??? 84mm. Two layers. Blades; scissors; no openers.

[Sawl Goodman]

I picked up this 84mm recently.
 
- two layers
- large blade
- clip point small blade (discontinued 1973)
- scissors with broken black single leaf spring (discontinued 1975)
- keyring (introduced 1968)
- corkscrew, fluted, 4-turn (introduced 1983  )
- tweezers with aluminium tip
- solid scales

I haven't been able to find it in the wiki. As above, acording to the information I can find, mostly its tools date it from between 1968 and 1973. However, the corkscrew only has four turns, not five as I'd expect from the time. Is the 84mm CS's history different to 91mm? The lack of an opener layer makes it unusual and distinctive. Can anyone identify it?   

[cody6268]

Seems close to a Golfer, but it has neither a long nailfile nor a bottle opener. Instead, it's got a clip-point pen blade.   Interesting.

This is the closest I could come up with. In this "1960s US Catalog" there is a model called the 244k. Almost the same setup--but it has a long nailfile. As for the corkscrew, that could indicate that it was serviced and rebuilt by warranty at one point.

https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-browse_gallery.php?galleryId=73

[Sawl Goodman]

Thanks, Cody, much appreciated. I didn't think to look in the catalogues.

The 244k does seem to be a close match to my knife. I know the LNF was frequently broken but I can't see where it's been on mine; perhaps I have a variant. I can't see a bottle opener in the picture. My one *doesn't* have a keyring either. I think got it confused with another knife on the table!

I did wonder about the corkscrew being replaced. An owner must have been quite attached to this knife to not simply buy a replacement. My first thought was that the knife was a mod, although it seems too old for that.

If you look closely you can see gaps between the liners and scales. This suggests to me that at some point the scales have been reattached, likely glued.

It's been well used. The large blade is worn near the tang. Perhaps the owner (or one of them) was a keen wine drinker as the corkscrew has made indents in the liner and scale as it was snapped shut. All the pivots were stiff with old oil. I cleaned it up after I took the pictures in the OP and it's come up well.

[Shalom]

It is in the wiki. Look at  84mm , 2 layer Golfer and in the Variations section you'll find Early model 0.3102 has a small blade instead of the combo-opener tool."
Think of it as a proto Golfer 
https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Golfer+84mm

[Mechanickal]

Indeed. Early Golfer.
Not all of them came with LNF either.

Furthermore, I have some older SAKs with some space between the liner and scale too, but have found the constant pressure of the tweezers to be the cause there.

[Sawl Goodman]

Thanks, Shalom. Your post led me here:

Golfer Model 0.3102

Everyone loves 84mm scissors, and the 84mm LNF versions are t0.3102he most drooled over (rightly so, they are pretty awesome). As a result, everyone assumes that the Golfer LNF (either the pen blade or combo tool version) is the rarest of the rare.

Actually, it's not. The original Golfer LNF (Model 244k) was actually a pretty common model for it's time. Likewise, combo tool Golfers were made in pretty large numbers so finding one of those isn't super difficult for the dedicated collector. So what do I consider an "unusual" Golfer? Behold the Model 0.3102.

In the timeline of Golfer production, Victorinox started off in the 1940s making the Model 244k. This is a LNF Golfer with a pen blade. This model was in production for 30 years into the early 1970s when they started phasing the LNF out of regular production. So the successor to the Model 244k Golfer LNF was the Model 0.3102 shown below - same knife, just no LNF. So, if this was a regular production replacement, why is it so unusual?

Well, in the late 1970s Victorinox introduces the 84mm combo tool and creates the Golfer variant that we all know and love - the Model 0.1602. From 1978 on the pen blade model is out of production and millions of combo tool Golfers are made until the 84mm scissors models are phased out in the late 1980s.

Standard model Golfer evolution:
(Image removed from quote.)

Golfer Model 0.3102:
(Image removed from quote.)

NB: There is a LNF version of the combo tool Golfer (Model 0.3422) that was made as special runs during the 1980s and into the early 1990s. Given their special run status these are, as you might imagine, very hard to find. However, the 0.3102 model discussed in this post is still slightly harder to find.

Followed by this one:

Very interesting Jazzbass, about those Golfers.  You made me put mine all together to compare and it seems I got one as well (picture top right) .  Not like yours, but like the one on the picture, with a 4-turn cork screw and t&t.
So, got to be looking now for the rare combo tool with LNF...

A shame jazzbass's pictures have evaporated. Herman's attached picture shows the 0.3102 with the clip point blade and four turn corkscrew, so my CS is probably original. The scissor spring is a black double leaf, as mine must have been after all.

According to the wiki, the clip point blade was discontinued in 1973. If my reading is correct, this dates the knife to then or earlier, but not much earlier as the LNF is absent. My source (http://victorinox.metodi.me/91mmtools.php#corkscrew) says the four turn corkscrew was introduced ten years later - this must be wrong? I haven't been able to find another source with a date. Does anyone here know it?

[Mechanickal]

It was discussed a few days ago that quite some info on SAAM's site has since been found to be wrong.
Even though it was (and still is) an important source of info.

On top of that, tool evolutions on the 91mm and 84mm frames happened far in between and the 91mm evolution is not following the same timeline at all.

[Sawl Goodman]

Indeed. Early Golfer.
Not all of them came with LNF either.

Furthermore, I have some older SAKs with some space between the liner and scale too, but have found the constant pressure of the tweezers to be the cause there.

Yeah, that side is definitely worse and the tweezers have very little spring left in them. The weird thing is that both scales have bulged right at the T&T end, but only on the sides nearest the blades. I'm wondering if either dirt's worked its way into the slots or it really is epoxy. I can't dislodge any of the gunk with a safety pin. A minor mystery!

[Sawl Goodman]

It was discussed a few days ago that quite some info on SAAM's site has since been found to be wrong.
Even though it was (and still is) an important source of info.

On top of that, tool evolutions on the 91mm and 84mm frames happened far in between and the 91mm evolution is not following the same timeline at all.

Thanks. I'll look for the thread.

Edit: Found it, thanks.

[M0rkoni]

Early model, with small-blade instead of combo-opener tool. All original as it can be - early GOLFER 

[jaya_man]

Nice Golfers, Sawl and Marko


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[kamakiri]

I agree with the Golfer assessment. My opinion is that the double leaf black oxide spring puts these all solidly in the '73-'75 range.  Backup 'proof' is the corkscrew 'matches' other knives I have dated into the same range.  If it had an awl, I'd be able to put it into the earlier or latter ends of that range.

The clip point isn't an issue/conflict for this date range in 84mm.

[kamakiri]

In the hope to clarify what I believe is an error, I don't think the LNF versions like the 244k were ever Golfers.

I believe the Original Golfer is based off the 136ka Craftsman, but with horn scales. First listed that I know of in the 26 Model Catalog (which I believe is mid-late '60s) My guess is that it was directly succeeded c. '73 with the 0.3102 version and followed by the 0.1602 in the late '70s.

[ulli]

They (not victorinox, but US-marketing) used the same name for different models. So better than searching for a name is to check the numbers given for the different models.

The "golfer" model with mainblade, small blade, scissors and backside tools exist since ca. 1900. Then, it was called a model Nr. 207k. The tools/configuration changed a lot over the years. For a specific time period, there were two different configuration, with or without the long nailfile, and with different numbers.

[Sawl Goodman]

Thanks, M0rconi and jaya_man. Your one's a beauty, Morconi.  

It's nice to have an interesting model and get the story behind it. I knew very little about the Golfer until yesterday and nothing of its history. I'm constantly amazed at the depth and breadth of experience and knowledge here! 

[Sawl Goodman]

They (not victorinox, but US-marketing) used the same name for different models. So better than searching for a name is to check the numbers given for the different models.

The "golfer" model with mainblade, small blade, scissors and backside tools exist since ca. 1900. Then, it was called a model Nr. 207k. The tools/configuration changed a lot over the years. For a specific time period, there were two different configuration, with or without the long nailfile, and with different numbers.

The Golfer in the picture has an Artisan or Fieldmaster Small toolset. This is very different from the classic Golfer's toolset of the 70s and 80s, so they can't share the same lineage. They only have the name in common.

The Vic "fossil record" shows that the classic Golfer belongs to a lineage with the 244k as an ancestor. Thanks, ulli, for pointing out that that lineage has a very long history. If I understand correctly, it continues today with the Compact.

[kamakiri]

They (not victorinox, but US-marketing) used the same name for different models. So better than searching for a name is to check the numbers given for the different models.

The "golfer" model with mainblade, small blade, scissors and backside tools exist since ca. 1900. Then, it was called a model Nr. 207k. The tools/configuration changed a lot over the years. For a specific time period, there were two different configuration, with or without the long nailfile, and with different numbers.

I understand that the toolsets have been around for ages.  What most people have trouble with, is that there is no proof that the 244k or 207k was ever called a 'Golfer'. Even the newer runs with the LNF where there are BOXED examples, there is no GOLFER label to be found. Therefore, I do not believe the LNF versions were ever Golfers.

If I am wrong, there will be some catalog or boxed version of the LNF knife out there with the label on it.

The Golfer in the picture has an Artisan or Fieldmaster Small toolset.

Craftsman toolset

[kamakiri]

My copy:


forgot it also has a blank rear tang


Mine should be '73 or '75 for that.

[Myron]

I've always loved the 84 mm Golfer, ever since I bought my first one at a shop in Zurich in 1988.   I had never seen in person an older model with the clip point blade and no combo tool, however.  I picked this one up the other day, so now my collection of these is essentially complete.  I have one Golfer with the combo tool and long nail file and several combo tool Golfers without the LNF.

Note the aluminum-headed tweezers and what appears to be nickel silver shield/cross device. 

[Myron]

So I see that there is no Golfer Club thread.  Maybe we don't need one, but it occurs to me that we could simply establish this thread (with a more findable/logical title) as the Golfer Club thread.   Anybody else think this is a good idea?   

[kamakiri]

I don't know about a club thread...I still think the LNF versions were never officially Golfers.

But I'm glad I didn't pick that one up for myself when I saw it...because you got it to complete your collection!    Congrats on both counts! 

[Myron]

I don't know about a club thread...I still think the LNF versions were never officially Golfers.

But I'm glad I didn't pick that one up for myself when I saw it...because you got it to complete your collection!    Congrats on both counts! 

You could be right, Kamakiri.  My LNF box doesn't say "Golfer," only 0.34 22

[kamakiri]

You could be right, Kamakiri.

Stranger things have happened.   

My LNF box doesn't say "Golfer," only 0.34 22

Yeah, I'd like to see just one...with a correct printed name and number. Or from earlier era ones like yours, I don't think the 3 layer LNF version would fit. 

[jnoxyd]

Stranger things have happened.   
 Yeah, I'd like to see just one...with a correct printed name and number. Or from earlier era ones like yours, I don't think the 3 layer LNF version would fit. 

Here's  one with name on box but without number to my regret. Just hope it is not wrong box
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-new-in-box-84mm-Victorinox-VICTORIA-1ST-TYPE-GOLFER-LONG-NAIL-FILE-VTG-SAK-/352785036988?hash=item5223a076bc%3Ag%3A6%7EoAAOSwXkVddBXs&nma=true&si=QDk9U8KUcyQzRq85LhXS32BT3uM%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557



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[Myron]

Wow, what a beauty!   Is this one on its way to you, jnoxyd?

[Rapidray]

  Sorry 
That is just flat out beautiful. 

[Frailer]

Here's  one with name on box but without number to my regret. Just hope it is not wrong box
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-new-in-box-84mm-Victorinox-VICTORIA-1ST-TYPE-GOLFER-LONG-NAIL-FILE-VTG-SAK-/352785036988?hash=item5223a076bc%3Ag%3A6%7EoAAOSwXkVddBXs&nma=true&si=QDk9U8KUcyQzRq85LhXS32BT3uM%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
(Image removed from quote.)

Well...

I *thought* I had all the 84mm and 91mm Golfer variants, but I was clearly mistaken.  And it looks like I won’t own them all any time soon.

[Sawl Goodman]

Some very nice Golfers here! 

So I see that there is no Golfer Club thread.  Maybe we don't need one, but it occurs to me that we could simply establish this thread (with a more findable/logical title) as the Golfer Club thread.   Anybody else think this is a good idea?

Seems sensible to me to make it a club, given it's turned into a general Golfer thread anyway. 

I've got no objection to the title changing. Its use by date has long passed!

[kamakiri]

Here's  one with name on box but without number to my regret. Just hope it is not wrong box
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-new-in-box-84mm-Victorinox-VICTORIA-1ST-TYPE-GOLFER-LONG-NAIL-FILE-VTG-SAK-/352785036988?hash=item5223a076bc%3Ag%3A6%7EoAAOSwXkVddBXs&nma=true&si=QDk9U8KUcyQzRq85LhXS32BT3uM%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
(Image removed from quote.)

Suspect. 

Seems like the wrong type of box.  I'd expect a single leaf like that to come out of one of the end-flap type with model numbers on it. Lots of post +PAT examples already do. I think the slider boxes start in the '73-'74 range and I think even the 84mm made the switch to double leaf black springs.  Does it have the light green cardboard box liner?

 

[Myron]

Looks like the box liner is the green felt variety. 

I think the box is correct for this vintage of knife.  In my humble opinion, it only really matters in terms of the historical evidence it provides for the six people on the planet who give a rip about what really constitutes a "Golfer" and what doesn't.  In my view, this knife is a Golfer and it has an age-appropriate box that says Golfer.  Pretty sweet set if you ask me, even if the two weren't married at the factory back in 1973.