Victorinox Pocket Pal

[Thirteenth Star]

What is the difference between the Pocket Pal and the Excelsior?

What V'noxes have the same shape as the Pocket Pal other than the Excelsior, Secretary, and the Sentry?

 

[PWork]

Different names for the same model. There are several Victorinoxs that are known by different names in different countries.

Paul

 

[APS]

I am pretty sure that Vincent has a picture of all of these models but here's what I think that they are:
Pocket Pal: cellidor handle, large and small blades.
Excelsior: Ribbed orange alox handle, large and small blades and keyring.
Secretary: very thin smooth silver alox handle, large and small blades.
Sentry: cellidor handle, large blade only.
They are all the same overall length.
They still make the Pocket Pal, Secretary and Sentry models, you are most likely to find the Sentry with the Boy Scount emblem on it.
Adam

 

[UnknownVT]

These may help -

from an early 80's Victorinox brochure.

and:

from Victorinox sheet I got at the beginning of 1993 -
the Secretary is the top knife (0.6900.16)

Earlier the Pocket Pal used to be in red Alox -

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

 

[PWork]

swiss-knife.com lists the cellidor hanles as Exselsior.

Paul

 

[UnknownVT]

swiss-knife.com lists the cellidor hanles as Exselsior.

If one does a search of excelsior on swiss-knife.com
they return 5 results -

0.6900 should = Pocket Pal, red cellidor handles (but photo shows silver Alox Secretary)

0.6900.16 = Secretary (silver Alox)

0.6901 = "Pocket Pal" with keyring, red cellidor.

0.6901.16 = "Secretary" with keyring (silver Alox)

0.6910 = Sentry (ie: the single blade model)

I think swiss-knife.com may be using "Excelsior" as a sort of "family"/series name? It's very confusing.

Personally I'd follow Victorinox's own catalogs and brochures.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

 

[Thirteenth Star]

Swiss-knife.com is what initially confused me. Thanks Vincent.

 

[PWork]

I'm so .
No matter what you call it, it's a great little knife.

Paul

 

[Thirteenth Star]

I'm attracted to it because of its unique shape. Very classy.

 

[ken_nerve]

The shape may be unique, but does it fit the hand nicely? Its much thinner in width than normal 91mm SAKs.

 

[UnknownVT]

The shape may be unique, but does it fit the hand nicely? Its much thinner in width than normal 91mm SAKs.

Good point.

These single layered 84mm SAKs are pretty thin -
especially the Alox versions -

The Pocket Pal is a bit thicker because of the red cellidor/plastic handles.

I do not find them (even the thinnest here - the Alox Vic Popular @ about 3/16" or 5mm) uncomfortable -
ie: there are no unfinished corners or protrusions to discourage holding the handles for prolonged periods of time -
but then neither can they be said to be the most comfortable handles either.

To me it's a very worthwhile trade-off between their ultra-portability -
these are almost not there - and can even be carried in a wallet,
and overall comfort for in hand use.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

 

[Frank]

The cellidor Pocket Pal is a great value and EDC knife. For me, there is enough girth in the handle to be able to use it comfortably. I wouldn't want to use it for whittling but it's fine for most chores.

I had a Wenger Patriot a while back and the handle was too thin. When I would put downward pressure on the blade the handle would twist in my hand.

 

[UnknownVT]

I had a Wenger Patriot a while back and the handle was too thin. When I would put downward pressure on the blade the handle would twist in my hand.

Frank,

You can't mean the handles flexed, can you?

I have both the Vic Popular and the Wenger Patriot in front of me - and although they are thin - there is absolutely no question of the Alox/aluminum handles flexing.

So, I gather you probably mean the handle will tend to rotate/move in the hand?

I hold thin handled knives differently.

To cut/press down hard I normally would put my index finger on the spine of the blade (like choking up) and pinch hold the handle sides near the pivot with the thumb and middle finger, while wrapping round with the other fingers. So I'm using pressure on the spine of the blade for the downward component - and more on the sides of the handle for the grip - so that there is less pressure from the edge of the handles, less possibility for twisting/rotation....

here's a better pic showing the thinness -

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

 

[Frank]

No, no flex, just twisting. There just wasn't enough surface area to grab my palm. At work, I carry a Classic or Executive and have the same experience -not enough handle, so I hold the knife as you do. I think I was just testing the Patriot out and since it felt so thin, I tried cutting with it in the "hammer" grip.

 

[ken_nerve]

Actually guys, I was talking abt the shape of the handle. Guess I wasn't very clear. Not only is the Pocket Pal slimmer than other SAKs the profile of the handle makes it look as though it won't be comfy while using.

 

[vetkaw63]

Hey, you guys aren't trying to cut down a tree with your Pocket Pal are you? You guys have been hanging out with the Sebenza boys too long. I have one, it's fine.
Mike