Pioneer X Alox / Victorinox

The Pioneer X is the 93mm Swiss Army Knife in its toughest dress. Where the familiar models wear moulded Cellidor, the Pioneer wears riveted Alox, ribbed anodised aluminium scales that shrug off drops, moisture and years of pocket wear in a way plastic cannot, and grip better when wet. The X marks the first Pioneer to carry scissors, added in 2016, alongside a large blade, a reamer and punch, a can opener with small screwdriver, a bottle opener with large screwdriver and wire stripper, and a key ring: nine functions in a narrow, flat tool that disappears in a pocket. The tools are non-locking slip-joints in the traditional Victorinox way, firm and confident rather than quick to flick open.