Any love for Wenger?

[tosh]

There is a closeout sale in a shop but I do not think the prices on most items are low enough.... but they are in theory collectible.. unless the fact that many are now made by Victorinox decreases the demand for the old Wenger models, in the future.

Maybe I will get something next week.

Nice knives!

It is difficult to tell how collectable Wenger knives will be in the future. I mean knives from before the merging. I would believe the collectable value on knives from 1893-2013 would remain the same and in some cases increase. Since they are genuine SAKs then it would be so i believe. There is a small change today. The independent Wenger knives are now gone and there is only one Brand called Victorinox with knives and if people that want to collect SAKs then i would recommend collecting both 1884-2013 and continue to collect the New Victorinox knives.

 My knowledge about SAKs increased much from collecting both and Wenger knives are educational and fun to collect.

Each to their own I suppose - but I won't buy the Vic Evo knock offs on principle. But that's my own choice.

[basilio]

There is a closeout sale in a shop but I do not think the prices on most items are low enough.... but they are in theory collectible.. unless the fact that many are now made by Victorinox decreases the demand for the old Wenger models, in the future.

Maybe I will get something next week.

Nice knives!

It is difficult to tell how collectable Wenger knives will be in the future. I mean knives from before the merging. I would believe the collectable value on knives from 1893-2013 would remain the same and in some cases increase. Since they are genuine SAKs then it would be so i believe. There is a small change today. The independent Wenger knives are now gone and there is only one Brand called Victorinox with knives and if people that want to collect SAKs then i would recommend collecting both 1884-2013 and continue to collect the New Victorinox knives.

 My knowledge about SAKs increased much from collecting both and Wenger knives are educational and fun to collect.

Each to their own I suppose - but I won't buy the Vic Evo knock offs on principle. But that's my own choice.

I don't follow principles here, but simply I don't find a great interest to buy the same knives again.
Plus I honestly don't like the few "innovations" now introduced in the Delémont line much appealing.
So far I have 2 85mm from the new line: one evogrip and a standard evo scale that I won in a giveaway here.
Was thinking about buying a single "new" Ranger, but I'm not very tempted by the current models.

[enki_ck]

There is a closeout sale in a shop but I do not think the prices on most items are low enough.... but they are in theory collectible.. unless the fact that many are now made by Victorinox decreases the demand for the old Wenger models, in the future.

Maybe I will get something next week.

Nice knives!

It is difficult to tell how collectable Wenger knives will be in the future. I mean knives from before the merging. I would believe the collectable value on knives from 1893-2013 would remain the same and in some cases increase. Since they are genuine SAKs then it would be so i believe. There is a small change today. The independent Wenger knives are now gone and there is only one Brand called Victorinox with knives and if people that want to collect SAKs then i would recommend collecting both 1884-2013 and continue to collect the New Victorinox knives.

 My knowledge about SAKs increased much from collecting both and Wenger knives are educational and fun to collect.

Each to their own I suppose - but I won't buy the Vic Evo knock offs on principle. But that's my own choice.

I don't follow principles here, but simply I don't find a great interest to buy the same knives again.
Plus I honestly don't like the few "innovations" now introduced in the Delémont line much appealing.
So far I have 2 85mm from the new line: one evogrip and a standard evo scale that I won in a giveaway here.
Was thinking about buying a single "new" Ranger, but I'm not very tempted by the current models.

I was planing to buy a new Gardner but the price quote I got made me rethink that. $100

[ColoSwiss]

Buying a 'collectible' in order to make money is different from collecting for pleasure. I collect SAKs, both Victorinox and Wenger, because I think they're neat and I enjoy the wide variety. If they go up in value, fine. If not, no big deal. I receive my pleasure from the collecting; my brother will probably inherit them and he can deal with their value.

[tosh]

I certainly wouldn't dispute with any of your comments (Basilio, enki, coloswiss), and I for one would readily drop my prejudices and buy  a Victorinox if "they" (and I do mean "THEY") actually brought something out worth buying. We all know the quality is there, its just the originality or lack off that galls me. I'm struggling to think of any "New" line that's made the world sit up and take notice in the last  5-6yrs. Please don't anybody mention coloured alox......

Their sheer arrogance is simply breath taking!! But then again with the annoucment recently of their new store in Zürich, one does begin to wonder if Victorinox are not but wanting to move the brand name into markets new, clothing, baggage, perfume ( ) etc etc and whatever other tack they can endorse to profit from. I do sometimes question if that be the case. It would certainly bring sense to their current seemingly stagnant SAK lines. Whilst Victorinox would never want to freely admit to such a thing. Its almost as if a new generation of directors of Victorinox are now wanting to steer the brand name to pastures new, whilst continuing to remain holding steadfast to the prestige that the Victorinox Swiss army knife has become so symbolically recognised globally in a transition that could take decades to complete.

EDIT: It would be very interesting to know what the percentage of shop floor space is actually used solely for the display and marketing of Swiss army knives or knives in general in the new Zürich store.

[coSAK]

…
Its almost as if a new generation of directors of Victorinox are now wanting to steer the brand name to pastures new, whilst continuing to remain holding steadfast to the prestige that the Victorinox Swiss army knife has become so symbolically recognised globally in a transition that could take decades to complete.
…

Keyword: 9/11
Would you like to know more?:

[tosh]

…
Its almost as if a new generation of directors of Victorinox are now wanting to steer the brand name to pastures new, whilst continuing to remain holding steadfast to the prestige that the Victorinox Swiss army knife has become so symbolically recognised globally in a transition that could take decades to complete.
…

Keyword: 9/11
Would you like to know more?:

I'm aware of the impact. 9/11 had on sales and the air travel restrictions that resulted - but forgive me 9/11 was 13yrs ago!!

Leatherman, Gerber have moved on. Yet victorinox simply uses the same boring layouts continuously.....yawn.

How I wish Wenger had been purchased by overseas investors - it would have given victorinox the kick up the arse it needs.

They really need to up their game.

[firiki]

I admire Wenger's search for innovation but I can't help feeling their QC was faulty in many aspects.

What I like about Victorinox is the consistency and the functionality of their models. As they say, if it ain't broken, why fix it? Furthermore, I think Victorinox cannot change their time tested configurations really, as these are part of the overall design (that I find very well conceived) and altering them would probably result in detorioration.

[magentus]

I agree with firiki - Victorinox is an example of a company that provide consistantly good quality and a tool that you can rely on, as well as running a company that looks after its employees through good times and bad, all sadly rare with the vast majority of corporations these days.

I like that you can buy a reasonably priced pocket knife that is relatively unchanged since its inception over 100 years ago!

I like the ubiquity of the tools, that you have the standard set and then each model offers something in addition to suit your intentions for the tool.

We all love to hold and use our SAKs and I think the major reason for this (for me at least) is that we are living in really uncertain times and the SAK provides an anchor - something thats always been there and will always be there, no matter what else is happening.

[firiki]

We all love to hold and use our SAKs and I think the major reason for this (for me at least) is that we are living in really uncertain times and the SAK provides an anchor - something thats always been there and will always be there, no matter what else is happening.

I know what you mean and, stupid as it may sound to some, I find that feeling comforting; knowing my good ol' SAK is there for me and that I could replace it if anything happened to it - even during a zombie apocalypse if I knew where to look.

 

[SAK Guy]

We all love to hold and use our SAKs and I think the major reason for this (for me at least) is that we are living in really uncertain times and the SAK provides an anchor - something thats always been there and will always be there, no matter what else is happening.

I know what you mean and, stupid as it may sound to some, I find that feeling comforting; knowing my good ol' SAK is there for me and that I could replace it if anything happened to it - even during a zombie apocalypse if I knew where to look.

 

    Both well said!

[kirk13]

I certainly wouldn't dispute with any of your comments (Basilio, enki, coloswiss), and I for one would readily drop my prejudices and buy  a Victorinox if "they" (and I do mean "THEY") actually brought something out worth buying. We all know the quality is there, its just the originality or lack off that galls me. I'm struggling to think of any "New" line that's made the world sit up and take notice in the last  5-6yrs. Please don't anybody mention coloured alox......

Their sheer arrogance is simply breath taking!! But then again with the annoucment recently of their new store in Zürich, one does begin to wonder if Victorinox are not but wanting to move the brand name into markets new, clothing, baggage, perfume ( ) etc etc and whatever other tack they can endorse to profit from. I do sometimes question if that be the case. It would certainly bring sense to their current seemingly stagnant SAK lines. Whilst Victorinox would never want to freely admit to such a thing. Its almost as if a new generation of directors of Victorinox are now wanting to steer the brand name to pastures new, whilst continuing to remain holding steadfast to the prestige that the Victorinox Swiss army knife has become so symbolically recognised globally in a transition that could take decades to complete.

EDIT: It would be very interesting to know what the percentage of shop floor space is actually used solely for the display and marketing of Swiss army knives or knives in general in the new Zürich store.

Tosh,please don't take this the wrong way,it's not meant badly,but what do you want to see from Victorinox?

Your are right that LM and Gerber have tried new things,but often they're failures,or not really suitable for a Western European market.

Aside from putting a decent LED into the Lite models,I'm not sure where Victorinox could improve  or innovate?

[tosh]

I would like to see innovation. When all is said and done they are lauded as being the best. So let's see something new.
Wenger did so many ideas, and they will be remembered for them - not that they went bust so to speak.
Victorinox is so predictable these days.
I can't even be bothered to carry on referring to them.

Dull is the word.

EDIT : @ Kirky - asking what I want from Victorinox  really is the $64 question. They took over Wenger, a company that actually went under because of their unwaivering commitment to stand out in the market... (from Victorinox??).

If Vic can't now think for themselves, now that they've removed their sole competitor............. then its a bad job!!

[Etherealicer]

I would like to see innovation. When all is said and done they are lauded as being the best. So let's see something new.
Wenger did so many ideas, and they will be remembered for them - not that they went bust so to speak.
Victorinox is so predictable these days.
I can't even be bothered to carry on referring to them.

Dull is the word.

You mean, something like the soldier '08? The replaceable glass breaker on the Rescue Tool? The replaceable disc-saw? Or do you mean something like the Wenger Business Tool?

[tosh]

I would like to see innovation. When all is said and done they are lauded as being the best. So let's see something new.
Wenger did so many ideas, and they will be remembered for them - not that they went bust so to speak.
Victorinox is so predictable these days.
I can't even be bothered to carry on referring to them.

Dull is the word.

You mean, something like the soldier '08? The replaceable glass breaker on the Rescue Tool? The replaceable disc-saw? Or do you mean something like the Wenger Business Tool?

Who would've thought of releasing such a quirky tool as the Business tool, of listening to Mike Horn what actually works or working with Ueli Steck to create the titanium line, bringing out the Evowood range..hell in fact bringing out the Evo Grip itself incorporating pliers, shears into the 130 range, locking screwdrivers and blades on the 85 series.......... Do I really need to go on??

Why Victorinox won't release the spirit at LM Juice proportions is baffling to me. Imagine you're in a shop and all the Red 91mm range is on display, you suddenly catch glimpse of a shiny multitool of almost the same proportions as the regular SAK, which would you buy??

But that's just what we already know off, is it beyond them to actually think up something new....I actually think it is.

Delemont anyone... 

[enki_ck]

Haven't we went over all of this like a dozen times in various other threads?

Do we really need to go over it again, when obviously no one is changing their minds on it?

[tosh]

Haven't we went over all of this like a dozen times in various other threads?

Do we really need to go over it again, when obviously no one is changing their minds on it?

Sorry enki

I don't mean to annoy people, but nor can I do nothing or sit here and lie and say all is fine.
If I wasn't interested I wouldn't be here on a forum thats dedicated solely to multitools and swiss army knives.
What started me off was the mention of the damascus spartan...

Its just Vic all over, takes the bloody easy route every time..!!

Boring boring boring!!


I promise to try and keep shut 

[firiki]

I understand Tosh's POV and I can say that in general terms I embrace it, under a few conditions, the first and most important of which being final product quality, or client satisfaction. In this regard I hold Vic's as an exemplary company model even tho' I don't quite like their marketing turn to a luxurious brand, which is different than prestigious.

I like quality that won't jeopardise my physical integrity easily; its why I support R & D, I would be stupid to think otherwise, just not at the expense of safety. It's why I dislike too much electronics on cars, for example. I guess there's no other viable way of improving a product, here a car, other than testing it in real life, if profit is ever to be made. SAK's being a market of their own, I like Vic's approach, there's a lesson to be learned there. 

I also like the SwissTool's pliers tip, not too broad, not too narrow, truly versatile. (Now, Vic, please make them less slipperish )

Discussion is good, never forget that, children.

Edit: I'll have to expand on my post later, no time right now. The SAK-sized MT raises a interesting question as well.

[basilio]

OK, going back to topic, here is an interesting find.
I admit that I didn't know the correct english name for it, but after some search I think it is called Lenticular Print.
Basically, the image changes as long as you change your point of view.
In this case, the knife changes from closed to fully opened.
I think this panel is probably from the late '80's, first 90's.
Goes well toghether with the other vintage display I have, with the knife "embossed" (I think I already posted pictures of it here in this topic).
Sorry for the first two pictures, but it is nearly impossible to take good ones, because of how the panel is made.

[basilio]

sorry double post

[Etherealicer]

OK, going back to topic, here is an interesting find.
I admit that I didn't know the correct english name for it, but after some search I think it is called Lenticular Print.
Basically, the image changes as long as you change your point of view.
In this case, the knife changes from closed to fully opened.
I think this panel is probably from the late '80's, first 90's.
Goes well toghether with the other vintage display I have, with the knife "embossed" (I think I already posted pictures of it here in this topic).
Sorry for the first two pictures, but it is nearly impossible to take good ones, because of how the panel is made.

Nice Find...

Der kleinste Werkzeugkasten der Welt
(Smallest Toolbox of the world)

[SAK Guy]

Reposting from "...the latest SAK" thread.

Some recent Wengers....

A unused/mint in box blue Traveler, a Basic 09 (Forester) and a Backpacker II.


....and the Journeyman.

[jcfiguet]

OK, going back to topic, here is an interesting find.
I admit that I didn't know the correct english name for it, but after some search I think it is called Lenticular Print.
Basically, the image changes as long as you change your point of view.
In this case, the knife changes from closed to fully opened.
I think this panel is probably from the late '80's, first 90's.
Goes well toghether with the other vintage display I have, with the knife "embossed" (I think I already posted pictures of it here in this topic).
Sorry for the first two pictures, but it is nearly impossible to take good ones, because of how the panel is made.

I confirm : between 1986 and 1990 !

[jcfiguet]

The biggest Ranger in the world : 6 layers !

[SAK Guy]

The biggest Ranger in the world : 6 layers !

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What model is that "fatboy"?   

[Etherealicer]

The biggest Ranger in the world : 6 layers !

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What model is that "fatboy"?   

No, its of course called the GIANT RANGER

[jcfiguet]

The biggest Ranger in the world : 6 layers !

What model is that "fatboy"?   

It's a joke ! I did it myself with 3 Rangers (1 Rangergrip 71 and 1 Ranger 73 and a OH serrated blade of 1 Ranger 78)...

[Grass]

That is very cool. I'd buy that!

[jcfiguet]

That is very cool. I'd buy that!

Sure ?

I can make one for you but It's expensive, I need to buy 3 knives 179,04 € + Shipping cost around 28€ (it's heavy)...
So I think it's only a "curiosity monster" to show because this knife will never exist !
But if you really want one, it's possible to do it and I can make it for you !

[SAK Guy]

The biggest Ranger in the world : 6 layers !

What model is that "fatboy"?   

It's a joke ! I did it myself with 3 Rangers (1 Rangergrip 71 and 1 Ranger 73 and a OH serrated blade of 1 Ranger 78)...

That's very neat!!!!