I have those knives myself and must say I really like the tool layouts for them. If you are just wanting to rid yourself of the logo, they can be removed with some old fashioned elbow grease and hard work. If a color change is your motive I am with you there. I like various colors on my knives. You might consider a "Plus" scale set that includes a slot for the removable ink pen. The ink pens can be bought as well if you need one.
One neat little trick for using the ink pen is too "clamp" it underneath the "hook" in the bottom tools section and then use the entire knife to write with. It adds some weight especially useful for guys like me with big hands and fingers trying to use that little stick of an ink pen. LOL Works well.
i think i'm ready to take those knives in a whole new direction with some colorful new scales. like i mentioned, i like black and yellow. heck! i might even mix 'em up and do one side black and the other side yellow? hmm? i kind of like that idea. we'll see. thanks for the tip on the pen and the plus scales. i hadn't even thought of that.
Other than making several purchases from the place I have no other association with Central Valley Wholesales. I saw this item on eBay and it looked kind of cool for those who might need it. Its numerous replacement parts in a nice plastic case.
I know they're not that rare I was really excited to score another Huntsman Economy (also called the Woodsman) for $10 on a eBay bid!
My first SAK ever was this model and I still love it but it has a nasty gouge on the back sclae and the small blade got chipped. The new one has light surface scratches but has never been sharpened and looks pretty good. It'll never replace the original but it is nice to have a second one!
I can see the pic you've posted--thanks! However, I cannot see the tang stamp clearly. It does appear to be a vintage 2 layer 91mm Victorinox Officer's knife. I can't tell if the scales are fiber or celluloid? But it does have the old style can opener which would date it at pre-1946. If you can see a marking that indicates a date I will defer to your statement about the knife being around 1930. Victorinox started using the celluloid scales in 1937 I believe? So the scales on your knife must then be fiber? If the blades are stainless it would date between '23 and '37.
What's it worth? Better pictures are needed. But, like any old knife, it will be worth as much, or as little, as some collector will be willing to pay for it. That is usually determined in a no reserve eBay auction. Like water rising to its own level, so does the value of highly sought after knives in eBay auctions...USUALLY, but not always!
That's about all that I can contribute to your query. Here's a link to the online authority for all sharp things Swiss: http://tinyurl.com/SAK-Forum You might want to try there, also. And then, of course, there is always the SAK Wiki: http://www.sakwiki.com/
Oh! And maybe Wayne will check in with his assessment? WAYNE!
I just received a Wenger Snife Rhythm from an ebay bid. Paid $12. The knife is like new but missing the packaging. Does anyone have any info on these "snife" knives. I'm not really up on Wengers. I only own three, including this one. I bought it on impulse. What I kniw is it made on the cmmander frame and it its model number 1 93 03
Any other info, Original sale price, when made, etc, much appreciated.
Hello. Its been some time for me due to illness. The Snife was created to contrast the "Swatch" craze that was going on. There are 10 different large models and 5 Esquire sized smaller models. Average retail price was around $20 or so. Here is some of my blog posts about all of the different models including photos of each design.
I am so glad to see you're back in action! A week ago I was hoping you might be around to give one of our new member's some counsel on an SAK she was attempting gain knowledge about. Any knowledge about SAK's that I have pales in comparison to yours. So, I was not of much help I'm afraid?
In any event. I am certainly glad you're still around, and hopefully feeling a whole lot better, too!
OK, well looking at her(Cindy Benson) knife photo it looks genuine and probably from around the early 1930's but I would need to see good clear close up photos to confirm that. The key will be a good photo of the tang stamp both sides.
I am glad your feeling a bit better too Wayne. It is always good to see you. Ron does a fantastic job with the SAK info but we all agree that you are our resident EXPERT!! Thanks for the input
The smaller 65mm "Esquire" sized Snife set of knives front and back all NIB condition and then I have a group shot of 6 of the larger Snife series most in NIB condition. I need to take an updated photo of the larger Snife models I have.
I remember the first time I saw one of those on eBay. The seller accurately described it as an SAK but did not distinguish it as a Wenger. My initial reaction was that this guy trying to pull the wool over someone's eyes. Some digging around proved me wrong and enlightened me to the fact that they are indeed colorful, albeit unusual, SAK's. Super nice collection you have!
Does anyone else have personal pics of Snife's that they would care to share?
This SAK was designed by artist Jamie Cullen in 2009, in partnership with WALLPAPER, to celebrate London Design Festival. Others two sak with different style were made by other artists. They come in a 100 piece run each. They are available only in Bond Street Victorinox Retailer in London. If you want to see other picturesvisit my gallery
I have to admit before Wayne began sharing his collection with us I did not know that SAK's were so varied. I honestly had no idea they made small runs of only 100 knives. I REALLY had no idea they had a retailer on Bond Street in London but now I want to go there.
Wayne,
I like the lower pics. The one on the right with the bears and the one that looks like mosiac 4th in from the left
I have been overdue for a new SAK for quite a while now. So I was very happy when my neighborhood postal carrier knocked on my door and handed me the package containing my latest order from Central Valley Wholesale (a favorite source for new SAK's) this morning. The package held a fresh supply of Victorinox Multi-Tool Oil and a brand spanking new Vic Ranger with black cellidor "Plus" Scales. Observe...
I didn't take any pics of the backside tools so I will just include this one that I have "borrowed" from the seller of my knife...
I'll have to take another group photo of all my black handled Victorinox SAK's!
(Thanks to Patrik I have now found the proper group to post my new Ranger in. Thanks, again, Patrik)
Just Arrived! My brand new 111mm Outrider. This is the 4th of my 111mm knives. I think it is going to give my Hunter a run for its money. The long screwdriver and scissors are pretty cool options! Pictures to follow. Right now i'm too busy playing and comparing!
Here's an image or two of my Vic Outrider. Only negative so far - you need to open the scissors to deploy the long Phillips screwdriver. You have a similar problem with other in-line screwdrivers on the 111mm models. The in-line driver also snaps closes pretty fast and obviously the scissors need to be out of the way when closing. Other than that, this knife is excellent. As far as I can tell the scissors are the same as those found on the 91mm knives.
While the uncommon long Phillips is nice, I think I prefer the shorter in-line Phillips. I'd love it if they would swap the wrench on the Skipper and replace it with Scissors (maybe come up with a "Commodore" knife.) Anyway, here's a pic or two.
The Outrider above showing the scissors and in-line Phillips. Below, the Skipper, Hunter, Outrider, and Rescue Tool. The additional key ring was added by me for easy display/storage.
A rainbow of Vics! I tend to favor Vics with Corkscrews. I'm not a fan of the spine mounted Phillips. I've already got my own three other 111mm Vics.
Does the Outrider have a locking blade? Without looking it up (I'm lazy) I'm presuming that it has the thumb locking mechanism found on many of the other 111mm SAK's -- yes or no?
I have an old Cowboy and the 2008 Soldier knife. Those are my only 111mm SAK's. I absolutely love the Soldier!
Ron, Yes it has the slide lock. The Skipper, and Huntsman also have the slide lock. The rescue tool has a liner lock My concern with the Outrider is if the long screwdriver will easily fold during use. Only time and use will tell.
Good point about the long screwdriver and its potential for closing. That's something I really like about the 2008 - 111mm - Soldier knife is that the flat screwdriver/wire stripper/bottle opener has a liner locking mechanism. Here is a pic of my Victorinox 2008 Soldier knife next to its much larger Wenger counterpart..
Those are nice, Ron and Toby! I have two 111mm now, a BSA (Boy Scouts of America) logo Adventurer and my new Forester I got a couple of days ago. I love them both, but I sure like those green ones, Ron! Did you make the lanyards?
Yes, I made the lanyards on those two knives. I use to have a great link that showed how to make it. It's really quite simple. Sadly my other computer with all of my links and most of my art work crashed and now I no longer have the link.
Here are a couple of pics of my Cowboy, a discontinued model and my only other 111mm SAK...
The last pic shows the sliding thumb lock that I was asking Tobias about in my other post. The 2008 Soldier knife has a liner lock - a left handed one at that.
Todd, I'm looking at the BSA Adventurer as well. I needed for my growing BSA knife collection. Is Forester is essentially the same as my Hunter or does it have the one hand opening blade/liner lock?
I will admit that I bought the Hunter for the small gutting blade and combo tool plus the nifty OD scales. That said, it is really a handy knife to have with me while hiking. Unlike the 91mm SAKs, I actually think this knife would make an excellent Bird and Trouter or Rabbit skinner. I really like it.
As for the liner locks, I'm pretty certain all the 111mm one hand (OH) openers have the locking screwdriver opposite the main blade. I know my Rescue Tool does.
I really like that Cowboy, Ron. I'm going to need to keep my opens for one. Nice work on the lanyards, also. Mine are always a boring shoelace or something.
Toby, my Forester is pretty similar to your Hunter, except it has the can opener/phillips and some black rubber inserts on the handle and it's red. I'm thinking about getting one of the one-handers to see what they're like.
one of the more interesting observations I've made is:
Of the slide-lock models almost all have a corkscrew. (13 out of 16 models) But of the one hand liner-locks, most have a spine mounted Phillips Screw driver (10 out of 14).
This is different than the 91mm models where almost every model with a corkscrew has a similar model with a Phillips (Huntsman/Forester, Super Tinker/Climber, Camper/Hiker, etc.)
( I gave it 4 of 5 stars but to be frank, the stars are meaningless to me. I try to say how the knife could be useful and where it might fail)
As a collector and user of Swiss Army Knives, I bought the Outrider simply because of the unique tool options on this 111mm frame SAK.
The negatives: As many people have noted these knives are big and some even consider them too large for pocket carry. When buying any of these 111 mm SAKs one should realize that 111mm (4 3/8 inch) is going to command some space in your pocket. You may want to consider buying a sheath for the knife.
Another problem, directly related to the Outrider is the deployment of the long Phillips screwdriver. It rests underneath the scissors. This means you will need to open the scissors in order to deploy and re-store the screwdriver to/from the handle. The screwdriver is also spring loaded and will snap quickly back into the handle as you attempt to close it. This means if the scissors are not out of the way, the screwdriver will definitely be hit by the screwdriver.
Enough with the negatives
Overall, the knife is what I expect from Victorinox. It is a solid well made knife with familiar tools. Despite, what some people have said, the slide lock on the main blade is very positive. I have never had one fail on me. What I like most about the large 111mm knives is their size. The slightly larger knives make it possible for these knives to take on larger jobs. For instance It is easier to saw wood with the longer saw blade and bigger grip. The larger lock blade also makes it possible to take on bigger cutting chores. The knife could be used to field dress small game in a pinch.
Of importance to the Outrider is the inclusion of the scissors. While they are the same scissors used on the 91mm Swiss Army knives the larger grip allows the user to better handle them, making probably the best knife mounted scissors in the industry even better. Finally, while the long inline Phillips is a bit tricky to deploy, the long shaft allows it to get to spots the shorter screwdrivers can’t reach. Besides, most of the time I use the small driver on the can opener blade for Phillips screws so this long driver will get minimal work.
In all, I’m very satisfied with the knife. For now, It looses one star due to the difficulties with the screwdriver. As I use the knife more this may become a non-issue.
For now, I think it would be handy for the day hiker or camper who is looking for something a little larger that the run of the mill pocket knife. It would also make an excellent choice for the emergency first aid kit or bug-out bag.
Nice review on your new Outrider! I completely agree with you about packin' these big boy 111's in a sheath. In fact anything larger than a 91 or 93mm SAK and it goes in a nylon sheath for belt carry with me. That's a bummer about the scissors and the hassle having to open them, close them, and then re-open them just to open, use, and then close the Phillips. But, I suspect you'll learn to live with it. In spite of that minor inconvenience it sounds like you've got a winner. Use it in good health, my friend!
Ron, I absolutely love this knife. To me the size is an advantage. The knife is much more robust and I trust it to do bigger jobs than I would the 91 and 93mm SAKs. As for the screw driver -- its a minor flaw to me. You have similar problems with other 111mm knives with in-line screwdrivers. I just felt that it needed to be pointed out to potential buyers. If that's a deal breaker for someone, then it is a shame. They are missing out a fantastic knife.
Toby, I completely agree -- size is a plus! In fact, my all-time favorite SAK is the 130mm Wenger Ranger 78! It dwarfs the Vic 111's in size and has a saw blade that can tackle just about any camping assignment you throw at it.
But, hey! The 111's are are nothing to thumb your nose at and they are all equally up to just about any task, also.
One of my favorite Victorinox "larger" knives is even a step down at 108mm -- the Safari Trooper is a no-nonsense, blade and saw, kind of knife. And it fills the hand quite nicely, too!
Ron I know the type. I carried a similar one made by CCM of Germany while in the Army (traded my U.S. Camillus utility knife for it). The Bundeswehr used it until around 2003. I have since also acquired a Victorinox original. I'd love to have a civilian version.
108 mm German Army Knife (later version with file on blade.) Also shown, West German Army flashlight, circa 1980s
so I'm at a sales pitch at work for a new product that we'd be using on our iPads and iPhones. I'm there with a half dozen colleagues from the office and everyone was just there for the free pizza, seeing how everyone was sitting there with an iPhone or iPad, no one brought pen and paper.
Suddenly we're handed a sign in sheet. No one from the office brought a writing utensil of any type. Not even the women! That is, no one except the wierd-o guy with the SAK on his key ring. I had to show people how to use the keys to make it easy to write with the pen.
I've pulled this knife out at some type of meeting at least a half dozen times because someone needed to write something down and failed to bring a pen. I love my Midnite Manager.
Wayne Whitted
I have those knives myself and must say I really like the tool layouts for them. If you are just wanting to rid yourself of the logo, they can be removed with some old fashioned elbow grease and hard work. If a color change is your motive I am with you there. I like various colors on my knives. You might consider a "Plus" scale set that includes a slot for the removable ink pen. The ink pens can be bought as well if you need one.
One neat little trick for using the ink pen is too "clamp" it underneath the "hook" in the bottom tools section and then use the entire knife to write with. It adds some weight especially useful for guys like me with big hands and fingers trying to use that little stick of an ink pen. LOL Works well.
Feb 11, 2012
Ron Cooper
i think i'm ready to take those knives in a whole new direction with some colorful new scales. like i mentioned, i like black and yellow. heck! i might even mix 'em up and do one side black and the other side yellow? hmm? i kind of like that idea. we'll see. thanks for the tip on the pen and the plus scales. i hadn't even thought of that.
Feb 11, 2012
Tobias Gibson
Other than making several purchases from the place I have no other association with Central Valley Wholesales. I saw this item on eBay and it looked kind of cool for those who might need it. Its numerous replacement parts in a nice plastic case.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130686578856
Apr 26, 2012
In Memoriam
D ale
Here's a current BBC article on VICTORINOX that was interesting.
May 17, 2012
Jan Carter
The original cutlery factory, located at Ibach in Switzerland, was opened by Karl Elsener in 1884
GREAT Story Dale
Jul 30, 2012
Tobias Gibson
I know they're not that rare I was really excited to score another Huntsman Economy (also called the Woodsman) for $10 on a eBay bid!
My first SAK ever was this model and I still love it but it has a nasty gouge on the back sclae and the small blade got chipped. The new one has light surface scratches but has never been sharpened and looks pretty good. It'll never replace the original but it is nice to have a second one!
Aug 30, 2012
Featured
Craig Henry
Has Victorinox made the Classic in pearl handles in recent years?
Sep 5, 2012
Ron Cooper
Hi, Cindy!
I can see the pic you've posted--thanks! However, I cannot see the tang stamp clearly. It does appear to be a vintage 2 layer 91mm Victorinox Officer's knife. I can't tell if the scales are fiber or celluloid? But it does have the old style can opener which would date it at pre-1946. If you can see a marking that indicates a date I will defer to your statement about the knife being around 1930. Victorinox started using the celluloid scales in 1937 I believe? So the scales on your knife must then be fiber? If the blades are stainless it would date between '23 and '37.
What's it worth? Better pictures are needed. But, like any old knife, it will be worth as much, or as little, as some collector will be willing to pay for it. That is usually determined in a no reserve eBay auction. Like water rising to its own level, so does the value of highly sought after knives in eBay auctions...USUALLY, but not always!
That's about all that I can contribute to your query. Here's a link to the online authority for all sharp things Swiss: http://tinyurl.com/SAK-Forum You might want to try there, also. And then, of course, there is always the SAK Wiki: http://www.sakwiki.com/
Oh! And maybe Wayne will check in with his assessment? WAYNE!
Cheers!
Sep 14, 2012
Tobias Gibson
I just received a Wenger Snife Rhythm from an ebay bid. Paid $12. The knife is like new but missing the packaging. Does anyone have any info on these "snife" knives. I'm not really up on Wengers. I only own three, including this one. I bought it on impulse. What I kniw is it made on the cmmander frame and it its model number 1 93 03
Any other info, Original sale price, when made, etc, much appreciated.
Sep 21, 2012
Ron Cooper
Tobias,
It sounds like you already know everything the SAK Wiki has to say about your Snife: http://tinyurl.com/Rhythm-Snife
I own a few Wengers, but no Snifes. Sorry.
Sep 21, 2012
Ron Cooper
Here's another link in the SAK Wiki: http://tinyurl.com/Wenger-Snife
Not much more help, though.
Sep 21, 2012
Wayne Whitted
Hello. Its been some time for me due to illness. The Snife was created to contrast the "Swatch" craze that was going on. There are 10 different large models and 5 Esquire sized smaller models. Average retail price was around $20 or so. Here is some of my blog posts about all of the different models including photos of each design.
Snife blog posts
Sep 21, 2012
Ron Cooper
Wayne!
I am so glad to see you're back in action! A week ago I was hoping you might be around to give one of our new member's some counsel on an SAK she was attempting gain knowledge about. Any knowledge about SAK's that I have pales in comparison to yours. So, I was not of much help I'm afraid?
In any event. I am certainly glad you're still around, and hopefully feeling a whole lot better, too!
Cheers!
Sep 22, 2012
Wayne Whitted
OK, well looking at her(Cindy Benson) knife photo it looks genuine and probably from around the early 1930's but I would need to see good clear close up photos to confirm that. The key will be a good photo of the tang stamp both sides.
Sep 22, 2012
Ron Cooper
Thanks, Wayne! That's pretty much what I told her. I hope you're feeling better! Have a good weekend!
Sep 22, 2012
Jan Carter
I like the SNIFE!!!!
I am glad your feeling a bit better too Wayne. It is always good to see you. Ron does a fantastic job with the SAK info but we all agree that you are our resident EXPERT!! Thanks for the input
Sep 22, 2012
Tobias Gibson
Thanks Wayne! Glad you're feelign better. somehow i knew you would have the answer. You're the SAK guru!
Sep 22, 2012
Wayne Whitted
The smaller 65mm "Esquire" sized Snife set of knives front and back all NIB condition and then I have a group shot of 6 of the larger Snife series most in NIB condition. I need to take an updated photo of the larger Snife models I have.
Sep 24, 2012
Ron Cooper
Thanks for posting all those Snife's, Wayne!
I remember the first time I saw one of those on eBay. The seller accurately described it as an SAK but did not distinguish it as a Wenger. My initial reaction was that this guy trying to pull the wool over someone's eyes. Some digging around proved me wrong and enlightened me to the fact that they are indeed colorful, albeit unusual, SAK's. Super nice collection you have!
Does anyone else have personal pics of Snife's that they would care to share?
Sep 24, 2012
Featured
Craig Henry
Cool Wayne! But I don't like that one with the eyeball....it makes me feel paranoid.
Sep 24, 2012
In Memoriam
D ale
Oct 11, 2012
Featured
Craig Henry
LOL! Now THAT'S the coolest SAK of all!
I need a Lightsaber!
Oct 11, 2012
Adriano Demarinis
They are available only in Bond Street Victorinox Retailer in London.
If you want to see other picturesvisit my gallery
Oct 12, 2012
Jan Carter
Adriano,
I have to admit before Wayne began sharing his collection with us I did not know that SAK's were so varied. I honestly had no idea they made small runs of only 100 knives. I REALLY had no idea they had a retailer on Bond Street in London but now I want to go there.
Wayne,
I like the lower pics. The one on the right with the bears and the one that looks like mosiac 4th in from the left
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
I have a question brought about by the SAK photos we have seen. Do you collect a particular pattern of SAK or is it more for the "series"?
Nov 27, 2012
Ron Cooper
I have been overdue for a new SAK for quite a while now. So I was very happy when my neighborhood postal carrier knocked on my door and handed me the package containing my latest order from Central Valley Wholesale (a favorite source for new SAK's) this morning. The package held a fresh supply of Victorinox Multi-Tool Oil and a brand spanking new Vic Ranger with black cellidor "Plus" Scales. Observe...
(Thanks to Patrik I have now found the proper group to post my new Ranger in. Thanks, again, Patrik)
Dec 4, 2012
Featured
Craig Henry
Classic black.....very nice Ron!
Dec 15, 2012
Tobias Gibson
Just Arrived! My brand new 111mm Outrider. This is the 4th of my 111mm knives. I think it is going to give my Hunter a run for its money. The long screwdriver and scissors are pretty cool options! Pictures to follow. Right now i'm too busy playing and comparing!
Jan 9, 2013
Tobias Gibson
Here's an image or two of my Vic Outrider. Only negative so far - you need to open the scissors to deploy the long Phillips screwdriver. You have a similar problem with other in-line screwdrivers on the 111mm models. The in-line driver also snaps closes pretty fast and obviously the scissors need to be out of the way when closing. Other than that, this knife is excellent. As far as I can tell the scissors are the same as those found on the 91mm knives.
While the uncommon long Phillips is nice, I think I prefer the shorter in-line Phillips. I'd love it if they would swap the wrench on the Skipper and replace it with Scissors (maybe come up with a "Commodore" knife.) Anyway, here's a pic or two.
Jan 10, 2013
Ron Cooper
Good show, Tobias!
Does the Outrider have a locking blade? Without looking it up (I'm lazy) I'm presuming that it has the thumb locking mechanism found on many of the other 111mm SAK's -- yes or no?
I have an old Cowboy and the 2008 Soldier knife. Those are my only 111mm SAK's. I absolutely love the Soldier!
Jan 10, 2013
Tobias Gibson
Ron, Yes it has the slide lock. The Skipper, and Huntsman also have the slide lock. The rescue tool has a liner lock My concern with the Outrider is if the long screwdriver will easily fold during use. Only time and use will tell.
Jan 10, 2013
Ron Cooper
Thanks, Tobias! That's what I thought.
Good point about the long screwdriver and its potential for closing. That's something I really like about the 2008 - 111mm - Soldier knife is that the flat screwdriver/wire stripper/bottle opener has a liner locking mechanism. Here is a pic of my Victorinox 2008 Soldier knife next to its much larger Wenger counterpart..
Jan 10, 2013
Todd Helmkamp
Those are nice, Ron and Toby! I have two 111mm now, a BSA (Boy Scouts of America) logo Adventurer and my new Forester I got a couple of days ago. I love them both, but I sure like those green ones, Ron! Did you make the lanyards?
Jan 10, 2013
Ron Cooper
Hi, Todd!
Yes, I made the lanyards on those two knives. I use to have a great link that showed how to make it. It's really quite simple. Sadly my other computer with all of my links and most of my art work crashed and now I no longer have the link.
Here are a couple of pics of my Cowboy, a discontinued model and my only other 111mm SAK...
Jan 10, 2013
Tobias Gibson
Hi Todd and Ron,
Todd, I'm looking at the BSA Adventurer as well. I needed for my growing BSA knife collection. Is Forester is essentially the same as my Hunter or does it have the one hand opening blade/liner lock?
As for the liner locks, I'm pretty certain all the 111mm one hand (OH) openers have the locking screwdriver opposite the main blade. I know my Rescue Tool does.
I really like that Cowboy, Ron. I'm going to need to keep my opens for one. Nice work on the lanyards, also. Mine are always a boring shoelace or something.
Jan 10, 2013
Todd Helmkamp
Ron I like that cowboy! It's a nice knife!
Toby, my Forester is pretty similar to your Hunter, except it has the can opener/phillips and some black rubber inserts on the handle and it's red. I'm thinking about getting one of the one-handers to see what they're like.
Jan 11, 2013
Tobias Gibson
one of the more interesting observations I've made is:
Of the slide-lock models almost all have a corkscrew. (13 out of 16 models) But of the one hand liner-locks, most have a spine mounted Phillips Screw driver (10 out of 14).
This is different than the 91mm models where almost every model with a corkscrew has a similar model with a Phillips (Huntsman/Forester, Super Tinker/Climber, Camper/Hiker, etc.)
Jan 11, 2013
Todd Helmkamp
Mine is one of the odd ones then. My Forester is a liner lock and it has a cork-screw.
Jan 11, 2013
Tobias Gibson
My Outrider Review on Amazon:
( I gave it 4 of 5 stars but to be frank, the stars are meaningless to me. I try to say how the knife could be useful and where it might fail)
As a collector and user of Swiss Army Knives, I bought the Outrider simply because of the unique tool options on this 111mm frame SAK.
The negatives: As many people have noted these knives are big and some even consider them too large for pocket carry. When buying any of these 111 mm SAKs one should realize that 111mm (4 3/8 inch) is going to command some space in your pocket. You may want to consider buying a sheath for the knife.
Another problem, directly related to the Outrider is the deployment of the long Phillips screwdriver. It rests underneath the scissors. This means you will need to open the scissors in order to deploy and re-store the screwdriver to/from the handle. The screwdriver is also spring loaded and will snap quickly back into the handle as you attempt to close it. This means if the scissors are not out of the way, the screwdriver will definitely be hit by the screwdriver.
Enough with the negatives
Overall, the knife is what I expect from Victorinox. It is a solid well made knife with familiar tools. Despite, what some people have said, the slide lock on the main blade is very positive. I have never had one fail on me. What I like most about the large 111mm knives is their size. The slightly larger knives make it possible for these knives to take on larger jobs. For instance It is easier to saw wood with the longer saw blade and bigger grip. The larger lock blade also makes it possible to take on bigger cutting chores. The knife could be used to field dress small game in a pinch.
Of importance to the Outrider is the inclusion of the scissors. While they are the same scissors used on the 91mm Swiss Army knives the larger grip allows the user to better handle them, making probably the best knife mounted scissors in the industry even better. Finally, while the long inline Phillips is a bit tricky to deploy, the long shaft allows it to get to spots the shorter screwdrivers can’t reach. Besides, most of the time I use the small driver on the can opener blade for Phillips screws so this long driver will get minimal work.
In all, I’m very satisfied with the knife. For now, It looses one star due to the difficulties with the screwdriver. As I use the knife more this may become a non-issue.
For now, I think it would be handy for the day hiker or camper who is looking for something a little larger that the run of the mill pocket knife. It would also make an excellent choice for the emergency first aid kit or bug-out bag.
Jan 11, 2013
Ron Cooper
Toby,
Nice review on your new Outrider! I completely agree with you about packin' these big boy 111's in a sheath. In fact anything larger than a 91 or 93mm SAK and it goes in a nylon sheath for belt carry with me. That's a bummer about the scissors and the hassle having to open them, close them, and then re-open them just to open, use, and then close the Phillips. But, I suspect you'll learn to live with it. In spite of that minor inconvenience it sounds like you've got a winner. Use it in good health, my friend!
Jan 13, 2013
Tobias Gibson
Ron, I absolutely love this knife. To me the size is an advantage. The knife is much more robust and I trust it to do bigger jobs than I would the 91 and 93mm SAKs. As for the screw driver -- its a minor flaw to me. You have similar problems with other 111mm knives with in-line screwdrivers. I just felt that it needed to be pointed out to potential buyers. If that's a deal breaker for someone, then it is a shame. They are missing out a fantastic knife.
Jan 13, 2013
Ron Cooper
Toby, I completely agree -- size is a plus! In fact, my all-time favorite SAK is the 130mm Wenger Ranger 78! It dwarfs the Vic 111's in size and has a saw blade that can tackle just about any camping assignment you throw at it.
But, hey! The 111's are are nothing to thumb your nose at and they are all equally up to just about any task, also.
One of my favorite Victorinox "larger" knives is even a step down at 108mm -- the Safari Trooper is a no-nonsense, blade and saw, kind of knife. And it fills the hand quite nicely, too!
Safari Trooper...
Jan 13, 2013
Tobias Gibson
Ron I know the type. I carried a similar one made by CCM of Germany while in the Army (traded my U.S. Camillus utility knife for it). The Bundeswehr used it until around 2003. I have since also acquired a Victorinox original. I'd love to have a civilian version.
Jan 13, 2013
Tobias Gibson
Midnite Manager to the Rescue.
so I'm at a sales pitch at work for a new product that we'd be using on our iPads and iPhones. I'm there with a half dozen colleagues from the office and everyone was just there for the free pizza, seeing how everyone was sitting there with an iPhone or iPad, no one brought pen and paper.
Suddenly we're handed a sign in sheet. No one from the office brought a writing utensil of any type. Not even the women! That is, no one except the wierd-o guy with the SAK on his key ring. I had to show people how to use the keys to make it easy to write with the pen.
Feb 2, 2013
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Craig Henry
How do you put a refill in those Toby?
Feb 16, 2013
Tobias Gibson
pop the scale off, slip in the refill pen, pop the scale back on. Same goes with changing the batteries on the LED light.
Feb 16, 2013
Jan Carter
Check out our latest video from Stefan
http://www.iknifecollector.com/video/the-simple-things-in-life-vict...
Mar 1, 2013
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Craig Henry
Here's a plate from a display from around 1980. Don't remember who I bought it from.
Mar 14, 2013
Tobias Gibson
That's pretty cool, Craig. When I saw the notice in my news feed I was expecting a plate with the president's face on it. This is much better!
Mar 14, 2013
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Craig Henry
Yes, much better! LOL!
Mar 14, 2013