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Last Updated: August 18, 2018
2016 is shaping up to be a damn fine year for gear geeks.
Buy the Victorinox Pioneer X at BladeHQ
I think this began when Benchmade unveiled a shake-up in their Griptilian line, offering an upgraded steel (from 154cm to 20CV) and handle material (from nylon to G10). This was something Benchmade fans had long been begging for; so much so that a market for replacement handles for the Griptilian emerged. It seems that Benchmade finally realized how much money they were leaving on the table and acted accordingly.
For a long time, it seemed that Victorinox was in the same position. Despite how wildly popular their Alox line is among gear aficionados, the number of Alox tools rarely (if ever) increases. Much like with custom handles for the Benchmade Griptilian, a small industry has grown around the concept of modifying stock Swiss Army Knives. If you can imagine a combination of tools, handle materials, and other perks, it can be made, assuming you can afford it. One of the most popular modifications is the addition of scissors and a pocket clip to the Victorinox Pioneer, but even that costs nearly $200.
I had honestly resigned myself to saving up for one of these custom Pioneers, as I was convinced Victorinox would never remedy the situation. While scissors aren’t technically necessary on a multitool that already has a knife blade, they are quite handy; especially in places where a knife isn’t kosher. Likewise, a pocket clip (while not necessary) would be a big improvement. Thus, I set the idea aside until I could actually afford it.
By that, I mean I set the idea aside for a week or two, because it turns out Victorinox was listening. Take a gander at the Victorinox Pioneer X.
Granted, that’s only half of the changes I wanted. But if I had to pick, it’d be the change I’d like to see first. The scissors add a function that many have been wanting to see for some time, and there are workarounds to the lack of a pocket clip. Most of the comments from my review of the Pioneer and the Electrician will hold true here, although I should note that because of the extra layer, the Pioneer X won’t carry quite as well. Still, this will be the go-to Swiss Army Knife for many gear geeks going forward, and for good reason. I’ll be purchasing one, and I urge anyone in the market for a multitool to do the same. Who knows? If this sells well enough, maybe Victorinox will expand the Alox line.
UPDATE:I’ve since purchased a Pioneer X. To say that I underestimated how much I would love this knife would itself be an understatement. It kicked most other knives out of my pocket for about a month, and even now I end up carrying it every other day. The value added by the scissors is hard to quantify. I use them about half as often as I use the knife blade itself. That may not sound like much, but somehow this combination of tools handles 99% of the tasks I run into any given day.
I will say that my one concern (that it would be difficult to carry) has turned out to be true. It’s not considerably harder to carry than a normal Pioneer or an Electrician, but I do have to juggle things around in my pocket more than I’d like. My work pants have a pocket that is perfectly sized for the Pioneer X, but normal clothing requires a bit of Tetris to make it ride comfortably.
But I love Tetris, so buy this knife even if you have small pockets. It’s even cheaper nowadays.
- A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Compact, agile and ready to face any adventure head-on. Our range of Swiss Army Knives have been established since 1897 and continue to be an icon of utility and smart design.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Swiss made stainless steel construction encased in our popular scales offers a slimmer profile and is extremely resistant.
- COMPACT CARRY: Bring this knife with you on your daily adventures without sacrificing space. It makes a great gift for any occasion or stocking stuffer for Christmas.
- FIT FOR ALL TASKS: At their heart, all our pocket knives are a survival tool; multitaskers that deliver in any situation. At their most evolved they have surpassed basic function to pioneer space travel and restart engines.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Made in Switzerland; Victorinox provides a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship. Making a lifetime commitment has never been so easy. No assembly required, money back guarantee.
If you would like to buy a Victorninox Pioneer X, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Great tool set! Glad this is being introduced.
Boker (yes, Boker), with their Tech-Tool series, is putting pressure on Victorinox to join the 21st century on pocket clips. The G-10 handled Tech-Tool 2 is a useful SAK Pioneer-sized slipjoint MT companion that comes with … a well designed, positionable pocket clip! The tool set’s not as nice as the Pioneer X, and Boker obviously can’t match Victorinox’s finesse and precision feel, but it’s a pretty darn well finished tool for about $35.
Time to make that move, Victorinox!
Hey R.D.,
First, I wrote up a comment awhile ago, but it seems to have been lost to the ether. My apologies.
Second, I’ve definitely been looking at the Tech Tool line. The pocket clip, tool complement, and improved steel are compelling draws. I admit to a few concerns about the thickness of the tool and possible F&F issues, but I’ll probably end up buying one anyway to compare it to my incoming Pioneer X.
I share your hope that Victorinox finally gets on the clip train. At this point it’s embarrassing.
Thanks for the comment,
Grayson
The reson clips are not popular in Europe, is that there are no laws that allow you to carry a pocket knife visably, like there are in the USA. Mostly you are not allowed to carry any sort of tool, that might puncture the skinn, if used as a weapon. Carrying a pocketknife showing halfway (with a clip) would sure get attention from the Police. I shit you not. If it´s a lockable balde you are inserious trouble, as with stilettos. However, most people simply ignore, their countrys stupid knife-laws and carry knives openly if they are handymen. The rest simply carry it out of sight. Only in America can you get away with having a gun openly in a car or walk around with a knife showing if you are in civilian dress. Mark my very words, if you decide to jump the pond Yankiee : ) This especially complies to countries like the UK and Scandinavia.
I’m so glad Victorinox decided to offer this model. I’ve also been missing a scissors for my Alox knives, but wasn’t willing to spend what the custom knives sell for.
I stumbled on the model while browsing Amazon, and found a cheaper seller (Adorama) and immediately ordered mine.
Should get here next week! 🙂
Xdalaw,
Thanks for stopping by. I agree, the Pioneer meets a long requested demand. I hope you enjoy yours.
Dan
I have been waiting for the Pioneer X to exist for a long time. Mine came in this week and I love it! I ordered a custom clip and will have my handy woman friend tap the screws. She worked on aircraft engines so tapping screws is a piece of cake. Obviously I wish Victorinox had a clip option. Call it the Pioneer XC! C for clip!
Just got mine. Love it! Post a picture of the custom clip once you get it done. Sounds like a nice addition.
I haven’t carried a SAK since 1980. That one was the Electrician. I’ve been out of touch with Victorinox pretty much since then save a blue Farmer I got sometime around 2007. It’s still in the box unused. I came across that knife a few weeks ago and it set me to looking at Alox Vic’s on line where I found out about the Pioneer X. I never carried or used the Farmer because I have zero use for the saw. Replace the saw with scissors and I’m in. Got one in Silver and love it for EDC. Finally an Alox knife that’s 100% useful for me. It’s bumped my previous EDC of 7 years.
I picked up the pioneer x and prefer it to the farmer for in-town use. I think the ultimate useful Vic alox MT would be a “farmer x”. It would boot fieldmasters out of the b.o.b., g.h.b., and day packs, for starters. It would also help dispell the sense of new and useful knife\tool constipation Victorinox has garnered over the years.