Victorinox Soldier form the WWII era, or so

M

martineden

Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
621
Today the Postman (is a Postgirl, actually) got me a nice gift


It’s an old Victorinox Soldier, but exactly from when? Some pics random, then I’ll try to understand



Look how is next to a Pioneer, the same of a Soldier from the period 1961-2008, except for the keyring





Now, there are essentially 5 models of Soldier:
- Modell 1890: 1891-1907, spear-point blade, reamer, can opener, flat screwdriver, 144 gr, wood handles
- Modell 08: 1908-1950, clip-point blade, reamer, can opener, flat screwdriver, 125 gr, fiber handles
- Modell 1951: 1951-1960, spear-point blade, reamer, can opener, flat screwdriver whit wire stripper, 1 hollow pin, 91 gr, fiber handles
- Modell 1961: 1961-2007, spear-point blade, reamer, can opener whit small flat screwdriver, flat screwdriver, 72 gr, Alox handles
- Soldier 08: 2008-actual date,

So, mine is a Modell 08. But exactly form when, in the period 1908-1950?
Well, first of all, this knife as the “W-K” print on the handle, which means “Waffen-Kontrol” or in English language “Weapons Control”

this mark is just on the Soldier made since 1915. So my knife is from the period 1915-1950. Still too much.

But, on the blade (sorry, quite invisible on the pic)

there is this mark

So, my knife is from the period 1943-1950. I can’t be more precise unfortunately, because the blade lack of the two numbers - on the other side of the blade – to identify the exact year.

Just a few more words to say that the knife is rock solid and all the tools are efficient as the day it’s come out to the factory. Just beautiful.
Ciao,
Alfredo
 
Very nice! I've enjoyed reading your date discovery; thank you for posting it with such helpful pictures. Those old Soldier knives are really neat. Congrats!
 
Thanks for sharing; that is so cool and the history as well! I bet if they would bring that one back they would sale a few!
 
Sweet, this one seems to be in perfect shape. I'm almost embarrassed how banged up mine is after those photos :)
Is it a stainless model or just preserved really well? (I'd guess stainless if it is a Victorinox)
 
Thank guys, I appreciate :-)
@sturzi: it's a stainless model. Victorinox start to use stainless steel since 1923.
 
I have never seen these before and certainly the coolest SAK ive ever seen!..i have the other one in pic but the wood one is what i would carry...lovely knife you have there. FES
 
Great knife congrats

JD Vic does make a Anniversary model
628C6A6C-6A33-493F-990A-E3033B670C1F-4109-000005DDB3AC5364.jpg

Unfortunately it's about $500 :-(
 
Hi Alfredo -

Very cool! Thanks for the pictures - It would be nice to find one of those!

best

mqqn
 
Alfredo,
this knife is incredibly cool. I have no idea where you got it, and I assume it's not an easy hunt, but it's awesome.
I have to say, I'd like more wooden handled SAK's in current production; this very model is available, but unfortunately it's too pricey. Yet, seeing your pictures, I have to agree with Fes: it's the coolest SAK ever.

Fausto
:cool:
 
Hello Fausto,
as you said, it's not easy to dig out one of these SAK in mint condition. I like most of the SAK availables, for sure this blade shape is the coolest for me also.
About the wooden handles, it's nearly impossible to obtain a SAK Modell 1890 in mint condition (you may buy the replica, but isn't the same :-): on the year 1901 in fact Victorinox dismissed the wooden handles for the fiber handles, cause the wooden handles problems.
 
Great find.

I too find that clipped point blade very appealing.

Thansk for sharing all your findings and photos.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top