EDC: Alox soldier or Recruit?

Joined
Oct 28, 2005
Messages
1,083
What would you choose to EDC, the alox soldier or the cellidor recruit?
Soldier advantages: stronger scales/construction, stronger and larger blade,awl
Recruit advantages: smaller (lengthwisde), lighter, probably more discreet appearance, tweezers, toothpick, second blade
Soldier disadvantages: slightly more bulky, no tweezers/toothpick
Recruit disadvantages: Less stout blade, cellidor more likely to break, thicker even though lighter

What would you suggest? Intended EDC is for short vacation in different city (maybe bringing nothing would be best:confused: ). Thanks in advance.
 
Do you use the tweezers and/or toothpick? I carry the alox soldier occasionally because it is a solid knife with helpful, though minimal, tools. I find that I use the tweezers rarely. The toothpick is handy to me for random reasons (e.g. using it to reach recessed buttons) but I do not need it that often.

The soldier is light weight. The weight difference between the two models will be barely perceptible. The scales for the soldier are also more likely to hold up to rigorous use. I believe alox appears more elegant as well.

The only reason why I wouldn't bring a tool on vacation to a different city is if I was unable to check my luggage with a pocket tool in it. Otherwise I will take a tool with me everywhere. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
 
...
The only reason why I wouldn't bring a tool on vacation to a different city is if I was unable to check my luggage with a pocket tool in it. Otherwise I will take a tool with me everywhere. I'm not saying, I'm just saying...

When I have to fly for travel, I often will mail myself a few SAKs to the hotel I'll be staying at, and then on the return trip I mail 'em back to myself from the airport before I go through security.

- Tim
 
I have both,and both are great,the recruit is much stronger than it looks,though as you said the soldier is stronger.

I would probobly take the recruit,I enjoy having two blades,and they carry well for me.Cellidor handlles can break but unless your constantly droping them or banging them around it's not much of an issue to me.
 
What would you choose to EDC, the alox soldier or the cellidor recruit?...

The Soldier has a lot going for it. If you don't mind the size (slightly over 91mm) then it's a fine choice and plenty sturdy.

If you want a nail file, scissors, tweezer and toothpick you could always pair it with a 58mm SAK on your key chain. My favorite 58mm right now is the Vic Rogue.

- Tim
 
Another choice to consider instead of the Recruit would be the Sportsman II.

The Sportsman has the main blade, cap lifter, can opener, tweezers and toothpick from the Recruit, along with a nail file (in place of the Recruit's small blade), a corkscrew and an awl, all in a small 84mm package like the Recruit.

The Sportsman II is one of my favorite SAKs. Right now, they're on sale at most Big Lots! stores (in the U.S.) for $6 or $7, too! What a deal!

- Tim
 
IMO, the Cadet (or Cadet II) is the obvious alternative if you want something a bit smaller and more pocket friendly than the Soldier. (It is essentially an alox Recruit.)
 
I happen to LOVE the Alox Soldier!!! When I carry a SAK, I carry an Alox Soldier.
 
I have both the Sportsman and the Cadet (which is the same exact main blade set up, except in Alox, and with no corkscrew, reamer, toothpick or tweezers), and while I like the Cadet for it's slim profile and rugged feel (the Alox frame makes it feel like a little tank), I like the way the fuller Sportsman fills my hand. I'm not really a fan of really slim knives, as it doesn't feel secure in my hand during big cutting chores. I love the Sportsman. I owned a Recruit.... two of them as a matter of fact, but gave them away. I'd rather have the corkscrew, awl, and nail file (which I use for a variety of things) then just a smaller blade. A bit of a trade off, but the Sportsman is the one I'd go with. Plus the universally known and accepted red scales make the Sportsman a very non-threatening knife to use in public. Go with the Sportsman. If you don't have one, you can get one at Big-lots for 7 dollars. A real steal.
 
One other nice thing about that Sportsman is that the nail file can double as a Phillips screwdriver. Now, the can opener tip also works as a Phillips, but the longer "reach" of the nail file can come in handy sometimes. For example, I have a powered mount for my pda/phone in my car, and it eventually loosens and has to be retightened and the phillips screw that secures it to the dashboard is inside a long tube that the can opener (1) is not long enough for, and (2) is too wide to fit into. The tip of the nail file, however, handles the job just fine! :)
 
Thanks for the replies, everyone.
I probably will go for the alox soldier, as I couldn't find a difference carrying in my pocket, plus, I like the security of the sturdier construction (at least it feels that way to me). Still, I will keep an eye out for a sportsman II. :)
 
I would say get an Alox Cadet II. There are a couple of ebay sellers who have them. As guyfalks posted above the Cadet II its basically an alox recruit, same tools except thinner!
If you like the Soldier better then go all the way and get an Alox Farmer.
 
Got the Victorinox sportsman II at Big Lots, based on what I've read. Thanks for the recommendation, I like the feature set on this pocketknife.

The nail file seems to scrape its rough edge against the knife blade when taking the file out, but based on the matte finish, it looks to be made for daily use. Very pocketable, probably should have brought this on the trip :)
 
Back
Top