Question(s) about ALOX models!

[LoopCutter]

I consider myself new to Swiss Army Knife culture!

I have been finding models I prefer and carry, and yet know I am still crawling within the world of Swiss Army Knives.

My first question -

Since so many of Vic and Wenger models include the CORKSCREW, has a ALOX model been made including this implement?   

And, my second question, sort of related -

The FARMER was my first ALOX, and I consider my first serious SAK, larger than a 58mm, Manager I carried since early 90s.

The Pioneer was my 2nd model and it proved very substantial in its service to me.

Yet, as my fingers are not as nimble, and now retired, I rely on my SPARTAN and the corkscrew for relieving knots and such. Of course a cork or two.

My question, why are there no back side tools on a ALOX knife?  I understand the handle tools, but I have perplexed why no back side implements.?

I have searched, reviewed SAKWiki, this board and a couple others. 

Thank you for reading, and I will appreciate awl insights shared.

Respectfully LC 🫣

[nate j]

AFAIK, no models have come from the factory with alox scales and corkscrews.  Some models have been made with other metal scales and corkscrews, such as the Wenger Stainless Steel Traveler, Wenger Metal 50, and what are sometimes wrongly referred to as the Victorinox carved stainless steel series.

Of course, there are many metal aftermarket scales available for 91mm SAKs.

As to why there are no backside tools on 93mm alox, I suppose only Victorinox could answer for certain.  My suspicion is that the 93mm series was born in the late 1950s with the concept of having sturdier (if fewer) tools, and this was further reinforced by the adoption of the model 1961 Soldier by the Swiss military.  IMO, they probably decided that back tools wouldn’t add much to the 93mm line, and might even run counter to the “sturdier” idea.

[gustophersmob]

I’m guessing it’s because back tools require a 4th pin, which is both more effort to build and less aesthetically pleasing (maybe). Even on the officers knives Vic started hiding the 4th pin fairly early on. Hiding it would be difficult if not impossible with the current alox scale construction

[LoopCutter]

Two great explanations!

Thank you Nate J and gustophersmob!

I thought the 93mm and 91mm size difference was just
The scales  differences or cosmetic.

Instead a completely different chassis (or frame).

The term STURDY just recently surfaced. And, the fact that ALOX tools were thicker I was made aware some time ago explains a lot.

The extra width between liners would require new back tools to be made and also the backsprings to such additions.

I will now sleep better.

So I can now understand why a CORKSCREW on a PIONEER is a NO.  🥺

[gustophersmob]

All that being said, Victorinox has made at least one 91mm alox; a master craftsman for the Dutch army and/or navy (both?)

The interesting thing about its construction is it does hide the 4th pin by using a liner and scale style construction like the cellidor, but with only three pins exposed. This allows the inclusion of T&T, though I’m sure this make the build process more difficult. I’d love to see them do this again on the 91mm line.

Here is a pic:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,18395.msg836103.html#msg836103

[LoopCutter]

That is interesting.  3 years before I found this forum!  A lifetime ago.

As I shared else ware I am just learning more details about SAK offerings.

I have my favorites and adopt occasionally used ones with hope to revitalize and gift.   Or, store away for grandkids to distribute in the future.

[lazar]

Speaking to how sturdy the 93mm vs the 91mm, the pivot pins are also larger on the 93mm.  93mm = 3mm & 2.5mm pins Vs. 91mm = 2.5mm & 2.2mm pins