Army Climber

The Famous Swiss Army Knife Is Known For Its Astonishing Versatility

Karl Elsener, who owned a surgical instrument company, became dismayed in 1891 when he discovered that the small utility knives that the Swiss government were issuing their soldiers were actually made in Germany. Elsener’s national pride drove him to finding a way to have the knives manufactured in Switzerland. He took on the production of the first Modell 1890 knives near the end of 1891. After applying a number of modifications, the versatility of a Swiss army knife became apparent to the world at large.

The year that any particular model of knife had been introduced onto the market can be determined from the Modell (the German Spelling) number. The first knife, Modell 1890, had been given to Swiss soldiers so that they could open cans and disassemble and assemble their army issue rifles. This particular knife consisted of a knife blade, screwdriver, can-opener and a reamer. Its grips were made from dark oak which was later replaced by ebony.

The knives were available to US servicemen from their PX stores following World War II, but having problems saying Schweizer Offiziersmesser, the official name for the knives, the men called them Swiss Army Knives, a name that has stuck to this day. This name has now been officially registered as a trademark by the Victorinox company and all subsidiaries producing this type of knife.

Easily recognizable by its red handle grips with a white cross at one end and consisting of one or two blades and a number of useful tools that may be folded out, a Swiss Army Knife has been the tool of choice of hunters, fishermen, campers and anyone else needing a convenient, portable set of tools that can perform a large variety of tasks. There are many designs on the market that will suit almost any job. Indeed, regardless of what immediately springs to mind, some folks like the black Swiss army knife. These range from the lightweight models containing a knife blade, bottle and can-opener combinations, a screwdriver and a reamer, to the massive Giant, all of nine inches broad and with 87 separate tools able to accomplish 141 functions.

Victorinox and Wenger, a subsidiary, produce this range of knives including the popularly acclaimed Classic Knife, a mere three inches in length but very strong with very little bulk. This model has a keyring and can be attached to a key chain which allows it to be kept close at hand. The type of tools found on this small knife are blades, scissors, a toothpick, different screwdriver heads, tweezers, nail files and so many more that may not be needed, but are included with the design in the event that they will be needed.

The Presentation Master has ushered the Swiss Army Knife into the Information Age with its ultra modern features like a flash drive incorporating a fingerprint scanner enabling encryption of its data, a laser pointing device, and other computer accessories. All of the devices can be folded into the body by hand or pulled in by springs while they are not in use. The model without blades may be taken on board an aircraft.

Extending the range, knives such as the Champion Plus are fitted with such tools as a small saw with serrated blade, fish scaler, hook remover, punch tool, reamer and many more. A waterproof pouch is available as well as a leather belt pouch enabling the knife to be carried on the person. Other models include the Climber Swiss army knife and the Spartan.

Sharpening of any knife may be accomplished by using steel or whetstone, but Victorinox do advise the use of steel and actually supply a knife sharpener to accomplish this. There can be no denying the versatility of a Swiss army knife.

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