Victorinox Bantam - To Alox or not to Alox, that is the question

S

Slvgx

Joined
Oct 11, 2004
Messages
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I am trying to decide whether to get the Alox Bantam or the regular red plastic Bantam. Does anyone have both of them to compare and contrast?

I'd like to know the thickness on each, and weight if possible. Pictures would be helpful too. I know they are both cheap enough I could buy them both, but I'd rather just have one and save myself the trouble.
 
Any particular pros and cons? I have never handled Alox so I don't really know.
 
The cellidor version I believe is thicker than the alox version, so in the case of the 1-layered Bantam I'd go with the cellidor.
 
Will said:
Vincent compares the thickness in his thread on Minimalist SAKs.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the mention - here's the thickness/thiness photo -

SlimVic_profile2_S.jpg


This compares the Bantam Alox with the one-layer Waiter (Bantam with corkscrew) - for the plain cellidor Bantam just look at the part without the corkscrew.

A comment if I may.

The Bantam Alox is very thin - about 5mm or 0.2" - however the handle is still pretty comfortable.

My hold on thinner knives is different pinching the scales near the pivot point between the thumb pad and the knuckle of the first finger -
or when choking up the knuckle of the middle finger - with the first finger resting on top of the spine.
This slightly modified hold helps keep the handle stable with less chance of rotation and the narrower edge of the handles irritating.

Although the regular cellidor handles Bantam is thicker and more comfortable - and one gains the toothpick and tweezers in the handles - the Bantam Alox is worthwhile because of its ultra portability.

If the more comfortbale handles are more desired - then I would strongly suggest the Victorinox Waiter (US model #53891) instead (low priced at under $10) - since it gains the corkscrew without too much additional thickness/protrusion.

The corkscrew is very useful - more than just opening wine bottles (that alone will make you very popular at parties) - many use the corkscrew to pick at tight knots etc. It is also used to store the extremely useful mini jewellers screwdriver that can be bought as a spare - it is my favorite minimalist SAK - as it packs the most functionality on a single backspring......

53891_l.jpg
53949_l.jpg
53941_l.jpg


--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
 
Excellent post Vincent.

I should know by now to do a million searches before I ask questions. The Minimalist SAKs thread is quite helpful so far (I've not read the whole thing yet).

I was only considering the two different Bantam models, the Waiter seemed good, but I did not know if I'd really be using the corkscrew. I had not thought of buying a jewelers tool to place inside the corkscrew. The Waiter does seem more appealing now. Decisions, decisions. . . .
 
I've had both the red plastic and Alox versions. The red one is long gone but the Alox is still part of my collection. ;)
 
Slvgx said:
Excellent post Vincent.

I should know by now to do a million searches before I ask questions. The Minimalist SAKs thread is quite helpful so far (I've not read the whole thing yet).

I was only considering the two different Bantam models, the Waiter seemed good, but I did not know if I'd really be using the corkscrew. I had not thought of buying a jewelers tool to place inside the corkscrew. The Waiter does seem more appealing now. Decisions, decisions. . . .
Click to expand...

You don't need to do a million searches for a SAK question, just seach your sak terms and select "UnknownVT" under "Posts by User Name". :D
 
I don't get the obsession with alox around here. I just use my tweezers too often to want to give them up. So the red handles get a little scratched up, :rolleyes: big deal. They'll still last years and, if you break one and don't want to just replace the whole knife, you can buy replacement handles.
 
I like it because it gives a much better grip (at least for the thicker knives). The Alox knives also seem more rigid when you use the screwdrivers. I have a cellidor Classic for the tweezers/toothpick.
 
I will have a Victorinox Manager on my keychain which will have tweezers, so that is not a problem for me. As for the toothpick, I am fine without one.
 
Slvgx said:
As for the toothpick, I am fine without one.
Click to expand...
Toothpicks are used for far more than just picking teeth.

Often used as non-conductive probes or prods - at a pinch could even be used as a temporary stylus for things like PDAs/Palm Pilots -

in fact later versions of the Victorinox toothpick actually have a sort of "hook" like end to them to add functionalities like for setting dip switches......

toothpicks.jpg


the uses are really limited only by one's imagination.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
 
I decided on the Bantam Alox and it arrived today. I am more than pleased with it. I keep it in my back left pocket and I don't even notice it while sitting. I love it! I also have a Waiter Plus on the way to me, an impulse purchase, can't wait!

Thanks for all the input! ;)
 
Thanks, I would go for the compact though and add a backspring!I just use the SAK scissors all the time!
 
I am really happy with my Bantam Alox. So light, you don't know its there. Looks pretty nice, goes well with a suit. Sheeple friendly. 13 bucks, nothing not to like.
 
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