VictorinoxVictorinox Pioneer X Alox Swiss Army Knife, Medium, Multi Tool, 9 Functions, Blade, Can Opener, Silver

It's finally here! For years, Swiss Army knife fans have been clamouring for an alox model with scissors. Keen modders have gone to extraordinary lengths to create custom parts and tooling to fulfil this desire, but now we can enjoy what many see as the perfect every-day Swiss Army knife straight from the Victorinox factory.This particular style, branded the "Pioneer range" by Victorinox but known to fans as "alox" after the scale material, or "93mm" after the length, is very much in the same mould as the original Swiss Army soldier's knife issued between 1962 and 2007. In fact there are only four differences between that knife and the Pioneer X; the soldier's knife had no scissors, no keyring, a different shield design and different stamps on the tang, including the year of issue.But you came here for a review not a history lesson! So let's get the facts covered. According to UK law, it is legal to carry in public any knife whose cutting edge is under 3 inches and which is incapable of being locked in place. The Pioneer X falls comfortably within this definition, and so makes the ideal companion when you're out and about - the government website even gives a Swiss Army knife as an example of a UK-legal knife. In short, you should have no problem at all carrying and using this responsibly in public.The knife has several features.The main blade is long enough to handle most every-day urban tasks such as opening parcels, cutting bread rolls, string, etc. It's certainly good enough to handle heavier duties like wood carving too. It's made of a stainless steel and is stamped on the tang with three lines of text; "Victorinox / Swiss Made / Stainless". The blade is deployed via a nail nick, is held open by a fairly strong spring, and has no half stop.Opposite the main blade is a short awl, or reamer. This I have used many times to 'drill' small holes, particularly in leather belts. It can also function as a rough auxiliary blade, but is considerably less sharp than the razor edge of the main blade.On the second (middle) layer are the scissors. These are very sharp, reliable and precise as you'd expect from Victorinox. On the smaller red-handled Swiss Army knives the nail nick is on other side of scissors, enabling you to open them exactly like the main blade - from the top down. On the Pioneer X, the nick is on the other side and so you have to open the scissors a bit awkwardly from the bottom up. Not a critical flaw but difficult to understand why they've done that.The third layer houses the two openers. The bottle opener works well, and also acts as a flat blade screwdriver. As such, it includes a half-stop to help prevent the driver closing on your fingers under torque. The can opener also works well, and includes a smaller flat blade screwdriver head which can easily be put to use on most phillips head screws too.The 'handles' (more properly called scales) are made of aluminium with a checkered grip pattern and the signature red Victorinox shield.All in all, the Pioneer X is a very capable and well thought out tool that should last a lifetime.

Looks great, good selection of tools. Perfect for carrying around on a regular day. Quality is really good and I love the alox scales

I have a Nylon scaled Climber - two mm shorter, with a number of additional features I rarely need (Nylon scales are far less fragile than 'Celidor' even if you can't fit a toothpick and tweezers, or a 'Plus' option that adds a pin and pen).Because of that frailty I invested in an Alox 'Farmer', that is the agricultural version of an Alox Pioneer, substituting a saw for the file.Both purchases reflect the need for something durable, practically useful, and which doesn't need mollycoddling.PSThe new Pioneer X swap the saw for scissors, and being in the Alox range there are no parcel hooks, or corkscrews, but the blades are thicker, the build quality is excelletnt and - contrary to some posted reviews about recycled second-hand SAKs - mine was supplied in the original Victorinox box, with the usual leaflet, and in absolutely pristine unused condition...

having had a Victorinox at my side for over 25 years I am not afraid to say I trust Victorinox tools with my life and I never leave home without one. I love the Alox SAK because the main blade is slightly thicker than the plastic handled variety . The handle scales are riveted to the tool which makes them pretty much impossible to break off and they have a lovely textured pattern which aids grip with wet hands.The can opener is brilliant and easy to use, the bottle opener does just that and the awl will make a hole with ease!. For me the addition of a pair of scissors cannot be underestimated, I use them pretty much every day because they are so sharp and accurate when cutting. for me not having scales that hold a toothpick and tweezers isn't really an issue as the scissors will dig a splinter out and the toothpick is a bit of a gimmick . I implore you to try a Victorinox with scissors and tell me im wrong!