2 '57 Soldiers

[Benner]

Here are the pics I promised of my new '57 Wenger Soldier next to my Vic '57 Soldier.  The Sak's are pretty darn close TBH, apart from a few subtle differences...









As you can see, both are the same size and shape, however, the scales on the Wenger are red rather than the brown of the Vic.  Also, the Vic leaves the rivets exposed where Wenger cover them.  I prefer the looks of the Vic, but if I were to carry one of them today, I'd go with the Wenger as the scales feel like they would live up to EDC better.



The blade on the Vic is very slightly longer than that of the Wenger (possibly due to sharpening?) however, the Wenger uses more of the blade as a cutting edge.  Both blades open pretty smoothly, but the Vic is far easier to open as it has a better nail cut nick.



Both awls are identical, however, the Vic's is just a tad longer.  What can be seen in this pic are the different hollow rivets the 2 manufacturers use.



The screwdrivers are again the same, the only difference being the nail nick, as with the knife blade, which can be seen in the pic below;



Due to possible wear etc, the Wenger is far harder to open than the Vic (despite cleaning) and when closing it, the Wenger has no snap to it whatsover.



The only difference I can really see with the can openers is that the Wenger has a larger "tab" that you use to open it.  This makes it a little easier to fold out.

Overall, both are great SAK's that look similar, but once you open them up feel very different.  A lot of this is probably due to wear, but after cleaning and oiling both, the Vic feels smoother and a more "quality" product.  A large part of this is the scales, the Vic one's feeling far nicer in the hand.

[Swiss Man]

I gave you a dollar each for both of them. 

[scibeer]

I'll double that offer!

Those are beauties Ben.   Both are fantastic.    I felt the same way about the feel of them.   Victorinox has the edge IMO.

I just finished reworking three old Vics and an old Wenger and really enjoyed working on the Vics.   The Wenger handles were very difficult to refinish and was much rougher in construction.    I noticed a big difference in the pivot areas on the tools.    Vics had a finer finish and all walked better than the Wenger.   

Not Wenger bashing here, they are fine knives built for the long haul.

[Leatherman123]

Great pics, Ben!

[raptor]

rarely seen today.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Bloody gorgeous mate

It's funny how different they feel, considering how close the modern soldiers are

Great pics, and a top write up too

[Benner]

Thanks for the comments guys. 

It is interesting how different they feel.  Although the Wenger clearly has seen more use, like Scibeer said, the finish on the Vic does feel superior.

[J-sews]

Thanks for the great side-by-side comparison pics. Never having seen an old soldier (either brand) I'd never realized how incredibly similar they were. 

[Benner]

Thanks for the great side-by-side comparison pics. Never having seen an old soldier (either brand) I'd never realized how incredibly similar they were. 

They really are quite impressive and you will only really appreciate it once you hold one.  They make the ALOX feel toy-like in comparison.

[Grant Lamontagne]

If I'd have known you'd never seen one in person Bob, I'd have brought mine to Las Vegas!  Of course, maybe it's better I didn't- these are so amazingly beautiful that you'd probably have to run out and get one of your own.  I know we say that about a lot of things around here, but the old Soldiers are really in a class by themselves.

I am in awe of just how lucky young Ben is to not only have one, but one of each, and in matching years, and have them both be in such great shape.  If only he really understood just what kind of odds were against that happening, his head would explode.

In all seriousness, if you (or anyone else reading this) ever gets an opportunity to get an old Soldier like this, don't hesitate.  Grab it and treasure it, because they really are something special.

Remember the Wenger Reissue in Las Vegas Bob?  The old ones are actually nicer than that, because you know the parts were all hand made, not water jet cut, plus they have that mystique about them that old, well worn and well made tools always have about them.  It's amazing to think that these sturdy, stout, beautiful knives were made over 50 years ago, and are just as solid today as they were the day they were issued.  It really is almost magical, and that comes through the very first time you hold one.

Def

[Leatherman123]

Def, you just made me want to buy one!

[Benner]

Def, you just made me want to buy one!

Tim has a few in stock 

[Leatherman123]

Are they Victorinox?

[Benner]

Are they Victorinox?

Take a look.  He has a few and I am sure he has a Vic one.

[Leatherman123]

Link please! 

[Benner]

Link please! 

Just take a look in Tim's shop.

[Grant Lamontagne]

www.felinevet.sosakonline.com

Def

[M.TEX]

  I have a MINT 1941   

[Benner]

  I have a MINT 1941   

Got any pics? 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

  I have a MINT 1941   

Got any pics? 

Same request

[Neil]

Mine are not in such nice condition but SAK pron is SAK pron 

The one on the right is a 41Victorinox and the one on the left is a 44 Elsener Schwyz.  The latter although having good tools has badly damaged scales.  I think it might be quiet nice to clean it up and bring it back into use.  I'm not sure what to re-scale it with though.  Orange G10 
... 

Neil

[Leatherman123]

They look in pretty damn good condition to me!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Mine are not in such nice condition but SAK pron is SAK pron 

The one on the right is a 41Victorinox and the one on the left is a 44 Elsener Schwyz.  The latter although having good tools has badly damaged scales.  I think it might be quiet nice to clean it up and bring it back into use.  I'm not sure what to re-scale it with though.  Orange G10 
... 

Neil

Orange G10 Heretic

[Benner]

So LM123, have we convinced you to take the plunge yet? 

[Leatherman123]

Not at the moment.. I ordered a LM Genus and I'm thinking about buying the SwissTool and SwissChamp from Tim! How can you go wrong? It would only be about $55 bucks!

[Benner]

Not at the moment.. I ordered a LM Genus and I'm thinking about buying the SwissTool and SwissChamp from Tim! How can you go wrong? It would only be about $55 bucks!

Didn't you just write this??

Nah, I'm not looking to buy another SwissTool! I have many of them now.. I just wanted to trade for one to keep in the boat- that's all!

[Leatherman123]

Yeah, but I don't think I am going to be able to trade!

[Benner]

Yeah, but I don't think I am going to be able to trade!

Wow, your mind changes a lot in half an hour. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Yeah, but I don't think I am going to be able to trade!

Wow, your mind changes a lot in half an hour. 

Maybe he's a girl then

[Leatherman123]

Definitely!