That's probably one of the reasons I've picked the Celidor Bantam, they also had the alox version in the store, and I'd looked at it carefully prior to decide to get the plastic. About describing it as "cheap looking,and cheap feeling" - yep, but I like it, think it is a great knife, and I use it and carry it on daily basis regardless of having more than twenty similar (slipjoints and about the same size) folders.
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Should I stuck with Bantam?
- Thread starter vinprom
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Whenever somebody is speaking about Swiss Army Knives: who doesn't immediately see a red knife pop up in front of their mind's eye?
On a global scale, second or so only to what, Coca Cola? Must be in the top ten of global brand recognition. Iconic, functional, excellent value. Just what I want from my SAK.
Other knives I will apply other expectations and standards to, e.g. Chris Reeve or Randall Made. A standard Vic SAK - it is what it is, and that's just fine.
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I've carried the Officer's Model SAK with saw and scissors for years (my buddy figured his helped save his life when he was stranded on the upper Skeena River in northern British Columbia for several days one chilly October after his raft overturned). But I have to add that you need many, many more knives 
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The Bantam is great.
I like more, though. I'll just carry a real pocketknife, if I'm ONLY gonna carry a Bantam, why not a Dragonfly K390 Wharncliffe? Weighs probably less. I carry a SAK for the tools, too. I like the format, the layout.
I like more, though. I'll just carry a real pocketknife, if I'm ONLY gonna carry a Bantam, why not a Dragonfly K390 Wharncliffe? Weighs probably less. I carry a SAK for the tools, too. I like the format, the layout.
Poor Bantam, after me describing it as looks and feels cheap (what else, you tap the blade with your fingernail and the vibrating and hollow sound is quite disappointing, add the lightweight, my Case Peanut is heavier, and the plastic - none of these do not do any help), now an implication the knife is not a real one
. Anyway, I fully agree that Bantam is great, I love this knife, and I carry it.
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Depends how you perceive cheap. Standard bantam is very lightweight, has scales that you can basically peel off and look plasticy. Even the keyring that rattles against the hollow scales adds to the impression of cheap. If you compare it to ”proper” knife I would definitely understand if someone sees it a little toyish.
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If you don't like the cellidor 84mm Bantam but its slim profile/tool set, maybe switching over to the Alox version would instill more confidence? Personally, I like the cellidor since it is easily recognizable worldwide, and attract less unwanted attention, even when I use it in public.Poor Bantam, after me describing it as looks and feels cheap (what else, you tap the blade with your fingernail and the vibrating and hollow sound is quite disappointing, add the lightweight, my Case Peanut is heavier, and the plastic - none of these do not do any help), now an implication the knife is not a real one
Actually I am not sure I will like the Alox more, and I definitely have enough confidence in my Bantam. I am more curious somebody to share experience of carrying a Bantam for a while, and then switching to another 84 mm SAK (I just like this size).
Granted, I've never had the Bantam model, afaik. If it is flimsy compared to my usual 91 mm Hiker or Tinker (I think they're called - lg. blade, sm. blade, scissors or saw, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, awl), then the original criticism may well be justified. Always expected them all to have the same build quality.
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I'll stick with my Wenger Cascade.
Even though it's the serrated Main Blade model...
Even though it's the serrated Main Blade model...
I have an SAK Classic on my car key ring and on my work key ring. I also usually carry a Tinker or a Buck 307 stockman. The SAK is a great brand. The steel is good enough for 99% of the population. They don't scream dangerous weapon either. A person can do a lot with an SAK as his only knife.
That's interesting! Do you know which component(s) exactly are stronger? Thicker base plates?
The cellidor base model is what Victorinox built their reputation on. Of course it is good enough for everyday use. It's nice to have alox for those who prefer a more industrial aesthetic and performance. It's good to have options for various preferences.
I really like the
I really like the alox versions but those models eliminate the toothpick and tweezers - things I find very useful. It is also a traditional feature that kind of defines what a SAK is(at least to me). Is there a SAK with alox handles that include the toothpick and tweezers that I have missed?
Carboniferous
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Wish they did more red alox, and maybe an untextured red alox (I think they make a bread knife with smooth red aluminum covers, haven't seen it on anything else), the red synthetics are super nostalgic so the red alox is a nice compromise. And the bantam is the ideal for me. Single spring and the only tool I really care about, the cap lifter.
