Victorinox Farmer X

The newest edition to the 93mm Alox knives from Victorinox is packed with a very useful set of tools. It works well as a complimentary carry to those that carry a full sized multi tool, or as a stand alone for those that just want to carry a knife with some extra capability. The Alox versions are built a bit more robust than your standard SAK, but they do sacrifice the scale tools. Let's look at the new Alox Farmer X.
Victorinox Alox knives:
Electrician - amzn.to/2H6Qmre
Pioneer - amzn.to/2SaZz8y
Pioneer X - amzn.to/3blbiZD
MiniChamp - amzn.to/2vddgur
Farmer - amzn.to/375zBqX
Hunter Pro - amzn.to/2S7ZJ0l
Cadet - amzn.to/2UuKVui
Classic - amzn.to/2UzOZJR
Jetsetter - amzn.to/2vhEvUU
Excelsior Secretary - amzn.to/38aD5tB
Bantam - amzn.to/2Som090
Money Clip - amzn.to/2OAUnZm
Farmer X - amzn.to/2JkqtZx
Swiss Army 1 - amzn.to/2HMgvj9
Swiss Army 7 / Harvester - amzn.to/3oWvlEs84mm

[@txtoolcrib]

Victorinox 93mm Alox knives: Farmer X - amzn.to/2JkqtZx Farmer - amzn.to/34CEjOY Pioneer X - amzn.to/2HL4R8c Pioneer - amzn.to/34Cln34 Electrician - amzn.to/3jzHyeo Swiss Army 1 - amzn.to/2HMgvj9 84mm Cadet - amzn.to/3kGYLnF

[@Adriaanw211]

I love the way you talk about the knives/tools you review. The only problem is the way you review the gear, its so good that i’m now waiting for my Farmer X in my mailbox.😅

[@duanebledsoe7566]

That snap when you open and close the tools on these knives, to me, is half the pleasure of using them. 😊

[@jeffslaven]

I couldn't agree more about the Awl/reamer on the Alox models. Arguably, these are the best in the business. Mine (on my Pioneer) gets used on a daily basis at work popping through plastic packing straps and breaking down boxes, saving your knife edge for finer chores. Also, it is very handy for cleaning the grease drain on the kitchen grill. One of the handiest tools I've ever had the pleasure to own and use. Nice review Ben!

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you very much. Good to hear some of your real world experience.

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

Cool to see they are expanding the X alox line the scissors is always something I go for on my victorinox knives. Great review 👍

[@optimuscrime608]

I carry a farmer x daily. I carry it in a leather pocket slip in my right pocket and my Hinderer XM-18 in my left pocket. (Left handed) Man I’d love to see you start reviewing knives! You should do it!

[@txtoolcrib]

I just bought a ZT 0470 to use away from work. There are so many good knife reviewers out there, but the thought has crossed my mind.

[@Deibodese]

I was looking for a Victorinox with a saw, and I boiled it down to the Fieldmaster and the Farmer X. I had the idea to go with the Farmer X, since I didn’t really *need* the back-row tools of the Fieldmaster. But since I’m on a very tight budget and the Farmer X is more expensive, I wound up going with the Fieldmaster. By no means is the Fieldmaster an inferior multi tool. Like you said, the scissors and saw work great. The mini flathead does work great in Phillips screws if you need an in-line driver. I use my Fieldmaster primarily for tidying up sidewalks when I go for a walk. If there are branches growing out in the path, I clear them with the saw. I haven’t used the reamer/awl/seeing eye yet, but I want to try my hand at leather working now that I have the tools.

[@danielorozco1728]

Man, im 26yo and have been using Victorinox knives since I can remember, that can opener, really Is a fantastic Phillips screw tool, its probably the tool I have used the most ever.

[@txtoolcrib]

I think the one they use on the Compact and some other models is pretty well built as well.

[@matthewr2459]

Yes - I also use the Phillips more than anything. It will twist though - light to medium tasks only.

[@JaspisB]

Really good review! Nice to hear the reasoning around everything. It really helps!

[@robbabcock_]

Nice review! I have one on the way, really been looking forward to it. The star of the show for me, SAK-wise, is the scissors. They're amazing! To get the wonderful SAK blade, the superb scissors, and adding the excellent saw- that's a great combo. The saw is obviously too small for be useful for firewood but it's great for bushcrafting. If you want to make deadfall-type traps, carve bowdrill sets or create tent stakes it's awesome to have a small, precise saw. For woods/camping/hiking use I do like to add a short lanyard of orange paracord. It's nice to have a "leash" on the knife and some cordage adds color to make it easier to find if you drop it or set it down while you're working.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

The coolness factor of the Alox knives can't be overstated. If I weren't so happy with the 91 mm knives I've been carrying for over 40 years I'd surely have an alox or two. I'm currently lusting for a Pioneer. The small driver on the can opener works surprisingly well as a Phillips driver. I've replaced computer motherboards using nothing but a Tinker.

[@donaldstrader7241]

Thanks for the review. I have been carrying my Victorinox Farmer X everyday since May 2020 and like it very much. I use all the tools. One thing you might use the key ring for is a small lanyard with a small stainless washer on it. Then you can use the washer to open the tools since most of us don't have a steel thumbnail on their keychain. I have not needed this, but just a thought for anyone that has trouble opening the tools. I have an old style British Army knife that I keep for the marlinspike and the can opener on that is very difficult to open. I actually cut a slot in it to grip the washer. Probably a waste of effort since I don't find it pocket friendly and only use it to undo knots. Away from home, I'm more likely to use a corkscrew...but that backtool is not on the Farmer X. Years ago I was at a friend's party and he showed my his alox Soldier he was issued in the Swiss Army. He used that straight out awl so much it was worn down to about 1/2 its length. Yes from wear, not breakage. I also have a HAP40 Spyderco Wharncliffe Delica on me that I also like very much and carry frequently since I got it. Not a cutting tool, but I always have a flashlight or two on me too. ;-)

[@bilakos1987]

Finally got one. I like the added thickness compared to the Farmer, and those scissors are top notch! I hope we see the 93mm range expanded, with more tools added, like the metal file, the pliers, an in-line Phillips even.

[@bilakos1987]

@@name5949 I carried the Deluxe Tinker, and still do. The Farmer X will replace it gradually. I used to carry the Fieldmaster too, but never used the scale tools, and the saw very rarely.

[@txtoolcrib]

I would like to see more of the 93mm line myself.

[@shadowstalker130666]

Im looking to get one for camping as ive always liked the classic scout knife, and this is basically that, plus a saw and scissors. Its a great looking tool. Havent really looked at swiss army knives since i was a kid, and got a couple cheap knock offs, which soured me on them. Got a cadet a year back, and suprised at how good the real ones are.

[@norby0418]

I have owned an original Leatherman since the mid 80’s and it’s still like new because I never actually used it. It’s carried in my backpack but still almost never used as I also carry a pair of quality needle nose pliers I much prefer a pioneer or a Farmer or my Pioneer X.

[@jungroe94]

It looks like the perfect knife for urban and outdoors hiking and camping. If they could include a liner lock option (like with some of the Evolution knives) to make that robust blade lockable, I'd pick this one up in a heartbeat. After experiencing a bad cut as a child with a folding Swiss Army knife, always been weary of folding blades, that is why I got the Evolution s17 with locking main blade with scissors and saw. The heavier duty construction of the Farmer X Alox is appealing. A locking main blade would make it an A+ for me.

[@nobody-hr1lo]

You don't need a locking blade with 93 mm alox sak they are super strong. 91 mm celidor are keychain gimmicks compared.

[@shramj]

Just grabbed one of these, seems like a perfect pocket knife for me.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Pioneer X is my carry and I never cared for saws, but i'm tempted at getting this one just for additional grip-filling and the "you never knows" factor. Regarding the blades, I feel that the difference between a 93 to a 91 is like that of a 91 to a 84: with the smaller you can do all normal cutting duties, but you feel it should have just a bit more. The 91 is enough but some additional robustness is always welcome for me. Also, the alox are very classy. Great review as always.

[@txtoolcrib]

If you are just carrying one, then the Farmer X might be the way to go.

[@Pinki2019]

If you carry the saw you'll probably find uses for it. For example, it can be used to grate cheese.

[@donaldstrader7241]

@@Pinki2019 OK, that is one I have not thought of. LOL. SAK tools are truly multipurpose. The closest use I have used the saw for was to make fatwood sawdust for fire starting. More proof of concept with a ferrocerium rod than because I needed it.

[@donaldstrader7241]

@Der Alte - I actually use my saw blade a lot and the Farmer X is a daily carry. It adds a lot of power if you need to cut some wood, especially if you need a precise cut. One time admittedly it was a Leatherman ;-) saw blade that I used to enlarge the hole in the molding so the latch tongue would catch and keep my office door shut. I use it around the yard if I need a small stick or need to trim off one small branch when it is not worth grabbing the pruners or a bigger saw. It also cuts plastic. As far as a comparison to the Pioneer I posted this in a forum I belong to, when I first got my Farmer X, and it might help your decision a bit. =============== I've carried the Pioneer X a bunch. Farmer X 3.8 ounces of goodness. If you don't count the rivets it just comes up to around the bottom of the red cellidor scale on a Huntsman plus. The Huntsman + is 3.6 ounces (with a bit of paracord lanyard). You might recall at a previous location me discussing/illustrating changing out the scales on my Huntsman to make it a plus. Looks like the Farmer X is about a half alox side piece thicker than the Pioneer X. So you probably would not notice the difference in width in you pocket. The weight difference though is more noticeable as the Pioneer X is 3.2 ounces or sixth tenths of an ounce lighter. The saw is one of the thinnest layers, so I'm willing to carry it for the added "power." The Pioneer X is more svelte feeling in the hand.

[@Pinki2019]

@@donaldstrader7241 Yeah, I learned it from Felix Immler's channel, which has lots of tips and tricks for SAK tools. You can grate cheese, nutmeg, etc., and zest a lemon.

[@stevesinclair4159]

I have a large collection of Pioneer, Pioneer X & Cadets, most are special & limited editions kept by me in pristine condition in a cupboard & a small number of Pioneers , X's & Cadets I use in my Gentleman's knife rotation as part of my EDC. I have till now resisted buying the 3 layer Farmer or the 4 layer Farmer X model either as part of my collection or to carry in my pocket but this week my local Victorinox outlet has the Farmer X on Summer sale at 20% discount for about $65 including delivery, so on the spur of the moment last night I ordered one via their website & hope it will arrive sometime next week. Since its the basic silver colored model I will add it to my EDC rotation & all I need now is either to buy a leather pocket slip for a 4 layer 93mm Alox knife or use one of the 3 layer 111mm artificial leather pocket slips that I have spare . I've tried the Pioneer X in it & its not a tight fit so I can easily expand the 111mm slip to accommodate the wider 4 layer 93mm Farmer X

[@paulhanley5811]

top geezer , first time checking your stuff out , wont be my last, good information clear and concise , p

[@Just1Guy1000]

In total agreement about the lanyard post. It doesn't bother me on a standard SAK but the angle of it on the good versions just doesn't carry comfortably for me. Great video.

[@prh8068]

I will look forward to seeing your wire stripper modification.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Interesting review in that you speak about where this very good knife fits into your life as far as use goes. I am w/o a doubt a Victorinox fan-boy. At present I am trying to decide if my every day carry will be a Victorinox Farmer X, Camper, or Spirit X. From your comments I believe your choice was a multitool instead of a pocket folding knife. Do I understand correctly? If so, what lead you to that decision? If not, which do you carry and why? The Victorinox Spirit X is moving to the front in my decision process because of additional tools (primarily pliers) and why not carry it. The Victorinox Camper had been the front runner because it has the tools I use 70% of the time and slips conveniently in a pocket.

[@Tallguy173rd]

I've been in the market for a multi tool to fill out my non-work EDC and I've got to say that it's really coming down to an all out brawl between the Pioneer X and the Farmer X. At the end of the day the only difference between the two is the saw blade and, by extension, the added thickness. I trust that the pros and cons of that are fairly evident. I'm curious about y'all's thoughts on the matter. For context, I carry a dedicated straight edge folder that rotates between several knives that I have and a Leatherman Squirt P4 that's served me extremely well for approximately sixteen years. Side Note: I have to say that, in all honesty, the Squirt P4 is a multitool that punches way above its weight class. I carry it along with a Surge for my work EDC and the number of times I weekly use it over the Surge or in tandem with the Surge is near mind blowing.

[@FreedomFox1]

Check out the SOG PowerPint. They are supposed to have a super strong grip for small pliers. It also accepts 1/4 bits. The only downside is that some of the other tools aren’t so great (but they are all locking, which is very impressive for a small multitool).

[@erikramaekers63]

Perfect with the scissors

[@SpaceDave3000]

I wish Victorinox would offer the ability to fully configure your knife, scale type and features. Almost all of their knives are almost, but not quite and include filler blades for the sake of covering eventualities that you don't need covered. The cap lifters and can openers are the unnecessary parts on this one for me, and would be better off with a pruning blade and a good 2D Philips. As a carpenter who likes the quickness of pulling the right tool out to smooth a rough edge, sink a screw a little deeper or saw a small piece while inspecting and I'm up a ladder or a roof, not needing to climb down, unpack and select the right tool, then go back with my hand full and spend 10 minutes trying to find my place again, these types of SAKs are indispensable. I think that above anything is what a multitool is about, so being able to select the most common tool kit for the type of work you're using it for would be a real boon. I might have to look into ways to fully configure one. Also I think SAK saws are just a tiny bit better than leatherman's, but there isn't much in it. I've noticed I can get through something like a 1x2 a little quicker with a SAK.

[@txtoolcrib]

There is no doubt that they make an excellent saw blade. To your point, I am anxious to try out that pruning blade. Got one on the way.

[@BrothersCinco]

I totally agree. I work construction too and the tool sets just don't quite do it for me. I could ditch the can opener and possibly awl for a nice Phillips and possibly a pliers

[@TheTuneAce]

I need an Electrician X in my life

[@magicdave93]

I love the victorinox alox range and I personally like the lanyard ring, the only thing I don’t like is the spring on the Scissors I find it you open them up to much it pops out to one side. I think Wenger springs are better but that’s just me. Great review as alway Ben.

[@txtoolcrib]

Thanks. Always good to hear your insight as well.

[@HUZ9k3s5w]

Nice review!.Isn't this typical, I love my Victorinox Farmer. But then they add a new feature and an X to it's name. Oh well, I do not need it ... but that never stopped me from wanting something.. :-)

[@txtoolcrib]

Lol, I hear ya.

[@roy-batty]

Wish they made one with metal file instead of a wood saw. I rarely use the saw, but could use a file.

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

after much searching I found a larger Swiss army knife which I wanted to share with my wife on jointed desks. I finally found and got an MC9 hunter what's an 8 cm (3") nice strong locking main blade -- I think call drop point-- and only two other tools attached (a serrated curved blade and a saw). Does anyone know of any equivalent large S AK knife? I am tired of looking out and enjoying looking at the smaller, less useful sizes.

[@frits1954X2]

I am a metal worker and always carry a Victorinox farmer with me sometimes you need a piece of wood 2" x 4¨ then I'm faster with my Victorinox than my colleague in looking for a wood saw and bring it. and I use the eel for marking on nonverro metal. (zinc and aluminum )

[@miklospinter]

If a screw is just a little bit tough, I wouldn't be afraid to use the screw driver on the can opener. Of course, it's a pocket tool, a relatively thin peace of metal... And I've seen quite a few broken or twisted ones for sale. BUT: I only managed to bend the tip of the can opener just a little bit, and that was with a screw that I couldn't even loosen with a full size Phillips screw driver. OK, it was a cheap tool, but still: it got damaged on that screw, and I still couldn't get it out. Then I gave it a try with my Farmer: I bent it a little bit, but I got the screw out!

[@txtoolcrib]

Nice.

[@name5949]

You should have called me I would have taken that screw up in under a minute with my fieldmaster the best allrandr edc in my opinion the perfect example of a Swiss army knife outstanding tool set this is why it's called the fieldmaster 😋

[@miklospinter]

@@name5949 Maybe... But I've already seen a few 91 and 111 mm knives with bent liners from to much torque...

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

The victorinox saw blade has cut faster on everyone else's saw test, but I agree with you, I like Leatherman's sawblade a lot better. I think its because it's a pull type saw instead of a bi-directional saw like the victorinox.

[@txtoolcrib]

I guess I'll just have to put them to the test.

[@kevola5739]

Love the new assembly mat which really helps reference the size of the tool at a glance. Does the aftermarket belt clip on the Fieldmaster fit the Farmer X Alox? To me this knife is all about the awl (reamer) and a decent sized pair of scissors. I usually seem to have a small fixed blade as well as a small pair of vise grips on me so this knife may round out the daily carry nicely.

[@txtoolcrib]

No unfortunately that one doesn't fit the Alox versions. You are kind of limited to a suspension clip on the keychain.

[@devatwell334]

After using both type saws the leathermans pull style operates way better out in the field. Victorinox jams up alot and doesn't cut as efficiently from my experiences

[@jasonhoyt8232]

I carry a Leatherman and this Farmer X. Even though the Farmer is a bit redundant, it looks less offensive to the countless Commies that are eager to call the police on an anyone that they deam doing something threatening.

[@ulisesflores56]

My family members use to make fun of me for carrying the farmer X. But since it has a bottle cap lifter I'm the cool one now. Since i can open there beer bottles

[@txtoolcrib]

I hear ya. Stay prepared my friend.

[@danielorozco1728]

What backpack brand would you recommend? Other than Victorinox and Wenger.

[@txtoolcrib]

I have seen a lot of good ones, but I don't have personal experience with them. Let me try to do a little research.

[@jamesbailand4311]

Kifaru

[@simonh6371]

I would respectfully disagree that it's not really suited to carry paired up with a (plier-based) multitool. For example it has the saw and scissors which are lacking on the Leatherman Bond, or some Gerbers like the Crucial, and would work well paired with them. Or even an original PST if you're lucky enough to have one. I just pulled the trigger on this finally, I'm going to pair it up with either my Rebar if I'm carrying it in my bag (in a bike repair tool pouch which constitutes ''valid reason'' here in the UK, and I don't mind the saw redundancy as the saw on the Rebar isn't all that good), or if not my SOG Micro Toolclip, which has pretty good pliers for it's size and the blade on it isn't bad as backup. Also the Farmer X would pair up well just with a pair of Knipex Cobra pliers. However if you're able to carry a Wave or Surge or other multitools with a more complete toolset, I agree that there would be too much redundancy, then you're better off with just a folder.

[@dannystaley4538]

What Swiss knife do you carry with your multi knife

[@txtoolcrib]

It depends. I have carried the Pioneer X the most lately away from work.

[@johnossendorf9979]

If only it had tweezers, a corkscrew and tiny screw driver ! If it did, I'd consider it for a minimalist option to my 1985 Swiss Champ.

[@mightbesherwood1313]

You'd probably like a Huntsman.

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@mightbesherwood1313 I do own a Huntsman Light. Truth be told though, I'm not a minimalist.

[@ronnienarvacan5897]

I'll pair it with knipex cobra xs

[@txtoolcrib]

Do you find the XS pliers to be that useful? Seems to me that they are just a bit small.

[@ronnienarvacan5897]

@@txtoolcrib it's better than victorinox sak with plier and I want a plier that is not Integrated in a multitool

[@torpilo]

12:43 Actually you lose capability with the plastic scales, since they measure 3.7mm in thickness (1 scale + 1 liner), compared with alox witch are 2.7mm. With a total of 2 mm gain, you can stick a file or another big blade in there, or just take the feeling of 1 less layer... The plastic scales are just not worth it anymore, being too thick, slippery, scratchy, frail, not keeping their patterns more than 1 year, and also, just as the name says, they are made from plastic...

[@Sorin5780]

I don't know why they don't make these SAKs a little thicker and sturdier!

[@cristians2134]

👍😍

[@allanjonalisidro7007]

If only leatherman use the metal material of victorinox, it will be so expensive and the best multitool

[@simonh6371]

Victorinox use 440, LM use 420. 440 isn't really an expensive material. Swisstools are basically LM style multitools in 440 and (at least here in Europe) they cost around the same or even less than LM. It isn't copying LM really, the only thing which LM pioneered was folding pliers, with tools in the handles...but most of those tools like the bottle opener are copies of Victorinox designs so it's even stevens.

[@YA-ee9zf]

When you need a supplementary multitool you have a problem 😂

[@hansspiegl8684]

Why are you always comparing a 50.- € Victorinox to a 160,- € Leatherman?