Victorinox Soldier handle inserts?

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
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If anyone EDCs or regularly uses a current Victorinox Soldier SAK, how do the rubber inserts in the handles hold up over time and in different types of weather? I would assume very well. I ask, because I've had a few knives from other companies whose rubber handle inserts did not hold up very well.

Thanks for any replies.

Jim
 
Since nobody seems to have an answer for you I'll try. I've been checking out the Soldier for awhile and plan on getting it myself. Having been through many sites and reviews I haven't come across any mention whatsoever about the inserts. I guess this isn't as good as if someone actually had one but I hope it helps. One thing for sure, if you were to get one and the inserts started to come out or wear out 20 years down the road, Victorinox would definitly correct any problems you could have. Their warranty is as good as written in stone. Being an actual military issue knife, don't let any doubts about the inserts hold you back from getting it.
 
bt93:

Thank you for your reply!

I agree, I don't think it would be a problem, and even if one did crop up, Victorinox would take care of it. Coincidentally, I ordered one yesterday afternoon! Will it become an EDC for me? I don't know. One thing's for sure; I will definitely like it. Having owned, carried and used various Victorinox products for more than 30 years, I knew I HAD to have the new standard issue Soldier knife regardless.

Jim
 
Other than it's status as military issue, I can't help but wonder why anyone would choose the Soldier over the One Hand Trekker, the same thing with different scales that also retains the tweezers and toothpick. Apart from the logo slowly being obliterated from use, which should of concern only to those who need a cross as a vampire repellent, the OH Trekker scales hold up fine. After 8 years of heavy outdoors use, the wear on mine isn't bad at all:





I can see why the Swiss military adopted the OH in place of the alox Soldier. Much as I respect the original, this does more and better.
 
Since I always carry an SAK Executive in my pocket regardless of what else I'm carrying, I'm okay with the new Soldier not having the tweezers/toothpick. Perhaps not having them makes the Soldier's handle a little sturdier, by eliminating the channels that hold those features(?). Or maybe because it's that much less to lose in the field. Or because of tradition; the alox original didn't have them, either. It's interesting to ponder why the Swiss Army wouldn't include those two tools.

Jim
 
znapschatz said:
Other than it's status as military issue, I can't help but wonder why anyone would choose the Soldier over the One Hand Trekker, the same thing with different scales that also retains the tweezers and toothpick. Apart from the logo slowly being obliterated from use, which should of concern only to those who need a cross as a vampire repellent, the OH Trekker scales hold up fine. After 8 years of heavy outdoors use, the wear on mine isn't bad at all:





I can see why the Swiss military adopted the OH in place of the alox Soldier. Much as I respect the original, this does more and better.
Click to expand...

How is sharpening that for you. I looked up on the Victorinox.com about sharpening that blade and sounds like you can sharpen it much the same way that you would a plain edge blade. I've been trying to confirm that.
 
bt93 said:
How is sharpening that for you. I looked up on the Victorinox.com about sharpening that blade and sounds like you can sharpen it much the same way that you would a plain edge blade. I've been trying to confirm that.
Click to expand...

I use a Sharpmaker according to directions for serrated blades, that is 3 strokes on the bevel to one on the flat to take off the burr. It works fine for both sections. Been doing it that way 8 years.
 
znapschatz said:
Apart from the logo slowly being obliterated from use, which should of concern only to those who need a cross as a vampire repellent, the OH Trekker scales hold up fine.
Click to expand...

Does this work? As an atheist, I'm not in the habit of carrying crosses, but maybe Victorinox should advertise my favorite SAK as having 10 functions instead of 9.
 
Nap said:
Does this work? As an atheist, I'm not in the habit of carrying crosses, but maybe Victorinox should advertise my favorite SAK as having 10 functions instead of 9.
Click to expand...
In my experience the cross works perfectly. I have carried a SAK for years, and have had absolutely no trouble with vampires.
 
I've never had any problem with the rubber inserts on mine.

13087397_1067805549947957_7879154582885098383_n_zpsag5lzqce.jpg


It has been under a river, next to different heat sources, exposed to snow and dirt and they stand up to the abuse I've put them through.

13091975_1067805719947940_7221876552541072099_n_zps2jrc3yfh.jpg


So nice when it's cold and you have to hold the tool.
 
iSaur said:
In my experience the cross works perfectly. I have carried a SAK for years, and have had absolutely no trouble with vampires.
Click to expand...

About 78% effective compared to a full size one, but better than nothing. Of course, not useful against atheist or non-Christian vampires, but that's why we wear our garlic necklaces. Can't be too careful, you know.
 
ThePeacent said:
I've never had any problem with the rubber inserts on mine.

13087397_1067805549947957_7879154582885098383_n_zpsag5lzqce.jpg


It has been under a river, next to different heat sources, exposed to snow and dirt and they stand up to the abuse I've put them through.

13091975_1067805719947940_7221876552541072099_n_zps2jrc3yfh.jpg


So nice when it's cold and you have to hold the tool.
Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing! Great photos.

Jim
 
If you're worried about the scales on you SAK getting damaged, just order yourself a set of replacement scales (of your choice) from SwissBianco.
 
I received my new Soldier knife yesterday, and I am very happy with it. For the time being, I don't foresee any problems developing with the scales. They are far less 'rubbery-feeling' than I had imagined.

Jim
 
Good to hear James. I can't comment on the dual-density scales because I have the One-hand Trekker with the black nylon scales.





 
Dry-cell:

Those black nylon scales are great, too. I have one of the older models, I think it's
Victorinox's Trailmaster(?). I think it's basically the same as the OH Trekker, but with a traditionally-shaped, two-hand opening blade with the nail nick. I still have it somewhere. :)

Jim
 
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