Victorinox Blade Change?

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
I noticed a change in Victorinox' blades, but I thought it was just me. A trip to the knife shop confirmed it, and I was wondering when this change took place, and why.
The old (before the change) Victorinox main blades are visibly thicker, and their tang stampings are in fact different. They used to say VICTORINOX over SWITZERLAND over STAINLESS over ROSTFREI. The back of the blade had the crossbow logo above OFFICIER SUISSE.
The new main blades aren't as thick, and their tang stamps are different as well. They now say VICTORINOX over SWISS MADE over STAINLESS. There is no more crossbow logo, but OFFICIER SUISSE is still there.
Does anybody know anything more about this?
 
As to why the blade is thinner:
They added a washer to the main blade. I recall seeing some comparison shots. Maybe I can find them ( you can see the washer if you look really close).
Maybe they altered the stamp, to mark the change. I dont know.

Peter
 
Different models have different blade thickness. The crossbow is a mark of meeting certain quality standards. I am not sure about the change, but I think if you check out a Solder model (and some others), you will still see the thicker stock.
 
I know that the Alox models have thicker blades, but I'm referring to the normal cellidor models.

As for the washer; I didn't see any in my new (no crossbow) ones. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.
 
My guess is that the new knives, with blades marked "swiss made", are comprised of parts made in China that are assembled in Switzerland.
From what I've learned on some of the watch forums, "swiss made" is a legal term that can be used so long as the watch (or knife) is actually assembled in Switzerland, even if all the parts are from some other nation.
 
Lurker said:
Different models have different blade thickness. The crossbow is a mark of meeting certain quality standards. I am not sure about the change, but I think if you check out a Solder model (and some others), you will still see the thicker stock.
Click to expand...

The alox models have always AFAIK had thicker blades than the cellidor models. My understanding is that the crossbow mark and Officier Suisse stamp were not a sign of quality, but were placed on the main blades of certain size models as a link back to their predecessor, The Swiss Officer's and Sport Knife.

My guess is that the new knives, with blades marked "swiss made", are comprised of parts made in China that are assembled in Switzerland.
Click to expand...
It wouldn't surprise me if a few sourced parts were used, but I believe that by and large, most of the parts still are made in Switzerland- especially the implements. At least, that's the message I got from watching the Discovery episode about Victorinox.
 
allenC said:
My guess is that the new knives, with blades marked "swiss made", are comprised of parts made in China...
Click to expand...

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. There's nothing wrong with China's knives, but to put them in a SAK just seems so un-Swiss, you know what I mean?

I sent an E-mail to Victorinox, so hopefully I'll have a definite answer soon.
 
People shouldn't guess with the reputation of knife companies,swiss army knives are still swiss made,period.enough with everything being made in china.It would be funny if it weren't damaging to victorinox.whats next ,sebenza's made in china.just hang around and someone will be saying it.
 
JNieporte said:
I know that the Alox models have thicker blades, but I'm referring to the normal cellidor models.

As for the washer; I didn't see any in my new (no crossbow) ones. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.
Click to expand...

I don't believe its an actual washer ( haven't had any of the newer ones opened up, could be wrong) But a crimp or stamp in the outside liner, that acts as a spacer, so thiner stock can be used. I have no problem with the thiner blade, I've used a new hiker extensively, and am 100% happy with it.
 
I E-mailed Victorinox about this and haven't recieved a reply yet. I did notice the washer (or whatever it is) next to the large blade, though.
 
no, there isent any china made part in an victorinox sak. its only for use the thinner steel and save cost, same with the less expensive to made stamp, less letters.

the goal is to keep the quality up, workplaces in swiss and not buy in china as most us companys does.

+B
 
There would be absolutely no price difference in the number of letters they use on their stamp...
 
my Swisstool Spirit and Rally combo came in the other day from Amazaon. Both tools were stamped Swiss made, but the package said Made in Switzerland. Quality on both looks top notch.
 
look, they need so many stamps and make them themself, its clear that less info is less price. the goal is to save anywhere but not on quality/labor. look i lived close to teh factory and as many times inside etc. important is that they keep making it in swiss.

+B
 
Maybe I just don't understand what you're saying about the stamps. Its not like they need to make a new stamp for every knife...I guess I don't understand your point.
 
what i try to say is that stamping blades will wear out the stamp. by the millioms of blades that translate into an couple actual stamping tools be made. less letters etc is an cheaper stamp tool and they need lots of them for stamp the blades they make.

+B
 
The owner of the knife shop contacted the victorinox representative about this, and this is all news to the rep. He knew nothing of the blade thinness, the stamp change, or the change in wording. He said that the crossbow marking is an indication of quality, but assured us that the quality of Victorinox' multi-tools are the same as they have been for a long time.

My E-mail reply from victorinox, as of two days ago, was to the effect of "Thank you for contacting Victorinox. We will be contacting you soon regarding your question."

Seems like nobody knows when the change took place, which I think would be important to collectors.
 
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