Collecting Alox Pioneer question

[Huck70]

I have carried a Pioneer or a Soldier for over 20 years and I am starting to get into collecting them. Some of the Pioneers have shop logos on them; Cutlery Shop, Knives and Tools and Swiss Bianco for example. Are the knives with shop logos on them any more or less collectible than those without shop logos on them? I also have noticed that Swiss Bianco sells a Pioneer without the key ring, so more like a soldier. Are they any more or less collectible?

[pfrsantos]

I'd say it's up to you. You decide what to collect. Whether it is SAKs with logos or without them, single colour, different colours, used or mint...

Your collection, your rules.

If you mean what do people value most, again, it's up to them.

 

[Frailer]

I absolutely agree that it's completely up to you.  For my part, I avoid knives with shop logos, and for *me* the Pioneer must have a key ring (or a bail).

If I could offer one suggestion, the most important thing when starting a collection is to have a focus.  Your specific interests may change over time (I've recently been seeking out early Elinox-marked Pioneers), but having a focus to your collection helps prevent you from simply accumulating a bunch of knives very quickly, leaving you much poorer and unsatisfied.

Above all, have fun!

[Myron]

Agreed with the viewpoints expressed already.     I have a couple shop edition Pioneers, but I only get them if they really speak to me.   

The Pioneer is my all-time favorite pocket knife, too, and it's really fun to collect.  My advice is to just follow your nose -- if a shop edition tickles your fancy then pick it up.  Love that "old cross?"  Buy one.   My only rule is to never look at any particular SAK purchase as an investment.  Buy it because you like it and it makes you happy.

There's an Old Cross 30-day challenge coming up in October.  My guess is that you will see a lot of cool old Pioneers coming out of the woodwork for that.   Could be useful and instructive. 

Kind regards,

Myron

[cody6268]

In my opinion, get an Electrician. They don't have keyrings, and the E-blade is handy for more than just cable stripping. And, as intended--it puts the old TL-29 to shame!

[Myron]

So true!   I have a TL-29 that just lives on my workbench.  I use it for opening packages and the like, but I'd never carry it as a pocket knife.   

I will say however that the TL-29 polishes up beautifully.  I bought mine for like 6 bucks and all it needed was a little elbow grease; the brass liners are thick and sexy, and the blades are thick and substantial.  Anyhow, everybody needs one!

[39hotrod]

So true!   I have a TL-29 that just lives on my workbench.  I use it for opening packages and the like, but I'd never carry it as a pocket knife.   

I will say however that the TL-29 polishes up beautifully.  I bought mine for like 6 bucks and all it needed was a little elbow grease; the brass liners are thick and sexy, and the blades are thick and substantial.  Anyhow, everybody needs one!

 

[dks]

Buy what people want and will want
original, no seller marking is worth more.
Victorinox has been here for over a century, in basically the same form
a shop may disappear next week

[Aloha]

I don't collect Pioneers but I've always enjoyed the pics of those who do.  My advice is have fun, be patient, shop around, and if you are looking to buy with the intent of them increasing in value then  . 

Good luck.   

[Frailer]

So true!   I have a TL-29 that just lives on my workbench.  I use it for opening packages and the like, but I'd never carry it as a pocket knife.   

I will say however that the TL-29 polishes up beautifully.  I bought mine for like 6 bucks and all it needed was a little elbow grease; the brass liners are thick and sexy, and the blades are thick and substantial.  Anyhow, everybody needs one!

I agree!  Here’s one that “polished up” very well indeed ;-)

[cody6268]

I agree!  Here’s one that “polished up” very well indeed ;-)

(Image removed from quote.)

What kind of wood is that? I have a Boker that someone really messed up trying to modify the screwdriver to fit #2 Phillips, and that is exactly what I'm having done when it's sent off to a chap in Michigan to be redone.

[Frailer]

It’s snakewood—a personal favorite of mine.

[39hotrod]

It’s snakewood—a personal favorite of mine.

 

[Helvetica Bold]

I absolutely agree that it's completely up to you.  For my part, I avoid knives with shop logos, and for *me* the Pioneer must have a key ring (or a bail).

If I could offer one suggestion, the most important thing when starting a collection is to have a focus.  Your specific interests may change over time (I've recently been seeking out early Elinox-marked Pioneers), but having a focus to your collection helps prevent you from simply accumulating a bunch of knives very quickly, leaving you much poorer and unsatisfied.

Above all, have fun!

I toatally did this when I started collecting again recently  after many years and, like you say, ended up just accumulating many random knives - some of which I do like very much but some of which could have financed knives I had more love for.

I have stopped buying now until I decide on a focus - I really like 84mm at the moment but even that is a wide range - I need to narrow it down a bit still. ;0)

[Frailer]

I toatally did this when I started collecting again recently  after many years and, like you say, ended up just accumulating many random knives - some of which I do like very much but some of which could have financed knives I had more love for.

I have stopped buying now until I decide on a focus - I really like 84mm at the moment but even that is a wide range - I need to narrow it down a bit still. ;0)

I think that’s a trap most of us fall into. I know I did (and, sadly, still do on occasion). I am deeply flawed, I fear.

[cody6268]

It’s snakewood—a personal favorite of mine.

And not too expensive either, so I think it will be my choice of handle when I have the Boker rebuilt.

[Myron]

It’s snakewood—a personal favorite of mine.

Frailer, that is gorgeous.  Did you do that work yourself or have it done?   

I've seen some beautiful custom-scaled TL-29's over on the pocket knife forum. 

[Frailer]

Frailer, that is gorgeous.  Did you do that work yourself or have it done?   

I've seen some beautiful custom-scaled TL-29's over on the pocket knife forum.

“Glennbad” on BF was gracious enough to do that one for me.

[Myron]

Very cool.  I thought about doing mine in some custom way like that, but I'm not really brave enough to figure out how the bolsters relate to the scales.  Maybe someday, though. 

[BerkshireHunter]

Buy what you like, I think Jay Leno says that about his cars.

I personally don’t like a blade etch as much but a tasteful logo on the engraving plate looks ok like knifecenter.