Victorinox Pioneer X and Farmer
For those familiar with the Victorinox Pioneer range, the three-layer models stand out for offering an extra tool compared to their slimmer two-layer counterparts. Among these, the Pioneer X Alox and the Pioneer Farmer Alox each present a compelling case, with the addition of scissors or a saw respectively. This single extra feature might be just the deciding factor for many when choosing their perfect everyday carry (EDC) knife.
Having previously explored the single and two-layer options within the impressive 93mm Pioneer series, it’s time to delve into the Victorinox Pioneer X Alox, model 0.8231.26, and the Pioneer Farmer Alox, model 0.8241.26. Both of these knives build upon the solid foundation of the Pioneer line by incorporating an additional layer to house a significant tool.
The Alox series, built around the popular Pioneer framework, has garnered a dedicated following. This is well-deserved, given their exceptional construction and thoughtful design. The tools in the Alox range are noticeably thicker than those found in Victorinox’s Cellidor scaled knives, reflecting their military heritage and inherent robustness for demanding tasks. Beyond their durability, these knives are undeniably appealing. Both the Pioneer X and Farmer fall into Victorinox’s ‘medium knives’ category. Known for their stronger backsprings, Pioneer knives might initially feel stiff to open, sometimes leading to a broken nail – a minor inconvenience that diminishes with use as the action smooths out over time.
93mm three-layer alox knife in the hand
A 93mm three-layer Pioneer X Alox knife held in hand, showcasing its comfortable size for everyday carry.
The 93mm length of the Alox knives is generally considered comfortable for hand-held use. However, when it comes to extended tasks, some users might find the slightly thinner 12mm profile of the two-layer models preferable to the 14mm thickness of the three-layer knives. While a 2mm difference may seem negligible, it can influence personal preference, with some appreciating the more substantial feel of the three-layer in hand. For most everyday tasks, which are typically brief, this difference is minimal. It’s during prolonged use that the thickness becomes more noticeable. The maximum width of these knives is 22.70mm across the spine of the main blade, and 18.90mm across the scales.
Pioneer X vs. Farmer: Scissors or Saw?
The Victorinox Pioneer X and Farmer differ by just the one tool
A side-by-side comparison of the Victorinox Pioneer X (top) and Farmer (bottom), highlighting the key difference: scissors on the X and a saw on the Farmer.
Both the 86g Farmer and the slightly heavier 94g Pioneer X are equipped with a 12mm diameter keyring. Despite this, their size and weight make them less suitable for keychain carry. Most users will opt for pocket carry or utilize Victorinox’s range of well-crafted leather or Cordura belt pouches. Alternatively, a length of paracord through the keyring looped over a belt can provide a secure pocket carry solution. While both knives have served as my EDC, I personally lean towards the simpler and slimmer two-layer Pioneer for daily urban carry. For years, a Pioneer Alox would slip neatly into an internal pocket of my Patagonia daypack for city use. I quickly discovered that the saw on the Farmer was largely unnecessary in an urban context, while the scissors on the Pioneer X proved far more practical. However, for true urban EDC, the smaller scissors on the Victorinox 58mm Classic are even more readily accessible, as one is always attached to my keys.
The Pioneer X: Scissors for Everyday Tasks
Three layer 93mm Pioneer X
A standalone image of the three-layer 93mm Pioneer X Alox, emphasizing its sleek and functional design.
The Pioneer Farmer: Saw for Outdoor Utility
Two layer 93mm Pioneer
A two-layer 93mm Pioneer Alox, representing the simpler base model in the range.
Three layer 93mm Pioneer Farmer
A three-layer 93mm Pioneer Farmer Alox, highlighting its saw as the defining feature.
Compared to the classic Pioneer Alox, the expanded Pioneer X and Farmer maintain a similar level of simplicity. The sole distinction lies in the added tool – scissors for the Pioneer X and a saw for the Farmer. It’s worth noting another three-layer variant, the Pioneer Harvester (now known as the Victorinox Swiss Army 7), which offers a different tool configuration. The Harvester replaces the tin/can opener with a small pruner blade while retaining the saw from the Farmer. This could be a compelling alternative, and Pioneer Technology will explore this model in a future article.
Blades and Build Quality
Three layer 93mm Pioneer Swiss Army 7
A three-layer 93mm Pioneer Swiss Army 7, showcasing an alternative toolset within the Pioneer range.
There is a decently sized main blade on both the Victorinox Pioneer X and Farmer
A close-up of the robust main blade found on both the Victorinox Pioneer X and Farmer, demonstrating its practical size.
Both the Pioneer X and Farmer feature blades that are sharp right out of the box. The drop-point, v-ground blades are crafted from Victorinox’s proprietary 1.4110 ‘stainless’ steel. This alloy, enriched with chromium and molybdenum, provides excellent corrosion resistance while maintaining a carbon content that ensures good edge retention and ease of sharpening. These blades are suitable for the vast majority of everyday tasks. However, it’s a mid-range steel, and users seeking superior edge performance will need to explore other options. The blades on both knives measure 68mm in overall length, with a 60mm cutting edge. Being non-locking, they comply with knife regulations in many regions.
The spear point blade on the Pioneer X and Farmer is slightly longer and thicker than those on comparable non-Pioneer Victorinox knives of similar length. This robust construction has earned the 93mm Pioneer series the ‘sturdy’ designation from Victorinox. Despite being folding knives, these blades are capable of handling relatively demanding tasks. Their spines are 2.75mm thick compared to the 2mm thickness found on Victorinox’s 84mm range. The blades have an asymmetrical shape to accommodate the reamer alongside the blade when closed, a design feature that doesn’t compromise cutting performance.
Essential Tools: Openers and Screwdrivers
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The two sides of the knives. Back scale has a small plate for engravingA comparative view of the three-layer Pioneer X (top) and Farmer (bottom), highlighting the asymmetric blade shape and the absence of back tools.
[The two sides of the knives. Back scale has a small plate for engravingThe two sides of the Pioneer X or Farmer, showing the back scale with a small engraving plate.
Both the Pioneer X and Farmer include a cap lifter/bottle opener and a can/tin opener. The bottle opener functions effectively, and its secondary feature is a wire bender/stripper – a tool that sees limited use for many. More practically, the tool incorporates a robust 6mm flat-tip screwdriver. This screwdriver is larger, thicker, and more durable than those on ‘medium-sized’ Cellidor Victorinox knives, resisting twisting under pressure. It also features a half-stop position, allowing for 90-degree angle use, providing significant leverage when needed.
The can/tin opener, situated at the opposite end of the same tool, operates with a forward cutting motion and is straightforward to use when applied correctly. This tool also integrates a smaller 3mm flat-tip screwdriver, too large for eyeglasses but suitable for some Phillips head screws.
Can/tin opener on both Pioneer X and Farmer
A detailed shot of the can/tin opener tool present on both the Pioneer X and Farmer, demonstrating its robust construction.
Combination cap lifter and screwdriver on both Pioneer X and Farmer
A close-up of the combination cap lifter/bottle opener and flat-head screwdriver tool shared by both the Pioneer X and Farmer.
Pioneer X: The Advantage of Scissors
The “X” in Pioneer X signifies the addition of scissors, a feature also found on the four-layer Farmer X. While the Farmer model has a long history dating back to the 1950s, the Pioneer X debuted in 2016, answering the call from enthusiasts who missed having larger scissors on Alox models. The inclusion of scissors on the Pioneer X marked the first time this tool appeared on a 93mm Alox knife, although they were already present on some 91mm models. The scissors on 91mm and 93mm knives are essentially identical, differing only in the nail nick location.
Closed scissors on Pioneer X
The closed scissors of the Pioneer X, neatly integrated into the knife’s profile.
The scissors are exceptionally well-made and difficult to criticize. They are non-serrated with 27mm long cutting edges that can be sharpened with care. The 2mm wide thumb tab can become slightly uncomfortable during extended use or when cutting tougher materials, as these are still relatively small scissors and not heavy-duty shears. However, they are more than capable for most reasonable tasks and feature pointed tips for piercing materials before cutting. The scissors utilize a small leaf spring mechanism for smooth opening action. While these springs are generally durable, they can occasionally break or detach, but replacements are available.
Open scissors on Pioneer X
The Pioneer X scissors in the open position, ready for precise cutting tasks.
The Pioneer X’s popularity is underscored by its recognition as the Multitool.org Multitool Of The Year in 2016, where it garnered over 34% of the vote among ten competing multitool options.
Pioneer Farmer: The Utility of a Saw
Decently sized folding saw on Pioneer Farmer
The folding saw on the Pioneer Farmer, showcasing its teeth designed for efficient cutting of wood and other materials.
Four-layer Farmer X sawing 1.5 inch chestnut paling. This is the same saw as found on the three-layer Farmer
The saw in action on a four-layer Farmer X, demonstrating its capability to cut through a 1.5-inch chestnut paling, a capability shared with the three-layer Farmer.
The saw on the three-layer Victorinox Farmer, and its four-layer counterpart the Farmer X, cuts on both the push and pull strokes. As illustrated, it can comfortably handle pieces of chestnut up to one and a half inches in diameter, which is around the practical limit for its 74mm (two and seven-eighths inch) blade length. While pushing beyond this is possible, some users have reported successfully cutting through logs up to five inches in diameter with this saw.
Reamer/Awl: A Versatile Tool
Awl/reamer on both three layer 93mm options from Victorinox
The awl/reamer tool on the three-layer 93mm Victorinox models, showing its sharp, angled design.
Awl/reamer on both three layer 93mm options from Victorinox
A close-up of the sharp point of the awl/reamer, illustrating its effectiveness for tasks like punching holes in leather or fabric.
The awl/reamer on both tools is genuinely sharp and well-suited for drilling or widening holes in wood. It comes sharp from the factory and features an L-shaped profile, providing both strength and ease of opening. It lacks a sewing eye, but it can be used to strike a ferrocerium rod for fire starting.
Value and Alox Scales
As of July 2022, the Farmer is priced around £35 in the UK, while the Pioneer X is about £10 more. Whether this premium for the scissors is justified is a matter of personal judgment. While the Pioneer X and Farmer might seem costly, their build quality reflects Victorinox’s consistently high standards, and they offer a wide range of useful functions. Pioneer Technology believes that both knives represent excellent value for money. While knives with superior steel or handle materials exist, they typically come at a significantly higher price.
The attractive Alox scales are crafted from stamped aluminum, embossed, and then anodized. The eloxal (electrolytic oxidation of aluminium) process creates a protective, colored layer that is hard, durable, and corrosion-resistant. This oxide layer provides good protection but will show wear with regular use and pocket carry. Carrying these knives with keys will accelerate wear on the scales. While some appreciate the patina that Alox scales develop over time, others may find it less desirable.
Although alternative color options for these knives occasionally appear, the standard silver Alox is by far the most prevalent. Limited-edition colors often command high prices and can be difficult to find. While visually appealing, these color variants offer the same toolset as the standard models.
Three of the colour options for the Victorinox Pioneer X- standard silver alox, the 1921 Limited Edition, and bottom, the handsome Winter Magic Special Edition from 2020
Three color variations of the Victorinox Pioneer X Alox: standard silver, the 2021 Limited Edition tiger orange, and the 2020 Winter Magic Special Edition.
Conclusion: Pioneer X for EDC, Farmer for Outdoors
In conclusion, both the Pioneer X and Pioneer Farmer are attractive and robust knives from a respected and trusted manufacturer. The distinct extra tool on each model dictates their ideal applications. The Farmer excels in outdoor environments, suitable for woodland walks where pruning or preparing firewood might be necessary. The Pioneer X is better suited for general everyday carry and urban environments. Despite the undeniable utility of the scissors, the Pioneer X’s size might be excessive for purely occasional use, and other knife or multi-tool options might be preferred for lighter carry. However, every tool on both of these knives is exceptionally well-made, durable, and capable of withstanding considerable use and even abuse. The 93mm three-layer Pioneer X and Farmer are larger and heavier than many knives Pioneer Technology has reviewed for lightweight backpacking, making them less ideal for ultralight setups.
