Wenger SAKS

[kymg]

I have, in addition to a small range of MT (inc a Spirit), a Wenger Tradesman. I have found it to be a fairly useful SAK although a tad thick. Trouble is I do not know what I would do without to make it thinner.

I am interested in the comparisons between the Victorinox and the Wenger. Perhaps someone can explain why one brand is perceived to be better than the other. My Tradesman is very well made, does everything that I ask of it well and without cause for worry.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

And for all you poor sods in the cold Northern hemisphere, it is now 9:00pm and a lovely warm 94 degrees (F)

Don't ya just love summer!

[Sea Monster]

I don't understand the question?


Anyway, most people look down on SAK knock off companies like Wenger or Aitor.

Sure, they make a decent pocket tool, but they're not in the same league as a Vic 

[kymg]

I don't understand the question?


Anyway, most people look down on SAK knock off companies like Wenger or Aitor.

Sure, they make a decent pocket tool, but they're not in the same league as a Vic 

Thats the point I am making - why are Vics perceived to be better than Wengers. I wasn't aware that Wengers were Vic knockoffs

[Sea Monster]

You're going to hear some bizarre things here son.

Some will discuss the perfectly servicable tool quality.
Others will mention a dedication to new designs and development.
A few might go so far as to recommend the enormous sod-off Ranger series of knives.

To you (and they) I say one thing.



Alox.



Q.E.D

[Benner]

Both Wenger and Victorinox make superb high quality products that will certainly not disappoint.  I have a slight preference for Victorinox SAK's as I generally like a more traditional looking SAK (unlike Wenger's more modern designs) and find that Victorinox have a slight quality advantage.  This advantage is minimal in today's SAK's though.

[Gareth]

A lot of the bias comes from a time where Wengers QC and finish were terrible.  I have a second hand Wenger that had hardly been used and it is, frankly, junk.  That is now in the past and I don't think there is much between them these days, if any.  I'm not a fan of the serrated scissors but that is a personal thing.  I prefer the feel of Victorinox but that may well just be because that is what I'm used too.

As a company they are much more innovative and willing to try new tools and models.  The New Ranger knives are an excellent example of good workmanship.  In no way are they a Vic knock-off.

[american lockpicker]

Wenger aren't knockoffs in fact I will go as far to say that in quality Victorinox and Wenger are equal.

[glorn]

Wenger aren't knockoffs in fact I will go as far to say that in quality Victorinox and Wenger are equal.

I would say that at least since 05 this would be decidedly true:

However, on April 26, 2005, Victorinox acquired Wenger, thus once again becoming the sole supplier of knives to the Swiss Army. However, on the consumer side Victorinox has stated that it intends to keep both brands intact.

I assume that is common knowledge among SAK fans?

[american lockpicker]

To the best of my knowledge they have been equal quality since 2000(that being around the first time I compaired the 2 brands maybe someone else can comment on the quality before then).

[Mr. Whippy]

Ya know,

I've read this for years (Wengers were of lower quality), but honestly, I've never seen an example of what people mean by this.

Any images showing what types of QC flaws that Wengers used to suffer?

[BIG-TARGET]

Ya know,

I've read this for years (Wengers were of lower quality), but honestly, I've never seen an example of what people mean by this.

Any images showing what types of QC flaws that Wengers used to suffer?

Well,with the new owners of Wenger.  Wenger has gone through(and bucks spent to show for it)and major UPGRADE.  And all the new models(i.e. Rangers, eveogrips, etc) are the fruits of that upgrade

[Grant Lamontagne]

However, on April 26, 2005, Victorinox acquired Wenger, thus once again becoming the sole supplier of knives to the Swiss Army. However, on the consumer side Victorinox has stated that it intends to keep both brands intact.

I assume that is common knowledge among SAK fans?

It sure is... and guess how the fine folks at Swiss Peak, the Canadian distributors for Wenger found out about the merger?  I called them up to see if they had any official information or a statement about the merger... and they asked me what merger?



True story- I wish to heck I'd recorded that call!

Def

[Neil]

I can't decide if that's too funny or just scary 

Neil

[AndyTiedye]

Anyway, most people look down on SAK knock off companies like Wenger or Aitor.

Wenger was never a "knock-off",  the Swiss Army knife contract was always split between them (until now).

I generally prefer the Wenger NewRangers to the Vic 111s.
Sometimes bigger is better  (the OHT top left is for scale).


Wenger is also the place to go if you want a really specialized sort of SAK:
Like one with bike tools,  including a chain tool:


or one with watchmaker's tools:


or one to repair your gas chromatography equipment:


for sewing:


or to change the paper towel roll in a public restroom:



Aitor is well above the "knock-off" level too, at least for their 108s
(or at least they were, are they still making any of these?)
They have taken 108s way beyond anything Victorinox ever did with that size.



Victorinox never even tried to make a hobo knife:

Victorinox should license their pliers design:

[kodiak5]

My only grip towords Wengers (and why I rarely buy one) is the can opener.
I don't open cans that way and it has no dual use. Get with the times I say. Go Vic!

[american lockpicker]

If you don't like the can opener carry a p38/51.

[kodiak5]

I guess I was trying to say I don't open cans at all, so it would be nice if it had a screw driver on the end.