Just read this on Vic's FB page.

[felinevet]

Sorry, someone already posted it. 

[nuphoria]

Oh wow, I didn't realise it meant an effective end to Wenger knife production

Hmm...

[Syph007]

Ya I read that as the dissection of what wenger had, dumping what wasnt profitable, and keeping some of it going.  I would not at all be surprised (but very sad) if the whole 85 line was dumped as they would see most of that as redundant to the Vic 91mm line.  I dont see it that way, but a business guy would I bet. I mean they both have files/saw/scissors/pliers etc etc. 

[Marius]

Spot on. I also think that one of the Wenger SAK series to be axed first will be the 85 mm line. Vic's 91 mm SAKs appear to be cheaper to produce and they are (in my opinion) the direct Wenger's 85 mm competitors, not the smaller Vic 84 mm as many people think. We'll see... Sad regardless.

[nuphoria]

Yes, I agree that's there's tons of overlap in function and tool sets, but still lots of unique tools. It would be a shame to see then all go.

[ColoSwiss]

Sorry to see it happening, but the way the knife market has declined in recent years it was probably inevitable. Wenger's about one-tenth the size of Victorinox, so they're the one's who are going to take the hit.

(Think I need to pick up a couple of Travelers as spares.)

[django.cj]

I hope they take some of Wenger's unique SAKs and integrate them...the cigar cutters, shotgun tools, etc. 

What will become of the Ranger lineup?

[Syph007]

Ya the rangers are models I planned on buying more of... IMO they are the best big size SAK.  I guess I shall buy a few more just in case in the mean time.

[django.cj]

I just lost my SI recently too...sigh

[PTRSAK]

The worst outcome might have been if they had decided to outsource Wenger production and possibly compromise their standards. This way at least ensures the brand doesn't get "tarnished".

Who'd to say the won't sell off the Wenger name if they're not using it any more? Think of Matchless Motorcycles...

[Nhoj]

Ok everybody time for a riot!

[Monrogue]

Don't worry Monrogue. I dropped my Swischamps 100 times. Most times there was nothing or a tiny mark on them. 5-6 times a little bit broke off. Just once the liner and blade bent 1-2 degrees. Never broke to pieces any Cellidor scale. I carried my last Swisschamp with two minor traumas for many years. As soon as I put new scales to it it is as good as new.
I offered my Wenger ToolChest Plus to my son and now I don't have any. If I was to buy two one would be a Ranger 57 and the other a 85mm with most of the Wenger specific tools but no compass. S554 is a candidate.
In a few years when you will be googling Wenger all you'll be getting will have to do with Arsenal.

Good to know   Are cellidor scales fairly easy to replace? 

[Northern Geek]

Good to know   Are cellidor scales fairly easy to replace?

Very

[Gareth]

The worst outcome might have been if they had decided to outsource Wenger production and possibly compromise their standards. This way at least ensures the brand doesn't get "tarnished".

Who'd to say the won't sell off the Wenger name if they're not using it any more? Think of Matchless Motorcycles...

Can't see that ever happening, remember they are keeping the brand going for the luggage and watches etc.

[borgwarrior]

Does anyone have an advice where to buy a Wenger SI before it's too late?

[Farmman]

Does anyone have an advice where to buy a Wenger SI before it's too late?

Amazon.co.uk

[borgwarrior]

Ordered one... After the payday, more Wengers to follow...

[Wootz]

Does anyone have an advice where to buy a Wenger SI before it's too late?

Here are a few oldies:

http://www.ricardo.ch/search/search.asp?txtSearch=wenger%20militar%20sackmesser&Catg=41518&InTitleAndDesc=1&IsNavBarSearch=1

Ricardo Schweiz

[marcel.reijerse]

I've just received my SI from this site:
http://www.hetgoedkoopste.nl/Wenger-Swiss-army-70-zakmes?keyword=wenger&category_id=0

A very good price (shipping included in the Netherlands) but I don't know if they ship internationally.

[North Man]

yes, this is huge news!

[Monrogue]

Good to know   Are cellidor scales fairly easy to replace?

Very

Thanks for the link   So they basically just pop off and stick on?  I'm assuming this based on those pics.  It doesn't look like there's much to it at all really.

[Syph007]

Good to know   Are cellidor scales fairly easy to replace?

Very

Thanks for the link   So they basically just pop off and stick on?  I'm assuming this based on those pics.  It doesn't look like there's much to it at all really.

Yep very easy!  I warm my SAKS just with hot tap water and the scales come off nicely.  To put them on I like to use one of those plastic jawed quick clamps.  But putting the SAK between 2 heavy books works fine too.

[Steinar]

Thanks for the link   So they basically just pop off and stick on?  I'm assuming this based on those pics.  It doesn't look like there's much to it at all really.

Exactly. The brass parts slide into slots in the scale and it is locked in place. I'm all thumbs, and even I managed to not screw it up. Only thing you have to remember is the aluminium liners are very soft, so it's easy to mar them when popping of the old scales.

[DaveK]

The worst outcome might have been if they had decided to outsource Wenger production and possibly compromise their standards. This way at least ensures the brand doesn't get "tarnished".

Who'd to say the won't sell off the Wenger name if they're not using it any more? Think of Matchless Motorcycles...

Can't see that ever happening, remember they are keeping the brand going for the luggage and watches etc.

As Gareth says, they're keeping the Wenger brand for luggage and such, they just won't be putting it on knives any more.

I'm afraid I have no idea what Matchless motorcycles is / was - but I can probably guess!

[Syph007]

If only Wenger didnt make that office stapler!  At least thats what I heard was what hurt them and eventually led to them being bought.

[DaveK]

If only Wenger didnt make that office stapler!  At least thats what I heard was what hurt them and eventually led to them being bought.

Tbh, that stapler (and to a much lesser extent a nail-clipper I bought from Neil) is just about the only Wenger I ever use!

The Business Tool is a work of genius!

[Monrogue]

Thanks for the link   So they basically just pop off and stick on?  I'm assuming this based on those pics.  It doesn't look like there's much to it at all really.

Exactly. The brass parts slide into slots in the scale and it is locked in place. I'm all thumbs, and even I managed to not screw it up. Only thing you have to remember is the aluminium liners are very soft, so it's easy to mar them when popping of the old scales.

Oh good, it sounds fairly simple then.  Thanks for the tip about the liners

[nsa-x-file]

Interesting reading. 
I think it's a sign of the times with quite a few large companies looking to merge to save costs etc, especially with the state of the European economy right now and the EURO currency.

[Doctor.Skipper]

I hope to see lighter future than in the pic. 

[Monrogue]

Good to know   Are cellidor scales fairly easy to replace?

Very

Thanks for the link   So they basically just pop off and stick on?  I'm assuming this based on those pics.  It doesn't look like there's much to it at all really.

Yep very easy!  I warm my SAKS just with hot tap water and the scales come off nicely.  To put them on I like to use one of those plastic jawed quick clamps.  But putting the SAK between 2 heavy books works fine too.

Oh good, I noticed the clamps and was thinking that I don't have anything like that, but I do have books   Thanks for the tip, Syph