SwissChamp predecessor?

[olddogrib]

I see SAK's getting lots of love here. This one was gifted to me by my sister on a trip to Switzerland approx. 30 years ago. It resembles the SwissChamp but has no pliers and I don't think I seen this combination marketed in the US. anybody familiar with this model? I've worn out the belt loop on the leather sheath and now carry in the Kabar nylon that came with a "hobo" knife. This is my first time trying to post a pic with Imgur, so if I screw it up I'll try to edit.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I think what you have is a Champion. Its different from the Champ, as you said, as it does not have the pliers layer. I have one I bought from Walmart on clearance some 15 years ago, so if it is a Champ they did sell them stateside.

Honestly, I see very little need for tiny SAK pliers, so the Champion makes more sense to me. However, the Champion is no more and the Champ is one of flagship models, so what do i know.

 

[Rich S]

Yes, an older Champion. I have both: Champion and Champ. I prefer the Champion from about 35 years ago.
Rich

 

[olddogrib]

Thanks for the info. Looking on SAKwiki it does not have the long nail file on the back layer of the original Champions and definitely not enough back layer tools to be a Plus, but it does look to be what they called a Champion C model, circa 1985.

 

[yablanowitz]

Every time they come up with a new tool, they add another layer to the Champ. It has lost a tool or two (like that long nail file, which I love and miss) but I don't think it has ever lost a whole layer, it just keeps getting fatter.