Early 1900’s Victorinox

[rishma]

I’ve never posted about this knife and thought you all might appreciate it. I have owned it since I was young, bought in a box of used knives I acquired as a kid. It sat in a drawer for probably 30 years before I took much notice of it.

I think it was made between 1909 (first year of cross inlay) and 1923 (first year of stainless). It’s carbon steel and saw plenty of use before coming to me. I really like the carbon steel, the small clip blade and stout flathead screwdriver. Would have been an excellent pocket companion.

It’s the only knife I own that I don’t carry.

If you have some old Victorinox, feel free to share them. Hope you enjoy.

 

[abbydaddy]

Wow! Does that one have a little marlin spike on the back?

That is a treasure for sure.

 

[rishma]

Wow! Does that one have a little marlin spike on the back?

That is a treasure for sure.

Its a punch I think. Triangular cross section, but rounded to align with the scales.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

That really is cool.

I'm intrigued by the covers on that one. Assuming some sort of synthetic material - it looks like it's held up well. I couldn't help but wonder if those 100-year-old covers are still more dimensionally stable than the cellidor seen on the 'modern' versions. The cellidor covers have been sort of a pet peeve of mine, with their sensitivity to solvents and heat and such. Made me chuckle a bit inside, actually wondering if the older ones were better in that regard.

 

[rishma]

That really is cool.

I'm intrigued by the covers on that one. Assuming some sort of synthetic material - it looks like it's held up well. I couldn't help but wonder if those 100-year-old covers are still more dimensionally stable than the cellidor seen on the 'modern' versions. The cellidor covers have been sort of a pet peeve of mine, with their sensitivity to solvents and heat and such. Made me chuckle a bit inside, actually wondering if the older ones were better in that regard.

I see them referred to as “Fiber scales”. They were the first iteration after wood on the originals. Seem very durable to me and feel nice and grippy in hand.

 

[I'mSoSharp]

I suspect the punch/spike is a leather awl, like a harness knife has for making & reaming holes in leather horse tack, belts & such.

Cool knife

 

[rishma]

I suspect the punch/spike is a leather awl, like a harness knife has for making & reaming holes in leather horse tack, belts & such.

Cool knife

I agree. I was thinking leather punch, but I think leather awl is more on point. Thank you.

 

[Jack Black]

Really like those old spikes Nice knife

Here's an old Victoria Farmer

 

[J.Mattson]

Those are amazing...

 

[rishma]

Really like those old spikes Nice knife

Here's an old Victoria Farmer

That’s a great old knife. Always liked the bow (bow and arrow?) tang stamp.

 

[Ernie1980]

That is a new one for me, thanks for sharing! I wish they still used scales like that, then I could get something other than alox covers on my SAKs…

 

[Hickory n steel]

This is not the same knife of course, but this guy will probably have the answer to every question you have.

 

[315]

Very cool old knife! Would love to hear the stories if it could talk.

 

[Jack Black]

That’s a great old knife. Always liked the bow (bow and arrow?) tang stamp.

Thanks I think it's a crossbow (like William Tell's)

 

[ISKRA]

Wow, that's one you don't see often. And in good condition for the age!

I don't have any nearly as old, mostly from the 50s.

84 mm tourist (234 ka)

91 mm spartan (234 U)

83 mm Wenger from the late 50s/early 60s

Wenger model 1908 soldier from 1943, but I don't own this knife anymore

Really like those old spikes Nice knife

Here's an old Victoria Farmer

Now Jack, where've you been hiding this old beaut?

 

[Jack Black]

Now Jack, where've you been hiding this old beaut?

It's one of the few knives I've managed to pick up over the past couple of years Isk!

 

[ISKRA]

It's one of the few knives I've managed to pick up over the past couple of years Isk!

You manage good, I must say!

 

[Jack Black]

You manage good, I must say!

Thank you my friend, a lucky find

 

[J.Mattson]

It's remarkable how constant some of those designs have been over the decades.

 

[Lee D]

Maybe I’m a weirdo, but I love the old ones the same way I love a classic car. It’s amazing they’ve survived all these years, especially if they’re in excellent condition.