- Joined
- Jan 3, 2013
- Messages
- 5,713
At one time, I wasn't too big on SAKs. Never had a dislike for them, but I liked stockmen, jack knives, and the old Buck 110. I did have a need for a scout type knife, but to be honest, those cheapies from back in the day just didn't do it for me and the nice ones were asking for a little bit of money. One day, we had a thread in the outdoors section where a fella from Italy showed us how to baton with a Victorinox Farmer. I was impressed and decided it was time to try one.
His Farmer was Black in color. I was smitten, A very rugged knife in a classy tuxedo color. What is not to like? The only models available here are silver. Silver is quite a practical color as they don't show scratches, but the colored ones do something for me. I contacted the OP and asked about it. It was made for Italy and Black Farmers are common enough over there. I found a vendor who had no problem selling me one. My bet paid off.
After deciding I really liked the knife... nice complement of tools, the spear blade really worked well on everything, the saw and awl really worked well... I decided I should look for more unique and cool ones. I ended up with the African Emerald Pioneer, which was made for the South African Market... still there was something I was missing. I had been seeing the old cross models from time to time. While I think of all the Alox SAKs as Traditional, the old cross models seemed really traditional and old school. I really liked them, but never found a good deal on one. I see SAK guy's posted from time to time, but no deals.
To the point, I finally broke and bought an older Pioneer. I thought I'd share and compare to the newer model.
An Old Cross Victorinox Alox Pioneer
New and old, different logos, same texture, same pins, brass liner in the old, stainless liner in the new
Older blade seems shorter (edge to spine), but that may be from sharpening. I'm not sure if the older main blade was polished or brushed as seen here. Both are about the same thickness.
Can openers are a little different, but close
More can opener, note the finish polishing on the new
Both have awls that work great.... the older is a little worn, note the spot for engraving on the back of the new model
Bottle opener, screwdriver, wire stripper tool has different finishes
Both displaying all tools.
Now for an Old Cross Farmer!!!!
His Farmer was Black in color. I was smitten, A very rugged knife in a classy tuxedo color. What is not to like? The only models available here are silver. Silver is quite a practical color as they don't show scratches, but the colored ones do something for me. I contacted the OP and asked about it. It was made for Italy and Black Farmers are common enough over there. I found a vendor who had no problem selling me one. My bet paid off.
After deciding I really liked the knife... nice complement of tools, the spear blade really worked well on everything, the saw and awl really worked well... I decided I should look for more unique and cool ones. I ended up with the African Emerald Pioneer, which was made for the South African Market... still there was something I was missing. I had been seeing the old cross models from time to time. While I think of all the Alox SAKs as Traditional, the old cross models seemed really traditional and old school. I really liked them, but never found a good deal on one. I see SAK guy's posted from time to time, but no deals.
To the point, I finally broke and bought an older Pioneer. I thought I'd share and compare to the newer model.
An Old Cross Victorinox Alox Pioneer
New and old, different logos, same texture, same pins, brass liner in the old, stainless liner in the new
Older blade seems shorter (edge to spine), but that may be from sharpening. I'm not sure if the older main blade was polished or brushed as seen here. Both are about the same thickness.
Can openers are a little different, but close
More can opener, note the finish polishing on the new
Both have awls that work great.... the older is a little worn, note the spot for engraving on the back of the new model
Bottle opener, screwdriver, wire stripper tool has different finishes
Both displaying all tools.
Now for an Old Cross Farmer!!!!
