Im blown away by victorinox

A.L.

A.L.

Joined
Jun 27, 2007
Messages
8,277
I've hobbied knives for over ten years now. I've rotated my collection so to speak, and currently own very few knives that have either sentimental value or are too useful to be sold.

I've tried and used knives of all sizes, forms and of all materials and steels. The expression "can't get good for cheap" applies in many places, and more than often with knives.

One of the exceptions to this rule is victorinox. I don't know if it's just me, but people seem to divide into two camps when it comes to victorinox: those that prefer them as ultimate classics and those who prefer them as cheesy, gimmicky "toys". Im at the first mentioned camp naturally.

I taken my pioneer most days to work, and can't really think of any other anymore. It performs better than any knife I've ever owned, including ZT's, Al-Mar, Fällkniven etc.

But my points are:

- Maybe it's thin (and "delicate"), but that's why it slices and cuts
- Maybe it's not hard use, but it's comfortable to use and carry
- Maybe it's massively produced, but it's smooth and centers every time
- Maybe it's chipped, but it still shaves hair from my arm and pushcuts paper
- Maybe it's banal, but it's also classic

Just thought I'd had to let this off my system. Lot's of obvious points said many times before..
 
I have used/carried a Vic since I was about 12 years old. I carry a Vic Super Tinker now. The Pioneer and Farmer are great knives as well.

I have a Spyderco Caly. I love it, but my Vic is carried much more often. Simplicity, the extra tools, and proven performance vs. price.
 
Good post!

A.L. said:
- Maybe it's massively produced, but it's smooth and centers every time
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I guess this is one of those things you never really think about. No matter how beat up looking a Swiss Army Knife is (and the plastic ones pretty much all are after a few weeks of carry), I've never seen one where the opening and closing action didn't feel crisp and smooth. Also never had a SAK blade or tool drift and rub up against the edge or become loose.
 
Absolutely. In this world of thick bladed prybars, gimmick materials, edc machetes, etc the SAK continues to be one of the most useful, practical designs to own.
 
I love em.. I have many and will continue to buy them.. One for each car, every backpack, one in garage, shed, kitchen utility drawer, etc, etc.. lose it who cares, have em around for all kinds of crap..

I to have had one since either 13 or 12.. 1st knife, still enjoy it.. has some nice battle scars, but that makes it more *ME*.

And on the other side of this convo.. what is wrong with thick bladed prybars :D I love those too :)
 
I want to get a Victorinox as my EDC multi tool, but I think I'm going to get a survival knife like an ESEE 5, Junglas, or RTAK II.
 
Appletz said:
Good post!
I guess this is one of those things you never really think about. No matter how beat up looking a Swiss Army Knife is (and the plastic ones pretty much all are after a few weeks of carry), I've never seen one where the opening and closing action didn't feel crisp and smooth. Also never had a SAK blade or tool drift and rub up against the edge or become loose.
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This is true. Maybe I formed my thoughts bit wrong. I get rubbing in some models, but you somehow just don't care. In way, it actually adds character.
 
TheUSMC2017 said:
I want to get a Victorinox as my EDC multi tool, but I think I'm going to get a survival knife like an ESEE 5, Junglas, or RTAK II.
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Why not carry a vic with your fixed blade? that's my standard excursion set up, your covered for just about anything and low weight also.
 
You can't beat the quality and functionality of a SAK for the price. The Chinese still can't a make cheap knives as well as the Swiss. Compare the average Rough Rider to a SAK and you'll see what I mean. And I've owned and used dozens of SAKs, and the high quality I've seen is uniform.

I regularly carry an Alox Cadet, and use it frequently. Small, light, capable, and I use the tools in addition to the blade. Unsurpassed value. I also think the Swiss Tool Spirit is the best all-around multi-tool out there.

It's definitely true they're not badass SHTF tactical skull-bead-worthy "hard use" baton-through-cinder-blocks survival knives. I view that as a positive.

Just bought some new Classics at the local hardware store for $6.99 each minus a 15% discount. Already given several away and people really appreciate them. Great gifts.
 
"I have used/carried a Vic since I was about 12 years old. I carry a Vic Super Tinker now. The Pioneer and Farmer are great knives as well."

I am also a longtime user. My first Vic was the climber model and its still one of my favorites. It seems to me that SAK's havn't gone up much in price in over 40 years, which is also remarkable.
 
A.L. said:
This is true. Maybe I formed my thoughts bit wrong. I get rubbing in some models, but you somehow just don't care. In way, it actually adds character.
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Haha, I wasn't implying you were wrong on any points if that's how I came off. Was just reflecting on one of the things that stood out to me ;)
 
I have to agree with pretty much everyone else who has posted before. Victorinox makes such quality tools for the price that they are impossible to beat in my book. SAKs are so affordable and useful that everyone I know can enjoy one, even non-knife people. Like mentioned by A.L. though, since they are so thin, they really do cut as well or even better than most of the knives I own.

They make awesome gifts, especially the Classic with all its different colors and small but useful tools. All of my close friends have white scaled Classics from Switzerland, and half of the girls I know wouldn't mind carrying one of the brightly colored variations. Its always good to hear back from friends who find little tools like the tweezers or scissors really useful.

Currently, I own a white scaled SwissChamp that I picked up as a souvenir from a trip to Switzerland :D, but since I love the thing and am afraid to beat it up, I carry a Tinker which will soon be upgraded to a Super Tinker :D.

Edit: Also, the classic appeal and usefulness of a SAK is really a big reason for me to carry one everyday. As much as I love beefy and tactical looking folding knives, the SAK can't be beat for everyday usefulness. As axtalan0 mentioned, it really is a nice change of pace to have a classic design that works, instead of gimmicky stuff that is designed more for looks than function.
 
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Victorinox uses better blade geometry (for cutting) than almost any other manufacturer. I carry my Solo for the blade alone.
Being a slip joint means the lock will never wear out, and the low cost means you can loan a top notch knife without worrying too much about loss or damage.
 
taeku4 said:
SAKs are so affordable and useful that everyone I know can enjoy one, even non-knife people.
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Good point. Pull out one of those HEST folders, or some other fairly large knife and watch the sheeple run through plate glass to get away from you. The SAKs get a little more relaxed reaction. ;)
 
I don't know how companies like Victorinox and Zippo can produce such effective and proven products at those prices. I have to agree with you, all the ones I've seen come perfect from the factory. And on a side note, Victorinox also makes some great watches. I got my Alpnach Auto Chrono for not much more than the price of the ETA 7750 movement alone, and the quality on it is great.
 
SAK is the best bang for the buck knife around 30$ IMO. Be it one of the classic models or one hand opening ones. All great knives. Picket up a Farmer yesterday, my first Alox EDC and travel knife. Always had a plastic one and has never failed me.
 
I agree with all this SAK love. I've been carrying an electrican's apprentice w/ Nite-ize clip as my "friendly" knife for a couple months......perfect!

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