Changing things up: Alox Pioneer Vs Cadet or other?

BMCGear

BMCGear

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For the past few months I haven't carried a modern folder (one hand opening) but I do miss that so I'm going to change things up and go back with a modern folder. I still plan on carrying a SAK though. I especially love the Alox models.

My question for you: do you prefer the Pioneer or Cadet in this role? I have both; I am a minimalist at heart and something tells me I should go with the Cadet. However, I really do enjoy the Pioneer. The Pioneer is a beefier tool and in my mind is more of a solo carry knife as it is robust enough to handle anything I would throw at it.

For you guys who carry a SAK as a complimentary blade to a modern or a fixed blade; what do you prefer?
 
I prefer to carry the beefier tool, for more utility. The difference in size and weight between the Pioneer and Cadet is negligible to me.
 
I much prefer the Pioneer to the Cadet. I find many more uses a day for the awl than the Cadet's nail file. Not to mention the Pioneer just feels better to me in use.

Jim
 
Depends on your anticipated usage. For me, a dedicated folder and a Vic Executive is all I need. If I need a stout screwdriver, I'll use a screwdriver.
 
They are tools.
It all depends on what your needs are daily.
I work outdoors, now colder, so the modern knife is accessible for heavier cutting jobs, a SAK pocket pal for other jobs, and a LM Micra for Scissors and screw drivers selection if needed.
 
I don't carry it as a supplement to another knife, unless in the woods or shop when I have a fixed blade. I do however own both. The awl wins out over the nail tool for me.
 
I had a cadet for a while, but it eventually feel out of favor and into the long term storage in the doc k drawer. I gifted it off after a while and now don't own a cadet. I know a lot of people love them, but form it was a little thin and light for edc. The pioneer/Wenger SI is much more to my liking for a everyday pocket knife. If I'm going to be carrying a knife with some tools on it, them I much prefer more of a grip than the cadet. If I want thin and light, I go for my peanut pocket knife and just rely on the Sears keychain screw driver and P-38 in my wallet.
 
I prefer the Cadet over the Pioneer. When I first got really into SAKs I was all about the Pioneer, but I prefer the Cadet now. Can't go wrong either way though.
 
this_is_nascar said:
Depends on your anticipated usage. For me, a dedicated folder and a Vic Executive is all I need. If I need a stout screwdriver, I'll use a screwdriver.
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LoopCutter said:
They are tools.
It all depends on what your needs are daily.
I work outdoors, now colder, so the modern knife is accessible for heavier cutting jobs, a SAK pocket pal for other jobs, and a LM Micra for Scissors and screw drivers selection if needed.
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This.


I found happiness with the Micra as my EDC knife companion. I rides in my LFP with my money clip.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

But it really depends on what tools you use on a daily basis.
 
Can't tell you what's right for you. Cadet is my choice. Been carrying mine nearly every day since I got it a couple if years ago. Light and flat, don't really notice it's there. Usually not my only knife on me, but sometimes it is the largest one on me, often paired with a Case Peanut. I don't often need a knife in my daily activities these days. At one time I carried an alox Electrician as my only knife, but the lighter Cadet is my current preference.
 
jc57 said:
Can't tell you what's right for you. Cadet is my choice. Been carrying mine nearly every day since I got it a couple if years ago. Light and flat, don't really notice it's there. Usually not my only knife on me, but sometimes it is the largest one on me, often paired with a Case Peanut. I don't often need a knife in my daily activities these days. At one time I carried an alox Electrician as my only knife, but the lighter Cadet is my current preference.
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Thanks for those words and to everyone who has contributed.

I have a strong preference for a robust knife in look and feel. My eyes and hands have always leaned towards the heavier and bigger blades. Carry wise I prefer smaller though. And that's probably why I carried Kershaw Scallion happily for 8 years. I typically carry a larger modern folder these days and although I like the Pioneer the best I have decided to go with the Cadet. It will essentially be a back up/people friendly blade and I really am wanting a SAK for the bottle opener/flathead/phillips head screw drivers so the Cadet covers my basses and is noticeably lighter in my watch/coin pocket. I plan on picking up a Farmer at some point to keep in the truck/house to have the awl and saw as well.

Thanks again guys!
 
BMC - I think you've made the right call to compliment your larger pocket clipped carry blade.

The issue I have with the smaller, thinner, type knives such as the Cadet is its just too thin for me to get a comfortable hold in it. Old age and misspent youth strikes back. I don't often carry a pocket clipped knife too much anymore, but in the occasions that I do, I appreciate the larger handle from the vantage of a nice secure grip.

I know you've determined the minichamp isn't for you, and I don't knife if you've considered it, but you may think about adding an alox classic or rambler to your keychain. Thin and barely noticeable. Or if you are a small flashlight carry guy, clipped to it. After I started to carry a single AAA light, I was surprised how handy it does come in from time to time. And my grandson likes playing with it. After I taught him not to shine it in people's eye bulbs like he says. Lol.
 
Joe58 said:
BMC - I think you've made the right call to compliment your larger pocket clipped carry blade.

The issue I have with the smaller, thinner, type knives such as the Cadet is its just too thin for me to get a comfortable hold in it. Old age and misspent youth strikes back. I don't often carry a pocket clipped knife too much anymore, but in the occasions that I do, I appreciate the larger handle from the vantage of a nice secure grip.

I know you've determined the minichamp isn't for you, and I don't knife if you've considered it, but you may think about adding an alox classic or rambler to your keychain. Thin and barely noticeable. Or if you are a small flashlight carry guy, clipped to it. After I started to carry a single AAA light, I was surprised how handy it does come in from time to time. And my grandson likes playing with it. After I taught him not to shine it in people's eye bulbs like he says. Lol.
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Thanks for the words, Joe.

Yea, the thinness of the Cadet isn't as handfilling as the Pioneer. But I'm really looking for something that is easier to carry.

I was considering a Rambler or Classic for the keychain. The Minichamp was great but it had too many tools that I didn't see myself utilizing. I like the classic because I can get an alox version but the rambler has that killer phillips head that I loved on the minichamp.
 
BMC
I have an 01 SAK Alox soldier I can send you. It's definitely a user. Might be a couple of weeks before I can mail it out. PM a mailing address to me and I'll get it on the way when I can.
 
For daily carry I prefer the Cadet, its so thin and light weight you hardly know its there. Lately I have been carrying this Lumberjack pretty often, has all the functionality of the Cadet with the addition of a saw but still the same size.
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For me, the Cadet is a dress-pants SAK. It will never be a "for real" carry because it's small and hard to hold — a stop-gap, really.

The Pioneer (and Wenger Soldier) have been set aside in favor of a Camillus Army Engineer's knife, which has the same blade set and is American-made. It's not my father's knife, but he was in the engineers (New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon), so there's a loose connection of sorts.
 
I'm a corkscrew kinda guy
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so I carry a Camper most of the time but when I want a handle with some heft I grab my Rangerwood 55.
If you need a blade any bigger than that....
My only complaint is it's almost too big to carry in pocket.
 
I switch back and forth between the cadet and pioneer. Historically I've preferred the pioneer, but these days I find that the cadet suits my needs the best. I find that the nail file fits the tiny Phillips head screws that seal the battery compartments on the kids toys perfectly. To be honest the 7 year old finds more uses for my SAK than I do. He'll be getting one of his own in a couple days here.
 
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