TWO Questions on SAK

C

Chris "Anagarika"

Joined
Mar 7, 2001
Messages
4,608
Hi there,

I want to know how to differentiate Victorinox SAK by the handle scales: economy and normal version of cellidor. I've seen some with smooth scale, some with textured (similar to large 111mm model).
Why it's called economy model?
Also I've seen transparent but opaque handled SAK. What is the name? The normal transparent scales are smooth but this particular one is textured, thus the opaque appearance.

How much value there is the red alox model? Example: silver alox Pioneer and red alox Pioneer. Has Victorinox really stopped making them? How about other color like copper?

UnknownVT, if you see this post, maybe you can help with systematic description on them .. ;)
 
I can help with the first part of the question. The economy models with the dark red textured scales are designated as a "II", as in Recruit II, Cadet II ect. They apparently sell for less than the regular models, but I have only seen them for sale on one occasion when Lowe's had some Recruit IIs on clearance. I actually like the textured scales better because they do not show scratches. I have both a Recruit and Recruit II and can see no difference aside from the scales.
 
The economy model handles are much better at not showing wear and tear, I have a classic economy on my keychain that still looks new. The one it replaced looked pretty banged up after about a week. The economy models don't have the inlaid silver swiss cross, it is painted on instead. The economy tinker is a good value if you are near an Ace hardware store, I've seen them on sale there for $8.99 for the past several weeks (made stocking stuffers easy for me this year). Same blades and workmanship, more scratch resistant handles and cheaper cost.
 
The economy models have a bit of a rougher texture than the cellidor handles. If the economy handles are smooth, like the cellidors, you can still tell buy the duller red color the economy SAK's have. If you can compare the two handles, take a look at the Vic shields on both. The economy version has more of a stamped in shield while the cellidor versions (usually) have a printed on shield on the handle.

The economy are called economy just due to the lower cost when compared to cellidor models.

The red alox models don't command a notable price. I've seen them go on ebay for 20 to 30 dollars. I believe Vic has stopped making them. Still, prices are higher for older model red alox SAK's like a red alox soldier, or some older discontinued SAK (seen some sell around 35.00 to 40.00 in mint condition)

The copper alox sells for 5.00 or 8.00 from what I've seen. The coppers alox cadet was a special one made for the Marlboro Miles giveaway (you got a coupon in a certain cigarette cartons that could be redeemed for the copper cadet).

Hope this helps.
 
I think the reason they are called "economy" models is because they don't have the traditional slots for tweezers and a toothpick. The scales on the economy models are also made of nylon instead of cellidor.

Most of the models with II after the name are not economy versions, but variants. For example, the Cadet II is a Cadet with a small blade in place of the nail file.

I haven't run across the textured transparent scales you mention. I'll have to ask around about that one. Could it be a Wenger and not a Victorinox?

The value of colored Alox depends on the model, based on rarity. Most of the red ones have been discontinued for a while, so they're worth a bit more than the silver. The copper Cadet is more recent and, therefore, worth about the same as the silver.

--Bob Q
 
If you look closely - in addition to the "textured Scales" and lack of the tweezer and toothpick (some even have those) handle inplements - the tools are not a thick (heavy weight materials) as the regular models - I also got a couple of those $8.99 tinker types - and they are great just not as thick a steel as the regular model with the smooth scales.
Peace
Revvie
 
I've noticed that the main blade is thinner (about the thickness of the 84mm main blade) on the economy tinker, but I have seen this on a friend's regular model super tinker. On both the other tools seem to be the same and the liner appears to be stamped to take up the extra space. Checked with another current regular spartan, which has a normal thickness main blade (like the old one I have from the 70's). All three current knives have a lump on the back of the large screwdriver/caplifter which helps to keep it from closing. Is this a recent addition? My old one doesn't have this...
 
Thanks to everyone ... your replies are quite helpful! If economy is said on nylon, would it be the 111mm model are also nylon? It feels the same to me. Also, what is exactly nylon? FRN? What is the difference with cellidor? Will it be the same as celuloid as mentioned by Gollnick on his website www.balisongcollector.com?

Another finding .. just last night, I have Spartan with red translucent handle and also Spartan Lite. When checking, I found that the handle has the hole for the pin! Can anyone having translucent handle check that out? It doesn't come with the pin, but the slot is there. I would need to get the pin to try it out! Strange thing is: I think the pin always accompanies the extra pen, how come they have the pin but not the pen?:confused:

Bquinlan: no, I don't think it's a Wenger, cause the shop outlet only deals Victorinox. Wengers are imported by other company and less popular here. I have to check out though. It looks frosty on the display due to the texture.

"Lump in the back" for Spartan: I don't get it .. mine doesn't have. It only has squared tang to let it be used in 90 degrees position.

And .. to everyone: have a wonderful Christmas and greater year coming!
 
Chris
The lump on the large screwdriver is on the three newer knives (all purchased during the last year) that I referred to. They also all use an extention of the spring that supports the screwdriver to hold the keyring (not a seperate spacer). If you hold down the spring with your thumb, the lump helps to keep the screwdriver from closing, much like a French Laguiole knife. I haven't noticed any reference to this change, my guess is that Victorinox added it after they absorbed Wenger, which had a patent on a different type of locking screwdriver. Hope this helps to clarify what I meant. I join you in wishing all a Merry Christmas and good fortune in the year to come.
 
bquinlan said:
I haven't run across the textured transparent scales you mention. I'll have to ask around about that one. Could it be a Wenger and not a Victorinox?

--Bob Q
Click to expand...

Bob, it's positively Victorinox, one is Voyager, the other is Huntsman but with clock at the side. Similar texture of transparent is the Golf model, those that doesn't look like normal SAK, not the older much sought of Golf.
 
Another thing I noticed about the economy model, at least with my econ model, is that the screwdriver/bottle cap lifter doesn't "lock" in the 90 degree position. It only snaps into place when it is fully in-line with the body of the knife.
 
I believe that the smaller 84mm economy versions don't lock, but the 91mm versions lock just like the regular celludor versions of the same size.
 
Bartleby, you make an interesting point about the locking. All of my economy models are 84 mm. I don't know if I would have ever taken that into consideration. Good catch there!
 
I'm seeing more of the economy versions down my way the last couple of months, which I like. My main gripe about the celludor SAKs was always the way the handles would show wear right away. Granted, the economy models are not shiny (and the painted on swiss cross is really kinda an afterthought), but they seem to me less slick in the hand--more tool-like. The fact that they are of such good quality at a reasonable price makes me feel good about using them as an EDC knife, the best of both worlds.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top