Fully illustrated in colour, this book gives the history behind victorinox and details the development of the swiss army knife. Learn to choose a good knife is all you need to start whittling. A compromise between the two companies gave victorinox the right to advertise as the original swiss army knife, while wenger laid claim to the title of genuine swiss army knife. From lighting fires to fishing, this book covers it all. The valley from brunnen to arth, encompassing the town of schwyz, is known as the swiss knife valley due to the fact that victoriniox was first established there in 1884 by karl elsener, and from humble beginnings supplying pocket knives to officers in the swiss army, has. This work did not go unnoticed by victorinox, who helped him develop it into a fulltime career educating kids in the use of knives. Generally, it has a signature red color that bears a victorinox or wenger cross logo with a main spear point blade and various tools such as screwdriver, can opener and many others. By request, a book i like about outdoor knife projects. Rick was the president of the nowdefunct swiss army knife society. The world of victorinox dates right back to the year 1884, when my greatgrandfather karl elsener opened a cutlers workshop in ibachschwyz. Swiss army books read up on your indispensable victorinox swiss army knife, and get tips on whittling or learn the history behind your daily companion with our collection of swiss army knife books. On 26 april 2005 victorinox acquired wenger, its historic rival and the other official supplier of the swiss army knife. The world of swiss army knives was created in 1891 by the swiss manufacturer now known as victorinox, with the help of many smaller swiss cutlers. The swiss army knife is one of the most popular knives in existence for one reason.
Damage caused by normal wear and tear, misuse or abuse are not covered by this guarantee. A collectors companion 17004 written by derek jackson is a wellillustrated, detailed victorinox book on swiss army knives. Mar 05, 2019 i beg to differ with the comment that the milk was a copy of the swiss army knife. Information and identification on swiss army knives by victorinox and wenger. They manufactured the first swiss soldier knife for the swiss army, and one has been issued to every enlisted person since then. Swiss army knives downloads victorinox swiss army usa. Kathryn kane is the undisputed godmother of all sak mods and this book explains her views on various uses and modifications that can be done with various swiss army knife models. Of course, there was a tinge of controversy related to the first swiss army knives. Wenger pocketknife collectible folding knives for sale ebay. Swiss army knives by victorinox at swiss knife shop. A history of western eating utensils, from the scandalous fork to the incredible spork. Victorinox factory store ibach 2020 all you need to know.
The swiss army knife is a multitool with a smart design thats known all around the world. Some additional pocket models, and 120mm models, were later added to the range. Swiss knife shop is a factory authorized reseller and offers inhouse custom engraving. Bestselling swiss army knives by victorinox swiss army span from the keychainsized classic sd to the 33 feature swisschamp. How to build a swiss army knife years of victorinox.
Originally the sole supplier, victorinox has shared the contract with wenger since 1908. Swiss army knives are symbols of utility and smart design known the world over. This knife was not adopted by the swiss armed forces as ordnance, but its commercial success allowed the company to recover financially. It is all here in this book of the worlds most famous, bestloved pocketknife. Those who need to be ready for anything take one of these with them everywhere. Many collectors say its useless, and that theyd rather have a phillips screwdriver in its place. And the slab sided design of the milk was born in 1944 and first made by kingston. Aug 16, 2017 he devised a pocket knife drivers license workshop to certify their competence with a blade. If he had used a fixed blade knife and pocket saw, the book would have been the same. How to tell how old a swiss army knife is our pastimes. Swiss army knife was incorporated in 1891 by german knife enthusiast, karl elsener.
In 2005, victorinox went a long way in closing the book on that discussion with the acquisition of rival wenger, followed by the consolidation of the two brands into the single victorinox label in 20. Bestselling swiss army knives by victorinox at swiss knife. Immlers first book taught kids carving with a swiss army knife, and hes working on a sequel for his next. Originating in ibach, switzerland, the swiss army knife was first produced in 1891 after the company, karl elsener, which later became victorinox, won the contract to produce the swiss armys modell 1890 knife from the previous german manufacturer. It contains a lot of very useful information and filled with the soft humor. More to the point, twine seems to be the featured tool in most projects. Swiss army knives is the comprehensive guide for swiss army knives no collector should live without. The improbable history of the worlds handiest knife, by rick wall. This is the original swiss army knife medium pocket knives.
Every victorinox swiss army knife is made in switzerland, and carries a lifetime warranty. An unabridged history of the swiss army knife newly swissed. Initially a number of 65, 75 and 85 models were available see diagram below. As an update, 2012, the interested or enthusiastic swiss army knive lover should find the swiss army knife owners manual by michael m. Swissbuck pocket knives were manufactured by wenger in switzerland, for exclusive import into the usa by buck knives, commencing in 1991. His revolutionary idea of manufacturing a compact knife with an array of practical functions was a success. I really did want a book that centered around a sak and some of the common tools. Victorinox collectible vintage folding knives for sale ebay. Either way, everyone agrees that the swiss army knife was invented in switzerland. Under the countrys militia system, regular soldiers constitute a small part of the military and the rest are conscripts or volunteers aged 19 to 34 in some cases up to 50. Get advice on the different types of pocket knives from. Product victorinox swiss army 84mm my first victorinox red combination tool 54553. Aug 26, 2019 the swiss army knife corkscrew is a hot button topic these days. How to sew with a swiss army knife awl reamer duration.
The swiss army products are popular and bestknown products by victorinox, a famous knife manufacturing a brand of switzerland. Swiss army knives come in thousands of combinations of size, color, and tool assortment. We have kept one of the experiences its had on its travels under wraps. The best swiss army knives for survival an iconic tool.
In the late 1880s, before there was ever an official swiss army knife, the swiss army decided to purchase a simple folding pocket knife for their soldiers. History of victorinox wenger swiss army knife this is a reading from blades guide to knives and there value. The swiss army knife book 63 outdoor project with your. From starting a fire and making a shelter to catching a fish, building a stove, or repairing your gear, discover why the sak is a musthave for every survival kit and outdoor. Stories and ideas inspired by the swiss army knife. The camp knife pattern predated the first sak by at least 30 years. History of the swiss army knife the swiss army knife was born out of the swiss armys desire in the1880s for a small pocketknife for its troops capable of opening cans and disassembling their m1889 rifles.
Because of switzerlands long history of neutrality, the swiss. Actually, unbiased historians believe that the first pocket knife was invented by the romans in 200 a. Over 100 years later, each knife still possesses the dna of its forefathers inspired functionality and reliability. The swiss army collectors companion 1 7004 is a hardcover book with plenty of colorful photos and illustrations. In the beginnings, the swiss army knife was still very heavy quite the opposite of todays handy pocket knives. Swiss army knives catalogs each gadget, beginning with the simple soldiers knife, later developed into the student knife, the cadet knife, and farmers knife. Swiss army knife, the literal translation, was easier to handle. A beginners guide to custom made swiss army knives saks. The swiss army knife was not springloaded until 1897that was the first redhandled model. Apr 15, 2017 in todays video i would like to show u the new book from felix immler, called the swiss army knife book, with over 60 bushcraft projects. In keeping with the swiss army knife concept, the knife combat utility will fulfill the function of a multitool. Swiss knife shop carries the full line of swiss army knives, tools and accessories by victorinox, makers of the original swiss army knife.
Author tackles 63 survival tasks using swiss army knife. Mar 23, 2017 the swiss army knife sak is almost nonessential. Gear junkie traveled to switzerland this summer to investigate the history of the iconic brand. Even if it may not be true, at least thats a start. Victorinox has since licensed the swiss army brand and shield logo to companies producing watches, writing tools, luggage and clothing.
This knife was intended for use by the army in opening canned food and disassembling the m1889 swiss service rifle which required a screwdriver for assembly. In this pocketsized book, worldfamous whittler chris lubkemann shows you how to whittle 43 useful and whimsical objects with nothing more than an original swiss army knife, a twig, and a few minutes of time. Toothpick collectible vintage folding knives for sale ebay. Introduced in 1891 by the military of switzerland, the swiss army knife quickly became one of the knives of choice for other militaries around the world. Product title swiss army cigar 36 swiss army knife,walmartpact and.
Swiss knife valley visitor center brunnen 2020 all you. Swiss army knife is wellknown for manufacturing the bestdesigned multitools pocket knives. Victorinox swiss army 84mm my first victorinox red combination tool 54553. There are some hybrid situations, for example, where a modder will take a tool from another swiss army knife, or other knife altogether, and integrate it into a sak mod. Links for my books and equipment below in this video i present you the swiss army knife book 63 outdoor projects. Dec 30, 2014 back then, inventor karl elsener coined the original swiss army knife by bringing the production to switzerland. Wenger swiss army knife top and a victorinox swiss army knife. History of victorinox wenger swiss army knife youtube. Apr 01, 2017 links for my books and equipment below in this video i present you the swiss army knife book 63 outdoor projects. A history of western eating utensils, from the scandalous. But thanks to elseners wit, a much lighter pocket knife with a clever foldout mechanism was subsequently patented. It includes a directory of knives, with comprehensive model identification for collectors and stories and anecdotes from military owners and others. Whether youre exploring the city, the ocean, the mountains or even space, the swiss army knife is the companion you can count on. The pioneer was the later adapted as the swiss soldiers knife.
Whether youre in front of a campfire or waiting for a bus, whittling is the creative way to unwind and have fun. However, for masters like robert and zhang, you start to see true craftsmanship with fabricating a hidden drawer for scale tools, to handshaping a custom large blade. The swiss army knife book is full of ideas for exciting activities, suitable for families and teens as well as adult explorers. Get the best deals on toothpick collectible vintage folding knives when you shop the. In this book, worldfamous whittler chris lubkemann shows you how to carve useful and whimsical objects with nothing more than an original swiss army r knife, a twig, and a few minutes of time. Swiss army knife handbook the official history and owners guide.
Discover the adventure of the legendary pocket knife. Swiss army knives, household and professional knives, watches, travel gear and fragrances. You may not be aware that the history of the swiss army knife is still a matter of debate among the swiss. This book ist the english translation of my latest german book outdoor mit.
Please notify me when this product is back in stock. Get information about the original swiss army knife s history. Youll still find in them the tools that mankind has always needed to get the job done over the years and weve added. The official history and owners guide, by kathryn kane. Victorinox ag guarantees all knives and tools to be of first class stainless steel and also guarantees a life time against any defects in material and workmanship save for electronic components 2 years. The simple, elegant history of the swiss army knife atlas. Because the knife s designs have varied so little, to learn of the knife s precise age it will take more than just comparing descriptions of the knives to your own. I also have a german same model different handle in waiting for when i break my swiss.
The swiss army knife is the bestknown product by victorinox. Started as a german import in the late 1880s, before there was ever an official swiss army knife, the swiss army decided to purchase a simple folding pocket knife for their soldiers. Since 1897, the swiss army knife has been a trusted tool of adventurers around the world. Others have found good use for the corkscrew with things like untying knots.
The history of this knife and its makers, use and safety, improvised uses, repairs and modifications, and some amazing true stories. The spring is what enables it to have multiple tools on each side. The original swiss officers and sports knife is patented. Yes, i would like to receive the victorinox swiss army newsletter and get information about new products, services and events. It is known around the world today as the swiss army knife. It also started expanding its product range to include fragrances, travel gear, and watches. 149 mb operating instructions for traveller and expedition. Add custom engraving to any of these top pocket knives at swiss knife shop, authorized victorinox swiss army retailer.
Oct 14, 2010 you may not be aware that the history of the swiss army knife is still a matter of debate among the swiss. Owners manual is probably the best and the most detailed book about so called swiss army knives sak knives made by victorinox and wenger companies. The simple, elegant history of the swiss army knife. This knife goes in my pocket every morning because it is so handy. Swiss army knives for sale highquality multitools smkw. Young 2011, a true work of depth, breadth, and passion for this subject, an amazing effort to delight the curious or obsessedavailable also on amazon. Swiss army knife history and facts switzerland tours.
Victorinox swiss army classic sd multitool pocket knife 54212 sapphire blue. Today, victorinox is a global company with five product categories. The swiss army knife owners manual about the book in 2007 mike and his wife susan she loves to travel went to the netherlands to ride bicycles out to the tulip fields and to switzerland to visit the sak factories of wenger in delemont and victorinox in ibach. This fascinating, colorfully illustrated book is a celebration of one of the great icons of swiss culture. With your swiss army knife by your side, you can also feel prepared for anything. It also contains a brief history of both companies and details on many individual tools.