Wenger Century w/ Woodsaw...disappointing.

[task force k]

I originally purchased the Wenger Century with wood saw with the thought that it would be ideal for placing on my “survival lanyard”, 10 yards of plaited 550 cord holding my firesteel, some PJ Cotton and fishhooks in an aluminum capsule, and a knife. It was to replace my battered Victorinox SwissChamp, which was a little bulky.

After a month, I am a bit disappointed. What’s not to like about a large pocket knife with a locking blade and a wood saw? This is my first Wenger product and the fit and finish of the blades and bolster are just not up to the same standard as Victorinox. The wood saw had to be carefully closed so that the teeth would not bind on the liner. The blade did not seem to want to hold an edge, though it would sharpen up nicely (it almost seemed to get dull just sitting in my pocket). After a week one of the handle scales began to come loose.

Did I just get a lemon or is this normal for Wenger? I really wanted to like this knife as a companion to my EDC, Fallkniven F-1, but after a month, I just cannot recommend it.

Any suggestions for alternatives in the way of a large folder? Price is an object and I would prefer something without a serrated edge.

I really liked the idea of a large folder and wood saw on my lanyard…what a bummer.

 

[mp510]

I have 2 Wenger's- a Standard Issue and a Commander. The Commander dates back, probably over a decade, and the baksprings were always weaker than Vic. However, my SI is great.

Wenger was recently bought by Vic, so quality may have improved since then, my SI is dated 04, despite being a recent aquasition.

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys..

Task Force

Yaa I've noticed that the Vics are a little better quality...
Comparing the Wegner Toolbox with the Swiss Champ,, the Champ's fit and finish is a little better...

If you want to stick with a SAK, then I would suggest either the Outrider or the Hercules

I've carried the Outrider for several years and it has been a Great knife..
I just recently swaped it out for the Hercules, which is a nice beefy folder, with a good assortment of tools..

Even the RUK if you didn't want to go as big as the Outrider is a good choice.

SAKS in order

RUK
Outrider
Hercules

Can't go wrong with any one of them IMHO...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

ttyle

Eric

 

[lotoblades]

My first sak was a wenger,alpine trekker or somthing along those lines.It's been used hard,especialy considering it's 3.25'' pocket knife.
I have around 20 vics and only around 5 wengers,and although Vic's are my favorite from what I've seen fit and finish is exelent on both,and most wengers seem to open and close smother than the vics.The tools are more thought out and usefull on the VIc's though,and the steel does seem a lttle better.But as far as loose handles,I don't own a wenger that has had that problem,but about half of my vics have had their handles loosen up after being carried awhile.Thats the one flaw with saks imo,but such a minor one that A victorinox is always in my pocket.

 

[newadventure]

The Vic Hunter (not Huntsman) is a locking blade with a saw. In addition to the main blade, it has a combo tool (can opener/bottle opener/screwdriver) and a small serrated gutting blade (the main blade is not serrated). I think this gives it one more layer that the Wenger you have, so just a bit thicker. I think it's about $30-$35.

If you don't need a locking blade, the Vic Camper is a little smaller and about $25 or less, I think.

Might be worth taking a look at these two.

 

[Foilist]

Normark, I don't suppose you make a sheath for the Outrider? I got one last year as a beefier alternative to my old 84mm Huntsman, but I find I don't carry it as much as I would with a decent sheath.