Minimal swiss army knive??

Recon_Tanto

Recon_Tanto

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Joined
Feb 9, 2026
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I'm looking for a light and minimal swiss army knife.

Day to day carry is often a rugged folder or small fixed blade, and a smaller traditional knife. Stockman or swiss army knife usually./ like this >
https://imgur.com/9KVlrW8

that is my most carried swiss army knive. the soldier model, or do they call it the pioneer now? I dont recall.

I'm looking at the bantam, deciding between the regular version and the alox edition. I figure the alox is thinner but the plastic edition is lighter.

Should I be viewing any other models?

Bantam owners, which do you think is best? PLastic or alox??
 
Not a bantam owner.. but as a Pioneer X Alox owner..I'd go for the Alox version.

(If you don't need tweezers or the toothpick.) The Alox scales are more durable,in my opinion.
 
Classic/Classic SD?

"Signature"? (discontined) or Signature Lite?
(I kept a Signature on my key ring for 22 or 23 years, when I upgraded to the Miji Champ.. I swapped the tweezers for the more useful (to me) toothpick. After 23 years the original pen refil was still writing fine. I did not use the pen every day. However, I was/am shocked the ink did not dry out.
Personally, I have no need of one of the Lite models. I carry a 18650 powered LED flaslight, anyway.)

Mini Champ? (if on key ring, it is potentially a wee bit "thick" for in pocket carry)
I expect the refil to last at least as long as the one in my Signature did.
(Not that it matters. I do not expect to be above the grass in 23 years. At "best" I got 12 years to go, if family history is any indication.
Evo Grip 10? (85mm)
One of the discontinued solo or twin blade models like the "Florest"? (85 mm?)
 
afishhunter said:
Classic/Classic SD?

"Signature"? (discontined) or Signature Lite?
(I kept a Signature on my key ring for 22 or 23 years, when I upgraded to the Miji Champ.. I swapped the tweezers for the more useful (to me) toothpick. After 23 years the original pen refil was still writing fine. I did not use the pen every day. However, I was/am shocked the ink did not dry out.
Personally, I have no need of one of the Lite models. I carry a 18650 powered LED flaslight, anyway.)

Mini Champ? (if on key ring, it is potentially a wee bit "thick" for in pocket carry)
I expect the refil to last at least as long as the one in my Signature did.
(Not that it matters. I do not expect to be above the grass in 23 years. At "best" I got 12 years to go, if family history is any indication.
Evo Grip 10? (85mm)
One of the discontinued solo or twin blade models like the "Florest"? (85 mm?)
Click to expand...
I keep the Classic on my keychain. The pocket knife I want to have a bit more meat to hold on to..
 
I love my Alox Bantam for thin light carry. I also like the Waiter, as it adds the corkscrew which I store the micro driver in. It also has the toothpick and tweezers because it has the plastic scales.
 
I have the Bantam and I like it. I also like the Recruit , which is on the smaller frame. The Compact is also a good 2 layer. It has a blade, scissors and a combo tool.
 
Bantam alox. Weight isn't a big factor but looks and thickness might be.

I am not sure if they are still selling the walker, but I like the saw and it is the smallest sak with a saw. That would be my other thought.
 
gentleman_edc said:
Bantam alox. Weight isn't a big factor but looks and thickness might be.

I am not sure if they are still selling the walker, but I like the saw and it is the smallest sak with a saw. That would be my other thought.
Click to expand...
I have decided on obtaining an alox bantam, but I can not locate a dealer selling them in red without BRANDING. Knifecenter is selling branded versions but I do not want ads on my pocket knives.

Can anybody supply me with a dealer that stocks red alox bantam pocket knives without BRANDING on the engravers paneling??
 
I have a green one with sks branding. If you find one, let us know. The branding is obnoxious, so I understand. I didn't think it would bother me as much as it does.
 
I’ve been a Bantam user for over twenty years. There are a lot of very good knives in my quiver but the Bantam is a minimalist dream. It tucks away just about anywhere and weighs just one simple ounce. It is like a folding paring knife that is stiff enough for light fire craft. If you are an international traveler the can opener will get you into a can of skipjack tuna or black beans and the blade is just super at food prep. We travel light and the iconic Bantam is a superb tool. A Vic can be sharpened or touched up on a small river stone.


IMG-9339.jpg



I have one in black Alox and one in silver Alox. The 84mm Alox Bantam is my favorite minimalist folder. Yikes do they get sharp and slicey with the thin stock.

IMG-9222.jpg
 
I have carried that alox bantam and have one and I do like it.

BUT...I like the cadet better as an all around minimal pocket knife. Not much difference in size but the opener layer of the cadet gives you much more capability in various situations. The Nail file of the cadet makes a good small Phillips driver and general poky tool. The can opener works better than the combo tool of the bantam on the job of opening cans. The flat driver and bottle opener works better for light pry tool jobs than the bantam combo tool that is a bit light for that duty. Plus, you get the keyring. I don't know why they don't put the keyring on the bantam but it's a dumb move. The keyring lets you put a lanyard on the tool and I like lanyards.
 
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