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Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: george c on February 08, 2017, 06:08:31 AM

Title: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: george c on February 08, 2017, 06:08:31 AM
Hi folks,

Short version of a long story.

Recently used the Phillips on my Rambler. Wow, what a great tool. Used it to change the watch batteries on a small squeeze-type flashlight.

Anyway, decided I'd try to get by with a 58mm only. I have several including the Classic that I've carried for 50 years or so. Have a Minichamp and an Alox Classic. BTW, I'm retired so have no "work requirements" for a knife.

Found a SB Vagabond. Seems perfect as it doesn't have some of the Minichamp tools that I don't think I'd ever use. But, dang, the SB is about $100!!!!

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated, especially from those of you who have a Vagabond.

Thanks for any comments, opinions, and thoughts.

Best regards,

George
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: G-Dizzle on February 08, 2017, 06:14:27 AM
My thoughts: pick up the non sb version for 35 bucks off of ebay!
Title: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: G-Dizzle on February 08, 2017, 06:15:11 AM
Also, ebay has sb versions for 75-85

(Ps) if you decide you don't want the one on eBay, let me know so i can grab it. :cheers:
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on February 08, 2017, 11:08:58 AM
I always carry a Vagabond on my keychain and I like it a lot. It is the most ideal backup SAK and I use it a lot. Very clever toolset. Saved me on countless occasions when I needed scissors, nail file, phillips screwdriver, cap lifter or a small blade and didn't have that tool on the bigger SAK I was carrying that day.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/n1hg3hgi5njul7j/d1%201.jpg?dl=1)
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Ron Who on February 08, 2017, 11:13:28 AM
Obviously, you don't need a Vagabond, since you already have  a MiniChamp. The question therefore is: do you want it that badly?
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: LoopCutter on February 08, 2017, 01:25:33 PM
The SB price is just out of line.
I have a original and it is my EDC. 
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170208/fd1097c430bc7f16edc9c4dfe9a67459.jpg)
Have had one since late nineties.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Gareth on February 08, 2017, 01:46:34 PM
I' not sure I'd want to spend $100 on a wharncliff blade and a orange peeler.  I'd stick with my Rambler myself or look for a second hand Vagabond.
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Smashie on February 08, 2017, 03:09:00 PM
Not really seeing an advantage over the Minichamp
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: LoopCutter on February 08, 2017, 03:28:00 PM
Is the mini champ a 4 layer or a 3.
The original Vagabond is a 2 layer. 
The would be biggest difference to me. 
Not handled a SB Alox version, thinner yet?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Poncho65 on February 08, 2017, 10:35:59 PM
I' not sure I'd want to spend $100 on a wharncliff blade and a orange peeler.  I'd stick with my Rambler myself or look for a second hand Vagabond.

That is my thought as well :cheers: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Kampfer on February 08, 2017, 10:40:24 PM
I can get Alox Mini-Champ for $36 shipped, but the Alox Rambler I want is over $60.

Waiting.....
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Ron Who on February 08, 2017, 10:46:12 PM
MiniChamp Alox. Three layers, width 10 mm, weight 43 grams.
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Fortytwo on February 08, 2017, 11:08:42 PM
Considering the price difference I would seriously consider picking up a Minichamp and then remove the tools I didn't want. Since it's a case of removing tool layers the pins should be reusable.
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Ron Who on February 08, 2017, 11:25:32 PM
Considering the price difference I would seriously consider picking up a Minichamp and then remove the tools I didn't want. Since it's a case of removing tool layers the pins should be reusable.

When modding a MiniChamp you should consider replacing the spatula and ruler with a 84 mm awl. I seem to remember seen it done.
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: george c on February 09, 2017, 01:12:06 AM
Hi Folks,

Thanks for taking the time to comment and offer suggestions. Greatly appreciated.

I sent the seller of the used one ($35) a note asking whether there was any "looseness" or "wobbling" in the tools. And, no response so far.

Think I'm going to continue on using my Rambler and try to find a used Vagabond.

Again, thanks so much for your help.

Regards,

George
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: george c on February 10, 2017, 02:47:27 AM
Hi again folks,

GDOOLITTLE, yes, the used one for $35 is on the way. The gentleman responded to my question and said, "The tools are in great shape."

Again, thanks all for your comments and suggestions.

Best regards,

George
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: G-Dizzle on February 10, 2017, 03:03:24 AM
Hi again folks,

GDOOLITTLE, yes, the used one for $35 is on the way. The gentleman responded to my question and said, "The tools are in great shape."

Again, thanks all for your comments and suggestions.

Best regards,

George
Glad you were able to order it and save the money!! :tu:
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: Ron Who on February 10, 2017, 08:47:27 AM
Cool! Waiting for pics now... :popcorn:
Title: Re: Swiss Bianco Vagabond...Thoughts or comments?
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on February 10, 2017, 08:48:52 AM
Hi again folks,

GDOOLITTLE, yes, the used one for $35 is on the way. The gentleman responded to my question and said, "The tools are in great shape."

Again, thanks all for your comments and suggestions.

Best regards,

George

 :tu:

I'm sure you won't regret it, the Vagabond is such a useful SAK  :cheers: