Help choosing my first SAK

J

jmflem

Joined
Feb 1, 2014
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373
Hey guys, I'm thinking of getting my first Victorinox, and I'm needing some recommendations. I want something small and compact, since I already carry an EDC folder with me. I really want it to have scissors. I also really like the idea of a pen, since whenever I need a pen (or someone else does) I never seem to have one on me. I'm liking the Signature Lite model, especially in the Sapphire blue. But here's my problem: I really like the Alox models too, but they don't have the pen option. I'm thinking the enjoyment/ cool factor of the Alox is more important than the pen, since I don't really use my knives that often. I carry them because I like them...a lot. I'm thinking a black Alox model would match the carbon fiber of my Spyderco sage very nicely. So what recommendations would you have for a nice Alox Victorinox with scissors? And what is your opinion of the Signature Lite? Are there better options with the pen feature? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
As far as alox with scissors go your basically out of luck unless you get someone to make a custom for you. They only offer scissors on the 58mm and 74mm alox models. The Pioneer is a 93mm model.

If you wan't a cellidor model with scissors and pen and in a compact package the "Compact" would be perfect for you. I personally hate the combo tool they use on the "Compact" though.

compact-pocket.jpg

http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/victorinox/compact-pocket.jpg

I really understand the attraction towards alox and the Pioneer (expecially black) is a great knife to start with if you wan't a alox model. Basically you need to decide if you wan't alox or cellidor then select the model. You could always buy a alox and cellidor as well. :D
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
As far as alox with scissors go your basically out of luck unless you get someone to make a custom for you. They only offer scissors on the 58mm and 74mm alox models. The Pioneer is a 93mm model.
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I didn't realize alox models don't come with scissors :(. The Compact looks nice but I would never have any use for the parcel hook or the corkscrew. The Signature Lite's pen seems like it would fill the hand better, and I personally like the sapphire blue more than the red. I may have to end up getting more than one Victorinox depending on how I'll like my first one.

EDIT: Wait, I think you meant black alox models don't come with scissors, because some of the other alox models have scissors.
 
jmflem said:
And what is your opinion of the Signature Lite?
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I think the Signature Lite is a nice SAK, but be aware that the scissors are little. If you can live with a SAK without a pen, but which is still compact and has a bit larger scissors, then you could check out the Ambassador or Executive.

I carried a Midnite Manager for a while as a companion for a folder. That combo worked great for me.
 
jmflem said:
I didn't realize alox models don't come with scissors :(. The Compact looks nice but I would never have any use for the parcel hook or the corkscrew. The Signature Lite's pen seems like it would fill the hand better, and I personally like the sapphire blue more than the red. I may have to end up getting more than one Victorinox depending on how I'll like my first one.

EDIT: Wait, I think you meant black alox models don't come with scissors, because some of the other alox models have scissors.
Click to expand...

No I meant all 93mm alox does not come with scissors. Why do you think they have them?
 
With the Compact you can take the pen out and flip it around and insert it under the hook in the slot and then close the hook as far as it will go giving you a larger handle. Its not designed like that but it works well. On the Signature Lite you can extend the pen out and open the file to give you some extra length as well. The Signature Lite is a 58mm just so you know.
 
jmflem said:
This:



...is where I'm getting confused. You said no alox models have scissors.
Click to expand...



I also said this in the next sentence.

They only offer scissors on the 58mm and 74mm alox models. The Pioneer is a 93mm model.
Click to expand...


Anyways to clear it up their are no 93mm models with scissors.

Depending on your scissor needs the 58mm (classic, Signature Lite, Minichamp, ect..) could be good for you on your keyring and you could get the Pioneer to go along with it. :thumbup:
 
Capt Spaulding's correct: there are no production models in the 93mm range with scissors. 93mm is the size of the full-sized alox knives, such as the Farmer, Pioneer, etc. There are those who can take a stock 93mm and customize it from the 91mm range (scissors, for instance). If you insist on scissors in a 91mm SAK, you will also get the parcel hook; it is pair with the scissor layer. Same with the corkscrew or backside phillips driver with the blade layer or blade/combo tool layer.

The most common alox tool with scissors is the Alox Classic, which is the 58mm, and the size of the small Swiss Army Knife you see on keychains everywhere. There are less common Alox Ramblers and MiniChamps, in the same length. In the 74mm range, there is also the fairly uncommon Alox Executive. None of these alox models have the toothpick or tweezers that accompany cellidor models.
 
You are stuck in the never ending loop that is to choose the perfect SAK.
I think victorinox does this on purpose. It is impossible to only have one.
What do you want the scissors for? If only for fingernails etc. the 58 mm is enough. You can find a alox Classic dirt cheap and see how it works for you, that way you have scissors in alox and still money left for the compact or pioneer or.......

Edit Sorry, see that you also wanted a pen....sounds like the compact.
 
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quattro98 said:
I think the Manager is ideal to keep on your keychain
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I'd have to agree with this, especially since I have a sapphire Manager on my keyring. I like the sharp blade (I always keep my blades sharp) and the scissors, combo tool and especially the pen.
 
personally i'd go with a signature lite and another sak such as a tinker or if you want alox handles a pioneer, but if you can live without the torch i would go with the normal signature as it is thinner and cheaper (plus you could always buy another, better torch)
 
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