Not much to say about the Compact that hasn't already been said. It's a fantastic model from Victorinox and does a great job of riding the line between compactness or ease of carry and utility. I'll split this out into my personal pros and cons for this model, and a comparison to some of the other current Victorinox offerings for those that might be trying to decide if the Compact is for them.Pros: * Size - I love 2-layer SAK models. For me personally that's the most comfortable for pocket carry. and I don't really like to go beyond a 3-layer. * Plus scales - I don't use them much but the scale tools (tweezers, toothpick, and pen) are great to have. The Pen in particularly is one of my favorite pros to the Compact. Tip: you can stick the pen under the multi-purpose hook and use the knife itself as a "body" for the pen for a much more comfortable writing experience. * The Multi-purpose hook. A lot of people hate the hook, but the version on the Compact actually has a file on the back edge. For that alone I find it useful on a regular basis. And while the original "parcel carrier" hook use isn't common anymore I've found it comes in handy for other odd tasks like: pulling an O-ring into place, loosening ribbons or cordage, and repairing a screen door. * The mini driver + the straight pin: I thought I'd never carry an SAK with a corkscrew because the only time I've ever needed one is at someone else's parties, haha. But the mini driver is great for electronics or eyeglasses, and I've found uses for the straight pin already as well. If it weren't for those two add-ons the corkscrew would be pretty much a waste of space for me otherwise.Cons: * Combo tool - the combo tool is a great idea but I find it really doesn't fit most standard Phillips screws well. It'll work in a pinch but I usually have to angle it in and it's easy to slip. I wish it was just a little narrower at the tip. * Corkscrew - I admit I've found a few uses for this despite my misgivings initially. But I'd find a Compact with a Phillips on the back *way* more functional for my typical everyday tasks personally.Other models to consider if you're looking at the Compact (note: none of these have Plus scales, so no pen): * Spartan: no scissors, adds the small blade and can opener (includes a Phillips driver on the tip). Awl in place of the multi-purpose hook. * Climber: 3 layers instead of 2. Adds scissors to the Spartan and brings back the multi-purpose hook (no file on it though) * Tinker: Same as Spartan, but with a Phillips driver instead of the corkscrew. * Super Tinker: 3 layers, adds scissors to the Tinker. Small blade, backside awl and hook, and a can opener, plus a backside Phillips instead of the corkscrew. My second favorite current Victorinox cellidor model, after the Compact.If I could imagine an ideal balance of size and utility in an SAK, the Compact definitely comes closest of all the currently available Victorinox offerings. For me, the "perfect" design would be a Compact, but replace the hook with the backside awl, and the corkscrew with the Phillips driver. Preferably the Phillips would be like the older square-shank Victorinox version with a small nail file included on the inside surface. That said, I'm very much a fan of the Compact and can highly recommend it as an everyday pocketknife.