Do you prefer the combination tool on a swiss knife or else a separate bottle opener and can opener?

Which is more practical/useful? Does the combination tool really replace the other two tools as regards functionality?

I would like your opinion since I am thinking of either buying a new knife or ordering a custom-made knife with the least layers possible (2 layers preferably).

Thanks in advance.

Hi there!

Just had a closer look on some of my knives ( ) - and I?m not sure the combination tool does replace the two individual tools in terms of functionality. The blade of the separate can opener is sharpened, which isn?t the case with the combination tool. I also like the big screw driver the individual bottle opener provides - and the small one at the end of the can opener...

So, I guess, it?s rather a question of 'Does size (or layers) matter?' or 'Which are the functions you?re going to need most?'

By the way... there?s a way to order custom-made knives at Victorinox???

Yep for me layers matter. I hate exceeding 2 layers since a 3 layers+ knife is not comfortable for me to use as my EDC knife. So the combo tool combines 2 tools in one. So far, the compact swiss army knife is what I am looking at since at just 2 layers, it includes the combo tool, knife and even scissors!!!

Not at Victorinox but there are people who mod knives themselves on order. Even on Facebook you can find groups like "Custom SAK Group" where you can order your custom knife. There is also SAKModder but I do not know if the guy is active anymore. I guess searching on Facebook would be your best bet.

By the way, thanks for your feedback

Yep, the 'Compact' is a great knife - I do own one of those. So many features in a two layer knife. I also like the nail file on the back of the hook!

But I?m not that picky about the size of the knife I carry with me. I regulary have a 3- or 4-layer knife in my pocket. I even own a Swiss Champ - although that one gets to leave the house with me quite seldomly

So get one of the 'Compact' models!

Thanks for the hints where to get a custom knife! The most 'custom-like' things I got myself so far were engravings... The Victorinox-shop in Vienna offers engravings both on the grip plates and the blades!

I don't have anything with a combo tool on it, but according to this video, it works nicely for both can opening and bottle opening.

I have both types. I prefer the standard opener to the combo tool, not because it does a better job but because the traditional opener can also pinch hit as a Philips driver. That being said, the combo tool will do the trick 99 percent of the time. Unfortunately, the number of bottles and cans that require openers grows smaller every day

I ended up trying them myself using a Compact I purchased and my Tinker. Definitely the standard can opener on the Tinker does the job much much better than the combo tool on the Compact. With the combo tool, you have to press much harder to open a can. Have a look at this video for another tip about how to open a can using the standard tool: Open a tin can in 10 seconds

Yes, unfortunately ... Having said that, I do not think that Victorinox will ultimately remove this tool since there are other uses for it. Check out the following videos:

Opening wine bottle with SAK
Can Opener Tricks

If you want to limit yourself to 2 layers then combi-tool should be enough
I'm in habit of carrying anything from Classic to SwissChamp and frankly do not find that much of a difference in carrying comfort.
They all travel the same in right front pocket for me