Wenger Standard Issue

[mp510]

I picked up a Wenger Standard Issue today at Dick's. I usually buy Victorinox, but on this model I like the Standard Issue much more than the Soldier. There is something about that lanyard bail that gives it the extra coolness factor. Actually, this knife reminds me more of a Scout Knife than anything- the features may well be the same. I have one other Wenger SAK (Commander) and the card (made for Wenger), and have subscribed to the Wenger inferiority theory especially in regards to the lesser backsprings. Well, I have been proven wrong- maybe it's because Wenger's a Vic division now or QC was lesser 'back then'.

For those of you not in the know, the Wenger Standard Issue/ Victorinox Soldier is the issue knife of the Swiss Army- I guess one could say it is the realest of Swiss Army Knives. Wenger and Victorinox produce equal quantities annually for the military. Aside from the bail, they are made to the same specs- down to the can opener.

My knife was bought brand new in 2007 (duh). Before I bought the knife, I checked out the display knife, made in 2003. The knife I purchased was made in 2004 (per the 04 date stamp). I don't recall seeing this model "on the shelf" until recently at my local Dick's so these must have been sitting somewhere for a while.

Here's a pic of my Standard Issue, with some Alpenflage, a 1970 20 Franc,1913 Silver Franc, and a 1958 2 Rappen. In hindsight it would have been fitting to add a box of GP11.

 

[ElCuchillo]

Great knife, MP510. I Have one and gave my wife one when we were still dating, and she still has it as well. I have been trying to find an EDC pocketknife as of late, going from a Peanut to a Sodbuster jr., to a stockman, and then to the SI, and I think I'm sticking to the Wenger. I love how slim it is, how easily it rides in my pocket. I hate to have things in my pocket to begin with, so a knife that disappears in there is the one for me. The SI does that. And yes, for all intents and purposes, it is a Scout knife. A high quality pocket companion if there ever was one. Plus the Swiss stainless steel means it will probably last you forever, since they are so resistant to rust. It is razor sharp, and very easily touched up. All I've been doing lately is stropping mine a few times on a leather belt, and it's back to it's hair-poppin glory. It's awl is even better then standard scout knives. This baby can actually punch a hole in something. A whole lot of utility in a small package.