Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: Dunc on December 07, 2007, 09:55:16 PM

Title: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 07, 2007, 09:55:16 PM
I have just recieved a used Charles Elsener signature Swisstool  :drool:

As a big Swisstool fan I'm sure you can realise that this one means alot to me .Its in very good condition with some light scratches on the plain blade and a little of the red paint missing . In a way this is a good thing as it can enter into my EDC rotation without the fear of messing it up. The blades and tools have either had none or very little use  :D
   Another thing I love about this tool is its got some differences to any other Swisstools I've handled .

Firstly and sorry for the poor pic but with the pliers folded away and looking at the end all the Swisstools I've seen have a little "post" on the side of the washer for the pliers  ( right on the pic ) while the signature model ( on left ) does not .

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030860.jpg)

Next there is no hard wire notch in the pliers

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030869.jpg)

And lastley there is a number etched onto the tang on the plain blade

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030857.jpg)


Judging by the round lanyard hole and plier head I would say this was a very early Swisstool

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030870.jpg)

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030866.jpg)

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030861.jpg)

Another thing I'm really pleased with is the sheath  :D It the first one of this kind I have had , they are not available in the UK . We have two options here ... a leather or a nylon one ( both velcrow ) . So this is a nice change .

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030878.jpg)

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030879.jpg)


The signature isnt so much engraved more etched like the number on the tang

I would like to say a huge thanks to Def and Felinevet because without those two I would never been able to own it . I hold the both of you in the highest regard .

Dunc

Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 07, 2007, 10:09:53 PM
I'm truly green with envy mate :)

As much as I hate draw queens, that deservs to live a sheltered life, infact you should create a shrine for it :D

I know it's already used, but it would be a crying shame to lose or damage it :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 07, 2007, 10:22:05 PM
Dont worry its not going near the beach or anything . To be honest I dont need to use it as I have other swisstools .It does need to be out on display though . A shrine  :think: Youve given me an idea there  ;)


Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 07, 2007, 10:24:24 PM
Dont worry its not going near the beach or anything . To be honest I dont need to use it as I have other swisstools .It does need to be out on display though . A shrine  :think: Youve given me an idea there  ;)


Dunc
Well you've already got the candle lamps, so thats a start :D

Any chance of a picture of one of those lamps, they look kinda cool in an olde worlde sorta way :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 07, 2007, 10:37:22 PM
Dont worry its not going near the beach or anything . To be honest I dont need to use it as I have other swisstools .It does need to be out on display though . A shrine  :think: Youve given me an idea there  ;)


Dunc
Well you've already got the candle lamps, so thats a start :D

Any chance of a picture of one of those lamps, they look kinda cool in an olde worlde sorta way :)

My wife collects Henry Watson pottery . http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=henry+watson+pottery

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/S5030880.jpg)

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 07, 2007, 10:44:27 PM
It's a good thing wifes like brakeable stuff, it means they can only hit you with it once :D
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 08, 2007, 12:12:28 AM
That is a beauty Dunc, and I am glad that you got it.  I know you've wanted one for a long time, and as much as I wanted it too ( >:D ) I knew I'd never be able to enjoy it properly knowing you didn't have one!

That's the same sheath that I have with all of my SwissTools and I've always found it to be quite sturdy.  It's been on duty belts and regular belts through all kinds of activities and weather and I've never lost a SwissTool.  If it wouldn't be too much to ask, could you post some pictures of the sheaths you have other than this one? 

Take good care of that one- whatever you decide to do with it!

Def
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 08, 2007, 04:19:09 AM
Congrats on finally getting the autographed SwissTool Dunc! I know you've been wanting one for a long time  :)


Funny story here; several years ago, on an entirely different forum, some chap from the UK posted a heads-up about an eBay auction for a rare Charles Elsener autographed SwissTool. The tool looked intriguing, so I bid on the auction and won it. (I was the only bidder) The tool arrived a short time later, and I thanked the gentleman on the forum for pointing out the auction.

I still have that SwissTool to this day.....and the guy who gave the heads-up was a fellow named Dunc5   

Thanks again Dunc!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 08, 2007, 10:34:32 AM
That is quite the coincidence  :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 08, 2007, 11:03:41 AM
That is quite the coincidence  :)

I had forgotten all about it until Bob reminded the other day  :D Really made me smile

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 08, 2007, 11:14:37 AM
That is quite the coincidence  :)

I had forgotten all about it until Bob reminded the other day  :D Really made me smile

Dunc
I guess it was karma mate :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 08, 2007, 11:24:24 AM
That is a beauty Dunc, and I am glad that you got it.  I know you've wanted one for a long time, and as much as I wanted it too ( >:D ) I knew I'd never be able to enjoy it properly knowing you didn't have one!

That's the same sheath that I have with all of my SwissTools and I've always found it to be quite sturdy.  It's been on duty belts and regular belts through all kinds of activities and weather and I've never lost a SwissTool.  If it wouldn't be too much to ask, could you post some pictures of the sheaths you have other than this one? 

Take good care of that one- whatever you decide to do with it!

Def

Heres a couple of pics of the sheaths that the UK dealers stock

The RS model comes with the nylon one as std

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/knifepics106-1.jpg)

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/3214-5.jpg)

Def while the Swisstool will be kept well out of harms way under armed guard I wouldnt mind using the sheath for my EDC RS . Are the sheaths cheap and easily available ? Of course if this isnt a std U.S sheath then I will have to have it as a non user .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 08, 2007, 11:28:30 AM
I've got leather sheaths with my ST's but those cordura one's do look the dog's goolies don't they :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 08, 2007, 03:06:55 PM
I wouldn't mind trying one of those other sheaths- like I said, all the sheaths I have are the same.  If you are interested in a sheath swap, let me know!

Def
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 08, 2007, 04:13:40 PM
Dunc,
I've got the same sheath as you. My blade number is 0253 (I'm embarrassed to say that I'd never noticed the blade number before)  :-[

Wonder what it means?
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 08, 2007, 04:53:20 PM
Bob please dont think I'm being rude by not replying very quickly as I'm hanging wallpaper with my wife , shes pasting and im hanging but while she is pasting im checking on here   :D  I'm trying to confirm if that sheath is a std US one as I want to use it with my RS model but only if its easy to replace .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Leatherman123 on December 08, 2007, 04:57:24 PM
Does anybody know if the Surge fits in the fancy Vic leather sheath?
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 08, 2007, 04:57:39 PM
....I'm trying to confirm if that sheath is a std US one as I want to use it with my RS model but only if its easy to replace .

Dunc

It must be the North American standard; I've got four corduras with snap closures, but none with velcro
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 08, 2007, 05:03:38 PM
....I'm trying to confirm if that sheath is a std US one as I want to use it with my RS model but only if its easy to replace .

Dunc

It must be the North American standard; I've got four corduras with snap closures, but none with velcro

Super job  :D  While the Signed Swisstool will be kept safe the sheath may well go into EDC  :D

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Benner on December 08, 2007, 10:28:30 PM
....I'm trying to confirm if that sheath is a std US one as I want to use it with my RS model but only if its easy to replace .

Dunc

It must be the North American standard; I've got four corduras with snap closures, but none with velcro

Super job  :D  While the Signed Swisstool will be kept safe the sheath may well go into EDC  :D

Dunc

I think that's a wise decision.  ;)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 09, 2007, 10:37:27 AM
As soon as I got the tool I emailed Victorinox asking about the number on the blade . Should get an answer back early in the week .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: NutSAK on December 09, 2007, 02:39:54 PM
Those Cordura sheaths are niiice.  I hope the Swisstool X I'm getting for Christmas has that one.

Congrats on the signature model Dunc!  That would make any Vic lover proud.
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 10, 2007, 08:42:06 PM
Those Cordura sheaths are niiice.  I hope the Swisstool X I'm getting for Christmas has that one.

Congrats on the signature model Dunc!  That would make any Vic lover proud.

Thanks . I'm really pleased with it .

I heard back today from Mr. Robert Elsener . Heres an extract from his email  



Unfortunately, my brother Charles is still away on business this week. We will get in contact with you as soon as possible.
 
Just have to wait a little longer .


Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 10, 2007, 10:12:13 PM
How many huge company directors, would take the time to answer one of us like that, truly amazing :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Benner on December 10, 2007, 10:16:37 PM
How many huge company directors, would take the time to answer one of us like that, truly amazing :)

It is very impressive.  Especially as the company is so vast.  Do you think you'd get the same from Leatherman? :-\
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 10, 2007, 10:27:20 PM
How many huge company directors, would take the time to answer one of us like that, truly amazing :)

It is very impressive.  Especially as the company is so vast.  Do you think you'd get the same from Leatherman? :-\
I doubt you'd get that from anyone, I'm have a five week long battle with a certain worlds biggest cycle manufacture, can I get them to reply to emails...no >:(

But thats waaaaay of topic :D

No one of the reasons, I love Victorinox so much is that they've never lost sight of the customer :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 10, 2007, 10:35:24 PM
Victorinox is not overly vast- I think they have something like 120 employees total.  Lots sure, but very few when you consider their production numbers and the geographical area they support.

Def
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on December 10, 2007, 10:36:57 PM
Big enough to be productive but small enough to be flexible, and best of all an absolutely tiny enviromental impact :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 11, 2007, 02:22:11 AM
Dunc, perhaps you've already asked, but I'm curious about which year these tools were produced.
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 11, 2007, 08:37:43 PM
Dunc, perhaps you've already asked, but I'm curious about which year these tools were produced.

Well I asked if he could explain the numbers so hopefully . If not I can always ask .
   Bob if you get time could you take a photo of the user guide you got with yours please .Just wondered if it would be possible to somehow frame the tool with user guide and wall mount it  :think:

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 12, 2007, 03:05:24 AM
Dunc, perhaps you've already asked, but I'm curious about which year these tools were produced.

Well I asked if he could explain the numbers so hopefully . If not I can always ask .
   Bob if you get time could you take a photo of the user guide you got with yours please .Just wondered if it would be possible to somehow frame the tool with user guide and wall mount it  :think:

Dunc

Hey, that would be a good idea! It would make for a nice little display on the den wall too  :)


Here's the rub though: two SwissTool's I have came with this user guide here, posted on the Multitool Encyclopedia: https://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-index.php?page=Victorinox+SwissTool+manual

But the Charles Elsener tool came with this tiny one-page guide. (see photo) All it has on the reverse side is some warranty info and "use and care tips." Let me know if you want either manual, and I will email you a full-size scan.


Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 12, 2007, 06:30:24 PM
 :cry:  I dont have that one . Would you mind emailing the one that came with the signature please ?  Still going to look into the wall mounted display case , even if its without the user manual .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 17, 2007, 02:38:43 AM
:cry:  I dont have that one . Would you mind emailing the one that came with the signature please ?  Still going to look into the wall mounted display case , even if its without the user manual .

Dunc

Finally got it scanned for you Dunc. It should be waiting in your mailbox by the time you read this  :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 17, 2007, 06:53:06 PM
:cry:  I dont have that one . Would you mind emailing the one that came with the signature please ?  Still going to look into the wall mounted display case , even if its without the user manual .

Dunc

Finally got it scanned for you Dunc. It should be waiting in your mailbox by the time you read this  :)

Got it  :D  Thankyou very much  :D

dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: navihawk on December 17, 2007, 07:00:49 PM
Glad my swisstool went to a good home.I can personally say the only thing it cut was tape on a few boxes.Any scratches were probably from kicking around the attick.The little scratch on the button on the sheath was from lying on the floor.It's funny seeing it on the net.Enjoy.
Steve :cheers:
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 17, 2007, 08:59:08 PM
Glad my swisstool went to a good home.I can personally say the only thing it cut was tape on a few boxes.Any scratches were probably from kicking around the attick.The little scratch on the button on the sheath was from lying on the floor.It's funny seeing it on the net.Enjoy.
Steve :cheers:

Steve I'm really pleased with it  :D  Dont worry I'll look after it .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: FRESHpalm on December 18, 2007, 12:28:08 AM
That thing is amazing!  :drool:

1 question. The boxs that your RS and X came in seem strange to me. When i got my RS it came in a silver box with Victorinox on the front of it.
Are those boxes exclusive to the UK or something?
Thanks

-Fresh
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 18, 2007, 12:49:37 AM
That thing is amazing!  :drool:

1 question. The boxs that your RS and X came in seem strange to me. When i got my RS it came in a silver box with Victorinox on the front of it.
Are those boxes exclusive to the UK or something?
Thanks

-Fresh

I'm not sure  :think:  I thought they were for Europe . All the ones I bought in the UK came in boxes .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on December 23, 2007, 09:35:57 PM
Dunc,
Here's a photo like the one at the start of this thread. Like yours, my signature tool has a round boss sticking up, but no "post".
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on December 23, 2007, 10:26:48 PM
great pic Bob  :D  It shows really well . Thanks
Are any of your other tools like that ?


Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on January 12, 2008, 10:11:05 AM
I recieved an email from Mr R Elsener yesterday regarding the Signature Swisstool .Isnt it amazing that a company of that size takes time to answer and follow up questions . Do we really need any other brand ?  

This is rather interesting ......

Dear Mr Moore

 

We are sorry to inform you that at the moment we are not able to tell you more about your SwissTool. Unfortunately, it is not one of those my brother has signed some time ago. By the way, it is my fathers' handwriting. It seems if the number on the blade and the signature has been put on the tool by our representative in the USA. As soon as we find out more about this production run we will get in contact with you.

 

 

Yours sincerely



Victorinox AG

Robert Elsener




So it left Switzerland as a normal Swisstool and was engraved in the U.S . Plus its his Father signature and not his brothers .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: WhichDawg on January 12, 2008, 10:56:52 AM
WoW! shweeeeet! nice response from the man :)
they are the best.
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on January 12, 2008, 02:07:46 PM
Ahhh....very interesting! So Dunc's hunch was right! (because of the type of sheath included with the tools, Dunc had suspected earlier that they were US-only)

I'm still curious about the numbering on the blade and the total quantity produced. Hopefully we will hear more.


And yes, thanks so much to Mr Elsener for taking the time to send a reply! Just one more bit of evidence of what a first class company Victorinox is!
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Benner on January 12, 2008, 08:19:22 PM
That's damn good that they replied.  Will be interesting to hear the follow-up.
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: felinevet on January 13, 2008, 01:46:04 AM
I have found that the Elseners reply to most every inquiry. I'm not sure that they don't have an assistant who replies under their name but however they work it it is awesome customer service.
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on March 15, 2008, 06:23:44 PM
Got an email from Victorinox today and they havnt forgot about us but there is still some more digging to be done . This isnt as straight forward as you'd think .

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Benner on March 15, 2008, 06:25:18 PM
It's good of them to keep you updated.  :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Dunc on March 15, 2008, 08:08:23 PM
It's good of them to keep you updated.  :)

They have been very helpfull  :D I couldnt of asked for better service

Dunc
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: J-sews on March 15, 2008, 08:14:41 PM
Yes, all too often these days the ordinary customer is forgotten about. I like the way Victorinox puts the customer first, both in the quality of their products and the quality of their service. :)
Title: Re: Charles Elsener Swisstool
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on March 15, 2008, 09:52:14 PM
Good show Victorinox :cheers: