Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet Knife - Compact Multitool with Stainless Steel Blade for Camping, Hiking & Everyday Carry (EDC) | Perfect Gift for Outdoor Enthusiasts

If the Galactic Overlords decreed we could only have one SAK and had to use it all the time, I could be happy with any of these: Spartan, Compact, Camper, Climber Plus, Huntsman, Farmer, Waiter, Rambler, or Manager... and now the Cadet.I should have bought a Cadet years ago. See, I have the world's worst superpower: my fingernails get dirty every 30 minutes, max, regardless of what I'm doing. I can be reading or typing at the computer, and in half an hour my fingernails are dirty. Like I said... Worst. Superpower. Ever. Maybe my hands secrete an oil that attracts dirt or something. Whatever. Anyway, since I've been carrying the Cadet, I use the nail file/cleaner blade about ten times a day. Love it. Not only does it keep my nails clean, but it gives me an excuse to get my knife out and fiddle with it. I constantly do that anyway, but now I have an excuse.But that's me. What about for normal people?Well, it's a darn good pocket knife!Quality and value are top notch, as is the case for all Victorinox standard models. As to the Cadet itself...This baby is slim! Super slim. It's a two layer knife, but because of the Alox scales, it is thinner than one-layer Celidor models such as the Waiter. I firmly believe one comes to appreciate the value of a SAK only after carrying it all the time, in all situations. So, thickness is important: you have to have a SAK that is below your personal threshold for pocket bulge. The Cadet should be below anyone's threshold. It carries fine in slacks or light-weight summer shorts. I would say it is no more of a felt presence in the pocket than two-layer 58 mm models such as the Rambler and Manager. The only popular SAK that is less felt in the pocket is the Classic.The Alox scales give the Cadet not only uber thinness, but also rugged durability and great looks. I like pretty much all SAKs, but the Celidor handles they use these days do frequently get loose if the knife is dropped on hard surfaces. Easy to replace, but still. Annoying. (This wasn't a problem with the older solid-handled Celidor knives, without the toothpick and tweezers, that Victorinox made in days of yore.) Alox will last forever. One caveat here... I bought the black finish Cadet. The knife looks fantastic, but be warned that the anodized finish on colored models will eventually wear and scuff. If you want a pocket knife that will not only last forever but also look great the whole time, get the silver version. Looks, thinness, durability... and the Alox also gives you a better grip when your hands are slick or wet. And finally there's an intangible but real "feel factor": the Alox models simply feel higher quality and more substantial than the Celidor models.The main blade is standard for an 84 mm SAK (which means it's a versatile spear-point pattern, its edge-holding ability is only so so, but will it take a wicked edge in about eight seconds on a pair of crock sticks, and corrosion resistance is outstanding). The slip joint is smooth and firm. The knife walks and talks, with no play in the joint. In fact, I would say it is probably the best action of any of my SAKs (they're all good, but this Cadet just has a little something extra going for it when you open and close the main blade... that something that makes a knife nut go "yeeeahhh").The can opener blade on all SAKs work well on Phillips head screws (which is why -- given the choice -- you should always buy a SAK with a corkscrew instead of a dedicated T-mount Phillips :) ), but the slightly smaller one on 84 mm models like the Cadet work even better on Phillips screws than the 91 mm and 93 mm models.Back to the nail file... This is actually a very rare blade/tool. A number of the small (58 mm and 74 mm) SAKs have a pointed nail file, but of the "full size" SAKs (which I think of as 84 mm and up), only the Cadet and the Sportsman have this blade. Not even the gargantuan SwissChamp models have it. Aside from cleaning and filing one's nails, it's also a good general purpose probe thingy. Fr'instance, this afternoon at lunch, I used it to pry reluctant bits of nuts out of their shells. I also use it to prise and hold open small split rings (like the ones on SAKs). And, I use it to open packages, boxes, and envelopes, preserving the edge on the main blade.Two nitpicks: 1) The nail file occasionally glances against the spine of the main blade when being closed, putting some very small scratches on the back edge of the main blade. It would have been better if they put the file on the outer side of the blade, facing the scale. 2) The can opener, bottle opener, and nail file seat very deeply in the handle, so the nail nicks are partially covered by the scales; opening these blades takes a teency bit more dexterity than 91 mm models. Not a problem, but something I noticed.So, who should get a Cadet? Who is this knife for?* Anyone who hates bulky things in his/her pockets.* Anyone who works with people who have aichmophobia or crippling political correctness, who freak out when they see a knife. The Cadet is one of the most acceptable looking pocket knives for social situations.* Anyone who appreciates "minimalist EDC". The Cadet presents a small set of useful tools in an elegant package.* Anyone prone and adverse to dirty fingernails.Who is this knife *not* for?* Kids: The blades are too hard to open for kids, and therefore not safe.* Survivalists and Rugged Outdoorsmen: There are better options (e.g. the Camper, the Farmer, and -- for belt or pack carry -- just about any of the 111 mm series).* Handyman/DIY Types: Again, there are better options (the Mechanic and the Deluxe Tinker come to mind).Close alternates:* Sportsman: All the tools the Cadet has, plus awl, corkscrew, toothpick, and tweezers. Mini-screwdriver (in the corkscrew) and straight pin (in the small hole behind the corkscrew) can be added. The Celidor handles make it a bit thicker but give additional tools.* Pioneer: The Cadet's big brother. Substantially more robust blades. An awl replaces the Cadet's nail file. This awl is amazing... one of the very best Victorinox blades/tools.Bottom line: The Cadet is a beautiful and handy little pocket knife that has earned a spot on my list of Tier 1 SAKs.EDIT:One-Month Update:I went and lost the darned thing just a couple weeks after I got it. I quickly got another one, this time the Danish version with black handles and a red shield. This one's even nicer: the red shield adds an attractive visual touch and the nail file doesn't scratch the blade. Same terrific action.I continue to be impressed by the usefulness of the nail file blade. It's perfect for getting the husks off hickory nuts and this morning I used it to untie and then dress a stubborn knot in some paracord.The Cadet has put all my other SAKs on the shelf. Assuming I can hang onto it, I can see this being my go-to pocket knife for the rest of my days.Three-Month Update:Dammit! Now I've lost my Danish black version.We have a store here in town that sells jewel-like pocket knives with scales made of things like fossilized mammoth tusks that cost about $4000. They're really nice, really beautiful, but actually, as far as aesthetics go, I think that Danish Cadet (http://www.thegoodstuffshop.dk/product.asp?product=29167) is about the best looking pocket knife I've ever handled. The color scheme is great, and -- more importantly (and this applies to all Cadets) -- the subtle increase in width from one end to the other really does something. It's like the subtle swell in a Greek column that makes it a thing of beauty instead of a stone telephone pole. (Compare a picture of the Alox Ambassador or Executive to the Cadet and you'll see what I'm talking about.) There's a review of the knife on YouTube that really captures what makes the Cadet special, and he addresses the aesthetics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOQ9Qg_yZ54).The knife *has* to be somewhere here in the house, but it's been a few weeks now, so I just put in an order for the silver version. Not as sexy, but I won't have to worry about messing up the finish, and with a simple lanyard of red paracord, it will look just fine.But... I guess I'm going to have to add a negative note to my review: This thing is so slim, and so little felt in your pocket, that it's *really* easy to lose. I'm pretty bad about losing things, including pocket knives, but dang... I've managed to hold on to my first SAK (the Small Tinker) for over 45 years now; I've lost two Cadets in three months (tiny whimper).Love this knife. Skinny enough to fit that useless jeans pocket we all have (in men's jeans at least). You know, that little square one on the right that can fit nothing useful? Yeah, fits in there. You don't even realize you have it with you (so remember that when you go to the airport!).The toolset is minimal, but very useful!*Knife is good for opening boxes and basic cutting.*Bottle opener also doubles as a pry bar and large flat screwdriver.*File doubles as a #1 Phillips/small stabby thing :)*Can opener doubles as #2 Phillips or small flat screwdriver.I do a lot of hands on stuff and use this knife daily. While "real" tools are always better, the best tool is the one you have with you. Anytime small fixes are needed, this knife comes out. Lifesaver! Just gave one to my dad as well. It's large enough to be useful, but small enough to not freak out your co-workers when you take it out.I've always been a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) fan and have owned several, along with several other folders that I would classify as good Every-Day Carry (EDC) knives. To me, an EDC knife needs to be highly functional but lightweight and easy to carry in a pants pocket. It is not a weapon but a tool for everyday tasks that is always readily available, because it is always in your pocket. The Cadet may be the perfect embodiment of these characteristics. It is very slim and a little shorter (by 1/4 inch)than most Victorinox or Wenger alox (aluminum handled) knives (they are 3.5 inches, not talking about the little keyring SAKs). If you are familiar with the old Victorinox soldier or Wenger Standard Issue knives (the ones that they actually used to issue to the Swiss Army for over 50 years) the Cadet is approximately 1/4 inch shorter, about 1/8 inch thinner, and quite a bit lighter. This is due to thinner aluminum scales and thinner blade/tools (they are the same thickness as normal SAKs, the Soldier and Standard Issue have thicker than normal blades/tools). The light weight and slim profile, IMHO, makes it an excellent EDC knife. It is still very capable for everyday tasks. Let's face it, most of us are not using our EDC knives for hunting or self defense. We use them for opening boxes or letters or unsnaggleing a chipped or torn finger nail (the Cadet has a finger nail file , which is surprisingly useful). Also, some people just don't want to carry something that could be construed as a weapon. The Cadet's size, blade design, and overall appearance make it hard to be mistaken for a tactical (weapon-like) knife. And, the Cadet is unobtrusive in your pocket, which means you will actually carry it. I cut and ground smooth the part that holds the little key chain (which is not very useful, IMHO) with a dremel tool, which makes mine even more comfortable in my pocket. The Soldier or Standard Issue are great knives and more robust (designed for military use), but they are heavy. The more common red plastic clad SAK's are good too, but most of them are actually heavier and thicker because they have a steel liner (the alox SAKs do not have liners, the aluminum handle is rigid enough). Many other EDC knives only have a single blade. You would be surprised how often you use the can opener with the small screwdriver and the bottle opener with the large screwdriver.The only drawback, depending on the user, to this knife (and most other SAKs) is that the blade does not lock. It relies on a spring to hold it in the open position. When the knife is used correctly, this does not present a hazard. However, this knife may not be the best choice for someone who is not used to handling and using knives or a youngster who might be tempted to try to stab a piece of wood with it. Jabbing the tip of this kind of knife into anything will almost certainly overcome the spring and cause the blade to fold in. But, that is not what this knife was designed for. I personally think that this type of mechanism is fine for this type of knife's intended uses (as stated above) and it is tried and true for over a century.In all, the Cadet is a very capable little knife that does very well what it was designed to do and for a good price. Do not waste your time with those little key chain size SAKs. The blades are too small to be of any real use. The Cadet is a much more useful option.¡Excelente navaja pequeña! Afilada de fábrica y tan útil como cualquier navaja Victorinox. Cabe en el bolsillo de tus jeans o incluso en pantalones de vestir sin ser incómodo. Perfil muy delgado y no amenazante cuando vas a usarla. Si aún no tienes una de estas bellezas, debes remediar ese problema de inmediato. No te arrepentirás. Esta debería ser, francamente, un equipo estándar de cualquier caballero respetable (o dama, para el caso). No te puedes equivocar.This knife came in a crinkled box with no manual or internal packaging. This is unacceptable as the cheapest items on earth come with at least a manual or warranty card of sorts. The knife is also very stiff in opening and closing which is unlike a standard Swiss Army knife. I suspect given the damaged box, lack of paperwork, and stiff operation, this may have been a useditem. Returned.When people talk about the exceptional quality of Victorinox they aren't wrong. The fit and finish of this little knife is absolutely stunning. The alox handles feel amazing and the recessed lanyard ring stays out of the way of your palm. The tools are well designed, though I find the file is not a very useful addition. I would love if this knife came with an awl like the Pioneer. However, the pioneer is much larger and has the protruding lanyard ring. Ultimately I returned my cadet. Despite how wonderful it is I couldn't justify the price when I already own and carry a dedicated knife and a dedicated multi-tool. If, however, you carry neither, or want something that is a little more inconspicuous in public, I would highly recommend the Cadet. Otherwise, you may be better served by some different tools.I absolutely LOVE this knife! I bought the red "Cadet" but it is also available in silver or black as well. (To me, red seemed traditional for a Swiss Army knife, so I went with that). It feels very sturdy, with alox metal sides instead of the plastic that is common on most other Swiss Army models. I use it as my EDC (every day carry), always having it in my pocket while at work. It comes in so handy for opening boxes, or if you need it as a basic screwdriver, etc. The blade is super sharp, and the knife handles really excellent. Did I mention that I love this knife? My only modest complaint, is that I wish it were a bit cheaper... but as is, it's still worth every penny.Ah man what a sweet product. Blade is so nice and thin, and slices like a beast even with a relatively small cutting edge. Nice tools for keeping this knife in a front shirt or jacket pocket, or on a keychain. You always have a bottle opener, flathead screw driver, can opener, nail file, and of course a blade.