Coloured alox Why??

[sawman]

Wenger vs. Victorinox
First I don't think that the 111mm has anything to do with Wenger. Its the result of Switzerland being in bed with the European Union. This meant that the Soldier 08 Knife competition would have been open to companies from all over the world. Fearing that some Chinese manufacturer would outbid Vic, simply for the bragging rights, a decision was made to upscale the knife. Larger + OHO equals weapon and therefore was not subjected to international competition.

I think one huge difference between the two brands is where they originate from. While Wenger is from the canton (state) of Jura (French speaking) Victorinox is from the heart of Switzerland, canton Schwyz (German speaking).
So Wenger is by nature the more playful company. Bringing out more different products, probably even being more innovative. But ultimately if you have too many products when compared to the sales numbers profit diminishes and that is why Wenger failed.
Victorinox is almost completely resistant to change. They evolve very slowly but I dare say most of their products are winners. Also I find their products much more refined, e.g. the 111mm are much more comfortable to hold than the RangerGrip.

By default Alox scales cost the same for the same product. For example red/black/silver MiniChamp all cost the same. However, more exotic = rare lines differ with the simple mathematics, lower production number = higher price. And herein lies the contradiction. If you are unwilling to pay more for smaller production lines you ultimately doom them to fail, be it colored Alox or "exotic" Wenger Knifes. As a matter of fact, to me it appears to be the other way round. Wenger had to produce SAK at Victorinox price level without the same sales volume. No need for a degree in economics to see the problem there.

And yes, I think Victorinox could use a kick in the but to bring out some more innovation (like the sak with a measuring tape, seen in the museum). On the other hand I believe their main profit comes from Perfume / Cloth / Watches and Kitchen Knifes, so while the SAK's are important to their reputation they certainly are not their money cow.

I have purchased limited edition Alox SAKs before but as a normal practice, I just cannot justify the price. I'm happy with plain silver Alox and when offered a coloured equivalent piece for 4 times the price, tend to just buy 4 plain Alox versions instead. It's simple economics...

[Etherealicer]

[...]It's simple economics...

It is.

[pfrsantos]

[...]It's simple economics...

It is.

+1

 

[ironraven]

I have two colored Aloxes, both TSA sezuires. I paid a lot less than market.

But if I was to find a red Farmer next to a silver one, both NIB, and the red one was only like five or six dollars more, absolutely I'd pay it. Why? Becuase if it isn't red, people don't think it's a SAK. If it isn't a SAK, it is an oh-my-god-he-has-a-knife. Besides, a red knife with a red lanyard is easier to find in the snow than a silver knife with a silver lanyard. 

[ColoSwiss]

Why colored alox? For the same reason I prefer Monet to Whistler. I'm a visual animal.

[papercut]

Because the white cross aloxes are goona put the smackdown on some evil!

[buster]

My first Alox SAK has been ordered.   

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Cadet-Orange-Swiss-Army-Knife/6225950/product.html?refccid=NTCUEZZMWP6KOT2N5RWRLCLPWI&searchidx=1

[papercut]

Thank for the heads up!  I just ordered three.  Orange is rather keen.

[papercut]

Crap three more, wtf is wrong me with.

:p

[NG VI]

I had to get one, I like the colored ones very much and the Cadet has got to be my favorite for a day off or if I'm unsure what I might need, and suspect nothing at all. 

[derekmac]

Mmmm, orange Cadet is   

[enki_ck]

More like this one.