How tough is the anodizing on the Alox Victorinoxes?

[Daniel L]

The colored Alox models look great, but is the coating very durable? I'm not expecting Surefire mil-spec hard anodizing, but if the knife is next to my keys is it going to significantly wear?

I assume the "silver" Alox models is still a coating over the raw aluminium, so it will show less contrast during wear.

 

[Harayasu]

The colored models do show wear. The red on my red Pioneer is fading and there are a few silver spots, but I like it actually. On my 2002 Soldier the wear is hardly visible. Only a few scratches on the edges and the fading red on the Victorinox emblem are signs of age and use.

 

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

The color will wear considerably if carried with keys. Look around the internet and you'll see many examples of worn alox finishes on both Victorinox and Leatherman (i.e. Juice) models.

 

[Iyonk]

get 2.. save one for adoring and use the other and not care about the character battle wound

in my experience they're pretty durable... in comparison, the cellidors are more prone to scratches, but they keep their collor... get the silver one in my opinion if you dont want the scars easily visible... my alox soldier still looks good even though i really use it hard..

 

[Daniel L]

Thanks - if they made G10 scales I'd be happy

Then again, I've only just realised what a huge industry there is on TSA confiscated SAKS... just took a look on ebay and its crazy!

I do have my eye on a Swiss Bianco Rambler, but then again good old cellidor in less than half the price!!

 

[Syph007]

The color wears pretty fast on stock Vic anodize. I measure it around 35 RC. The hard anodize I run is around 55 RC. Ive even had some colored cadets straight from the factory that had nicks of color missing around the rivets or the sharp inside scale edges. So I would try just not to worry about it, it'll pocket wear pretty fast but the pocket work look is pretty nice anyhow.

You can only get so much durability from anodize anyhow though its still limited by the soft aluminum medium. You will barely notice the wear on stock silver scales though since its just covering up silver colored aluminum underneath.

Here are some very old very pocket worn scales I have from an ebay auction. Im going to strip them and give them a fresh coat of Red hard anodize.

 

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

I'm in the minority here, but I strongly prefer the non-colored Alox Vic models. They age much better to my eyes. And even better, they are both cheaper (generally) and more plentiful.