VictorinoxPioneer Alox Swiss Army Knife, Medium, Multi Tool, 8 Functions, Blade, Can Opener, Silver

This is the sturdier version of the classic red handle Victorinox Swiss Army Knife most people know about. In term of function compare to the classic 91mm standard medium size knifes lineup, this one is closer to the popular 2-layers model, Spartan, although Spartan does come with small blade, corkscrew, and scale tools (toothpick and tweezers).I was originally planned to get the Spartan (and later returned it) due to lower price and more functions packed for similar size, but soon with some research I found out the "dirty secret", for non-disclosed reason, the cellidor scale have been changed to a "hollow" design compare to the solid one (which I borrowed from my dad in my childhood, made in the 1980s which built and last like a tank), and will crack easily if dropped to concrete ground. Although replacement scales are available for celidor, they cost like around 10 quids in UK a set which is more than half the price of a Spartan when it is on discount, adding up the cost of a spare set of scales would jack up the price equivalent to a Pioneer, I'd take Pioneer which may outlast myself.The knife build quality is the typical Swiss made you'd expect, with no observable defects to my eyes. The main blade, as mentioned by others, is considerably thicker (91mm models measured at 1.9mm vs 93mm Pioneer at 2.6mm), the can opener and bottle opener are also slightly thicker, but the star of the show is the reamer, which is located at the corner of the knife instead of the middle and unfold like a screwdriver, making it much more versatile than its 91mm equivalent. Combined with a 58mm classic, i have pretty much the same function sets as a Spartan (except for the corkscrew, which is exclusive to celidor models, but that was a minor issue to a non-drinker like myself).All in all, if you want to have a backup tool in your backpack for rainy days, without having to baby sit it (or buy a pouch for it) like its celidor cousins, this is THE tool for you. As a side note, if you prioritize portability, a 84mm model, namely Cadet, is just about as good, in a smaller package, offering similar functions, the only difference is the reamer is replaced with a nail filer, if you don't need reamer, that is another great choice in my opinion.

Picked one of these up to replace a Victorinox Alox Farmer, which is the same knife plus a saw.Unfortunately, the way the blade in the Farmer sits, the saw obstructs access to the main blade, making it difficult to open if you have short nails. On more than one occasion I narrowly avoided cutting myself, when struggling to open the pocket knife.The Victorinox Pioneer on the other hand does not have this problem and is an almost perfect pocket knife, that's legal for carry in the United Kingdom (non-locking sub 3" blade), and looks pretty non-threatening, which is often half the battle with carrying a pocket knife.It's a two layer design, which feels substantially slimmer than the Alox Farmer mentioned above, whilst still thick enough to be comfortable when undertaking relatively heavy work. This svelte package is appreciated when dropping the knife in your pocket - the three layer farmer was rather noticeable due to extra thickness, whereas the pioneer disappears until needed.It's also very lightweight lending itself again to going unnoticed day to day, but also usefully if you're weight conscious backpacker. It has just about every tool you'd practically need, short of maybe a corkscrew.If you've not tried them before Alox scales make a real difference to a Victorinox knife. They replace the red plastic and also the metal liners, associated with a traditional Victorinox knife, and as a result seem to be a little slimmer. In addition they have a knurled grippy texture which makes them far more useful with wet / slippy hands.This model really carries about everything you'd need for most urban eventualities, short of a cork screw.

Best I’ve owned. Very, very light but slightly wider, sturdier blades than the standard Swiss army knives. Does everything you need and no space or weight wasted on things you’ll hardly ever use.If you’re thinking of going even lighter and getting the batam model, I would still recommend this because of the reamer. Having a sturdy little spike on your knife turns out to have a hundred uses you’d never thought of when you bought it. For example, (and for people who were considering scaling up to buy a model with a corkscrew on it) you can open a wine bottle with this. Push the reamer down through the cork at a 45 degree angle from edge to edge, then twist the bottle around it while levering the blade up. Then when there’s enough cork showing, you can just do the rest with your hands.

I have owned quite a few Swiss army knives and the top of the range swiss multi-tool. The multi-tool is an all-metal fine piece of work but slightly heavy for everyday carry (also has a locked blade). My swiss army soldier knife's blade is too long and has a locked blade so can't be carried around in my pocket (legally in the UK unless I have a good explanation). I'm always using a small knife for preparing food when I'm travelling and also need a tin opener so this knife really fits the bill. I could have used one of my swiss blades with the plastic sides but in my experience, these sides can come off and anyway they feel cheap.The aluminum sides of this knife feel quality and good in the hand. The opening action of the knife feels smoother than any other swiss army knife I've had. Sure there are lots of better knives out there I own a couple of nice ones but I don't fancy having them confiscated or lost. This knife hits the mark nicely in terms of quality to price.