Wenger SI or Vic Alox?

[Wildone39]

I want a Wenger SI so bad. I love that bail and I own a Pioneer but I dont like the blade crimping. I like a good strait blade. Any one want to trade a New Wenger SI for a new Vic Pioneer? I got a new in the box Pioneer.

 

[Harayasu]

I've got a demo knife too and on mine the back springs are much weaker than those on the Victorinox Soldier or Wenger SI. I'd choose one of the Swiss models. Maybe to some they look less rugged, but don't forget that they served several armies (not only the Swiss) for decades.

 

[OzarkCreekWalker]

Just a friendly warning on the U.S. MLK knife/AKA the demo knife. It's not very well made, and has a tendency to break springs. When compared to the Swiss made knives, they are crude, and the screw driver/bottle opener tends to be a nail breaker.

The U.S. made demo knife was my inspiration to buy a sak when I was in the army.

Carl.

(and to Harayasu) thanks for the warnings. ill stay with the saks, plus i can get them for the same price according to the prices for the demo knife on the auction site (why doesnt anyone refer to it by name? just curious) thanks

 

[Buzzbait]

Here are some pics to help you out.

From left to right, old brass liner Pioneer/Wenger SI with bail/Wenger SI without bail/Vic Soldier/old brass liner Vic Farmer/Camillus DEMO/MLK knife

Thickness of Wenger SI vs Camillus DEMO/MLK knife

Wenger SI's, with and without bail. The bail is fairly easy to remove. Paracord is too fat to run through the hollow rivet, so you'll need to find 1/16" accessory cord. I personally prefer the bail when attaching other objects, such as fire steels and Photons. The accessory cord works well for just attaching a lanyard, and won't accidentally ding the blade like a bail will.

The top Vic has the newer polished tools. The bottom old brass liner Vic has sharper corners and edges on the tools, and shows machine marks. The polished tools look nicer, but don't work quite as well.

Vic. Soldier. My least favorite of the bunch. As a general rule, I don't carry knives without some method of attachment. Identical to a Pioneer, other than the blade stamping and lack of keyring.

On top, the Camillus DEMO/MLK knife has a great blade with lots of belly. The middle Wenger SI has a good blade, with more belly than a Vic. The Wenger blade seems to be slightly less rust resistant than a newer Vic, but with slightly better edge holding. The bottom old brass liner Vic seems to be more like a Wenger SI in rust resistance and edge holding.

The gold standard for bushcrafting, and old brass liner Vic Farmer

One of my favorite users, and old brass liner Vic Pioneer.

Misc Notes:

• The DEMO/MLK knife has an awesome bail, but it can't be removed.
• The DEMO/MLK knife is notorious for developing broken springs.
• The Wenger SI has a pointier awl than a Vic.
• Fit and finish is less consistant on Wenger SI's than on Vics, so try to hand pick your knife. The 2004 models all seem to be very well put together though.
• If you want to stick with American made, check Ebay for an old Camillus 99 scout knife. It's not as elegant as a Swiss knife, but generally a very good knife. You can even find lots of old carbon steel scout patterns on Ebay, if you prefer carbon steel.
• Don't discount the old German Army Knives (GAKs), made by many vendors including Vic. They are VERY good bushcrafting knives.

 

[OzarkCreekWalker]

Thanks Buzzbait! That was an incredibly helpful post. I like the SI, but now that you mention it, if i could get my hands on one of those old vics with the brass liners (i happen to love brass) i would be in heaven. It looks like the little nub thing that people complain about on the pioneers is the same on my climber, which doesn't bug me at all. It's a pocket knife, which doesn't require as comfortable of a handle as a fixed blade does IMO. Thanks again for the post, it was exactly what i wanted to see. :thumbup:

 

[thatotherguy]

Honestly, the Wenger SI and the old Vic soldier are the same knife, as Wenger is owned by Victoinox. Good idea to steer clear of the demos, unless you can find a VERY early one with carbon springs, those are excellent.
We never refer to that auction site by name because that would be considered deal spotting, and deal spotting angers the mods.

 

[OzarkCreekWalker]

Honestly, the Wenger SI and the old Vic soldier are the same knife, as Wenger is owned by Victoinox. Good idea to steer clear of the demos, unless you can find a VERY early one with carbon springs, those are excellent.
We never refer to that auction site by name because that would be considered deal spotting, and deal spotting angers the mods.

I'm going to avoid the demo knives, but for the record i know of many people who use them with no problems. Since starting this thread I have considered every single pocket knife, from Buck 301s, Victorinox plastic handles, even to multi-tools..... but i'm going with the SI. It's going to be used as a companion to my bushcraft knives so it had to be tough, have an awl, a decent blade, and something to connect a lanyard, firesteel, or photon to. I'm also preferring stainless (which is out of character) because Missouri summers are hot and humid and I don't want to have to worry about rust (look at my name, rust could be a problem doing what i do) Currently I have a Climber, which is fantastic, but i strongly dislike the placement of the awl, my favorite tool. I also would prefer a thicker blade. Maybe when i get around to obtaining this thing i'll post a pic or two with some good scenery for you knife-porn addicts. :thumbup:

 

[thatotherguy]

If you're worried about rust,smear chapstick on the blades. Foodsafe, water cannot penetrate it, and cheap.
Sounds crazy, but it works, I was able to keep my CV mini trapper rust-free during a trip to Hawai'i, and even plastic rusts there. (exaggeration, obviously)

 

[Buzzbait]

..... but i'm going with the SI. It's going to be used as a companion to my bushcraft knives so it had to be tough, have an awl, a decent blade, and something to connect a lanyard, firesteel, or photon to. I'm also preferring stainless (which is out of character) because Missouri summers are hot and humid and I don't want to have to worry about rust (look at my name, rust could be a problem doing what i do) Currently I have a Climber, which is fantastic, but i strongly dislike the placement of the awl, my favorite tool. I also would prefer a thicker blade.

I think you made a great choice. The Wenger SI is an excellent knife, and has the best awl in the business. :thumbup: