Minimalist SAKs

Originally posted by frank k
The combo tool is like the one on your Waiter. The scales are smooth, but I am not sure if they were ever as shiny as the cellidor ones; they are definitely a lighter shade of red. They could be some type of cellidor or they could be nylon, I don’t know. The Logo is stamped on and dose have the triangular shield shape like on the ribbed alox Bantams you posted at the top of this thread.
Click to expand...

and

Originally posted by Don Luis
My Plumber has cellidor scales without the metal shield, it´s one of those I jigged with a dremel and there is no visible shield any more.
It does not have the tweezers and toothpick.
The combo tool is like the budget waiter in your picture.
Click to expand...

Thanks Frank K and Don - looks like you both have the same Plumbers model (even if Don has tried to disguise his :D )

The older Combo tool dates this possibly pre-1981 - I think - since my Waiter was bought Jan/1982.

Would you both mind please checking if there is a groove in the corkscrew, or what's called a fluted worm (honest, I did not invent that term :eek: :p )

I have an e-mail in with Paul Elsener about the Plumber - he's going to check its availability (price?), his initial reply says he doesn't think it's available with polished cellidor scales - but he also points out it is easy to change the scales oneself.
 
Would you both mind please checking if there is a groove in the corkscrew, or what's called a fluted worm (honest, I did not invent that term :eek: :p )
Click to expand...


Mine dosen't have any "worms", fluted or otherwise. :D

There is no phillips, no awl, no nothing on the back either.



- Frank
 
Originally posted by UnknownVT
I have an e-mail in with Paul Elsener about the Plumber - he's going to check its availability (price?), his initial reply says he doesn't think it's available with polished cellidor scales - but he also points out it is easy to change the scales oneself.
Click to expand...
There is another model called the Lumberjack that looks (to me)exactly like the Plumber.

The Lumberjack in matt red finish, from Victorinox has the following features:
large blade
wood saw
keyring
bottle opener/can opener, screwdriver and wire stripper
tweezers
toothpick
84mm, 2 layer
 
Originally posted by Frank
There is another model called the Lumberjack that looks (to me)exactly like the Plumber.
Click to expand...

Yep, sounds and looks like the same model.

I only got the name "Plumber" because that's what others called it at the other forum - two people referred to that name.

[EDIT:
Just did a net search and found some references and vendors (in the UK and CZ) for the Victorinox Lumberjack - that same knife. Didn't find any references to the knife as the "Plumber".......
I'll go ask the other forum where they got the name "Plumber"]

Thanks,
 
My Plumber/Slumberjack (Plumberjack?) does not have a corkscrew or anything else in the back, I don´t remember seeing a SAK with fluted corkscrew.

I have another interesting (to me at least) Victorinox SAK, it has the basic tools plus the large file (three springs wide), and underneath the leather punch and phillips driver, which is squarish rather than cylindrical and has the sardine can opener slot, it also has a metal silhouette of and old car inlaid in the handle, I can´t remember when I bought it but it´s old and well worn.
 
What is the best store and/or web site to pick up an Alox Bantam? I've decided that I've just gotta have one. :eek:
 
Originally posted by Don Luis
My Plumber/Slumberjack (Plumberjack?) does not have a corkscrew or anything else in the back, I don´t remember seeing a SAK with fluted corkscrew.

I have another interesting (to me at least) Victorinox SAK, it has the basic tools plus the large file (three springs wide), and underneath the leather punch and phillips driver, which is squarish rather than cylindrical and has the sardine can opener slot, it also has a metal silhouette of and old car inlaid in the handle, I can´t remember when I bought it but it´s old and well worn.
Click to expand...

Fluted or grooved corkscrews were available on Victorinoxes somewhere between 1983/4 and 1991 - there was a bit of discussion on this on page 2 of the Victorinox Tinker thread link1

A Vic SAK that had a an old car on the handles and the tools you described was the Grand Prix - but it was 4 layers thick with the addition of Scissors.

Phillips driver (corkscrew replacement) with the can-key slot -
there was also a discussion of this on the My EDC Story - Victorinox Combo Tool Story thread link2

Frank sent me a photocopy of an old Vic catalog
this is the Grand Prix and the instructions for the can-key slot in the Phillips, and one can just make out the Phillips is square sectioned:
fbf00f83.jpg
 
Originally posted by trane_fan
What is the best store and/or web site to pick up an Alox Bantam?
Click to expand...

Although the Alox Bantam has been around for a long time - it is newly imported to the US - so there aren't that many places that have it.

SMKW has it - for $12.99 BUT + $5.99 shipping(!)
http://eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Brand&Brand=117&SKU=V53949

Brian at discountknives.com quoted me $13.13 + $3.85 shipping (actual priority mail).

As Brian can get busy, I suggest writing him e-mail, and get a reply of estimated lead time first, before ordering.
 
Keep in mind that the Bantam is EXTREMELY thin. It's easy to forget you have it.

Paul
 
I have to strongly agree w/ PWork.. The alox abantom INHO is too thin to use. It bit me a few times and I'd suggest something thicker
 
Originally posted by markd1
I have to strongly agree w/ PWork.. The alox abantom INHO is too thin to use. It bit me a few times and I'd suggest something thicker
Click to expand...

Thanks but I've got three larger V'nox already and a couple that are thin as the Bantam (or maybe even thinner) so I'm pretty well accustomed to the size, shape and performance limits.
 
It's a neat tool in terms of minimal, but I don't think there's any victorinox thinner. (except perhaps the alox classic) IMHO, the 2 bladed alox models like the apprentice and the settler are just right. Minimal enough but still have a handle and blades worth the carry. check them out. (especially if you're going to carry a multitool as well)
 
Originally posted by markd1
It's a neat tool in terms of minimal, but I don't think there's any victorinox thinner. (except perhaps the alox classic) IMHO, the 2 bladed alox models like the apprentice and the settler are just right. Minimal enough but still have a handle and blades worth the carry. check them out. (especially if you're going to carry a multitool as well)
Click to expand...

OK UVT, You're suppossed to be the expert so you tell us. ;) I've got Pocket Pal and assumed that it was as thin or thinner than the Alox Bantam. Which is thinner?
 
Originally posted by trane fan
OK UVT, You're suppossed to be the expert so you tell us. ;) I've got Pocket Pal and assumed that it was as thin or thinner than the Alox Bantam. Which is thinner?
Click to expand...

Me? expert? don't make me laugh -
I'm just a Fan(atic) :D :p

If the Victorinox Pocket Pal you're talking about is the Cellidor handled one - then I'm not sure, but think the Alox Bantam may be thinner.

But If you're thinking of the Vic Popular (Alox handles) then the Alox Bantam is very slightly thicker:

fc5bee31.jpg

this photo displays actual size on my monitor -
left to right Vic Popular ~3/16"; Wenger Patriot just shade over 3/16"; both Vic Alox Bantams ~7/32" (about ~0.2",or 5mm) -
with these measurements you can compare to your Pocket Pal, if it is the Cellidor handled one.

left to right Vic Popular, Wenger Patriot, Alox Bantams
fc5bee30.jpg


The whole reason I like the Alox Bantam is because it is so thin so it's almost not there in the pocket or one could even carry it in the wallet. It may be a bit too thin for some for heavier work - but it is a good compromise for extreme portability for a little compromise on handling. I find it's fine for my use - but as always YMMV.
 
but I don't think there's any victorinox thinner.
Click to expand...

Boy, what was I thinking. I forgot about the popular, and then there's the alox secretary, and then there's the money clip....
Well I compared the width of the secetary and the alox bantam and they're pretty close. perhaps it would make a good addition to a wallet. hmm..
 
Hey, i almost have to admit i was wrong!

i stopped by Remington yesterday, and after checking out the Kershaws i was having a look over the SAK's they had there. I found one that is Not minimal, but superb in usefullness..

i believe it's called the "Cybertool" or cyber-something. What i find great about it is the interchangeable drivers! it's larger than i'd like, however, it's usefullness makes that seem bearable.

also worth noting is the transparent scales. kinda cool.

i also had a look at the Gerber multi-tool, while it's record for durability isn't hot, doubt i'd be that hard on it as to break it. I'd check into the warranty before buying of course. Nice thing is the handle, and size. Altho size is larger than most "leatherman" types i think. It does seem a little more practical for the electronics use it would see from me, more comfy for any lengthy period of use.

so yeah... just thought i'd mention :D

Edit: BTW! i think (pretty darn sure) i saw the Alox knives at Remington store! Hope that helps any of you folks who are lookin' ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top