Lifespan of the Alox Soldier

S

spydutch

Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
978
Greetings:)

I just wondered what the lifespan of the Alox Soldier is by normal use?
I'm rather short on cash at the moment and I wondered if I should buy some back ups as long as they're avalable over here.

I know there is the Pioneer, but to me it's not the same.

Sooooo I'm a light to medium user of 43 years old and I find the Soldier with it's basic tools suits my needs the best :thumbup:
 
Are you asking if you should buy an alox soldier right now, as in are they going anywhere? Or are do you own one and are asking how long they'll last or are you just asking if when you buy them, if you should get a few.
 
With reasonable maintenance , I would guess at least 20 years of moderate use , I would stash one while they are still available . I have an SI , 2 Soldiers , and a Pioneer . I have two other Alox models , a Farmer and an Electrician Plus - so I guess you could say I have a reasonable stash .

Chris
 
I've been using Alox soldier soon 9 years. I bought it 2001 and its been my most carried pocket knife. No problems what so ever. Still razor sharp, gets edge well, solid lock ups as solid as day I bought it. One of the best SAK's there is.

Alox Pioneer is same as Alox soldier + Key ring and different shield. Both are awesome. But like OP said, there'ss light difference. The key ring does make it feel tad different. I still use my 01 stamped Alox soldier and I got new one, stamped 07 in a box, JIC and as spare.
 
thejamppa said:
I've been using Alox soldier soon 9 years. I bought it 2001 and its been my most carried pocket knife. No problems what so ever. Still razor sharp, gets edge well, solid lock ups as solid as day I bought it. One of the best SAK's there is.
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With normal use, it should last a lifetime, and in fact, has a lifetime warranty . A backup would probably be necessary only in the event of loss.

thejamppa said:
Alox Pioneer is same as Alox soldier + Key ring and different shield. Both are awesome. But like OP said, there'ss light difference. The key ring does make it feel tad different. I still use my 01 stamped Alox soldier and I got new one, stamped 07 in a box, JIC and as spare.
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The key ring stud sticks straight out and can press into your palm. This can be a minor irritation but finessed by a slight change of grip. I put up with it because I carry all pocket knives by belt hanger, which can't be done with the Soldier model.
 
For the loss is reason I have back up. I also agree with you point about key ring. Luckily ring can be removed and ring stud hoaned cut away.
 
I have an alox soldier thats been kicking around for about 10, 11 years or so. And a Red Pioneer stamped 97. And a Silver Farmer Ive had about 8 years. These arent my only alox SAKs, and I have multiples of these models in different colors(they are addictively collectible). The ones I mentioned have seen significant use and pocket time. The silver alox soldier and silver farmer show very little wear, and they lock up and are in great condition. The Red Pioneer shows some wear marks,but is otherwise in good condition. Id say they will likely be in good shape for many years to come. As for the alox soldier that has been discontinued by Victorinox, I would recommend getting two,one user and a spare. Also, consider the pioneer which adds a useful keyring/lanyard attachment. Or a Wenger Standard Issue,practically identical to the Soldier except it has a bail. Oh,then there is the Farmer,a favorite of many on these forums. It is only slightly thicker than a soldier but adds a very useful saw blade along with the key/lanyard attachment. Thank goodness these knives arent very expensive,makes collecting them easy.
 
The alox Soldier will last for decades. I have a Dutch army knife, which is basically a Soldier and it is from 1985 and used lightly through the years. I am the second owner of this 25 year old knife. My favourite Soldier is the one I bought in 2002, which has been with me on many hiking and camping trips. Keep it clean, keep it sharp and oil it every now and it will serve you a long time.
 
Loss or theft are the most likley problems , I always carry Alox Soldiers in a pouch or slip , as loss insurance .

Chris
 
i've only seen 1 alox soldier in beat-up condition; where i'd truly say it needed replacement...the guy used it for EVERYTHING, including light abusive tasks...i'm of the crowd that believes a knife should be abused when necessary; it holds up to the abuse or it doesn't...his alox soldier held up beautifully...but it definitely was tired...

wish i could have taken a pic of it at the time...
 
freedoom said:
they still make it. it's just got a different name. it's now the Pioneer.
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Not exactly alike. The Pioneer has a small stud with keychain ring attached. Personally, I like having it, but with a little grinding and file work, you can have your Soldier out of it after all.
 
znapschatz said:
Not exactly alike. The Pioneer has a small stud with keychain ring attached. Personally, I like having it, but with a little grinding and file work, you can have your Soldier out of it after all.
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and some of the older soldiers have a bail. bail, key ring or not it's still the same basic knife.
 
Your wrong mate.All the Wenger SI's have bails and none of the Victorinox Soldiers do. The Pioneer has a different cross, no date stamp, and a key ring. Sure the tools are the same, but there's a lot more then that.
 
The Pioneer is the civilian version of the Soldier. It has the shield that you'll find on most Victorinox SAKs and it has a keyring. The cross on the Soldier is the same as on the Wenger SI, if I remember correct it is the Swiss military shield. Also, the Soldier has a year stamp on the blade.

Old Soldiers did have a bail, like the Wenger SI. Here's a picture of one of my Victorinox Dutch army knives, 1985 edition. It is basically a Soldier, but it does have the bail and the old simple silver cross on the scales.

DAK.jpg
 
As for the pioneer keyring, it is a bit too big for my taste. I have changed mine to smaller and littlebit thicker ones. Looks and feels lot better!
 
america1382.jpg


1996 model Wenger SI still going strong...its the only ALOX model I have, probably should try and get some more when my finances pick up...I personally believe you could EDC one of these for 50 years if you maintain it well and dont abuse it. The Wenger models should also have the date stamp.
 
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