D_T's 30d (MTO) Pioneer X Challenge Thread

[Dutch_Tooler]

Get well soon El C, take enough rest (I think you'll be forgiven if you skip a shot in this challenge) 
This year's flu is very harsh. My mum's down with it too atm...

[an0nemus]

I wish your mom gets well soon, DT


Awww, it's only 1 day more for me and I'm sad already...


Day 29, opened my breakfast

[ThePeacent]

Get well soon, sacacorchos!! 

day 29,

PX and coffee first in the morning 



then had to dismantle a TV, where the shallow screws were managed by the PX's can opener while the bigger, deeper ones had to be addressed with the Phillips on the Spirit, as the PX just didn't do well with them 





and wired a new Audio Stereo system to the TV, awl used to open the box



where the TV was before I found my old Zippo that I had lost a few months ago, it fell from my pocket when wiring the TV one day   



then had a coffee outside after transporting the TV to its new home



and finally took a shot of the PX with the (soon to be gone) Wingman, and did a proper farewell for it before it goes to its new owner 

[Wspeed]

You have been busy today TP

[Dutch_Tooler]

Yeah, much busier than I have (with the PX, that is) - nice, TP

Day 29

On the penultimate day of this great challenge, time for a beauty shot again with just a touch of unsharpness due to lens smudging artistic application of soft-focus.

One will notice immediately the utter lack of marks, dents and other blemishes, even after and in spite of the tortures the PX has undergone during this harsh and protracted challenge. No doubt this is down to the superb build quality of the PX, as all things Victorinox. Either that, or I didn't use it all that much - it is fair to say that the needs for strenuous use of pocket tools have remained rather limited during this past month. One small mark you won't see in the picture appears near the flat end of the cap lifter, where I must have slipped on a screw - so now the PX is not brand-new anymore. However, all through the challenge, whenever not engaged in activity the PX has remained a faithful inhabitant of my front right jeans pocket, at hand for when the need arose.

[El Corkscrew]

Yeah, much busier than I have (with the PX, that is) - nice, TP

Day 29

On the penultimate day of this great challenge, time for a beauty shot again with just a touch of unsharpness due to lens smudging artistic application of soft-focus.

One will notice immediately the utter lack of marks, dents and other blemishes, even after and in spite of the tortures the PX has undergone during this harsh and protracted challenge. No doubt this is down to the superb build quality of the PX, as all things Victorinox. Either that, or I didn't use it all that much - it is fair to say that the needs for strenuous use of pocket tools have remained rather limited during this past month. One small mark you won't see in the picture appears near the flat end of the cap lifter, where I must have slipped on a screw - so now the PX is not brand-new anymore. However, all through the challenge, whenever not engaged in activity the PX has remained a faithful inhabitant of my front right jeans pocket, at hand for when the need arose.

(Image removed from quote.)

 I love how Dutch speakers speak English better than English speaker... Nice artistic soft focus!!
 

[El Corkscrew]

Day 29

The PX is the perfect tool to gain access to cold medicine.

[ThePeacent]

they say once it bites you is yours. Well, it bit me on my first week with it,
and today again.



It's definitely mine    

and here an evening shot buying flowers for ma



this is getting close to an end, but my love for the PX is not   

[Dutch_Tooler]

Yeah, much busier than I have (with the PX, that is) - nice, TP

Day 29

On the penultimate day of this great challenge, time for a beauty shot again with just a touch of unsharpness due to lens smudging artistic application of soft-focus.

One will notice immediately the utter lack of marks, dents and other blemishes, even after and in spite of the tortures the PX has undergone during this harsh and protracted challenge. No doubt this is down to the superb build quality of the PX, as all things Victorinox. Either that, or I didn't use it all that much - it is fair to say that the needs for strenuous use of pocket tools have remained rather limited during this past month. One small mark you won't see in the picture appears near the flat end of the cap lifter, where I must have slipped on a screw - so now the PX is not brand-new anymore. However, all through the challenge, whenever not engaged in activity the PX has remained a faithful inhabitant of my front right jeans pocket, at hand for when the need arose.

(Image removed from quote.)

 I love how Dutch speakers speak English better than English speaker... Nice artistic soft focus!!
 

I cheat - I had lots of native speaker teachers in school...

[Dutch_Tooler]

they say once it bites you is yours. Well, it bit me on my first week with it,
and today again.

(Image removed from quote.)

It's definitely mine    

and here an evening shot buying flowers for ma

(Image removed from quote.)

this is getting close to an end, but my love for the PX is not   

You're really outdoing yourself today TP

[Fast Bill]

Day 29. More cycling stuff. More Lezyne. Shiny white high pressure road pump this time with PX on parcel opening duty.

[ThePeacent]

last pic for today,
PX with leftovers



all was good, 

[Wspeed]

Last day tomorrow well done everyone 
It will of been a fun 30 days Congratulations all  

[Douglas]

Looks Like a very busy day for Px's all over the Globe today. 
Great picks and conclusions everyone.  Is tomorrow realy the last day?  Feels like we're just getting going good.
So a busy day for my Px too .
Day 29
Started with changing a thermostat on a fryer and ended changing an evaporator in a 1600 pound Ice Machine and gaining a few Battle Scars.

[styx]

a scuff. or as that is called here - personality

[Dutch_Tooler]

DAY 30 !!!



That's it folks, this is officially the last day of the awlsome 30 days challenge.
Thanks to all of you for the interesting pictures and brilliant accounts of some of the uses. To those that do not own a PX but dropped in occasionally, thanks for your warm support. It's been a hell of a ride

I'm of two minds about reaching this milestone... as I gather others are as well. On the one hand, one has to constantly think of not forgetting to post pictures. Now, this wouldn't be so difficult if I had a use for the PX every day... which in an office environment is not necessarily the case. However, during the challenge, on occasion I had to force myself to find a halfway interesting motive for a picture. I hope I haven't bored y'awl to death with them.

Having said that, the PX is unobtrusive enough not to bee too oppressively present, and hence a tool which I find very pleasant to carry around, with (for its size) a lot of utility. More about that below.

But first, a few pics of the PX's routine this morning:


Comparing sizes (I think this PX is reaching puberty). The other one is a Victorinox too, at least 20 years old and massively overengineered for what is touted as its main task, namely ... slicing bread. I have, not once, needed to sharpen this beast. It will still as easily slice bread as any inappropriately placed fingers.




Cup of morning tea. Black, no sugar, thank you.




Brushing teeth. More about the awl later.




Morning office coffee. I think I have told you about how yummy the coffees served in our office bar are?




Some concluding thoughts on the Pioneer X:

Extremely nice look and feel. This is the knife that let me fall in instant love with the Alox 93 mm range, and not just because it's the MTO.org edition.

The looks are brilliant. Not just on the outside (the metallic sheen of the anodised scales is simply gorgeous, especially in this deep red) but also inside, where the liners and polished tools have been arranged in a pattern that pleases my engineer's eye. Assessment: 
The handling too. The nubs on the alox scales and the latter's slight roughness make them perfectly grippable even with wet hands, much more so than cellidor scales. Also, the lack of tools on the back enables the user to put a lot of finger pressure there to guide the knife blade against stronger opposing forces.

The quality and finish of the tools is beyond reproach, with only minor exceptions.

Knife blade: keeps a very keen edge (even on repeated package opening) and is easy to touch up once that - rarely, I guess from my experience - becomes necessary.

Scissors: among the best on the market, and in fact historically the raison d'être of the PX. Same comments on edge as for the blade. The location of the nail nick is odd at first and requires adaptation of the usual opening technique.

Awl: I must say I like the inline position of the awl a lot (I prefer it over the central position such as on the SwissChamp), and also its shape, combining to great effect both a keen edge, sharp point and reamer with a contour that melds well with the scale contour when folded.

Can opener: I had no occasion to use it for opening a can, but I did use the small screwdriver end to tackle a few stalwart Pozidriv screws. Works reasonably well if you don't expect to apply much torque. Beware of the tool folding up on you - apply pressure in the opening direction to avoid. Slightly larger than its brother on 91 mm tools - which can be an advantage but also a disadvantage...

Bottle opener: I had multiple occasions to use it for opening plural bottles  . Perfect for that job, even for an operator that has had a few. The large screwdriver end works very well for opening paint can type lids. However, for screws, I get the feeling that the end is not profiled perfectly to fall exactly in the slot - there is a slight taper and rounding to the edges, so that when turning a screw, you need to keep the driver in by applying axial pressure - this is a bit counterintuitive and hence awkward when unscrewing. Like the half stop, though, as well as the wire stripper indent. The latter was not used for its intended purpose yet, but it works well at applying tight bending radii to paperclip ends. The same caveats apply as with the can opener.

Overall tool load: OK, I'll admit it. Did I tell you I was an engineer? No? Well, as such I prefer a slightly more elaborate tool loadout than on a PX. I agree that the PX is a vast improvement over the original Pioneer - the extra scissors just about double its versatility in daily use, I think. However, having been spoiled by other offers both from Victorinox (the iconic SwissChamp) and others (the bigger LMs), I feel that the PX tool loadout still makes me feel vaguely naked. I'm not sure why Victorinox has never built bigger Alox models than that - I am positive there is a market for them. Which is, of course, why I built my own, but that is a different story. Of course, the PX loadout makes it perfectly pocketable, and hence potentially more suitable for frequent carry, which is a major plus point.

[Fast Bill]

Day 30 I believe. The PX screwdriver helped me remove the pump mount from its packaging. And here we are with shiny new pump on my fixed gear Jaffa Bike.

A few reflections. I'm not naturally drawn to Alox but the scissors swing it with Pioneer X. I like to have T&T to hand so there's always got to be a companion. But I was surprised how readily what could seem like a bulky SAK slipped neatly into my pocket day after day. This perception has kept me away from the carrying my Farmer  if that's not a saw point for folks here.

But I work most days in an office. Do I need 93 mm? Not really. I did surprise a colleague lifting a tea bag out of my mug with the PX blade one day but she was ok with that novelty and she knows me quite well. And the Pioneer X has been a useful tool in the round. EDIT: The nail nick nevertheless winds me up a treat !

Weighing it up I will include Alox, and especially Pioneer X, in my rotation more often. It has been fun and the scissors have made the PX a credible EDC for my needs. But I'm ready to carry some Cellidor for a while and I'm happy with that prospect. Each to his own.

[an0nemus]

Day 30, and posting with the PX most used tools opened: knife, scissors and awl.

This PX really made me lust for an alox SAK. Within this challenge, I have bought and now waiting for a 74 Soldier and an OC Electrician. I also hopefully will win a Harvester by tomorrow.

The blade of my PX has been my go-to knife for food prep and utility and has served me well. Its so easy to clean with just water, tissue and air dry. The scissors performed admirably but I still hate how hard it is to open, that I fear cutting my fingers everytime I do.

The awl surprised me as to how useful it can be!

Do I need anything else? PX + saw and pliers is now my dream custom SAK!

I feel great finishing my first 30-day challenge and doing it with MTO colleagues made it much easier! I will miss this daily habit.

Will the PX become my daily SAK now? It will become part of my daily rotation as my alox collection grows.

Congrats to all of us who joined and finished!

[ThePeacent]

Totally fun challenge, D_T, and I'll take your template to give some thoughts of mine about the PX, and put some pics I took these days but didn't post    (long post below)

Extremely nice look and feel. I agree, there's something about the red Alox that the red cellidor lacks, both in feel (those grooved scales give a confident grip) and appeal (can't beat a worn alox,  much different from a worn and scratched cellidor  )



also loved the strength and durability they provide, making it easy to pocket carry along tools, keys and banging around other stuff on pouches, sheaths and even among other metallic and tough objects 




Knife blade: I like the curve (that belly and shape lends itself to slicing) and the etching seems really durable. The sharp aggressive edge kills any organic food or material and slides through it, from oranges to weeds, herbs and thin branches





and won't corrode if you leave it stained or wet for a while unlike many other pocket knives   

Scissors: once adapted to the nick (I had trouble at first, I admit  ) they're the kind of scissors for precise, surgical cutting, clean shearing and digging with their sharp, pointy tips



Awl: thinner, better positioned and sharper than most competitor's awls, what aids in penetrating and piercing every kind of material, be it leather, wood, or plastic.



A very nice secondary "edge" when you don't want to mess your main blade, and perfect or knots   



Can opener: minor screwing and can opening are the two best feats of this, but we cannot overlook its use as a scraper or "tearing device" to grab and rip plastic shells, film packaging or stubborn tape, grabbing it and pulling it with assurance



Bottle opener: I also suffered from slippage and not proper screw engagement with this, but as a prying tool (with the solid Alox scales giving confidence behind the torque) it excels, and for big screws like those in windows and big doors it's excellent and more than enough. I don't drink alcohol or Coke, but it opened two or three bottles this month with ease, as we're used to with Vic's openers   



Overall tool load:  I'm satisfied with it, and wouldn't really add the much loves In-Line Phillips because of its thickness, this one is excellent as slim as it is, and other tools that I might use occasionally (Saw, being the most obvious one) can be found on other Alox like the Farmer.



I wouldn't give this awl for any other tool in the PX, it's marvelous, and since I rarely use the hook (and carry a  multitool for that) and backside awl, chisel or screwdriver I'm totally satisfied with this.



Add to that a smartly placed lanyard hole ring, nub, protrusion) and it's ready to go into your EDC system and handle most things you can encounter.
The Alox farmer (my first Alox) was a revelation, the PX was a love at first sight. Thumbs up to this tool!!   

[josh83]

Sorry guys, I missed day 29 due to illness so this quick picture is to catch me up, and I'll do another one later in the day for my day 30 picture.




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[Fast Bill]

Sorry guys, I missed day 29 due to illness so this quick picture is to catch me up, and I'll do another one later in the day for my day 30 picture.

(Image removed from quote.)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glad you're here and well enough to post - pic or not   

[josh83]

Sorry guys, I missed day 29 due to illness so this quick picture is to catch me up, and I'll do another one later in the day for my day 30 picture.

(Image removed from quote.)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glad you're here and well enough to post - pic or not   

Thanks! I'm feeling much better today. I slept about 20 hours straight and that did the trick.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dutch_Tooler]

Sorry guys, I missed day 29 due to illness so this quick picture is to catch me up, and I'll do another one later in the day for my day 30 picture.

(Image removed from quote.)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glad you're here and well enough to post - pic or not   

+1 Good you're on the mend

[Dutch_Tooler]

Totally fun challenge, D_T, and I'll take your template to give some thoughts of mine about the PX, and put some pics I took these days but didn't post    (long post below)

Extremely nice look and feel. I agree, there's something about the red Alox that the red cellidor lacks, both in feel (those grooved scales give a confident grip) and appeal (can't beat a worn alox,  much different from a worn and scratched cellidor  )

(Image removed from quote.)

also loved the strength and durability they provide, making it easy to pocket carry along tools, keys and banging around other stuff on pouches, sheaths and even among other metallic and tough objects 

(Image removed from quote.)


Knife blade: I like the curve (that belly and shape lends itself to slicing) and the etching seems really durable. The sharp aggressive edge kills any organic food or material and slides through it, from oranges to weeds, herbs and thin branches

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

and won't corrode if you leave it stained or wet for a while unlike many other pocket knives   

Scissors: once adapted to the nick (I had trouble at first, I admit  ) they're the kind of scissors for precise, surgical cutting, clean shearing and digging with their sharp, pointy tips

(Image removed from quote.)

Awl: thinner, better positioned and sharper than most competitor's awls, what aids in penetrating and piercing every kind of material, be it leather, wood, or plastic.

(Image removed from quote.)

A very nice secondary "edge" when you don't want to mess your main blade, and perfect or knots   

(Image removed from quote.)

Can opener: minor screwing and can opening are the two best feats of this, but we cannot overlook its use as a scraper or "tearing device" to grab and rip plastic shells, film packaging or stubborn tape, grabbing it and pulling it with assurance

(Image removed from quote.)

Bottle opener: I also suffered from slippage and not proper screw engagement with this, but as a prying tool (with the solid Alox scales giving confidence behind the torque) it excels, and for big screws like those in windows and big doors it's excellent and more than enough. I don't drink alcohol or Coke, but it opened two or three bottles this month with ease, as we're used to with Vic's openers   

(Image removed from quote.)

Overall tool load:  I'm satisfied with it, and wouldn't really add the much loves In-Line Phillips because of its thickness, this one is excellent as slim as it is, and other tools that I might use occasionally (Saw, being the most obvious one) can be found on other Alox like the Farmer.

(Image removed from quote.)

I wouldn't give this awl for any other tool in the PX, it's marvelous, and since I rarely use the hook (and carry a  multitool for that) and backside awl, chisel or screwdriver I'm totally satisfied with this.

(Image removed from quote.)

Add to that a smartly placed lanyard hole ring, nub, protrusion) and it's ready to go into your EDC system and handle most things you can encounter.
The Alox farmer (my first Alox) was a revelation, the PX was a love at first sight. Thumbs up to this tool!!   

(Image removed from quote.)

Wow... now you've outdone your previous outdoing yourself 

[Nix]

 

Congratulations, guys! Another great challenge. Loved your wrap-up posts covering the pro's and con's.

I honor of your challenge (and because I find it to be such a great knife); I'm carrying my MTo today. 

[styx]

Congrats guys. Hope you enjoyed carrying them as much as I enjoyed reading this and kicking myself for missing the MTo PX

[ThePeacent]

Congratulations, guys! Another great challenge. Loved your wrap-up posts covering the pro's and con's.

I honor of your challenge (and because I find it to be such a great knife); I'm carrying my MTo today. 

(Image removed from quote.)

PX Club  , Limited Edition!   

[El Corkscrew]

Day 30

This has been the only challenge I've completed carrying the same knife for 30 days.(pats self on back)

I've grown pretty attached to this PX

[Nix]

Great knife. Hope you are feeling better, El C!   

[Wspeed]

Congratulations everyone that did the challenge 
I have followed this from the start
Would of loved to join the challenge
But didn't have my PioneerX in time 
I really loved following this challenge
Again well done everyone 
and have a well deserved weekend