Why Victorinox? Why?

[Ritornello]

So I really go out of my way to buy only Victorinox knives which posses a flathead scissor screw. I find that Vics are often a bit over tightened so it allows me to modify the drag, so to speak, of the scissors. Why did Victorinox opt to remove that feature from their knives? From a consumer standpoint it's a pure bonus to be able to use that screw to repair broken scissors or adjust them to your liking. Is this just pure anti-consumerism, a ploy for me to pay the Victorinox service center to look at my knife? Or worse, buy a second one? Or is there something I'm not seeing which warrants the loss of this feature?

Same deal with the sharpened bezel that used to to be on bottle openers and the file that used to appear on older phillips drivers. 

[Jothra]

A bit late to the party — the pivot change happened 30 years ago.

I've never bought a Victorinox (or a Wenger, for that matter) with over-tightened scissors.

[Ritornello]

A bit late to the party — the pivot change happened 30 years ago.

I've never bought a Victorinox (or a Wenger, for that matter) with over-tightened scissors.

It's not as though I just found out friend, I collect vintage SAKs so I'm well aware of the approximate time Vic switched over. I'm asking for elucidation as to why Vic did what they did, should anybody here have any info or maybe even a hunch as to why they made the decision to remove the screw.

For me, an over-tightened scissor is any scissor which doesn't allow the spring to decompress to its fullest extent. I try to get a goldilocks tension.

[Jothra]

I've only rarely seen a SAK with a missing pivot screw, but I've never seen one with a missing rivet.

I suspect they're less expensive to produce, as well.

It's not as though I just found out friend, I collect vintage SAKs so I'm well aware of the approximate time Vic switched over.

Sorry if I offended you. That was certainly not my intention.

[Ritornello]

I've only rarely seen a SAK with a missing pivot screw, but I've never seen one with a missing rivet.

I suspect they're less expensive to produce, as well.
Sorry if I offended you. That was certainly not my intention.

Them being cheaper to produce is likely as you'd not need to drill in the slot for the driver nor the threads but how much more could it cost really? And I'd imagine that if they outsourced the screws could be had for near nothing at the volume they'd be bought at. And to be honest, having the screw, for me, is worth the extra dollar or two added on the msrp should that be necessary.

Also, I wasn't offended I was trying to make sure you understood the nature of my post as I was asking for information about why something in the past had been done but it looked to me like you read my post such that I was complaining about a recent development.

[Simon_Templar]

I suppose another reason for the change might be warranty repairs. A pivot screw is likely to become loose and get lost, which might result in a trip to Ibach for the SAK.

Personally I prefer the screw-less pivot - one thing less to worry about and just like Jothra, I haven't come across any overtightened scissors yet.

[BleaKrytE]

I get what you mean by the scissors being too tight for the spring to push it back into the starting position, my super tinker used to have that problem before I sent it to maintenance (for other issues). It still sticks from time to time but nothing overly annoying.

Some oil should solve it though.

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[Jim the Brave]

I get what you mean by the scissors being too tight for the spring to push it back into the starting position, my super tinker used to have that problem before I sent it to maintenance (for other issues). It still sticks from time to time but nothing overly annoying.

Some oil should solve it though.

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Yes, I usually find the problem is one of two things: A. The scissors are dirty/sticky/gunky and need cleaning and oil, or, B. The spring has weakened and needs to be replaced. I have a whole handful of climbers and Super tinkers needing the spring replaced.....I need to order some springs.

[kamakiri]

Hey Rit-

You and I are probably in the minority about the preference for the screw and not the (slight) over-tightening of the rivet style.

Heck, I prefer the much older scissor styles. Not just the single leaf springs...the ones from the late ‘40s have much different spring rates.

But efficiency in manufacturing and cost reduction are always at the forefront of Victorinox evolution. I just accept it as it is.

[Ritornello]

Hey Rit-

You and I are probably in the minority about the preference for the screw and not the (slight) over-tightening of the rivet style.

Heck, I prefer the much older scissor styles. Not just the single leaf springs...the ones from the late ‘40s have much different spring rates.

But efficiency in manufacturing and cost reduction are always at the forefront of Victorinox evolution. I just accept it as it is.

Hi Kama, long time no see.

I find it quite surprising but it may be the case that you and I are among a minority of other SAK enthusiasts. I've never had a chance to try any scissors older than, say, the mid 60s but something tells me, I'd be inclined to agree should I get a chance to use a pair of scissors from the late '40s.

Cost saving measures are expected I suppose from all companies that, like Victorinox, produce on an increasingly giant scale. It's just a shame. But you're right, it's best not to dwell on it and it does give collecting old SAKs and added value.

[kamakiri]

Hi Kama, long time no see.

I find it quite surprising but it may be the case that you and I are among a minority of other SAK enthusiasts. I've never had a chance to try any scissors older than, say, the mid 60s but something tells me, I'd be inclined to agree should I get a chance to use a pair of scissors from the late '40s.

Cost saving measures are expected I suppose from all companies that, like Victorinox, produce on an increasingly giant scale. It's just a shame. But you're right, it's best not to dwell on it and it does give collecting old SAKs and added value.

It is kind of a shame. I probably wonder too often what the modern knives would look like if they were still generally built like they were, but with new tools. Like what a hefty beast a SwissChamp would be if it had nickel silver liners and plus scales with riveted construction.

My specific preference for the ‘40s scissors are the heavier gauge spring and that it’s set to open wider. Gives a solid opening action. And even the 84mm variants make longer cuts than ‘51+ 91mm.

But I hate thinking about the costs to do all the beveled/eased edges by hand. It’s crazy compared to the modern stamping and tumble polish.

Small sample of some of the running production changes:

[Ritornello]

It is kind of a shame. I probably wonder too often what the modern knives would look like if they were still generally built like they were, but with new tools. Like what a hefty beast a SwissChamp would be if it had nickel silver liners and plus scales with riveted construction.

My specific preference for the %u201840s scissors are the heavier gauge spring and that it%u2019s set to open wider. Gives a solid opening action. And even the 84mm variants make longer cuts than %u201851+ 91mm.

But I hate thinking about the costs to do all the beveled/eased edges by hand. It%u2019s crazy compared to the modern stamping and tumble polish.

Small sample of some of the running production changes:

I figure the more complex production and lack of 21st century machinery are to blame for the high cost of SAKs at that time. The first three pairs are so pretty, then after that they go industrial. I own examples of the 2nd and/or 3rd pair from the left but not of the far left pair - at least I don't think, could be wrong - and lemme tell you, I love the way they look and feel, much more satisfying and visually gripping than more contemporary ones. I wish Vic would put into production a more upscale line of SAKs with all the vintage upholstery we love so much.

Also I did not know that about the old 84mm SAK scissors. Thanks for the info.

[McStitchy]

Actually wanted to go to bed but have to add my comment here before I do 

I definitively prefer the old style screw for as well.
I had a few new SAKs with that overly tightened pivot already, and I couldn't manage to loosen them up. Those SAKs usually don't get much pocket time. And I'm actually hesitant to buy New ones with scissors. 

So, now I can sleep 

[Ritornello]

Actually wanted to go to bed but have to add my comment here before I do 

I definitively prefer the old style screw for as well.
I had a few new SAKs with that overly tightened pivot already, and I couldn't manage to loosen them up. Those SAKs usually don't get much pocket time. And I'm actually hesitant to buy New ones with scissors. 

So, now I can sleep 

Rest well friend. Glad we're starting to establish some sort of consensus.