Starting a SAK collection - Victorinox or Wenger?

[Chako]

I am primarily a MT collector. However, since joining this web site, I have given the Swiss army knife a second and third look. I didn't really like them for a very long time to be honest, simply because I had a real cheap knock off when I was a kid, and I hated the thing with a passion. I was however, curious of all the talk on here of quality, etc... So I bought 4 Victorinox models at the local Canadian Tire. I was rather impressed with them.

Then I took a look at FelineVet's web site, and I must admit, there are certainly quite a few, and some very nice looking models.

Well...

Today, I was minding my own business when I happen to notice a small store selling a few SAKS. Seeing that I already have a few very basic Victorinox models, in for a penny, in for a pound. They were all Wengers, and I know that it’s the only place in town that sells a few of them. I cleared them out.

So I got:

1 red Esquire in a box set with a pull chain/LED lamp belt clip.
1 Black Esquire.
1 black Traveler.
1 Stainless steel Traveler.
1 Red Traveler.
1 Transparent red Highlander.
1 Swiss Clipper.
1 handyman.
1 Black Viking in a box set with leather sheath.
1 Evolution 10.



My SAK collection, although new, has started.

My question to everyone is this...should I focus on Wenger or Victorinox first?

[Benner]

I personally prefer Victorinox as I like older SAK's and tools in general and Vic's quality was superior to Wenger back in the day.

[Chako]

How is it today?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

How is it today?

There on a par these days, but I still find myself liking Vic more, on account of the scissors, and the greater number of Alox saks

You really can't go wrong with either though

[Benner]

How is it today?

Like Mike said, you are hard pushed to chose a "better" brand these days, but I still prefer Vic's.

[Chako]

Ok, thanks for that info. I guess I will just have to start slowly acquiring a few here and there, and I won't be overly concerned about which brand unless it is an older piece.

Man oh man. I really don't know much about SAKS. I can see the obvious tie in with MTs though.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Ok, thanks for that info. I guess I will just have to start slowly acquiring a few here and there, and I won't be overly concerned about which brand unless it is an older piece.

Man oh man. I really don't know much about SAKS. I can see the obvious tie in with MTs though.

As long as you get a Swisschamp and a Farmer your ok

[Benner]

Ok, thanks for that info. I guess I will just have to start slowly acquiring a few here and there, and I won't be overly concerned about which brand unless it is an older piece.

Man oh man. I really don't know much about SAKS. I can see the obvious tie in with MTs though.

As long as you get a Swisschamp and a Farmer your ok

and an SI, a ribbed Cadet, a 108mm..................

[Chako]

a 108 mm? Are we talking field artillery or pocket knives!

[Benner]

a 108 mm? Are we talking field artillery or pocket knives!

108's are bigger and feel as tough a brick $*it houses.  I only have the one but it is a superb SAK.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

a 108 mm? Are we talking field artillery or pocket knives!

Here's a good selection...

http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=35

[Neil]

I have many more Vics. than Wengers and do have a preference for the Vics.  That doesn't stop me getting the Wengers I like though.  My advice, get whatever takes your fancy 

[P35]

Victorinox ,  love the Alox scaled knives

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Victorinox ,  love the Alox scaled knives

Hard not too

[Chako]

Ok, I now see what you mean by Alox scales. Hmm...much nicer then the nylon scales on my Victorinox entry level ones.

Dang...might have to make another order from FelineVet. Have to wait after the MTs come in though. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Ok, I now see what you mean by Alox scales. Hmm...much nicer then the nylon scales on my Victorinox entry level ones.

Dang...might have to make another order from FelineVet. Have to wait after the MTs come in though. 

It's a slippery slope isn't it

[AHB]

Victorinox ,  love the Alox scaled knives

Hard not too

Can't wait for mine...

[Chako]

It can be if you let it. I will still focus on MTs, but I can add a SAK or two every now and then. Before I know it, I will have a collection to be proud of. At least it seems cheaper then collecting MTs.

[Chako]

I just finished a very close inspection of the knives I currently have, and can see why most see the Victorinox as higher quality compared to the Wenger.

After comparing the Vic Classic v.s. the Wenger Squire, and a Vic Huntsman v.s. a Wenger handyman, I have come to the following conclusions...

1. Victorinox tools tend to snap into place with more authority then Wenger tools.
2. I found that some of the tools on the few Wengers that I own are hard to get out...nail breakers.
3. Tweezers and toothpick are larger, sturdier, and more effective on the Victorinox then the Wenger.
4. I like how the Victorinox combo bottle opener/flat head snaps at 90 and 180 degrees. Nice little touch that the Wenger didn't have.
5. Punch awl on the Victorinox has a more effective design with a cutting edge. Wenger has no sharp edge. Likewise, some design differences are evident between the two. I have noticed that Victorinox tools tend to be slightly longer compared to a comparable Wenger...especially on bottle and can openers.

These are just some things that I noticed after spending a few minutes playing with the different SAKs. I can now see the difference between the two. This is not to say that Wenger isn't as good in quality, but there is a difference if one tries to do a direct comparison between the two brands.

Ha, you guys are lucky I didn’t do some reviews on some basic SAKS that everyone is probably bored with on this forum.

[Craig]

Might as well order yourself a SwissChamp now, Chako - you're going to end up with one soon anyway

May as well get a Farmer while you're at it

[Sidhartha]

get a vic one hand treker and you will fall in love 

[Chako]

I have done some research and this is what I have come up with. Any ideas, or recommendations would be helpful.

Red Alox Farmer
08 Soldier
Sapphire Swiss Champ
Cybertool 125 jubilee
Emergency Rescue Tool
Jumpmaster
New Soldier
Ranger
Silvertech Spartan
Workchamp XL

[Mr. Whippy]

Let me come to the defense of Wengers...

The locking blades on the Wengers are very nice.  It's not a liner lock, it is a push button and can be operated one-handed easily.   I have a Wenger Cascade and S557 which have a locking blade and it is my favorite feature on a SAK.

The S557 and the Large Mountain Bike have a universal wrench which is very good for nuts up to about 5/16 size.  

The chain breaker on the Mountain Bike models is extemely good, and there's a wrench that completely detaches from the knife for ease of use.

IMO, the bottle opener (cap lifter) is slightly more effective than the Vic version.

Although Wengers don't command the same collector demand as Vics, they are excellent knives with very innovative features.






I really like the Alox Vics though too.  

[MultiMat]

Let me come to the defense of Wengers...

The locking blades on the Wengers are very nice.  It's not a liner lock, it is a push button and can be operated one-handed easily.   I have a Wenger Cascade and S557 which have a locking blade and it is my favorite feature on a SAK.

The S557 and the Large Mountain Bike have a universal wrench which is very good for nuts up to about 5/16 size.  

The chain breaker on the Mountain Bike models is extemely good, and there's a wrench that completely detaches from the knife for ease of use.

IMO, the bottle opener (cap lifter) is slightly more effective than the Vic version.

Although Wengers don't command the same collector demand as Vics, they are excellent knives with very innovative features.






I really like the Alox Vics though too.  

Holy Crappola Dr soft serve you forgot the ........... you know ............. the mightiest ............ cleverest ............... Tool/knife known to man , the Wenger;



BUSINESS TOOL



Clucking hell mate, Neil & I will convene latter to discuss your tenure as President of 'Business Tool Owners Party'. Best work on your defense ,
Fancy forgetting 'THE' Wenger

[AHB]

(Psst, Guys..! We might have to form an intervention group, and take action on Chako's MT addiction..   

[jzmtl]

I have done some research and this is what I have come up with. Any ideas, or recommendations would be helpful.

Wenger evo S17, ranger alinghi, ranger 58.

[bren10man]

I am a Vic man myself.....over 30 and counting. 

I find that the Wenger quality is lacking (but not by much) vs. Victorinox.  Not to mention, Victorinox is bigger/longer than the standard Wenger models.
You can find a Victorinox, but harder to find Wenger.  Also, not related, Victorinox bags are MUCH MORE DURABLE than Wenger bags...LOL!!!

Too bad you were not around when I found all those new-old stock First Mates in Seoul.  This forum with help from me and Felinevet cleaned out the Seoul Vic store in Namdaemun Market.  All 30 or so were distributed.  This knife has been discontinued for 25 years.

Have fun...it is VERY addictive!!!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I just finished a very close inspection of the knives I currently have, and can see why most see the Victorinox as higher quality compared to the Wenger.

After comparing the Vic Classic v.s. the Wenger Squire, and a Vic Huntsman v.s. a Wenger handyman, I have come to the following conclusions...

1. Victorinox tools tend to snap into place with more authority then Wenger tools.
2. I found that some of the tools on the few Wengers that I own are hard to get out...nail breakers.
3. Tweezers and toothpick are larger, sturdier, and more effective on the Victorinox then the Wenger.
4. I like how the Victorinox combo bottle opener/flat head snaps at 90 and 180 degrees. Nice little touch that the Wenger didn't have.
5. Punch awl on the Victorinox has a more effective design with a cutting edge. Wenger has no sharp edge. Likewise, some design differences are evident between the two. I have noticed that Victorinox tools tend to be slightly longer compared to a comparable Wenger...especially on bottle and can openers.

These are just some things that I noticed after spending a few minutes playing with the different SAKs. I can now see the difference between the two. This is not to say that Wenger isn't as good in quality, but there is a difference if one tries to do a direct comparison between the two brands.

Ha, you guys are lucky I didn’t do some reviews on some basic SAKS that everyone is probably bored with on this forum.

Well reasoned comparisons mate

And I'd love to read some reviews on Saks, as there still my first love, and you'd clearly do them justice

Plus you could always submit them to sosakonline too

I have done some research and this is what I have come up with. Any ideas, or recommendations would be helpful.

Red Alox Farmer
08 Soldier
Sapphire Swiss Champ
Cybertool 125 jubilee
Emergency Rescue Tool
Jumpmaster
New Soldier
Ranger
Silvertech Spartan
Workchamp XL

Thats a fine list ok, but if I could just recommend these 2 from Wenger, as there both excellent sak's and compare well with there Vic equivelants

Wenger EVO GRIP S54
Wenger SI

[cliosguy]

you NEED a safari hunter(108mm) with the serrated gutting blade

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

you NEED a safari hunter(108mm) with the serrated gutting blade

How did I forget that beauty