Victorinox is well-known by many for its Swiss quality multitools that have exuded high-quality and versatile usefulness for over one hundred years. However, their expertise in precision cutlery doesn’t stop with their multitools. Their expansion into folding knives and unique pocket tools should also be explored, and that’s exactly what I did.
Victorinox Exemplifies Swiss Quality
The good people over at Victorinox sent me their ingenious Swiss Classic Card and stylish Evoke BS Alox knife. What followed was a comprehensive review of their construction, versatility, and carryability to determine if there was hardcore practicality behind their classy exterior.
Two Components for Everyday Carry
The two items I tested were quite different from one another. First, there was the Evoke BS Alox folding knife. This surprisingly beefy blade impressed right out of the box. Although it might be cliché to say it was far more solid than I would have imagined, that was entirely true.
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The well-presented box gave me an impression of fluff over substance. I was so wrong as I removed it. The knife had considerable weight (6.30 ounces) and fit into my large hand with ease. I was wowed in an instant.
The Swiss Card was a unique item. This credit card-sized tool offered a rigid plastic shell with ten integrated tools within its body. Think Swiss Army Knife, but with a shape that is able to slip into your wallet’s credit card slot.
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Bring on the Blade
The Evoke BS Alox knife was visually striking in its simplicity. It offered a textured handle that stayed firmly within my grip, a thumb stud for quick deployment, and a hearty 3.875-inch blade.
The handle was a standout as I fiddled with the knife. The texture was nearly perfect to keep my hand secure without feeling overly “bumpy” for lack of a better word. The contours in the handle matched my finger positions perfectly, which only added to the knife’s stability.
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About midway down on the spine was a simple-to-operate blade lock release. Though firm at first, it became much easier to press over repeated attempts. Both the thumb stud and the pocket clip are removable if desired, but for me, I found them to be a necessity and not a hindrance.
Though visibly striking, it must cut well, or everything else won’t matter.
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The Card’s Massive Cargo
The Swiss Classic Card, as mentioned, is credit card-sized, yet about three or four times thicker. It fit into my wallet, but required some force and manipulation. The card features ten useful items. These include a small blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, ruler, pin, tweezers, toothpick, and ballpoint pen.
Yes, I count nine, but when I view the packaging, they count the ruler both in centimeters and in inches as two separate tools. I don’t agree with that.
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All the tools were secured inside the plastic shell, with thumbnail sections exposed for easy removal. The tools were small to more easily fit inside their containment unit. I’ll soon discover if their small size affects their usefulness or performance.
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The Evoke’s Cutting Prowess
Testing the Evoke was simple. I put it up against cordage, cardboard, rubber tubing, and even hard plastic to test both its overall durability and cutting prowess. It made short work of the cordage, slicing through without hesitation. The rubber was even easier as the blade “melted” through with no effort. The cardboard offered a challenge, but only due to the blade’s thickness.
Once started, the knife made its way through. I would recommend using the Evoke on cardboard only when absolutely necessary. Its beefy design is not ideal for this material. The plastic was a true test of both the Evoke’s cutting ability and durable design. The blade lock held firm, along with my hand on the “grippy” handle. The out-of-the-box sharpness of the blade overtook the plastic’s resistance and cut through nicely.
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Handling the Card’s Amenities
I was a bit skeptical going into the testing of the Swiss Card’s tools. Usually, the smaller the tools get, the lower the quality that goes into them. However, my fears disappeared quickly.
The mini knife was incredibly sharp with its one-inch cutting edge. It sliced through paper, cardboard, tape, and string effortlessly. The handle of the mini knife, though small, still had room for two fingers and my thumb for a solid hold. The scissors mirrored the knife in its cutting ability. The plastic toothpick and tweezers did their job well.
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The slender ballpoint pen wrote well but was tricky to hold due to its round, nail-like design. The file’s thickness was solid, but I would have preferred a rougher grit than what was presented. Overall, the tools were functional and solid in construction.
Scoring the Duo
The Evoke, hands down, was an overall winner. Performance and construction were top-notch. This is going to be an everyday carry knife for me, without a doubt. At $120.00 dollars, it won’t break the bank, and I assure you it will last for the long haul.
My initial thoughts were that the Swiss Classic Card (priced at $45.00) was nothing but a novelty. However, after using it, I was proven wrong. The tools were solid and functional, though the two rulers, as part of the tool’s total number, could have been replaced with other, more practical items.
With Swiss Quality all the way, you can’t go wrong with either tool for your EDC.
