I spent a half-day or so looking for improvements to my current Swiss Army Knife collection (two), the Compact and the Jetsetter (3). Both are extremely compact and versatile (a bit redundant when discussing Swiss Army Knives / Victorinox). The outcome of this research is twofold:
- I have the most optimal (for me) Swiss Army knives for my two current uses, and
- Any additions, extensions, or customizations would not be worthwhile.
The Jetsetter
So named as it is bladeless (though with a small scissors), and should make it through onto flights. It is a 58 mm single layer pocket tool with a variety of scale tools (tools embedded in the red plastic scales). This little beauty sports the following:
- Phillips screwdriver + bottle opener
- scissors
- Scale tools
- tweasers
- toothpick
Because of the size, this actually fits in my wallet, and takes up less space than the Swiss Card variants. I put it in the coin area of my wallet.
The only possible changes I would make to this would be to add an actual knife (standard blade or Spyderco) and a nail file + flathead multi-tool. This would of course ground the Jetsetter, and also make it too big to fit in my wallet. So yes, the Jetsetter is perfectly optimized already.
The Compact
This is a 91 mm two-layer multi-tool also with a variety of scale tools. It is the thinnest 91 mm Victorinox with a scissors. Tools include:
- corkscrew + small (eyeglass) tool fitted to the corkscrew
- hook with file on edge
- knife blade
- scissors
- multi-tool bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, wire stripper
- Scale tools
- tweasers
- toothpick
- removable pressurized pen
- straight pin
I learned a few things about the Compact of which I was previously unaware. For example, the multi-tool bottle opener that can screw Phillips head screws. Also, that the removable pen can be placed in the hook groove and fashioned so that it is easier to hold. Also, the use of the hook for helping untie knots, shoelaces, pulling tent pegs, and bending wire. In any case, each of the features is more or less useful, and together are quite a combination.
I also learned that there are replacement items for the screw driver that is set into the corkscrew. Apparently there are many different attachments, though the set of them cost almost as much as a whole new knife. However, the Jetsetter Phillips screwdriver is small enough to work on my eyeglasses, and so another Phillips screwdriver, or even a small ferro-rod for firestarting. The use of these small accessories is generally hilarious when folks attempt to demonstrate how they work. Needless to say, these are expensive and only marginally useful.
That said, I would like a few extra tools available, such as pliers, saw, file, and fish scaler. That however might be yet another knife. Or simply an imaginary knife.