My favorite Swiss Army two layer knife is the Compact for EDC

@Gogogordy1

2 жыл бұрын

My Compact has been to over 9 countries with me, it's the best travel tool I can imagine. Of course I check it with my bag. The pen and scissors are indispensable when on the road for a couple of weeks or more.

@project86xero

Жыл бұрын

Yes the only true answer is indeed the compact.

@travis1240

Жыл бұрын

The lack of a Phillips on the compact is unfortunate (no the combo tool is not a sufficiently usable Phillips) , but I still think the compact is the best 2 layer, because having a nice scissors is really useful. The best 3 layer is the Yeoman, adding the really useful inline Phillips.

@robertwilson2007

2 ай бұрын

I was looking at the Compact today but they want $55 USD and the Huntsman was $31.45 USD so I went with the Huntsman. I hope to see the Compact on sale one day.

My best 2 layers is the Compact for sure.

@ironman2326

2 жыл бұрын

Same

@project86xero

Жыл бұрын

Indeed!

The Compact is my favorite two layer because it packs so much utility. The scissors of course, and the file on the hook just puts it over the top for me. I really wish Victorinox would put that on all the hooks

@larrydye6374

9 ай бұрын

Concur. The compact is my EDC, because of the scissors.

@ironman2326

8 ай бұрын

I like my Compact but the combo tool is not the best. I really like the separate bottle and can opener for the Phillip's screwdriver ability.

@kylethedalek

10 күн бұрын

Agree, wish they put a awl order the smaller knife. I’m guessing the file on the hook will be a standard from now on?

The “Compact” is by far the best of the 2 layer Sak’s! Just the right amount of edc tools IMHO.

For me the best 2 layer SAK is the Compact. It is in a rotation for my EDC but it is easily my favorite.

In my opinion the Compact is the best EDC Swiss Army Knife. It has everything you need and nothing you don't, all in a two layer knife. it beats the Spartan hands down as it has scissors which in my opinion is one of the most useful tools you can have, and Victinox scissors work really well.

Sportsman is VERY hard to beat. 84mm size plus file is absolutely brilliant. It's rapidly becoming my go-to EDC. I totally love it

@misterkoben6780

Ай бұрын

Same dude

I like The Walker.

@Gogogordy1

2 жыл бұрын

I have a Walker too, I removed the keyring loop. it's a great little SAK and I use the saw.

@misterkoben6780

Ай бұрын

It's been discontinued.

the cigar 36 is another option. nail file, blade, corkscrew, tweezer, toothpick, and cigar cutter.

The 74mm Executive has been my favorite EDC knife since I bought one at an Army PX store while visiting a friend in Fort Bragg NC in 1977. Eventually lost that one, but quickly replaced it, and have a few more extra ones ! I often use the nail cleaner on some Phillips head screws ! My favorite 91mm is the retired Trail Guide (3 layers)... I really like to have scissors and a nail file on any knife that I carry... seem to always chip or break a nail... and so does my wife !

My favorite two layer are the compact and the walker. Excellent saks

My daily carry is the electrician

The tinker small is my favourite 😍

The Electrician is great for bench work.

I got a Sportsman at the end of the 80's as a kid from my parents. Then in engineering school in the mid of the 90's i had an executive in my pocket for 5 years. Started my conscript service after that having the sportsman in my pocket during the service and in the freetime. Still have a sportsman in my pocket every day. It's not the old one, as i bought one with darker nylon scales around 12 years ago because it has the keyring and the scale tools. Some can't have a SAK or EDC without scissors, i don't want one without the nail file. Both sportsmans i have have the "diamond looking" nail file, not the one you have on the sportsman in the video. I do encounter sharp metal edges during in my work quite often, and annoyingly there's always one finger that gets either cut, or the nail gets torn. And so i prefer the nail file on my knife to be able so not hook every clothing part with my hand in such situations. So in essence for 22 years at work i have used the Sportsman whenever it was the best tool at hand. (2 weeks ago i used it to strip wires for 2 whole days. But not the "wire stripper", i am used to doing that with the blade. Very slim crosssection wires that the real wire stripping plies i had couldn't handle.)

Very nice overview of the 2 layer options. I don’t have very many SAK knives, in fact the Compact is the only full size SAK that I have. Thanks for showing other options, definitely food for thought!

My go-to for office carry is consistently the Cadet. Super slim and really useful toolset. *BTW, I’m always intrigued by the watches you wear and find myself playing the guessing game. I’d love to see a wristwatch check in the future along with your choice in straps.

I used to ignore the two layer SAKs except for the Rally, and swore I would never buy a Spartan. Then in the last two months, I bought 2 :). One was an adverising piece with the knurled corkscrew, the other was an Edisona, with aluminum overlay (?) engarved with Swiss embls and scenery. Great vid, Mark!

I wished they'd do an Alox Rambler. The Midnite Manager is a Rambler with the ink pen and LED light. A little but just about everything you need on a key chain knife. Don't forget that the screw driver tip on the can opener doubles as a Phillips Driver! Nice run down!

@josephmattina18

2 жыл бұрын

As far as i know, there is an alox Rambler

@KnifeChatswithTobias

2 жыл бұрын

@@josephmattina18 Wow! I have never seen one. Off on a hunt!

@chicagotypewriter2094

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think so, I think you’re thinking of a Minichamp

Great overview! I just this week "rediscovered" my tinker, and I have a cadet sitting on the end table next to our couch. The electrician is another very good two layer SAK.

Really nice to see some of those 2 layer knives. They all seemed fairly useful with tools. Thanks for sharing them.

The only two-layer SAKs that I have are an alox cadet and a 91mm tinker. The cadet usually gets carried on my key chain (in rotation with my classic sd), and the tinker is one of my regular knives to carry on the weekends when I'm not at work. Thanks for the look at all these great knives, my friend!

@markcoffman494

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! Glad to see you have some favorites!

I like the two layer options; not too bulky. Great quality. The Tinker is my favourite.You can’t go wrong, picking the model that suits.

I carried a 2-layer Tinker exclusively for over 40 years. I always knew it was there, which was comforting, but it never got in thway. In recent years, I've bought a couple 3-layer knivto my rotation es and can sy the same thing. I can't imagine carrying a 4-layer or thicker knife around except in a pack of some kind. .For general tasks around my home or campsite,s, a 2-layer knife is just fine.

The Ranger Grip 68 is also a great 2 layer knife. It is a large 130mm knife with large blade, can opener, cap lifter, corkscrew, awl (with hole), toothpick and tweezers. Great for food prep at a picnic or when camping :-) Almost like a king sized Spartan except for no small secondary blade.

For my taste you saved the best to last with the gold Alox Pioneer 😍. My battered Pioneer is the edc tool I pickup when I’m not carrying anything else.. I love the robust minimalism and the tools are the ones I use the most. The cap lifter and the tin opener are so useful as prying tools, the tin opener functions asa quick cross head and the main blade and spring strength are superior and more workmanlike than the Celidor models while still being pocketable and discreet. Plus it has the best awl of any multi tool I use. It makes a useful bradawl when needed. Had it for thirty years, gave it away at one point and got another as I missed it.

Great video. I’ve just got the Hiker knife. Very simple but good for my EDC carry. And a great price at around £15 uk.

I kind of wish I bought a Compact instead of a Fieldmaster, but I got it at a good price ($35 USD). I don’t mind the bulk so it’s fine.

Rambler 👍 Sportsman 👍 Missing the Compact.

I've been carrying the Recruit (in black) for years. Although Victorinox makes excellent scissors, I never find myself using them. I'm good with a decent size blade for secondary carry, toothpick and tweezers, and a church key. 🤘

@blikker8

2 жыл бұрын

What sorta church do you serve at?

@chicagotypewriter2094

Жыл бұрын

IIRC, a church key is what you’d use to poke holes into cans, typically soda It’s this small pointy metal thing, and you’d put two holes 180° of each other and it’s let drinks flow out smoothly Dunno how it got its name though!

My favorite SAK is the Farmer.

@allanlarmour7460

2 жыл бұрын

My favorite farmer is an SAK.

I keep a tinker on my keys. I've had it since I was 14 or so.. I'm 30 now.

Compact and Walker are two off my faves.

Thanks, man! Now I know, that I have a director (was platic scales model with platic scales & ads, I changed them to new, had to use some glues as the holes are wider now) and a standart. Both in mint codition :D

Hi Mark! Great video. I'm a watch guy, too, so I guess we like our knives to be from Switzerland as well as our watches, LOL. Been following your videos recently and have enjoyed every single one. Terrific content, thanks so much!!

My first and only SAK is the Sportsman. I keep it on my keychain. I was especially interested in having a corkscrew for untying knots. I don’t drink wine.

Happy Sunday Mark, my favorite & most carried 2 layer SAK's are a black scaled standard Alox 93mm Pioneer , a silver Alox Swiss Army 6 AKA the Pioneer Rancher ( which is discontinued from 2020 ) , the 74mm Executive ( my black scaled one is probably made post 2017 going by the current crosscut design of the nail file ) & the 91mm Spartan - I have quite a few of them with decorative scales such as the, "From Russia with love" special edition, the Israel flag special edition Spartan, the 4 knife "Star Wars" Spartan collection ( hand decorated / etched scales made by a Ukrainian artist ), the Swiss Antonov 2 aviation club special edition, the colorful VX & "Look" models , a silver-tech & various colored Plus scale models. Mostly I carry the Plus scaled & Silver Tech Spartans which are all fitted with a SwissQlip, occasionally the Israel Flag, VX and Look models & the collectables are in their boxes in pristine condition . I do have 2 84mm Sportsman ( 1 old model with the diamond dust style nail file & a newer one with the post 2017 crosscut nail file ) & a new 84mm Tourist and 3 x 84mm Cadets ( a red & a black pre-2017 with the diamond dust nail file & the 2020 aqua blue limited edition model ) . Nowadays I no longer carry any of the 84mm models but I used to carry both the Cadets & the Sportsman as Gentleman's blades in my pocket for a night out but recently I have opted to carry the 93mm silver Alox Swiss Army 6 , the 93mm silver Alox Swiss Army 2 ( another discontinued knife in 2020 with a single layer main blade & Hawksbill blade ) or the 74mm Executive.

@stevesinclair4159

2 жыл бұрын

@@name5949 Hello William & Happy Sunday my friend!

This is the first video I’ve seen from you that you didn’t say “because I’m stupid “ 😂

The Rambler is my daily carry.

@markcoffman494

3 ай бұрын

That’s a great one!

Tourist is indeed great. Perfect balance between the weight/size and utility. I just wish it had the scissors.

Have a couple of two layers use the tinker at work, great and compact.

Imo rambler is by far the best 2 layer sak. It's a shame that there is no bigger option for rambler.

So many choices, argh!

I'm a huge fan of the Farmer-X, personally; it's my go-to. Large blade, saw, scissor, awl, can opener, cap lifter. Does everything I've ever asked of a pocket knife. I only wish Victorinox would include their tweezer and a ferro stick (instead of that stupid toothpick).

Another model I didn't know about director knew about the executive thought.

I have the pioneer and pioneer x... Love them both, nice video..

I’ve carried a Tinker for the last 30 years. I thought I lost it so I bought a replacement, then I found mine. It has a hole in the awl, I’ll have to compare it to my newer one.

Big fan of sportsman and compact myself.

Let's say, Spartan (Tourist) and Rambler would pretty nice serve together

I picked up half a dozen SAK's for Christmas presents but now I want to keep them. I did get an engraved gift box for one so I can't really keep that but the others will be hard to part with. I've too many already. They certainly are addictive. I have to stop myself buy more and I am failing. Is there a SAK helpline LOL

@kylec166

2 жыл бұрын

That's funny I have the same problem to I buy cold steel knifes and I also like Swiss army knife carry Swiss army knifes since I was 7 years old. Never been a multi tool people. Only carry Swiss army knifes as my multi tool carry.

@allanlarmour7460

2 жыл бұрын

@@kylec166 My wife LOL. She says why do you need a dozen of the same thing? I tell her, "To the untrained eye they all might look the same but " by then she's either wandering off or fallen asleep. I've Swiss Army Knives still in their original box, unused, even still have the battery ( signature lite Onyx ) still in its sealed pack and my wife doesn't know they exist. I am not a multitool fan either. I think the Victorinox Cybertool 34 is the only SAK I own that I consider a proper multitool. That's probably why I prefer the 111mm models. They are definitely knives with a couple of useful extras. I just picked up ( my wife sent it to me here in Belfast N.Ireland from the United States) a US (military issue) Onyx S(US)AK. I cannot buy one in the UK or anywhere else. The US sites I found it on don't deliver outside of the US. I know its no big deal to our friends in the States but it's a big deal for, especially as my wife got it for me for Christmas. I've the GAK, One handed straight edge Trailmaster ( not easy to get) and I've the Forestor wood. I have a one handed straight edge sentinel as well. Did you fall asleep? LOLOL I won't bore you anymore but someday I might gather what I have together and make a video of my growing collection of Swiss Stainless.

It's the pioneer i usualy carry, i own the black version and a Amefa branded one from the Dutch army witch is the same as a pioneer ( my original army knife from my time in the Dutch army)

I love my compact and alox cadet… I only wish they make something thin as cadet but with scissors in it

The two layer SAK in my experiences will always be around because size wise it fills a critical everyday carry niche, I used to carry around the three layer red fiber handled SAK's for years and tolerated the bulk because these knives are just so useful, I carry a Victorinox Cadet with Alox scales now. Slim size means it always on me even when I'm in business cloths... The best tool is one you HAVE after all 8)

Nice viceo! Sorry missed the compact, i always carry a compact or supertinker

Excellent presentation. I’ve found the two layers just enough for 90 percent of daily usage. Love the Alex Cadet. I have the 2015-2024 Limited Edition offerings.

@markcoffman494

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Appreciate you viewing!

The Walker is a fantastic 2 layer SAK, as well. Complete with a saw :)

I am a SAK enthusiastic, i have Swiss Champ, explorer, huntsman, farmer and many more . Yet my every day all day SAK is the basic Recruit 84mm supper simple do it all , mod the can opener grind it away , giving you a great 2mm flat and Phillips with good clearance and improved can opner ! Yes that's right grind away the can opener and get an improved can opener giving you a very usable 2mm flat /Phillips! Video; ' victorinox explorer, huntsman, farmer, climber screwdriver can opener mod ' .

Thanks for covering the Adventurer, as there aren't that many vids about it! It's my EDC and I absolutely love this knife!

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

I’m glad that you enjoyed it!

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

@@dionst.michael1482 excuse me?

Easily the best two layer is the Compact. Just got mine and it's awesome ☺️

@Vpentrov

Жыл бұрын

How good is the can opener?

Cadet. Pioneer. Classic SD/Signature. Evo/Evo Grip 10 are my top five two layer SAK. Tho I prefer a three layer with scissors, or 4 layer with scissors and saw for my EDC in my old age.

You are also missing the Compact, Small Tinker, Tourist, Small Tinker, Walker, Golfer, Voyageur...

@markcoffman494

7 ай бұрын

Buy them for me 👍😂then I won’t be missing them….

I like carrying the victorinox sportsman, tinker small, compact and wenger traveller for edc. a climber small would be great too, but hard to find

I’d like to make a Voyageur by modding a Bantam with 74 mm scissors, but I’m not sure what to do for a backspring. I may just end up converting a Pioneer X. I think that’s perfect for a simple toolset.

Sportsman 5:37 Cadet 8:17 Pioneer 10:36

The Classic / Classic SD is a 2 llayer knife, isn't it?

Very interesting about the single leaf spring on the scissors being from before 1975. Now I know one of my Sak’s is vintage. It is the classic except it doesn’t have the tweezers, toothpick or key ring and it has metal scales that are painted red, however the paint has started to deteriorate on the edges. It is super thin and perfect for nail maintenance and opening letters. I just ordered a compact and thought for sure it would be on you list. Definitely a little pricey but the “compactness” and tools it packs are exactly what I wanted for an edc.

@Vpentrov

Жыл бұрын

Does it have the flat screwdriver on the file?

I care the swk recruit two layer and it has the tools I use

Terrific Vid. I have been a Spartan fan for years. Just right for me and my needs. Do wish it had Alox scales though. So many options all high quality and recently gave my Grandson a Huntsman for his first knife.Cheers.

@misterkoben6780

Ай бұрын

Spartan is the direct descendant of the historic Victorinox Officer's Knife. It's a great pleasure to have it on our collection.

The compact + original Swiss Tool

The two layer is okay for the every day basics my favourite being the Spartan but also the Evo grip 10 that Is basically a better version of the original Spartan because of the rubberised grip and It being a tiny bit smaller than the Spartan but if you go backpacking or hiking it is better to carry a 3 or 4 layer knife like the camper or huntsman

Would love to ha Victorinox Swiss Army knife with big blade, scissors, can opener, awl, hook, magnifying glass and saw. Seems the saw, magnifying glass and hook don’t come on any knife other than Swisschamp.

I recently got a wenger commander (aka the wenger version of the sportsman) and esquire set from the 90’s for 30 bucks. It’s currently my “has the corkscrew” knife because my first SAK was the super tinker and I didn’t realize that the corkscrew was useful til new years happened and I didn’t have the corkscrew :/

I own Swiss army and I also own Leatherman but I carry a Swiss army SD almost every day at work I also own the mini champ and I own the Spartan the tanker and the executive in Black scales I also have a locks farmer I love them all they all have a place I also have some bigger ones I have the one handed open tracker which is now issued to the US military and the Swiss army and the German army it's a great all around camp knife it's it's the 111 mm and if you have never seen or heard of tortoise gear you need to check them out the Firefly fire steel and the fire ant fire steel made by tortoise gear it gives your Swiss army and option to carry a Pharisee and rod and it's awesome as small as they are they do work

Nit: you called the Wenger Traveler the Wenger Sportsman. The Wenger Swiss Sportsman is similar but doesn't have a nail file.

@markcoffman494

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the correction

Rambler is my favourite EDC

What is your favorite model they currently produce with the scissors?

2 layers? Either the pioneer or the compact. But I love my farmer x in red alox the most!

@markcoffman494

5 ай бұрын

I would definitely agree!

As much as I like victorinox, they sure have some... odd choices in them. I mean, orange peeler? Thats just weirdly spesific. Package hook that was obsolete 40 years ago? Im aware that people find uses for these still, but I do find quite a few of victorinox's tools to be a solution in desperate search for a problem.

Did they ever make a standard with a keyring? Also the 111mm not having an eye in the awl actually means it’s newer. They used to have them but changed it when they switched over to liner locks iirc.

Great Video ! Of all the Victorinox Knives I own I love the two layers especially the Recruit which slips in the pocket you don’t realize you are carrying it !

@markcoffman494

4 ай бұрын

They are definitely fantastic! Do you have an absolute favorite Victorinox knife?

@saldomino1639

4 ай бұрын

@@markcoffman494 Yep my Huntsman !

@markcoffman494

4 ай бұрын

@@saldomino1639 it’s definitely a good one! Ever since I had a custom one made, I’ve never turned back

@saldomino1639

4 ай бұрын

@@markcoffman494 That’s awesome 👏 I understand through another KZread channel they can cost between $250.00 to $300.00 ?

@markcoffman494

4 ай бұрын

@@saldomino1639 mine definitely didn’t cost that much.

My EDC is a SAK Tinker. I have crushed it against my body one to many times at work and I am now looking to replace it with the Huntsman. I know it is a 3 layer knife but that little extra thickness should still be OK in by pocket, in a belt pouch or on belt clip.

@markcoffman494

2 ай бұрын

Sounds like a plan.

I wish they could let you have a option when you buy a new Swiss army knife if you want the key ring or not

I carry a separate pocket knife and so would appreciate more badeless options with full size tools so that I can leave it in the bag and not worry about TSA

i have compact,my problem is I can't use ferorod because it has no sharp edges

So many of these don't have scissors. For me that's the main thing I want from an SAK. Been looking for a two-layer without a corkscrew and with scissors. I wish the Compact had the Phillips screwdriver instead of the cork-screw as it's much more suited to urban EDC. I have a Huntsman for rural use and my main Urban EDC is the Super Tinker. I just want to shave a bit of weight off and have less pocket bulk. I do use a Midnite Manager in the 5th pocket of my jeans but wanted some more substantial tools for larger tasks. It can be a never ending venture trying to find 'The One'. Anyway, nice little review of your collection. Thanks!

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

Honestly, if Victorinox could make it I would love to have an 84 mm frame, with scissors on one side and then a cap lifter on the opposite end and then the small knife blade. That would honestly be the perfect Swiss Army knife for me I don’t ever really need the larger blade. And it would be a great utility knife. Possibly if it can have some back tools a reamer and screwdriver

Was hoping to see the scientist and the Yeoman in your collection.

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

Me too. But they’re so expensive now

got the tinker ,bu t they don t make one in alox they make only the spatan i find the cork sccew is not that usefule only to carry the mini scewdriver , a nice custum option will be mini flat and filips that will go in the scales in the place of twisers ,

I have the 4 layer huntsman it’s my favorite wish I could find a slimmer Swiss Army knife that has a saw and scissor that’s is smaller then the huntsman

What about the compact!

@markcoffman494

2 жыл бұрын

Don’t have one! And I can’t justify the price for what it offers for my edc.

@cltf_

2 жыл бұрын

@@markcoffman494 price is definitely high. But if you need scissors and a blade in a 2 layer format, I guess it’s the only option they offer. Probably why the price is what it is.

@ironman2326

2 жыл бұрын

@@markcoffman494 I just bought one. The price was worth it for me because they pack so much utility in a 2 layer....(blade, flathead/phillips screwdriver, wire stripper, can opener, bottle opener, scissors, corkscrew, hook, fingernail file, toothpick, tweezers, pen, safety pin, eye glass screwdriver). It's nice to have at work. I'm a PT and wear khakis everyday, and don't want something that protrudes.

My most use tool. Is the can opener. And I've never used it to open a can

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

I would have to say that’s the same for me!

Victorinox Compact is 🥰❤

Hey Mark I like the Music in the background very much. Do you compose it by yourself? If so, is it somewhere available for listening? Take care

Majority of my SAK collection are 2 layer. I carry a leatherman so the sak is a supplement to that. Here my favs Rambler lives on my keys chain. Great for when someone asks to “borrow” your scissors or a small knife and small enough to carry on formal occasions. Spartan/sportsman are my daily carry sport during week. Spartan on the weekend. I used carry the tinker but switched once I started wearing eyeglasses so I could add the mini screwdriver via corkscrew.

Strange that the Compact isn't on here (unless he doesn't have one). Love mine.

@markcoffman494

2 жыл бұрын

Read the other response’s I have made for kit having it in the list

There is only one two layer SAK option for edc... the compact.

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

There is a specific reason I have not reviewed that mode here on my channel.

I agree with some other comments in that the Compact is such an ideal two layered SAK; but, why is it so significantly over-priced?

@markcoffman494

Жыл бұрын

Yes exactly that’s why I don’t have one. They’re just to significantly expensive to justify the amount tools that come on the dang thing.

If only sportsman had a scissors that would be best for me😅

No compact??

@markcoffman494

2 жыл бұрын

Nope! Not worth the money for me personally

My SAK Camper 2018 has eye in the awl?

@markcoffman494

2 ай бұрын

That’s a more recent one.

I really don't know what to think of all these dudes that say a nail file is more useful than a secondary blade ,??