Package from Switzerland

[tarsier]

Just picked up a Registered Mail delivery with a new knife. It actually arrived Monday, but I couldn't get it until today. Wish I had a digital camera to post some pictures. I got the model 0.8150.26 from this shop:

http://www.swiss-knife.com/EN/SK/classic_range/original.html

I knew that the Europeans had access to a wider variety of Pioneer models, and I was looking for one with large blade, small pruning blade, saw, and awl. American retailers seem to only carry 0.8120.26 and 0.8201.26. I ordered on September 24 and the knife arrived September 30. Price was 38.47 USD, including the priority shipping. It arrived faster than my last two orders from domestic shops.

The knife is three layers, with the silver Alox finish. One side of the handle has a small smooth rectangle in the scale for engraving. The rest of the handle has pebbled texture for better grip. This is the second Alox SAK that I have owned. Aside from the slight extra weight, I really like the solid feel.

The large blade is wider from spine to edge and has a thicker spine than my FieldMaster. The pruning blade might be difficult to field sharpen, but should be no problem on the SharpMaker. The awl is the longer variety, rather than the small one that opens from the back of the knife. The saw is identical to the FieldMaster's. All blades open with that satisfying snap...

Without having used it yet, the only thoughts that I have are that I would like to see the screwdriver replaced with a short file with a chisel tip. It is almost optimized for woodworking already, might as well go all the way. Also, there is no lanyard loop. I'm usually not much of a sheath guy, but was thinking of having one made for it. I wuold like a way to tug the knife out of a tight sheath. Might have to go for the pouch style.

Now, I just need some little projects to test it out. Any suggestions?

 

[tardis]

Hi Tarsier

The Soldier looks like a tough little knife too. I'm, currently looking for one to give a friend as a birthday present. From what I've read they sound very reliable. Do you know if the Soldier has an area to engrave something too ? That would be a great way to 'finish off' the gift.

As to projects you could undertake to test your Pioneer I think would just keep it at the ready in your pocket for a month or so, that way you can use it for whatever your daily activities throw at you From your thread, it sounds like you'll be using it for gardening / pruning / whitling / woodwork etc so it looks like it's gonna be a busy blade !

I'd be interested to find out how you get on with it.....if I can't find a Soldier, I may go with a Pioneer of some description.

Happy testing !

Tardis

 

[tarsier]

Howdy Tardis,

According to the Swiss Army Knife Shop, they only engrave knives with the cellidor (plastic) scales. Gunther Gifts does engraving on the Soldier:

http://store.yahoo.com/gunther-gifts/swisarknifso.html

However, I don't know if they ship overseas. Also, they tend to be slow in filling orders. I think they are the type of shop that advertises a lot of knives, but does not stock many. So, there could be a long delay on an order.

When you locate the knife that you want, you will want to email or call the store to find out for sure. Good luck to you.

You're right, I do intend to use the knife for yardwork. Also, I plan to take it hiking with me, in rotation with the FieldMaster. It doesn't have scissors, so I will have to supplement it with my Micra.

 

[Daniel Koster]

very nice...