Posts Tagged ‘Swiss Army’
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.
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.