Wenger was a Swiss cutlery manufacturer that exists today as a brand of once-rival Victorinox , used for knives, watches and licensed products. Founded in 1893, it was best known as one of two companies to manufacture Swiss Army knives . Based in Delémont , Wenger was acquired in 2005 by Victorinox and partially absorbed. Since 2013 Wenger Swiss Army knives have been integrated in the Victorinox collection as the "Delémont collection".
75-563: The history of Wenger S.A. is strongly linked to the history of the Swiss Army knife . The industrial cutlery house of Paul Boechat & Cie (the future Wenger) was founded 1893 at Courtételle in the Delémont valley in the Canton of Jura . It received a contract from the Swiss Army to produce knives as the second industrial cutlery manufacturer of Switzerland. In 1897 Theodore Wenger,
150-440: A 24° angle, resulting in a 24° asymmetric-shaped steel cutting edge were only one side is ground and the other is deburred and remains flat. The blades are then checked with a laser reflecting goniometer to verify the angle of the cutting edges. Finally, scales are applied. Slightly undersized holes incorporated into the inner surface enclose the bushings, which have truncated cone cross-section and are slightly undercut, forming
225-506: A composition of 15% chromium , 0.60% silicon , 0.52% carbon , 0.50% molybdenum , and 0.45% manganese and is designated X55CrMo14 or DIN 1.4110 according to Victorinox. After a hardening process at 1040 °C and annealing at 160 °C the blades achieve an average hardness of 56 HRC . This steel hardness is suitable for practical use and easy resharpening , but less than achieved in stainless steel alloys used for blades optimized for high wear resistance. According to Victorinox
300-721: A copper smith in the town of Langnau in the Emmental valley in Switzerland. As a child he played hockey and joined his father on ski tours. He was a carpenter by training and in adulthood lived in Ringgenberg near Interlaken , Switzerland. Steck died on 30 April 2017 while acclimatizing for an attempt of the Hornbein route on the West Ridge of Everest without supplemental oxygen. This route had been climbed only
375-452: A corkscrew and scissors was produced as an officer's tool, but was deemed not "essential for survival". Officers were free to purchase it individually on their own account. The Soldier Knife model 1890 had a spear point blade , reamer , can-opener , screwdriver and grips made out of oak wood scales (handles) that were treated with rapeseed oil for greater toughness and water-repellency, which made them black in color. The wooden grips of
450-519: A double liner locking system, one-hand 86 mm (3.4 in) long locking partly wavy serrated chisel ground (optimized for right-handed use) drop point blade sharpened to a 24° angle, wood saw , can opener with small 3 mm (0.12 in) slotted screwdriver, locking bottle opener with large 7 mm (0.28 in) slotted screwdriver and wire stripper/bender, reamer sharpened to a 48° angle, Phillips (PH2) screwdriver and 12 mm (0.47 in) diameter split keyring . The Soldier Knife 08 width
525-539: A few times, the last of which was in 1991. His plan was to climb the Hornbein Couloir to the summit, then proceed with a traverse to the peak of Lhotse , the world's 4th highest mountain. This combination had not been achieved. On 16 April, during preparations for the attempt, his climbing partner, Tenji Sherpa, suffered frostbite, which would take some weeks to heal. Steck carried on with scouting and acclimatisation, climbing up to Everest's Camp 2, en route to
600-405: A flat steel spring. Once a layer of tools is installed, another separator and spring are placed for the next layer of tools. This process is repeated until all the desired tool layers and the finishing separator are installed. Once the knife is built, the metal parts are fastened by adding brass flanged bushings to the rivets. The excess length of the rivets is then cut off to make them flush with
675-589: A letter to Victorinox, asking about getting a Master Craftsman knife after seeing the one his brother used in space. There are other stories of repairs conducted in space using a Swiss Army knife. The Swiss Army knife has been added to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Munich 's State Museum of Applied Art for its design. The term "Swiss Army" currently is a registered trademark owned by Victorinox AG and its subsidiary, Wenger SA. In both
750-417: A little swelled – of a common pocket knife; but containing, not only blades of various sizes, but also screwdrivers , cork-screws , tweezers , bradawls , pens , rulers , nail files and countersinkers ." During the late 1880s, the Swiss Army decided to purchase a new folding pocket knife for their soldiers. This knife was to be suitable for use by the army in opening canned food and for maintenance of
825-450: A minister who had served in the US, was returning home to Switzerland and was hired by the group of entrepreneurs that had bought Boechat & Cie two years earlier (later renaming the company Wenger et Cie. ). One of Wenger's first acts was to acquire a manufacturer of spoons and forks which he moved to a rented factory in Delémont. In 1900, a new 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m) facility
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#1732787303466900-518: A new record for the North Face of the Eiger, soloing it in 2 hours 22 minutes and 50 seconds. In April 2016, Steck and his German mountaineering partner, David Göttler, found the bodies of Alex Lowe and paraglider David Bridges. Lowe and Bridges were killed in an avalanche in 1999 while searching for a route up Shishapangma to attempt the first ski descent. Steck was born as the third son to
975-522: A one-way interference fit when pressed into the generally softer and more elastic scale material. The result is a tight adhesive-free connection that nonetheless permits new identical-pattern scales to be quickly and easily applied. Victorinox models are available in 58 mm (2.3 in), 74 mm (2.9 in), 84 mm (3.3 in), 91 mm (3.6 in), 93 mm (3.7 in), 100 mm (3.9 in), 108 mm (4.3 in) and 111 mm (4.4 in) lengths when closed. The thickness of
1050-577: A pivot point mechanism. The handle is traditionally a red colour, with either a Victorinox or Wenger "cross" logo or, for Swiss military issue knives, the coat of arms of Switzerland . Other colours, textures, and shapes have appeared over the years. Originating in Ibach, Switzerland , the Swiss Army knife was first produced in 1891 when the Karl Elsener company, which later became Victorinox, won
1125-700: A purchase price of SFr 18.40, €12.12 , £11.13 in October 2009 per knife plus case. Victorinox won the contest with a knife based on the One-Hand German Army Knife as issued by the German Bundeswehr and released in the civilian model lineup with the addition of a toothpick and tweezers stored in the nylon grip scales (side cover plates) as the One-Hand Trekker/Trailmaster model. Mass production of
1200-611: A red- or black-coloured case. The Giant The Swiss Army knife is famous for integrating different tools into one knife. Wenger integrated 87 tools with 141 functions into one knife called The Giant, which was featured in Guinness World Records . Heritage Based on the original plans of the Swiss Army knife of 1908 Wenger introduced the limited edition line called Heritage. TitaniumLine, Alinghi Sui 1, Mike Horn Knife & Patagonia Expedition Race All three are multifunctional knives developed in cooperation with
1275-470: A scraper arc on one edge. The knife was 93 mm (3.7 in) long, 13.5 mm (0.53 in) thick and weighed 90 g (3.2 oz). The Soldier Knife model 1961 has a 93 mm (3.7 in) long knurled alox handle with the Swiss crest, a drop point blade, a reamer, a blade combining bottle opener , screwdriver , and wire stripper , and a combined can-opener and small screwdriver. The knife
1350-594: A standard piezoelectric ignition system for easy ignition, with adjustable flame; they and were designed for operation at altitudes up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level and continuous operation of 10 minutes. In January 2010, Victorinox announced the Presentation Master models, released in April 2010. The technological tools included a laser pointer, and detachable flash drive with fingerprint reader. Victorinox now sells an updated version called
1425-468: A twofold wallet. Wenger produced bayonets for the Swiss Stgw 90 assault rifle. The bayonet has an overall length of 310 mm and a muzzle ring diameter of 22 mm. The 177 mm long blade is single-edged and it has no fuller . The bayonets were manufactured exclusively for the Swiss Army by Wenger and Victorinox (before the two companies merged). In North America, licensed products using
1500-403: Is 34.5 mm (1.36 in), thickness is 18 mm (0.71 in), overall length opened is 197 mm (7.8 in) and it weighs 131 g (4.6 oz). The Soldier Knife 08 was not manufactured by Wenger. The armed forces of more than 20 different nations have issued or approved the use of various versions of Swiss army knives made by Victorinox, among them the forces of Germany, France,
1575-472: Is being produced and sold as today. The two main product lines of Wenger S.A. are the "Genuine Swiss Army Knife" and Wenger Watch. Additionally Wenger S.A. makes kitchen cutlery under the brand names of Swibo, Grand Maitre. Most of the traditional products produced by Wenger are pocket knives with a body size of about 65 mm to 130 mm (2.5" to 5") and blades of about 50 mm to 100 mm (2" to 4") with features like can openers and screwdrivers in
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#17327873034661650-574: Is disputed by some ), and set speed records on the North Face trilogy in the Alps . He won two Piolet d'Or awards, in 2009 and 2014. Having previously summitted Mount Everest, Steck died on 30 April 2017, after a fall during an acclimatizing climb for an attempt on the Hornbein route on the West Ridge of Everest without supplemental oxygen . At the age of 17, Steck achieved the 9th difficulty rating ( UIAA ) in climbing. As an 18-year-old he climbed
1725-549: Is still the company logo. Also in 1909, on the death of his mother, Elsener used his mother's name Victoria , as a brand name, in her honour. In 1921 following the invention of stainless steel ( acier inoxydable in French), Karl Elsener's son renamed the company to be Victorinox combining Victoria and inoxydable . In 1893 the second industrial cutler of Switzerland, Paul Boéchat & Cie , headquartered in Delémont in
1800-610: The North Face of the Eiger and the Bonatti Pillar in the Mont Blanc massif . In June 2004, he and Stephan Siegrist climbed the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau within 25 hours. Another success was the so-called "Khumbu-Express Expedition" in 2005, for which the climbing magazine Climb named him one of the three best alpinists in Europe. The project consisted of the first solo climb of the north wall of Cholatse (6,440 m) and
1875-556: The Patagonia Expedition Race . On January 30, 2013, Wenger and Victorinox announced that the separate knife brands were going to be merged into one brand: Victorinox. The press release stated that Wenger's factory in Delémont would continue to produce knives and all employees at this site will retain their jobs. They further elaborated that an assortment of items from the Wenger line-up will remain in production under
1950-462: The culture of Switzerland , both the design and the versatility of the knife have worldwide recognition. The term "Swiss Army knife" has acquired usage as a figure of speech indicating a multifaceted skillset. The Swiss Army Knife was not the first multi-use pocket knife. In 1851, in Moby-Dick (chapter 107), Herman Melville mentions the "Sheffield contrivances, assuming the exterior – though
2025-525: The fr:Groupe de Haute Montagne . fr:François Marsigny , director of the mountaineering department of fr:École nationale des sports de montagne , France's national mountain guide school in Chamonix , said a "cluster of unfavourable clues" surrounded Steck's climbs. Steck's claim, however, was supported by two sherpas from his team. Steck's feat was the first solo ascent of Annapurna, which won him his second Piolet d'Or. Christian Trommsdorff, chairman of
2100-774: The French-speaking region of Jura , started selling a similar product. Its general manager, Théodore Wenger, acquired the company and renamed it the Wenger Company. In 1908 the Swiss government split the contract between Victorinox and Wenger, placing half the orders with each. By mutual agreement, Wenger advertised "the Genuine Swiss Army Knife" and Victorinox used the slogan, "the Original Swiss Army Knife". On 26 April 2005, Victorinox acquired Wenger, once again becoming
2175-503: The Modell 1890 tended to crack and chip so in 1901 these were changed to a hard reddish-brown fiber similar in appearance to wood. The knife was 100 mm (3.9 in) long, 20.5 mm (0.81 in) thick and weighed 144 g (5.1 oz). The Soldier Knife model 1908 had a clip point blade rather than the 1890s spear point blade, still with the fiber scales, carbon steel tools, nickel-silver bolster, liners, and divider. The knife
2250-589: The Netherlands, Norway, Malaysia and the United States ( NSN 1095-01-653-1166 Knife, Combat). The Swiss Army knife has been present in space missions carried out by NASA since the late 1970s. In 1978, NASA sent a letter of confirmation to Victorinox regarding a purchase of 50 knives known as the Master Craftsman model. In 1985, Edward M. Payton, brother of astronaut Gary E. Payton , sent
2325-520: The Piolet d’Or organizing committee, received several emails from "Swiss-German and German alpinists and journalists" questioning Steck's claim and his nomination for the prize. Popier also questioned Steck's 2011 ascent of Shishapangma. In the winter of 2014/15, Steck and Michael Wohlleben [ de ] linked up the three north faces of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen in 16 hours. In
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2400-467: The Slim Jetsetter, with "a premium software package that provides ultra secure data encryption, automatic backup functionality, secure web surfing capabilities, file and email synchronization between the drive and multiple computers, Bluetooth pairing and much more. On the hardware side of things, biometric fingerprint technology, laser pointers, LED lights, Bluetooth remote control and of course,
2475-462: The Solingen company. He incurred financial losses doing so, as Wester & Co was able to produce the knives at a lower cost. Elsener was on the verge of bankruptcy when, in 1896, he developed an improved knife, intended for the use by officers, with tools attached on both sides of the handle using a special spring mechanism, allowing him to use the same spring to hold them in place. This new knife
2550-468: The South Col. On April 29, he changed his plans, texting Tenji that he would climb the nearby peak of Nuptse instead, and did not respond to a follow-up question. On 30 April, he began climbing at around 4:30 AM with a French climber named Yannick Graziani [ fr ] who was attempting to climb Everest. When Graziani headed towards Camp 3, Steck broke off to the right to climb Nuptse. He
2625-472: The Swiss service rifle , the Schmidt–Rubin , which required a screwdriver for assembly and disassembly. In January 1891, the knife received the official designation Modell 1890 . The knife had a blade , reamer , can opener , screwdriver, and grips made out of dark oak wood that some say was later partly replaced with ebony wood . At that time no Swiss company had the necessary production capacity, so
2700-1108: The Swiss Army Knife. Since 2006 the scales on some knife models can have textured rubber non-slip inlays incorporated, intended for sufficient grip with moist or wet hands. The rubber also provides some impact protection for such edged scales. Modifications have been made, including professionally produced custom models combining novel materials, colors, finishes and occasionally new tools such as firesteels or tool 'blades' mounting replaceable surgical scalpel blades to replacement of standard scales (handles) with new versions in natural materials such as buffalo horn. In addition to 'limited edition' productions runs, numerous examples from basic to professional-level customizations of standard knives—such as retrofitting pocket clips, one-off scales created using 3D printing techniques, decoration using anodization and new scale materials—can be found by searching for "SAK mods". During assembly, all components are placed on several brass rivets . The first components are generally an aluminium separator and
2775-531: The United States. Commercial knives can be distinguished by their cross logos; the Victorinox cross logo is surrounded by a shield while the Wenger cross logo is surrounded by a slightly rounded square. Victorinox registered the words "Swiss Army" and "Swiss Military" as a trademark in the US and was sued at Bern cantonal commercial court by the Swiss Confederacy (represented by Armasuisse ,
2850-530: The Victorinox brand name. Wenger's U.S. headquarters will be merged with Victorinox's location in Monroe, Connecticut . Wenger's watch and licensing business will continue as a separate brand. In March 2016, during the Baselworld 2016 expo, Victorinox relaunched the Wenger brand with marketing emphasising Swiss values at a reasonable price. Wenger changed its slogan to "A Swiss Company Since 1893" from "Maker of
2925-455: The Wenger and SwissGear trademarks are owned independently from Victorinox SA, and are used to market camping equipment (particularly tents, backpacks and sleeping bags), luggage, backpacks and office/business needs. Swiss Army knife The Swiss Army knife ( SAK ; German : Schweizer Taschenmesser, Sackmesser, Hegel, etc. ) is a pocketknife , generally multi-tooled , now manufactured by Victorinox . The term "Swiss Army knife"
3000-582: The Wenger company producing even more model variations. Common main layer tools: Other main layer tools: Back layer tools: Scale tools: Three Victorinox SAK models had a butane lighter: the SwissFlame, the CampFlame and the SwissChamp XXLT, first introduced in 2002 and discontinued in 2005. The models were never sold in the United States due to lack of safety features. They used
3075-421: The Wenger line-up will remain in production under the Victorinox brand name. Wenger's US headquarters will be merged with Victorinox's location in Monroe, Connecticut . Wenger's watch and licensing business will continue as a separate brand: SwissGear . Up until 2008 Victorinox AG and Wenger SA supplied about 50,000 knives to the military of Switzerland each year, and manufactured many more for export, mostly to
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3150-414: The acquisition of Wenger by its competitor Victorinox in 2005. With the backing of Victorinox, Wenger was able for a time to maintain its own production and branding of Swiss army knives and watches. Wenger knives had been advertised as the "Genuine Swiss Army Knife" and Victorinox as the "Original Swiss Army Knife". After being acquired by Victorinox, in 2005 Wenger S.A. started to develop new products. In
3225-537: The affair, became severely depressed and disheartened". On 8 and 9 October 2013 Steck soloed the Lafaille route on the South Face of Annapurna, on the main and highest part of the face; this was his third attempt on the route and has been called "one of the most impressive Himalayan climbs in history", with Steck taking 28 hours to make the trip from Base Camp to summit and back again. The veracity of his claim
3300-494: The authority representing the actual Swiss military), in October 2018. After an initial hearing Victorinox agreed to cede the registration in the United States of the term "Swiss military" to Armasuisse in return for an exclusive licence to market perfumes under the same name. There are various models of the Swiss Army knife with different tool combinations. Though Victorinox does not provide custom knives, they have produced many different variations to suit individual users, with
3375-417: The bushings. Finally, the remaining length of the rivets is flattened into the flanged bushings. After the assembly of the metal parts, the blades on smaller knives are sharpened to a 15° angle, resulting in a 30° V-shaped steel cutting edge. From 91 mm (3.6 in) sized knives the blades are sharpened to a 20° angle, resulting in a 40° V-shaped steel cutting edge. Chisel ground blades are sharpened to
3450-497: The company. In 1988, Wenger started producing watches, one year before Victorinox. After the September 11 attacks all air traveling and related industries were facing a severe crisis. This was also the case for the Swiss Army knife manufacturers especially Wenger S.A. Changing airport security regulations which precluded the carrying of pocket knives diminished the sales of Swiss Army knives at duty-free shops. The crisis led to
3525-447: The contract to produce the Swiss Army 's Modell 1890 knife from the previous German manufacturer. In 1893, the Swiss cutlery company Paul Boéchat & Cie , which later became Wenger SA , received its first contract from the Swiss military to produce model 1890 knives; the two companies split the initial contract for provision of the knives and operated as separate enterprises from 1908. In 2005 Victorinox acquired Wenger. As an icon of
3600-442: The east wall of Taboche (6505 m). Steck set his first speed record on the North Face of the Eiger in 2007, climbing it in 3 hours and 54 minutes. The record was lowered by Steck himself to 2 hours 47 minutes 33 seconds the following year. In May 2008, climbing Annapurna, he broke off his ascent due to an avalanche threat, but the next week climbed to assist Spanish climber Iñaki Ochoa de Olza , who had collapsed. Medical help
3675-474: The evaluation process. Functional models submitted by suppliers underwent practical testing by military personnel in July 2008, while laboratory tests were used to assess compliance with technical requirements. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted and the model with the best price/performance ratio was awarded the contract. The order for 75,000 soldier knives plus cases was worth SFr 1.38 million. This equates to
3750-422: The genuine Swiss Army Knife", which was used for decades. In 2017, Victorinox released a Swiss Army Knife model named “Wenger Red”. This knife has the Wenger logo and the Wenger brand name in the scale of the knife. This knife is delivered in a box with the Victorinox logo and brand name. This part number is produced in Delémont, Switzerland. This is the only Swiss Army Knife with the Wenger logo and brand name that
3825-564: The individuals and organizations involved suited to their specific challenges. The Titanium Line is a product suited to the challenges a speed climber like Ueli Steck faces. For the Swiss Americas Cup participant Alinghi Wenger developed an easy to use knife for sailors. As the main sponsor of the Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race , Wenger created a knife suited to the challenges the participants of
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#17327873034663900-516: The initial order for 15,000 knives was placed with the German knife manufacturer Wester & Co. from Solingen , Germany . These knives were delivered in October 1891. In 1891, Karl Elsener , then owner of a company that made surgical equipment , set out to manufacture the knives in Switzerland itself. At the end of 1891 Elsener began production of the Modell 1890 knives, in direct competition with
3975-475: The knives varies depending on the number of tool layers included. The 91 mm (3.6 in) models offer the most variety in tool configurations in the Victorinox model line with as many as 15 layers. Wenger models are available in 65 mm (2.6 in), 75 mm (3.0 in), 85 mm (3.3 in) 93 mm (3.7 in), 100 mm (3.9 in), 120 mm (4.7 in) and 130 mm (5.1 in) lengths when closed. Thickness varies depending on
4050-502: The martensitic stainless steel alloy used for the other parts is X39Cr13 (aka DIN 1.4031, AISI/ASTM 420) and for the springs X20Cr13 (aka DIN 1.4021, but still within AISI/ASTM 420). The steel used for the wood saws, scissors and nail files has a steel hardness of HRC 53, the screwdrivers, tin openers and awls have a hardness of HRC 52, and the corkscrew and springs have a hardness of HRC 49. The metal saws and files, in addition to
4125-609: The new Soldatenmesser 08 (Soldier Knife 08) for the Swiss Armed Forces was started in December 2008, and first issued to the Swiss Armed Forces beginning with the first basic training sessions of 2009. The Soldier Knife 08 has an 111 mm (4.4 in) long ergonomic dual density handle with TPU rubbery thermoplastic elastomer non-slip inlays incorporated in the green Polyamide 6 grip shells and
4200-525: The number of tool layers included. The 85 mm (3.3 in) models offer the most variety in tool configurations in the Wenger model line, with as many as 10 layers. Since the first issue as personal equipment in 1891 the Soldatenmesser (Soldier Knives) issued by the Swiss Armed Forces have been revised several times. There are five different main Modelle (models). Their model numbers refer to
4275-530: The original Swiss Army Knife implements – blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, key ring and ballpoint pen are standard. **Not every feature is available on every model within the collection." In 2006, Wenger produced a knife called "The Giant" that included every implement the company ever made, with 87 tools and 141 different functions. It was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most multifunctional penknife. It retails for about €798 or $ US1000, though some vendors charge much higher prices. In
4350-451: The original television series MacGyver as well as its 2016 reboot , character Angus MacGyver frequently uses different Swiss Army knives in various episodes to solve problems and construct simple objects . Ueli Steck Ueli Steck ( Alemannic German: [ˈuεli ʃtɛk] ; 4 October 1976 – 30 April 2017) was a Swiss rock climber and alpinist . He was the first to climb Annapurna solo via its South Face (though this
4425-442: The process of rebranding itself as a provider of multifunctional tools for outdoor adventures, Wenger started to cooperate with individuals such as Ueli Steck and Mike Horn acting as their brand ambassadors providing each of them with a suited multi-functional tool adapted to their specific challenges. Additionally Wenger cooperated with Alinghi providing the sailors with a suited multifunctional tool. Most recently Wenger supports
4500-519: The race have to face. For the adventurer Mike Horn Wenger released a knife in 2009. Wenger Watches are made in Switzerland. The company's head office is located in Delémont Switzerland. Wenger watches are supposedly related to the basic ideas and concept of the Swiss Army Knife, having a multifunctional outdoor focus. Additionally Wenger produces several watches focusing only on elegance. Wenger also makes notepads that can function as
4575-469: The same year, Victorinox released the SwissChamp XAVT, consisting of 118 parts and 80 functions with a retail price of $ 425. The Guinness Book of Records recognizes a unique 314-blade Swiss Army-style knife made in 1991 by Master Cutler Hans Meister as the world's largest penknife, weighing 11 pounds (5.0 kg). Some Swiss Army knives have locking blades to prevent accidental closure. Wenger
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#17327873034664650-413: The scales. The rivets are made by cutting and pointing appropriately sized bars of solid brass. The separators between the tools have been made from aluminium alloy since 1951. This makes the knives lighter. Previously these separating layers were made of nickel-silver . The martensitic stainless steel alloy used for the cutting blades is optimized for high toughness and corrosion resistance and has
4725-438: The sole supplier of knives to the military of Switzerland . Victorinox at first kept the Wenger brand intact, but on 30 January 2013, the company announced that the Wenger brand of knives would be abandoned in favour of Victorinox. The press release stated that Wenger's factory in Delémont would continue to produce knives and all employees at this site will retain their jobs. They further elaborated that an assortment of items from
4800-454: The special case hardening , are also subjected to a hard chromium plating process so that iron and steel can also be filed and cut. Although red Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) (generally known trade names are Cellidor, Tenite and Tenex) scaled Swiss Army knives are most common, there are many colors and alternative materials like more resilient nylon and aluminum for the scales available. Many textures, colors and shapes now appear in
4875-558: The summer of 2015, he climbed all 82 summits in the Alps higher than 4000 meters in 62 days without the use of motorized travel. Two days slower than the 60-day record, his time included a period when Steck had suspended the tour on 22 July, after his climbing partner on the Aiguille de Rochefort , Martijn Seuren, had fallen to his death on this final peak to make him the first Dutch person to climb all 82 4000ers. Later that year Steck set
4950-481: The year of introduction in the military supply chain. Several main models have been revised over time and therefore exist in different Ausführungen (executions), also denoted by the year of introduction. The issued models of the Swiss Armed Forces are: Soldier Knives are issued to every recruit or member of the Swiss Armed Forces and the knives issued to officers have never differed from those issued to non-commissioned officers and privates . A model incorporating
5025-450: Was 100 mm (3.9 in) long, 16.5 mm (0.65 in) thick and weighed 125 g (4.4 oz). The contract with the Swiss Army split production equally between the Victorinox and Wenger companies. The soldier Knife model 1951 had fiber scales, nickel-silver bolsters, liners, and divider, and a spear point blade. This was the first Swiss Armed Forces issue model where the tools were made of stainless steel. The screwdriver now had
5100-482: Was 12 mm (0.47 in) thick and weighed 72 g (2.5 oz) The 1961 model also contains a brass spacer, which allows the knife, with the screwdriver and the reamer extended simultaneously, to be used to assemble the SIG 550 and SIG 510 assault rifles: the knife serves as a restraint to the firing pin during assembly of the lock . The Soldier Knife model 1961 was manufactured only by Victorinox and Wenger and
5175-592: Was built. Both the utensil operations and the Courtételle cutlery production were incorporated into the new plant now called Fabrique Suisse de Coutellerie et Services. In 1908 the Swiss Army decided to split the contract, with half of the order going to Victorinox, in the German-speaking canton of Schwyz , and the other half to Wenger in the French-speaking part of the canton of Bern . In 1929, after Theo Wenger's death, Kaspar Oertli gained majority share in
5250-457: Was coined by American soldiers after World War II after they had trouble pronouncing the German word " Offiziersmesser ", meaning " officer’s knife". The Swiss Army knife generally has a drop-point main blade plus other types of blades and tools, such as a screwdriver , a can opener , a saw blade, a pair of scissors , and many others. These are folded into the handle of the knife through
5325-525: Was patented on 12 June 1897, with a second, smaller cutting blade, a corkscrew , and wood fibre grips, under the name of Schweizer Offiziers- und Sportmesser ("Swiss officer's and sports knife"). While the Swiss military did not commission the knife, it was successfully marketed internationally, restoring Elsener's company to prosperity. Elsener used a variation on the Swiss coat of arms to identify his knives beginning in 1909. With slight modifications, this
5400-491: Was questioned by some due to absence of any photographs or GPS tracking data. According to mountaineering journalist Rodolphe Popier, who carried out an analysis of Steck's claim and found it questionable, others skeptical of Steck have included former editor-in-chief of German mountaineering magazine Bergsteiger Andreas Kubin, Rolando Garibotti , Alexander and Thomas Huber , fr:Yannick Graziani , Catherine Destivelle , George Lowe , and Leslie Fuczko, former president of
5475-535: Was slow in coming and the Spanish climber died despite Steck's help. In 2008, Steck was the first recipient of the Eiger Award for his mountaineering achievements. On 27 April 2013, while climbing with Simone Moro to prepare for a traverse next spring of Everest and Lhotse, Steck got into an altercation with disgruntled sherpas that according to The Guardian : "... went viral and Steck, wholly blameless in
5550-602: Was the first issued knife bearing the Swiss Coat of Arms on the handle. In 2007 the Swiss Government made a request for new updated soldier knives for the Swiss military for distribution in late 2008. The evaluation phase of the new soldier knife began in February 2008, when Armasuisse issued an invitation to tender. A total of seven suppliers from Switzerland and other countries were invited to participate in
5625-574: Was the first to offer a "PackLock" for the main blade on several of their standard 85mm models. Several large Wenger and Victorinox models have a locking blade secured by a slide lock that is operated with an unlocking-button integrated in the scales. Some Victorinox 111 mm series knives have a double liner lock that secures the cutting blade and large slotted screwdriver/cap opener/wire stripper combination tool designed towards prying. Rivets and flanged bushings made from brass hold together all machined steel parts and other tools, separators and
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