How big are those? The Vic hook is pretty small.
From what I read on SakWiki, Victorinox implemented the infamous multipurpose hook on its 91mm knives in 1991. Also called a parcel carrying hook (since that seems to be its original intended use), it seems to be loathed by many, as they see no real purpose to it and would rather go without.Several other multipurpose knives feature hooks: hunting knives sometimes have a thin hook that is used to extract cartdriges from rifles, and equestrian knives have a wide hook that is used to clean horse hoofs (a tool also found on some SAKs). However, both these type are quite different than Vic's multipurpose hook, and have more of a U shape to them.However, I recently found some Victorian (1800s) knives that have hooks, and some of those hooks are quite reminiscent of Victorinox's. The following pictures are taken from ebay listings. The first two were described as "button hooks": I reckon they were used at a time when tight fitting clothes with many buttons were fashionable and it was sometimes unconfortable to fasten them (for example those on your right arm sleeve), or for shoes that had buttons. However, the one in the last picture was described as a "sewing hook", which I have no idea as to what it is.Given the similar shape, do you think these pocket knife hooks could be what Victorinox looked at when they decided to add this tool to their knives?And has anyone here ever tried to use the multipurpose hook to fasten buttons on their clothing (or on their Victorian-like shoes)?
The photos that Shadowrider shows do look like buttonhooks, and he's correct about the use and origin. They might have been the inspiration for the current hook we all know and love (or not), but it is intended for parcels. Before there was packaging tape, parcels were tied up with string or twine. The hook could be used like a Longshoreman's hook to carry the parcel.I actually used it like this in the 70's when working retail. The New Your Times came in a large bundle secured with 16 gage wire. Too thin the slip your fingers under and lift. Used the hook to carry them inside the store. So I have to wonder about either: my memory, or, the 1991 date quoted.
Surely the scissors layer is too thick for that? I mean, look at the small screwdriver tool on some SAKs. It's mounted behind the saw which is almost the thinnest layer.
Hi Smiller...All respect, but I think your memory is squishy on the date, but correct on the fact that they were originally billed as a parcel hook. My 1988 Super Tinker has no such hook. It was introduced in 1991 or so. I have a Tinker Deluxe from 2011 or 2012, the paperwork from which described it as a parcel hook.What I have to wonder is, who in the he'll was tying parcels with string in 1991? And often enough to cause a shift in the entire production process for every 91mm with scissors for the last 27 years?I *STILL* dont. Get it.
Quote from: ThundahBeagle on August 10, 2018, 04:54:26 AMHi Smiller...All respect, but I think your memory is squishy on the date, but correct on the fact that they were originally billed as a parcel hook. My 1988 Super Tinker has no such hook. It was introduced in 1991 or so. I have a Tinker Deluxe from 2011 or 2012, the paperwork from which described it as a parcel hook.What I have to wonder is, who in the he'll was tying parcels with string in 1991? And often enough to cause a shift in the entire production process for every 91mm with scissors for the last 27 years?I *STILL* dont. Get it.Exactly how I feel about the hook, although I like it for its quirkiness. I never bought the parcel-carrying thing, because people stopped tying parcels with string in, when? 1960? Surely by 1970 this quaint way of fastening your parcels was gone for good.