Victorinox alox handle or locking blades, which do you prefer?

M

martin j

Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
692
There are lots of SAK questions right now, here's another one- I apologize! Many members appear to prefer for camping the locking blade Victorinox's like Ricksack, others prefer alox handles like on Soldier or Pioneer which have sturdy handles but no locking blades.
Which do you prefer and why?
Martin
 
I happen to prefer the super sturdy build of the alox models. I grew up with slipjoints and have never really learned to "trust" a locking blade, so I don't mind the absence of a lock. If I need a locked blade, I can select a fixed blade and not have to worry about it.

I think the alox models are tops. They keep their good looks and take one heck of a lot of use and a good deal of abuse. My oldest Vic Soldier is a 1984 model which is currently doing service for our country with my cousin in Afghanistan. The one in my pocket right now is a 1993 model. Both knives look brand new, despite years of good hard service. (I have a few other Soldiers, a non imported version of the Pioneer, a Cadet, a non-imported Petit model, an oooold single blade alox, a Secretary, and a Classic Alox as well.)

Another nice part to the alox models is that they will all "pocket" well. I find the 111mm models just too big to be comfy in anything but the cargo pocket of my BDUs or a jacket pocket.

Mike
 
I like the big 111mm models but like Mike says they are a bit big for the pocket so mine goes into a sheath cliped to my waistband.

I have chosen the Atlas which is basically a Rucsak with pliers and a phillips. The blade locks but like Mike, I still don't totally trust a folder so I treat it like a slipjoint. I just can't bring myself to stabb with it like in chipping ice. That's what fixed blades are for. I have a small Petite that is very elegant and is used for those more dressy occasions.The Sliplock on this one is very strong. It has a blade and a can opener, very basic.
 
Tough choice. The lock on my Tradesman doesn't really mean that much to me. I've used slipjoints all my life, and have never had one close up on me. A lock never hurts though, when you're far out in the woods. ;) I do love the grip on the locking models though, as well as the nylon handles.
 
I prefer the Rucksack because of the biger locking blade and the saw.
I like the alox too but they have no toothpick, tweezers and corkscrew.
And after lunch I´m thirsty and the toothpick is usefull too :)
 
Pizzini....

That's why you need the Waiter model in another pocket.

Mike

PS ... Do you have Opinels in stock??? M
 
There's something to like about all versions of the Victorinox SAK. The alox models are wonderful, but I wish they were available with more implements. I'd love a Soldier with scissors, for example. I like the lockblade Victorinoxs, too (Rucksack, et al.), but find them to be a little too bulky to fit comfortably in my pocket. You have to evaluate your needs and then choose the knife that fits those needs the best. My favorite SAK for outdoor use is the Handyman:

http://www.swiss-knife.com/asp/detail.asp?lan=EN&code=1.3773&shop=SK
 
I prefer the standard cellidor models for every-day pocket carry. I've already stated my fondness here for the smaller <a href="http://www.swiss-knife.com/EN/SK/classic_range/84mm.html">84mm models</a>. The cellidor is darn durable and, if it cracks, Victorinox will repair it for a small fee - or, as was my case recently with a cracked Classic - nothing at all. Or if you don't want to send it back to the company, that's just another excuse to buy a new knife. ;)

I've got nothing against alox, in fact I think it looks GREAT. It's just that I don't want to give up the tweezers (not available in the alox models AFAIK), the awl & corkscrew/screwdriver on the back, and a small pen blade (also not available in the alox models AFAIK). These things of just too useful to me to do without. If they'd at least make a Soldier-type alox model with a pen blade instead of awl, I'd probably become a convert.

I do like the bigger locking models for the truck or backpack too.
 
@Mike
Yes, I´ve Opinels in stock too.
I´ll upload them to my HP soon (lock at the end of next week).

Unfortunately I havn´t so many pockets like knives I´d like ;)

Thomas
 
Thank you for excellent replies! They show that quality can still be affordable:)
I myself prefer alox esp. for outdoors, you don't need lock so much when you have fix bladed knifes. There are several Alox handle SAKS with smaller blade alongside bigger blade, but I also wish the had option of other implements:(
On bigger lockbacks I find their blades are too long for their width, or not wide enough for their length, their blades look and feel like a popsicle stick. But I liek the longer wood saw on Rucksacks and other locking SAKS.
Still, alox is classiest:cool:
Martin
 
I used to carry the Huntsman, but upgraded (IMO) to the Outrider to get the larger locking blade. I still have 2 or 3 Huntsmans, but they rarely get used anymore.
 
Another vote for the sturdy slip-joint.
I own:
- Huntsman.
- The small Cybertool.
- SwissChamp.

All are great knives and are rock-solid.
 
>"There are several Alox handle SAKS with smaller blade alongside bigger blade."

======================================

Such as? I hope you don't mean the two-blade pen models like the Pioneer 2.. I definitely need a can and bottle opener too. I know, I know .... I'm so damn picky! :D
 
I like the 111mm locking blade Adventurer model. It has been my primary daily carry for over 10 years. It is only two springs thick and is light for its size. It has all of the blades that I use frequently. I carry it vertically in my hip pocket next to my wallet. The length is an advantage. It lets me grab the handle and get the knife out even if I'm sitting down. This handle size and shape fills my hand and allows hard work. I won't go back to the smaller ones. The lock works well. I frequently use the blade to chop ice.
 
My favorites are the 84mm Tinker and the Alox pioneer with saw. I don't really need a saw going to work so the Tinker gets carried a lot more often. The Philips head also comes in very handy. I guess, to answer your question, I prefer the red ones for around the city and the alox ones when outdoors.
 
Can anyone think of an alox-handled Victorinox model with a smaller blade in addition to the primary blade? The only ones I know of have a single blade, and then maybe an awl or nail file. But do any have a second blade ala the Tinker or Spartan?
 
mn,

Go to www.swiss-knife.com . Enter the Swiss Knife Shop and click on "Original." There you will find some awesome non imported Pioneer models that they will sell and ship to you post haste. Great folks to deal with, too.

Mike
 
Mnblade, apologies for not replying sooner, I overlooked it, the exact page at the site Sgtmike identifies is http://www.swiss-knife.com/EN/SK/classic_range/original.html
They can come with bottle opener and flatscrewdriver, I don't see one with can openers unfortunately. But you can choose from 3 small style blades, "electrician" blade like sheepsfoot style, "pruning blade" like hawks bill, and small pen spear point like on plastic handle SAKS.
Hope this is helpful-
Martin
 
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