Sentinel vs Alox Solo

Willem85 · **on:** August 11, 2019, 12:05:06 AM

Looking for an EDC single blade "big" knife to accompany my midnight manager. I'm looking at the sentinel with nail nick.

I know why I would choose one or the other, but want to hear from you to make up my mind.

nmpops · **Reply #1 on:** August 11, 2019, 03:35:39 AM

I'd go with the Sentinal , larger blade and a lock blade plus the T&T. Can't go wrong.

nate j · **Reply #2 on:** August 11, 2019, 05:42:39 AM

I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer here.

Advantages of the Sentinel include larger blade, T&T (nice since your MM doesn't have these), and locking blade (maybe, depending on your preference). Another potential advantage of the Sentinel (and related 111 mm knives), IMO, is that the blade sits proud enough of the handle in the closed position to simply be pinched between the thumb and forefinger and pulled open, so no need to sacrifice your fingernails.

Advantages of the Solo are non-locking blade (maybe, again depending on preference), the toughest handle available on a Victorinox knife (though the nylon of the Sentinal isn't bad), and ease of carry (as it is smaller and lighter).

I would suggest considering the two-layer alternatives to the one-layer knives you're looking at. A Picknicker, Adventurer, or Pioneer would add a lot of capability with minimal redundancy with your MM, while hardly carrying any larger in the pocket than their single-layer counterparts.

From top to bottom in this picture: Dual Density Centurion, Pioneer X, Alox Classic

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2019, 05:48:00 AM

I don't like locks or alox, so under the circumstances, I'd say a 108mm Solo.

this_is_nascar · **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2019, 12:45:30 PM

PM sent to OP.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Willem85 · **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2019, 10:05:48 PM

Thanks for your replies everybody. Especially nate j for the long answer and the picture.

So I wanted to buy my wife a Swisscard for Mothers' Day which locally falls together with our lady ascension, which is Thursday, ... and I hadn't decided... so I ordered both with the intention to send one back.

Got them both today and here are my first impressions. I have 30 days to decide. Still not sure yet.

They both fit nicely into my pocket. From Nate's picture I thought the Sentinel'd be gigantic, but it's not. It's way bigger than the Alox though. I like that it's longer. The extra thickness and width I prefer was well in my hand. In my pocket the slim Alox Solo is really nice. It literally disappears.

I prefer the looks of the Alox, the symmetry, the shape, give it that classic SAK look. The silver color gives it the gentleman appearance.

What I dislike about the Alox is that the blade is offset. This means they used the same blade as on the models with more tools, which I understand. But I would prefer they had added the awl or even the pruning blade.

RE: the two layer models. I have looked into two layer models, as I have a huntsman which I don't carry unless in a backpack because of it's width. It's just, there are not many two layer options in Victorinox land and the second layer is almost always the opener layer which IMO is redundant with the MM. I have a cap lifter, a philips and a flat screwdriver on my midnight manager. I have a no need of a can opener. I do miss the tweezers sometimes. And when I need the other tools, the huntsman is not that far away.

nate j · **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2019, 02:23:12 AM

At this point, there is only one solution...

Show content

You must keep them both!

Mechanickal · **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2019, 11:53:14 AM

Quote from: nate j on August 14, 2019, 02:23:12 AM

At this point, there is only one solution...

Show content
You must keep them both!

No!

Given the OP's current thoughts about the Solo's blade, he'd better send it back and replace it with:

https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Pioneer+Pruner