Swissknifeheadquarters' Blog

New Swiss Army Soldier’s Pocketknife from Victorinox

swissknifeheadquarters — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:53:35 +0000

   Victorinox has equipped Swiss soldiers with pocketknives for over
100 years. Through out the years the Swiss Soldier’s knives have been changed to fit the technology of the current time period. Starting in February of 2009 Swiss soldiers will benefit from the latest in knife technology, as the tradition continues, and they receive the new Victorinox Soldier’s knife.
     The requirements of the Swiss Army demand a knife suitable for military use, of great quality, with much attention given to safety. As a result, only the best stainless steel will be used for the production of the blade, the wood saw, the can opener with 3mm screwdriver, the 7mm lockable screwdriver with wire stripper & cap lifter, the Philips screwdriver, the reamer and punch tool. The main cutting blade is serrated and is able to be opened with one hand. Both the blade and the 7mm screwdriver are locked in place, after being opened, providing added safety. The OD Green knife grip shells have also had a technology update. Made from a two-component plastic these OD Green grip shells are made to be durable and give the new soldier’s knife a better grip when used. And finally as all soldier knives have been, this new soldier’s knife has been designed to require very low maintenance while providing service for a lifetime.
     The New Soldier OD Green knife is now available from Victorinox Swiss Army Knife with a SKU number of 53495.

Victorinox Swiss Army New Soldier Knife

Victorinox CyberTool 34 125th Anniversary Knife Review

swissknifeheadquarters — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:17:08 +0000

This Victorinox Swiss Army CyberTool 34 125th Anniversary
Knife, is a member of the 125th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION. The
relentless innovation that has driven a dozen decades of success,
is celebrated this anniversary year with a dynamic new graphical
treatment developed exclusively for this collection. The design is
inspired by the iconic logo that has marked every Victorinox Swiss
Army Knife since 1909. The Cybertool 34 is presented in 125th
elegant commemorative packaging.

The CyberTool 34 125th Anniversary knife has 34 functional
implements. This knife is virtually a toolbox in a small package. The
large blade of this knife is etched with the phrase ” 125 years your
companion for life“. The handles of this knife have the famous Iconic
Shield logo imprinted in gold color over the red surface of the handles.
This is truly a knife for the avid knife collector. It represents 125
years of dedication to creating knives that are crafted with elegant
workmanship and attention to functional detail. The Victorinox legacy
lives on in this finely crafted masterpiece.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Large Blade
Small Blade
Corkscrew
Can Opener with Small Screwdriver (Also for Phillips Screws)
Bottle Opener with Large Screwdriver
Wire Stripper
Reamer
Key Ring
Tweezers
Toothpick
Sewing Eye
Bit Wrench
5mm Hex Socket
4mm Hex Socket
#0 Phillips Bit
#1 Phillips Bit
Bit Case with 4mm Flat Head
#2 Phillips Head Bit
4mm Hex Bit
#8 Torx Bit
#10 Torx Bit
#15 Torx Bit
DIP Switch Setter
Straight Pin
Patented Mini-Screwdriver
Pliers
Wire Cutter
Wire Crimper
Scissors
Multi-purpose Hook (Parcel Carrier)

125th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION CYBERTOOL 34

Owning a Little Piece of History

swissknifeheadquarters — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:04:44 +0000

     In 1893 the company that would one day be the Wenger Company
started selling multi-function knives to the Swiss Army. The Swiss Army
had made a decision that every Swiss soldier needed a knife that had a
screwdriver on it to be able to disassemble the new rifle that they had
just introduced in 1889. In 1890 the first supplier to the Swiss Army
was the company now known as Victorinox. In 1893 a second
manufacturer was enlisted to help make what has now become the
famous Swiss Army knife, and that company was Wenger. In 1908 the
Swiss government decided to purchase half of the required knives from
Victorinox and the other half from Wenger. Since Victorinox was the
original supplier to the Swiss Army, they claim the title of the “Original
Swiss Army Knife” and Wenger has laid claim to the title of “Genuine
Swiss Army Knife”.

    In honor of that very first Swiss Army Knife that Wenger produced,
Wenger has come out with a replica of that knife, manufactured to the
original specifications, that will be limited to only 1893 of these knives
being manufactured. This Special knife is called the 1893 Limited Edition
Heritage Soldier Knife.  It represents what has become the international
symbol for ingenuity, efficiency and multi-functionality, the Swiss Army
Knife. This Limited Edition Knife represents what is best about both of
these companies, which are now combined under the Victorinox Company
name. The high quality standards and great attention to detail, has made
the Swiss Army Knife one of the most cherished and sought after knives.

    This Limited Edition 1893 Heritage Soldier Knife will make a great
addition to your knife collection and allow you to own a Little Piece of
History.

Limited Edition 1893 Heritage Soldier Knife

Sheaths, the Companion of a Knife or Multi-Tool

swissknifeheadquarters — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:39:13 +0000

    As important as a knife is to an outdoorsman, a knife sheath can be just as valuable. The sheath or pouch, as some call it, is what protects the knife blade and keeps the knife blade from cutting the outdoorsmen when the knife is carried.
    A pocketknife where the blade is protected, when the blade is closed into the knife body, is safer and easier to carry without a sheath, but a knife that does not close up can be very dangerous if the sharp blade is not covered or protected by a sheath. A knife with an unprotected blade that does not fold up is referred to as a sheath knife. When most people think of a sheath, this is the type of knife that they associate with it.
    There are however, sheaths that are made to hold and protect pocketknives, as well. The sheath for a pocketknife allows the pocketknife to be carried on the belt instead of in the pocket.
    Sheaths come in all shapes and sizes and can be made of many different materials. Leather is perhaps the most commonly found material they are made of, but they can be made from other materials such as Nylon or Cordura.
    The main requirement for a sheath is to have one that is well made, sturdy, and will protect both you and the knife blade, or the knife, if it is a Pocketknife. Most sheaths are made to attach to your belt to make carrying the knife easier. The sheath must have a means for keeping the knife, whatever the style, securely fastened to the sheath so it does not fall out.
    As pocketknives and tools come together in multi-function tools from Leatherman, or Gerber, or the SwissTool from Victorinox, these Multi-function tools are best carried in a sheath on the belt. The sheaths for these Multi-function tools often allow for different bits and accessories that are used by these multi-Tools, to be carried along as well.
    If you have a knife or a multi-Tool and are looking for a sheath to put it in, make sure that you look for a sheath that is made just for the particular knife style, or multi-tool you have. Make sure you measure the knife or Multi-Tool and find a sheath that will fit in length, width, and depth. Having the right sheath for your knife or Multi-Tool will not only make carrying it more enjoyable but safer also.

At what age should a child be given a knife?

swissknifeheadquarters — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 01:41:54 +0000

I have often thought about this question and been asked it by others. In my opinion no mater what age the child is they will cut themselves at least once. However, I asked a friend this question and I believe that his answer was very wise.

He said it’s not how old they are in age that matters, but how responsible they act with a knife after being taught how to respect the knife and how to properly use the knife safely. He has two boys, ages 6 years old and 4 years old. He said the boys are not allowed to keep the knives in their possession. When they first took the knives out to work with them he started by showing them how to hold a knife properly, and how to open and close the knife safely. They practiced this under his constant supervision until he saw they could accomplish this safely. Then they moved on to how to cut with a knife, and he showed them how to always cut away from their bodies. Once he felt they understood this principle he had them start by whittling on a bar of soap. This allowed them to learn to control the knife as they learned to cut or whittle with it. After they had practiced this and had demonstrated an ability to do this safely they were ready to move on to more advanced whittling on wood. He said that once they understand when and where they can carry a knife, and how to use it safely and responsibly, then they will let them take full possession of the knives, but they are not at this stage yet.

I believe the key to this man’s wisdom is the constant supervision in both learning and practicing with the knife. The time this man put into this, also enabled him to judge how responsible the boys were becoming. Yes, this takes allot of time and effort, but remember, he is not just teaching his children how to use a knife, he is also teaching them so they can teach their children, who will then teach their children, and so on.

KA-BAR the USMC Fighting/Utility Knife

swissknifeheadquarters — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:18:15 +0000

     I have many knives of various kinds. Mostly Victorinox Swiss Army knives because they are available in so many different configurations, each with its own unique set of implements and functions. They are crafted with precision and workmanship that is second to none. But of all the knives I have, I think perhaps my most cherished knife is my USMC KA-BAR knife. The KA-BAR knife has a history that is as rich as the history of United States Marine Corps itself.
     The history of this KA-BAR knife goes back to the late 1800s. But it’s popularity really started to take off when this knife was adopted by the United States Marine Corps in 1945 to be the knife that was standard issue to Marines as their fighting/Utility knife. Other Branches of the US military also adopted this KA-BAR knife as their standard issue knife, because of its reliability and serviceability, but the KA-Bar knife is still best known as the Original USMC Fighting/Utility knife. The Marines of World War II used, and relied on, this KA-Bar knife to dig foxholes, sharpen and pound in tent stakes, open ration cans, and yes defend their very lives.
     The KA-BAR knife was out of production for 32 years following WW II but with the introduction of the Commemorative KA-BAR in 1976, to celebrate 200 years of United States Marine Corps Service to our Country, this USMC Fighting knife has gained in popularity and is now available in many commemorative versions and in a version for each branch of the U.S. Military.

Whittling is it a Forgotten Art?

swissknifeheadquarters — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:31:38 +0000

         I remember as a kid trying to whittle. I wasn’t very good at it, but it was fun just to try to whittle away the excess wood to come up with something that was useful. Mostly I remember making boats.
          We always used pine from old scrap pieces of wood dad had laying around. Pine is a soft wood and it floats so hence every thing turned into a boat. See that was the great thing about whittling, it gave you something to do, you didn’t have to be really good at it, and yet with a little imagination you could create something. Another great thing about whittling is that you didn’t need anything but time, a small knife, a piece of wood and your imagination. Whittling was great for just about everyone, because you didn’t have to be rich, or big, or smart to do it.
         To learn to whittle we started by learning to whittle on a bar of soap, because it was easy to cut, and gave you practice using your knife. Once you showed that you could use your knife with out whittling on your fingers, you were allowed to start whittling on wood.
         Yea it was a slower life that was lived back when I was a kid, but there is something to be said for slowing life down enough to whittle out a boat or two.

Victorinox RescueTool – when every second counts!

swissknifeheadquarters — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:19:59 +0000

    I am sure that you have all seen countless devices that are made to carry in the glove box of your car to assist in an emergency. Depending on where you live, the likelihood of you being involved in a car accident, maybe greater or lesser, considering the amount of traffic you drive in. In a large city the increased traffic raises the chances that you will be involved in, or see, a serious accident.
    These life saving devices increase your ability to escape from a potentially dangerous situation by letting you cut seatbelts that won’t release, or break out windows, or cut out windshields that may be your only means of escape.
    In a long list of devices, the Victorinox RescueTool, is the premier tool for rescuing yourself, your children, or someone else from a serious automobile accident. Everyone who drives a vehicle should seriously consider placing a Victorinox RescueTool in every vehicle they own.
    According to Victorinox, “the Victorinox RescueTool was developed and perfected in cooperation with emergency medical and rescue services in a five-year project. The key functions of this new pocket tool can be opened in seconds and are ready for use immediately.
    All parts have been subject to stringent tests; particularly the new window breaker and disc saw tools. The rounded belt cutter can be used to cut through seatbelts safely and quickly. The tool includes the most important functions for freeing someone trapped in a car.
    All tools that have to be available quickly can be opened wearing gloves and are suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users. The one-handed blade and strong screwdriver (crate opener) are fixed in position when open thanks to the liner lock mechanism.
    Even the look of the RescueTool, with its luminescent yellow grip handles, is something special. It is also supplied with a bright red/yellow nylon case and a wide belt loop that fits a range of special-purpose belts. As the window breaker and disc saw tools are subject to particular wear and tear when used, they are easy to replace.”
    In every emergency situation, seconds count. If you have never considered the possibility of needing a device to assist you in an automobile accident, do so, it might just save your life. The Victorinox RescueTool is the tool that just might save your life or that of someone you love.

Portions of this text were borrowed from the Victorinox Website at http://www.victorinox.ch

History of Victorinox

swissknifeheadquarters — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:05:06 +0000

Victorinox Company:

Victorinox is a knife manufacturer headquartered in the town of Ibach, in the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. It is primarily known as one of the two official suppliers of Swiss Army knives (the other being Wenger, which it acquired in spring of 2005).

History:

     The Company was founded in 1884. The Swiss Army knife was invented by Karl Eisner in 1891. Eisner was inspired to create a tool for the Swiss Army that was not manufactured by Germans, so he set out to produce a Swiss knife for the Swiss Army.
     The first knife he made was called the “Soldier’s Knife,” which featured a wooden handle and a variety of tools including a blade, a screwdriver and a can opener.
     After the soldier’s knife, which every recruit receives upon entering the army, Karl Elsener developed a new, elegant and light weight pocket knife, with six practical tools. He called this new model the “Officers and Sports Knife”. Since 1891 the company has delivered knives to the Swiss Army.
     Their famous emblem a cross in a shield has been used by Victorinox since 1909. That year, the mother of founder Karl Elsener died and he changed the name of the company to “Victoria” in her honor. In 1921, with the introduction of “inox” (the French term for stainless steel is acier inoxydable) into their products, the brand and name of the company became the present “Victorinox” (“Victoria”+”Inox”).
     On 26 April 2005 Victorinox acquired Wenger, the other official supplier of the Swiss Army knife.

Swiss Army knives:

The VICTORINOX “Swiss Army Knife” is over 100 years old. This useful pocket Multi-Tool was legally registered on June 12, 1897. The Swiss Army knife is the product that has been the centerpiece of Victorinox’s business. Originally the sole supplier, since 1908 it has shared the contract with Wenger. A compromise between the two companies gave Victorinox the right to advertise as the “Original Swiss Army Knife”, while Wenger lays claim to the title of “Genuine Swiss Army Knife”. Although both brands remain intact, Victorinox has since purchased and taken over Wenger.
Swiss Army knives are widely used outside the army. They are useful multifunctional instruments for everyday life and are available in a wide variety of sizes and functional combinations. Over 34,000 of these pocket tools with the distinctive Swiss cross leave the factory in central Switzerland each day. Ninety per cent are for export to over 100 different countries and serve as ambassadors for Switzerland. Even NASA astronauts have a Victorinox knife as standard equipment. Victorinox knives have also been taken to Mt. Everest and the Arctic. The flagship model of Victorinox, the SwissChamp, is in the New York Museum of Modern Art’s Permanent Design Collection.

A Sharp Knife is a Safe Knife

swissknifeheadquarters — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:07:47 +0000

  When I first heard that a sharp knife is a safe knife it sounded like an oxymoron to me. Certainly the sharper the knife, the more likely you are to cut yourself. A dull knife would not be capable of cutting you as much. Well as right as this logic seemed to me, it was not correct.
     When a knife is properly sharpened then the amount of force applied to the object you are trying to cut is less and you are less likely to have the knife slip out of control. A dull knife requires more force and the blade edge is more likely to slip or skid on the surface you are attempting to cut. To compensate for this slippage more downward force is needed to force the blade to dig in and cut, and more force means less control over the knife.
     Another aspect of using a knife that is not very sharp is that most folks, in trying to create more cutting force, will try to gain that force by cutting toward them self. As an example if you are whittling on a piece of wood the correct and safe way to cut is away from your body. But if your knife edge is dull, to get more force, you would by instinct pull the knife toward you. The reason for this is that your arm muscles are stronger when pulled toward your body rather then when pushed away from your body. If the knife were to slip when cutting away from your body not much damage can be done to you. However, if your knife slips while pulling the knife toward your body, you may end up stabbing yourself.
     So the bottom line is, by always keeping your knife sharp it will cut much easier, you will be more in control of your knife, and be less likely to injure yourself.
     If you have a knife that just will not sharpen properly, it is better to replace it then injure yourself.