Maybe interesting for the Wiki: Wenger Porsche including paperwork
The confusion arises because the SAK collecting community - the American community in particular - over the years has come up with what I call "collector's names" to refer to certain models. In almost all cases, this is done when the model either didn't have an official name (as was typical prior to the mid 1970s) or where it's official name was subsequently recycled onto another knife. These names are typically derived from either their 91mm equivalents (e.g. Huntsman Small) or from names found in catalogs from other countries. The SIMCO Canadian catalogs especially have contributed several "collector's names". The knife we call the "Artisan" (136k, aka 84mm Fieldmaster) was sold in the US as the "Craftsman" almost exclusively. We use the Artisan name (French for Craftsman, btw) from the SIMCO to avoid confusion with the 91mm models of the same name. I have a several of these NIB - the boxes all say "Craftsman".
^^^ Great find KK - I think most of us acknowledge that JB is the highest of the higher authorities !! Also I think SAKWiki editors have also been guilty of inventing a name every now and again !I gotta admit I am finding this name re-using; different names for the same models; different names in different markets; and 'made up names' thing to be getting more than a little frustrating. I know I shouldn't as the situation has evolved over many decades and has only come about as the world is shrinking and we now have collectors interested in SAKs from years ago that were only ever conceived as working tools/pocket knives for sale in a certain geography!
That is a really interesting theory about the NASA Craftsmen though - So you reckon NASA bought and sent up the six layer model that we now call the CraftsmanFor sure ..... In the 76 dealer catalogue the six layer one is indeed called the Master Craftsman - And then you look at the 1982 catalogue and its called the Craftsman ....... Grrrrrr - see what I mean !However I am a little sceptical of this theory as the model that ended up as the "Space Shuttle'' model - For sure is five layers and I would have thought that model matched the one NASA bought? - Thoughts Anyway updating the Craftsmen pages is probably bubbled to the top of the Wiki do list. Will put a post here when it's done.Also I am due one of my big Wiki update posts now as a lot has happened since the last one!
Not handled this sample yet (on reserve for me), but here’s a Master Craftsman with chisel back tool but no hook, so it appears there are early versions with this configuration. Hook was introduced around 1991 but not sure when the chisel was introduced.
I have a theory that the actual 50 Master Craftsman knives ordered by NASA in '78 were the fish scaler version. #5044 (US) referenced in the NASA letter may cross reference the 1.47 93 version.
Thanks for the nicely summarized feedback on this topic kamakiri
I may do that when it arrives. I’ve found with a gentle warming I can pop of the scales without damaging the bosses.
You should never damage a boss, it's bad for your career.
In case anyone can get some more dating info from this:- Boxed as an "Astronaut",- "82" stamped on bottom of the box.- all tools opened, so no chisel or hook- VICTORINOX tang stamp (all letters same height)(Image removed from quote.)
Looks c. late '85/early '86. I don't think I see a bevel on the awl toward the tip, but a shot of the awl closed could confirm. Still the white flocked/felted liner in the box?
The knife commonly known as the 'Artisan', (and also known as the: Fieldmaster - small), was originally named Craftsman and numbered 136ka for decades before the name was reused for the 91mm 6-layer versions circa 1973. It is an 84mm Victorinox knife with 4 tool layers and the same basic tool selection as the larger 91mm Fieldmaster.
The Artisan, (also known as the: Fieldmaster - small), is an 84mm Victorinox knife with 4 tool layers and the same basic tool selection as the larger 91mm Fieldmaster. There is little known about this model, so it may have only been produced in smaller numbers or in specific markets.
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