Victorinox Pioneer X - Multitool

The traditional red plastic scaled Swiss army knife is a fantastically compact and functional tool, however if you are looking for something a little more study and don't mind giving up the toothpick and tweezers, then the Pioneer X is a great option. Read on to find out what makes these upgraded Swiss army knives so great.

Features

Alox scales

• The main noticeable difference between the standard Swiss army knives (SAK) and the 'Alox' series is the scale material. From victorinox.com ''Punched from embossed aluminium, the scales are then treated with a process known as ‘anodic oxidation’ to create an additional protective layer to prevent damage and corrosion''. This much tougher and more hardwearing material could last a lifetime and only gain character over the years. The waffle pattern not only looks great but also improves grip when using the tools.

Larger and Thicker toolset

• Each tool except from the scissors is larger and thicker than on a standard SAK of the same length.

Main Blade

• The non-locking main blade is 7cm long (measured from the edge of the Alox scales to the tip of the blade). This is under 3 inches making it more UK friendly. Straight out of the box the blade is extremely sharp and all joint are lubricated.

Reamer/punch

• Most Swiss army knives do not feature the dedicated reamer/punch so if your work/lifestyle would benefit from this tool then this is a great option. The edge of the tool is folded over the Alox scales allowing easier access than the traditional nail nick access point. The point and edge of the reamer is also very sharp.

Can opener

• The can opener features a very sharp cutting edge allowing smooth operation when opening cans. The tip of this tool also features a small flathead screwdriver.

3mm flathead screwdriver

• One of the two integrated screwdrivers on the tool. The placement on the end of the can opener keeps the driver inline with the length of the Swiss army knife, this makes it very comfortable to use.

Bottle opener

• Victorinox in general have some of the most effective bottle openers, the action requires no manoeuvring to carefully place under the cap, you just simply remove the cap in one smooth motion. Very well designed in my opinion.

7mm Flathead screwdriver

• The 7mm flathead driver has two stops; one at 90° and one at 180°. The stop at 180° i.e. inline mode, allows a very comfortable grip as with the 3mm drive. The first stop at 90° allows the user to gain more leverage and is a very useful feature.

Wire stripper

• The wire stripper has become a standard adjunct tool for the majority of multitools. I very rarely use it, however it does work as intended.

Scissors

• Probably the best everyday carry/pocket tool scissors on the market. They have a large opening and a very smooth action. The blades are sharp and very effectively cut through almost anything you throw at them. The spring mechanism is also replaceable, should they fail after many years of usage a replacement part is easily available and affordable. This is a great benefit that very few multitools have.

Key ring

• Not so much a tool, rather an extremely useful accessory. I have been using the Tec accessories or Keysmart nano clips which are a perfect pairing for pocket carry.

ALOX or Cellidor scales ?

Both Materials have there own benefits and drawbacks. The Cellidor scales are basically a tough plastic material that features cutouts for the scale tools including; toothpick, tweezers, ballpoint pen(not all models), and pin (located under the corkscrew). I Have found the Cellidor to be a hardwearing and lightweight material. Obviously they can boast the added benefits of scale tools and can be replaced with various stock colours or aftermarket options very easily. The only issue I encountered with Cellidor is that they seem to scratch very easily. I often carry a SAK in the pocket along with an aluminium card holder or small set of keys, and within a few weeks I noticed quite a few scratches. While this does not affect the integrity or functionality of the tool and most people probably wont care, I still think it is worth noting.

Alox scales on the other hand do not offer scale tools, however they do feature very high quality embossed aluminium with a waffle like pattern to assist with grip. I have not noticed any significant wear so far, the thick aluminium scales (combined with thicker toolset) gives the SAK a very reassuring weight that feels comfortable in hand. The Alox series could be seen in some ways as an upgrade to the standard range, however there are much fewer options in terms of tool combinations.

In the end it will come down to personal preference and requirements. Yes the Cellidor options have a wider range of tools, aftermarket modifications available and scale tools, but the Alox offers an upgraded standard toolset, and the extremely hardwearing aluminium scales which might be better suited as a workhorse pocket tool.

Quality and value for money

The Pioneer X is an excellent choice for an everyday carry multitool, the backsprings are very robust and each tool reassuringly snaps into place. Although they do not lock, the spring retention holds the tools very firmly in place. The overall maintenance required is very minimal, occasionally cleaning the tools and oiling the joints will ensure smooth action for many years to come. I would highly recommend The Alox Swiss army knives in general, they are very hardwearing tools that can last a life time.
The pioneers X is one of the best spec'd Alox models and features heavier duty tools than the standard models. Prices online are varied, however there are several reputable companies selling the Pioneer X for around £38.99. Considering the versatility, build quality and potential longevity of this multitool, I think this is a very reasonable price and offers great value for money.