Here's the link to Victorinox's Farmer page for Specs and stock photos. The Farmer features a blade, saw, large flathead screwdriver/cap lifter, small flathead screwdriver/can opener, awl, key ring.
Left to right: Tinker, Farmer, Bantam, Classic:
Top to bottom: Classic, Bantam, Farmer, Tinker:
Top to bottom: Bantam, Farmer, Tinker, Classic:
Left to right: Bantam, Farmer, Tinker, Classic:
I decided to try out an Alox model after reading all the good things about them. Bushcrafters seem to favor the Farmer model, so I ordered one. I can see why people rave about the Alox models:
Plus it has the same advantages as all other Victorinox SAKs:
Knife vs. Multitool?
I am not a fan of multitools, like Leathermans. All my previous SAKs felt more like knives with tools than the other way around. When I first picked up the Alox Farmer, it felt COLD. All-metal construction definitely makes it feel more like a multitool. It is so well-made and potentially so handy for those "what if" situations, I am torn between it and my beloved Svord mini peasant. I've been carrying the Svord mini for a year, and I love its light weight and elemental nature; it is a pure cutter. I spend 95% of my time between work and home, and both places are well stocked with tools. In addition, my Classic handles a fair bit with its screwdriver. It's pretty rare that I wish for a multitool. One observation: I find it hard to deploy the blade on the Farmer. The nail nick is deeply recessed behind the saw blade, and I wonder how I'll manage if I cut my nails. I found myself balking at using it in situations where I would have whipped out the Svord and deployed it with one hand.
Overall, the Farmer is a fabulous knife/tool. If I had to pick one knife to keep, this would be on the very short list.
Left to right: Tinker, Farmer, Bantam, Classic:
Top to bottom: Classic, Bantam, Farmer, Tinker:
Top to bottom: Bantam, Farmer, Tinker, Classic:
Left to right: Bantam, Farmer, Tinker, Classic:
I decided to try out an Alox model after reading all the good things about them. Bushcrafters seem to favor the Farmer model, so I ordered one. I can see why people rave about the Alox models:
- The blade and flathead driver/bottle opener are heavier duty
- Springs are thicker and stronger as well, about optimum tension for my taste
- In-line awl appears to be more useful vs. the T-handle awl
- Construction feels more solid than cellidor models
- Thinner scales mean a 3-layer Alox is the same thickness as a 2-layer cellidor (almost)
- Pins on the outside of scales mean I can tighten them if needed
Plus it has the same advantages as all other Victorinox SAKs:
- Excellent quality; finish and centering of all tools is spot on
- Value: I can't believe I got this quality for $33.50; neither could my friend at work
- People friendliness: everyone knows an SAK and is not afraid of one
Knife vs. Multitool?
I am not a fan of multitools, like Leathermans. All my previous SAKs felt more like knives with tools than the other way around. When I first picked up the Alox Farmer, it felt COLD. All-metal construction definitely makes it feel more like a multitool. It is so well-made and potentially so handy for those "what if" situations, I am torn between it and my beloved Svord mini peasant. I've been carrying the Svord mini for a year, and I love its light weight and elemental nature; it is a pure cutter. I spend 95% of my time between work and home, and both places are well stocked with tools. In addition, my Classic handles a fair bit with its screwdriver. It's pretty rare that I wish for a multitool. One observation: I find it hard to deploy the blade on the Farmer. The nail nick is deeply recessed behind the saw blade, and I wonder how I'll manage if I cut my nails. I found myself balking at using it in situations where I would have whipped out the Svord and deployed it with one hand.
Overall, the Farmer is a fabulous knife/tool. If I had to pick one knife to keep, this would be on the very short list.
