Alox

[dcgm4]

I'm getting a Victorinox Swiss Army knife for my father, but I'd like some information about alox. The main thing I'd like to know is how durable it is. Does it scratch or ding easily? Do the different colors (red, blue, etc.) show more wear sooner than the classic silver? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[jerryd6818]

From what I've observed (not personal experience), since the silver is not anodized there isn't anything to wear off so it seems to stand the tests of time better than the colors. Below is an image I took from eBay that shows a lot of used Alox SAK's. Of course there's no way of knowing how much use and pocket time each has but it does give a general idea of the difference in durability between the silver and the other colors. Josh (junebug) was our SAK expert. It was a rotten shame to loose his expertise.

[supratentorial]

All of them are anodized. Silver is clear anodized. They all wear the same but the contrast is less obvious with the silver. It's pretty durable but if you throw it in a pocket with change or keys, then they will get dinged up.

They're great knives. One of my most frequent users is an old alox Soldier pattern from the 70s.

[jmh58]

Just remember that with the Alox there is no toothpick/tweezers.. John

[kootenay joe]

Some of the colored Alox SAK's list new at $170 ! People collect them and want every color. My favorite is a 3 blade: spearpoint, awl $ saw. It's not easy to find this model.
kj

[tongueriver]

What means "Alox?" A material (aluminum oxide), a trademark, a pattern, a company? I don't know a thing about those wee knives.

[dcgm4]

Thanks for your 2 cents, guys. That picture was really helpful, Jerry. I'm now thinking maybe I'll try to find another brand that uses a tougher metal than alox. I know any metal will scratch and dent, but maybe I can find one that won't show the scratches that easily. I'll probably head down to the pawn shops today and see what they have.

Cal, alox is what the metal handle material used on Swiss Army knives is called.

[Jody744]

It takes quite a bit to scratch alox, don't over think it. Any of the colors will eventually wear in places, just gives a nice, worn look to it. Think patina on a blade, or "pocket-worn" bone. My silver ones aren't showing any wear from a number of years of carry, front pocket with change. The pioneer is my favourite of the alox patterns, easily found new for @ $30.

[kootenay joe]

I am posting these knives to encourage Dave to go with an Alox SAK. The aluminum handles make the Alox knives look & feel different from the usual red plastic handled SAK. The Alox feel more substantial somehow and the look is 'classier'. The colored Alox are more money but really do look sharp.
Silver Alox = Pioneer Harvester
Orange Alox = Farmer
Blue Alox = Farmer (with "Danielle" on back handle
1956 Wengerinox Model 1951
kj

[kootenay joe]

I forgot to post my favorite, a 3 blade Alox, "Lumberman" ??
I see this as a great compact EDC, with blades to: cut, Saw, & poke.
kj

[jerryd6818]

I agree Roland. I love the Alox SAKs. If I could afford 'em, I'd have a boat load of them.

[Old Hunter]

I think they are very durable knive's, it's just the color that wears off, doesn't hurt the knife at all. The ALOX variations are the toughest of the SAK's. OH

[jerryd6818]

I personally don't see the color wear as a problem. The handles of any knife eventually show wear if you carry it daily for a long time.

[dcgm4]

kj, those are some fine knives. Maybe I will go with alox after all. I came up empty at the pawn shops I visited. Could be a sign.