Maybe it's time for Alox to evolve

[BerkshireHunter]

I personally don't like the feel of the alox textured handles. Add to that the limited main tools, lack of back tools, lack of scale tools, and finish (colour) that falls off just by looking at it, and I really don't see the appeal. That said, I do like my alox rambler, but don't carry it much.

The one good thing about the alox line up is the awl

Time to evolve? Maybe, but if they're going to coax me to buy them, there needs to be significant change, not just slapping scissors in them

What is all this talk about the color coming off so easy? 

Am I missing something here.

Well, they really should do a type III hard annodization, the flashlight companies all seem to be capable of it. They could also switch up the tools, maybe add a back layer on the 93's -I am pumped that they claim scissors are coming. Also, they should look at what Syph has done with the 91mm 'grenade' pattern scales, that would be awesome. In short, just hard annodize them and they'd be perfect. Superior to plastic scales.

[Luna Knife]

The beauty of plastic scales is that they are so easily replacable. 

 :pok:And they can hold a pen and a pin

[Kampfer]

They should offer option for customer to order customized SAK.

[dks]

I keep saying it but nobody listens... if you do not like the faded alox look, get a silver one. Since the anodised layer is the same colour as the aluminium underneath they just look new, irrespective of any scratches.

I have a couple that see regular use and they look like new.

[buck]

The beauty of plastic scales is that they are so easily replacable. 

 :pok:And they can hold a pen and a pin

Yes but the beauty of alox scales is the beauty of alox scales.

[Zed]

I keep saying it but nobody listens... if you do not like the faded alox look, get a silver one. Since the anodised layer is the same colour as the aluminium underneath they just look new, irrespective of any scratches.

I have a couple that see regular use and they look like new.

i agree,my silver farmer is pretty scratched but looks new,but i do like the look of a worn red alox 

[skidoosh]

In the end I don't see Alox evolving. I do see companies like Spyderco developing multi-tool platforms centered around a single blade.

[gadgetman7]

In the end I don't see Alox evolving. I do see companies like Spyderco developing multi-tool platforms centered around a single blade.

Yes, I saw the prototypes at Blade Show this year. The choice of tools was odd and frankly they felt odd in my hand.

I carry a Skeletool most days at work but occasionally carry a Syph Urban Pioneer. I love the look and feel of the Alox models but they are a little outdated to me.

If I have to work on an electronic device the bits on the Skeletool are really nice. I don't use the pliers often but they are nice to have. I wish Victorinox would just make a few changes to the Alox line. First, add an in line Philips since a bit driver is probably a non-starter. Next, add scissors. I carry a small alox Classic on my keychain but everyone seems to want scissors so it would probably sell. Also, offer upgraded blade steel as an option. Finally, why not add titanium handles as an option for collectors.


Sent from Tracy Island

[kosmo]

I would buy one if they had a Phillips head. A flat blade & phillips head screw driver are my 2 main tools.

The can opener end is a 2D philips which works quite well actually, but I assume you are talking about a legit philips. I agree about inline philips needing to be on alox. No flathead on this one though.

Is this your knife?  How is the reamer fitted when folded?  Does lip fall on top of the in-line Phillips?

[captain spaulding]

I would buy one if they had a Phillips head. A flat blade & phillips head screw driver are my 2 main tools.

The can opener end is a 2D philips which works quite well actually, but I assume you are talking about a legit philips. I agree about inline philips needing to be on alox. No flathead on this one though.

Is this your knife?  How is the reamer fitted when folded?  Does lip fall on top of the in-line Phillips?

yes it's my knife. The reamer is on opposite sides of the knife of the inline Philips so I'm not sure what you are asking.

[kosmo]

I would buy one if they had a Phillips head. A flat blade & phillips head screw driver are my 2 main tools.

The can opener end is a 2D philips which works quite well actually, but I assume you are talking about a legit philips. I agree about inline philips needing to be on alox. No flathead on this one though.

Is this your knife?  How is the reamer fitted when folded?  Does lip fall on top of the in-line Phillips?

yes it's my knife. The reamer is on opposite sides of the knife of the inline Philips so I'm not sure what you are asking.

Oh, ok.  I can see it now.  It looked like the reamer was between the philips and the pliers.

[captain spaulding]

I would buy one if they had a Phillips head. A flat blade & phillips head screw driver are my 2 main tools.

The can opener end is a 2D philips which works quite well actually, but I assume you are talking about a legit philips. I agree about inline philips needing to be on alox. No flathead on this one though.

Is this your knife?  How is the reamer fitted when folded?  Does lip fall on top of the in-line Phillips?

yes it's my knife. The reamer is on opposite sides of the knife of the inline Philips so I'm not sure what you are asking.

Oh, ok.  I can see it now.  It looked like the reamer was between the philips and the pliers.

Ah ok. No it's on the opposite handle.

[strmliner]

I'm just not too crazy about OHO knives. It's nice if it fits into the design but is not necessary. My favorite knives require a nail nick.

I agree about it fitting into the knife design or not being necessary.  But I do like OHO knives, though none of my EDC rotation are OHO; they all have nail nicks.  Almost all my 3"- 4" folders are OHO with locks, but I don't like them for pocket carry.  What's in my pocket really needs to be multi-function (ie, scissors, or bottle opener, or screwdriver, etc.).

I wish my Buck Prince and Buck Duke had thumb studs; I'd probably carry these more.  I wish SAKs had an Alox Cadet or Pioneer with a thumb stud...I'd have it in my rotation.

[MWDP]

Alox is a scam.  Purple farmers cost 10 cents more to make than silver ones but sell for 5 times the price.

I hope they never make alox on a 111mm frame

You are not paying for the extra color, you are paying for the limited availability.

And 5 times the price is an understatement

[kirk13]

Just putting this thought forward:

Does Alox actually need to evolve?

No one demands a OHO Peanut from Case,or a super tacti-cool black oxide Buck 110. The M1961 is what it is. Maybe it should join the Ceolocanth and the Harley Davidson in saying its evolved far enough,and it's stopping here!

[captain spaulding]

Just putting this thought forward:

Does Alox actually need to evolve?

No one demands a OHO Peanut from Case,or a super tacti-cool black oxide Buck 110. The M1961 is what it is. Maybe it should join the Ceolocanth and the Harley Davidson in saying its evolved far enough,and it's stopping here!

Lets me just quote my own post. 

If it isn't broke don't fix it and I think this applies to alox SAK's. Not everything needs to evolve. Alox knives are great how they are and will be just as great in 100 years from now.

[dks]

You youngsters never heard of the Buck custom shop? You can get some pretty fancy modern style  110 knives.

You also have the paperstone models...
And customised Harleys are available...

[Jake1421]

I love alox, but it might be time to let the line go.  There are plenty alox knives out there, and they will be easy to come by for many many years.  I carry an old pioneer, and probably always will, but with new materials and advancements, there might be better (and more practical) options.  I'm a sucker for nostalgia though, and no other knife fits better in an old tackle box or tool box then a 93mm Alox.

[SAK Guy]

I love alox, but it might be time to let the line go.  There are plenty alox knives out there, and they will be easy to come by for many many years.  I carry an old pioneer, and probably always will, but with new materials and advancements, there might be better (and more practical) options.  I'm a sucker for nostalgia though, and no other knife fits better in an old tackle box or tool box then a 93mm Alox.

Yeah, but regardless of supply, the prices will go up as "flippers" buy them up to sell to ALOX newbies on ebay and will result in even the most common silver ALOX becoming unaffordable to many. Heaven forbid...

Luckily, the introduction of more colors and 93 mm's with scissors will boost regular sales even higher and ensure continuation of the line..

IMHO of course.....

[Smaug]

I just wish they had T&T  plus red colour more available and affordable 

+1. I like Alox, but can't do without the T&T (and pen & pin)

Here's what they should do:

[list=0]

• Open a custom shop to put together the right tool sets.
• Keep data on what is most often requested
• Mass-Produce the most often requested models
• Add T&T&P&P to Alox handles.
• Stop gouging for Alox colors. Just because they CAN do it, doesn't mean they should. But I think it's the aftermarket that is gouging via supply & demand, right? Victorinox could reduce that quite a bit.
• As a custom shop option, make the knives modular with screws, and thread lock, like some custom makers do now.

They don't really NEED to do anything, as they're doing quite well as-is, but being more innovative would make them loads more successful. They're family-owned, so they're not trying to cash in on every little opportunity. As long as the family is wealthy, that's enough for them, right?

[strmliner]

I just wish they had T&T  plus red colour more available and affordable 

+1. I like Alox, but can't do without the T&T (and pen & pin)

Here's what they should do:

[list=0]

• Open a custom shop to put together the right tool sets.
• Keep data on what is most often requested
• Mass-Produce the most often requested models
• Add T&T&P&P to Alox handles.
• Stop gouging for Alox colors. Just because they CAN do it, doesn't mean they should. But I think it's the aftermarket that is gouging via supply & demand, right? Victorinox could reduce that quite a bit.
• As a custom shop option, make the knives modular with screws, and thread lock, like some custom makers do now.

They don't really NEED to do anything, as they're doing quite well as-is, but being more innovative would make them loads more successful. They're family-owned, so they're not trying to cash in on every little opportunity. As long as the family is wealthy, that's enough for them, right?

Smaug, you had me on board until the last paragraph.  So yes, I agree with you, but not the last paragraph.

Remember, even though it's a family business, it's a big, global business...where money talks and they are looking for people like you thinking those warm, family type of thoughts.  It's not enough for them or any other big, global, family business (no civics/good-for-the-world lessons here...it's called capitalism)...just think of the Waltons (ie, wally world).

[kirk13]

I just wish they had T&T  plus red colour more available and affordable 

+1. I like Alox, but can't do without the T&T (and pen & pin)

Here's what they should do:

[list=0]

• Open a custom shop to put together the right tool sets.
• Keep data on what is most often requested
• Mass-Produce the most often requested models
• Add T&T&P&P to Alox handles.
• Stop gouging for Alox colors. Just because they CAN do it, doesn't mean they should. But I think it's the aftermarket that is gouging via supply & demand, right? Victorinox could reduce that quite a bit.
• As a custom shop option, make the knives modular with screws, and thread lock, like some custom makers do now.

They don't really NEED to do anything, as they're doing quite well as-is, but being more innovative would make them loads more successful. They're family-owned, so they're not trying to cash in on every little opportunity. As long as the family is wealthy, that's enough for them, right?

Smaug, you had me on board until the last paragraph.  So yes, I agree with you, but not the last paragraph.

Remember, even though it's a family business, it's a big, global business...where money talks and they are looking for people like you thinking those warm, family type of thoughts.  It's not enough for them or any other big, global, family business (no civics/good-for-the-world lessons here...it's called capitalism)...just think of the Waltons (ie, wally world).

Oh my go....

You mean Walmart was founded by John-Boy?!

[Mercury]

I love alox, but it might be time to let the line go.  There are plenty alox knives out there, and they will be easy to come by for many many years.  I carry an old pioneer, and probably always will, but with new materials and advancements, there might be better (and more practical) options.  I'm a sucker for nostalgia though, and no other knife fits better in an old tackle box or tool box then a 93mm Alox.

I disagree.  As with any classic slipjoint knife the reason they make it so long is the fact that the design is practical.  An Alox knife is just as easy to carry as any Stockman, Jack, or barlow knife on the market and since they are in production right now, they can be had for very little cash.  I will gladly pay $30 well into the future for a two layer Alox knife, the same as I will gladly pay $50 for a Case Medium Stockman until the day I die.  Retiring the line is the worst thing for it. 

[ToolJoe]

What they really need to do is bring back the Cadet II 

[mikekoz]

   I am thinking about getting a Hercules, and I would love to have one with Alox. Actually, I would love to get it on my Swiss Work Champ XL!!  . I currently do not own one with Alox, but am thinking about getting a Farmer. I still prefer the larger multi's though!

[ToolJoe]

Hercules is a great vic mt!

[Jake1421]

I have a Hercules, its brand new never used but I don't have the box for it.  I would consider trading it for an interesting Alox knife.

[cbl51]

What they really need to do is bring back the Cadet II 

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!