"Swiss Guards" pocket knives by Victorinox

I had to go through 5 links on that site to find it, but here it is.

messer8teiligschwarz022yb0.jpg
 
Sharp Phil said:
Don't let the uniforms fool you. Those guys don't fool around.
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I believe you, but I'm curious; what is it that makes you say that? Just wondering. I happened to see a few of them at the Vatican when I was a young boy and all I remember was their vaguely clown-like appearance.
 
I was expecting a pocket Swiss halberd...
But I suppose their equipment is probably spartan?
-http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_armies_swiss.html
 
somniloquist said:
I believe you, but I'm curious; what is it that makes you say that? Just wondering. I happened to see a few of them at the Vatican when I was a young boy and all I remember was their vaguely clown-like appearance.
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They've been undefeated since 1800 -- at 110 men, they're the world's smallest army: highly trained, heavily armed, and prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect the Pope.
 
Those halberds and rapiers they carry are not just for show, they know how to use them. But if those don't work, they have a small arsenal of SIG weaponry. And if those don't work, they have their SAKs, complete with Tactical Assault Toothpick.
 
Sharp Phil said:
They've been undefeated since 1800 -- at 110 men, they're the world's smallest army: highly trained, heavily armed, and prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect the Pope.
Click to expand...

The Swiss Guards are mercenaries in funny suits. I gotta get me one of those hats!
 
Specifically, they're dangerous, highly trained Swiss mercenaries in funny suits, who will shoot you dead if you try to harm the Pope. Hats are immaterial, if amusing.
 
As for the look: If the US military units assigned to presidential escort were required to dress in the uniform of the colonial period, it would not make them less deadly.

A walk through the website gives a bit more insight: They're not just any mercenaries, it seems to be something of a calling; Candidates must already have full Swiss military training before they can even apply for the guards (for additional training); A brutally complete background check is implied; Worry about the guards in civies that you don't notice because you're looking at their comrades-in-arms in the period outfits.

There have been articles about the Vatican guard from time to time in the print media. Each one said similar: Don't mess with them. They are as willing to sacrifice as our Secret Service.
 
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