2 new sak's

6

6speed

Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
108
Hello, I just received a silver Farmer and a silver Pioneer Rancher, here's my impression of the knives. Just one question is SAK going to stop production of these Alox knives? IF so I want to purchase a Pioneer with the ring before that happens.

The pioneer Rancher is the choice I made to have one SAK without the ring. This has a nice little hook blade that is great for blister packs and other chores. This allows you to keep your main blade for the other tasks you choose. The fit and finish is superb with nothing to catch on your pockets. It's a lightweight two spring design that feels like a regular slippie but affords one a two blade design with tools thrown in. I'm pleased with this choice and also like the Silver color. This knife is small enough and light enough for dress slacks IMO.

The Farmer was purchased to originally get the BLUE color but I didn't want to pony up the $$$ for the color so SILVER was the choice. The farmer is basically a soldier or pioneer with a saw. I'm sure the SAK fans know this.
It is thicker than the Pioneer being a three spring design. I like this because it feels more substantial in the hand. This knife has the lanyard ring and the spine of the saw blade adds support while using the other blade and tools.

In conclusion these SAK alox designs are a great value for a price that is less than most slippies and throws in the tools for free. With the purchase of my recent Cadet I had to try these out. Truthfully I will probably purchase a silver Pioneer w/ring and my SAK days will be over except for gift purchases. I can't imagine getting rid of this alox line of knives.

Thanks to blade forums I was made aware of these gems! Get one you'll love it.
 
Last edited:
Best available info is that the Pioneer line will remain untouched , for now . Wenger also says they will continue to produce the SI for now .

Chris
 
I love the Victorinox alox line of knives and also hope they're not dis-continued. I find a classic,rambler,mini champ etc, compliments a pioneer or farmer well. You get a smaller blade for little tasks, the scissors, toothpick and tweezers. Could also substitute a leatherman micra or S4. And if you really want to go hogwild, look into scibeer's work. I've got a farmer that he modified, its got a hard anodized handle now,kinda a greenish gray color. Scratchproof and tough as nails. Maybe it is overkill, but it looks cool and has a unique color. I remember picking up a half dozen soldiers several years ago,on sale at a major chain,collected one for myself,liked it never really carried it cause it lacked the keyring/lanyard attachment. The rest were as gifts. I still have a couple that remain ungifted. Think I'll hang onto them as they've been dis-continued. Good luck with the alox collecting.
 
It's amazing that a few people I showed this Pioneer Rancher said where's the ring. One gentlemen said "I've never seen an SAK without the ring." just this morning.

BTW, I used that hook blade this afternoon to open a new pen (f-701) at the counter and it was double blister PACKED! Nice to have a blade for it.

Thanks for the info on the Alox series.
 
I really like my Pioneer Pruner, and carry it every day.
One backspring, very solid, and that nasty little hawkbill is very useful.
Great choice of blades in their by Victorinox. :thumbup:


With rumors swirling that the Alox line is going to be discontinued, I think I'll have to pick up a few more.
(Heck, they're only a bit over twenty bucks and worth at least twice that IMO.)
 
If I had to give up every other knife (perish the thought), there is a good chance I'd keep either the alox Pioneer or possibly the Farmer.
 
I was wondering the same thing about the Alox models being discontinued; a well-known outdoor store that specializes in deep discounts has many of the Alox models on sale and listed as "closeouts".

I just ordered an alox Farmer, alox Classic SD, alox Cadet, and a couple of non-alox models. :D
 
This talk of opening blister packs with the pruning blade made me think that the orange peeler on a mini-champ might work pretty well for that. Sometimes it seems if the knife doesn't cut you the darn plastic does!
 
Rifon2, +1 on the hook blade and that single spring design looks sweet, light and slim. The whole alox line has something for just about everyone.
 
The rancher is a great knife. I'm carrying mine today. I really do like the Alox series and would hate to see this line fall into nevermore category.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top