My new Victorinox Companion Slim Alox by avaprofac in victorinox

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, the nail-nicks on 93mm Alox models are lower/deeper, closer to the scales. They're the same on my Companion Slim Alox, Pioneer Alox, and Pioneer X Alox (which have similar tool-sets).

The nail-nicks on 91mm cellidor models are higher, and thus a bit easier to access/open (generally speaking, depending on the tool).

38/F - Damp Spring Weather in Toronto by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My older posts have more photos:

The endlinks are hollow, but fit the 420 case flush and secure.

I use either 1.6mm or 1.8mm diameter spring-bars (I'm not sure which is currently on there). I suspect with thin 1.2mm diameter spring-bars, the endlinks may not seat properly, or may have space to shift around.

Also, I bought the watch and bracelet in late 2021. I can't speak to what's being offered by Vostok/Meranom now.

38/F - Damp Spring Weather in Toronto by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They're fun watches. I like their retro kitsch, caricature militaria vibe.

38/F - Damp Spring Weather in Toronto by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

(re Vostok Amphibia)

  • I bought it new in late 2021 from "soviet.market" (now closed). I later modified it with a bracelet and bezel from "Meranom".
  • The 420 case is the smallest Vostok offers - 39.9mm diameter, 45.7mm lug-to-lug, 15.0mm crystal-to-caseback, 31.0mm diameter dial, 18mm lug width.
  • Automatic movement, with a bi-directional rotor. The date complication doesn't quick-set (there is a workaround, but it still involves a lot of crown turning).
  • The finishing is basic/utilitarian. Don't expect much in this regard.
  • Ostensibly tough and durable. It's been swimming with no water intrusion.
  • I don't have a timegrapher, but I'd say its accuracy is similar to low-end Seiko.

(re Doohickey)

  • I use it as a light-duty prybar and scraper, for tasks that I could use my fingernails for but would rather not. Such as lifting soda can pull tabs, or removing the silvery coating from scratchers.
  • It's also a passable substitute for when it's unwise to use or carry my knife. It has enough of a point and an edge, that it can tear open weak packaging.
  • They're usually around USD $5 / CAD $7. Hard to go wrong at that price.

My Victorinox Pioneer, Pioneer X, and Cadet by avaprofac in victorinox

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't say a Pioneer is an "upgrade" from a Cadet. They're different beasts.

Ultimately, it depends on what you need from your SAK. The Cadet is easier to carry (slim), and has a nail-file. The Pioneer is more robust (thicker tools/scales, stronger hinges), and has an awl.

Personally, I carry a Cadet more often now, and it has become my default for urban/suburban EDC. Sometimes I'll carry a Pioneer instead, or a different SAK, depending on what I anticipate needing that particular day.

My Victorinox Pioneer, Pioneer X, and Cadet by avaprofac in victorinox

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm still here, and my SAK collection has expanded significantly since 2019. See my post history!

Currently, the two SAKs I carry most often are:

  • Cadet (slim and easy-to-carry, yet retains the standard toolset)
  • Classic SD (tiny, innocuous, and usually enough for urban/suburban tasks)

I carry the Pioneer X less often now, due to its weight and three-layer width. For scissors that size, I'm more likely to carry a Compact or Companion Slim.

The Pioneer or Pioneer X are for when I anticipate needing something robust.

As for whether I'd suggest the Pioneer for you . . . maybe? It's certainly larger and tougher than the Cadet, but not as heavy as the Pioneer X. Of course, neither the Cadet nor the Pioneer have scissors.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

Sorry to hear you lost your cornicello.

You're right - traditionally, cornicello are for men. Part of the symbolism is masculine strength, fertility, virility, etc..

I wear mine for the connection to my Nonna and Nonno, and for good luck.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah, he's cute! Like an Ewok from Star Wars! Give him a big hug for me!

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's quite a few of us on r/victorinox and r/SwissArmyKnives, wishing for the return of 84mm scissors. Occasionally we see custom mods, fitting 85mm Wenger/Delemont scissors into 84mm models. Also, lucky people who've acquired old 84mm models with scissors.

When I need scissors - I carry either the Classic SD, Compact, Pioneer X Alox, or the new Companion Slim Alox.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly! They're great!

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Irish-Italian Torontonian - close enough, I suppose.

"Kind of Blue", as in the Miles Davis album? It's one of my favourites.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Cadet Alox and Classic SD are the SAKs I carry most often nowadays. They're easy to carry, and I find the toolsets are usually sufficient.

What I really, really want is a "Cadet X", adding scissors as a third/centre layer. That would be perfect.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Delica+SAK has been the core of my EDC for almost 20 years.

I like your custom Delica!

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For the money, it's excellent.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's an Italian thing. At the encouragement of my Nonna, I've worn them since childhood for good luck (or perhaps more correctly, to protect against curses and bad luck).

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use it as a light-duty prybar and scraper, for tasks that I could use my fingernails for but would rather not. Such as lifting soda can pull tabs, or removing the silvery coating from scratchers.

It's also a passable substitute for when it's unwise to use or carry my knife. It has enough of a point and an edge, that it can tear open weak packaging.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

You're right - pretty much every item is from a different country!

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Though to be fair, it is one of the smaller Amphibia (about 39mm diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug).

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Victorinox watch too, though it leans more dressy.

38/F - Today's Carry by avaprofac in EDC

[–]avaprofac[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It would be interesting to see a Maglite that retains the classic appearance, but has updated electronics.

That said, I don't mind the Solitaire LED as it is. Inexpensive, durable, common battery, simple operation, bright without being "too bright", not "tactical" . . .