Victorinox Super Tinker vs. Compact: The Best Urban EDC Swiss Army Knife?

When it comes to everyday carry (EDC), finding the perfect Swiss Army Knife is a balancing act between size, tools, and practicality. Some people want to carry a multi-tool with all the bells and whistles, while others prefer a sleek, minimalist option that covers just the essentials.

Two of the most popular urban EDC choices from Victorinox are the Super Tinker and the Compact. Both are lightweight, versatile, and well-suited for city life, but they take very different approaches.

I’ve been carrying the Compact every day, but I keep wondering—would the Super Tinker be a better fit? Let’s dive deep into both knives and see how they stack up for daily carry.

Meet the Contenders: Super Tinker vs. Compact

Both knives belong to Victorinox’s 91mm range, meaning they’re pocket-friendly without being tiny. Here’s a quick introduction:

• Victorinox Super Tinker – A three-layer knife with scissors, two blades, a Phillips screwdriver, and all the classic functions you’d expect from a Swiss Army Knife.
• Victorinox Compact – A two-layer knife that’s thinner and lighter, combining multiple functions into fewer tools, including a combo tool (bottle opener + can opener) and a built-in pen.

Both knives are excellent, but which is the better choice for EDC?

Tool Comparison: Super Tinker vs. Compact

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of their tools:

Key Differences

• The Super Tinker has a Phillips screwdriver and an awl, making it better for small repairs.
• The Compact replaces those with a corkscrew and a built-in pen, making it better for note-taking and wine lovers.
• The Compact is thinner and more streamlined, while the Super Tinker has an extra layer for added functionality.

Now, let’s look at real-world EDC scenarios.

Which One is Better for Everyday Carry?

1. Pocketability: How Comfortable Are They to Carry?

If you’re carrying a Swiss Army Knife in your pocket every day, size matters.

• Compact – At 15.5mm thick, it feels sleek and unobtrusive in a jeans pocket. You barely notice it’s there.
• Super Tinker – At 17mm thick, it’s only slightly bigger, but you do feel the extra layer when walking or sitting.

🔹 Winner: Compact – If you want the slimmest, most comfortable carry.

2. Urban Utility: Which Has the Most Useful Tools?

Urban EDC is all about handling daily tasks like opening boxes, cutting loose threads, and tightening screws.

• Super Tinker – Having a Phillips screwdriver is a big advantage if you regularly deal with screws. The awl is also useful for poking holes or scraping things.
• Compact – The pen is a lifesaver when you need to sign something or take notes on the go. The mini screwdriver in the corkscrew is great for tightening glasses and small screws.

🔹 Winner: Tie – Depends on whether you need a Phillips screwdriver (Super Tinker) or a pen (Compact) more often.

3. Food & Drink: Which One is More Practical?

• Super Tinker – Has a dedicated can opener, which is better if you actually open cans.
• Compact – Uses a combo tool, which can open bottles and cans but isn’t as good for deep can cutting. However, it has a corkscrew, which some people find essential.

🔹 Winner: Compact – Unless you open a lot of cans, the combo tool saves space and does the job.

4. Travel & Office Use: Which One is More Convenient?

If you travel or work in an office, the Compact wins hands down thanks to these features:

• Slimmer profile makes it easier to carry in a suit pocket or organizer.
• Built-in pen is incredibly useful for jotting down notes.
• Corkscrew + mini screwdriver is great for glasses and small fixes.

The Super Tinker might be better if you need a Phillips screwdriver at work, but for general use, the Compact is more versatile.

🔹 Winner: Compact – More office-friendly with its pen and slim design.

5. DIY & Repairs: Which is More Practical for Fixing Things?

If you often find yourself tightening screws or doing small repairs, the Super Tinker is better.

• Phillips screwdriver is much more secure and easier to use than the small flathead in the Compact’s combo tool.
• Awl is great for poking, scraping, and even emergency stitching.

🔹 Winner: Super Tinker – Better for light DIY tasks and repairs.

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Both knives are excellent urban EDC choices, but it comes down to what you value most:

• Pick the Compact if you want:
  ✅ A slimmer, lighter knife
  ✅ A built-in pen
  ✅ A corkscrew with a mini screwdriver for glasses
  ✅ A minimalist toolset that still covers most needs
• Pick the Super Tinker if you want:
  ✅ A Phillips screwdriver for real screwdriving power
  ✅ A dedicated can opener
  ✅ An awl for poking, scraping, and DIY
  ✅ More versatility for minor repairs

For pure EDC, the Compact wins because it’s thinner, lighter, and has a pen, but if you often fix things, the Super Tinker’s Phillips and awl make it more practical.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been carrying the Compact every day, and I love how sleek it is. But part of me wonders—would the Super Tinker’s Phillips and awl be more useful? Maybe I’ll pick one up and test it out.

Which one do you prefer for EDC—the Super Tinker or the Compact? Let me know in the comments!