Lately I have been rotating a bit between the Victorinox Cadet black Alox and the Wenger Evogrip 10 Blackout, which are very suiting for EDC. Both are actually quite comparable, so I took the liberty of playing them out against each other for all of you on the forum.
On the outside
Both are 2 layer tools, the Vic measures 84 by 8,3mm, and weighs 46,8gr, the Wenger 85 x 14mm, weighs 53,8gr
The bulk of the width on the Wenger comes from the Evogrip scales. Yes, it's a bit fatter, but it's more comfortable to use then the Vic. Despite the extra bulk of the Wenger, it is only 7 gram heavier then the Vic? You will find out how come in a second. The Vic is the smallest and the lightest, The Wenger the biggest and most comfortable.
On the inside
Blades:
The blades are very similar, but with small differences. The Wenger is slightly bigger, the Vic is slightly beefier. I checked this on both tools, and this is something that goes for all layer tools on the Vic, they are beefier. I would estimate that the Wenger knife, can opener, nail file and bottle opener are about 40% less fat then the Vic tools. Hence, this is where Wenger gained in the weight department. Obviously, this will have its effect in the strength of the tools, Both come very sharp out of the box, and are good blades.
The Vic clearly comes out as the stronger of the 2.
Bottle opener / wire stripper / screwdriver :
The profile of this combo tool shows the Wenger to be more refined and slender then the Vic. The Wenger gains some extra grams in the weight savings department, and the Vic shows strength again. Both open bottles just fine, I have not used the wire stripper or screwdriver yet. I am not convinced the Wenger is suited for heavy duty rusted screws, but for light screwing it seems just fine.
Can opener:
(bad pic - sorry)The known difference here, one cuts forward, the other backward. The pointed tool on the Wenger is good for cleaning nails, so it makes up for not having the useful little screwdriver on the top as the Vic does, by winning in the personal grooming department
Nail file:
Here the Wenger is a miss. Even if the file seems to work better, it is to short. It could have been put on the other side, so it would not interfere with the nail nick. It does work, but with very small strokes. No complaints on the Vic. the file is not as good, but you can use longer strokes, and it feels more usable.
This is the end of the shared tools. The Vic is a basic sturdy and beefy tool with no compromises. The Wenger is a more slender and featured tool, so I will continue with the Wenger's features alone.
Extras on the Wenger
Philips screwdriver:
Good grip on the handle to use the screwdriver. Not for hard to reach/recessed screws.
Awl:
Same as above, you can put some good torque and pressure on this tool. They cleverly made it a blunt edged awl, so if you push to hard and it snaps on you, you wont cut off any digits.
Toothpick and tweezers:
The Wenger toothpick and tweezers are sufficient for their use. Good to have as extras when you need them.
Roundup:
These 2 quite similar sized tools are both excellent EDC gear. For quasi the same weight, they ride in your pocket unnoticed until you need them. The Victorinox Cadet is, although the skinniest, the power tool of the two, while the Wenger 10 is the Ultralight King of features.
I am very happy with the both of them, and cant really say if there is a winner to be picked. As to the looks,I like black so this is what suites me, The black Alox looks great and the blacked out tools look great. Both are available in a rainbow of colors to complement your other gear, so there, no reason what-so-ever not to try them out!
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