Victorinox Pioneer X: 2 Week Update

The pioneer X has been an amazing carry tool for the past 2 weeks as a replacement for my beloved compact. I can't claim a preference yet but the I can say the pioneer X is good to go and highly recommended. I've been carrying the Cobra XS for pliers but after missing the file, I switched out the cobra for the Leatherman style PS.
What I miss from the compact:
1) File
2) Pen (think I need to get a manager)
3) Thin blade geometry
What I prefer over the compact:
1) Looks and feels great
2) Awl
3) Better philips driving
Nonaffiliated link: www.swissknifeshop.com/produc...

[@naturecalls3465]

totally agree a cadet with scissors would be soooo good!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Don’t think it’ll happen anytime soon but I’m optimistic!

[@joakimkarlsson4960]

The Pioneer X and Style PS combo is what I keep in my pockets 90% of the time. Awesome combo for my needs!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Super solid combo! Pliers, tweezer, file and long reach driver really compliment the pioneer x

[@kabayan9746]

Thanks for the update video! Compact is my minimalist sort of pocket carry as well not until I got the Pioneer X, now I got several alox and I just love the looks and the sexiness of it. I just pair it with the classic sd on my key chain so I don't loose some of my essential tools (toothpick, tweezer, file). Now my leatherman stays in the car or in the edc pouch/bag.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Exactly the same here! Except I run the rambler because it’s amazing! I’ve been going away from the Leatherman daily as we’ve finally been transitioning working in the office. In that environment I need the pliers less and don’t necessarily want the extra attention!

[@motorcyclegordy2078]

Love the passion! This just replaced my Leatherman for EDC. Also replaced my edc knife carry. More appropriate for having on me while picking up my son at elementary school.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

For sure! I still carry a locking blade but I love having a Vic for cutting as apple at the zoo and the like

[@Tundra-yb8gj]

Amen! Finally someone besides me that sings the praises of the awl! I love my Pioneer! Also, I felt the same way about the key ring, but I began utilizing it for a pocket clip…love it! I also EDC a Victorinox that has nail clippers and A FILE! Plus, it has the tweezers and toothpick. Thanks for the review.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

A good awl is such a sweet and functional addition. Love having one!

[@Tundra-yb8gj]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Same! I barely use the blade.

[@vladspb_]

I have both Pioneer and Pioneer X and now I found out that I like Pioneer and Classic or Ambassador combination better than Pioneer X. You have really very nice pliers.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It’s funny because low key I’d say that the 58mm scissors address my needs better than the full size 91-93mm scissors. However there is definitely an X-factor that makes the larger scissors worth the carry. In the end I’m a crazy guy that likes multiple scissors and knives on me daily!

[@marklawrence855]

Have the compact, after watching this Have ordered this one 😊

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Good choice! They are some of the best!

[@stevesinclair4159]

Happy Wednesday EP, my fixed daily carry is the Midnight Manager on my key chain & a Gentleman's knife on a rotational basis of one of the following - a Pioneer, a Pioneer X or a Cadet and occasionally a Garant . I have a Compact but seldom carry it because I have become bored with its plain red scales & have on order some black Plus scales and when they arrive I will put a pair on the Compact & pop it back into my daily rotation. My pioneers, X's & cadets are in various colors ( except silver ) and each morning I select a different one, I carry them either in a Skai sheath or if I am wearing jeans in the little ticket pocket, the cadet fits in well as does the pioneer, protruding just a little but the pioneer X due to its width does not & so I keep it in a sheath. If I need a PTK ( Pocket Tool Kit ) on any particular day then I usually forgo the Gentleman's knife & instead carry my Plus scale modified Huntsman fitted with a SwissQlip for easy pocket extraction or the Evo Grip S17 or S18.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Variety is the spice of life! What's your preferred carry between pioneer and cadet?

[@stevesinclair4159]

​@@EngineersPerspective701 its slightly seasonal, in winter when I have heavier pants & jackets on its easier to carry a Pioneer & especially the Pioneer X in a pocket , in summer with no jacket & wearing lightweight pants / shorts it the Cadet. Overall my favorite is the Pioneer X because of the scissors & the longer blade.

[@MPD90]

I know this is 2-years old now so probably a pointless comment, but for me the Pioneer X wins against the Compact. Just feels so much more robust, like a proper tool rather than a keychain gizmo. Just in case you haven't tried it, I found suspension clips (KeySmart do a good one) to be an absolutely gamechanger for pocket carrying a SAK, so comfortable and always easy to grab. A bit late for your Pioneer X but perhaps good for other SAKs in your collection!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I've been using the KeySmarts for a long time and do like them. Can kind of get in the way so I only use them if the SAK is my primary knife for easier access. Otherwise I tend to drop them into my pocket or a little leather slip case.

[@toolsgear2695]

The Pioneer X is my new EDC. I use the awl almost as much as I use the main blade. I just ordered the limited edition orange and I can’t wait to get it. 👍

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Awesome man! Same on the awl, so useful and really saves the main blade. I really want to get one of the colored versions and have it engraved but everyone has been putting their logo/name in the engraving spot! Just waiting for the right one

[@happykt]

I have the Tiger Orange one too! Its next to impossible to find anymore. I paid a lot for it.

[@miklospinter]

Even if you want to drink wine, you won't have to miss the corkscrew. I already opened a few bottles of wine with the can opener of my Pioneer X. Honestly, I find it even easier than with a corkscrew. Just push it all the way in, then half close and rotate until the cork is out. It works like a charm with synthetic corks. You have to be more careful with natural cork, but I've done that, too.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Have to try this now!

[@miklospinter]

@@EngineersPerspective701 I can't find the video where I first saw this, but here is another one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYGXeJ6Aftxrbac (I believe I also half closed the knife before rotating it, that probably makes it easier, but it works without that too, obviously.)

[@dududu5189]

@@miklospinter Wow, isn't it amazing how innovative we can be with using our tools the wrong way...

[@latetodagame1892]

The PioX is great. It's my edc right now. I also like the Super Tink!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Truly one of the best for me! Super tinker is a classic but those 3 layer plastic scaled knives are a lot in the pocket I feel!

[@latetodagame1892]

@@EngineersPerspective701 yeah! I'm in the same boat. I want Victorinox to make a Pioneer Y, where they replace the normal Pioneer awl with the SD Classic scissors. The name is sort of a joke, but I'm serious about the design.

[@FreedomFox1]

You should check out the SOG PowerPint. It’s really impressive how many locking tools they fit on that little thing. The pliers are excellent and it also accepts bits. Unfortunately the scissors aren’t great. And although it’s small, it doesn’t disappear in the pocket like the compact does (it’s got a bit of weight, like the pioneer x).

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I have heard some good things about the power pint! I tend to stay away from Gerber and SOG having handled them on several occasions and not being impressed. But you can't judge a book by its cover!

[@lovedove09100]

Thank you so much for this video ! I am currently searching for my first pocket knife and I stumbled upon your video ! I am leaning towards the pioneer x but I’m so excited to try them in person ! Question: can the scales be used for anything ? Like filing nails or surfaces or is it mainly for aesthetics

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Mostly aesthetics but you can do light hammering or push a nail/pin/etc. in with it

[@HisGraceHisGlory]

I'll be buying the Pioneer X in the Thunder Grey next week, I can't wait to get it. I will just add the KeySmart Nano Clip for the perfect carry for myself.

[@iamsemjaza]

The Alox Farmer X adds the saw which is nice.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I generally don’t need the saw for everyday use but a solid add for sure!

[@alexpaulk9364]

I keep the Leatherman Surge in my EDC bag for several reasons and 1 of those reasons is that you can remove the file. It lets me turn it into a quick knife sharpener; especially on a SAK or RAT 2 in D2.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

That diamond file comes in handy very often! Sharpening blades, drill bits, nail file, sharp edge on plastic, the list goes on

[@alexpaulk9364]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Yep, when I go camping, I don't take a dedicated sharpener. I trust I can MAINTAIN any of my edges with the diamond file or fix an edge on a hatchet with the other side of the file.

[@name5949]

Farmer x is a fantastic EDC as well

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I believe it, these 3 layer pioneers are killer

[@dbag57]

I dont need it because I have a compact, and I think a harvester would be a great complement for outdoor stuff, but so tempted to pick one of these uo for the coffe table

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Get one! No regrets!

[@FreedomFox1]

I’m thinking of getting a leather slip to hold my pioneer x and space pen. I think that would allow the pioneer x to carry better. It’s not that the pioneer x is particularly heavy, but it feels a bit like a small rock in my pocket. I imagine that spreading the weight out with a slip would make it disappear better (plus improving access and adding a pen).

[@stevesinclair4159]

As a rule I carry my Pioneer X's in a Skai ( imitation leather ) sheath to prevent keys or other pocket items scratching the Alox scales . Ditto for my Cadets when I am not wearing jeans, a Cadet fits snuggly in the little ticket pocket of jeans & at a pinch a regular Pioneer fits in but does protrude slightly

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I should try it before I knock it but those slips just seem like they'd add extra bulk and another step to retrieving the knife. One day I'll try one that can hold a cadet, light and pen.

[@hardcore9erfan]

I love my Pioneer X. Used to carry the Super Tinker and the Pioneer X feels like an upgrade because of the alox scales and spring tension. I chose to keep the key ring and add a small lanyard since I 5th pocket carry the Pioneer X and it makes it much easier to remove.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It's super great! Not sure if it replaces the compact. Kind of apples and oranges but if I had to choose between the pioneer X or the cadet I'd take the pioneer X I think. Which is saying a lot as the cadet is a longtime favorite of mine

[@cobraman502]

I bought a huntsman and bought the compacts scales (tweezers, toothpick and pen). They snap on really easy and they are OEM not knock offs.

[@stevesinclair4159]

Way to go FR! I have so far retro-fitted 3 Huntsmen & a Climber with Plus scales of different colors & will be fitting several other model SAK's I own with Plus scales once they arrive !

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Nice! What do you use most on the huntsman? I don't have one yet but I may upgrade my outdoor SAK from the camper. The farmer X has my attention as well though.

[@cobraman502]

@@EngineersPerspective701 so I got the huntsman because 1. I could replace the scales with the compact plus to add the pen. 2. I have a fire ant (mini fero rod) and the molded tinder in the corkscrew. 3. Scissors was a must. 4. Price is very attractive vs the farmer x

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@cobraman502 Excellent points for having that legit built in fire kit!

[@stevesinclair4159]

​@@EngineersPerspective701 the main blade, the scissors & the mini-screwdriver & occasionally the wood saw .

[@donkahl63]

I second the Cadet X!!!!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Cmon Victorinox! Give the people what they want!

[@miklospinter]

Except for the 58 mm, I like all SAKs better without a key ring. But the ring is the most annoying on the 93 mm... When I Dremel and file it off, I always put a few layers of tape on the scales as well as on the springs, to make sure I don't scratch them. That nickel silver key ring attachment is fortunately not too hard, so I usually round off the sharp part that you mentioned with a Pioneer reamer.

[@stevesinclair4159]

I have not filed down the ring hole on the layer itself but I have removed some of the keyrings on my Pioneers & Cadets ditto for several of my 85mm & 91mm Saks as the keyring always seems to flop itself in the way of a tool at an inconvenient moment, apart from that I have fitted the SwissQlip to some of my 91mm SAK's for more convenient pocket carry.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Agreed that it's particularly sinful on the pioneer. It sticks straight up like they didn't give a hoot about a hand holding the thing. Really prefer it now in the smooth configuration.

[@miklospinter]

@@EngineersPerspective701 The problem is that they had no other place for it. It would be in the way of the tools everywhere else. And they couldn't even consider it in the original design because they didn't use key rings yet when they introduced the Pioneer back in 1957.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

I've been carrying an SAK for something like 40 years. The first major thing I've done with all of them is filing down that damn key ring tab. It's the only part of any Victorinox that I totally hate.

[@stevesinclair4159]

​@@EngineersPerspective701 The 2 Pioneers that I have without key rings are the "Antonov Club Avianna" special edition red Pioneer & a Nespresso "Dharkan" special edition Pioneer, naturally they are in my collection of Limited & Special Edition SAK's

[@mickeyzee43]

Instead of changing the Cadet thus losing the scissors, they need to take the Farmer X trade the saw for the file. Call it something like the Suburban.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I definitely like the idea! Why not both?! I really do like the idea of scissors in that smaller cadet profile

[@imp2247]

I went through about 10 different saks (including pioneer x) before settling on the Compact. You just can't beat the functionality and portability of that knife. I keep an alox minichamp in my wallet too.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The pioneer X does some things better but it doesn't do as much as the compact and is 50% heavier for it. Sometimes I'll throw the standard mini champ on my keychain when I want a pen and a ton of tool options!

[@Masata240]

What is the one thing you would keep if no knife is allowed?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Speaking generally for EDC? Right now it would be either the Leatherman style PS or the Victorinox jetsetter. If I still worked in a plant then I couldn’t survive without a light, pen and notepad. 3 things in one but really you need them all!

[@Masata240]

@@EngineersPerspective701 thanks! I ordered the LM Style. I agree on having a light, pen and notebook at all times.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

I was really disappointed when I got this a few months ago. It felt slippery in my hand, which is never a good thing. I've since worn off whatever crap they applied to it, so now it's my second-favorite Vic tool, just behind the Super Tinker.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It's definitely a winner in my book! Do I prefer it over the compact or my daily carry though is still not answered for me.

[@Masata240]

@@EngineersPerspective701 we'll be waiting for your answer :)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@Masata240 I think I have my final thoughts on it now. Now just to find the time to shoot a video!

[@dmam412]

Huge fan of the pioneer x. Very complimentary to a minimalist edc option like the skeletool. I miss the toothpick and file though. I edc a climber that I have modified with plus scales so not having a pen also hurts a little bit too.

[@stevesinclair4159]

Hi dereck, I agree completely about the lack of scale tools in the 84mm & 93mm Alox models. Its a shame that Victorinox has not addressed this matter & probably they never will and its a pain in the rear that they don't offer all models with Plus scales as a factory installed option. I have upgraded 3 Huntsman ( I have 4 including a special edition ) & 1 climber and will upgrade a 2nd in the near future once the various colored Plus scales I ordered arrive & I am even going to upgrade my Compact with new black Plus scales as I find it to be boringly cheap looking with the red scales it came with.

[@dmam412]

It would only take a few grinding operations or a modification to the mold the scales are casted in.

[@stevesinclair4159]

@@dmam412 very true!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

My thoughts exactly. I have a video about pairing the compact and the skeletool as a super capable minimalist option.

[@knifetrain3118]

The compact and my Leatherman Skeletool is my perfect EDC for work because I never have a pen when I need one. I have a Pioneer X on order in red Alox scales.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

That’s such a solid pair. Possible the most capability for size and weight even! I can’t say the pioneer x replaces my compact but it’s the only tool that can displace the compact occasionally

[@dcamnc1]

The compact is cool, but its combo tool is awful, bends if you look at it. Mine bent on a light duty screw, sent it back. I'll stick with the original separate cap & can opener config.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Idk about awful but definitely suboptimal! It’s gotten me out of many many jams but it’s not ideal for really any task. Main thing is I wish it was thicker for those prying tasks like yo mentioned

[@vladspb_]

Yes, a file is definitely missing on Pioneer X

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I really don’t see an open spot for it in the toolset too so it really just requires a complimentary tool for a file. Which brings up the point you made in the other comment of maybe it’s best to just have a pioneer and a classic or something of that nature.

[@vladspb_]

@@EngineersPerspective701 any spot may work fine. You can put it on its bottle opener or on the main blade or even on scales. In German army knife (Victorinox) it was on its wood saw.

[@vladspb_]

@@EngineersPerspective701 well I also like 74mm with scissors knives like Ambassador or Money Clip

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@vladspb_ Didn't even occur to me! For my mileage I'd prefer a file on all tools

[@tuckeyuk]

Put a philips on the back of the compact, winner! That's what I did

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Swap out the corkscrew or rig up a way to get rid of the hook?

[@tuckeyuk]

@@EngineersPerspective701 I do quite like the file on the hook though, and my kid likes playing with the hook ;-D

[@PeteAppler]

You can always give Victorinox Evolution series a shot. Think most of them have fingernail files

[@stevesinclair4159]

I have both the Evolution EvoGrip S17 & S18 ( the S17 has a corkscrew & the S18 a Philips screwdriver but apart from that they are identical ) & they are my alternative PTK ( Pocket Tool Kit ) carry to my modified Huntsman . I love the fact that they are blade lock models & have contoured scales, the only downside is there are no Plus scales available for them .

[@PeteAppler]

@@stevesinclair4159 I have S18 but I don’t like orientation of the Phillips driver as much as I though I would

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@PeteAppler I have the Evogrip 11 and definitely prefer it over the tinker. I wish they did the file the same as on the cadet because it's a bit smallish on the Evo series. Worth it though!

[@stevesinclair4159]

​@@PeteAppler IMO an inline Phillips is much more useful rather than having one as a back layer tool like on the S18 & for me the corkscrew on the S17 is useful as a tool holder in itself. On my S17 I removed the toothpick & replaced it with the Firefly ferro rod & on the corkscrew I placed a small tinder spiral & its held in place by the eyeglass screwdriver . I have the same set up on my Huntsman's & have 3 with Firefly rods, tinder spirals , eyeglass screwdrivers and Plus scales of different colors & I have fitted 2 of them so far with the SwissQlip for easy pocket carry in place of the key ring. I am slowly going thru my 91mm collection & retroactively upgrading them with Plus scalesof different colors, Firefly rods, tinder spirals & the mini screwdrivers or instead the small Fire Ant ferro rod on the corkscrew & I will also fit a few more with SwisQlips . Of course all these extras cost quite a lot so I am only upgrading the more expensive models from the Climber upwards & leaving Campers & Spartans unaltered .

[@PeteAppler]

@@EngineersPerspective701 totally agree. I have a Sportsman with this straight cut pattern file and it is just a great feature

[@dvl7612]

Compact forever !

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Compact is lyfe! Honestly after all this time I still carry the pioneer x at least 50% of the time but I miss the range of tools on the compact most of the time!

[@robhowell4424]

I love the pioneer X but I do find it to be a bit heavy for my liking

[@EngineersPerspective701]

In jeans it's a non-issue for me but in certain shorts and definitely athletic clothing it swings around like a pendulum. Using the suspension clips to carry it in those situations helps a lot though

[@skorzeny7377]

Just a friendly recommendationc bc it sounds like you havent found the solution many of us have. Get a nice leather edc organizer for your pocket. I recommend getting one that accommodates a light, a pioneer x, and a space pen. You can add a small file to it (not sure whats going on with this need for a file lol) . You wont have to butcher you pioneer next time (j/k) heres a link to arguably the best: hitchandtimber.com/shop

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The pocket organizers never really appealed to me as it seemed like added bulk. BUT the repeated comments broke me and I ordered one from Etsy to see what all the fuss was about. The keyring wasn't a carry issue, it was a holding in hand issue so I'd butcher it all over again if I had to! The one I chose: www.etsy.com/listing/988113188/rogue-20-1-pocket-side-loop-edc?ref=hp_rv-1&frs=1

[@frits1954X2]

Do you wear the same clothes every day? Who says you have to wear the same Victorinox every day? 😀 BEST REGARDS Frits

[@EngineersPerspective701]

True statement, however we all have our favorite outfit! 😁

[@bigjohnson1092]

The Alox key ring is atrocious! I don’t know how that obvious minor detail (which causes major pain) escaped the company’s attention. A major oversight imho.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It's perplexing, especially from victorinox! I feel as though they must have a reason for it but I don't like it and love how it feels with it removed