The mighty Cadet.

ElCuchillo

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Oct 3, 2006
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Hey guys, I carried my Wenger SI for the first time in years a few days ago, and had forgotten how rugged and tough a knife it was. I felt like I was ready for the end of the world while I was carrying it. I wondered why I hadn't carried it in so long, but a few days later I remembered why. My Cadet does everything my SI does, and is alot easier in the pocket. Not that the SI is not pocketable, but the Cadet is so thin that it disappears in your pocket. Plus, the SI's blade is a bit big for most of my everyday needs. It's a bit of over kill. My Cadet handles any cutting task I can possibly have, and even though they are smaller, the tools still do what they were intended to, and with a little ingenuity,they do alot that they WEREN'T intended to. I'm a big fan of small knives, and the Cadet is the handiest small knife I own. I love this little guy and do everything with it. Anyone else out there EDC or love the Vic Cadet?
 
I have an older Alox version that I really like. My favorite of the two layer Vics.
 
I saw one for the first time in person several weeks ago and was very impressed with it's pocketability. Especially for SAKs, which have always been hard to pocket for me. It may well be a future purchase. Anyone have an actual measurement of the thickness?
 
This has been on my short list for a few months now, I just haven't gotten around to picking one up. A few of the points you've made, really resonate with me. My "collection" of EDC's is mostly focused on 2" blades, 3" max. The 2" blades get carried the most. Benchmade Benchmites, Spyderco Cricket, Kiwi, Co-pilot, Nemesis Imps, and Vic Mini Champ and Classic are the specific models I carry in this category.

The Alox Farmer has turned me onto Vic Alox handled knives, and once again, I am keen to go and pick one of these up ASAP.

Just editted to add that I've picked one up in gunmetal grey, and this is a great EDC.
 
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If JN's measurement is correct, 0.32 inch thick, that is 8.12mm based on the converter I used, or about 5/16 inch. Virtually the same thickness as the Classic model. The thinness is what really impressed me when I saw one in person a while back.

You get that to stand upright in your pocket and it would be just about like carrying nothing.
 
I used to EDC a Vic. Farmer. After realizing that I didn't use the saw much, I moved to EDCing a Vic Cadet. I just pulled it out of the collection (its the orange one that amazon sold). I am pleased with the cadet for urban EDC, but I think ill go back to the Farmer when im in the woods.

My $0.02
 
If ya really want thin, try an alox bantam.

You'll forget its in your pocket. Half the thickness of the cadet, and the combo tool really does work at bottles or cans, or screws. :thumbup:
 
Vic Cadet is my knife of choice when I travel--small, lightweight, and most importantly thin, this knife disappears in my pocket. I love that I can open cans, bottles, file a hangnail/callus, or use the blade itself for cutting and spreading food. Great combo in a small package.
 
If ya really want thin, try an alox bantam.

You'll forget its in your pocket. Half the thickness of the cadet, and the combo tool really does work at bottles or cans, or screws. :thumbup:

The Alox Bantam is very handy and an easy opener. The blade is thinner than the Solo Alox and is a great cutter. Another of my favorites :) not to be left out of the quiver...
 
Quick update on my gunmetal Alox Cadet that I purchased from FelineVet a couple months back:

This has to be one of the handiest small SAK's that has ever been made - it fits a lot of utility into a small, very thin package. The alox scales are so much better than the traditional plastic scales, even if they can't carry the ubiquitous toothpick and tweezers. They offer far more grip and 'feel' better in the hand, along with being more attractive looking (all of this is subjective). The combo bottle opener and knife are both familiar tools, but the can opener is what really surprised me. This is the first Victorinox can opener I've owned and used, and it's been absolutely wonderful. After my manual hand held opener was broken (not my fault :rolleyes:), and now with my impoverished lifestyle, I was literally forced to use the Cadet over the past couple of months to open the numerous cans of food that I'd rather not be eating. All of $25 shipped!

One small gripe - the nail file rubs up against the blade when opening/closing the file. I've seen one other person mention the same thing for the same model, so I'm sure that it's probably(?) common. Other tools rub on some of my other SAK models, so it's not that big of a deal for a 'user.'
 
The small screwdriver on the tip of the can opener got all twisted up on me after using it on a particularly stubborn screw, so I filed it down and rounded off the edge of said can opener. I also filed down the very tip of the nail file, and use that as a phillips head screwdriver. Works like a charm. On the back, I engraved my Wife and daughter's initials so whenever I carry the Cadet, I can have them with me, in a way. This knife is pretty personalized. However, I'm still torn between it and the Wenger SI. Nothing the SI does that the Cadet can't, and I love small knives, but I also love the rugged, hardy feel of the SI.
 
Quick update on my gunmetal Alox Cadet that I purchased from FelineVet a couple months back:

This has to be one of the handiest small SAK's that has ever been made - it fits a lot of utility into a small, very thin package. The alox scales are so much better than the traditional plastic scales, even if they can't carry the ubiquitous toothpick and tweezers. They offer far more grip and 'feel' better in the hand, along with being more attractive looking (all of this is subjective). The combo bottle opener and knife are both familiar tools, but the can opener is what really surprised me. This is the first Victorinox can opener I've owned and used, and it's been absolutely wonderful. After my manual hand held opener was broken (not my fault :rolleyes:), and now with my impoverished lifestyle, I was literally forced to use the Cadet over the past couple of months to open the numerous cans of food that I'd rather not be eating. All of $25 shipped!

One small gripe - the nail file rubs up against the blade when opening/closing the file. I've seen one other person mention the same thing for the same model, so I'm sure that it's probably(?) common. Other tools rub on some of my other SAK models, so it's not that big of a deal for a 'user.'

I just picked up a Cadet at Ace yesterday for $10 (50% off coupon). Lucky, because it was the last in the case, and their display model was gone. I, too, noticed the nail file on mine rubs against the top and side of the knife blade; there are some scratches on my blade. But as you say, for a user it's alright, though when I open the file I find myself being careful to pull straight out and trying not to rub the blade.

I really like the extra thinness of the Cadet. I will probably file a bit on the edges of the aluminum protrusion that holds the keyring, so that it's a little less sharp in pocket.
Jim
 
One small gripe - the nail file rubs up against the blade when opening/closing the file. I've seen one other person mention the same thing for the same model, so I'm sure that it's probably(?) common. Other tools rub on some of my other SAK models, so it's not that big of a deal for a 'user'.


That seems to be the norm for the newer Cadets, mine (from about 1990) has no issues with the nail file scraping the main blade.
 
Never had that issue on my Cadet/s(think I've had two), and the knife itself was fine for most uses. I prefer the Recruit for the small blade, tweezers, and the fact that I'm more conscious of carrying the alox models, since their weight isn't distributed as well, and make more of a lump in the pocket. Same reason that when I want a 3 layer SAK, I carry an Electrician Plus at work where it makes no difference, but a Hiker in regular clothes.
I do prefer the feel of the alox in the hand, though. They're a lot better looking, too.
I liked the alox Bantam, too. It was always a dedicated bottle opener/lime slicer:D
 
An interesting feature that I noticed on mine is an aluminum(?) washer at the pivot of the main blade. I'm thinking it's probably to aid in keeping the main blade and nail file from rubbing together any more than necessary. I haven't seen this washer on any other SAK.
Jim
 
An interesting feature that I noticed on mine is an aluminum(?) washer at the pivot of the main blade. I'm thinking it's probably to aid in keeping the main blade and nail file from rubbing together any more than necessary. I haven't seen this washer on any other SAK.
Jim


I noticed that on my new Cadet, but my older Cadet doesn't have the washer. Even more interesting is that the new Cadet's nail file scrubs the main blade but the old one doesn't......:confused:
 
I carry a Cadet on occasion, wish it was a Cadet II with the pen blade instead of the nail file.

You will likely find a willing person to swap with here on the forums. I use the nail file extensively when running rivers or backpacking to take care of cracked hands, split fingers and nail issues. The original Cadets with the nail files are getting harder to find.
 
I carry a Cadet on occasion, wish it was a Cadet II with the pen blade instead of the nail file.
Yeah i prefer the Cadet II as well.
I was exciting when they came out with all the colored Cadets, until i realized it was the Cadet with the nail file.
(Not a big fan of nail files or celidors with spine mounted philips either).

I'm hoping maybe they'll bring back the Cadet II in colors, hey it could happen.

Right now If i want to carry an 84mm alox i carry my Cadet II or an Alox Lumberjack.
 
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