Between 2008 and Victorinox produced 3 Militaria sets. The 2008 set, 0.8461LTD08, consisted of one knife, the new Soldier, 0.8461.MWCH. It was limited to 100 pieces and each knife’s blade was stamped nn/100 and sold exclusive in Italy. The 2nd set, 0.8SET.LTD09, consisted of 2 knives, the former silver alox model, 0.8610.26, & the new Soldier. The last Militaria set, 0.2010.MILI(LTD02), limited to 199 pieces, was issued in 2010 and consisted of three knives with black oxidized blades: the OH Trekker, 0.8463.M3, the Swiss Spirit with blasting cap crimper and plain edge blade, 3.0224.3CCH, and the plain edge OH Sentinel with belt clip, 0.8416.M3. This set was sold primarily in France and Italy, and each knife’s blade was engraved nnn/199.
Actually, Victorinox produced not 3 sets of Militaria but 3½ sets. The 2009 set was issued with two variations. This was often dubbed the “Duo” or “Next Generation” set since it consisted of 2 knives, the old 93mm silver alox 1961 model Soldier with “08” engraved on the tang and the new dual density OH 2008 model Soldier with “09” engraved on the tang. It was sold primarily in France and Italy. Each country was allotted 999 sets that were exclusive to the country to which they were allocated. For example, the Italian knives were each stamped on their blades “nnn/999.” On the other hand, the French knives were engraved “nnn/999 – FR.”
All in all, one has to wonder why the French seem to have gotten a more exclusive set. Their knives’ numbers were etched not stamped and their nation’s name, albeit in abbreviated form, appears on the blade.
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