Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Camping & Outdoor Survival Guide. Bryan Lynch
Uses for Your Swiss Army Knife
PART 1:
INTRODUCTION
The SwissChamp XAVT model boasts an impressive number of functions—80 in all!
History of the Swiss Army Knife
The story of the Swiss Army Knife began over 130 years ago. In 1884, Karl Elsener established a cutlery shop in Ibach, Switzerland. He developed a remarkable plan to make a compact knife of high-quality steel that also offered a variety of functions. The first model—the Soldier’s Knife—was produced in 1891. Sold to the Swiss Army, it contained a blade, can opener, reamer, and screwdriver. It allowed soldiers to service their rifles and open cans of food. The model that most people recognize today is the Officer’s Knife, which was patented in 1897. Versions of this knife are still widely popular.
Karl Elsener (1860–1918).
This is the original Swiss Army Knife factory as it stood in 1884.
It wasn’t until 1909 that Karl Elsener chose the brand name “Victoria,” in memory of his mother, and the emblem of the cross and shield. In 1921, stainless steel (inox) was invented and was a major development for the knife industry. The words Victoria and inox were then combined to create the new brand name Victorinox. Ten years later, in 1931, Carl Elsener II introduced automation in the making of the knives. This helped to ensure that all knives made by Victorinox were produced with consistent high quality.
The popularity of the Swiss Army Knife grew in part because of American soldiers stationed in Europe during World War II. They bought the Swiss Army Knife in large quantities and then took them home with them, where the little red knife quickly became popular with the American public. The knife began its journey out of our world in 1978, when NASA placed an order for the Master Craftsman model to be used by astronauts.
Every Swiss Army Knife is produced in Switzerland at either the Ibach or Delémont factory. Even with today’s technology, there is still a surprising amount of human presence in the making of these wonderful knives. Every day, 60,000 Swiss Army Knives are produced and inspected in the Ibach factory. Victorinox has continued to grow in an ever-changing world by also offering cutlery, travel gear, watches, and fragrances. One thing has not changed though: Victorinox is still owned and operated by the Elsener family. And they still make fantastic knives!
Careful inspection ensures the high quality of Swiss Army Knives.
Automated Victorinox factory, 1943.
Choosing Your Swiss Army Knife
The first step in making sure your Swiss Army Knife experience is a great one is to choose the right model. To do this, evaluate your needs. Do you spend more time in urban settings or in the wilderness? Do you like to accomplish DIY projects or just normal everyday tasks? Are you more likely to be gutting a fish or cutting open a box? Determine your interests and needs, and take a look at the vast line of Victorinox models. Each of them offers something different, but all have Victorinox’s famous craftsmanship, durability, and versatility.
A WORD OF ADVICE
Local and state regulations may restrict what type of knife may legally be carried outdoors, especially in regard to blade length. Make sure you are not violating any rules.
Midnite Manager
The Midnite Manager is a great example of one of the small models that Victorinox offers. It’s what many people picture when they think of a Swiss Army Knife. At 1.1 ounces, the Midnite Manager comes with ten tools. Two of the coolest tools are a pressurized ballpoint pen and an LED light. Holding down the iconic Victorinox logo turns on the surprisingly bright light. A slide button extends the pen point. A different variation comes with a removable 16GB USB drive. This model makes for a great EDC (everyday carry) knife for any urban dweller.
BASIC TOOLS & FUNCTIONS
1. LED
2. pressurized ballpoint pen
3. key ring
4. small blade
5. bottle opener
6. wire stripper
7. Phillips screwdriver 0/1, magnetic
8. nail file
9. screwdriver, 2.5 mm
10. scissors
Midnite Manager
The Midnite Manager is an ideal EDC knife for the average urban professional who might need the occasional tool in a pinch.
SwissChamp XLT
The SwissChamp XLT is like the standard SwissChamp but with a little bit more emphasis on urban uses. Two of the main differences between the XLT and the standard model are the added pharmaceutical spatula and bit wrench with eight total bits. With the addition of an electrician’s blade, the XLT is great for the person with a long “to-do” list.
BASIC TOOLS & FUNCTIONS
1. reamer, punch and sewing awl
2. can opener
3. screwdriver, 3 mm
4. bottle opener
5. screwdriver, 6 mm
6. wire stripper
7. Phillips screwdriver 1/2
8. magnifying glass
9. pliers
10. wire cutter
11. wire-crimping tool
12. screwdriver, 2.5 mm
13. pruning blade
14. electrician’s blade
15.