SAK Compact or Mini Champ?

F

Foilist

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Dec 20, 2004
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I want a scissors-equipped SAK that is easy to carry in dress pants pockets. I'm torn between these two; I like the fuller size and minimalism of the Compact, but I'm afraid of its bulk. I like the range of implements on the Mini Champ, but it might be too small. Who has both?
 
I own both and the Compact is of course easier to handle if ergos are most important, but the MiniChamp is surprisingly easy to hold and use because, even thought is's 58mm long, it's still kind of 'fat' or thick.

If you're looking for lots of tools in a small package, you should consider the Victorinox Executive -- it actually has nearly as many tools at the MiniChamp but it's 74mm long.
 
Sorry, I can't compare the two because I don't own a Compact, but I did pick up a Midnight MiniChamp airport confiscation from ebay for $14 this week. I agree with the above post, that the MiniChamp with all of the blades is a little fat, and I'm not sure that I have use for several of the blades. I wish you could custom order the blades you'd actually like and use on a SAK. Also, the led light is downright pathetic compared to my Photons (although being used, it may be that the battery needs replaced). I do love the pen, scissors, screwdrivers, and ruler. Still, it is a very nice little knife, and as I've noticed with all of the Swiss Army knives, it appears to be very well put together. In truth, even though I question the utility of some of the MiniChamps blades, and find the light "iffy", I'm already very found of the knife. Also, I like having a Phillips, which I do not think the Compact has.
 
I've carried a rogue for a while, until I lost my keys. Now I have a manager. I've found the impliments ideal for myself. Although it only has a 58mm blade, thisis fine as I usually carry a Native as well; although for times and places where another knife may be viewed as a faux pas (or worse) the little sak blade is usually less than troublesome.

Plus, the pen comes in so handy!
 
I've recently picked up a Compact, and it is my new favorite EDC. Had a minichamp for a while, but on the Compact I like the full sized blade, the bottle opener, and I LOVE the pen. In an urban environment, the Compact has all I need under normal circumstances.
 
You should take a look at a Wenger Pocket Tool Chest if you like Wenger scissors. The PTC has a lot of useful tools packed into a very small 64mm package. I prefer it over the MiniChamp even though I'm mostly a Vic user.

- Tim

PS - on the other hand, the Compact rocks!
 
Kinda off-topic...but, I would love to have a Cadet with scissors...that would certainly be very easy to carry in dres pants, and provide a great deal of utility.
 
pedalinbob said:
Kinda off-topic...but, I would love to have a Cadet with scissors...that would certainly be very easy to carry in dres pants, and provide a great deal of utility.
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Have to agree....cadet with scissors would be the bomb. Any way to modify?
 
I carry a Vic Compact for a EDC. It is the best balance of features and convenience for urban use.
 
I do have a mini-champ, but I've never really seen the need for the extra tools. For me the classic is an indispensable item and it is one item I always carry with me so that I'm always covered on the scissors, toothpick & tweezers. But the blade on Classic is too small for most purposes so I always also carry a bigger knife for more serious cutting jobs. The blade on the Compact big enough to be a little more usable.
 
rfbadger said:
I carry a Vic Compact for a EDC. It is the best balance of features and convenience for urban use.
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The Compact is surely a hard act to beat and remains one of my main EDCs.

I carried a Minichamp knife as an edc for four or five years but I find generally the larger blade is a lot handier on the Compact, but I do miss the small wharncliffe blade on the Minichamp. Both knives are good as is the Executive also mentioned.

When in doubt get both

Bob
 
How would the Compact be to carry in dress pants front pockets? Is it light and flat enough to disappear, or is it a brick thumping on your leg all day?
 
Foilist said:
How would the Compact be to carry in dress pants front pockets? Is it light and flat enough to disappear, or is it a brick thumping on your leg all day?
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I find it to be comfortable, for what that's worth. I prefer the 84mm in many ways, though. My favorite 91mm Vic pocket carry SAK is the Passenger or the Yeoman.

- Tim
 
I've just remebered/ rediscovered 84mm SAKs (duh!) Something like the Tourist would be a good compromise between size and utility, although I'd have to forfeit the scissors.
 
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