Dating/identifying a SAK

[3rdGenC641]

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone here can point me in the direction of a good resource for identifying the model and production year(s) of a SAK. I have 3 that I'm interested in tracking down this sort of info for (pics below).

The first is a run of the mill, red scaled Victorinox. On one side of the main blade tang there are 4 lines stamped in: VICTORINOX, SWITZERLAND, STAINLESS, ROSTFREI. The back side of the tang has 3 lines: + (crossbow symbol), OFFICIER, SUISSE.

The second (with the wood scales) is tang stamped: HOFFRITZ, SWITZERLAND, STAINLESS. The back side of the tang has 4 lines: (crossbow symbol), VICTORIA, OFFICIER, SUISSE.

The third is also clad in red plastic scales with the classic Victorinox cross logo on it as well as Hoffritz' branding. The odd thing about this knife is that the blade tang has no branding on it other than Hoffritz - and I'm pretty sure they didn't manufacture these knives. One side of the tang has a single line stamped in it: HOFFRITZ. The opposite side has 3 lines: SWITZERLAND, STAINLESS, ROSTFREI. Could this be a knock-off?

Any info or leads on where I can look these up would be much appreciated.

- Jason

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[powernoodle]

Try smartknives.com. At least its a starting point.

 

[3rdGenC641]

Thanks for the link. Figured out the models and that they're all pre 1987. I'm thinking it's probably going to be tough to get an exact production year on these.

 

[Scoop65]

Solid Powernoodle!

 

[dfwcowboy]

The Hoffritz with the wooden scales is the oldest knife. Since it has the Victoria rear tang stamp it indicates a knife made before about 1974. The scales look custom made but fairly well made.

The Hoffritz knife without any Victorinox or Victoria marking is genuine Victorinox made but not quite as old as the other Hoffritz knife. Maybe 1980's.

The top knife is a Huntsman model made pre-1985(going by the fact the Awl/Reamer is sans Sewing Eye). Also note it does not have the Hook which came out in 1991.

Most of my information comes from SAKWicki.com , the rest comes from experience and other websites strewn about the internet.

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone here can point me in the direction of a good resource for identifying the model and production year(s) of a SAK. I have 3 that I'm interested in tracking down this sort of info for (pics below).

The first is a run of the mill, red scaled Victorinox. On one side of the main blade tang there are 4 lines stamped in: VICTORINOX, SWITZERLAND, STAINLESS, ROSTFREI. The back side of the tang has 3 lines: + (crossbow symbol), OFFICIER, SUISSE.

The second (with the wood scales) is tang stamped: HOFFRITZ, SWITZERLAND, STAINLESS. The back side of the tang has 4 lines: (crossbow symbol), VICTORIA, OFFICIER, SUISSE.

The third is also clad in red plastic scales with the classic Victorinox cross logo on it as well as Hoffritz' branding. The odd thing about this knife is that the blade tang has no branding on it other than Hoffritz - and I'm pretty sure they didn't manufacture these knives. One side of the tang has a single line stamped in it: HOFFRITZ. The opposite side has 3 lines: SWITZERLAND, STAINLESS, ROSTFREI. Could this be a knock-off?

Any info or leads on where I can look these up would be much appreciated.

- Jason

 

[3rdGenC641]

Great info - thanks DFWCOWBOY. The wood scales are actually homemade. My old man was a weekend whittler and he put those on about 35 years ago. The 2 red ones were garage sale acquisitions and have been with me less than 20 years. This is a great site - a lot of knowledge here...