No 'ROSTFREI' on my new SAK

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Oct 30, 2006
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368
Hi,

I bought a Victorinox SAK in the 80's and that knife had 'Rostfrei' written on the blade along with "Victorinox" etc". I just purchased a Victorinox Swisschamp (I can assure you it is genuine) but I don't see the 'Rostfrei' stamp anymore. I've also noticed that the edges for the layer dividers are a little rough in places and not 'perfect' as I remember with my first SAK.

Does anyone know what the stamp means and does it's absence mean that they may be "cutting some corners" now?

Thanks
 
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I somehow doubt they are cutting corners. I wouldn't worry about the missing stamp. I bought a SAK not too long ago (Bundeswehr OHT) and it is definitely a stainless steel.

As for the dividers, not sure what to make of that without being able to examine it in detail.

Why not return it and ask for another one? The Swisschamp aint exactly entry level...
 
I cannot comment on the liners because I don't own one, but the new victorinox blades say SWISS MADE rather than the old Rostfrei.
 
Rostfrei means stainless steel ! Another term for stainless you might find on European blades is Inox.
 
I laos noticed that the edges are not as round anymore, and the missing stamp..

But as mete already mentioned, Rostfrei is german for Stainless.
 
Rostfrei is German for stainless (Rust-free). And just to nitpick it's NOT a genuine Swiss army knife when its a Victorinox.
The original army knife. = Victorinox.
Wenger is the genuine Swiss army knife.

Vic had the contract to the army for 2 year before Wenger got ½ of it, in the late 1800.
After that they agreed on the genuine/original and who had the right to call them self what.
Today Wenger is owned by Victorinox.:cool:
 
Ok, I exchanged my SwissChamp for another one. Here's why:

1. There was a massive dent in the layer liner next to the hook tool.
2. The hook tool surface had noticeable dips on the surface that factory polishing did not remove.
3. The pliers were so stiff that the torsion bar was practically useless
4. The saw was not properly aligned so if you open both the saw and the ruler, and then close the saw first and the ruler, the ruler would lie on top of the saw - very bad imo.
5. I also bought the official leather case. It seems that the glue used inside the case reacts with the red plastic making it dull. I've tried removing it but it doesn't go without proper plastic polishing.

The new one is just dandy but I'm curious about the manufacturing imperfections and QC. I didn't expect it from Vic.

Now I've chucked my Leatherman Charge Xti in the car and EDC the SwissChamp.

Rostfrei is German for stainless (Rust-free). And just to nitpick it's NOT a genuine Swiss army knife when its a Victorinox.
The original army knife. = Victorinox.
Wenger is the genuine Swiss army knife.

Vic had the contract to the army for 2 year before Wenger got ½ of it, in the late 1800.
After that they agreed on the genuine/original and who had the right to call them self what.
Today Wenger is owned by Victorinox.:cool:

Thanks for that. I was actually referring to the fact it is a genuine vic and not some fake from china. Great information on history - thanks! (For some reason I will always choose Vic over Wenger and never buy a Wenger for some reason).
 
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