New locking SAKs coming?

[z1913]

Not locking. But is this new?
https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Barista-Tool/cms/barista-tool/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=101025%20La%20Marzocco%20Barista%20Tool%20US-EN&bxid=WWhFQB&_kx=rWQjWT7VBDM5j4txon8JlzExv5bYmtr3vXK0CdvXZZY.PiLj3F

Coffee spatula!!!!

[LoopCutter]

Not locking. But is this new?
https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Barista-Tool/cms/barista-tool/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=101025%20La%20Marzocco%20Barista%20Tool%20US-EN&bxid=WWhFQB&_kx=rWQjWT7VBDM5j4txon8JlzExv5bYmtr3vXK0CdvXZZY.PiLj3F

Yes, coffee spatula and nozzle wrench make it $145 coffee barista’s tool.

[z1913]

Yes, coffee spatula and nozzle wrench make it $145 coffee barista’s tool.

Compared to the prices of the La Marzocco espresso machines it is a steal   
https://www.lamarzocco.com/it/en/product-category/espresso-machines/home-espresso-machines/

[Richard Zheng]

Looks like they are really designing it for the urban carry role. Cut outs in scales would let in dirt and dust, but in urban/office uses that isn't going to be as important. You are also going to save some weight, which is really nice. Locking blade and pocket clips are features people have been asking for for ages, so its nice to finally see them included.

I just wish they would start putting out models with plus scales and not just alox models. For urban carry the scale tools are all nice to have

[Richard Zheng]

From a Reddit post here:
https://old.reddit.com/r/victorinox/comments/1o2qfvv/3_new_models_with_a_locking_blade_coming_out_this/

There’s a photo in the comments of them at a Swiss shop, so it seems real.

Maybe this will tamp down on all the, “victorinox doesn’t innovate” talk. Though, I’ll be honest, I’m not 100% sure I like them.

I do like the addition of the nail file to what appears to be a 93mm frame. Though the loss of the awl would be a big bummer.

Don’t personally need/want the package opener.

I can see why the lock would be popular, but I don’t need it either. And the proof will be how difficult it is to use, especially if the backspring is as strong as the current 93mm.

I don’t like the skeletonized scales. At all. Talk about a lint magnet. And without being able to take it apart to clean, if this allows more dirt into the pivots it could be a real issue.

Either way, I’m genuinely interested to get one of these in hand.

I would imagine the holes in the scales could make cleaning a lot easier. Just run it under a faucet for a few seconds, dry it off, then you have these nice holes to oil it with

[fullbreakfast]

I just wish they would start putting out models with plus scales and not just alox models. For urban carry the scale tools are all nice to have

I know what you mean, but as an urban SAK warrior who has been mostly Alox for some years: office people are carrying a backpack / briefcase / crossbody bag or similar, in which a Swiss Card with these things and more can readily be stashed. Personally I have a pocket pouch that acts as wallet and EDC stash, containing my SAK (more often two) and a Swiss Card.

[Adreaver]

Not locking. But is this new?
https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Barista-Tool/cms/barista-tool/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=101025%20La%20Marzocco%20Barista%20Tool%20US-EN&bxid=WWhFQB&_kx=rWQjWT7VBDM5j4txon8JlzExv5bYmtr3vXK0CdvXZZY.PiLj3F

Yes!

Also, thank you, because your link resulted in this:
  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[gustophersmob]

Did you already order? If you add $2 more you get free shipping. 

[AzteCypher]

Not locking. But is this new?
https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Barista-Tool/cms/barista-tool/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=101025%20La%20Marzocco%20Barista%20Tool%20US-EN&bxid=WWhFQB&_kx=rWQjWT7VBDM5j4txon8JlzExv5bYmtr3vXK0CdvXZZY.PiLj3F

It is.  I just got an email for it today.


As far as the locking SAK.  I'd pick one up based on the coolness factor pending how much they'll be going for.

[Old Boy]

Coffee spatula!!!!

I can see that spatula being used for....ahem.....something else more nefarious. Probably can't say due to forum rules.

But back to the alox, yeah the scale cut outs and package opener make this a pass for me. But I can't wait for the modders to get their hands on these.

[Old Boy]

Yes!

Also, thank you, because your link resulted in this:
  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]

That is a sweet looking SAK!

[gustophersmob]

I can see that spatula being used for....ahem.....something else more nefarious. Probably can't say due to forum rules.

But back to the alox, yeah the scale cut outs and package opener make this a pass for me. But I can't wait for the modders to get their hands on these.

Around here it’s safe to call a spade a spade and a coke spoon a coke spoon.

[Adreaver]

Did you already order? If you add $2 more you get free shipping.

I did, unfortunately. I was so excited I didn't even notice.

[Old Boy]

 

Around here it’s safe to call a spade a spade and a coke spoon a coke spoon.

[Old Boy]

I did, unfortunately. I was so excited I didn't even notice.

Might still be early enough to cancel and reorder.

[nate j]

Around here it’s safe to call a spade a spade and a coke spoon a coke spoon.

[Huntsman]

Wow - This is interesting - The Synergies
And Vic are going in the opposite direction, compared to the Companions, regarding knife carrying laws, as locking blades are not allowed in many countries. ..... fascinating 

But it seems to me they are listening to their customers as there are always requests for pocket clips / locking blades

AT first I thought the skeletonised scales and specifically the red inserts in the holes, were the  locking release mechanism (top photo)
But I can see this is not the case as there is a dedicated button like on the 111mm models.
But I quite like them - Can see it making too much difference strenght wise as all the strength is still between the pivots.
Although if you dropped it and it landed right on the end of a scale - That could bend the end and stop the screwdriver / small blade opening

[Richard Zheng]

Wow - This is interesting - The Synergies
And Vic are going in the opposite direction, compared to the Companions, regarding knife carrying laws, as locking blades are not allowed in many countries. ..... fascinating 

But it seems to me they are listening to their customers as there are always requests for pocket clips / locking blades

AT first I thought the skeletonised scales and specifically the red inserts in the holes, were the  locking release mechanism (top photo)
But I can see this is not the case as there is a dedicated button like on the 111mm models.
But I quite like them - Can see it making too much difference strenght wise as all the strength is still between the pivots.
Although if you dropped it and it landed right on the end of a scale - That could bend the end and stop the screwdriver / small blade opening

Looks like its targeted at Urban American customers, office workers and people living in cities look like the target customers based on the tools included and the feature set

[matzesu]

Saw today an Blue Synergy Alox X and I think I will get it as an Companion to my Swisstool Spirit, the Backtools are also on the Spirit (although I have to use the Detachable Corkscrew, but when do I really need it? , the Scale Tools are on my Minichamp, ..

[PitCarver]

I say a big no to a pocket clip. 
If they're going to do away with the can opener they should at least put a combo tool in place of the bottle opener.

[Farmer X]

  on both counts. I wouldn't have given the package opener such a chilly reception if it was paired with a combo tool.

[Richard Zheng]

I say a big no to a pocket clip. 
If they're going to do away with the can opener they should at least put a combo tool in place of the bottle opener.

The pocket clip looks pretty small and unobtrusive, shouldn't get in the way

Also I expect they did a lot of research and surveys to find that most people just don't need a can opener on a multitool these days, its nice to have but by no means is it necessary

[nate j]

The pocket clip looks pretty small and unobtrusive, shouldn't get in the way

Also I expect they did a lot of research and surveys to find that most people just don't need a can opener on a multitool these days, its nice to have but by no means is it necessary

How does getting rid of a tool that is “nice to have but not necessary” square with putting a package opener on a tool that already has a knife blade?
 

[marlowe221]

Eh.... I don't know. I agree with those that say the skeleton-ized scales look like a real pocket-schmoo magnet...

As far as locking blades go, I can take them or leave them. I don't know... I was never aware that I "needed" a locking blade in a pocket knife until the internet came along and told me I did. As long as I'm following the principles that earned me my Totin' Chit in Scouts, a slip joint is perfectly safe. And when a slip joint won't do the job, I don't know that I trust a locking blade either. Locks do fail. In a situation like that I should either be using a fixed blade... or a knife of any kind simply isn't the right tool for the job.

But innovation is always nice to see. And there's something about innovation that we should all keep in mind - failure is part of the process! If we want Victorinox to innovate, we have to be prepared to accept products that are less-than-ideal as they figure things out. We can and should offer constructive criticism, of course! But it's not particularly fair for us to complain that the company hasn't been innovating.... and then complain when they do it!

I'm saying all of that to myself as much as anyone else. There are some things I like about this idea too.

[fullbreakfast]

How does getting rid of a tool that is “nice to have but not necessary” square with putting a package opener on a tool that already has a knife blade?
 

Well, if it comes to cutting packages that have adhesive tape, I prefer to avoid using my main blade for that as I don't want to get it gunked up with adhesive that is a pain to clean off. Mostly because I sometimes use main blade for food prep. On a regular Alox knife I'd use the awl, which works fine for this, but of course we aren't getting the awl

[Ike582]

On a regular Alox knife I'd use the awl, which works fine for this, but of course we aren't getting the awl

For package opening I also prefer the awl to the new package opening tool.  I think it works better, and the glue and gunk is easier to clean off of the awl.

[nate j]

Well, if it comes to cutting packages that have adhesive tape, I prefer to avoid using my main blade for that as I don't want to get it gunked up with adhesive that is a pain to clean off. Mostly because I sometimes use main blade for food prep. On a regular Alox knife I'd use the awl, which works fine for this, but of course we aren't getting the awl

I’m also a fan of the 93mm awl.

My point, however, was that if you don’t have a package opener but you have a knife blade, you can still open packages.  In contrast, if you have a can (no pull tab) but no can opener, you’re pretty smurfed, Youtube videos about opening cans on concrete notwithstanding.

[gustophersmob]

But innovation is always nice to see. And there's something about innovation that we should all keep in mind - failure is part of the process! If we want Victorinox to innovate, we have to be prepared to accept products that are less-than-ideal as they figure things out. We can and should offer constructive criticism, of course! But it's not particularly fair for us to complain that the company hasn't been innovating.... and then complain when they do it!

This is a very good point. And even if the Synergy line isn’t really my thing, they’re certainly no auto tool (what I consider an innovative failure from Vic).

[fullbreakfast]

I’m also a fan of the 93mm awl.

My point, however, was that if you don’t have a package opener but you have a knife blade, you can still open packages.  In contrast, if you have a can (no pull tab) but no can opener, you’re pretty smurfed, Youtube videos about opening cans on concrete notwithstanding.

Yeah, it's a valid point. Those cans are getting pretty rare here (UK) but they do still exist.

[Farmer X]

If it comes to cutting packages that have adhesive tape, I prefer to avoid using my main blade for that as I don't want to get it gunked up with adhesive that is a pain to clean off. Mostly because I sometimes use main blade for food prep.

I endeavor to clean the tape remnants off my blades as soon as possible, and I use 91% isopropyl alcohol for that job. These days it's rare to see me using SAKs for food prep. That's a job I leave almost wholly to my Carbone Opinel No. 12 and CV Case 3137.

If you don’t have a package opener but you have a knife blade, you can still open packages.  In contrast, if you have a can (no pull tab) but no can opener, you’re pretty smurfed.

Infinite +1s for that post. As long as you have a Swiss Army Knife, you have a package opener...even if it's a Swiss Army 1. Obviously others feel differently, but I regard the package opener as a net loss where utility is concerned.