I'm a fan of Swiss Army Knives in general and the Soldier is my favorite. Just the basic tools in a very slim package, the Soldier is the knife still issued to soldiers in the Swiss army. Hence the emblem on the side is not the standard Victorinox company logo, rather the national crest of Switzerland.

The main blade I would guess is 50% thicker than the blade on 'regular' SAK models. The knurled aluminum grips have a great non-slip feel to them.

I've taken this knife on a number of trips through the White Mountains. Compact, sharp and versatile. Just the the right mix for the trail. M.

I have had many Swiss Army knives in the past (both Victorinox and Wenger) but I couldn't decide which one best fit me. Some where to big for the pocket and some felt too cheap (plastic handles). So I was looking for a new one to try and seen the Alox handle ones. I read some other peoples reviews on them and decide to get one. (I picked the Soldier since it was the knife actually used by the Swiss Army.) Let me just say WOW! This is the knife I was looking for. What a difference to the regular plastic handle ones.

Pros:
-Solid feel and excellent grip (grooves in the handle)
-Handles won't scratch or break off like the plastic handle ones
-Tool are made thicker than the plastic handle one (big plus in my book)
-Snaps in and out without any wiggle
-Thin and light enough to carry in the pocket without being felt
-Just the right amount of tools (and necessary ones too)
-Made by Victorinox (Wenger I felt is not as good quality as Victorinox)

Cons:
-Reamer tool (wish it was a smaller knife or phillips screwdriver but hey Macgyver seemed to make pretty good use of it)

Overall I would say if you were going to only have one Swiss Army knife, this is the model I would definately recommend getting. It's the only model knife Victorinox makes that doesn't have their company logo shield on it. Instead its the army shield. Like I said earlier it's the model the Swiss Army uses so it must be good.

A reliable tool to get you out a tough spot. I'm on my second knife of this model. The first lasted 12 years, i believe this knife will be with me just as long. Not too heavy and not to thick, an easy carry. All though others have more options, this has been the greatest all around beneficial knife for me.

First let me admit that I've loved Swiss Army Knives (SAKs) since my grandpa first brought me one from Switzerland when I was about 10. I've been through about 2 dozen of them. Some, I've lost, some, I've given away. One weakness in the design of SAKs is the plastic handle. If you drop the knife, chances are the handle will crack, fall off, whatever. This is not an issue with the "Silver Alox" (aluminum) handle versions like this one. These handles don't fall off, and they don't break. Also, Victorinox isn't trying to kid anyone by putting that ridiculous little keyring on this one. This is a real pocketknife. Compared to similar size SAKs, this one is not only more durable because of the handle material, but the blade is made from thicker stock. Losing the small blad in favor of an awl is a fair trade. After all, many people break their SAK blades by trying to pry with them. The awl is kind of a multipurpose tool. You can use it to punch holes in things, pry (a bit), dig around in things, widen (ream) holes, and many other things. Sometimes, I do miss the small blade though. That small blade was the one I would always keep sharp, no matter what. The large blade is used for heavier work, and the small one for light duty work that required a razor's edge. I also miss the toothpick sometimes. However, if you're only going to have one pocketknife, it has to be either this one or the Classic. This one for the more heavy duty type of person, the Classic for the more "business casual" type of person.

The can opener works brilliantly. The small screwdriver tip at the end of the can opener was a stroke of genius. The bottle opener works brilliantly as well, and the large screwdriver is as useful as the bottle opener. The "wire stripper" is all but useless. To use it, one has to first cut a ring around the insulation of the wire in question. The problem is that if you're doing it on the appropriate size wire, you're likely to cut yourself while cutting the ring. After one cuts the ring around the wire, one fits the wire into the groove, bends it over 90° while holding onto the piece of insulation to be stripped off, and pulls. It works, but it's clumsy.

I've been carrying mine daily now for a couple months. It's time to get a small classic size one, but with more tools, back into my daily knife rotation. This one is starting to feel heavy at my office job. But I do revel in the glory of always having a tough knife to open boxes with and a bottle opener to open a nice import beer. Heheheh.

Oh, a bit of history. This is the soldier model. Most SAKs have 'Victorinox Switzerland Stainless' on one side of the main blade and 'Officer Suisse' on the other. Those are "Officer's Knives" in other words: not as tough. This one doesn't have the 'Officer Suisse' on the other side. This is the SAK that started it all. Mine has '97' on the other side of the main blade, which was probably the year it was manufactured.

Heavier duty than the average SAK (swiss army knife) - the Soldier is an excellent every day carry tool. The Alox (aluminum) handles are very rugged, and the tools are slightly thicker than the regular swiss army knife models. This is the knife that is issued to Swiss soldiers. If you only get one SAK, this should be the one.

I have had one of these knifes for 20+ years. I just needed to get new one because my old one had been sharped too many times and the blade was too out of shape to be sharpened anymore.

I love this knife.

Update: After having this knife several months the blade has started to rust. Turns out that my 20 year old model had stainless steel blades and this one does not. Probably just a sign of the times, but now I'm looking for a replacement that is truly all stainless steel. ( including the blades, not just the handle)

I have had now four of these knives.
Number one: I basically wore out after 6 years of faithful services.

Number two: I lost at work a few days after I bought it, and I have sneaky suspicion that someone stole it.

Number three: Was damaged when it fell onto a concrete sidewalk from a 5 story balcony.

Now I am on number four...
Needless to say I am very hard on knives and I have had numerous others. However none ever seems to last me more than a few weeks. The lovely Plastic Red Handled Swiss Army knives always seem to fall apart on me. Or as happened on one occasion melt due to chemicals. This metal handled knife can withstand the chemicals, extreme heat, most drops (5 stories it can't), the blade is tough enough to use under extreme conditions, and unlike many similar knives. This one actually features useable tools! In fact I can truthfully say I have used ALL of the tools featured. If you are looking for a simple and extremely functional Swiss Army knife this is the one.

Really sharp and easy to use, only thing the blade is quite long and my workplace stated that it is more of a weapon....so yeah....after that i couldn't really use it anymore, oh well, still a great knife

You will never find a better knife than the Victorinox Soldier. It can do everything without being cumbersome. Some of the Victorinox series have more gadgets of course, but unless you are a freakin' astronaut you don't need them day-to-day. This knife resided in my pocket every day of my life for the past 9 years, until *GASP* it was lost in a movie theater seat.....F@&%!!!!! If you know what I mean. Every day since losing it about 4 months ago I've needed it...the reamer makes a fine mouse wheel cleaner and will cut open those annoying clear plastic packages things come in from walmart or target or wherever that house electronics, or whatever... the bottle opener is great for all types of beverages...hint hint....you will never need to leave a screw unturned ever again...the large screwdriver is just big enough, and the small screwdriver is just small enough to do phillips head as well as small flat head screws. You will never need to bring a screwdriver to the DMV ever again when you sell your car or get new plates. Trust me, it is WONDERFUL. The blade of course is fantastic, just long enough to be strong and functional but not long enough to be illegal, for the most part that is. The aluminum handles are awesome too, because the texture provides extremely good grip, plus doesn't scratch like the red plastic does....Needless to say I love this thing, and it is one of the most valued items I've ever owned....Buy it...don't think it over any longer just BUY IT!!!

It is not the true one but it is very similar:
It lacks of a ring.
the Soldier Knife is different from the officiel Knife,more common.

This is the real thing not a plastic handled copy. Heavier blades and a good feel.

I received this knife as a gift from my Swiss sister in law 15 YEARS AGO, and it's a real gem without a trace of rust or wear! The blades are VERY SHARP and although I can't say I use it on a daily basis, I would dare say it would take a lot to dull them, it is surely made of high-quality tempered steel. I have even let friends etch and bore on rocks with the boring tool and it still has a nice pointy tip on it. It doesn't wiggle or slip, the blades stay in place when extended and snap right back into the sleeve the same way they did the first time I opened it it.

If you are looking for a quality knife at a reasonable price I highly recommend this knife for the Scout or outdoorsman in your family.

This is the definitive basic pocketknife. It's slim and carries the the necessary tools and ONLY the necessary tools. These are: a large (and sharp!) blade, a can opener (with a small screwdriver tip), a bottle opener (with a wide screwdriver tip) and an awl. The durable checkered silver sides offer a secure grip. The knife, while not small, fits comfortably in a pocket or a purse, ready to trim an errant thread or open a non-twistoff beer bottle.

I agree that this simple, elegant design is probably one of the best Swiss Army Knives out there. Unfortunately it's missing tweezers! I can't tell you how useful they are with splinters.

An aging Recruit model that I have is usually preferable for every day use because it has two blades, as the longer one is overkill for most tasks I use my knife for. I tend to use the smaller knife for everyday needs (opening boxes and packages, etc). The longer blade comes in handy for cutting up fruit and other foods as well as envelopes. It works out well as I wouldn't want a knife used to cut up edibles to have been used to open dirty boxes or punch open the foil seals on the bottles of photo developing chemicals. The shorter knife is also more stable for non-food related tasks.

The metal case is definitely more durable and I love how it looks. My Recruit model's plastic case has a bit broken off due to a particularly drop and I've had old knives where they've fallen off completely due to neglectful use.

All in all a great knife, but it is missing a few elements that keep me holding onto the plastic model.

I bought this knife to replace an older one that I "lost" at an airport security check (forgot to empty that pocket at home.)

It appears to be exactly the same knife as the Swiss Army Pioneer Pocket Knife, which I also bought ("just to see..."), except that this one has a key ring.

They are both absolute gems, each has a small variety of tools that are extremely useful and is not overloaded with "fun" stuff that just add to the weight and awkwardness. The metal is hard & sturdy enough that you can really do some prying without damaging the blades, the knife blade is sharp and will hopefully stay that way for a while (good metal), the can-opener works well, the shape of the small screwdriver lets you wriggle it into the smallest of openings to do the pry thing, and the blade remains un-nicked so continues to work well as a screwdriver afterward.
Also, the handle is metal, not plastic, so I can carry it (for years?) in the same pocket with my keys, with no chipping or loosening of the side plates. A very good design! and I'm grateful that the Company continues to make such a useful piece, when they undoubtedly earn a lot more profit from the big, fancy, multi-mega-bladed tools - which may be good in a toolbox, but not in a pocket!

I am somewhat of an unqualified expert on the Victorinox Swiss Army Knives, I currently own 4 of them, and one Wenger Executive. If you are going back and forth debating which is better, in my experience the Victorinox is superior in blade quality and construction. The Wenger knives have more "wiggle" in the blade and just don't feel as solid.

The Silver Alox Soldier is a fine looking knife. I really prefer the look and style to any other Swiss Army red or black. It feels heavier, and the handle material isn't going to chip or crack. Good enough to put in your back or front pocket without being too heavy, and a nice mix of tools. I also have the Silver Alox Harvester, which is the same knife with a sawblade added. You wouldn't think it would make much of a difference, but the Soldier is noticeably lighter in your pocket, so if weight is a big deal for you and you can sacrafice the sawblade, this knife would be ideal for you.

In my opinion, this is the best Swiss Army knife ever made. It is the sturdiest of all the knives, and has only the necessary tools. Perfect for camping/backpacking, and as a gift to friends and family.


PROS:

-The knife blade is longer and thicker (sturdier) than the knife blades on other Swiss Army knife models.
-Aluminum Handles. The classic red plastic handles on the other models will eventually crack and fall off after a few years of regular use. The aluminum sides on this knife will never break, and they offer superior grip.
-Compact and Lightweight.
-It's the official army knife of Swiss soldiers, so it must be good!


CONS:

1. The reamer may not be very useful for many people. However, it has many other uses if you get creative.

Ordered one each for some male co-workers. They loved the knifes. Some reported even the women at home wanted to take the gift for their own. Build quality, size, heft, functionallity and reputation all combine to make a durable and desirable gift knife.

So after a few weeks of considering which Victorinox to buy, I finally decided on the Soldier. The selling point was its simplicity, and the metal sides. I liked the traditional aspect of the Swiss Army knife, and I loved the modern spin with the metal checkered side.

The knife is surprisingly light considering the metal and the quality of the blade and tools. I had it in my back pocket earlier (which I dont do with most knives, because I dont like the awkward weight and lump back there) and didn't even tell it was there. Honestly, the knife is so light you won't believe it.

The blade is of excellant quality. It doesnt take much torque to open it, though once it is opened it snaps into place and it held there until you want it shut. It dosent wobble from side to side or fold back in clumsily. It is also very sharp, cut through a sheet of paper like it wasnt there.

The bottle and can openers open like the blade, only they stop halfway, then snap to the open position. I love the fluency of it, you'll have to feel it to know what it feels like. The reamer was one of the few things I was a little disappointed in. I don't see a use for it, I would have had a smaller blade or something else. Then again I've only had the knife for a day, so it may be of more use than I thought. Also I would have preferred the standard tweezers and toothpick, but I can see how it would be hard to work into the metal handle.

All in all, 5 out of 5 stars. If you buy this knife, for yourself or as a gift, you will not be disappointed. I bought it looking for a good, sturdy pocket knife to whittle marshmallow stick and open Root Beer bottles. It is the perfect pocket knife.

This is a perfect knife. It is small and very practical, the combination of the blades is very good (blade, screw driver, can opener, and hole maker-carving tool). The size is perfect I have an old champion but is too large and you almost never use any of the tools but the knife and the screw driver. I like this one better is the perfect pocket knife. Plus the silver aluminum is far better than the traditional red plastic and it won't get scratch that easily.

I love this knife. As a infantry instructor I see my students come through with all sorts of different pocket knives. Most cost between $30-$100 dollars and are no better than my Victorinox Soldier. I have been carrying one for years and found it to have everything I ever need without the high expense. This knife is more rugged than any of the other swiss army knives I've used and has a heavier blade. I don't go anywhere without it. Buy two in case you lose one. You won't regret carrying this knife.

I have both a Victorinox and Wenger "Soldier" knife. These are both Mil Spec from imported used military surplus from Switzerland. The catch is that I don't know if they are built exactly the same way for the Swiss Army as the civilian ones. Mine are used ones, Victorinox, is from 1985. The Wenger is from 1980. Both companies are required to print the year issued to troops on the blade, engraving the last two digits of the year issued. My point is that these knives are 19 and 24 years old and still are strong and feel like new. Weird thing is the one from 1980 is slightly heavier.

I was actually in Switzerland five years ago and bought a Victorinox "Nomad". Big mistake. It cost me about $45, I never use it and I wouldn't trust that knife with my life. The "Soldier" I would. Plus the nomad is illegal to carry concealed in Los Angeles City. The "Soldier" is one the least expensive knives the companies makes and is probably made the best. Not really a big surprise but I thought I should state it.

The test:
I have a friend who has had every knife known to man except a Benchmade, too expensive he says. Spyderco, Cold Steal, Buck, Colt, all dead. And all 40 to 70 dollars. So here is the test I am going to give him my Victorinox knife and if he manages to break it then I will come back and let you all know. I expect you'll never hear from me again.

I carry this knife every day. Its aluminum handle feels good in my hand. The main blade takes a razor sharp edge and holds it. The grid design on the handle seems to keep it from getting scratched in my pocket. For some reason this feels a bit more solid than the other knife I carry (a MiniChamp on the keyring), and not just because it's bigger.