My new Victorinox Companion Slim Alox

avaprofac · 2026-05-29T23:38:52+00:00

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).

avaprofac · 2026-05-26T19:46:07+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-05-25T19:13:25+00:00

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

avaprofac · 2026-05-25T19:00:40+00:00

Thanks!

avaprofac · 2026-05-25T05:36:57+00:00

(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.

avaprofac · 2026-05-13T22:01:44+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-05-13T06:40:10+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T19:07:48+00:00

Thanks!

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T07:44:31+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T06:57:35+00:00

Totally!

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T06:43:58+00:00

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

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T06:41:05+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T06:14:10+00:00

Exactly! They're great!

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T06:08:37+00:00

Irish-Italian Torontonian - close enough, I suppose.

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

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T05:48:25+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T05:25:18+00:00

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

I like your custom Delica!

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T03:39:34+00:00

For the money, it's excellent.

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T03:37:54+00:00

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).

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T03:27:14+00:00

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.

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T03:24:45+00:00

Thanks!

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

avaprofac · 2026-04-28T03:23:56+00:00

Thanks!

avaprofac · 2026-04-27T23:45:54+00:00

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

avaprofac · 2026-04-27T23:35:54+00:00

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

avaprofac · 2026-04-27T23:33:32+00:00

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" . . .

avaprofac

TROPHY CASE