On Point EDC: Victorinox - Farmer X Alox, The BEST Swiss Army Knife for your Modern Everyday Carry!
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2024
- In this episode we review the new for 2020, Victorinox Swiss Army Farmer X Alox. This new update to the hugely beloved VSA Farmer adds scissors and effectively complete the platform to give it the perfect balance of form and function. Sure you can go with other models with more features or the other direction for a smaller form factor but the Farmer X Alox really strikes that perfect Goldilocks balance of capability and carriability. I LOVE this Swiss Army Knife and truly believe it is the new benchmark for EDC multi-tools. Even better, it also offers a huge value proposition as well, considering you can have this best-in-class tool for under $60. Let me know what you all think in the comments below, thanks guys!
www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Produ...
I finally ordered one a few days ago and should have soon! 😎🇨🇭 I've got quite a few SAKs, partly just as collectibles but also for utility. The Farmer X Alox has the tools I need to cover 90% of the things I need a knife/multi to do. Surprisingly, I think the scissors is the thing I use most on a SAK. I expect this one will be good for EDC, especially for carry while hiking and camping.
To those saying that this is a thick brick, bear in mind that an alox model is always thinner than the celidor counterpart since the scales themselves are slimmer.
As pointed out in this vid, the Farmer X is 17mm thick. For comparison the 3 layer Super Tinker is also 17mm thick, the 3 layer Climber is 18mm thick (presumably measured to include the corkscrew which protrudes a bit), and the 3 layer Hiker is 16.5mm.
The 4 layer celidor Fieldmaster is 20mm thick. I own a Climber and a Hiker which I don't find problematic to pocket carry, so I know I'd be fine with the Farmer X, whereas I'm not so sure about the Fieldmaster/Huntsman or any other celidor models with 4 or more layers.
So it comes down as with all alox models to a trade-off between having the scale tools (toothpick, tweezers, pen if you have plus scales) versus more robust scales, a lot of us also rate the awl on the alox models very highly and find it better than the awl backtool on celidor models, as well as the fact that the main blade is slightly thicker and deeper on alox models.
THIS is what should only be called a Swiss Army knife, I mean the Alox series - It’s the same that my dad received during his military service here in Switzerland. (Actually without the scissors)
I have watched several reviews of this model (Swiss Army Farmer X) and found yours to be the best! Thanks and keep up the good work.
Good point about whipping out a knife in a social situation. It is true, and people know it, that most EDC is put together with a "Rambo" mentality. Pull out the same sized blade in one of these and people won't even give it a second thought. Interesting. Thanks for the excellent review. Be safe.
Excellent Review - Really, really appreciate your thoroughness & I totally agree that this is an heirloom-quality EDC... Cheers! 🌈🍀🌸☀️
If my current pocket knife scares somebody by cutting a balloon string at a birthday party...I think I will find new friends that are not so beta. Love Swiss Army knives.
Well it could be like a daycare birthday party! and not betas, we have to learn to live with others if not we’re gonna be in sad shape?
The current world encourages beta males. F that!
Just ordered mine today to replace my farmer. I’ve always wished my farmer would had scissors. Excited for my new toy to arrive 😁
That's awesome!
Curious what you think of the width of the X compared to the regular Farmer. I love the Farmer but I'm not sure I would want an added layer of thickness. Scissors would be nice though...
Great review! Got this one coming in blue!!
The very best edc tool, use mine every day.
I think this one is gonna be my new favourite edc
They finally did it!!
you have my like just because you are wearing that fantastic victorinox swiss army watch!
Thank you for the video!
Excellent review. I love alox as I have three of them. But I am torn between the farmer x and the evogrip 18. Can’t buy both. Any one have any opinions about the evo 18 vs farmer x?
I've been looking for a good belt sheath for mine. Any recommendations?
Great Swiss army knife and a very strong one at that .👍
Its not the Granddaddy of pocket knives, its the new 600 Pound Gorilla of 93mm Alox knives based on the Pioneer ( Soldier ) . I have a 3 EDC Pioneers/ X's ( and a dozen plus limited & special edition collectables ) in my Gentleman's knife rotation & till now I did not use the Farmer sub-series because I have enough 91mm SAKS in my EDC rotation with both scissors & wood saw, but a few days ago my local Victorinox outlet put the Farmer X on Summer sale at a 25% discount which has brought the price down to around $65 including delivery, so I have ordered one & hope to get it next week. Next I will have to either buy a pocket slip for it or try the new Nite Ize stick on clip on it, I bought 2 on Amazon last month & haven't yet got around to fixing them to either one of my 91mm SAK's or a 111mm SAK.
x55crmo14 I believe is what the steel is called. I use one of my SAKs as a muzzleloader tool for hunting. In my experience, it is so corrosion resistant that even black powder exposure has a hard time corroding it.
I have the farmer, but it's a little overkill for daily use. I carry my SA Cadet daily. If you're looking for something bigger than the Cadet but not ad bulky, check out the Pioneer
Or the pioneer X 😁
Love the Pioneer X lots of utility but easy carry
I edc the swisschamp, with a suspension clip it's hardly noticeable
@@davidhenriksen5947 😅👌
I just discovered a new use for the saw blade..
It works well to comb my moustache!! Just after a little trim it sweeps out loose hair...
I also own this model but it would be perfect for me if they replaced the bottle opener blade and the can opener blade with a proper metal file and put the combination can/bottle opener on like is on the bantam
Currently carrying Fieldmaster and Knipex 5" pliers wrench.
Thinking about the Farmer X as it has only the tools I actually want, and no more. Love the scissors, want the inline awl.
I like the SAK tweezers but also carry real ones in my wallet since I have kids and live in cactus country.
Years ago I was working for a construction company. The boss and I were waiting for a final framing inspection when we noticed that we were missing two freeze blocks. I used the saw on my Swiss Army knife to cut them, and quickly nailed them in place before the inspector got there.
First of all, Really nice video. You did a good job on this knife/tool. I'm thinking about an Alox SAK for those more "dress up days". I've carried different SAKs for over 30yrs, but always red handles. My fav edc now is an older model climber (pre-hook, urban carry) and the Huntsman for the field. The only thing with the Alox is I would like to see the tweezers included.
One other off subject thing is I live in a very knife friendly state (Kansas). Almost all guys and a lot of girls/women carry knives. Only once in over 30 yrs have I been asked by management to not carry a knife due to scaring someone was with a Kershaw Scallion, not a SAK. As knife folks, we ought to educate sheepal folks on knives rather than worry so much about offending them. Giving in to their ignorance will eventually get your knives removed completely.
Again: Great video and thank you for the info. I may order one of these soon.
Yeah I kind of think the "this knife isn't scary so non-knife people will be comfortable when you pull it out" is kind of an idea that exists mostly in the heads of knife people as justification to buy more knives. Most non-knife people don't know and don't care about what knife you carry and don't notice or care about any aspect of it. Their thinking will almost certainly be limited to "oh, he carries a knife" and that will be the extent of it unless it's comically large like one of Cold Steel's more extravagant designs. They'll probably judge more based on the reason you use to pull out your knife. If you whip out a knife to cut the cake at a wedding without being asked to they'll think you're weird. If you pull out a pocket knife of any normal-ish size and shape to cut a packaging strap or something people will hardly take notice. At least that's been my experience but I also live in a knife friendly state. I think a SAK will get the exact same result or non-result from bystanders as a Benchmark Griptilian.
I carried a Cold Steel AD10 for a while and got a comment or two on its large size but that was from people who also carried knives so who knows haha. The real judgement zone is a fixed blade in public without obvious need..
What do you think about idea to make alox scales for huntsman or fieldmaster? A'm CNC operator and a'm going to create it 😁
Good idea if can remain interchangeable 🤔
Mine is bing delivered “as we speak” and it’s the red Alox. Proprietary to one USA vendor. Agree that this is the ultimate EDC SAK. Thanks.
Was this the knife center special? How do you like the red?
@@SandShark350 Don’t remember if it was the special but the red is totally excellent. I have these ALOX style knives in the silver, red, forest green and black. I love ‘em all. The fit, finish & function (3F’s) are all exceptional.
This would be one of my favourite Swiss army knives but would prefer a magnifying glass instead of the scissors for an outdoor/camping knife.
An every day around town carry knife would be good with the scissors and magnifying glass without the saw.
I’m hoping to see it available at REI or Cabela’s soon.
The Farmer X is without a doubt one of the best Swiss Army knives ever made. I would argue the Army 7 is a better EDC because of the smaller size and omission of the annoying lanyard loop but it loses the scissors. Everyone has their favourites and that's the fun of these knives.
I was hoping they would make this one.
Agreed, great balance of capability and pocket ability
Immediately ordered it when it came out and loved it. But realized that a design flaw prevented you from using the knife blade and wire stripper at half stop together vs. the Cadet as the saw and scissor layer create space in the Farmer X. Otherwise I could live with the extra weight and bulk. The Cadet minimalism and carry convenience is just so perfect for urban carry. Ultimately I gifted it to someone who is out in the field a lot compared to my more urban lifestyle.
This is nice enough to replace my Huntsman (if I’m willing to lose the corkscrew, toothpick, tweezers, and eyeglass screwdriver and straight pin that I added). Use a sharp squared grinding wheel to modify the silly wire stripping notch into a useful one like on a Leatherman WAVE (you never want to score the circumference of copper wire with a blade). Very carefully sharpen the short straight edge on the can opener to make a sharp “hook” for opening blister packs.
@@lanedexter6303 the awl actually is pretty good for blister packs already
Just ordered mine a view minutes ago 😝🤘🏽 It‘s actually more expensive in Germany. 😅
On the Victorinox site it costs 63€
A couple of months ago I bought my first Pioneer and this month I bought a Pioneer X because I find the scissors essential. In November 2019, I lost a Farmer (the second Farmer I've lost, dang!!) and my next alox acquisition will be the Farmer X. I'm waiting to see other colours on the market because my Pioneer X is already silver. I'd love to have it in olive green, let's see.
The Farmer has a keyring. So you can attach it to your belt loop or whatever via string, baling twine, or paracord. To lose one is unfortunate, to lose two.. :). You don't have to lose another (could be vital) edc:). Stay safe.
Tim summers I've just lost a Swiss army knife 2 days ago and I'm so upset about it because I've put plus scales the pen and pan and 2 days ago i dropped it off a 🚤😢 now I'm really upset about it because i put really nice plus scales and extra small size tools in the scales so i know how you feel I've lost a few Swiss army knifes 😌
I love the scissors, but I would rather get rid of some existing tools then have another fat layer on the knife.. I wish you could customize the tools a bit easier. I would pay a little more to be able to custom select included tools.
New release for 2010? Great video! Keep it up!
New for 2020, just released this past month
@@AverageBros I guess he asked because you said "new release for 2010" at 3:21 :)
Why do they not incorporate a Philips screwdriver. Drives me nuts! 99% of screws in my household are Philips🤬 Great review.
Check out a Rambler. It has the best Phillips driver I've ever used on a multi tool, and it's the size of a classic almost.
Agree - re:58mm SAKs, that inline Phillips screwdriver is also on the Manager and Minichamp.
A: if 99% of screws in your "household" are Philips get a freaki'n real screwdriver: SAK's are not for your typical "household" use, that's what real tools are for. SAK's are multi function knives/tools to carry in your pocket to help you "out in a pinch", cause you don't have real tools on you every time.
B: The can opener's tip, IS a 2D phillips, that can handle most #2 phillips (ever some #1), and even your "household" ones. :P
C: Victorinox had a ton of other models that have real 3D phillips implements on them
Don't the Alox series have the tweezers or the tooth pick.?
No, the scales are solid Al about 1mm thick so it would be very difficult to incorporate slots in them for scale tools. One combination carry I do if I want scale tools is to carry a Farmer, and a Classic SD, rather than the Farmer X.
the weight of the knife is 3.84 oz or 109 grams
Excellent review. I love Swiss Army knives, but am I the only one that doesn't like Alox scales? Alox scales seem slippery compared to the typical red plastic scales. I never feel like I have a good grip on them.
No way is the smooth slippery plastic scale better than the alox scale... compare them scales with slimy/oily hands to really appreciate the difference. Plus the alox scale is a million times tougher and holds the layers much firmer... you'll notice this when prying something with either the blade or flat screw driver. Cheers
It is a bit bulky to carry in the pocket. My wife said, "is that your Swiss army knife or are you just pleased to see me".
I've had my Farmer since 1971. My only complaint is that the knurled scales wear holes in pockets. So I suggest keeping it in a case.
It's a pity the watch doesn't have moving bezel...
At 109g there is A LOT of competition, for a 4 thick brick that's very few functions, between other tools or tool combos you could easily get way more for way less!
The meatier tools are a bit heavier on the alox. The closest to it in my eyes is the Huntsman (saw + scissors) which is 11% lighter, but 25% thicker. The Huntsman only adds small knife, hook, and corkscrew -- all of which are often cited as having limited use -- and of course the scale tools.
It's the thickness of a super tinker, but with a saw. Granted, you lose some niche tools you could be using a lot.
Such as?
Lovely 😊 but what about the steel quality?
There is the Pioneer, the Farmer and the Pioneer X (scissors). Combine the Farmer and the X and you get the Pioneer Farmer X.
The only thing I don't like about these alox models (and inexplicable to me) is why, why did they have to make the key ring vertical, at a 90 degree angle? It digs right into your palm and it's very sharp an uncomfortable! Unlike the models with red cellidor scales, where the key ring is somewhat at an angle (maybe 45 degree angle), and is much more comfortable, to the point you don't even know it's there when holding the knife.
Thx for video! Farmer x is to bulky to use in pocket, i gave mine away. Wish they could do a 2 layer with same blade and sicssor as farmer. People on hike/camp dont need more then those 2 items.
Wish you'd given it away to me. But seriously a lot of people pocket carry 4 layer SAKs with celidor (plastic) scales which are even thicker. I regularly carry a 3 layer celidor model like the Hiker or Climber, the Climber is actually thicker than the Farmer X. Finally people on hikes/camps only need blade and scissors? I beg to disagree, it's not for nothing the 2 SAKs named ''Hiker'' and ''Camper'' both have a saw.
It is bulky. Mine is now without the openers, which I never use. It's near perfect now.
I’m looking to get a Swiss Army knife with a saw and scissors to use when gardening, and I’ve narrowed it down to the Fieldmaster and the Farmer X.
Pros for the Fieldmaster is it’s cheaper and has more tools. Con is I really don’t need many of those tools.
Pros for the Farmer X are that it’s streamlined and reinforced with the Alox scales. Cons are that it’s more expensive, and part of me wonders if I would find uses for the extra tools of the Fieldmaster once I’ve had it and used it for a while.
So, as far as the decision goes, it comes down to this question: How much difference is there between the Alox scales and normal plastic scales in terms of standing up to hard use? I’ve never heard of anyone breaking a Swiss Army Knife from using it too aggressively, so I don’t know if investing in Alox is really necessary. What would you say? Reinforced exterior at a higher price, or extra tools that I may occasionally find some use for?
Get the fieldmaster ul love having the pin and tweezers. Extra little knife for pruning strawberries and veggies. And if u ever do break scales get new ones off ebay for 9$
2:40
1. Knife almost completely fills the frame.
2. "Let's go ahead and take a closer look."
3. [Cut]
4. Knife fills about 8% of the frame :D
If anyone I’m around gets scared of a pocket knife, I’m getting new friends.
This or the fieldmaster perfect saks
I don't know what's the quality of the newer made ones, but the older Alox models, are closest pocket knives to perfection! Their fit and finish their function, feel, I mean anything on them, is so much better even than the regular Alox models!!! Alox Swiss Army knives, have higher degrees of addiction, than the Celidor models!! The Harvester which is like a better version of the Farmer, is my favorite outdoors pocket knife. The Electrician is also great but better for Urban edc! I haven't got the Farmer X, just because I'm afraid it won't come with the same build quality of the older models, which what I like most on these perfectly made tools!!
I can't compare as I've never handled an older alox SAK but my Farmer X, and my Farmer which I bought 2 years ago, have excellent fit and finish.
@@simonh6371 All my Alox models until 2005, are perfect. The newer ones, not so much.
Some tools like the awls in my newer Farmer and Electritian, feel like either the scales or the base of the tool, wasn't finished perfectly flat, because when I open and close that tool, it rubs on something.
Of course I tried different penetrating oils, and a lot of open/closing to work it out, but ti's still there. The 2nd issue on the newer ones, is the walk and talk feel and resistance when you and close the tools. On the older models, feels stronger and more "Springy".
The rest issues, can be spoted easily, but there are a couple more, small details, that aren't as good as the older models.
@@greekveteran2715 I just pulled out my Farmer which I bought 2 years ago, opened the awl, I don't feel or hear it rubbing. The tools in general on my Farmer and Farmer X seem to have a strong backspring, more so than on my celidor SAKs. I'm not disagreeing with you though! Given I only paid £23 or 27 Euro for my Farmer which is really a budget price and what you'd pay for a Chinese made knife with a similar toolset, I think it's great value for money. Perhaps it isn't as good as a Solingen Boker knife with a similar toolset, but a Boker Hunter costs around £200 upwards so I can't complain. It does a good job and I'm not afraid to use it hard.
@@simonh6371 You literally stole that Farmer!! I paid double here!
I've found other comments around the internet, saying that their qualtiy control, is not as it used to be. They mentioned similar issues.
That doesn't mean, that all of their knives are going to come with flaws. If back n the years, was one in a million to get a lemon from Victorinox, let's say now it's something like one in a thousand.
I've read more complaints, about the newer Farmer X. So, I guess, the quality control drops each year more and more. But who cares, they still do their job as good as ever!
Have a nice Sunday morning mate! Take care!
@@greekveteran2715 Hi Greek Vet, after reading your comment I've played a bit with both my Farmer & Farmer X, I wouldn't have noticed but I do detect a tiny bit more grindy walk and talk on my Farmer X but the tools themselves aren't grinding against other ones, seems to be in the pivots. But nothing that bothers me. Although I paid more than double for the Farmer X, at £48. It's only available thru Vic themselves here in the UK, advertised as £53 but I got 10% discount. The pricing of these 93mm alox is a mid weird here. Even when I bought my Farmer it was a tiny bit cheaper than the cheapest Pioneer I could find. Now the cheapest Farmer is £22, whilst the cheapest Pioneer is £28! The cheapest Pioneer X is £37.50. Seems unfair that you get the added scissors for just a tenner if you compare Pioneers, and pay £25 for them if you compare the Farmers. Anyway I like them both and can't complain. Tend to take the Farmer on trips into the woods, and keep a Classic SD in my first aid kit for ''clean'' jobs like first aid, hygiene etc, and use the Farmer for cutting wood, paracord, sawing etc. In the city I use the Farmer X as EDC, one of my SAK EDCs anyway.
Cheers mate and have a chilled Sunday.
Love the Victorinox standard Farmer & Pioneer X. Not a fan of this 4 layer Farmer X. It's too awkward for pocket carry.. more for a pouch or backpack carry. Anything above 3 layers just gets ridiculous for pockets. Cool review nonetheless!
@@devatwell334 It has nothing to do with skinny jeans. It's like carrying a rolly of quarters. Do we really need to be carrying a sledgehammer in our pockets ? For excuses to wear a tacti-cool belt ? Not really.
@@devatwell334 So now you are comparing a Buck 110 to a 4 layer SAK.. for "usefullyness" over the weight in your pocket and assume skinny jeans is the issue ? I carried both for many years at different points in life. I think the Buck 110 is an ego thing. Like you can cut open a box of oil filters, cut up apples for lunch & climb a mountain with it. All in the same day. And then go on a weekend hunt. Meanwhile you're wondering why your pockets keep jangling around.
FaRmEr eXtreme
It has Flathead screwdrivers, but no Philips....?
Fail.
Average Bros: Let's go ahead and take a closer look
Also Average Bros: Moves the camera further away
Gotta say, the only use I would have for the saw would be cutting rope or cardboard when doing the recycling, then again the other tools work great for that (the hole punch is a great box opener).
I wish they would ditch the can opener for something more useful like a little file, a philipshead, a small pointy blade or whatever.
The Best SAK is the one in your pocket that you didn't lose,yet... 😂
I'm not sure what you meant at 5:23.
I guess you just read what the tang stamp says, but it sounds like Vic would use Swiss steel - which is not true, they import it from Germany and France.
The only thing this tool needs is a file and it would be perfect.
It would be perfect if it had a carbon steel file to sharpen up axes. Sigh....
Yeah I know but I hope they don't make it as I already have a Farmer and a Farmer X so I know I wouldn't be able to resist that. If you carried one of those with a pair of dedicated pliers like a Knipex Cobra XS or small combination pliers, you wouldn't want to carry a Leatherman.
Pioneer X is the pick of the bunch IMO. Adding the saw isn't worth the bulk here, it's too small to be a practical saw.
These saws make quick work of branches, so it is nice to have to save your main blade from some additional dulling.
@@AverageBros But why? If I know I need to cut branches I'll bring a proper saw. I just don't see why most folk would need a mini saw in their pocket just in case they come across a random little unexpected branch and decide to cut it.
basically its a Pioneer X with added saw
It's actually a Farmer with added scissors.... hence the name "FARMER X" ;)
@@conan5885 same thing lol
Blink
Get a huntsman plus scale much better
Mul-tee, not mul-tye :)
Only draw back non locking blade with soft steel ,if it Got s30v blade and locking blade nothing in world can come any near to victorinox Alox version knifes hope victorinox listen to users
I never had a roled or chiped edge on any Swiss Army knife, yet I also use them for wood whitling. After some proper sharpening and honing is done, to polish and convex the edge and also remove the bad steel (that almost all factory edges have), then the edge retention becomes more that enough. Combine that to the toughness of this stainless and the excellent blade geometry and heat treatment and you got them all. If they would change the steel to S30V, those thin blades and edges, would chip and break like crazy.. Ask people that use Spydercos, most of them have chiping issues and broken tips on their S30V knives
About the steel it's already been mentioned on the other reply. As to the non locking blade, that's not a drawback, putting a lock on it would be a great way to deem it illegal to carry as EDC in most countries (esp in Europe) at least without a specific and valid good reason to...
And if you need a lock on a 91/93mm pocket knife than you are doing something with you really shouldn't be doing...
Cellidor and Alox Vics are fine just the way they are. They are not broken, so don't try to fix them...
@@conan5885 then why lock on Evo grip series like S14,17,18 etc
And swiza another swiss company producing with locking blade
@@prakashlb2984 The locks on the Evo series (Ex. Wenger) was already there in the Wenger days, Victorinox just kept it when they bought Wenger out, and i personally think it's silly.
About other companies putting licking blades on their knives it's their business.
That doesn't change what i've said earlier.
A 84/85/91/93 mm slip joint pocket knife doesn't need a lock.
The day Vic puts locks on their classic Sak's will be the day i'll stop buying Sak's.
The only thing i loathe more than the idea of a locking blade on a SAK of the sizes mentioned, is those who gripe about it should have a pocket clip... that one just makes me cringe....
@@conan5885 so all these are your personal opinion not popular opinion . All the best bro
You don't have to be educated in the classics to know X is ten in Roman numerals. You could refer to it as the farmer ten.
It's not the 10 though, the X is because this Farmer comes with scissors, which make an X shape 😂
So nothing to do with the ten functions. You counted them. Just a vague reference to scissors which do not create an X when closed, this being is the default position within the knife. Does the emoji indicate the humorous irony of your statement or are you sticking to it with little or no evidence, just the tenuous supposition that "cross" equals scissors.@@AverageBros
Apologies. Just checked the Pioneer X. Would you believe 9 functions. There is something wrong with the Swiss. I thought a nation of bankers would be able to count.
Pioneer x better
I respectfully disagree that the Swiss Army knife is the only multi tool that you can pass down to your kids. Leatherman is also worthy IMO.
Clicked off when the watch review started.
Victorinox had to diversify after 9/11. In the following year their knife sales dropped like a stone.