Victorinox 2026 changes

[Tuisto]

So, that was kinda what I was trying to depict with the Emerald scales, since it seems for all the world like they may be solid (or at the very least more solid than the ice blue Cybertool M scales). But I'm not sure now about it. I'm going to try to take some more photos of the Emerald plus scale.

[Fast Bill]

     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
 

Thanks @IMR4198 I'd never thought much about the way the Silvertech scales are coloured but they are different and that would make (some) sense.

[Huntsman]

.....  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. 

Thanks for this great analysis Gary   

I tried to make some sense of it and I think I concluded that:
Everyday = Smaller/thinner SAKs of all lengths - And < 3 layers (except the Explorer, for some reason!!)
The category incudes Personal Care: Nailcare/Swiss cards etc
And Food and Drink Models - Wine and Cheese Masters etc - At least that one makes some sense!!!

Outdoor: They seem to have decided means any model with a saw - Plus the 111mm range and very large (ie long models) - Includes subcategory Sports Models (obvious I guess) Fisherman, GolfTool etc

Trades and Crafts: They seem to have decided means any model with a file or pliers - including the iconic SwissChamp!!
To me this categorisation is pretty meaningless and very unhelpful.       

What if I want to carry a saw or file everyday - But I am not going outdoors or and am not a tradesman?      
What if I like carrying the SwissChamp everyday - As I like to be prepared!! Is it not an EDC item?       

I like the old size progression and organisation - Starting with length and going up the layers for each length
Seemed to make sense to me!! And was easy to follow.

Maybe they could put and index, or key, in the catalog - with some of the above categorisations or even tools
Eg If you want a knife with a saw try these models on pages x,y,z etc
But wait ..... You are better going to SAKWiki for that  !!!

I did check out the LM site recently and, like you said, they had the same meaningless categorisations - moving on from the nice easy to follow size organisational structure.

The hilarious thing I found there was pretty much every model was in every category section 
I guess they don't want any model to miss out on being selected

So for both vendors you have to ask yourself - "What is the point of these sections?"  !!
And your categorisations are almost certainly not the same as many members of the public and potential users of your tools !!

[nate j]

I suspect that the categories are an attempt to make it easier/less intimidating for new/casual users.

The theory sometimes referred to as the Paradox of Choice suggests that too many options can result in increased anxiety, decreased satisfaction, slower or delayed decision-making, and potentially even lower sales.

Of course, those of us who are already experts in these MT manufacturers’ product lines (pretty much everyone who hangs around this forum) will complain that that the categories are meaningless (and in some ways that’s true), as an indexed approach (e.g. sorting by length and number of layers) or matrixed approach (e.g. how can I figure out which models include both a saw and scissors?) would better serve our purposes.

[LoopCutter]

Plus we must remember that category in one country may not be the same in another’s.

Terms are not universal around the world.

[Huntsman]

I suspect that the categories are an attempt to make it easier/less intimidating for new/casual users.
The theory sometimes referred to as the Paradox of Choice suggests that too many options can result in increased anxiety, decreased satisfaction, slower or delayed decision-making, and potentially even lower sales.

Fair point Nate - mate    !!!  ........ Understand

Not sure I 100% agree on whether it helps/informs a new user in a better way and increases understanding of the product line/options!! 
eg To buy a model that has a whole host of tools - eg 8 layers - I go to the trades section and find something called a SwissChamp - But hey/ho

And also whether it will increase/decrease sales  -
But I do get it!!