Alox, Cellidor or wood: which Victorinox handle?

Two Victorinox knives with the same model name can have different tools, and the handle material is why. It is not a cosmetic choice.

Cellidor — the standard red

The glossy plastic scales most people picture. They are hollow, which is where the tweezers and toothpick slot in. Lightest of the three, cheapest, and the only one that comes in the full colour range. It scratches with use and polishes out.

Alox — ribbed aluminium

Thinner, noticeably tougher, and grippier when wet. The trade: there is no cavity, so Alox knives have no tweezers and no toothpick. If you use the tweezers, this is the wrong choice; if you have never touched them, Alox is the better knife. It is also the range Victorinox releases limited annual colours in, which is why some Alox models cost more.

Wood — walnut or oak

The dress version. Same tools as Cellidor minus the tweezers and toothpick, heavier, and it wants to stay dry — wood scales are the one finish that does not enjoy a pocket full of keys. Bought as a gift, mostly.

Damast and precious Alox

Limited runs with patterned blades or anodised finishes. Collector pricing, identical function.

So: which?

Carrying it daily on keys, with plastic scales for the tweezers: Cellidor. Carrying it daily in a pocket and you want it to last: Alox. Giving it to someone: wood.

See the range in Victorinox, or start with which model to buy.