Victorinox 2026 changes

[IMR4198]

    I don't recall seeing any thread about the Victorinox 2026 catalog items, so here goes.  Most people have figured out that Vic doesn't issue a full catalog every year.  Last one was the 2024 catalog.  I just finished going through the 2026 catalog this week. 
    There are a few changes.  The catalog is very much like the one from two years ago.  The same meaningless categories where there is the same attempt to group SAKs according to appropriate usage.  The old-fashioned idea of starting with the smaller knives and going up in size as the catalog progresses has been poo-pooed by the catalog crafters.  Leatherman did the same sort of foolishness in their catalogs. 
     What is gone?  The 58mm models with the USB storage devices are not in the new catalog.  I suspect they will be little missed.  I did see that the Outdoor Master (large and small) are gone.  Also, the ugly Outdoor SOS knife is not in the new catalog. 
      What is new?  I saw the 58mm and 91mm Huntsman with yellow scales that are intended for 'emergengy' use are now in the catalog.  Formerly, if you wanted one, you had to order from Japan.  Now they are in the catalog, but I failed to find them listed on the Victorinox website.  Why the discrepancy?  You tell me.
      What is changed.  The 111mm Trailmaster is now the 111mm Trailfinder.  Same knife with new nomenclature.  I suppose it now only finds trails instead of masters them.  Fair enough.  I did see that obtaining the Swisschamp with the cute Silvertech scales now has an option.  You can get the model without a pen or a straight pin (even though mine has a pin with NO pen).  Evidently the big silver knife is now available WITH both a pen and a straight pin.  I wonder if that is why the Silvertech SCs were on sale for a while?  Getting rid of old stock.  Everyone feels cheated without the teeny pen, right?  So, if I am reading the catalog correctly, you can get it both ways now.  Take your pick. 
      One suggestion, Victorinox decision makers.  Make the color options big enough so everyone can see what they are, instead of the tiny icons.  There is plenty of white empty space on your catalog to reproduce an image of a colorful option for each knife.  If people see them, maybe they will think of buying them.  The icons are worthless without even any text to say what the option really is.  You have to squint and guess and are supposed to decode the numbers?  Ridiculous.  Oh yeah, while you are at it, get rid of the ludicrous category idea for grouping your knives. 
Best wishes.  Gary
 

[Tuisto]

Oof, I definitely felt cheated getting the Silvertech SC without a pen. Now you're telling me I can get one?! Awesome writeup!

[Reinier]

The Stayglow models have been available outside Japan for a while.

Silvertech Plus is interesting! And very welcome.

[IMR4198]

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

     I might have to backtrack on this one.  I saw where there were two different item numbers for the Silvertech SwissChamp.  There are many more numbers in the 2026 catalog.  Soooo, I had to do some decoding.
     One Silvertech SC ends in a .T7 and states 'no pin or pen.'  That is what we are used to.  No straight pin (sometimes) and no pen.  Then I saw a .T7B1 with no notation about the lack of straight pin or pen.  Does that mean that the .T7B1 DOES have both?  Maybe not.  I figured out that the B1 part of the code means the SC now comes in a blister pack and NOT just in a box.  There is no statement from Victorinox about whether or not the blister pack item does or does not have a pin and pen. 
     Did Victorinox make a goof by not repeating the "this model doesn't have all the features" warning again?  I think it leaves room for doubt.  I would be extremely doubtful that the B1 blister pack Silvertech is any different from the still available boxed item.  It COULD be different, you just can't tell from the catalog. 
Best wishes.  G
 

[IMR4198]

The Stayglow models have been available outside Japan for a while.

    That could be, of course.  The 2026 catalog is the first one that lists the 58mm and 91mm Emergency Tools, however.  I still can't find either one on the Victorinox.com site which is a little puzzling.  In the catalog, but not on the website?  The only 91mm or 58mm E Tools I see for sale are on ebay.  Except for the 91mm that our friend stuntzombie has offered for sale along with a couple of 58mm Vics at a much reduced price.  Best wishes.  G

 

[Reinier]

SC in Silvertech is still 1.6794 so without pen I think.

[Reinier]

Also: https://www.victorinox.com/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knife%E2%84%A2-and-Tools/Outdoor/Emergency-Tool-Huntsman-Lite/p/1.7915.E808

[IMR4198]

Also: https://www.victorinox.com/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knife%E2%84%A2-and-Tools/Outdoor/Emergency-Tool-Huntsman-Lite/p/1.7915.E808

     I see where the ETool is on YOUR link.  It still isn't on the Victorinox US site that I get directed to by my search engine.  G

[Reinier]

Ah you're right. I really thought I was on the US site. It's not listed on the en-US version like you said.

[nate j]

Thanks for the update, Gary.

I agree the Outdoor Master Mic knives won’t be missed.  IMO, they were ridiculously overpriced for what they were.  Vic even demonstrated this themselves when they came out with the Venture (which is about the same size as the large Outdoor Master Mic, for less than half the price of the small).

I was bummed when the SG Climber was discontinued, so looking forward to hopefully having a 91mm SG model available again.

[IMR4198]

    The SAK makers always claimed they made their knives with red handles so they could be found if you dropped them.  I dropped my 108mm GAK in the grass once, and I am here to tell you it wasn't easy to find.  The Stay Glow models take that 'findability' to a new level.  I like them. 
     Once upon a time when the Kilobyte roamed the earth CASE knives came with either bone or yellow handles.  I hated the yellow (maize) ones.  Then in school my pal Lewis had a yellow one.  He said it was perfect because when he laid it down somewhere, he could always find it.  A light went on.  CASE wasn't just short of cow bones.  The yellow handles actually had a purpose. 
     I bought into the idea.  I think I only have one yellow handled knife now (not a CASE or SAK).  Anything to make them easier to locate is fine by me.  I actually like the looks, too.  Best wishes.  G
 

[LoopCutter]

Regarding your comments on the SILVER TECH scales.

I do not recall them being discounted. 

On the SWISS CHAMP I purchased at the first of the year, I found it on the river site for $95, but the SAPPHIRE was $77.
My ST SC did not include a PEN or plus scales, or a PIN, but did have a PIN hole on the back scale.

If I had gotten the Sapphire, it would have checked awl the boxes.  Plus scales, pressurized ink PEN, a small screw driver in the cork screw and a PIN tucked into the scale.

I much appreciate your text for its informative content!  Also, on the first reading I was lulled to sleep for a nap, to be woken an hour later to the shrill of my phone.  I had gotten up to early and apparently was sleep deprived.

😊


Ps: Isn’t your 108mm GAK Green in color?

[ThisAlarm7]

Great I've talked myself out of the emergency Huntsman as it was too expensive and such to order easily. Now I won't have the excuse.

[Outback in Idaho]

  Am surprised no one is chatting about that newer Victorinox.
  https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Swiss-Army-Knife%E2%84%A2-and-Tools/Essentials/Synergy-X-Alox/p/0.8226.26

  First thing I noticed, why did they do THAT to the can opener. I use can openers way more than I do bottle openers. Bottle openers are a convenience and can be found almost everywhere, even on the side of rolling tool chests. But not so much can openers, and they tend to get lost and I'm whipping out my Roxon to open a can for people at work (break room).

  But, meh, don't really care for their locking blade when they messed up their can opener for a box cutter. Seriously?!?



Edit: Something weird going on when trying to post the link in the words.

[nate j]

    The SAK makers always claimed they made their knives with red handles so they could be found if you dropped them.  I dropped my 108mm GAK in the grass once, and I am here to tell you it wasn't easy to find.  The Stay Glow models take that 'findability' to a new level.  I like them. 
     Once upon a time when the Kilobyte roamed the earth CASE knives came with either bone or yellow handles.  I hated the yellow (maize) ones.  Then in school my pal Lewis had a yellow one.  He said it was perfect because when he laid it down somewhere, he could always find it.  A light went on.  CASE wasn't just short of cow bones.  The yellow handles actually had a purpose. 
     I bought into the idea.  I think I only have one yellow handled knife now (not a CASE or SAK).  Anything to make them easier to locate is fine by me.  I actually like the looks, too.  Best wishes.  G
 

I’m also a fan of brightly colored handles, for exactly the reason you stated.

I find it disappointing and frustrating that so many manufacturers seem to think the best colors for knife handles are black, OD green, and or brown.

[nate j]

  Am surprised no one is chatting about that newer Victorinox.
  https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Swiss-Army-Knife%E2%84%A2-and-Tools/Essentials/Synergy-X-Alox/p/0.8226.26

  First thing I noticed, why did they do THAT to the can opener. I use can openers way more than I do bottle openers. Bottle openers are a convenience and can be found almost everywhere, even on the side of rolling tool chests. But not so much can openers, and they tend to get lost and I'm whipping out my Roxon to open a can for people at work (break room).

  But, meh, don't really care for their locking blade when they messed up their can opener for a box cutter. Seriously?!?



Edit: Something weird going on when trying to post the link in the words.

That model was new a while ago (not new for 2026), so there are other threads about it.

Totally agree with you re can opener vs. the package opener.

[LoopCutter]

The Senergy line is a line for urban based users that have can openers in a kitchen drawer or a can opener sitting on the counter top with a color coordinated case, or activation button.

I never looked them seriously, thought the COMBO tool was incorporated instead of the cap lifter.

For me, the riveted pocket clip, seems a poor engineering decision.

[IMR4198]

Regarding your comments on the SILVER TECH scales.

I do not recall them being discounted. 

On the SWISS CHAMP I purchased at the first of the year, I found it on the river site for $95, but the SAPPHIRE was $77.
My ST SC did not include a PEN or plus scales, or a PIN, but did have a PIN hole on the back scale.
I much appreciate your text for its informative content!  Also, on the first reading I was lulled to sleep for a nap, to be woken an hour later to the shrill of my phone.  I had gotten up to early and apparently was sleep deprived.

😊


Ps: Isn’t your 108mm GAK Green in color?

    If you think the Silvertech SC wasn't discounted, then check out the current price.  Yes, the 108 is green.  Good to know that my post was a drug-free sleep aid.  Best wishes.  G
 

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[IMR4198]

  Am surprised no one is chatting about that newer Victorinox.
  https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Swiss-Army-Knife%E2%84%A2-and-Tools/Essentials/Synergy-X-Alox/p/0.8226.26

  First thing I noticed, why did they do THAT to the can opener. I use can openers way more than I do bottle openers. Bottle openers are a convenience and can be found almost everywhere, even on the side of rolling tool chests. But not so much can openers, and they tend to get lost and I'm whipping out my Roxon to open a can for people at work (break room).

  But, meh, don't really care for their locking blade when they messed up their can opener for a box cutter. Seriously?!

Edit: Something weird going on when trying to post the link in the words.

Yes, the Synergy series are new to the 2026 catalog as well.  We have sort of talked about those things already, so I didn't mention them for the sake of brevity.  They are interesting.  I think the last thread I started here a couple of days ago was about one of them (Onefold), so I am aware of them.  If anyone wants to make comments about them here, they are more than welcome.  Likewise for the red Cellidor Companion.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Fast Bill]

Can I ask a daft question? Does the pin and pen slot really compromise the structural integrity of the Silvertech scales?
Really?

[IMR4198]

  I also didn't say anything about the bladeless models.  We have all seen them.  How about a photo of the Synergy offering for someone who hasn't seen the new catalog yet?  Best wishes.  G

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[IMR4198]

Can I ask a daft question? Does the pin and pen slot really compromise the structural integrity of the Silvertech scales?
Really?

     The plus scales (pin and ballpoint pen) are supported differently than the usual scales.  A different arrangement of 'ribs' on the plus scales.  Is one stronger than the other?  Who knows?   I think we came up with the idea that the Swisstech scales are likely clear with some sort of paint on the underside.  Putting something scratchy (pin and pen) might disturb the paint and make a headache for Victorinox to correct as a warranty issue.
      The idea that Silvertech scales are painted on the underside might or might not be correct.  That is how they appear.  I only have one SAK with those scales and I'm not about to pry off the scales and mess them up to prove it or disprove it.  If anyone succumbs to the curiosity itch and decides to risk scutching up theirs to learn the truth, the only thing I can say is go for it.  Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

The idea that Silvertech scales are painted on the underside might or might not be correct.  That is how they appear.  I only have one SAK with those scales and I'm not about to pry off the scales and mess them up to prove it or disprove it.  If anyone succumbs to the curiosity itch and decides to risk scutching up theirs to learn the truth, the only thing I can say is go for it.  Best wishes.  G
 

Pretty sure we had an older thread where a member created some really neat (but time and work intensive) GITD scales by stripping the silver paint off a set of silvertech scales and then putting GITD epoxy (or something like that) inside.  So they are in fact painted.

EDIT:  Yes, and credit to Huntsman for digging this one up recently in response to the thread about finding one’s SAK in the dark…

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,82762.0.html

[LoopCutter]

Just to make it clear, my SILVERtech scales have pin hole behind the corkscrew.
The confusion may be if the pin is included on the particular model or not.

It does appear the molding of the   back SCALE is different than other 91mm translucent scales.

Therefore, plus style is not made, and the Ink PEN slot is not included.

They may change production at some point, but at this point, I have no idea.

[nate j]

Can I ask a daft question? Does the pin and pen slot really compromise the structural integrity of the Silvertech scales?
Really?

If one had the apparatus to perform a scientific comparison, perhaps or perhaps not.

But as a practical matter, I can’t see it making any difference.  Cellidor is the weakest of the scale materials, especially since Vic went to hollow scales.  If one is going with cellidor, I don’t see how plus scales would be meaningfully weaker than non-plus cellidor.  If a robust option is desired, metal scales are probably the best choice, followed by maybe nylon or micarta.

[IMR4198]

People crack the cellidor scales along with the ABS scales.  Nylon might be tougher than either, but I broke the nylon scales on my 108mm.  Nothing is completely people-proof.  I have some broken solid cellidor as well that I have glued back together.  So far, I haven't busted any of the ABS, but I haven't dropped one either.  Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

People crack the cellidor scales along with the ABS scales.  Nylon might be tougher than either, but I broke the nylon scales on my 108mm.  Nothing is completely people-proof.  I have some broken solid cellidor as well that I have glued back together.  So far, I haven't busted any of the ABS, but I haven't dropped one either.  Best wishes.  G
 

Like I said, I think metal is the best choice for something as close to bulletproof as possible.  To that end, I have alox in various sizes, along with some factory stainless steel,  and at least one aftermarket Ti.

Alox have taken drops onto concrete with only minor cosmetic damage.

[Tuisto]

I had a thread wherein I posted some photos of some of my ABS scales side-by-side to try to show why the Silvertech ones were much more difficult to do as a plus scale. Let me try to find the photos. So here's why I think it's tough to do the Silvertech with plus scales — the Emerald Compact seems to have non-hollow backside plus scales. I think that would add some cost to the Silvertech scales and also make the frontside and backside scales mismatch a bit insofar as only the former would have those 'ribs' whereas the latter wouldn't (if that makes sense).

[IMR4198]

  I don't think any of the see-through scales are solid.  They are just a different configuration in the plus models.  As for the alox, I mentioned that as a possibly desirable option for something like the SwissChamp.  Others said it wouldn't be possible to have back tools with alox. 
  I see no mechanical, practical, or moral reasons not to have alox scales WITH back tools.  Victorinox hasn't seen fit to do it, because they can use the springs which something like the Pioneer uses for their alox models.  There is no other reason for not having back tools on an alox except that Victorinox just doesn't want to.  Would it cost extra?  Of course.  Would buyers grab them up anyway.  Again, of course. 
   The back side alox scale would be a little tricky since there isn't enough thickness to cover up the largely obsolete corkscrew.  That could be worked around, as well as figuring out a way to include the tweezers or whatever.  Still not impossible.  Someone would need to make a back side scale with a cutout maybe.  Or just drop the corkscrew for a thinner tool like a phillips driver.  Details.  Best wishes.  G
 

[IMR4198]

Thanks to friend Tuisto for his excellent photo.  Perhaps someone with a busted ABS plus scale has taken one off.  Then they can report about the internal construction first hand.  I don't have anything with a plus scale, and likewise I wouldn't pry one off anyway unless it was a necessity.  Best wishes.  G