Victorinox Pioneer X Final Review (Did it Replace the Compact?)
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2021
- Up front the pioneer X doesn't really get anything wrong and it a solid win for anyone that wants a knife or general tool. I'd consider it and the compact to be the best medium size SAKs out there but which do I prefer? The compact with its slicier blade and greater number of functions wins the day if I had to choose between the two. But when I want better driving capability or extra sex appeal the pioneer x wins out. On a side note, I still consider the standard pioneer to be the best "work" SAK (the electrician may be better but I haven't tried it).
Specs
Weight: 3.3oz
Length: 93mm
Thickness: 14.55mm
Tools
-Knife blade in X50CrMoV15 at ~56HRc (0.014" BTE at 18dps)
-Awl
-Flat head screw driver/pry/bottle cap lifter/wire stripper
-Can opener/philips driver/micro flat head
-Scissors (same as 91mm SAKs)
You'd be surprised to know how often I use the SAK can opener. I got sudden-onset rheumatoid arthritis on to of osteoarthritis. I'm unable to use a regular can opener because it causes too much pain. But, I discovered that the SAK can opener didn't cause me any pain. So, my Spartan now lives in my kitchen on a permanent basis to open cans, and I purchased a Huntsman for my EDC. Don't dis the can opener. The rocking motion is so much easier on my damaged wrists than the turning motion of a standard can opener. Another plus is discovering the scissors on the Huntsman are wonderful if your arthritic joints are swollen - no finger holes! My Huntsman is now my go-to when I need scissors.
Very cool! I've actually used the can opener quite a bit as well. When it's in my pocket I just use it instead of digging through the utensil drawer.
Sorry you are going through that. But glad the sak is helping you
Thank you! The best review of Compact und Pioneer I have seen on RUclips 👍
Really appreciate the comment!
The quality of your videos is really high, I enjoy them a lot! You and Jon Gadget are my favourite RUclipsrs when it comes to Victorinox reviews. I can't believe you don't have more views/subs, but I can see you started recently, so I'm sure that'll come soon enough!
Wow, I really appreciate the kind words! I definitely cannot match Jon's video production quality/skills. His videos always looks so good!
Great review once again. Enjoy all your reviews. I bought the Compact recently and it is great packing so much functionality in a 2 layer slim profile. If Victorinox took the Compact and added a wood saw and reamer/awl on the back by adding a 3rd layer building on top of everything that is there it would be perfection for me making it the perfect urban and outdoors EDC in just 3 layers. If they threw in a liner lock on the main blade making it lockable, it would be my dream SAK. One can only dream.
Thank you!
Totally agree that the compact is a perfect base model for a "compact" family of tools! Those and a cadet X are what dreams are made of!
I wish I could afford either one but I appreciate your channel so that I can experience them vicariously thank you
Glad I could help! They are on the upper end of the SAK price range for sure. Worth getting one day though!
I've also got that same compact but a little different tool set up it's got the Pliers and driver but i love the victorinox farmer x more because the saw don't make it much bigger but then again I'll EDC a Swiss champ not a problem to me i really appreciate you sharing this information with us 👍🏻
Thank you for watching!
I don’t own a Swisschamp but no doubt that would be belt carry only for me so I’d just take a Leatherman instead. I’m guessing the farmer x is thinner than a normal 3-layer and it has a LOT of capability. Probably would be my go to outdoors knife at a minimum and I think is a very worthy upgrade to the pioneer x if you’re down for the little extra bulk!
@@EngineersPerspective701 I'm 💯% with you because the saw is taking up very little space i love the victorinox farmer x and will continue to be my favourite I'm hoping victorinox will make a new aloxs in the future with the inline driver it would be great 🤞
@@name5949 Inline phillips on alox and scissors on the cadet are so high on my list of wants!
My Victorinox compact knife + streamlight microstream flashlight + Machine Era traditional brass pen (Pilot G2 refills) in the Springbok Craft Company Rogue 2.0 leather case as you have - What a great combination to carry in a small package.
Great minds think alike! I love the ease of carry for so much capability.
Nice video. I've been looking at the Pioneer X for a bit now. My current EDC is the Climber. I find the 2 layer knives too thin for long use. For about 15 yrs (when I was working) was the Super Tinker. The only thing I ever found it's cross point driver for was a couple screws on wheel chairs. The most used tools for me are: small blade - utility blade, LG blade- food, scissors- mostly beard/mustache triming, can opener - daily - only type I own.
I highly recommend it! The biggest downside for you is probably loosing the small blade. The awl is a great package opener so maybe it won’t be too much of a detractor!
I prefer the Alox versions firstly because I have dropped two of the Cellidor scaled knives, breaking them. I also feel that, at least for me, the Alox scaled knives feel a bit more ergonomic, comfortable and have a more solid, substantial feel when I first grab them in my pocket.
Love the feel of alox! And the look too, most people aren’t used to alox SAKs so it catches the eye in a good way
Muchas gracias por tus videos.
Tienes mucha razón respecto a la Pioner x.
Thanks!
@@EngineersPerspective701 gracias a tu video me decidí por comprar la pioneer X.
Saludos
I think the Pioneer X is a better choice overall IF you already have a 58 mm cellidor keychain SAK (with the scale tools that are missing from the Pioneer X) to complement it. I have a Manager that has tweezers/toothpick (interchangeable), better nailfile and more comfortable ballpoint pen than the Compact does. I love my Compact but yeah, I wouldn't lose a whole lot by switching to the Pioneer X because functionality-wise the (sadly discontinued) Manager and the Pioneer X are a match made in heaven.
Agreed! I used to have the rambler in my pocket 24/7 on my keys but for some reason they just get set somewhere much more often now and I don’t have it near enough to be useful. So compact it is for now!
I just just purchased the manager on the victorinox site, it was discontinued? I wonder if that means there only selling what they have left and I should defintelly grab a second one since I love it
@@EduardoLopez-tgedThere may be some leftovers here and there but they don't make new ones anymore since January 2023.
@manwiththeredface7821 I like having the hook on the back of the Compact, since I can use a Leatherman Surge file and any T shank saw using the ring and the parcel hook. I have been carrying the T shank file and saw, but today the saw came in handy, because a branch was blocking my street and I was able to cut the branches off and someone in a car came to help me move the big part of the branch to the side of the road. I carry a 6 inch blade in a blade sheath and in a heavy duty pocket tool pouch, in between 2 screwdriver bit holders. I seen the trick here on RUclips and I went from carrying a Alox Farmer X to the Compact or now my new Victorinox Companion. The plus scale tools also were missed carrying a Alox. The Alox has thicker tools and feels like a tool, compared to the regular Victorinox, but I think I might switch back and forth, since I still love my Farmer X. The saw on the Farmer X is more stable but Felix said on a video to wrap electrical tape to stabilize the T shank. I am going to try that.
@@Spanky8402I've seen that trick. It's one of those "how come Victorinox never thought of a factory solution to this" things. But if they did it would only work with their proprietary replaceable saws, files etc. which they would sell intentionally at a very high price, like all multitool companies do with their bitkits etc.
Farmer X in Alox is the perfect one for me.
The farmer X is awesome! What do you find is your main use for the saw?
Ok I get your thinking and I too was in that dilemma lol here goes;
Reamer awl: 2mm-6mm drill for wood, bone, pvc pipe, tin, aluminum. Rough blade, package opener, scribe, splinter remover, scraper, leather awl and fire steel striker.
Can opener: some Philips screws, 3mm flathead, 6mm light wrench ie tap or fosset top where there’s no handle. Curved chisel/scraper, opened halfway with lanyard attached perfect for picking up dropped keys in awkward places ( even a woman’s high heel shoe dropped under train, yes, I did that for a lady)
Flat screwdriver/ bottle opener: all the obvious but also used as improvised chuck key! This is where the pioneer range shines, yes you have less but sometimes that’s best! I carry the pioneer x in my jacket and the farmer in my jeans pocket. The farmer has the saw blade, again it will cut thick wet rope, wood, pvc pipe, bone etc but is a great plane blade scraper, fire steel striker and hole reamer on wood after you’ve drilled a hole with the awl... got that off of Felix Immler! I try n keep work and eating separate, after all would you want to gut a rabbit then eat an apple!? I do have the farmer x but again it puts all your eggs in one basket and is a weighty bit of kit. Pioneer x urban.. farmer for the woods. If you miss all the trimmings of the compact, carry a Swiss card in your wallet!
This is an awesome comment! Some good new used especially for the can opener. I used to scour the internet looking for any videos of how others use the tools because imagination is the only limit. NikGyver is one of the best for those!
I think you're totally right that the pioneer toolset is one of the most versatile out there. Certainly time tested!
@@EngineersPerspective701 I left out using the can opener for a orange peeler, package opener and hook... admittedly not as strong as the all purpose hook but as you say you’re only limited by your ingenuity!
The awl on the pioneer x, or any alox model, is so much better then on a sellidor model.
Compact is my edc also. Always on me or near me, no matter what else I carry.
Now, I great idea would be a compact with alox scales! 😁
Awls on the cellidor models however, come with a hole, which means it's more a more versatile tool, that can do more. The curved edge, drills easier holes and their tip is way tougher. I have never broken an awl on any Cellidor, but I have accidentally broken an awl on Alox models.. Nothing is perfect in life, all come with pros and cons!
@@greekveteran2715 pros and cons, that's true.
@@2371Anita The alox awl is definitely my preference as well! The real beauty of Victorinox is getting to choose from so many models to fit the preference of the user best!
@@EngineersPerspective701 I really can get lost when I get looking at it at all models. They are true jems.
How is the awl compared to the one on the swisstools, the same?
Swings and roundabouts 😊
Carry both and a spare
Cheers
🍻
What a good video. You made very good points in your review/comparison. I have a Pioneer X on order but now I need to look at the Compact. I have 2 questions; 1. What do you use the package loop for? It always seemed kind of useless to me. 2. What was the name of the leather pocket slip? Are they still available in 2024? Thanks again.
1) Primary snapping zip ties and pulling string/paracord/twin tight for knots or hitches.
2) It is the Rogue 2.0 pocket slip. Linked below. I also have a video on it if you want to search for it. www.etsy.com/listing/988113188/rogue-20-1-pocket-side-loop-edc
@@EngineersPerspective701 Thanks!
I have a hard time throwing out the corkscrew, multi hook, micro screwdriver, and pen to switch to a pioneer. You can also throw in a manager for the same weight if you want better screwdriver, but I hate that there is tool overlap lol. Also not sure why they haven't made alox scales that take the inserts, or put the back tools on them :/
Also apparently the #1 phillips on the manager takes leatherman bit kit adapter too
Excellent point about Alox scales not taking the scale tools! I'm pretty sure the custom titanium ones you can get do have slots for them so it's technically possible.
And can confirm the rambler/manager works with the leatherman adapter!
Evogrip 16 has 3 layers, phillips scissors and standard opening layer all under 3 oz. That's my EDC. Unfortunately they don't make it anymore.But you can still get them on eBay. It's like a super tinker with a nail file and 1/3 oz liighter.
I have a 14 I believe which is the same as the 16 minus the scissors. It was one of my earliest SAKs and my favorite for a long time. It's a great format and I never really needed the small blade.
Great video, interesting comments about the can opener
Thank you! Back in the day I spent hours looking for every SAK/leatherman video I could find because every once in a while I'd come across a use for a tool that I'd never thought of!
I love the compact because its the perfect companion to the swisstool or spirit, which dont have the scissors, corkscrew, microdriver, tweezers, toothpick, straight pin, pen, or the utility hook. And it adds a little redundancy like a backup blade and I like the versatility of the combo tool. I’d rather use the compact for opening a package, bottle cap, or a can. Although the swisstool or spirit definitely could do those things, its a little less cumbersome and more ergonomic imo with a 91mm SAK.
Never noticed how nice of a companion set the compact is with their plier tools. Very nice!
The best way to cover everything, is a Swiss tool Spirit X with an Explorer , or at least a Climber, as a Combo edc. Add a Knipex Cobra 150 and you can beat both McGyver and Indiana Jones ! lol
PS If you are over 40 years old, Explorer, is the way to go!
The explorer is a tool that I’ve been interested in especially having the nicer phillips driver, corcksrew and scissors. But that 4-layer tool is a lot! One day!
3 layer SAK is my maximum for comfort EDC. I prefer Climber and now I am waiting for Knipex cobra XS. Looks pretty. It will be ultimate combo.
@@tomasmarny822 A vic with the Cobra XS is a super amazing paring! Can really do anything you need.
Microstream flashlight - Did you review it on your channel?
I actually haven't yet. I know you understand how good it is!
Mini review is that it's the best hard use light I've found that is bright enough while being small enough to fit into leatherman belt sheath loops, EDC organizers or using the pocket clip with almost no discomfort.
It's survived many ~1m drops, the washing machine and being at the bottom of a full 55gal drum of CaCO3 saturated water (really not that crazy).
I think the Compact wins because it is the smallest possible way to get the chief tool of concern: 91mm scissors.
Size wise they’re pretty close, technically the pioneer x is slightly thinner while being a bit longer. Quite a bit heavier though so the compact does still take both size and weight. The margin of difference between the two is surprisingly slim though!
Perfect, pioneer x is or better alternative, go get Farmer x
I just don’t use saws! Like ever! Farmer probably would be my go to outdoor companion blade though.
Another use for the Alox wood saw is for giving my moustache a little comb…
Lol, will have to add that to the list of uses!
Climber. Just saying. Best 2 layer non Alox is the Compact. Best 3 layer non Alox is the Climber. Worth considering. It’s a Super Tinker with corkscrew.
In Alox I’m a fan of the Electrician. 2 blades is crucial. I frequently use the small blade on intricate and or precision cuts. Also on opening many general things like the saran wrap on meat and other thin packaging. 2 blades and scissors in the thinnest package is the winning ticket for me.
I suppose certain pants thinner is better. The Electrician is 11mm thick and I really like that slimness sometimes.
Believe it or not my go to 3 layer has been a mechanic! It’s what I grab when I want pliers but don’t want to have a Leatherman.
I would really like an electrician one day but it does give up a lot of the phillips driving capability of the tool so it’s a notable trade off. I’d probably have a rambler or jetsetter with for the scissors and phillips to compliment it
Late to this party, but it’s funny to me, carried the compact for about a week before switching back to a climber. Then the 2022 thunder gray pioneer x came out, never looked back
The pioneer x is awesome! I want to get another one that’s engraved but I don’t want it to be a standard version. Trouble is they usually have the spot filled already!
@@EngineersPerspective701 agreed! I put it off for so long bc I dont enjoy the standard “plain” aluminum. Such a pity they dont have the selection of colors out there available without company logos or the year pre-engraved, feels like victorinox is missing out on a lot of sales bc of it
Surprised me at the end. I totally thought he was going to choose the Pioneer X
Have to keep you on your toes! By all rights the pioneer x is awesome but the scale tools and file just get me.
Hi
I’ve got 12 SAK and live next to Geneva.
I do have both of your knives and don’t seem to sense any difference between the two blades.
Nevertheless, you can somehow sharpen the Alox Pioneer X and shave your arm with no problem.
You will need a Diamond sharpener and a leather strap with compound to strop the edge.
I promise you razor sharp results.
Very cool!
All SAKs take a sweet fine edge. The spyderco sharpmaker and a strop is my favorite way to maintain the edge and then use a stone to reset the bevel after a while.
The pioneer is quite a bit thicker than the compact so I definitely notice a difference in anything that binds like and apple or something
@@EngineersPerspective701
Yes, the thickness of the Pioneer blade must be the answer to why you won’t slice a fruit like the thinner blades.
Sounds very logical.
I almost never use my blades on my SAK or Leatherman despite them being good cutters. I tend to use my primary knife first.
Same, that's what it's there for! Basically SAK for food and leatherman for edge dulling tasks.
What pocket organizer is that?
Springbok Rogue 2.0. Video linked below
ruclips.net/video/O3nRUJN_YQY/видео.html
Is there a red scale version of this knife
Knife center has an exclusives in red and black for $50 right now but I think that’s the only place to get a red pioneer x. There is also the orange 2021 model. It used to be that you could get black or red regular pioneers but I’m not sure if they’re still making them.
What is that leather pouch ?
Springbok Rogue 2.0 EDC pocket organizer. I did an initial impressions on it: ruclips.net/video/PBYijA9LQ7Y/видео.html
Would be nice if the pioneer replaced the bottle opener and can opener with the compact’s multi-tool. They could then get add something like a file/screwdriver
Would definitely be nice to have a file but I don't think I would be willing to replace the bottle and can openers. The flathead/bottle opener is an awesome pry bar and the can opener is a very adequate philips driver. I often carry it over the compact when I know I'll be running into a lot of philips head screws because the combo tool on the compact can do them but it is ROUGH. It's a tough call man
@@EngineersPerspective701 Thanks for the reply. Yeah i agree, having something that can pry is essential. I personally dont care about being able to open cans on an EDC. Would be nice if the could make a nice file/pry bar/ screwdriver or something like that
I was in the same boat until I learned that the combination tool on the compact is sub-par at everything. I still don't like the can opener on the Alox, but I guess it's the most useful tool that fits in that slot (short and super slim). Honestly I would rather have a small blade there (like on the Electrician) and replace the big blade by the saw. My main tools on the Pioneer X are the scissors and awl.
@@Hamachingohmmm yes. I just don’t think most people really benefit from a tin opener on a EDC, me included. The knife, scissors, reamer, bottle opener/pry/screwdrivers: all very handy. But a tin opener?
Use the awl all the time. This alone puts the pioneer ahead it's far easier to use as a main tool rather than a back tool
💯
I rotate between a pioneer x and a Gerber armbar drive. Love both but the quality on the pioneer x is far superior.
Not much competes with the quality of an SAK and even fewer the alox models!
About the only time I use a can opener on a swiss army knife is when my main one at home fails it does happen but not all that often
Basically on use the SAK when I'm too lazy to dig around the drawer for the main one. So I can then use more effort to open the can with the SAK 😂
The Yeoman is the best 91mm 3 layer SAK. It's a Compact with the editional layer with a phillips and the magnyfying glass but it's still to thick to pocket carry. the Pioneer X and the Compact are comfortable and the same thickness. Those ASK knives need some re-engineering. Too thick of a blade and should be flat ground and the tools so far are kind of meh
Definitely too bad the Yeoman is discontinued. I wish the straight philips driver was integrated into more models for sure
I’ve watched numerous of your videos. I enjoy your content.
Please note, my next comment is not intended to be insulting. But, I have to say, if you are an engineer, it’s your obligation to know the terms of the subject on which you are speaking about.
If you to give a presentation on a mechanical device before your peers at your place of employment, I doubt you would refer to a specific section of the mechanical part as “what ever that thing is…”. That would be a monumental mistake.
In this case, the “tang”.
Given it was only 1:30 into your video where you were measuring the tang, and said, “what ever that thing is…”, it would have been better to stop, research the correct name, and start over.
Again, I’m not trying to be an ass, I’m only commenting as though you were performing a presentation to a peer.
Love your channel and wish only success👍🤘👍
I appreciate the feedback!
I don’t script these and generally it’s me fumbling over my words in the moment vs. not knowing the terminology but that happens as well of course.
For these videos I generally do not consider it enough value add for the effort of editing, stopping, etc. If I’m proposing a million dollar spend for a return of some sort, then you bet I’ll have all my ducks in a row though!
Once again appreciate the comment!
@@EngineersPerspective701 I mulled over your response. My whole point is that anyone REPORTING on a subject (that includes RUclipsrs), it’s their objective being a REPORTER to establish and maintaining credibility.
Doing so implies they have not only a basic understanding of the subject, but usually has at least an intermediate knowledge of the subject.
If the REPORTER does not demonstrate a basic knowledge and awareness of the subject terminologies, it reduces their credibility.
The “value added” benefit of a “re-do” is the mechanism to help ensure credibility to your REPORTING.
@@Richard_Cranium_Daily 100% agree that increased credibility could be a benefit. However I don’t really care if people think I’m credible so still not enough value for the effort.
I really wanted to like the Compact since it’s so . . . compact, but I just can’t get past how much I hate the combo tool. It sucks as a can opener and a bottle opener, too thin to be a great prying tool, too oddly shaped to be a good flathead, and geometry is not correct to work well as a Phillips.
It compromises a lot for sure! The Philips is really the Achilles heel but often it’s worth it for me
Mr engineer, mentioning the hardness of the blade and stating that it means it’s not going to rust as easily isn’t correct. Maybe mentioning the surface finish being as good as it is could reduce rust by reducing surface area and having smaller/shallower pores in the surface. The hardness of the blade does in fact mean the edge will last longer because it will take longer to wear unless you abuse it by cutting something harder to an itself. Perhaps you misspoke but I felt compelled to comment.
I was stating it in regards to the steel as a whole. I can definitely see how the way it comes across as stated would make it seem like I'm linking hardness to stainlessness. Never scripted so sometimes things come across not quite perfect!
The steel grade has good chemistry for stainlessness but I agree 100% that the surface finish is why it resists corrosion to the level that it does.
However, on the discussion of hardness effects on stainlessness. I'd actually expect that because the hardness is so low relative to it's max hardness that all that extra carbon is binding up with the Cr. This leads to a reduction in stainlessness because the Cr isn't free to form a passive oxide layer.
With that, theoretically they're leaving both edge retention and corrosion resistance on the table for toughness. Why an SAK needs a tough blade is beyond me. My genuine guess why they don't change is that they have perfected this heat treat and it's easier to process.
"switch to communist units" xD bruh
as a engineer you should know better... but it got me tho xD
I use both systems but I love that joke 😂
What's!! Victorinox Pioneer X, NO RING?????
When I can a Dremel tool in my hand anything can happen! I like it better this way for sure
Hello friend did you call metric communist units?
I have to call a spade a spade!
Honestly I don't care which units are used. I prefer doing some calculations using one or the other so it just depends. Some act like it matters but it really just doesn't. As long as a quantity has its unit labeled!
@@EngineersPerspective701 I laughed so hard
@@EngineersPerspective701 I personally prefer imperial I hardly ever use metric.
Communist units?! Realy thats sad
Chill out man. I use both on a daily basis, it’s all good.
“Communist measurements.” Next video I’m out.
Lol, man some people take that so personally
You can order a custom Pioneer Alox) The only con is the price.
Price is what has kept me away for sure. I think I’d like a custom cadet with scissors and scale tools. Then I would have my dream knife
@@EngineersPerspective701 I'm thinking of a cheaper compromise - just to remove the can opener row from the Pioneer X. I have enought bottle openers arleady - in Rambler on my keys and Outrider at home.
Communists' units lol))
😁
Pioneer in the pocket with a classic non sd on the keychain 🤌
👨🍳 Chef kiss