Swiss Army knife
Encyclopedia
The Swiss Army knife is a brand
of pocket knife
or multi-tool
manufactured by Victorinox AG and Wenger SA. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by US soldiers after World War II
due to the difficulty they had in pronouncing the German name.
The Swiss Army knife generally has a blade
as well as various tools, such as screwdriver
s and can opener
s. These attachments are stowed inside the handle of the knife through a pivot point mechanism. The handle is usually red, and features a Victorinox or Wenger "cross" logo or, for military issue knives, the coat of arms of Switzerland
.
Originating in Ibach, Switzerland
, the Swiss Army knife was first produced in 1891 after the company Karl Elsener, which later became Victorinox, won 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, received its first contract from the Swiss military to produce model 1890 knives; the two companies split the contract for provision of the knives from 1908 until Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005.
The design of the knife and its flexibility have both led to recognition worldwide.
decided to purchase a new folding pocket knife for their soldiers. This knife was to be suitable to help the army in opening canned food and disassembling the Swiss service rifle
, the Schmidt-Rubin M1889, which required a screwdriver
for assembly.
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 was later partly replaced with ebony wood. At that time no Swiss company had the necessary production capacity, so the initial order for 15,000 knives was placed at 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 took over production of the Modell 1890 knives, but Elsener was not satisfied with its first incarnation. In 1896, Elsener succeeded in attaching tools on both sides of the handle using a special spring
mechanism: this allowed him to use the same spring to hold them in place, an innovation at the time. This allowed Elsener to put twice as many features on the knife. On 12 June 1897 this knife featuring a second smaller cutting blade, corkscrew
and wood fiber grips was originally registered with the patent office as The Officer's and Sports Knife, though it was never part of a military contract.
Karl Elsener used the cross and shield to identify his knives, the symbol still used today on Victorinox-branded versions. When his mother died in 1909, Elsener decided to name his company "Victoria" in her memory. In 1921 the company started using stainless steel
to make the Swiss Army Knife. Stainless steel is also known as "inox", short for the French
term acier inoxydable. "Victoria" and "inox" were then combined to create the company name "Victorinox". Victorinox's headquarters and show room are located in the Swiss town of Ibach
.
, managed to corner the market until 1893, when the second industrial cutler of Switzerland, Paul Boéchat & Cie, headquartered in Delémont
in the French
-speaking region of Jura
, started selling a similar product. This company was later acquired by its then General Manager, Theodore Wenger, and renamed the Wenger
Company. In 1908 the Swiss government, wanting to prevent an issue over regional favouritism, but perhaps wanting a bit of competition in hopes of lowering prices, split the contract with Victorinox and Wenger, each getting half of the orders placed. By mutual agreement, Wenger advertises as the Genuine Swiss Army Knife and Victorinox uses the slogan the Original Swiss Army Knife.
on military bases following the conclusion of the Second World War. As was too difficult for them to say, they called it the "Swiss Army knife", the name by which the knife is now most commonly known worldwide.
. Victorinox has stated that it intends to keep both consumer brands intact.
In 2007, the Swiss Government made a request for new updated soldier knives for the Swiss military for distribution in late 2008; however, due to size of the order, international trade law
dictated that it had to open the request for bids from companies around the world, not just the native Victorinox and Wenger.
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 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 . This equates to a purchase price of per knife plus case.
Victorinox won the contest with a knife based on the One-Hand Germany Army Knife as issued by the German Bundeswehr
since 2003 and released in the civilian model lineup as the One-Hand Trailmaster/Trekker model and started mass production of the new Soldatenmesser 08 (Soldier Knife 08) for the Swiss Armed Forces in December 2008.
Various models of Swiss Army knives exist, with different tool combinations for specific tasks designed for everyday carry
. The simplest model sold includes only a single blade. The most common tools featured are, in addition to the main blade, a smaller second blade, tweezers
, toothpick
, corkscrew
, can opener, bottle opener, slotted/flat-head screwdriver(s), phillips-head screwdriver
, nail file
, scissors
, saw (regular, wood), file
, hook (parcel carrier, tightening aid for shoelaces
, etc.), magnifying glass
, ballpoint pen
, fish scaler, hex wrench w/bits, pliers
, and keyring.
Recent technological features include USB flash drive
s, digital clock
, digital altimeter
, LED
light, laser pointer
, and MP3
player. The Victorinox Cybertools have many tools of use with computers and electronic equipment. In addition to the usual tools, including pliers and scissors, they have a 4 mm hex screwdriver bit holder and bit case with 4 double-ended bits (8 ends). In January 2010 Victorinox presented the Presentation Master model line to be released in April 2010. The technologically most advanced model includes a laser pointer
, a 32 GB
detachable flash drive and Bluetooth
. One of the Presentation Master models will be the bladeless Presentation Master Flight model. Besides being lightweight, protected and portable, this bladeless Presentation Master version is permitted to be carried on airplanes. For added convenience, the flash drive component is removable, offering travelers the option to carry their data while storing their pocket tool in their checked baggage.
Since 2006 Wenger has produced a knife called "The Giant" that includes every implement the company has ever made. With 87 tools and 141 different functions it is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most multifunctional penknife. It retails for about GBP 550. In the same year Victorinox released SwissChamp XAVT which includes 80 functions, with retail price of USD 425. The Guinness Book of Records
recognizes a one-off 314-blade Swiss Army-style knife made in 1991 by Master Cutler Hans Meister as the world's largest penknife, weighing 11 pounds.
s and flanged bushings made from brass
hold all machined steel parts and other tools, separators and the scales together. 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 a composition of 15% chromium
, 0.60% silicon
, 0.52% carbon
, 0.50% molybdenum
, and 0.45% manganese
and is designated X55CrMo14 or 1.4110 according to Victorinox. After a hardening
process at 1040 °C and annealing
at 160 °C the blades achieve an average blade steel hardness of 55-56 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 the martensitic stainless steel alloy used for the parts is X39Cr13 or 1.4031 and for the springs X20Cr13 or 1.4021.
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 RC 52, and the corkscrew and springs have a hardness of HRC 49.
The metal saws and files, in addition to 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 cellidor scaled Swiss Army Knives are most common, there are many colors and alternative materials like nylon and aluminium for the scales available. Many textures, colors and shapes now appear in the Swiss Army Knife. Since 2006 the scales on some knife models can have texturized non-slip inlays incorporated, intended for sufficient grip with moist or wet hands. A modding
community has also developed, resulting in custom models produced with colorful anodized patterns or wood handles.
by adding brass flanged bushings to the rivets. The access length of the rivets is then cut of to make them flush with the bushings. Finally the remaining length of the rivets is flattened into the flanged bushings.
After the assembly of the metal parts, the blades are sharpened to a 15° angle, resulting in a 30° V-shaped steel cutting edge. The blades are then checked with a laser reflecting goniometer to verify the angle of the cutting edges. Finally the scales are pressed onto the flanged bushings. The scales are being held in place by holes incorporated in the insides of the scales that result in a tight shape connection with the flanged bushings.
Wenger Swiss Army knives use 65 mm (2.6 in), 75 mm (3 in), 85 mm (3.3 in) 93 mm (3.7 in), 100 mm (3.9 in) and 120 mm (4.7 in) length steppings. Thickness varies depending on the number of tool layers included. The 85 mm (3.3 in) knives offer the most variety in tool configurations in the Wenger model line.
each year, and manufacture many more for export, mostly to the United States
. Many commercial Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army knives can be immediately distinguished by the "cross logos" depicted on their grip shells; the Victorinox cross is surrounded by a shield with bilateral symmetry
, while the Wenger cross is surrounded by a slightly rounded square with quadrilateral
symmetry. Since 1961 the military issue knives supplied to the Swiss Armed Forces
bear the Swiss Coat of Arms
.
Many other companies manufacture similar-looking multi-tool folding knives in a wide range of quality and prices. The color red for multi-function knives, the cross-and-shield emblem, and the words SWISS ARMY are registered trademarks of Victorinox AG and its related companies.
have been revised several times. There are five different main Modelle (models). Their model numbers refer to 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 by the Swiss Armed Forces are:
The knives issued to officer
s have never differed to those issued to non-commissioned officer
s or private
s. A model incorporating a corkscrew and scissors was produced as an officer's tool, but was deemed not "essential for survival", leaving officers to purchase it individually.
from 1961 to 2008 has a 93 mm (3.7 in) long knurled
alox
handle with the Swiss crest, a blade
, a reamer
, a blade combining bottle opener
, screwdriver
, and wire stripper
, and a combined can-opener and small screwdriver and it weighs 72 g (2.5 oz).
This official Swiss military 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 rifle
s: the knife serves as a restraint to the firing pin
during assembly of the lock
.
This and later models of the Swiss Soldier Knife were manufactured only by Victorinox and Wenger.
beginning with the first basic training sessions of 2009.
The Soldier Knife 08 features an 111 mm (4.4 in) long ergonomic handle with polymer texturized non-slip inlays incorporated in the nylon grip shells and a double liner locking system, one-hand 86 mm (3.4 in) long locking partly serrated chisel ground
drop point blade
, wood saw
, can opener
with small 3 mm (0.118110236220472 in) screwdriver
, locking bottle opener
with large 7 mm (0.275590551181102 in) screwdriver and wire stripper
/bender, reamer
, Phillips (PH2) screwdriver and keyring. The Soldier Knife 08 width is 34.5 mm (1.4 in), height is 18 mm (0.708661417322835 in), overall length opened is 197 mm (7.8 in) and it weighs 131 g (4.6 oz).
(MoMA) and Munich's State Museum of Applied Art for its design and the term "Swiss Army knife" currently is a registered trademark owned by Victorinox AG and its subsidiary Wenger SA.
The term "Swiss Army knife" has entered popular culture
as a metaphor for usefulness and adaptability. The multi-purpose nature of the tool has also inspired a number of other gadget
s.
Brand
The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers."...
of pocket knife
Pocket knife
A pocket knife is a folding knife with one or more blades that fit inside the handle that can still fit in a pocket. It is also known as a jackknife or jack-knife...
or multi-tool
Multi-tool
A multi-tool is any one of a range of portable, versatile hand tools that combines several individual functions in a single unit...
manufactured by Victorinox AG and Wenger SA. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by US soldiers after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
due to the difficulty they had in pronouncing the German name.
The Swiss Army knife generally has a blade
Blade
A blade is that portion of a tool, weapon, or machine with a cutting edge and/or a pointed tip that is designed to cut and/or puncture, stab, slash, chop, slice, thrust, or scrape animate or inanimate surfaces or materials...
as well as various tools, such as screwdriver
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is a tool for driving screws and often rotating other machine elements with the mating drive system. The screwdriver is made up of a head or tip, which engages with a screw, a mechanism to apply torque by rotating the tip, and some way to position and support the screwdriver...
s and can opener
Can opener
A can opener is a device used to open metal cans. Although preservation of food using tin cans had been practiced since at least 1772 in the Netherlands, the first can openers were patented only in 1855 in England and in 1858 in the United States. Those openers were basically variations of a...
s. These attachments are stowed inside the handle of the knife through a pivot point mechanism. The handle is usually red, and features a Victorinox or Wenger "cross" logo or, for military issue knives, the coat of arms of Switzerland
Coat of arms of Switzerland
The coat of arms of Switzerland shows the same white Greek cross as the flag of Switzerland, but on a red shield. The appearance of the coat of arms or shield varies greatly, but the federal resolution of 12 December 1889 on the coat of arms decrees that the four arms have equal lengths, in a ratio...
.
Originating in Ibach, Switzerland
Ibach, Switzerland
Ibach is a town in the municipality of Schwyz, Schwyz District, Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland....
, the Swiss Army knife was first produced in 1891 after the company Karl Elsener, which later became Victorinox, won 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, received its first contract from the Swiss military to produce model 1890 knives; the two companies split the contract for provision of the knives from 1908 until Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005.
The design of the knife and its flexibility have both led to recognition worldwide.
Origins
During the late 1880s, the Swiss ArmyMilitary of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
decided to purchase a new folding pocket knife for their soldiers. This knife was to be suitable to help the army in opening canned food and disassembling the Swiss service rifle
Service rifle
The service rifle of a given army or armed force is that which it issues as standard to its soldiers. In modern forces, this is typically a highly versatile and rugged assault rifle suitable for use in nearly all theatres and environments...
, the Schmidt-Rubin M1889, which required a screwdriver
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is a tool for driving screws and often rotating other machine elements with the mating drive system. The screwdriver is made up of a head or tip, which engages with a screw, a mechanism to apply torque by rotating the tip, and some way to position and support the screwdriver...
for assembly.
In January 1891 the knife received the official designation Modell 1890. The knife had a blade
Blade
A blade is that portion of a tool, weapon, or machine with a cutting edge and/or a pointed tip that is designed to cut and/or puncture, stab, slash, chop, slice, thrust, or scrape animate or inanimate surfaces or materials...
, reamer
Reamer
A reamer is a metalworking tool used to create an accurate sized hole. The process is called reaming. They may be used as a hand tool or in a machine tool, such as a milling machine or drill press.-Construction:...
, can-opener, screwdriver and grips made out of dark oak wood that was later partly replaced with ebony wood. At that time no Swiss company had the necessary production capacity, so the initial order for 15,000 knives was placed at 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
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
itself. At the end of 1891 Elsener took over production of the Modell 1890 knives, but Elsener was not satisfied with its first incarnation. In 1896, Elsener succeeded in attaching tools on both sides of the handle using a special spring
Spring (device)
A spring is an elastic object used to store mechanical energy. Springs are usually made out of spring steel. Small springs can be wound from pre-hardened stock, while larger ones are made from annealed steel and hardened after fabrication...
mechanism: this allowed him to use the same spring to hold them in place, an innovation at the time. This allowed Elsener to put twice as many features on the knife. On 12 June 1897 this knife featuring a second smaller cutting blade, corkscrew
Corkscrew
A corkscrew is a kitchen tool for drawing stopping corks from wine bottles. Generally, a corkscrew consists of a pointed metallic helix attached to a handle. The user grips the handle and screws the metal point into the cork, until the helix is firmly embedded, then a vertical pull on the...
and wood fiber grips was originally registered with the patent office as The Officer's and Sports Knife, though it was never part of a military contract.
Karl Elsener used the cross and shield to identify his knives, the symbol still used today on Victorinox-branded versions. When his mother died in 1909, Elsener decided to name his company "Victoria" in her memory. In 1921 the company started using stainless steel
Stainless steel
In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
to make the Swiss Army Knife. Stainless steel is also known as "inox", short for the French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
term acier inoxydable. "Victoria" and "inox" were then combined to create the company name "Victorinox". Victorinox's headquarters and show room are located in the Swiss town of Ibach
Schwyz
The town of is the capital of the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland.The Federal Charter of 1291 or Bundesbrief, the charter that eventually led to the foundation of Switzerland, can be seen at the Bundesbriefmuseum.-History of the toponym:...
.
Victorinox and Wenger
Elsener, through his company VictorinoxVictorinox
Victorinox is a knife manufacturer based in the town of Ibach, in the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. Since its acquisition of rival Wenger in 2005, it has, once more, become the sole supplier of multi-purpose knives to the Swiss army.-History:...
, managed to corner the market until 1893, when the second industrial cutler of Switzerland, Paul Boéchat & Cie, headquartered in Delémont
Delémont
Delémont is the capital of the Swiss canton of Jura. The city has approximately 11,000 inhabitants as of 2007.-Geography:Delémont lies southwest of Basel, about halfway between Basel and Bienne...
in the French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
-speaking region of Jura
Canton of Jura
The Republic and Canton of the Jura , also known as the Canton of Jura or Canton Jura, is one of the cantons of Switzerland. It is the newest of the 26 Swiss cantons, located in the northwestern part of Switzerland. The capital is Delémont...
, started selling a similar product. This company was later acquired by its then General Manager, Theodore Wenger, and renamed the Wenger
Wenger
Wenger is one of two companies that have manufactured Swiss Army knives. Based in Delémont, Wenger was acquired by rival Victorinox in 2005.- History :The history of Wenger S.A...
Company. In 1908 the Swiss government, wanting to prevent an issue over regional favouritism, but perhaps wanting a bit of competition in hopes of lowering prices, split the contract with Victorinox and Wenger, each getting half of the orders placed. By mutual agreement, Wenger advertises as the Genuine Swiss Army Knife and Victorinox uses the slogan the Original Swiss Army Knife.
Aftermath of World War II
According to Carl Elsener, head of Victorinox in 2009, U.S. soldiers bought Swiss Army knives in huge numbers at PX storesBase exchange
A Base Exchange is a type of retail store operating on United States military installations worldwide...
on military bases following the conclusion of the Second World War. As was too difficult for them to say, they called it the "Swiss Army knife", the name by which the knife is now most commonly known worldwide.
Recent history
On April 26, 2005 Victorinox acquired Wenger, becoming once again the sole supplier of knives to the Swiss Armed ForcesMilitary of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
. Victorinox has stated that it intends to keep both consumer brands intact.
In 2007, the Swiss Government made a request for new updated soldier knives for the Swiss military for distribution in late 2008; however, due to size of the order, international trade law
International trade law
International trade law includes the appropriate rules and customs for handling trade between countries. However, it is also used in legal writings as trade between private sectors, which is not right. This branch of law is now an independent field of study as most governments has become part of...
dictated that it had to open the request for bids from companies around the world, not just the native Victorinox and Wenger.
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 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 . This equates to a purchase price of per knife plus case.
Victorinox won the contest with a knife based on the One-Hand Germany Army Knife as issued by the German Bundeswehr
Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr consists of the unified armed forces of Germany and their civil administration and procurement authorities...
since 2003 and released in the civilian model lineup as the One-Hand Trailmaster/Trekker model and started mass production of the new Soldatenmesser 08 (Soldier Knife 08) for the Swiss Armed Forces in December 2008.
Tools
Various models of Swiss Army knives exist, with different tool combinations for specific tasks designed for everyday carry
Everyday carry
Everyday carry or Every Day Carry refers to a small collection of tools, equipment and supplies that are carried on a daily basis to assist in tackling situations ranging from the mundane to the disastrous. The term EDC also refers to the philosophy or spirit of 'preparedness' that goes along with...
. The simplest model sold includes only a single blade. The most common tools featured are, in addition to the main blade, a smaller second blade, tweezers
Tweezers
Tweezers are tools used for picking up and manipulating objects too small to be easily handled with the human hands. They are probably derived from tongs, pincers, or scissors-like pliers used to grab or hold hot objects since the dawn of recorded history...
, toothpick
Toothpick
A toothpick is a small stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth. They can also be used for picking up small appetizers or as a cocktail...
, corkscrew
Corkscrew
A corkscrew is a kitchen tool for drawing stopping corks from wine bottles. Generally, a corkscrew consists of a pointed metallic helix attached to a handle. The user grips the handle and screws the metal point into the cork, until the helix is firmly embedded, then a vertical pull on the...
, can opener, bottle opener, slotted/flat-head screwdriver(s), phillips-head screwdriver
Henry F. Phillips
Henry F. Phillips was a U.S. businessman from Portland, Oregon. The Phillips-head screw and screwdriver are named after him....
, nail file
Nail file
A nail file is a tool used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. They are often used in manicures and pedicures after the nail has been trimmed using appropriate nail clippers...
, scissors
Scissors
Scissors are hand-operated cutting instruments. They consist of a pair of metal blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the handles opposite to the pivot are closed. Scissors are used for cutting various thin materials, such as paper, cardboard, metal foil, thin...
, saw (regular, wood), file
File (tool)
A file is a metalworking and woodworking tool used to cut fine amounts of material from a workpiece. It most commonly refers to the hand tool style, which takes the form of a steel bar with a case hardened surface and a series of sharp, parallel teeth. Most files have a narrow, pointed tang at one...
, hook (parcel carrier, tightening aid for shoelaces
Shoelaces
Shoelaces, which are also called shoe-strings, shoe laces, or boot laces, are a system commonly used to secure shoes, boots and other footwear. They typically consist of a pair of strings or cords, one for each shoe, finished off at both ends with stiff sections, known as aglets...
, etc.), magnifying glass
Magnifying glass
A magnifying glass is a convex lens that is used to produce a magnified image of an object. The lens is usually mounted in a frame with a handle ....
, ballpoint pen
Ballpoint pen
A ballpoint pen is a writing instrument with an internal ink reservoir and a sphere for a point. The internal chamber is filled with a viscous ink that is dispensed at its tip during use by the rolling action of a small sphere...
, fish scaler, hex wrench w/bits, pliers
Pliers
Pliers are a hand tool used to hold objects firmly, for bending, or physical compression. Generally, pliers consist of a pair of metal first-class levers joined at a fulcrum positioned closer to one end of the levers, creating short jaws on one side of the fulcrum, and longer handles on the other...
, and keyring.
Recent technological features include USB flash drive
USB flash drive
A flash drive is a data storage device that consists of flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus interface. flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than a floppy disk. Most weigh less than 30 g...
s, digital clock
Digital clock
A digital clock is a type of clock that displays the time digitally, i.e. in cyphers, as opposed to an analog clock, where the time is displayed by hands. Digital clocks are often associated with electronic drives, but the "digital" description refers only to the display, not to the drive mechanism...
, digital altimeter
Altimeter
An altimeter is an instrument used to measure the altitude of an object above a fixed level. The measurement of altitude is called altimetry, which is related to the term bathymetry, the measurement of depth underwater.-Pressure altimeter:...
, LED
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
light, laser pointer
Laser pointer
A laser pointer or laser pen is a small portable device with a power source and a laser emitting a very narrow coherent low-powered beam of visible light, intended to be used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a small bright spot of colored light...
, and MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
player. The Victorinox Cybertools have many tools of use with computers and electronic equipment. In addition to the usual tools, including pliers and scissors, they have a 4 mm hex screwdriver bit holder and bit case with 4 double-ended bits (8 ends). In January 2010 Victorinox presented the Presentation Master model line to be released in April 2010. The technologically most advanced model includes a laser pointer
Laser pointer
A laser pointer or laser pen is a small portable device with a power source and a laser emitting a very narrow coherent low-powered beam of visible light, intended to be used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a small bright spot of colored light...
, a 32 GB
Gigabyte
The gigabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage. The prefix giga means 109 in the International System of Units , therefore 1 gigabyte is...
detachable flash drive and Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
. One of the Presentation Master models will be the bladeless Presentation Master Flight model. Besides being lightweight, protected and portable, this bladeless Presentation Master version is permitted to be carried on airplanes. For added convenience, the flash drive component is removable, offering travelers the option to carry their data while storing their pocket tool in their checked baggage.
Since 2006 Wenger has produced a knife called "The Giant" that includes every implement the company has ever made. With 87 tools and 141 different functions it is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most multifunctional penknife. It retails for about GBP 550. In the same year Victorinox released SwissChamp XAVT which includes 80 functions, with retail price of USD 425. The Guinness Book of Records
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records , is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world...
recognizes a one-off 314-blade Swiss Army-style knife made in 1991 by Master Cutler Hans Meister as the world's largest penknife, weighing 11 pounds.
Locking mechanisms
Some Swiss Army knives feature a locking mechanism for one or two tools. The employed locking systems make an accidental closure during use of an extended tool unlikely. Several Wenger and Victorinox models feature a locking cutting blade secured by a slide lock that is operated with an unlocking-button integrated in the scales. Furthermore several models from the Victorinox 111 mm series feature a more robust double liner lock that secures the cutting blade and bottle opener.Applied materials
RivetRivet
A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. Before being installed a rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. The end opposite the head is called the buck-tail. On installation the rivet is placed in a punched or pre-drilled hole, and the tail is upset, or bucked A rivet...
s and flanged bushings made from brass
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...
hold all machined steel parts and other tools, separators and the scales together. 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
Martensitic stainless steel
Martensitic stainless steel is a specific type of stainless steel alloy.Stainless steels may be classified by their crystalline structure into three main types: Austenitic, Ferritic and Martensitic. Martensitic steels are low carbon steels built around the Type 410 composition of iron, 12%...
alloy used for the cutting blades is optimized for high toughness and corrosion resistance and has a composition of 15% chromium
Chromium
Chromium is a chemical element which has the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is the first element in Group 6. It is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard metal that takes a high polish and has a high melting point. It is also odorless, tasteless, and malleable...
, 0.60% silicon
Silicon
Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. A tetravalent metalloid, it is less reactive than its chemical analog carbon, the nonmetal directly above it in the periodic table, but more reactive than germanium, the metalloid directly below it in the table...
, 0.52% carbon
Carbon
Carbon is the chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. As a member of group 14 on the periodic table, it is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds...
, 0.50% molybdenum
Molybdenum
Molybdenum , is a Group 6 chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. The name is from Neo-Latin Molybdaenum, from Ancient Greek , meaning lead, itself proposed as a loanword from Anatolian Luvian and Lydian languages, since its ores were confused with lead ores...
, and 0.45% manganese
Manganese
Manganese is a chemical element, designated by the symbol Mn. It has the atomic number 25. It is found as a free element in nature , and in many minerals...
and is designated X55CrMo14 or 1.4110 according to Victorinox. After a hardening
Hardening (metallurgy)
Hardening is a metallurgical and metalworking process used to increase the hardness of a metal. The hardness of a metal is directly proportional to the uniaxial yield stress at the location of the imposed strain...
process at 1040 °C and annealing
Annealing (metallurgy)
Annealing, in metallurgy and materials science, is a heat treatment wherein a material is altered, causing changes in its properties such as strength and hardness. It is a process that produces conditions by heating to above the recrystallization temperature, maintaining a suitable temperature, and...
at 160 °C the blades achieve an average blade steel hardness of 55-56 HRC
Rockwell scale
The Rockwell scale is a hardness scale based on the indentation hardness of a material. The Rockwell test determines the hardness by measuring the depth of penetration of an indenter under a large load compared to the penetration made by a preload. There are different scales, denoted by a single...
. This steel hardness is suitable for practical use and easy resharpening
Knife sharpening
Knife sharpening may be done by grinding against a hard rough surface, typically stone, or a soft surface with hard particles, such as sandpaper.Additionally, leather razor strop, or strop, is often used to straighten and polish an edge...
, but less than achieved in stainless steel alloys used for blades optimized for high wear resistance.
According to Victorinox the martensitic stainless steel alloy used for the parts is X39Cr13 or 1.4031 and for the springs X20Cr13 or 1.4021.
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 RC 52, and the corkscrew and springs have a hardness of HRC 49.
The metal saws and files, in addition to 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 cellidor scaled Swiss Army Knives are most common, there are many colors and alternative materials like nylon and aluminium for the scales available. Many textures, colors and shapes now appear in the Swiss Army Knife. Since 2006 the scales on some knife models can have texturized non-slip inlays incorporated, intended for sufficient grip with moist or wet hands. A modding
Modding
Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying a piece of hardware or software or anything else for that matter, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer...
community has also developed, resulting in custom models produced with colorful anodized patterns or wood handles.
Assembly
During assembly, all components are placed on several brass rivets. The first components are generally an aluminium separator and 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 fastenedFastener
A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together.Fasteners can also be used to close a container such as a bag, a box, or an envelope; or they may involve keeping together the sides of an opening of flexible material, attaching a lid to a container,...
by adding brass flanged bushings to the rivets. The access length of the rivets is then cut of to make them flush with the bushings. Finally the remaining length of the rivets is flattened into the flanged bushings.
After the assembly of the metal parts, the blades are sharpened to a 15° angle, resulting in a 30° V-shaped steel cutting edge. The blades are then checked with a laser reflecting goniometer to verify the angle of the cutting edges. Finally the scales are pressed onto the flanged bushings. The scales are being held in place by holes incorporated in the insides of the scales that result in a tight shape connection with the flanged bushings.
Size
Victorinox Swiss Army knives use 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) and 108 mm (4.3 in) and 111 mm (4.4 in) length steppings. The thickness of the knives varies depending on the number of tool layers included. The 91 mm (3.6 in) knives offer the most variety in tool configurations in the Victorinox model line.Wenger Swiss Army knives use 65 mm (2.6 in), 75 mm (3 in), 85 mm (3.3 in) 93 mm (3.7 in), 100 mm (3.9 in) and 120 mm (4.7 in) length steppings. Thickness varies depending on the number of tool layers included. The 85 mm (3.3 in) knives offer the most variety in tool configurations in the Wenger model line.
Manufacturers
The Swiss company Victorinox AG and up to 2008 its wholly owned subsidiary Wenger SA supply about 50,000 knives to the Military of SwitzerlandMilitary of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
each year, and manufacture many more for export, mostly to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Many commercial Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army knives can be immediately distinguished by the "cross logos" depicted on their grip shells; the Victorinox cross is surrounded by a shield with bilateral symmetry
Reflection symmetry
Reflection symmetry, reflectional symmetry, line symmetry, mirror symmetry, mirror-image symmetry, or bilateral symmetry is symmetry with respect to reflection. That is, a figure which does not change upon undergoing a reflection has reflectional symmetry.In 2D there is a line of symmetry, in 3D a...
, while the Wenger cross is surrounded by a slightly rounded square with quadrilateral
Quadrilateral
In Euclidean plane geometry, a quadrilateral is a polygon with four sides and four vertices or corners. Sometimes, the term quadrangle is used, by analogy with triangle, and sometimes tetragon for consistency with pentagon , hexagon and so on...
symmetry. Since 1961 the military issue knives supplied to the Swiss Armed Forces
Military of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
bear the Swiss Coat of Arms
Coat of arms of Switzerland
The coat of arms of Switzerland shows the same white Greek cross as the flag of Switzerland, but on a red shield. The appearance of the coat of arms or shield varies greatly, but the federal resolution of 12 December 1889 on the coat of arms decrees that the four arms have equal lengths, in a ratio...
.
Many other companies manufacture similar-looking multi-tool folding knives in a wide range of quality and prices. The color red for multi-function knives, the cross-and-shield emblem, and the words SWISS ARMY are registered trademarks of Victorinox AG and its related companies.
Knives issued by the Swiss military
Since the first issue as personal equipment in 1891 the Soldatenmesser (Soldier Knives) issued by the Swiss Armed ForcesMilitary of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
have been revised several times. There are five different main Modelle (models). Their model numbers refer to 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 by the Swiss Armed Forces are:
- Modell 1890
- Modell 1890 Ausführung 1901
- Modell 1908
- Modell 1951
- Modell 1951 Ausführung 1954
- Modell 1951 Ausführung 1957
- Modell 1961
- Modell 1961 Ausführung 1965
- Modell 1961 Ausführung 1978
- Modell 1961 Ausführung 1994
- Soldatenmesser 08 (Soldier Knife 08)
The knives issued to officer
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
s have never differed to those issued to non-commissioned officer
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
s or private
Private (rank)
A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...
s. A model incorporating a corkscrew and scissors was produced as an officer's tool, but was deemed not "essential for survival", leaving officers to purchase it individually.
Soldier Knife model 1961
The Soldier Knife model 1961 was in use by the Swiss Armed ForcesMilitary of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
from 1961 to 2008 has a 93 mm (3.7 in) long knurled
Knurling
Knurling is a manufacturing process, typically conducted on a lathe, whereby a visually attractive diamond-shaped pattern is cut or rolled into metal.- Uses :...
alox
Aluminium oxide
Aluminium oxide is an amphoteric oxide with the chemical formula 23. It is commonly referred to as alumina, or corundum in its crystalline form, as well as many other names, reflecting its widespread occurrence in nature and industry...
handle with the Swiss crest, a blade
Blade
A blade is that portion of a tool, weapon, or machine with a cutting edge and/or a pointed tip that is designed to cut and/or puncture, stab, slash, chop, slice, thrust, or scrape animate or inanimate surfaces or materials...
, a reamer
Reamer
A reamer is a metalworking tool used to create an accurate sized hole. The process is called reaming. They may be used as a hand tool or in a machine tool, such as a milling machine or drill press.-Construction:...
, a blade combining bottle opener
Bottle opener
A bottle opener is a device that enables the removal of metal bottle caps from bottles. More generally, it might be thought to include corkscrews used to remove cork or plastic stoppers from wine bottles....
, screwdriver
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is a tool for driving screws and often rotating other machine elements with the mating drive system. The screwdriver is made up of a head or tip, which engages with a screw, a mechanism to apply torque by rotating the tip, and some way to position and support the screwdriver...
, and wire stripper
Wire stripper
A wire stripper is a small, hand-held device used to strip the electrical insulation from electric wires.-Manual:A simple manual wire stripper is a pair of opposing blades much like scissors or wire cutters. The addition of a center notch makes it easier to cut the insulation without cutting the...
, and a combined can-opener and small screwdriver and it weighs 72 g (2.5 oz).
This official Swiss military 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
SIG SG 550
The SG 550 is an assault rifle manufactured by Swiss Arms AG of Neuhausen, Switzerland...
and SIG 510 assault rifle
Assault rifle
An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies...
s: the knife serves as a restraint to the firing pin
Firing pin
A firing pin or striker is part of the firing mechanism used in a firearm or explosive device e.g. an M14 landmine or bomb fuze. Firing pins may take many forms, though the types used in landmines, bombs, grenade fuzes or other single-use devices generally have a sharpened point...
during assembly of the lock
Lock (firearm)
The lock of a firearm is the system used to ignite the propellant. Types of lock include snaplock, matchlock, wheellock, flintlock, modern percussion, rotating bolt, and experimental electronic types. A complete firearm often consists of lock, stock, and barrel...
.
This and later models of the Swiss Soldier Knife were manufactured only by Victorinox and Wenger.
Soldier Knife 08
The Soldier Knife 08 was first issued to the Swiss Armed ForcesMilitary of Switzerland
The Swiss Armed Forces perform the roles of Switzerland's militia and regular army. Under the country's militia system, professional soldiers constitute about 5 percent of military personnel; the rest are male citizen conscripts 19 to 34 years old...
beginning with the first basic training sessions of 2009.
The Soldier Knife 08 features an 111 mm (4.4 in) long ergonomic handle with polymer texturized non-slip inlays incorporated in the nylon grip shells and a double liner locking system, one-hand 86 mm (3.4 in) long locking partly serrated chisel ground
Grind
The grind of a blade refers to the shape of the cross-section of the blade. It is distinct from the type of blade , though different tools and blades may have lent their name to a particular grind.Grinding involves removing significant portions of metal from the blade and is thus distinct from...
drop point blade
Blade
A blade is that portion of a tool, weapon, or machine with a cutting edge and/or a pointed tip that is designed to cut and/or puncture, stab, slash, chop, slice, thrust, or scrape animate or inanimate surfaces or materials...
, wood saw
Saw
A saw is a tool that uses a hard blade or wire with an abrasive edge to cut through softer materials. The cutting edge of a saw is either a serrated blade or an abrasive...
, can opener
Can opener
A can opener is a device used to open metal cans. Although preservation of food using tin cans had been practiced since at least 1772 in the Netherlands, the first can openers were patented only in 1855 in England and in 1858 in the United States. Those openers were basically variations of a...
with small 3 mm (0.118110236220472 in) screwdriver
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is a tool for driving screws and often rotating other machine elements with the mating drive system. The screwdriver is made up of a head or tip, which engages with a screw, a mechanism to apply torque by rotating the tip, and some way to position and support the screwdriver...
, locking bottle opener
Bottle opener
A bottle opener is a device that enables the removal of metal bottle caps from bottles. More generally, it might be thought to include corkscrews used to remove cork or plastic stoppers from wine bottles....
with large 7 mm (0.275590551181102 in) screwdriver and wire stripper
Wire stripper
A wire stripper is a small, hand-held device used to strip the electrical insulation from electric wires.-Manual:A simple manual wire stripper is a pair of opposing blades much like scissors or wire cutters. The addition of a center notch makes it easier to cut the insulation without cutting the...
/bender, reamer
Reamer
A reamer is a metalworking tool used to create an accurate sized hole. The process is called reaming. They may be used as a hand tool or in a machine tool, such as a milling machine or drill press.-Construction:...
, Phillips (PH2) screwdriver and keyring. The Soldier Knife 08 width is 34.5 mm (1.4 in), height is 18 mm (0.708661417322835 in), overall length opened is 197 mm (7.8 in) and it weighs 131 g (4.6 oz).
Cultural impact
The Swiss Army knife has been added to the collection of the New York Museum of Modern ArtMuseum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is an art museum in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, on 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It has been important in developing and collecting modernist art, and is often identified as the most influential museum of modern art in the world...
(MoMA) and Munich's State Museum of Applied Art for its design and the term "Swiss Army knife" currently is a registered trademark owned by Victorinox AG and its subsidiary Wenger SA.
The term "Swiss Army knife" has entered popular culture
Popular culture
Popular culture is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the...
as a metaphor for usefulness and adaptability. The multi-purpose nature of the tool has also inspired a number of other gadget
Gadget
A gadget is a small technological object that has a particular function, but is often thought of as a novelty. Gadgets are invariably considered to be more unusually or cleverly designed than normal technological objects at the time of their invention...
s.
External links
- Victorinox manufacturer's web site (English version)
- Wenger manufacturer's web site (English version)
- Soldier Knife 2008 promotional page
- SAKwiki: online encyclopedia of all things related to the Swiss Army knife