Hollow Rivet Soldier ??

E

Eyegor

Joined
Feb 22, 2006
Messages
848
I have a question about the hollow rivets on old style Vic Soldiers.

I have EDC'ed a SAK of one type or another for well over 20 yrs. However, just this week I finally acquired my first Soldier, an old style 08. Always wanted a Wenger SI, never got around to getting one, and now I've got a Soldier instead. I preferred the Wenger because of the bail, but I'd always heard that the Vic had a hollow rivet for a lanyard or bail mod. I was surprised to find that my 08 Soldier doesn't have one. Did they do it some years and not others? Do only the actual issued Soldiers come with a hollow rivet? Just curious.

As mentioned, this is my first Soldier and first Alox SAK. Always figured I would pick up a Farmer eventually but so far I haven't pulled the trigger. In the past, if I wanted this exact tool set up I would carry my Camillus BSA Scout. The Soldier probably will not become an EDC piece for me but I have no safe queens. Everyone comes along for a walk at least once in a while. Thank You in advance for any information you can provide.
 
When the Swiss Military dropped the requirement for the hollow rivet Victorinox stopped putting it in their knives. This would have been early 90's.
 
I've always felt that this was a very bad move on the part of Victorinox. For a military slanted knife, some provision should be made to attach a lanyard to the knife. This is one reason I don't own or will own a soldier. If I don't have my old Si on hand, then I'll go with a pioneer or cadet. In warm weather I spend a lot of time on the water. I once had a knife go to Davy Jones's locker because ti had no lanyard. I won't make the same mistake twice. And out on a back packing trip, it's nice to have a dummy cord. Stuff happens, and I want to make sure my knife stays with me if things get rough.

Vic needs to bring back the hollow rivit, and leave the lanyard option to the buyer.

Carl.
 
jackknife said:
Vic needs to bring back the hollow rivit, and leave the lanyard option to the buyer. Carl.
Click to expand...

I completely agree. My SAK's are always attached to me by a lanyard. Like Carl, I've had one too many fishing experiences that ended with a sunken knife. I'd sell my next born for a Farmer with a hollow rivet.
 
jackknife said:
That's not a bad thing. The Wenger is a hell of a great knife. In over 20 years of use, mine hasn't let me down yet.

Carl.
Click to expand...

Indeed. I actually prefer the Wenger Standard Issue over the Victorinox Soldier.

  • Hollow rivet
  • Bail
  • Sharper awl
  • Blade with better edge holding
  • Generally cheaper in price
  • Easier to find one with brass liners
Hollow rivet
 
jackknife said:
(...) For a military slanted knife, some provision should be made to attach a lanyard to the knife. (...)
Click to expand...

I think that's the reason why the Dutch army moved to the Pioneer. I'm not sure, but I thought that in 1984 the Dutch army started using the Victorinox Soldier, which had a bail in those days. In 1987 they switched to the Pioneer.
 
I also wish that Victorinox would make their newer Alox models with the hollow rivet, especially the models without the ring.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top