SAK cadet or compact?

J

J1427

Joined
Sep 2, 2013
Messages
171
Which one is better and why? Cadet is 30 bucks and the compact is 45. Are the extra tools worth the extra money?
 
The Cadet is smaller, it's 85mm closed while the Compact is 91mm closed (and thicker).

They both pack a lot of features into a very small package. If the scissors are a big deal to you, go for the Compact. Otherwise, the Cadet is just so slim and pretty (I'm refering to the alox version).
 
The pricing between them is a lot closer than that, at least where I buy mine. More like $27 and $33 (shipped). I have the Cadet myself.
 
I love the Alox Cadet.
If I need more tools I'll just go with one of my mutil-tools. I have an old Gerber from when they were made very well, and a older Leatherman.

Really though, both are great knives, and only you can decide which will work better for you.
 
I doubt you will ever use the knot hook thing, but scissors on a victorinox are the tool you will use the most, I'm willing to bet. Hadn't heard of the compact before this. Cadet is marginally smaller, but I'm not positive you'll be able to feel the difference. The trekker and spartan are good models, if you're interested in making it more complicated rather than less :)
 
I'd pick the Compact for the scissors. The Cadet is quite a bit thinner though, if size is a concern. The Compact is only two layers though, so it's not bulky either.
 
I have both and I like them both. The Cadet is thinner but the Compact has more tools. The Compact has the tweezers and toothpick as well as a pen, eyeglass screwdriver, and pin. It depends on wether or not you like scissors and how slim you want it to be. Sorry if I couldn't help you much, but they are both good models that are good for EDC.
 
Been asking myself the same question along with the Bantam thrown into the mix for awhile now. It generally comes down to what do you want durability, that's the alox cadet. Practicality, thats the compact. Or do you want the middle ground, bantam.

And if you are looking at the knives in the US the price is a lot closer, cadets were running $20-25. Compact $28-35 and I am pretty up to date on the prices. (If your not US well I don't know what the prices are, but generally I figure they still be closer in price).
 
Thanks guy! I ended up picking the compact for the extra tools. And I live in Toronto Canada and those are the prices at the place to buy them nearby.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top