Here's my comparison between the Wenger Evolution 10 and its nearest Victorinox equivalent, the 84mm Sportsman. I usually carry Victorinox 91mm knives as EDC (Spartan, Camper or Explorer depending on where I’m going), but I recently started collecting Wengers in the Evolution 10 configuration because I wanted to preserve a bit of history. It now seems that the Victorinox Delémont series will be little more than grooming tools, whereas I had hoped that the 85mm Wengers would join the 84mm Vics.
The Victorinox Sportsman (top) and Wenger Classic 07, on which the Wenger Evolution 10 is based.
The Evolution 10 is the same basic knife as the Classic 07 (Traditional Commander in the US). Both have identical tools, namely large blade, nail file, can opener and cap lifter/screw driver/wire bender on the front, and corkscrew and awl on the back. The scales hold tweezers and a toothpick. The Sportsman from the 84 mm Victorinox range has the same tool set. There isn’t a 91mm Victorinox with a nail file instead of the small blade, so the nearest ‘equivalent’ in this larger size would be a Spartan.
The Wenger S101 (S10 in the US) has similar tools to a Vic Tourist (84mm not shown) and Vic Spartan (91mm - the black knife above), apart from the Wenger's locking large blade and clip point small blade (see below).
The Wenger S101 tool set.
All these 10 series Evolution knives are essentially the same, and are based on the Classic 07 at the top. Note that not all Evolution knife configurations are available in all executions. In addition to the red Cellidor Evolution, there is an EvoGrip 10 version with molded-in non-slip black rubber, a Soft Touch ST10 version with a stylish neoprene covering, and the EvoWood 10 with walnut scales.
There were also various colors available, including translucent red and blue, RealTree camouflage editions, Swiss collectors editions (with cows, cheese, chocolate and a bus), and an all-black Blackout 10 based on the EvoGrip. A pink EvoGrip 10 was available in America. The Classic 07 was available in many colours, including red, black, blue, white and grey.
First off, the knife blades. Both the Vic (top) and Wenger (Center) have spearhead blades that are about the same length (65mm), although the Wenger blade is wider (13.3mm) than the Vic (11.8mm) at its widest point. The Vic's blade however, is thicker at the base at 2mm compared to the Wenger's 1.4mm. The Soft Touch Evolution (bottom) has a clip point blade.
Both knives have the same length nail file tools although the abrasive area on the Wenger is smaller. Unfortunately the Sportsman’s nail file has its rough surface facing the large blade when folded, and scratches it when closing. The Wenger nail file faces the other way. Again, the Vic nail file is made from thicker steel at 1.4mm compared to 1mm for the Wenger (at the base).
The screwdrivers are similar, although the Victorinox is slightly beefier. Both are made from 2mm steel and both feature the puzzling wire stripper/bender notch! The Vic also has a half-lock position at 90-degrees for better leverage for stubborn screws and feels secure when fully folded out. However, the Wenger caplifter/screwdriver has a positive lock when you put axial pressure on the screwdriver and it locks solid in the open position.
The can openers are quite different. The Wenger is worked towards the user (clockwise around a can) while the Victorinox is worked away from the user (anti-clockwise). Both work well, so it's a question of preference. The lack of a Phillips screwdriver tip on the Wenger can opener means it has a sharper point making it easier get started on a cut.
Now the back tools. The corkscrews on both knives are identical in length, gauge and number of coils.
The awl on the Sportsman features a sewing hole, sharpened edge and sharp point. The value of the hole is open to discussion but the sharpness makes it useful as a reamer in wood and leather. The Wenger awl, however, has no sewing hole or sharp edge and its point is not particularly sharp. It is the same length.
The scales hold the usual tweezers and toothpick, but there is a difference in sizes. The Sportsman has the larger tools although the Wenger’s equivalents are neatly stored at the back of the scales.
The larger toothpick and tweezers come from the Sportsman. The Vic tweezers seem more robust.
From above, the thicker scales on the Wenger can be seen.
Which would I choose? Both have a superb quality feel, and snap shut with a satisfying 'clack'. Yet somehow, the Victorinox feels more robust, maybe due to the slightly thicker blade and nail file steel. The Wenger actually weighs slightly more (about 4 grams), and is a little bulkier due to the ergonomic scales. But at the end of the day, it comes down to personal choice. The Wenger looks more modern and feels good in the hand, particularly the EvoGrip version. For not-too-demanding EDC, for example in pockets in formal clothes, both knives do the job perfectly. So if you want a compact lightweight knife with grooming capabilities, these two are great candidates.
However, this comparison is a bit like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted since the Wenger is now out of production. New ones from old stock are still available (Q2 2014), and some suppliers even discount them, so get one while you still can! My favorite? The Blackout 10. But I still choose the Vic for EDC. So the winner is...
Check mate!
Edit: Note about screwdriver lock on the Wenger added.
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