I got a Wenger Standard Issue (think Vic Soldier)

[mp510]

I picked up a Wenger Standard Issue today at Dick's. I usually buy Victorinox, but on this model I like the Standard Issue much more than the Soldier. There is something about that lanyard bail that gives it the extra coolness factor. Actually, this knife reminds me more of a Scout Knife than anything- the features may well be the same. I have one other Wenger SAK (Commander) and the card (made for Wenger), and have subscribed to the Wenger inferiority theory especially in regards to the lesser backsprings. Well, I have been proven wrong- maybe it's because Wenger's a Vic division now or QC was lesser 'back then'.

For those of you not in the know, the Wenger Standard Issue/ Victorinox Soldier is the issue knife of the Swiss Army- I guess one could say it is the realest of Swiss Army Knives. Wenger and Victorinox produce equal quantities annually for the military. Aside from the bail, they are made to the same specs- down to the can opener.

My knife was bought brand new in 2007 (duh). Before I bought the knife, I checked out the display knife, made in 2003. The knife I purchased was made in 2004 (per the 04 date stamp). I don't recall seeing this model "on the shelf" until recently at my local Dick's so these must have been sitting somewhere for a while.

Here's a pic of my Standard Issue, with some Alpenflage, a 1970 20 Franc,1913 Silver Franc, and a 1958 2 Rappen. In hindsight it would have been fitting to add a box of GP11.

 

[Ultraman]

Congrats on your purchase - the bail on the Wenger SAK is an improvement over the Victorinox version, imho. Is the steel comparable to the Victorinox? I would assume so given both must meet military specifications, even though they have been superceded by the OHT model.

 

[danielp]

I will pick the SI over the soldier if I can, just for the bail. I love my soldier though. The OHT could be a better choice for the outdoor, but for EDC I will still go with the Soldier or SI.

 

[suedeface]

The SI and soldier are just about the same as far as I can tell. While the lanyard bail is nice to have, just make sure you move it out of the way when closing the blade. I've heard several reports of the blade closing on the bail and chipping the tip of the blade. Just something to be aware of...

 

[ElCuchillo]

Yeah, suedeface, that's what happened to me, one too many times. I have since removed the bail and left it at that. It actually rides a little better in my pocket because of the lack of bail. Such a great little knife. I used to have a Soldier, but lost it at work years ago, and since then have gotten the SI. I actually like the SI better. The belly of the knife blade is a little fuller, and I like the finish on the blade better as well. Everything else is pretty much the same.