Landed two older SAKs recently. Still need to get pictures. One is an older Ranger model with the small clip blade and limited back tools. It has a broken scissor spring (that is easy to fix!) The other an older Explorer that came with the box and papers, appears to have only suffered "shelf wear" $25 for the two of them. Hard to pass up two classic knives for such a low price!
I've got an even more awesome SAK on the way. Pictures to follow!
I knew I had a few Victorinox knives that I had put away and just thought I would post a pic of them. I really haven't been collecting them and don't know a whole lot about them. One I found and one I picked up years ago at a yardsale for a buck.
My first real knife was a Swiss Army, Victorinox craftsman I think. Dad gave it to me for christmas. I still have it. Anyone else have an SAK for a first knife?
Well a SAK wasn't my first knife but it was the first knife my wife ever bought me! I got it for Christmas many years ago. Carried for a long a time and still have it today.
It is a Victorinox Huntsman Economy, also known as the Woodsman. It differs from the standard Huntsman in that it lacks the toothpick and tweezers. It was the exact model I had been wishing for! Still one of my faves!
I have since bought another Woodsman and two other Huntsmans. Love the pattern but this one if my sentimental favorite for obvious reasons!
I agree Michael. I've come to appreciate the plastic toothpick, however. I carry a Signature light which normally has tweezers and ink pen. I swapped out the tweezers for a toothpick. I really never use the tweezers. The ones by wenger seemed to work better but even those are less than adequate in my book.
I have a knife that is stamped Wengerinox with a crossbow symbol on one side of the blade at the bottom and 57 on the other side. Beside the 3" blade, it has a slot screwdriver blade with a curved cutting surface, a can opener and an awl. On one handle is a small stamp with a cross in a circle and what appears to be W-K. The knife is in very good condition with only minor scratches. Can anyone tell me what I have and what it might be worth? I got it at an auction in a small lot for $2.00. Thanks. Al Rogers
Thanks Andreas, a photo won't help much from my crummy little camera, always blurry. Time to invest in a better one I guess. The knife is in very good condition, some minor scratches. Not bad for a $2.00 investment. I love auctions!
From your description I suspect that you have a 1957 Wenger Soldiers Knife, as Andreas has already informed you. The circled "W-K" stands for Waffen Kontrolle:
Originally it was a small stamp in the form of the Swiss Cross (top left), and later - two letters W-K - "Waffen Kontrolle" e.g., "Arms Control"
Depending upon the condition of your knife it could be quite valuable to a collector. These older Wenger and Victorinox knives are becoming scarcer. Especially the ones in decent condition. Does your knife's markings look like this:
From 1957 until 1961 Wenger makes a soldier knife with red plastic plates of Grilon (Grilonschalen - Swiss Nylon Quality).
Soldier's knife manufacturing Wenger, restyled 1957 model 1951 1957 release
Parameters soldier's knife restaylinga 1957: Length: 93 mm Weight: 90 g Blade length: 65 mm
I hope this helps? It sounds like you got a fantastic deal for only $2.00. Congratulations! And, btw, a bad picture is better than no picture. So, please, post a pic from your "crummy little camera." I would love to see it!
P7290804.JPGThis is the only half decent photo I can share. The markings on my knife are identical to your photos with one exception. The handles on mine are a darker shade of red than yours. There's minor scratching on the handles and someone did a half assed job of sharpening the blade but it can be saved. Maybe I will sell it, I really need a good camera more. Thanks, Ron and Andreas.
I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty of sizing it and re-posting it? This way it's easier for the viewer to actually see it.
BTW, It's in really nice shape for a knife that's almost 60 years old. And, like I've already stated, to a collector of Wenger Soldier Knives it would probably bring you a very nice return for your initial $2.00 investment. You got a good one, my friend!
hello . im looking to find one of these. Michel Jordi with 18K gold plated corkscrew. I had one given to me as a gift 20 yrs ago and it was stolen from me 6 yrs ago. I have searched ebay and cant find any available. Any help in sourcing one would be much appreciated. :) ( this photo is from IKC site)
MONROE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., in conjunction with its parent corporation Victorinox AG, today announced the company has been awarded approximately $9.8 Million in addition to injunctive relief in its suit against Dallas-based The B & F System, Inc., and its president, John D. Meyer for infringement of Victorinox’s iconic registered trademark for red-handled multi-function pocket knives. Victorinox filed the lawsuit in 2013 when the company became aware The B & F System, Inc. was marketing red handled multi-function pocket knives copying the famous Swiss Army knife marketed and sold by Victorinox in the U.S. for more than 50 years.
Victorinox wins $9.8M award for #SwissArmyKnife trademark infringement
Ruling in Victorinox’s favor, Federal District Court Senior Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on October 22, 2015 granted Victorinox a total award of $9,808,332.44 including treble damages, interest and counsel fees.
Judge Rakoff also granted Victorinox injunctive relief writing in his decision “the public interest will be served by an injunction that ends the likelihood of consumer confusion.” Under the Court’s Order, The B & F System, Inc. and Mr. Meyer are permanently enjoined from further infringements; required to immediately recall from their distributors and retailers the infringing goods; to deliver for destruction all examples of the infringing goods; distribute copies of Judge Rakoff’s Final Order to all of their suppliers, distributors and customers; and, are bound to take other steps as outlined in the Order (Case #13-cv-04534).
Jan, thanks for the heads up on that judgment against Maxam (B&F System). That was really interesting -- it was decided by summary judgment, meaning that the counterfeiting was so obvious that no further trial was necessary -- & this one may not have even made it to trial at all. More unusual, from what I can tell, is that such stiff penalties were brought without even going through the full trial process. Maxam will almost certainly appeal, & it'll be interesting to hear their argument(s) on appeal.
Thanks for the feedback. I got it years ago .. late 80's / early 90's .. new .. from a salesman that was trying to land a contract with the company I was working for at the time.
.
Note: I was chief engineer & had a display of knives in my office & indeed had influence over who would be awarded the contract ..&.. he was blatantly trying to influence the decision by "gifting" me this knife.
. The slip-joint pliers & the scissors are wonderfully functional ..&.. I make that statement based on actual use !!! I've modified the can opener to have a longer cutting edge. It is also quite functional .. based on actual use. The modification is noticeable if one blows the pic up.
.
The screwdrivers certainly do their job too .. I just wished they locked in their open positions. The awl .. I have used to pierce everything from leather to aluminum & can report that it functions as intended.
.
The blade steel I have found to be slightly on the soft side. This is strictly based on a personal observation of rolling the edge over when attempting to sever a deers hide after skinning & needing to remove the lower leg from the hide. i.e. My brothers & I hunt on the family farm in WI & do the butchering ourselves. We work in teams. One team performs the skinning & quartering while the another will do the deboning & cutting of the meat .. a 3rd team does the packaging for freezing .. while a fourth will do the grinding of the burger material. Some of our wives also actively participate.
.
My personal responsibility is the deboning & the sharpening of everyone's knives. Anyway .. the lower leg & bone needs removed from the hide before rolling up the hide for later selling. I did this while taking a break from the above outlined tasks & actually didn't have a knife on me at the time ..so.. grabbed this one out of the glove box of my vehicle & attempted to do just that. I rolled the edge over in this attempt. I ended up going to the house to get an actual hunting knife in order to finish the job.
.
That is the only shortcoming I've ever noted in the knife. And, I've used it extensively since late 80's ~ early 90's.
.
Again .. Thank You .. for identifying the actual model.
I like the lever springs that Wenger put on their knives.
The use of a traditional style can opener is a plus also. The Victorinox can opener takes some practice.
Victorinox just announced the Outrider will be the 2017 choice for their exclusive Damast series. The limited edition knife reinterprets the popular outdoors multitool as a high-end collector’s piece that is among the most costly Swiss Army Knives ever produced.
The centerpiece of the Outrider Damast is the 3.4” Odin’s Eye pattern Damasteel blade. And, in place of the standard red cellidor scales, Victorinox opted for a premium wood fiber composite handle from Epicurean, a company that specializes in the material. The Victorinox emblem is inlaid onto the scales and each Outrider Damast comes with a serial number on the back of the knife.
The Outrider is on fantastic knife. It is the one I most often carry when fishing or hiking. A very functional knife. The scissors are especially useful when fishing. I doubt I'll buy this Damascus blade knife but I might just get another Outrider just in case.
Here is a seldom seen, little known SAK; Buck Trekker. Though it carries the Buck name it was made by Wenger in standard SAK fashion and fitted with a Buck shield. This was an attempt by Buck in the mid 90's to enter the European market. They dropped the line after a couple of years, but used knives show up for sale online from time to time. Among Buck enthusiasts it's called a "Swiss Buck". I guess an SAK by any other name is still an SAK!
Swiss Bucks were made by Wenger for Buck from 1991 to 1998. They were made specifically for ge USA market and were sold as Swiss Buck. I'm not sure who determined the name Swiss Buck but that was the name on the packaging. Really nice Trecker, Syd. I've got a Sidekick. Need to get a picture loaded.
Wounded Warrior Project SAK Memorial Day Promo (TSA KNIVES)
Pretty simple actually. Anyone buying a Swiss Army Knife between now and through Monday, May 29 will have the option to receive one of the SAK Classic’s for just $5 (normally $12.95).
Swiss Army Classic
Get it? You buy any Swiss Army Knife in the store for regular price and you can add a Classic to your order for just $5.
So how does that benefit the Wounded Warrior Project? TSA Knives will MATCH your $5 and make a $10 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project for eachClassic sold. Should be a win/win deal for you and the Wounded Warrior Project.
As I said, the Promo starts immediately and runs through Monday. When you place an order for one of the regular SAK’s you’ll have a button asking if you want to add a Classic to the cart for $5. Just select yes or no and your good to go!
My latest Video features a Swiss Army Ranger from around 1972-4. Hope you like it. I'll try and get some more info up soon. Just very hard for me to get to iKnife collector these days.
Tobias Gibson
Landed two older SAKs recently. Still need to get pictures. One is an older Ranger model with the small clip blade and limited back tools. It has a broken scissor spring (that is easy to fix!) The other an older Explorer that came with the box and papers, appears to have only suffered "shelf wear" $25 for the two of them. Hard to pass up two classic knives for such a low price!
I've got an even more awesome SAK on the way. Pictures to follow!
Oct 10, 2014
Tobias Gibson
My pre-1991, near mint in the box. Not bad for $9.95!
Functions perfectly. I doubt if it was ever used or carried!
Oct 11, 2014
Tobias Gibson
Maybe this one will warrant a response:
<br /><small><a href="http://iknifecollector.com/photo/photo">Find more photos like this on <em>iKnife Collector</em></a></small><br />
Oct 14, 2014
Michael Squier
Ok, let me be the first to say it, happy year, may you aquire many new SAK's
Jan 1, 2015
Andreas
Hello. Does anybody knows anything about this? Its a twenty dollar inlay with a star.
Feb 7, 2015
Bob Robinson
Mar 1, 2015
Tobias Gibson
The top appears to be a Swiss Flash and the other the Pocket Pal.
Does the Swiss flash have a laser pointer or the LED light?
Mar 2, 2015
Bob Robinson
Mar 2, 2015
John Bamford
One here with a laser Tobias'
Mar 26, 2015
Michael Squier
My first real knife was a Swiss Army, Victorinox craftsman I think. Dad gave it to me for christmas. I still have it. Anyone else have an SAK for a first knife?
Apr 29, 2015
Tobias Gibson
Well a SAK wasn't my first knife but it was the first knife my wife ever bought me! I got it for Christmas many years ago. Carried for a long a time and still have it today.
It is a Victorinox Huntsman Economy, also known as the Woodsman. It differs from the standard Huntsman in that it lacks the toothpick and tweezers. It was the exact model I had been wishing for! Still one of my faves!
Apr 29, 2015
Michael Squier
those tweezers are hoghly overrated anyway Tobias. lol
Apr 29, 2015
Tobias Gibson
I agree Michael. I've come to appreciate the plastic toothpick, however. I carry a Signature light which normally has tweezers and ink pen. I swapped out the tweezers for a toothpick. I really never use the tweezers. The ones by wenger seemed to work better but even those are less than adequate in my book.
Apr 29, 2015
Al Rogers
I have a knife that is stamped Wengerinox with a crossbow symbol on one side of the blade at the bottom and 57 on the other side. Beside the 3" blade, it has a slot screwdriver blade with a curved cutting surface, a can opener and an awl. On one handle is a small stamp with a cross in a circle and what appears to be W-K. The knife is in very good condition with only minor scratches. Can anyone tell me what I have and what it might be worth? I got it at an auction in a small lot for $2.00. Thanks. Al Rogers
Sep 13, 2015
Andreas
Put a picture to have a look.
Its a swiss army knife made for the army by wenger in 57.
Depending on its condition it may worth from nothing to 80-100 bucks
Sep 14, 2015
Al Rogers
Thanks Andreas, a photo won't help much from my crummy little camera, always blurry. Time to invest in a better one I guess. The knife is in very good condition, some minor scratches. Not bad for a $2.00 investment. I love auctions!
Sep 14, 2015
Ron Cooper
Al,
From your description I suspect that you have a 1957 Wenger Soldiers Knife, as Andreas has already informed you. The circled "W-K" stands for Waffen Kontrolle:
Originally it was a small stamp in the form of the Swiss Cross (top left), and later - two letters W-K - "Waffen Kontrolle" e.g., "Arms Control"
Depending upon the condition of your knife it could be quite valuable to a collector. These older Wenger and Victorinox knives are becoming scarcer. Especially the ones in decent condition. Does your knife's markings look like this:
From 1957 until 1961 Wenger makes a soldier knife with red plastic plates of Grilon (Grilonschalen - Swiss Nylon Quality).
Soldier's knife manufacturing Wenger, restyled 1957 model 1951 1957 release
Parameters soldier's knife restaylinga 1957:
Length: 93 mm
Weight: 90 g
Blade length: 65 mm
I hope this helps? It sounds like you got a fantastic deal for only $2.00. Congratulations! And, btw, a bad picture is better than no picture. So, please, post a pic from your "crummy little camera." I would love to see it!
Cheers, mate!
Sep 14, 2015
Andreas
Hey Al, sell the knife and get a camera!!!
Sep 14, 2015
Ron Cooper
@Andreas-LMAO!!! Classic!
Sep 14, 2015
Al Rogers
P7290804.JPGThis is the only half decent photo I can share. The markings on my knife are identical to your photos with one exception. The handles on mine are a darker shade of red than yours. There's minor scratching on the handles and someone did a half assed job of sharpening the blade but it can be saved. Maybe I will sell it, I really need a good camera more. Thanks, Ron and Andreas.
Sep 15, 2015
Ron Cooper
This is the pic Al posted of his knife...
I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty of sizing it and re-posting it? This way it's easier for the viewer to actually see it.
BTW, It's in really nice shape for a knife that's almost 60 years old. And, like I've already stated, to a collector of Wenger Soldier Knives it would probably bring you a very nice return for your initial $2.00 investment. You got a good one, my friend!
Sep 15, 2015
Al Rogers
Thanks Ron. If anyone's interested in this knife, make me an offer, I need a camera.
Sep 15, 2015
Jan Carter
Thanks Ron! Al it is a good looking knife!
Sep 15, 2015
Catherine Peterson
Sep 20, 2015
Jan Carter
Victorinox Awarded $9.8 Million In Trademark Lawsuit
MONROE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., in conjunction with its parent corporation Victorinox AG, today announced the company has been awarded approximately $9.8 Million in addition to injunctive relief in its suit against Dallas-based The B & F System, Inc., and its president, John D. Meyer for infringement of Victorinox’s iconic registered trademark for red-handled multi-function pocket knives. Victorinox filed the lawsuit in 2013 when the company became aware The B & F System, Inc. was marketing red handled multi-function pocket knives copying the famous Swiss Army knife marketed and sold by Victorinox in the U.S. for more than 50 years.
Ruling in Victorinox’s favor, Federal District Court Senior Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on October 22, 2015 granted Victorinox a total award of $9,808,332.44 including treble damages, interest and counsel fees.
Judge Rakoff also granted Victorinox injunctive relief writing in his decision “the public interest will be served by an injunction that ends the likelihood of consumer confusion.” Under the Court’s Order, The B & F System, Inc. and Mr. Meyer are permanently enjoined from further infringements; required to immediately recall from their distributors and retailers the infringing goods; to deliver for destruction all examples of the infringing goods; distribute copies of Judge Rakoff’s Final Order to all of their suppliers, distributors and customers; and, are bound to take other steps as outlined in the Order (Case #13-cv-04534).
Oct 23, 2015
Featured
dead_left_knife_guy
Jan, thanks for the heads up on that judgment against Maxam (B&F System). That was really interesting -- it was decided by summary judgment, meaning that the counterfeiting was so obvious that no further trial was necessary -- & this one may not have even made it to trial at all. More unusual, from what I can tell, is that such stiff penalties were brought without even going through the full trial process. Maxam will almost certainly appeal, & it'll be interesting to hear their argument(s) on appeal.
Oct 24, 2015
In Memoriam
D ale
Does anyone know what model this is ?? It's a Wenger product from th late 80's ~ early 90's. Thanks for any info anyone might provide !!! D ale
Aug 8, 2016
Ron Cooper
D ale,
I believe it looks like a Tradesman?
Link: Wenger Tradesman
Let us know what you think.
Cheers!
Aug 9, 2016
In Memoriam
D ale
Ron,
Thanks for the feedback. I got it years ago .. late 80's / early 90's .. new .. from a salesman that was trying to land a contract with the company I was working for at the time.
.
Note: I was chief engineer & had a display of knives in my office & indeed had influence over who would be awarded the contract ..&.. he was blatantly trying to influence the decision by "gifting" me this knife.
.
The slip-joint pliers & the scissors are wonderfully functional ..&.. I make that statement based on actual use !!! I've modified the can opener to have a longer cutting edge. It is also quite functional .. based on actual use. The modification is noticeable if one blows the pic up.
.
The screwdrivers certainly do their job too .. I just wished they locked in their open positions. The awl .. I have used to pierce everything from leather to aluminum & can report that it functions as intended.
.
The blade steel I have found to be slightly on the soft side. This is strictly based on a personal observation of rolling the edge over when attempting to sever a deers hide after skinning & needing to remove the lower leg from the hide. i.e. My brothers & I hunt on the family farm in WI & do the butchering ourselves. We work in teams. One team performs the skinning & quartering while the another will do the deboning & cutting of the meat .. a 3rd team does the packaging for freezing .. while a fourth will do the grinding of the burger material. Some of our wives also actively participate.
.
My personal responsibility is the deboning & the sharpening of everyone's knives. Anyway .. the lower leg & bone needs removed from the hide before rolling up the hide for later selling. I did this while taking a break from the above outlined tasks & actually didn't have a knife on me at the time ..so.. grabbed this one out of the glove box of my vehicle & attempted to do just that. I rolled the edge over in this attempt. I ended up going to the house to get an actual hunting knife in order to finish the job.
.
That is the only shortcoming I've ever noted in the knife. And, I've used it extensively since late 80's ~ early 90's.
.
Again .. Thank You .. for identifying the actual model.
D ale
Aug 9, 2016
J.J. Smith III
The use of a traditional style can opener is a plus also. The Victorinox can opener takes some practice.
Aug 9, 2016
Tobias Gibson
Aug 9, 2016
J.J. Smith III
Aug 9, 2016
Andreas
Aug 26, 2016
Andreas
Aug 26, 2016
Andreas
Aug 26, 2016
Andreas
Hi
Put a full picture of the knife please
Sep 8, 2016
Jan Carter
Victorinox just announced the Outrider will be the 2017 choice for their exclusive Damast series. The limited edition knife reinterprets the popular outdoors multitool as a high-end collector’s piece that is among the most costly Swiss Army Knives ever produced.
The centerpiece of the Outrider Damast is the 3.4” Odin’s Eye pattern Damasteel blade. And, in place of the standard red cellidor scales, Victorinox opted for a premium wood fiber composite handle from Epicurean, a company that specializes in the material. The Victorinox emblem is inlaid onto the scales and each Outrider Damast comes with a serial number on the back of the knife.
Mar 29, 2017
Tobias Gibson
Mar 30, 2017
Craig M. Bozorth
The Wenger Ranger 51 is a favorite of mine. Unfortunately this one has no pocket clip. Bought by Victorinox in 2005, the mark was 'retired.
Apr 3, 2017
Syd Carr
Here is a seldom seen, little known SAK; Buck Trekker. Though it carries the Buck name it was made by Wenger in standard SAK fashion and fitted with a Buck shield. This was an attempt by Buck in the mid 90's to enter the European market. They dropped the line after a couple of years, but used knives show up for sale online from time to time. Among Buck enthusiasts it's called a "Swiss Buck". I guess an SAK by any other name is still an SAK!
Apr 27, 2017
Tobias Gibson
Apr 30, 2017
Jan Carter
Wounded Warrior Project SAK Memorial Day Promo (TSA KNIVES)
Pretty simple actually. Anyone buying a Swiss Army Knife between now and through Monday, May 29 will have the option to receive one of the SAK Classic’s for just $5 (normally $12.95).
Get it? You buy any Swiss Army Knife in the store for regular price and you can add a Classic to your order for just $5.
So how does that benefit the Wounded Warrior Project? TSA Knives will MATCH your $5 and make a $10 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project for each Classic sold. Should be a win/win deal for you and the Wounded Warrior Project.
As I said, the Promo starts immediately and runs through Monday. When you place an order for one of the regular SAK’s you’ll have a button asking if you want to add a Classic to the cart for $5. Just select yes or no and your good to go!
May 23, 2017
Tobias Gibson
My latest Video features a Swiss Army Ranger from around 1972-4. Hope you like it. I'll try and get some more info up soon. Just very hard for me to get to iKnife collector these days.
May 22, 2018
J.J. Smith III
eBay strikes again...
MiniChamp, for a scale swap. Ralley and SD.
Jun 8, 2018
Tobias Gibson
Nice find, John. I need to pick up a Ralley for the collection.
Jun 8, 2018
J.J. Smith III
Frankenstein MiniChamp.
Scales and main knife blade from one SD, and the scissors from another, all grafted together to create this.
Sep 24, 2018
J.J. Smith III
Oct 26, 2018
Jan Carter
New Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife Theme for 2019 is “Favor...
I like the Chili Pepper but the Banana is FUN!!!
Jul 18, 2019
Jakub Capek
Got myself a few more SAK knives at the beginning of January. Took a look at the SAK page and to my dismay, found no new activity.
some of my new SAKs
Jan 20, 2020
Tobias Gibson
Jan 20, 2020