Victorinox Synergy X

[Farmer X]

This is where I was carrying my knife when something caught it and flipped it out.  And then when I came in it scratched the table edge. 

That pocket looks like a perfect fit. And Carhartt always gets from me.

I do like the new boxes; they have a little bit more of a premium look to them. Did Vic see it fit to include an instructional leaflet?

[Myron]

Thanks Farmer X!   Yep, there's a little pamphlet in the box but I haven't looked at it yet.   

[Richard Zheng]

Thanks awl!  Yes, the boxes are lovely, and a nice update to the plain old silver ones it would seem.   

I do really like the knives.  But of course I have a couple concerns.  My thoughts:

-  The skeletonized scales are cool.  They're so foreign to the eye, as an old Alox collector, but I already love the way they look.  I don't think they present any sort of problems for the strength of the knife or the pivot, as some folks have suggested.  I guess maybe they will be lint traps, though, but I don't really care about that.

-  The liner lock is a PITA.  There, I've said it.  Although I like the liner lock on my 111 mm knives (e.g., cheese SAK, etc), I would just rather they had skipped it on this 93 mm Pioneer-based SAK.  If the release technique were to push it to the outside of the knife, it would be better, but to release it you push it to the inside of the knife.  I don't mind the two-handedness of it all, but I confess it feels dangerous given how strong the spring is.  I'll probably get used to it in time, but then again I'll probably also cut myself one of these days too.  I will say that the blade locks up tight and sturdy, and feels stronger than on an ordinary Pioneer.

-  Personally I love the nail tool and the package opener, so these are great improvements for me.  But everyone will have their own personal opinion here, of course.

-  Perhaps my biggest concern is the pocket clip.  It's very nicely made, and it looks cool (my 24 y.o. son couldn't believe I had a knife with a pocket clip --  "Finally, Dad!").  But it is slippery against the fabric of my pants.  I could see it slipping right out someday without me knowing it.  So I put it in the front bib pocket/sleeve of my overalls today while I was doing chores, and that was much better.  But, sure enough, something I was doing caught the clip and flipped the knife right out of the sleeve on my bibs onto the driveway.  Hmm....  Then when I came in for lunch, I sat down at the table, and the clip put a big nasty scratch in the edge of my dining room table (obviously this wouldn't have happened had it been in my pants pocket as opposed to the front bib pocket/sleeve). 

-  The colors are awesome and the new grainy finish is very nice, although I suspect it contributes to the slippery, non-grippy nature of the clip, described above.

Overall, any day you get a new SAK is a good day.  I'll give these a whirl and I guess time will tell.  But I'm pleased Victorinox is doing something new.  "Finally!"

Myron

PS, Edit to add this photo.  This is where I was carrying my knife when something caught it and flipped it out.  And then when I came in it scratched the table edge. 


(Image removed from quote.)

Seems like victorinox is not shy to try new things, I hope that their future releases take in feedback to make products with a lot more appeal

[lazar]

Just got notification that my order was delivered!  Should have a Synergy X, a Companion, and a My First Victorinox waiting for me when I get home!

[gustophersmob]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Myron!

[lazar]

Here they are!  I'm liking the Synergy X, two things though, 1.  The pocket clip is quite weak, would have liked it to be a bit stronger and 2. Not sure about the cut outs in the scales around the pivots on the one end, I feel like that area is now weaker because of those cut outs.

No issues with the blade lock, I quite like it.  Love the dark blue of the scales and the rest is good to go!

Definitely going to be taking apart the Synergy X, maybe make a Synergy X Spydernox.  Just need to figure out how I'm going to get it back together with the pocket clip.

[MrToolJunkie]

I think these are pretty cool and will likely pick one up at some point. I do wish it had an awl, though. Locking blade is awesome!

[matzesu]

Well the Clip is really a bit too open, its fine when you clip it in your normal Jeanspocket, but on something like these Sidepockets of my Workjeans its not that secure, so i did clip it in my Folding Ruler Pocket of my Work Jeans: When its comes lose, its will fell in this pocket and i just have to poke it out again, but its dont get lost ..

I did open and close the Blade now a bit, you get used to the not existing stop, so i did not harm me in the last 1 1/2 Days.. ,
I know peaple are quite often close the normal Swiss Army Knife whit one Hand, i did it also because it was quite easy and fast ..

I did cut an Bread Roll yesterday whit the Big Blade, its just a normal Alox SAK Blade so its shurly cuts fine ..

[pfrsantos]

Here they are!  I'm liking the Synergy X, two things though, 1.  The pocket clip is quite weak, would have liked it to be a bit stronger and 2. Not sure about the cut outs in the scales around the pivots on the one end, I feel like that area is now weaker because of those cut outs.

No issues with the blade lock, I quite like it.  Love the dark blue of the scales and the rest is good to go!

Definitely going to be taking apart the Synergy X, maybe make a Synergy X Spydernox.  Just need to figure out how I'm going to get it back together with the pocket clip.

I do feel they went too far too soon. If they have kept the "old" alox scales, with no pocket clip, I'd be running to the store to get me one of these. As it is, I don't think I'm ever getting one.

 

[matzesu]

Peaple seems to have issues closing the Blade, i cant understand this:

Stepp 1: Clean the blade on something (tissue, water, your Jeans..)
Step2: Hold the Knife Body whit your right hand, and the Blade (cutting edge up) whit your left hand
Step3: push the liner whit your Thump on righ Hand while you just push a bit the Blade to the closed position, but not fully:
 - > even though there is no half stop, as long the Blade is not too close to the closing position, (around over 90 degrees), it will not get pushed by the Back Liner
Step4: remove your Thump (just out of the way, not completly, and push the blade further to the closed position
Step5: put your Synergy back to its place where you carry it, it was expensive enough, you dont want to lose it
Step6: Profit !!

[Myron]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Myron!

Of course!   

[Farmer X]

If they have kept the "old" alox scales, with no pocket clip, I'd be running to the store to get me one of these. As it is, I don't think I'm ever getting one.

Though I would have preferred to see the can opener instead of the package opener. At least they're stepping it up with Alox in different colors.

[gustophersmob]

Though I would have preferred to see the can opener instead of the package opener. At least they're stepping it up with Alox in different colors.

Yes, I do like the colors. I wish they’d offer the regular pioneer in the red, blue, and gold (from the companion alox line). It still boggles the mind that red is not a standard alox color across the entire range.

[VICMAN]

Thank you, Vicman!

You are welcome, Myron!

[Brock O Lee]

1.  The pocket clip is quite weak, would have liked it to be a bit stronger and

2. Not sure about the cut outs in the scales around the pivots on the one end, I feel like that area is now weaker because of those cut outs.

These are excellent points.

1. With daily wear and tear, the pocket clip will likely eventually need to be bent back for retention. This will be tricky since it is riveted in place.

2. I did not previously pay much attention to the scale cut-outs at the bottle opener/ flat head pivot. You are right Lazar, these cut-outs weakened the pivot area, for a tool that needs the strength to withstand twisting and prying forces. 

Someone also mentioned how the cut-outs are likely to trap pocket lint. Perhaps these are intended to be "lint repositories" and count as an additional functional feature? In theory it could save your bacon one stormy night out in the woods when you need tinder to start a fire...   

[gustophersmob]

The more I look at pictures of the synergy, I think what gives me pause is that it seems less “streamlined” than the normal 93mm line. I’ll try to explain.

One of the things I’ve preferred about victorinox knives is that the blades, when folded into the handle, smoothly flow into the handles. The tang does not stand proud like on many traditional slip joint knives.

I’ve also long preferred the alox range because they have no back tools. Not only does the lack of tools make it smoother, the back springs are also flush with the liners, unlike on the 91mm range.

To me, the 93mm range (especially with the key ring nub removed) is almost like a worry stone with its smooth flowing lines, no rough edges, and nothing to snag on stuff.

What does this have to do with the synergy? Well it adds two, maybe three, “features” that potentially breaks up the streamlined design. The lock release tab always stands proud of the handle, like the tang of a traditional folder. The pocket clip is another thing hanging off the side of the knife. And I wonder if the handle cutouts make it feel less cohesive in hand (though this may not be an issue). 

Until I have one in hand I can’t be sure about any of this, but I finally put my finger on what seemed off to me about this new range.

[rep]

The 'streamline' effect is why my Electrician is nice to roll around in the hand.  It makes a fine worry stone, but with more functions!

[Rostovsky]

I don't think I'll buy it. It seems to me that Victorinox has climbed into someone else's clearing, where locks and pocket clips reign supreme. After all, I love Victorinox precisely because it has a vintage look and construction.

[Richard Zheng]

Honestly if they made this tool but with plus scales, it would be an instant buy

I just cant imagine brining a SAK with me without the full complement of scale tools, and as much as I love the rambler, I'd not want to carry it in addition to a 91/93mm

[powernoodle]

Welcome, Rostovsky! 

[lazar]

I did a little something to my Synergy X

[Kenj111]

That's a SWEET mod 

[powernoodle]

    

Does that make it a Dragon X? SynerFly X?  A DSX? 

[Rostovsky]

Welcome, Rostovsky!

Thank you. I am glad to join the warm company of connoisseurs of SAK

[fullbreakfast]

One of the things I’ve preferred about victorinox knives is that the blades, when folded into the handle, smoothly flow into the handles. The tang does not stand proud like on many traditional slip joint knives.

I’ve also long preferred the alox range because they have no back tools. Not only does the lack of tools make it smoother, the back springs are also flush with the liners, unlike on the 91mm range.

To me, the 93mm range (especially with the key ring nub removed) is almost like a worry stone with its smooth flowing lines, no rough edges, and nothing to snag on stuff.

This is very well put. I find when I carry one of the Alox knives it's often in my hand for no better reason than I like to handle it, and find it relaxing. As well as the smooth-flowing shape, there is the satisfying texture of the scales.

This seems to depend on the knife being fairly thin.  Pioneer and thinner., definitely. Bit less with Pioneer X.  Not at all with Farmer X.

On a more practical level, the smooth back of the knives is excellent if you want to slip it into a pouch pocket alongside something else.

[gustophersmob]

I did a little something to my Synergy X

Wow, that was fast! Looks nice.

I’m really curious how you put the torx pivot in with the clip? I’m assuming you had to remove and re-rivet the clip with one of the torx screws in place, but then how do you tighten it? 

[gustophersmob]

This is very well put. I find when I carry one of the Alox knives it's often in my hand for no better reason than I like to handle it, and find it relaxing. As well as the smooth-flowing shape, there is the satisfying texture of the scales.

This seems to depend on the knife being fairly thin.  Pioneer and thinner., definitely. Bit less with Pioneer X.  Not at all with Farmer X.

On a more practical level, the smooth back of the knives is excellent if you want to slip it into a pouch pocket alongside something else.

Yes, that’s a good point. I’ve always found the two layer 93mm more preferable to the thicker ones. The whole package just has a certain je ne sais quoi about it

[lazar]

Wow, that was fast! Looks nice.

I’m really curious how you put the torx pivot in with the clip? I’m assuming you had to remove and re-rivet the clip with one of the torx screws in place, but then how do you tighten it? 

That's correct, had to remove the pocket clip, drill the holes to 2.5mm since Victorinox had the pin step down to 1.6mm, then rivet it back in place with the barrel and screw in place.  Used red locktite on the screw.  Upon assembly everything went together fine and tightened just fine.

[Brock O Lee]

...drill the holes to 2.5mm since Victorinox had the pin step down to 1.6mm...

Are the standard 93mm alox pivots not 3mm in diameter?

Do I understand you correctly that they are now 1.6mm on this model? Similar to the 58mm pivots? Wow...

Edit: Pivots are still 3mm. See next post.

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

https://www.reddit.com/r/SAKmod/comments/pkz6oi/sak_pin_sizes/

[lazar]

Are the standard 93mm alox pivots not 3mm in diameter?

Do I understand you correctly that they are now 1.6mm on this model? Similar to the 58mm pivots? Wow...

  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]

I was talking about the pocket clip holes and the holes in the scales for the pocket clip.

The pivot holes are still 3mm.