Sharp! Criticism of the Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox

Andreas Lorenzi operates the traditional "Lorenzi - finest steel goods" in Vienna, where you can get everything from tactical blades down to excellent sharpening services that delights the heart of knife enthusiasts. "Sooo, the Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox has now also arrived with us," he writes on his Facebook. And this is his professional opinion on the new knife:

I already announced on our Instagram page (@lorenzi_fineste_stahlwaren) that I have a few (constructive) points of criticism to mention, which I would like to share with you and open up for general discussion:

First of all, it should be said that the Hunter Pro Alox is of course not an entirely new model, rather, it is the third edition (though fundamentally changed in some details) after the predecessors with rubber and wooden handle scales - so my criticism is not entirely new and can also be applied to the other two models in the range.

Only criticism makes us better

Second, I would like to mention - and this is exactly the crux of the matter - that I am only dealing with the knife because it is from Victorinox - if the logo of one of the other major manufacturers, such as Böker, Herbertz, or Haller, were to be on the handle scales or the blade, I would probably not even think about it and just move on.

To avoid turning this into an epic novel, here are my points of criticism in descending order of urgency as I perceive them:

1. One-handed operation: The knife can be easily opened with one hand, but closing it is not entirely safe due to an improvable ratio of the length of the tang to the size of the guard. When I mentioned this during the introduction of the first Hunter Pro at a trade show, an employee revealed to me that one-handed operation does not necessarily apply to closing. Well then.

2. Blade steel: Unfortunately, for this premium product - priced at EUR 99, its price positioning in the overall range - they did not agree on using a higher quality blade steel. The blade steel used (as far as I know 1.4419) contains, among other things, some carbon (0.36 - 0.42%) and may pass for the classic range, but in times where 440C, VG-10, N690 & co. have made it to the (affordable!) mass market, it is simply incomprehensible.

3. Riveted construction: Now, one might be convinced as a designer of riveted connections, even the simplest "Made in China" products nowadays - rightfully - rely on screws! Thus, for example, the clip does not have to break off - it is enough if it is bent - and you are faced with an (unnecessary) problem.

4. Stamped aluminum handle scales: Yes, yes, the Alox scales are all made in this way - and as far as I'm concerned, it's fine. But in times where CNC parts are finding their way into disposable products, perhaps some "upgrading" could be done here...

How about Victorinox moving away from the perception of being an "entry-level knife"?

I neither hate Victorinox, nor am I paid by the competition - quite the opposite: I find the company to be very likable and close to my heart! It pains me to see that a lot of effort is being put into producing something that, in my perception, is missing the mark in the market - and by that I don't mean the hardcore Victorinox fans, but rather the general knife user, enthusiast, and lover, who - like me - notices what is happening on the knife market. It would be extremely desirable for Swiss knives to move away from being perceived as "entry-level knives" and not leave the upscale market entirely to the competition, but rather address the more technically demanding customers deliberately. In my view, this attempt has unfortunately not entirely succeeded with the present product and falls short of its potential. But the day is not over yet.

P.S: I am happy to be available for a direct conversation with those responsible in this regard! Only when you love something does it affect you deeply and hurt particularly!

LORENZI - Finest Steel Goods on the Internet: lorenzi.co.at

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