It's huge and hard to use, but I started a fire and carved feather sticks etc with mine just to see if it could be done with any reasonable amount of effort. If you can afford to lug around such a gigantic knife go for it. It has a lifetime warranty!
I carry a swisschamp, or swisschamp XLT most days, I've done everything with my XLT from starting fires, to food prep, to repairs on my truck. Great little knife. The only downside of them is the lack of a good set of pliers. My next purchase will be the Wenger Mike Horn ranger with foldable pliers, but that may be out of your price range, but certainly not if you're considering an XAVT.
I have an alox soldier and farmer, and these guys aren't blowing smoke up your butt, they are definitely bombproof, however, I've NEVER had my celidor scales get loose or fall off, and my swisschamp is now 12 years old.....besides if they wear out send it in to vic and theyll replace them for free. I had so much grime and whatever else built up in my swisschamp XLT after taking it in the lake, camping, hunting, fishing etc the implements wouldn't move smoothly anymore. I sent it in to vic service and they not only cleaned and put the knife back into perfect working order they also replaced the cellidor scales with new tweezers, toothpick, AND ballpoint pen.
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