mod it to include a ruler in the saw and add the plus scales if you like the pen.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@Eragon954]

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.

[@aleksejalex]

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

[@michalwojcik9106]

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

[@jasonswitzer1748]

Pairing the compact with the Leatherman Squirt seems like the best lightweight option if you don’t need the even larger pliers on the skeletool. Thoughts?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@JonathanCampDesigner]

Could you take apart (like others have) and mix/max the tools from both knives? (Somehow...?)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@blacklisted4885]

I think a belt pouch kinda changes Victorianox EDC fav. For me, the hunter on a belt sheath provides everything I need. A cheap Chinese mag belt pouch and you can carry a hunter and knipex cobra and mini vice grips for total EDC overkill

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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!

[@blacklisted4885]

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

[@jeffreyarnold2929]

My Compact arrives tomorrow. A nice addition to my Victorinox family. How do you like the mini champ? I have the Swiss Camp full size and carry on my belt.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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!

[@jeffreyarnold2929]

@@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.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@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!

[@jbbolts]

imo leatherman micra for best scissors and best keychain tool... no spring to break and they are solid

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@zhemelkobusinessman2908]

Can scissors on rambler for example replace big scissors on compact for edc tasks ? Maybe u tried to carry smaller victorinox in your pocket, would be nice to hear your opinion please) Nice video by the way. Thanks)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@zhemelkobusinessman2908]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Thank you )) appreciate the reply 🤝

[@barbar7746]

I prefer the Victorinox waiter (84 mm) : it has similar tools but no scissors (I just added the mini screwdriver inside the corkscrew) and it is only one layer thick. The waiter is also much cheaper than the compact.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@barbar7746]

@@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.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@MankindFails]

If you like the Rambler just for the screw driver, maybe you should try the Jetsetter.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@MankindFails]

@@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.

[@marklawrence855]

I have 3 ,and always in my pocket 😀👍

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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.

[@tuckeyuk]

Swapped the corkscrew for a philips on mine, it's a pretty great package now

[@EngineersPerspective701]

nice! fixes its greatest weakness by far

[@MankindFails]

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.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@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.

[@Watcherrye]

Victorinox Swiss Army, does not make a Wood Carving knife that has two carving blades, a saw, and a large roughing blade. Blades that have 58 or better Rockwell hardness or 440 or better stainless steel. Just three slots (not sure what they are called) handles. that are rounded for comfort, with locking blades. Folded no more than 3 1/2 inches long. If all the carvers out there will unite and keep bugging Vicky about it, I am sure they will listen.

[@friskid]

I always have my Huntsman with me.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@carlostovar8585]

How about the farmerX plus the Sportsman

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@dirtyharry5957]

I love my victorinox tinker I wish that it had scissors on it

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@dirtyharry5957]

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

[@Traderjoe]

I think I would jump on it if it had an awl in place of the parcel hook

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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 🤔

[@anoNEMOs]

You can put the pen under the hook for easier writing

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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!

[@oliverpolden]

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

[@Vpentrov]

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

[@Haxpatty]

I wish they would just make a 91mm Rambler. it would be the best.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@ray_c_yuen]

The way I open wine bottles is to put the bottle on the floor, put my shoes on either side. Grip with shoes and left hand, then pull up. Much easier than just using arm strength and controllable. Combo tool is terrible on phillips head screws. Too slow to use. Let's see someone doing a demo with the combo tool

[@usernameisusername]

If they would have put a Philips driver and place of the corkscrew they would never sell any other knife

[@EngineersPerspective701]

A compact with a Philips would be great

[@blafonovision4342]

I have 2 Compacts. My fav of the lighter SAKs.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@blafonovision4342]

@@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.

[@HNSDMPF]

Imagine whipping out your Swiss army knife oto cut someone's hair haha

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@HNSDMPF]

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

[@teutatix]

….and the needle

[@EngineersPerspective701]

That sneaky, discreet little needle. Forget it every time

[@lisawinders2624]

Today I got an email from Victorinox stating they “do not have the parts” to repair my son’s Swiss Army knife. It is a simple cracked case/outside scale. What? Instead of a repair they offered me 30% off a new knife. He doesn’t want to buy another knife, especially one with a worthless warranty.😡

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@evaskoklamut9479]

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

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@oliverpolden]

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.

[@gringo3009]

You always know when you're talking to an engineer, because they'll tell you over and over that they are. Kind of like a vegan.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

😂 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!

[@usernameisusername]

The only reason anybody uses the knife on a victorinox is so that they can brag to their wife and justify play the cost of buying it

[@EngineersPerspective701]

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

[@usernameisusername]

@@EngineersPerspective701 fair🤸‍♀️

[@Eugenetra7]

I've used a Huntsman for like 18 years, did so many things with it including pruning trees in an orchard)) But then I lost it, most probably in the appartment, and cannot find it. So I bought an Outrider, a "max settings" Huntsman)) Such a lovely knife. And then I got a Rambler. And now a green Compact is on the way to me. And I'm also thinking of some vintage model like Golfer. And maybe a Compact Alox mod. And maybe... How should I stop now?))

[@EngineersPerspective701]

You don’t stop! Keep going!

[@Eugenetra7]

@@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(

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@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.

[@Eugenetra7]

@@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.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@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.