Commemorating the Wild Year with a Victorinox Alox Cadet

A tactile transition from plastic scales to the refined durability of the Alox series

~12

Months

Years

111mm

Model

Section I

A Wild Year

The past 12 months have been the wildest of my life, and even that is an understatement. To commemorate the COVID-19 years and remind myself of how crazy it’s been, I picked up a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - Alox - Cadet.

Section II

Design and Evolution

A Design That Captivates

I've always wanted an Alox model ever since I purchased the Alox 8GB USB drive and found the all-metal design truly breathtaking. There is a certain feeling of assurance in its durability when you hold it in your hands, and while it’s smaller than my Spartan, it weighs about the same.

Trusty Companion — The Spartan

My trusty Spartan has been by my side for several years, and unfortunately, it has begun to show its age, with the plastic scales warping and coming undone.

→Spartan — My long-term EDC that has served me for at least seven years.
→Alox Cadet — The new, durable replacement chosen to avoid regular maintenance.

Tip: While moving to a new EDC can feel strange, the Alox build provides a substantial, high-quality tactile experience that justifies the adjustment period.

Future Possibilities

I’m already eyeing other Alox models, including possibly the Pioneer X. I think the concern with weight might be overrated. While I had some difficulty in the past with my 111mm Trekker, that was more about its substantial size. Although it fit perfectly in jeans and khaki shorts, it felt like a rock in dress slacks.

Emblematic Choices

I’m really liking the look of the Cadet and the red emblem on silver. I might spring for a black or blue Alox with a red emblem, but those might be special or limited editions.