Victorinox Pioneer / Alox Soldier PRO-CONS

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edmundo.gurza

Joined
May 15, 2013
Messages
144
Pros and cons of he victorinox pioneer and why this is in your opinion the best or not the best SAK to carry everywhere and everyday.

Layer Tools:
Large Blade
Cap-Lifter/slotted screw-driver/wire-bender
Can Opener/small-slotted screw-driver that works with Phillips also
Reamer/Awl
Non-Layer Tools

Keyring/Split-ring attachment point

Scales:
Silver ribbed Alox scales are standard, but other colors have been available/produced at different times.

Physical Specifications:
Length: 93mm
Width: 11.6mm
Weight: 70.1g


http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Victorinox+Pioneer
 
^^ Boo to You Jack! :P

lol! Just kidding.

I agree for the 'advise a knife' type threads, it would be nice to post in the more specific areas of the forum.

Maybe a wee clean up/re-direct is in order from the mods?
 
Hi guys. I did think about it but I find the type of advice in that area of the forum is oriented in a diferent way. If i was looking at a 4-5 layer knife or a pliers kind of style then I couldn't agree with you guys more. In this case I am looking mostly for the advice from someone who is used to carrying a case/GEC or other traditional knives and likely has either switched or enjoys carrying the traditional military issued Vic or Wegner soldier (most people got it as the pioneer now days though).

I know they are on a different category but for rambling purposes lets say what about VIC alox soldier vs other traditionals at 3 1/2" to 3 5/8" ..
 
Fair enough Edmundo, as I say this wasn't aimed at this thread in particular, there just seems to be a bit of an explosion of SAK threads at the moment :)

Jack
 
Ah I get you.

It's an interesting one Edmundo. I have really found myself questioning the need for other tools on my pocket recently.

Sure a small multitool is handy, I carry a Leatherman P4 with my work gear, but on an otherwise 'day-to-day' basis, I much more enjoy the carrying of a single tool.

The Victorinox Pioneer Solo I carried today I've found to be the one I carry most out of this and my Wenger Standard (Soldier).

As for the rambling, well with Jack around, it seems like this forum is the perfect place! :p
 
The Victorinox pioneer is a fine pocket knife, and I can't think of much minus's for it. It's just the old scout knife that many have grown up with, and has just enough tools/blade combo to be handy for most situations you run into on a day to day basis. And in the factor that the alox SAK's are built like a Sherman tank, and they are a win-win knife. If something happened to it, you can replace it without a huge loss.

Carl.
 
I am here to upset the balance I guess... lol


I think of it this way... This was my wife comparing the Pioneer to the Farmer... "Well that one doesnt even have a saw!"

And I think she is right... I use that saw quite a bit. From woodcraft, fire craft, yard work, to home work, its come in handy quite a bit... To me the Farmer has a good balance of tools... I am all for a streamlined approach and cutting out unnecessary things/features from a blade... But I use all the tools on the farmer on a regular basis. Then I always have a SAK classic hiding out in my pocket for the times you need scissors, tweezers, and a pick.

But as its been mentioned before... all the Alox Saks are quite nice and I do not think you could really go wrong with either... its just what tools in the knife are applicable to you the most.
 
Any Alox SAK is Traditional and they are all great. If you eye the Pioneer don't let anyone talk you out of it. For me the Farmer is tops but I just got a Pioneer Settler and it feels really traditional with one layer and only two knife blades. The Pioneer is like Jackknife said, basically a Scout pattern with metal scales. Get one!
 
Sometimes the tool you need isn't a sharp edge. The Vic Pioneer packs a lot of utility into one affordable, compact and handsome package! :thumbup: Carrying mine today, actually...

pioneer01_zps52e03f32.jpg


-Brett
 
Thinking further on this one....a big pro of the Pioneer/Soldier is the excellent awl. It's much better jan the standard Victorinox version and a million times better than the standard Wenger one (which frankly is poop).

The stock of both and the lock up of the springs makes these a stories owe feeling knife also.

The Pioneers split ring lanyard may also be more preferable than Wengers more old school bail on the Standard/Soldier.
 
My near-Pioneer is the Electrician. Same knife, but substitutes a short sheepfoot blade for the can opener, and does not have a lanyard connection point. I'm carrying it for a couple of weeks on a business trip and it seems like a good choice for that. Lightweight and functional.

Solid well made tool, assuming you need the particular options it has. Good looking and very affordable. It is what it is, either you like the style for your needs or not. I guess if I were to list a con, it doesn't seem to make a good fondle-piece like so many traditionals do. It just sits in my pocket waiting to open or slice something. I never need a bottle opener for anything but the sturdy flat screwdriver blade is great for light prying. I haven't come across a need for the awl/punch yet but it seems more useful than a can opener for my needs.
 
For me -

cons: no long shank 3D phillips that folds out 180 degrees; no scissor; no tweezer; no pen; no classic look, . . . .

That being said, I own Pioneers, Cadets, Farmers, etc., and think they are great. I just get more utility per weight/volume with a plastic-scaled SAK. But the thin profile, solid build and feel, etc. of the Alox lineup are attractive to many.
 
Alox Pioneer Rancher for me please. No bail/key ring, and a small hawkbill instead of the can opener. For around town and my particular work I don't need the saw (or its very slight but noticeable added bulk/weight). I do have Farmers, Electrician Plus, Rancher Plus, etc for outdoors activities tho. Get'em while you can because the Pioneer and Farmer are the last of this type still being produced.
 
stevomiller said:
Alox Pioneer Rancher for me please. No bail/key ring, and a small hawkbill instead of the can opener. For around town and my particular work I don't need the saw (or its very slight but noticeable added bulk/weight). I do have Farmers, Electrician Plus, Rancher Plus, etc for outdoors activities tho. Get'em while you can because the Pioneer and Farmer are the last of this type still being produced.
Click to expand...

A shame the Rancher was recently discontinued. The small hawkbill/pruner blade is great for pull cuts.
 
The only cons for me to the pioneer is the lack of scissors or tweezers but I carry a Vic Manager on my keys for those anyway. Another could be the lack of a secondary blade depending on which model you get but again, the Manager can handle this part or possibly the awl depending on the situation.
 
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