I've had several Swiss Army Knives over the years. All were red plastic models except for a camouflage Trekker that I rarely carry. I lost one and gave away a couple. I got a Wenger Tradesman during an after Christmas sale a few years ago. I like all the tools and compact size. It has been a companion to my Spyderco Paramilitary for daily carry. . .I have read so many positive comments about the Alox models and the Farmer in particular that it seemed almost like a cult. Recently, I had a few bucks to get something new. So, I ordered a Farmer. Well, I get it now. Its has fewer tools but the ones it has are more substantial and meet most needs. The build is tighter but the opening and closing action is smooth and the blade/tools have no wobble. . .So, I'm a fan and think a black Pioneer will be next for when I want slimmer and don't need the saw.
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I Get It Now
- Thread starter Frizzman
- Start date
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- Feb 7, 2014
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- 1,161
The Cadet is smaller. Scales are shaped slightly different. The actual tools and blade are different sizes.
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2014
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Once you get a alox model in hand you really do understand what all the fuss is about. They are incredible knives and in my opinion the quality you get for the money is top notch and unmatched.
You mentioned a black Pioneer. I would say that is a excellent choice. The Pioneer is a great size and the black alox is very good looking!
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- May 9, 2002
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- 12,685
They are built like tanks. I've carried a Farmer off and on for the better part of a decade. Still walks, still talks, still takes a razor's edge. The only part I've buggered up is the awl's edge, but it still works for putting holes in things. Fantastic value, for sure.
Captain Howdy
Gold Member
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- Apr 28, 2013
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- 986
My black pioneer is my #1 carry. With all the knives I own it's comical that a sub $30 knife gets the majority of pocket time but it's just a perfect fit, the size ,tools, stainless steel, and durability.
ALOX knives are extraordinarily fun to collect and carry. There are so many limited runs and special edition colors. There are some that I've had to literally hunt for on the web for months.
There are rumors that a 93mm ALOX SAK with scissors is going to be released this year as well!!!
There are rumors that a 93mm ALOX SAK with scissors is going to be released this year as well!!!
Once you handle and use the alox, it gets habit forming. The feel of solidness and bomb proof ruggedness. When I use my old Wenger SI or Vic cadet or pioneer, then use my recruit or tinker, they feel a little bit, for lack of a better term, fragile. Light weight. Not a serious tool.
Alox is seriously habit forming.
Alox is seriously habit forming.
I've long thought that the nylon scales should have been made the standard handle scales all SAK's come with! Stands up to solvents and years of use better than the cellidor. The old 111's show that much to be true.
As far as a a second blade, I do like that, and think they need to bering back the cadet II.
Agreed. I have a vintage Cadet II with the clip point blade and it is highly collectible. I believe they should offer a current 84mm ALOX Cadet with the same blade shape. The nail file/nail cleaned just isn't useful for me and my daily life. Even a clam shell package opener, micro screwdriver, mini pruner blade or electricians blade would all be far more useful IMO
:thumbup::thumbup:
If they don't want to bring back the cadet 2, then at least have a few other options for the cadet line. Like a cadet with a scaled down punch/awl like on the pioneer. Then it would serve both purposes, a useful tool for making starter holes for wood screws, and the chisel ground edge of the awl that makes a great wire stripper and scribe.
There could be a whole new product field with the 84mm cadet line if Victorinox choose to take advantage of it.
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- Jun 29, 2011
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Agree, alox is bomb proof. I am sure it could outlast a cellidor version ten fold.
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- Nov 20, 2005
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- 19,385
I like the Alox versions. Carried the old soldier for a few years (red alox) and most of the paint is worn off. But none are available with a tooth pick or tweezers which I use almost as much as the cutting blade. The Pioneer is a good choice. I prefer the two layer ones for pocket carry. The Trekker is too thick for my pocket but nice stuck in a day pack, pouch, or better yet in the pouch of my BK-15 sheath if I am out wandering the woods.
All told, I find the Vic SAKs to be too useful for me not to carry one every day. Cheap enough if I loose or misplace. I keep spares of my favorites.
All told, I find the Vic SAKs to be too useful for me not to carry one every day. Cheap enough if I loose or misplace. I keep spares of my favorites.
I don't get it.
The alox scales of my Cadet are not pleasing to the touch and the lack of thickness makes the whole knife uncomfortable to use compared to my Small Tinker or Wenger Traveler. I'll give it some time to see if it grows on me, but the fact that the Cadet will outlive my Cellidor knives is of little consequence since my Cellidor knives will likely outlive me.
The alox scales of my Cadet are not pleasing to the touch and the lack of thickness makes the whole knife uncomfortable to use compared to my Small Tinker or Wenger Traveler. I'll give it some time to see if it grows on me, but the fact that the Cadet will outlive my Cellidor knives is of little consequence since my Cellidor knives will likely outlive me.