Archive for the ‘Victorinox’ Category
An Enduring Favorite of Knife Enthusiasts
Swiss army knives have always been synonymous with versatility and quality. Even in the late 19th century, when the knives were first introduced in Switzerland, their sturdy composition and reliability set them apart from the rest. These days, hunters, campers and average Joes wouldn’t think of leaving home without such a knife and the endless utility that comes along with it.
The American television show “MacGyver” featured a main character who fashioned elaborate contraptions out of the most basic materials. He would often use a Swiss army knife to get the job done. These dependable Victorinox knives are also highly regarded for the wide variety of tools they contain, including tweezers, scissors, bottle openers and other handy gadgets.
The Real Deal
In a way, merchants who sell knock-off items are paying a sincere compliment to the makers of the original. The man on the street selling fake Rolex watches out of his jacket pocket is trading on the belief that consumers know and trust the Rolex brand. The same principle is true when it comes to Swiss army knives. There are many imitators, but Victorinox Swiss army knives started it all more than a century ago. That’s because pretenders have been attempting to duplicate the look and feel of original Victorinox pocket knives for more than a century. Since then, the company has released other quality knives for a variety of purposes including camping and specialty situations.
In order to properly identify a real Swiss army knife, look for the telltale cross and shield logo. The shield insignia should be pentagonal in shape with a small dip at the top. And naturally the insignia should be white with a red background to evoke the colors of the Swiss flag. The word “Victorinox” should also be stamped on the blade.
Disaster Survival
Disasters are not in our daily thoughts however, being prepared is essential. Whether one is in and earthquake, tornado, flood, fire or hurricane zone, a survival kit is needed. Items in the kit are about the same for any disaster.
Although not complete, the following are minimal items needed in your kit. 
AM/FM Radio with Battery, Flashlight with Batteries, Candles, Duct Tape,
Emergency Blankets, Emergency Manual, Food Rations, Infectious Waste Bags, Victorinox Swiss Army Tool, Pry Bar, Rope, Ka Bar Survival Knife, Tissue Packs, Utility Bags, Water Purification Tablets, Water Rations, Matches, Whistle, Work Gloves, Medical First Aid Kit, Large Adjustable Wrench (shut off gas).
We all should take to heart the Boy Scout Motto – “Be Prepared“
A Tool Box In Your Hand
How would you like to have at your finger tips a pair of needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, an electrical crimper, a wire scraper, a wire stripper, a wire bender, a wood saw, a drop point blade, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener, a (large, medium and small) screwdriver, a reamer/punch, a Phillips screwdriver, a chisel/scraper, a crate opener, a mini screwdriver, a ruler (cm and in.), and a seat belt cutter? All of the incidental tools are accessible without opening the pliers. It seems like you need a small tool box attached to your leg to avail yourself of all those tools.
I have just described a Multi-Tool by Victorinox.
“Multi-tool” is name given to a variety of products that are many functioned, all-in-one, hand tools that combine several individual tools in a single grip and made small enough to carry in a purse or pouch. The Victorinox Swiss Card is in essence a multi-tool. Some manufacturers have designed pocket knives with two or more incidental tools built into the knife.
Becoming a Man
Nearly every culture has some sort of tradition for ushering their boys into manhood. For Native Americans this ritual often takes place in the form of a vision quest, while the Jewish people recognize the Bar Mitzvah. No matter what your cultural heritage, it is universally agreed that the initiation into manhood is a big step.
Although there is no steadfast methodology recognized in the US, there are some typical rites. For me, my leap into manhood was commemorated with a Christmas present from the traditional line of Victorinox Swiss Army knives. It seems like a boy’s first pocket knife is widely recognized as the welcome gift to adulthood in America.
Multi-Tool Multi-Tasked
Swiss Army Tool
“Multi-tool” is name given to a variety of products that are: portable, many functioned, all-in-one, hand tools that are versatile and combine several individual tools in a single grip. The Victorinox Swiss Card is in essence a multi-tool.
Multi-tools have been around for centuries. The Romans had a multi-tool that was probably used for eating. It had a pick, fork, spatula, knife and a spike.
You will find a plethora of styles and makers of the multi-tool, from the simplest Swiss Army Classic (knife, file/screw driver, tooth pick, tweezers) to the Swiss Champ that has 80 functions. Some versions are specific to sports, golf, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Victorinox have also added a flash drive to their multi-tool knives.
They were created to be small enough to be carried in the pocket/purse or in a pouch attached to the belt.
The type that has become synonymous for multi-tool is the Leatherman. It usually contains a pair of folding pliers with wire cutters and also has an assortment of other folding tools such as knives and screw drivers.
No matter the make or type of multi-tool you have, they are not intended for prolonged use. The grips are not very ergonomic and tend to tire the hand if used for long tedious work.
A Knife for Every Occasion
Ever since its introduction in the late 19th century, the Swiss army knife has been recognized as a symbol of utility and resourcefulness. As its name suggests, the knife, which is a registered trademark of two Swiss manufacturing companies, has long been a standard-issue military weapon for the Alpine nation. Swiss army knives became even more ubiquitous in popular culture in the 1980s.
The American television show “MacGyver” featured a main character who fashioned elaborate contraptions out of the most basic materials. He would often use a Swiss army knife to get the job done. Whether they’re used as utility knives out in the woods or for bottle openers on a Sunday afternoon, Swiss army knives remain just as practical today as they ever were.
Boy Scouts Can’t Carry Pen Knives
In the United Kingdom Boy Scouts are no longer allowed to carry pen knives on camping trips! A recent article in the UK Telegraph quoted the following:
“Sadly, there is now confusion about when a Scout is allowed to carry a knife,” wrote Dave Budd, a knife-maker who runs courses training Scouts about the safe use of blades. “The series of high-profile fatal stabbings [has] highlighted a growing knife culture in the UK.”
Troops leaders however have said the decision is “very sad”. Sheila Burgin, from 4th Sevenoaks Scout Group in Kent, said: “Scouts by law are allowed to have Swiss army knives. I think this is going too far – you just don’t know when a Scout will need a knife.
Miss Burgin, who offers lessons in carving using penknives, added: “If you teach children to use a knife properly they won’t abuse it. If someone wants to cause harm they will do it anyway. It is a real shame it has come to this.”"
Will the same be happening here in the US? The US Customs is already trying to classify all easy open pocket knives as switch blades.
People harm people, not knives. Next they will be banning sharp pencils and screwdrivers!
What is your opinion?
The Genuine Article
If imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery, then the makers of authentic Swiss army knives must be rather full of themselves by now. That’s because pretenders have been attempting to duplicate the look and feel of an original Victorinox knife for more than a century. The first genuine Swiss army knife was introduced in 1897. Since then, the company has released other quality knives for a variety of purposes including camping and specialty situations.
In order to properly identify a real Swiss army knife, look for the fabled cross and shield insignia. The shield should have five corners with a small dip at the top. And naturally the insignia should be white with a red background. For further proof, check the blade; the word “Victorinox” should be stamped there.