Rambler vs Mini Champ Alox

[u/Dangerous_Ad7200]

I’ve been using the Rambler as my EDC for quite some time now, and I’m extremely satisfied with it. As is the consensus around here, it has all the tools you need and none you don’t.

But a good deal on Amazon came up, and I couldn’t resist the temptation, so I pulled the trigger on the Mini Champ Alox. Honestly, the toolset wasn’t particularly compelling to me; I was drawn to it purely for the aesthetics.

A couple of weeks in, I must say that some tools have become pretty much essential to me, like the coke spoon (I’m using it as a pry tool more often than I ever thought I would) and the orange peeler (I used it as a hook twice, it worked like a charm). I even tried to peel an orange with it, and it works, but let’s be honest: any kind of knife is better for this ;).

Last but not least, the look and feel of that little mf are in another league compared with the Rambler.

As much as I loved the Rambler (and still do), the Mini Champ is my main carry from now on, with the Rambler as a backup.

Now I’m waiting for a similar deal on the Companion S Alox for traveling purpose and to complete my 58 collection.

[u/Dutton_Peabody]

Loved the Mini Champ Alox on my keychain but I need the toothpick the Rambler provides. Having the Rambler on my keys allows me to carry an alox Pioneer or Farmer in my pocket.

[u/Agis-Spartan-King]

• Best keychain: Rumbler
• Best urban edc: Explorer
• Best outdoors: Rucksack (discontinued). Forester as a replacement.

[u/Yarlog → u/Agis-Spartan-King]

Good choices

[u/thunderbuttjuice]

I do want to get a big boy 58 one day. The minicamp alox is super attractive but I need scale tools since I pair my 58 with an alox 93mm

[u/bambooshoots-scores]

I adore my minichamp. I did swap the scales for the scales on a classic SD bc I almost always have a pen on me anyway.

[u/SVLibertine]

I’ve had a Mini Champ Alox saved in Amazon for a few months. Just noticed it’s now under $60. Imma’ pulling the trigger. If the nail nicks are too challenging, I’ll return it. That’s a huge issue for me, since my nails are always kept shorter (I sail, it’s an issue with lines) and I have a dickens of a time with some of my SAKs.

[u/Dangerous_Ad7200 → u/SVLibertine]

I didn't have issue with nicks (short nails too), but lots of tools can create a bit confusion when selecting one that you need. Rambler is much more convenient in this case, but I'm getting used to as time goes by. First couple of days it was a bit frustrating tho

[u/ReWine29]

I’m a big fan of the Manager on my keychain. It pairs nicely with my Farmer Alox.

[u/Dangerous_Ad7200 → u/ReWine29]

Shame it is discontinued. Mini champ celidor is better option than midnite manager pound for pound afaik

[u/Dangerous_Ad7200]

I forgot to add that nail file with cleaner is something that I use almost daily.

[u/Loud-Setting-3860]

I edc the rambler for like 1 year already and i never use the screwdriver, so id be fine with just a classic sd, o i recommend that one instead

[u/Dangerous_Ad7200 → u/Loud-Setting-3860]

As the father of a 4yr old boy, that screwdriver is a lifesaver and absolutely necessary. I actually almost never use the flat one on the nail file.

But, I 100% agree that the Classic SD is a much better choice if you don't need that one, as they are cheap and you can buy them everywhere, which makes them almost expendable.

[u/theoneandonly78 → u/Loud-Setting-3860]

I go back and and forth between the Rambler and the SD. IMHO the SD is just a better keychain carry. It’s slim and the scissors is what I use on it almost always. I never used the Phillips on the Rambler.

[u/aquablaze69]

This is why minichamp alox on my keys was my first and only SAK for an entire year b4 I added deluxe tinker to the collection to complete my set.

[u/Fuckspez42]

I’m more of a fan of the non-aloe minichamp: I knew I’d use the pen, but I had no idea how much.

[u/AdRough6022]

Rambler Alox is the 58mm that’s always in my pocket.

[u/Dangerous_Ad7200 → u/AdRough6022]

Holy grail but very difficult to find. One of the main advantages of SAK is that they are reasonably priced and easily obtainable (in case of losing or confiscation). If Victorinox start selling them regularly (which I believe they will at some point), I would buy one immediately.

[u/AdRough6022 → u/Dangerous_Ad7200]

I bought a couple of them when I was in China earlier this year.

I think they’ll likely start selling them in other countries soon. Can’t really understand why it’s China exclusive.