What happened to the Alox/Cellidor price ratio?

G

gomipile

Joined
Apr 17, 2010
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In the 80s and 90s, Alox models were a little cheaper or about the same price as similar Cellidor models. The price of a Spartan or Tinker was within a dollar or two of a Pioneer or Soldier. Ten years ago, the Farmer cost maybe $3 more than a Hiker, sometimes about the same.

But now, similar Alox models are almost double the price of the most similar Cellidor models. I remember them being just as popular a decade ago, especially the Cadet and Farmer. Did Victorinox shut down a production line and hike the price? Did alien space bats edit a cell in the pricing spreadsheet?

Does anyone know what happened and why?
 
The cost of whatever aluminum alloy they use has gone up more than the ingredients for the plastic?
I have no clue.
I notice the cost for a 12 ounce can of name brand Cola has skyrocketed from the 35 cents in the 70's and 80's to around $1.50, while a plastic two liter of the same cola was $1.89 ~ $2.25 or less, the last time I was at the grocery, about 3 year ago.
 
What we perceive as popularity and what Victorinox does are two very different things. It could well be that there was an economy of scale that happened when they were supplying the Alox soldiers, and since the overall number of Alox knives sold per year has dropped, perhaps that impacts the end costs? Guessing the reasons for costings is kinda useless, some chicken bones or maybe a deck of cards could likely give you as reasonable an answer as I just gave.
 
I just bought a black Pioneer X from that place in Virginia for $44.99 and I'm not complaining about the price compared to what they sell for in Europe for special colored ones. That is a steal. Just picked up a new Compact for $42 a few days ago and I wish they still made black ones but I settled for a red and the price is decent for that model with free shipping and no tax. Got a black Nail Clip 580 recently for $25 with free shipping and no tax.
 
I have no answer, but will also admit I never really thought about it. If memory serves correct the Compact cost me nearly as much as the Pioneer X, and the little 58mm Mini Champ (the alox model) cost me more than them both by at least $10.
 
The compact is unusual in that it's the only one that uses the combo bottle/can opener, so it's always been on par with four layer SAKs in price.
 
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