How to identify a SAK

1

17Chap

Joined
Dec 27, 2006
Messages
18
I have an older SAK with several tools. It has "Officier Suisse" on one side of the large blade and the regular Vic lettering on the other. I saw some net references to the Explorer, but this knife has several more tools like a file and fish scaler.

I don't know how to post an image, but I have one that I'll be glad to email if you'll drop me a note.

Thanks

Chap

pastorjess@lakeviewhamilton.com
 
17Chap said:
It looks like the Champion, an older model. Following is a link. Does anyone know how old mine might be, when they stopped production, etc?
http://www.smartknives.com/Victorinox-Knives/Victorinox-Champion.htm
Click to expand...

The Champion was still being made when the SwissChamp was first introduced in 1986, and I was told by Victorinox that the Champion was still available as late as 1993 - but it was gradually phased out after that.

Because the Champion has a magnifying glass, it helps date it, as the glass was introduced in 1973.

Champion.jpg


However there is a slight wrinkle to this as there was also a Champion Plus that was a limited production run sold mainly by WalMart in the early 2000's - it is distinguished by having the "plus" scales with ballpen and Pin in the handles (the Champion Plus were being closed-out at WalMarts during 2005).

The Champion Plus is actually better described as a SwissChamp without the pliers.

ChampionPlusOpn2.jpg
ChampionPlusBckTools.jpg


--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2007
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
 
Thanks UnknownVt.

Mine is an original one without the pen.

Mine is black and apart from what looks like melt or glue marks on the scales opposite the logo, is in excellent shape. The wood saw is scary sharp. It has a leather pouch, that though intact, shows character and wear.

Thanks again,

17Chap
 
17Chap said:
Mine is an original one without the pen.
Mine is black and apart from what looks like melt or glue marks on the scales opposite the logo, is in excellent shape.
Click to expand...

The scales can easily be replaced contact Victorinox
see their FAQ under - Q. Must I send my knife in to have the toothpick, tweezer, and scissor spring replaced?

It may interest you that although not exactly collectible status the original Champion (red handles) is the SAK in the permanent collection of MoMA - Museum of Modern Art -

(Champion at MoMA)

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2007
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
 
Thanks again, UnknownVT.

I think I'll leave it the way it is. The marks add character. It is a tool and I guess I wonder how the marks got there, what was the user doing that caused the marks? Shwos there is some history in it.

I appreciate your informative posts. Great links!

Chap
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top