Swiss army soldier

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WJC01

Joined
Mar 3, 2006
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Thinking about the soldier or a One hand trekker. Not a big serrated blade fan but does anyone have the soldier and how do you like the serrations on the main blade?
Is it much thinner than the huntsman for EDC?
 
The Sildier is somewhat thinner then the Huntsman, but not much. I really like the serrated blades from Victorinox. They look somewhat ...., well, strange, but working with it is great.





KInd regards,

Andre
 
I have the OHT, Im not much on serrations for normal use either, they have their purpose but I dont run into cutting alot of rope or anything like that as of yet. Thought on the OHT with the serrations at the front is rather nice, you can use the back half of the blade for controlled cutting and whittling, and the front for cutting through things, Ive used it as a steak knife on more than a few occasions. It carries well in the pocket to me and isn't to thick or bulky, but Im also use to carrying a 110.
 
Django.cj said:
Normally I'm not a big fan of serrations, but these are really good. It's a great knife.
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:thumbup:

pyro777 said:
I have the OHT, Im not much on serrations for normal use either, they have their purpose but I dont run into cutting alot of rope or anything like that as of yet. Thought on the OHT with the serrations at the front is rather nice, you can use the back half of the blade for controlled cutting and whittling, and the front for cutting through things, Ive used it as a steak knife on more than a few occasions. It carries well in the pocket to me and isn't to thick or bulky, but Im also use to carrying a 110.
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Another :thumbup:

I suspect that a serrated blade was specified for the Soldier as a practical reality. For military issue to recruits who typically don't spend a whole lot of time fussing over their pocket knives, serrated blades have an advantage over PE in that they keep a cutting edge much longer, maybe until the end of the Swiss draftee's mandatory service.
At first I was skeptical, but the OHT/Soldier blade proved to be an excellent compromise, good enough for normal, everyday use and with the serrations when needed.
 
fotobaerchi said:
The Sildier is somewhat thinner then the Huntsman, but not much. I really like the serrated blades from Victorinox. They look somewhat ...., well, strange, but working with it is great.





KInd regards,

Andre
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I really like the GAK Solider version! Here in the US, it sells for about 25% more than the OHT. But it just looks so cool. I want one.
 
Mud Shrimp Moe said:
I really like the GAK Solider version! Here in the US, it sells for about 25% more than the OHT. But it just looks so cool. I want one.
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Well, i personally like the scales with the rubber-inlays. I bought a used knife, because it was much cheaper than a new one (about 7 Euro instead of 29 Euro) ;).

Kind regards,

Andre
 
I read some older reviews on the soldier from some of you guys. My question is since you have had them for quite some time I'd like some insight on the half serrated blade now that the honeymoon phase of the new knife is over. Are you still carrying them? How are the serrations holding up and are you able to keep them sharp? Like Mistwalker I like the OD but want info on the impression of the serrations and their long lasting performance in the bush.
 
WJC01 said:
I read some older reviews on the soldier from some of you guys. My question is since you have had them for quite some time I'd like some insight on the half serrated blade now that the honeymoon phase of the new knife is over. Are you still carrying them? How are the serrations holding up and are you able to keep them sharp? Like Mistwalker I like the OD but want info on the impression of the serrations and their long lasting performance in the bush.
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I've been carrying a OHT for...4 years maybe. The serrations have held up nicely, and they turn razor sharp with a few swipes on the corner of my sharpmaker. I think it's one of the best outdoors knives around personally.
 
Well Here's Some Options:
*Soldier With Serrations. - Nice Knife, I've Been Wanting One, I've Been Thinking About Getting One On Ebay With The Sheath(Leather Or Nylon) For It For $49.99 And Maybe Grinding Out The Serrations As I Mod Knives This Way All The Time.
*One Hand Trekker - You Can Find These Without Serrations If You Look Though They're A Few Dollars More Than With Serrations..
Or The...
*Hunter XT - Which Has The One Plain Blade, Fully Serrated Rescue Blade, Saw, And Screw Driver. And Will Probably Be Less Bulky Than The Huntsman Or Soldier, Or The Trekker.
 
What about a OHT with plain edge blade? I have one, they should still be available somewhere...
I'm not a fan of serrations either, although I have to admit that these are among the best I've ever used. Still, since I found the plain edge blade for myself, I kept loyal to my principles... :)

:cool:
 
The Soldier is a great knife and the serrated blade stays sharp for a long time, but I prefer the models with plain edges.
 
Thanks for all the input. I ordered the soldier for $41 (free shipping). I have a Worksharp so sharpening or modding the edge should not be an issue.I look forward to using the serrations, they will add additional versatility to a cool piece of gear . They should be good for clearing briar vines off the trails and whatnot. That composition OD handle was also a big factor in this decision.
 
The Soldier's handle is really comfortable. I've got a Nomad now too with the same handle, just in a different color.
 
This is another tough call.

Yes, the Soldier is thinner than the Huntsman, but it is also long enough that it is quite bulky and sometimes strange-looking in the pocket. For pants pocket carry, neither of them is a good choice.

I have the Soldier and I love it. It looks tough, and the rubber trim really gives a solid grip on it. On the other hand, I do miss the toothpick and tweezers, so if I were to do it again, I'd probably go with the One-handed Trekker.

The serrations are great. Being at the tip of the blade means you can actually use them for cutting food against a plate without dulling the plain edge of the blade. Also, if you had to use it as a weapon, serrations are much more useful toward the tip of the blade, as they will really get through clothing a lot more easily.

Another thing that is absolutely brilliant about either of these knives is the locking screwdriver/pry bar. I can't even COUNT the number of times I've closed a regular SAK flat head screwdriver on my fingers; no injuries, but pretty annoying.

Do some soul-searching and figure out if you typically have a problem with holding onto a knife of this size. If so, or if you just really love the military look, get the Soldier. If not, get the Trekker. Get a belt pouch with it too, then you have the option of either pocket or belt carry. If you find you don't mind pocket carrying, return the pouch. The Soldier/Trekker IS a good fit in the small side pocket that carpenter or painter pants have; that is worth noting. It clunks around against the leg a bit when walking, but it doesn't look strange or feel uncomfortable.
 
Soldier arrived today.I attached a lanyard with a red photon light. The serrations shave and cut through 550 cord with ease. It will be in the field tomorrow on a hike/shooting excursion. So far I'm really impressed.
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They have a non-serrated OHT version too. Also check out the Wenger Ranger 78. It's basically a nicer version of the OHT imo.
 
anyone know where to find the rubberized molle sheath that is issued to the swiss soldiers for the knife
 
It's actually very easy to sharpen the serrations on the blade. Just pass it over a ceramic sharpener the way you would with a straight edge. I've even done this with a coffee mug bottom.

Also, as mentioned earlier, the half nearer the tip is a very good place for the serrations to be. Most of your cutting will be done using the portion nearer the tip, therefore the serrations are there. Most of your controlled whittling or carving will be done using the base of the blade, therefore the straight edge is there. It's a very good blade form really.
 
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