Vic.Pioneer-Soldier same?

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
771
I don't own a SAK but am about to fix that.Is there any difference between the Vic. Soldier and the Pioneer.Looks like all the pocket knife I would need.

Thanks
Randy
 
Yes, they're identical except for the fact that the Pioneer has a key ring and the Soldier doesn't -- the Soldier is Vic's milspec model for the Swiss Army.

Note that the Wenger equivalent of the Soldier, the Standard Issue, is just like the Soldier, but it has a lanyard bail, which I personally like.
 
I think they're pretty much the same except the Pioneer has the key ring and engraving area and the Soldier doesn't. Also, the Soldiers have the year of production marked on the main blade whereas the Pioneer usually doesn't. Sometimes the Pioneers have the year stamp as well if they're using leftover Soldier blades.
 
Personally... I dont like the key ring thingy. But, you really cant go wrong with a SAK. I have several models & they cut & keep on cutting with only the occasional touch up. I do like the key ring on my Classic...always there with my keys...dont leave home without it!
 
I like the keyring - though I don't use it for that. In the woods or field, I usually use it for a dummycord. It's also one of the (two) knives I always have on me (great back pocket knife), and I keep a Photon microlight clipped onto it with one of their QD clips.
 
I haven't noticed it poking me... even the ones I carry with the key ring e.g. the Climber model. I have heard on another Forum that it bites into your hand under heavy cutting. I do heavy cutting at times & havn't noticed it biting into the palm of my hand. I just have no real need for a keyring on the larger models. I do like it on the Classic.
 
I use the keyring for a chain and snapshackle that I attach to a beltloop. This makes for easier access when wearing gloves and prevents loss.
 
The Soldier is one of the most pocket-friendly knives, IMO, as there are no sharp points in the closed position. I also like my red Pioneer, too, but don't care as much for the aluminum keyring projection on it. I like better the keyring projections that are part of the backspring as on most plastic-handled SAKs, like my Hiker, Tinker, Classic, Executive...et al. The backspring projections are thicker and not as sharp as the aluminum ones. I haven't noticed any irritation from it during use, but I have a suspicion the aluminum projection *may* cause more pocket wear if positioned certain way(s) in the pocket.

The Soldier is one of my EDC knives and is excellent in that role.
Jim
 
I can live with the key ring.... I would not turn a SAK purchase down because it has one. I just don't find it that useful on the larger models. I can live with the key ring thing. I have heard some people take it off with a Dremel Tool.
 
I've had a Pioneer since the early 80s and the key ring has never gouged me or caused excess wear in my pocket. You don't feel it at all.
 
When carrying a SAK loose in a pocket, the key ring projection could possible abraid the cloth, but that isn't an issue for me because I suspend by dummycord any folder without a clip (and sometimes them). Carrying this way will definitely save pocket wear. Previously, my pockets regularly developed holes. Now they never do.

Other benefits; any SAK seems to weigh less than it actually does, actually making feasible to pocket carry a Swisschamp (although on the belt is probably still better), the cord itelf can be useful, and you are less likely to lose your SAK except to whoever you are dumb enough to lend it.
 
It's nice to have a key ring.I have atatched a lanyard to my OHT and it's great.It would be good if the soldier has a key ring,or a lanyard hole like the Wenger SI.The Pioner and Soldier are same,exept the key ring and logo.I like the Soldier's logo more.
 
The newest soldier I have is an '83 and the caplifter and opener are thicker than the pioneers. They are also not fully polished like the pioneer. Besides that, its the same knife. The newer soldiers might have changed.
 
I have an '06 Soldier (saving it for my niece) and it has the same size caplifter and opener as the Pioneer/Farmer, they are about .010" thicker than the ones on the 91mm Vics. The 75 Soldier has a caplifter about .020" thicker than the 06 caplifter.
 
Real difference in the Soldier having a Swiss Cross emblem in place of the usual Victorinox Shield on the alox scale. And yes the year mark on the main blade tang. Also, many find the Pioneer (Harvester) the preffered choice because of its woodsaw blade tool. A big plus to consider.
 
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