Customer Reviews

Victorinox Swiss Army Pioneer Harvester Pocket Knife (Silver Alox Ribbed)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even though it's a relatively inexpensive pocket-knife, I poured over reviews, compared the more trendy Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw knives, and went over every option on the Swiss-Army. Why not the more expensive knives? Because I wanted a compact knife with more than one blade. I also wanted a more options than they had to offer. Yes, I'd be a lot cooler carrying the lastest Spyderco or Benchmade - but I'm about practicality. I was a little concerned about how well it would hold an edge. The more expensive knives have a stronger, denser, carbon-based steel, but it comes at a cost. They're a little more prone to rust. I read up on the Victorinox, and although it might be a slightly softer metal, it is virtually impervious to rust. It being a compact folding knife with multiple blades that I plan on using outdoors quite a bit, this was a concern. So far, I've used it quite a bit and it remains super-sharp as the day it arrived and of course, absolutely no rust, stains, or discoloration.

I chose the harvester over other Swiss Army Knives for the following reasons. I wanted the silver metal exterior with the texture, not the slick red plastic that tends to scratch. The silver also makes me feel like it is more durable and looks much more expensive. The small pruning blade - I use this one most often. The hook shaped point of this blade makes opening anything very simple. The saw - wow. The teeth are extremely sharp and arranged in such a way that they rip thru wood. I tested it on a scrap piece of 1/2" plywood and even though you can only make small strokes, it wouldn't take long to saw thru a decent size limb.
The awl is perfect scratching a starter hole for nails and drill bits. The overall size of the knife is not too small and not too large. You barely notice it in your pocket. The overall build quality is excellent. You feel like you're getting more than your money's worth.

The only feature I sort of miss is the lanyard attachment. It's available in other knives, but it's a tradeoff in size and options that were important to me.

That's my review. I use the heck out of the thing and am extremely happy with it. You will be too.

This knife is a good example of what happens when craftmanship, utility, and good design is paired with excellent production quality - I would highly recommend the "Pioneer Harvester" model to anyone wanting a handy utility knife.A well-designed short pruning blade gives more power and leverage for aggresive cuts,while the edge profile and sharpness of the main larger blade cuts material with low effort.
The saw blade is amazingly sharp, providing fast cutting speed and a long cutting stroke. The bottle opener has already saved me in a confrontation with an imported beer - No screw cap! The reamer makes a very effective drill, and while target practicing recently, the screwdriver blade came in hany to remove a stuck fired casing AND tighten some loosening grip screws.
Fit, finish,tough construction, and a place on the handle for engraving make this an excellent gift choice for the outdoors person, the technician, the farmer/gardener, the "survival gadget" fan - just about anyone who needs a reliable, strong product.
The handle covering is pinned together with the rest of the assembly, so there's no plastic panel to come loose or be damaged.
I guess you could say I am pleased with this product, and the price was very good, shipping was prompt, and I believe this will be a long-time and enjoyable tool.

I have several of the swiss army knives, including the 4.5 inch Trekker, and a Fieldmaster. Both those knives are great but too hefty to be in your pocket all day.

However, this knife is what I was looking for as a daily knife to carry around with me. It feels extremely solid, even more so than the Trekker. The blade is sturdy, and the quality of the construction down the spine of the knife is seamless. It has significant heft for a 3.5 inch knife and it would take a lot of torque to bend the blade even a little. The knife looks great. I much prefer the color and grip material over the black of the Trekker or the classic Red. This will be my first choice for a knife to carry on me while hiking.

To sum up, if you are looking for your first Swiss Army knife or one to carry with you hiking or day to day, I recommend this one over all others. The only thing it is missing is a Phillips head screwdriver, but beyond that you would do well purchasing this knife.

Bought this knife so I'd have a good quality basic knife to carry around while I'm camping. I didn't need some Rambo-style knife for that, so the combination of the features, quality and price of this knife really fit the bill. Unlike many other small knives, this one has a very substantial, solid feel to it. Very happy with this purchase.

A very useful tool, one that travels with me everywhere!
The hooked blade is quite handy for opening packages.
G2

It was a toss-up between the Harvester and Farmer, but since I have carried a P-38 can opener for 40 odd years, I chose the harvester model. I really enjoy the pruning blade on the Harvester over the can opener/gouge on the Farmer.

Both are truly awesome knives and the INOX scales are great (easy to locate should you ever drop it) and since they are not plastic... far more durable.

I already own 11 Victorinox Swiss Army Knives why would I buy another? I bought another and will buy more because this kind of knife is prefect for my collection of folding pocket knives. The finish is perfect, the metal scales are unique and the blade selection includes one blade not found on my other knives.

This knife may never experience a cutting chore but if it does, I can tell it will perform perfectly.

Ofcourse if you are looking for a daily user, this is a good choice. The blades are sharp and the workmanship is high quality. Besides there is a certain WOW factory because it is different. Most people see the red plastic sides so when you pull this baby out, people take notice.