Tell me about Swiss Bianco Knives

[ghostguy6]

I see them listed all over the internet. As far as I can tell they are regular Alox models that have been anodized but carry a huge mark up. They seem similar to the limited edition models but are more expensive. I see some models have had scale changes to custom made titanium so I can understand the pricing on those. Why are Swiss Bianco knives so expensive? Is there something I am missing? Hopefully I wont get set on fire for posting this thread but I am really just trying to understand the rational behind it.

 

[kreole]

They were big around here before Vic offered alox colors other than red and raw. They were priced okay back then. Can't answer for why they are more now besides guessing collectibility. Looks like they have anodized scales listed in stock relatively cheap on their own site(?)

The sub they used to have here, if you didn't see it is archived here: https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/swissbianco.850/

 

[MattWRog]

He was kind of the “pioneer” no pun intended, of offering different tool configurations and colors of mostly Alox Saks before Bob Lessard and the rest of the SAK modders really took off. As Kreole mentioned they carried a small premium direct from Roger years ago but nothing too exorbitant.

 

[afishhunter]

They also manufactured various 91 mm smooth or textured machined titanium, carbon fiber, and copper scales, some with and some without the tweezer and toothpick slots (I don't recall any with the pen slot or pin hole & slot), offering them for sale on their website.
The last time I looked on their site,
about 5 or 6 years ago ... maybe longer ... the custom scales were gone. (shame. I liked the smooth copper scales.)
All they offered were replacement VIC factory made scales, and pistol/revolver sights.

 

[ghostguy6]

So basically your telling me there is nothing special about them other than the models that include the custom made titanium scales and engraved blades?

 

[Steven65]

He used to have some interesting variants at Blade every year. I have a few but I haven't seen him around for some time.

 

[MattWRog]

So basically you’re telling me there is nothing special about them other than the models that include the custom made titanium scales and engraved blades?

He did some unique colors you couldn’t find anywhere else and had Victorinox make some special tool configurations before they stopped doing special factory orders. Nothing exceptional compared to what some of the SAK modders are doing now. Guess it’s up to you if they are worth what they’re asking for them.

 

[Wharn]

So basically your telling me there is nothing special about them other than the models that include the custom made titanium scales and engraved blades?

They were special back then. As previously mentioned he offered alox colors not seen before as well as alox configurations that were rare/not mainstream production. Nowadays there are a lot more options so it may not be perceived as “special”. I used to enjoy the offerings.

 

[ghostguy6]

Thanks for the info. It seems to be anywhere from 4 to 12 times the MSRP of a stock model Alox to get the Swiss Bianco version around here. If there is nothing special about them then I will definitely pass.

 

[A.L.]

Like mentioned above they used to come with decent prices if you wanted something special. I think the guy who sold them had some kind of relations to Victorinox and had them made by Victorinox themselves. I think the prices are out of hand now because they aren't made anymore.