Victorinox Farmer

This is a scan of all my alox SAKs, I was wrong, there are actually two Wenger Soldiers and only one Vic, the Vic has the keyring and the year mark (95) it does not have an engraving panel, both the Wengers have the shackle but only one (year mark 92) has the sharpend wire scraper, the other one is marked 98.

I´ve included one box from a Farmer, bought in Switzerland and marked Farmer on the end but with a sticker for the Soldier on the side (with bar code), perhaps I paid for a Soldier and got a Farmer.

Luis

SAKalox1.jpg
 
Don Luis said:
This is a scan of all my alox SAKs, I was wrong, there are actually two Wenger Soldiers and only one Vic, the Vic has the keyring and the year mark (95) it does not have an engraving panel, both the Wengers have the shackle but only one (year mark 92) has the sharpend wire scraper, the other one is marked 98.
Click to expand...

Thanks again Luis - I gleen a lot of information from your posts because you seem to come up with some unusual stuff.

For example I never knew the Victorinox Soldier ever came with the keyring -
I thought they were always shackle and keyring-less.
SoldierTline_S.jpg


Unfortunately your photo is not showing up for me right now -
I'd love to see that Victorinox Soldier with the keyring.
Without the benefit of being able to see your photo - does the Victorinox Soldier with keyring have the same simplified shield as my Soldier shown in the opening post?

Just as interesting is the Wenger Standard Issues with the 92 having the wire-scraper, and the later 98 model not. This would seem to make sense since my guess was that the Victorinox Soldier stopped using the scraper after about 1992-93, and since both the Victorinox and Wengers are Swiss government and military spec'd that they should have the same tools/functions.....

BUT this image of the Wenger Standard Issue is on the current WengerNA.com site -
16520.jpg

it still shows the (sharpened) wire-scraper - and is listed as such. It would seem pretty unlikely that they might be using images and information all the way back to 1992......

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
Tom Krein said:
Here is the reason, I don;t find I use the saw when around town. I could have a SAK "soldier" with sissors for edc around town and if going out in the woods I could take my farmer. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Tom,

Those are similar to my thoughts - since I'm a city dweller, my EDC SAK doesn't have specific outdoors type tools (like the saw).

However I really do appreciate the saw when outdoors - because it is amazing for its size.
For example I cut to length a 1" hardwood clothing rail for a friend in the office with the saw of the Victorinox Champion (carried in my briefcase) - colleagues were filled with mirth when I produced the SAK - but were astonished at the ease the SAK saw ripped through the wood.

Getting back to a SAK with scissors - might I suggest one these three models?
54941_l.jpg
53385_l.jpg
53341_l.jpg

the Compact (2 layers), Climber (3 layers), Super Tinker (3 layers) respectively.

Yes, I do realize that they are the plastic handled ones and not Alox.......
BUT knowing the capabilities of you as a knifemaker - you could customize the handles out of Micarta, G-10, carbon fiber, exotic wood etc - then you would have a unique SAK with the scissors you want.....

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
UnknownVT said:
Too late...
or a valid excuse to buy another SAK..... ;)

The true Minimalist SAK that actually fulfills your stated requirments would be an Alox SAK with a main blade and the combo tool only -
which gives the functionality of blade, screwdriver, can-opener, bottle cap-lifter, and wire stripper....
pretty good for a two "bladed" knife, huh?
53949_l.jpg

bantam alox low priced around ~$12

But note that the knife is very compact and thin - but some think it may be uncomfortable to use (I don't) -
just how thin?
SlimVic_profile2_S.jpg

about 5mm or 0.2"

Please take a look at this thread (with lots of input) -
Minimalist SAKs

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
Click to expand...

Actually, the Bantam was my first choice, until I realized that it had that combination can/bottle opener... which I don't like. Call me picky, but one of my favorite things about SAKs are the bottle openers: IMHO, they're better than any other pocketknife/multitool's bottle opener. Thus, the Pioneer.

Also, I prefer the 3.5 inch length and keyring that the Pioneer offers over 3.25 inches and no keyring, a la the Bantam.

Oh, and the Pioneer has that nice spike, which I'll never use, but hey, it's always good to have more pointy bits, right? :D

Thanks for the suggestion, in any event!
 
BuckyKatt said:
Actually, the Bantam was my first choice, until I realized that it had that combination can/bottle opener... which I don't like. Call me picky, but one of my favorite things about SAKs are the bottle openers: IMHO, they're better than any other pocketknife/multitool's bottle opener. Thus, the Pioneer.
Click to expand...

Many thanks for that interesting input.

Can you please tell me what difference in the bottle opening capabilities you discern between the standard Victorinox bottle opener and the combination tool?

Thanks,

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
UnknownVT said:
Unfortunately your photo is not showing up for me right now -
I'd love to see that Victorinox Soldier with the keyring.
Without the benefit of being able to see your photo - does the Victorinox Soldier with keyring have the same simplified shield as my Soldier shown in the opening post?
Click to expand...

Sorry, pic should be up now, the ISP server where I´m putting pictures is often offline at night, but I get full internet service cheap so I don´t complaint much.

I believe my Vic Soldier does have the simplified shield but I´ll have to check at home tonight to be sure, I´ll try to post a picture of the shield side and include the Wenger caplifters with and without scraper.

Luis
 
BuckyKatt said:
I've been looking for a minimalist SAK (blade, bottle opener, can opener) with something other than the standard red handles. This thread has been exceedingly helpful in that regard... Just ordered a Pioneer. Thanks, guys. :)
Click to expand...

Another choice may be the alox one in the middle-left with blades open in my pic on one of my previous posts (sorry I don´t know the model name), it´s quite flat, two springs, four blades, shorter that the Pioneer, thinner scales, nail file instead of awl, this one was often my choice when traveling, fits easy in any pocket (I used to carry it in shirt pocket) and in those days it would go in an airplane with no problem at all.

Luis
 
UnknownVT said:
That's the Cadet (US #53042) (Swiss/international #0.26 01.26)
Cadet_Waiter88.jpg
53042_l.jpg

now comes with hatched/checked ribbing.......

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
Click to expand...


The picture you posted shows the difference; on the combo can/bottle opener, the 'hook' or 'tooth' or whatever you want to call it is more sharply curved than that of the regular ol' bottle opener.

This makes a difference for me, because the only bottle opener (on a pocketknife) that I've been able to use without holding the bottle at eye level to align the hook is the standard Victorinix opener. Also, I've found that bottle/can openers have a tendency to cut through the cap rather than lifting it unless you're careful (at least on my Leatherman Wave, but granted, it's a lot sharper than Victorinix's version). It's also nice to have the smaller screwdriver that the separate bottle and can openers provide.

Now, if there were a model which had just a standard blade and bottle opener, preferably with the alox scales.... :cool:

Why am I so picky? Guinness. If I'm a beer snob, can't I be a bottle opener snob, too? :p

Another bottle opener related comment: I have the Victorinix Midnite MiniChamp II on my keychain right now, and boy, the bottle opener on that is darn near useless. The hook is so small it won't grab the lip of the cap unless you're really careful, and it usually takes me four or five tries to get the darn thing loose. It's what started me looking for a simple full-sized SAK in the first place. The tools I use the most are blade, bottle opener and scissors, in that order (My Wave, which is on my person at all times unless not permitted by sheeple, has some darn fine scissors and a _great_ pair of blades, but again, there's that pesky combo can/bottle opener).
 
BuckyKatt said:
The picture you posted shows the difference; on the combo can/bottle opener, the 'hook' or 'tooth' or whatever you want to call it is more sharply curved than that of the regular ol' bottle opener.

This makes a difference for me, because the only bottle opener (on a pocketknife) that I've been able to use without holding the bottle at eye level to align the hook is the standard Victorinix opener. Also, I've found that bottle/can openers have a tendency to cut through the cap rather than lifting it unless you're careful (at least on my Leatherman Wave, but granted, it's a lot sharper than Victorinix's version).
Click to expand...

Many thanks for your insightful observation.

I've EDC'd my SAK(s) for over 22 years, and they've all had the combo tool - since for me it saves a layer/backspring. I've not had much problems with the bottle opener - and it is an oft used tool - but then again it might just be what I'm practised with it, and I'm probably biassed.

I just tried hooking a bottle cap with the combo tool and the standard type bottle opener - I did manage to miss with both occassionally - but not to the point of being able to say one is superior to the other.

In terms of kindness to the caps and not piercing them - if anything the combo tool may actually be kinder - since the straight portion lines flat on the cap top when exterting pressure on opening as opposed to the albeit rounded corner of the standard screwdriver/bottle opener tool, but neither show any danger of piercing the cap -
so this really would seem like a non-issue.
Combo_Std_S.jpg



It's also nice to have the smaller screwdriver that the separate bottle and can openers provide.
Click to expand...

Yes, agreed, especially since I found out that it's designed to fit #1 and #2 Phillips screws too.
But that becomes a trade off between the gain in functionality verses the additional layer/backspring - we are still talking minimalist.......

Now, if there were a model which had just a standard blade and bottle opener, preferably with the alox scales.... :cool:
Click to expand...

Oh, but there was.......
Early80s_Waiter.jpg

circa early 80's
looks more like the forerunner to the Bantam Alox than what's now called the Waiter.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
UnknownVT said:
Oh, but there was.......
Early80s_Waiter.jpg

circa early 80's
looks more like the forerunner to the Bantam Alox than what's now called the Waiter.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
Click to expand...

Oooooooooh. :D Any idea where I might find one of those today?

And to clarify: When I say that I prefer the standard Victorinix bottle opener to the combo because it's easier for me to use, I mean just that. I've had Vic SAKs since I was 7, and I'm so used to that bottle opener that anything else just seems... off. It's really my personal preference.

I'm new to this forum, but this discussion alone has impressed the hell out of me. You guys are all extremely knowledgable and very willing to help out... Thank you!

.... and a special thanks goes to Vincent, who I must say knows far more about SAKs than I thought possible. :)
 
Here´s a scan of my three SAK Soldiers, shield side, all blades open, top is Victorinox (95) with keyring, middle is Wenger (92) with scraper, bottom is Wenger (98).

Luis

SAKalox2.jpg
 
Don Luis said:
Here´s a scan of my three SAK Soldiers, shield side, all blades open, top is Victorinox (95) with keyring
Click to expand...

Luis,

Thank you so much for telling me about the Victorinox (95) Soldier with keyring - and for making the effort to show us the photos, much appreciated.

Like I said, I thought the Victorinox Soldier was always keyring-less (other than the hollow rivet).

I am now starting some research on Vic Soldiers with keyrings.

Thanks,

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
I also have a soilder with the key-ring, purchaed in Switzerland. I think mine is stamped 97. My father has one that was issued to him when he was in the swiss army.

I am actually hoping someone can tell me where I can obtain a red, alox, farmer. I live in the US now, but still have relations in the Switzerland.

-Moose.
 
Do you guys use your knives? I have a red pioneer with about 20 years of use and the red is worn off, the handles are scratched and dented. Lots of "character". In my experience, this knife gets "character" from day one due to change, keys and other pocket detritus. Compared to my knife, the ones I see on the forums are a bunch of safe queens.

Take those blades out and use em. :)
 
My red alox Farmers were bought in Switzerland about a year ago, I believe in some store in the street so I think they should be easy to get over there. I often carry and use an alox SAK on weekends, it used to be a Wenger Soldier, now it´s the Vic Farmer, it does show a few scratches.

Luis
 
Mr.Moose said:
I also have a soilder with the key-ring, purchaed in Switzerland. I think mine is stamped 97. My father has one that was issued to him when he was in the swiss army.
Click to expand...

WoW! thanks for the info on the Soldier with keyring.
Can you please confirm that it is year stamped 97?

... and are you saying that your father also has an actual issued Soldier with keyring?

Is there anyway you can please get some details of that one?
- please confirm it is a Victorinox (as opposed to Wenger) and the keyring,
and the year stamp (most probably the year he was enlisted).

Many thanks.

I am actually hoping someone can tell me where I can obtain a red, alox, farmer. I live in the US now, but still have relations in the Switzerland.
Click to expand...
As Luis has said Red Alox models like the Farmers and Pioneers are probably still available in some stores in Europe - since Victorinox has only fairly recently discontinued the red Alox versions in favor of the silver (re-introduced to the USA last year)

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
I'll dig out my other Soldier and verify the year, I'm carrying my 03 today. It may be sometime before I can get a hold of my Dad's, but I will pass along the information on that one when I do.

Looks like I'll need to hit up my Cousins to search some local stores in Bern for a Red Alox Farmer.

-Moose
 
Mr.Moose said:
I'll dig out my other Soldier and verify the year, I'm carrying my 03 today. It may be sometime before I can get a hold of my Dad's, but I will pass along the information on that one when I do.

Looks like I'll need to hit up my Cousins to search some local stores in Bern for a Red Alox Farmer.
Click to expand...


Many thanks for the help.

If your cousins do find Red Alox Farmers and Pioneers - and they are reasonably priced - you might want to consider getting more than just one as they seem to be pretty desirable (probably since they've been discontinued)
Pioneer_Farmer.jpg

it's worth taking note of the Swiss/international model numbers in the scan above -
as they are useful for locating the exact models.
Note: A lot of times the middle space is omitted - as in 0.8241.20 for the Farmer

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top