Victorinox nearly out of business since 9-11? Support the knife industry

Matt Shade

Matt Shade

Joined
Nov 24, 1999
Messages
4,981
I just heard recently from a friend that either victorinox or wenger has nearly been put out of business since 9-11-01. Due to the new security measures even the most non threatening of knives has become contraband. Airport security are pretty much confiscating what people have, along with security in a lot of other places. If people can't use them they won't buy them. And unfortunately, for alot of folks they don't see how useful it can be to have a knife all the time. The SAK was a great thing to take on trips when they couldn't have the full sized set of screwdrivers, scissors, tweezers, corkscrew, etc. that they have at home. Now that people aren't traveling as much, and can't have a knife along when they do, they're not buying.
Knifenuts have always done their part to educate people about knives and try to get more people interested in them. In light of whats going on around us, I think we need to step it up a notch. With Christmas coming up, its a perfect opportunity to support the knife industry. Especially companies like victorinox, Wenger, Leatherman,Gerber, and many more. And at the same time, do some good public relations work for knifenuts and the knife industry. Give knives and multi tools as gifts this year. Even if you only throw in a keychain sized SAK or a micra with the gift you were already planning on, you will still be helping the cause.
Given the chance, people will find uses for knives in their daily lives. They don't see the value of having or carrying a knife until they've tried it and used one.
 
I gave my brother-in-law a Victronix SAK Cybertool 41 for his birthday a couple of weeks aqo. My sister had her eye on it, too, so maybe I should pick up another one for her for Christmas...

Doug
 
So have you verified this statement or is it just a rumour? I have heard nothing about this and am interested in whether it is true or not.
 
This really worries me because the SAK and similar items like the Leatherman are some of the most practical tools that anybody can have. It is sheer stupidity that people can only see that knives can be used as weapons. What can't be used as a weapon? A violent person could very easily use a writing pen or similar implement to kill and threaten people just as effectively as a knife blade. The other major point is that people have to confront airport authorities with their own regulations. Current FAA regulations clearly state that knives and other cutting tools can be stored with the check-in baggage. Unless the airline in question refuses to accept knives (and we should refuse to patronize them) security has no business touching a knife that is meant check-in, assuming that the owner has declared it. I know for a fact that the next time I have to fly, I will carry a copy of the new FAA regulations in case anyone gives me a hard way to go about any cutlery that I declare for my check-in baggage.
 
Sounds like bunk...Victorinox sells many more items besides knives...Not to mention all the worldwide Govt contarcts for SAK-type knives...

--dan
 
Yeah, I'd tend to agree with Dano, they are a world wide co. and people will still use knives when they're NOT on the plane!
Their sales may slump a bit, but I doubt they'll fail.
 
I don't know about any knife manufacturer being in financial trouble due to the terrorist attacks in the US and related increased security, but it can't help.

I agree, that we should show our support, not only for the knife industry, but for our rights to be free and own legal tools.

One way to do this is of course to make purchases. I recently bought a new Schrade Old Timer pocketknife and a Camillus utility pocketknife. And I am looking a a new multi-tool and I am helping a female friend of might to choose and buy a multi-tool for her husband for Christmas. Knives, particularly pocketknives, make great gifts, both for us guys and for the ladies.

Another way to support knives and our rights to possess, carry, and use LEGAL knives, is to do so. But I should say that while I do not agree with all the new (and old) rules and laws, I do not support illegally carrying knives. Instead, carry what is legal and where it is legal. If a commercial or private business will not allow the carrying of otherwise legal to possess and carry knives, then don't do business with them. If enough of us do that, they will consider changing their rules. In the opinion of many, the banning of pocketknives from airlines, theme parks, etc, presents only an illusion of safety anyway - they have to do something to make it appear they are doing things to make it safer and unbelievably many people think these bans are really effective - when in truth, they do nothing but deny the liberties of law abiding people. And if you disagree with the rules and laws - petition your elected representatives and state your position and encourage them to change the rules and laws. This is the key - if enough of us write in, rationally stating our position and simply stating the utilitarian uses of knives, we will get some attention. Knives are primarily tools - not weapons. Nearly everyone uses knives in their every day lives, especially in cooking and eating. Stress that. Knives are primarily utility tools. In days gone by, nearly every American adult male and many young men and boys carried a pocketknife. Now, almost none carry.

Other ways to support knives is to get involved in activities and organizations that embrace knives. Such as Scouting, hunting, fishing, trapping, collecting, knife making, etc.. I think that the Scouting movement should get involved in this as well as hunting and fishing organizations - since knives are essential to those activities.

Just my thoughts. We should concentrate on the positive...



Originally posted by Matt Shade
I just heard recently from a friend that either victorinox or wenger has nearly been put out of business since 9-11-01. Due to the new security measures even the most non threatening of knives has become contraband. Airport security are pretty much confiscating what people have, along with security in a lot of other places. If people can't use them they won't buy them. And unfortunately, for alot of folks they don't see how useful it can be to have a knife all the time. The SAK was a great thing to take on trips when they couldn't have the full sized set of screwdrivers, scissors, tweezers, corkscrew, etc. that they have at home. Now that people aren't traveling as much, and can't have a knife along when they do, they're not buying.
Knifenuts have always done their part to educate people about knives and try to get more people interested in them. In light of whats going on around us, I think we need to step it up a notch. With Christmas coming up, its a perfect opportunity to support the knife industry. Especially companies like victorinox, Wenger, Leatherman,Gerber, and many more. And at the same time, do some good public relations work for knifenuts and the knife industry. Give knives and multi tools as gifts this year. Even if you only throw in a keychain sized SAK or a micra with the gift you were already planning on, you will still be helping the cause.
Given the chance, people will find uses for knives in their daily lives. They don't see the value of having or carrying a knife until they've tried it and used one.
Click to expand...
 
Since Victorinox is quite probably the largest scale all-around knife manufacturer, and they make/sell other non-knife products such as watches, etc., as well, I seriously doubt they are in financial trouble, though sales might be in a slump right now.

Although I'm only 38, I think I grew up in one of the last periods where it was normal for a boy to carry a pocketknife. At school quite a few carried at least a scout-type knife, and my 9th-grade teacher introduced me to Buck Knives by showing me his Cadet pocket knife once. It's too bad that now, for the most part kids not only don't carry, but most view any knife as just a weapon without any other use. It makes me wonder why so many guys my age did not teach their kids about knives and knife uses/safety if they carried one themselves. I know if I had a kid I would, though I could not allow him to carry to school anymore.
Jim
 
I agree with you when you say most guys you knew as a boy carried a pocketknife. I am a bit older that you but me and most of my friends carried some type of pocketknife. We were allowed to in school - and I never saw not even a hint of one being used as any kind of weapon.

Today, I am once of the few grown men that I know of that carries a pocketknife. Not a big folder - but a plain everday, standard, ordinary, pocketknife (A Schrade Old Timer Middleman Stockman to be specific). When something needs to be opened, etc at the office, they come to me as I am the only one that carries a pocketknife. I am rarely without at least one pocketknife on me.

I am involved in Scouting and use that as a medium to teach youth about knives. In the Boy Scouts we have a training program called Totin' Chip that involved a lecture, demonstration, practical work, and test in the proper carrying, use and care of woods tools, including knives. Earning the Totin' Chip card is a requirment for advancement to 2nd Class Scout.

And I have taught a similar class to my daughter's Junior Girl Scout Troop. They only get training on what they call the "jackknife" but the class was well attended, interactive, and I required that each be tested hands on and with a written exam before being awarded their Knife Skills patch.

It is indeed strange that many people today consider fingernail clippers, nail files, and pocketknives as weapons. These ordinary tools have been around for years - and are just that, tools.


Originally posted by James Y
Since Victorinox is quite probably the largest scale all-around knife manufacturer, and they make/sell other non-knife products such as watches, etc., as well, I seriously doubt they are in financial trouble, though sales might be in a slump right now.

Although I'm only 38, I think I grew up in one of the last periods where it was normal for a boy to carry a pocketknife. At school quite a few carried at least a scout-type knife, and my 9th-grade teacher introduced me to Buck Knives by showing me his Cadet pocket knife once. It's too bad that now, for the most part kids not only don't carry, but most view any knife as just a weapon without any other use. It makes me wonder why so many guys my age did not teach their kids about knives and knife uses/safety if they carried one themselves. I know if I had a kid I would, though I could not allow him to carry to school anymore.


Jim [/QUOTE]
 
The whole victorinox SAK line never really was my bag, i've always been more of a leatherman guy, or when push comes to shove, Gerber, just my opinions.

While I do feel sorry for Victorinox and do not wish them to go out of business - i'll buy knives I want, when I want - and I don't forsee wanting any Victorinox model any time soon, if ever.
 
Sales slump? Maybe.

Going out of business :confused: ? Is there any factual news reporting to support this?

Intense media focus on this issue may be tainting common sense (remember the OJ trail, Monica-gate?). Look for the facts and avoid the hype. People who are well intentioned may be making things worse because they are propagating untruths. Is this going to be just another urban legend?
 
Hell, I'd know about that.

BTW, I bough a new Victorinox that year, since I needed that tool to adjust the sights of my SIG550.
 
Well I just bought one last week. I doubt they're going out of business, probably just in a sales slump like many other industries at the moment. I'm waiting to see how the recession that we're in affects the sales of customs.....:( Hope it doesn't last too long.
 
Swiss Army Brands Inc. which is SABI on the stock exchange -- was at $6.90 on the 10th of Sept. and it dipped to $6 low on the 26th but is now back up to $6.70. Since August the stock has ranged between $6 and $7 and there is no appreciable change in the chart related to the 9-11 incident.

The current stock price is up about a dollar over the last year. That is, it's up about 15% now from what it was a year ago. They also gave 500 Swiss Tools to the NY Firefighters on the 11th.

Press Release follows:
Shelton, Ct.- The offices of Swiss Army Brands sprang into action this week in response to the terrorist attacks in Manhattan and Washington DC. Employees gave blood, donated money and ensured New York Firefighters were properly equipped with Swiss Army gear to aid in their search effort. There was even a bake sale.

Swiss Army Brands president Jeff Turner rallied his employees, commending them on their efforts and urging them to give blood on a regular basis in the future. Mr. Turner then announced that The Victorinox-Swiss Army Knife Foundation and the Michael Bolton Charities have pledged $135,000 to the widow’s and children’s funds of New York City fire fighters and police.

He also announced the generous donation of 500 SwissTools to the New York City Firefighters actively involved in the search efforts at the World Trade Center collapse.

Finally, proceeds from the First Annual Swiss Army Bake Sale will be donated to the United Way “September 11 Fund”. The employees of Swiss Army Brands Incorporated are joining to help ensure this terrorist attack is remembered most for America’s unified and positive response in the face of tragedy.
 
Ok I guess their not going out of business. I never said they were, I said that was what I had heard. And given the fact that security everywhere is pretty much stopping alot of people from carrying, (traveling being one instance, but good luck with amusement parks, office buildings and alot of other places too) It seemed like there was a good possibility of a drop in sales, for them and for alot of other knife/tool companies.
I don't care how you do it,but now more than ever we need to try to stop the idea from spreading that knives are mere weapons and that no one should have them. A good way to do that is to exercise your right to carry responsibly and to get other people to do the same thing. A pocket knife or tool is something that alot of people enjoy getting as a gift but wouldn't think of buying for themself. And there are even more who don't realize how useful they can be to have around.
 
I find a LOT of good deals in knives for sale, as most of us do. I keep a couple of dozen or more new knives on hand at all times to give as presents. I also keep a couple of hundred very nice and very sharp advertising knives on hand and give them out like water to a garden... I've converted a LOT of people to keeping a knife with them at all times as a TOOL.
 
>"So have you verified this statement or is it just a rumour?"

==================================

Come on, man, don't you know that on the internet everything's true. Especially if someone "heard it from a friend." ;)

Seriously though, I REALLY DOUBT either SAK brands are in trouble. But if they are, I'd guess it's the result of competition from Leatherman and the other multi manufacturers.
 
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