Wenger V/S Victorinox

Lord Cthulhu

Lord Cthulhu

Joined
Jun 13, 2001
Messages
135
I did a search on the review forum and didn't find a thread about this but I was wondering how these two SAK's match up against each other.

For no reason I can put my finger on I've always preferred the Wenger model but since I've gotten more interested in knives I was wondering if there were any quality differences between these two brands.

The purpose of this knife will be to be a carry knife for flying commercial flights where I don't wish to go through any hassle with my Sebbie or Leatherman Wave.

Your anticipated input and opinions on this matter are already greatly appreciated.

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"I'm inuspeptic, frasmotic, even compunctious to have caused you such pericumbobulations."--Mr. E Blackadder

[This message has been edited by Mr E Blackadder (edited 06-14-2001).]
 
Helli Mr E, I am glad you started this thread. I have owned various SAK models from both Victorinox and Wenger, however, I too am partial to Wenger. First off, let me say I like Victorinox models as well, however, the SAK I favour the most is a Wenger Handyman. To me, the can opener on the Wenger models work better than Victorinox's and the scissors on the Wenger models are much better than the ones from Victorinox. On the other hand, I've heard that most people prefer the toothpick and tweezers on the Victorinox models over Wenger's.

If I had to choose between both brands, I would still choose Wenger.

Check out their websites:

(Wenger) www.wengerna.com

(Victorinox) www.swissarmy.com


 
I own models from both brands but much prefer the Victorinox. My fave Victorinoxes include the Executive, Classic, Soldier, Tinker, Hiker, and Huntsman.

I prefer the V-nox scissors as for me they seem to do fine, precise cutting better than the Wenger. I also like V-nox's can opener better, as well as the overall feel of these SAK's better than the Wenger, though both companies make high-quality products.
Jim

[This message has been edited by James Y (edited 06-14-2001).]
 
With the exception of the Wenger scissors I much prefer the Victorinox. I think the can opener works fine and their design gives you the added benefit of the small screwdriver.

phantom4

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who dares, wins


 
Mr E Blackadder:
You seriously could not find a thread about this? It's come up quite often.
At any rate, I'll take Victorinox every time. Superior fit, finish and feel.
 
Both companys make a good knife, and I own both. I know I would pick the Victorinox over the Wenger. My favorite SAK is the small Victorinox, and I can't remember the model, but it has the blade, nail file, scissors, toothpick, and tweezers. I really like the Rucksack also. To me the Victorinox seems smoother, and keeps a better edge, but thats just my opinion.

Thanks,

RattlerXX
 
There's absolutely nothing wrong with either brands. For me it's just a matter of personal preference. My favourite just happens to be a Wenger Handyman. I also carry a Victorinox Tinker, but I'm always drawn to the Wenger.
 
If you do a search of the General Forum (any date) you'll come up with a few threads on this, but it's been awhile since the question has been asked.

I much prefer Victorinox over Wegner.
IMHO, the Victorinox is better fitted than the Wegner and will last longer.
They're both made to Swiss "Mil-Spec" but I think it's a case of Wegner meeting Mil-Spec, and Victorinox exceeding it.



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Desenfundeme no sin la razón, envaineme no sin honor
Usual Suspect
MOLON LABE!
 
GREAT THREAD!

Gotta love those SAK's.

Everyone in my family knows I dig knives, so I get SAKs as gifts pretty often...

VICTORINOX is the better IMO. Wenger is ok, but other than design ideas, I can't give Wenger much for kudos... They (Wenger)really do have some great designs and ideas, but if you wanna USE your toy, You'll find that the VIC will stand by your side. My current user (When I can talk myself out of carrying the WAVE) is one that my sister bought for me in Switzerland. She said she asked for "the real thing" and the Victorinox is what she took home.

VICTORINOX
VICTORINOX
VICTORINOX

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peace love arch
 
As I understand, the models that are issued to the actual Swiss Army are Aluminum handled knives. Victorinox calls theirs the "Soldier" and Wenger calls theirs the "Standard Issue."

Victorinox Soldier
53929_l.jpg


Wenger Standard Issue
Stand2.gif


The only difference (other than the maker's stamp on the blade) is that the Victorinox model does not have a shackle like Wenger's.
I have both models and other than the shackle ring, they are built exactly the same.

The commercial models are different. Victorinox handles are a bit longer than Wenger's and the Swiss cross shields are different as are a few implements, like the can opener and scissors (for example). I have used both Wenger and Victorinox models for millions of tasks and I've used them hard. Frankly, to me they are of the same quality. I believe that the reason why Victorinox is better known is mainly because they were around first, and their distribution has been on such a massive scale, that I don't think there is a country in the world, where you cannot find one. Wenger was founded a few years afterwards, however, both companies have been commissioned to provide the Swiss Army with knives and are the only companies that can legitimately bear the Swiss cross on their scales. They are both the real thing.




[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 06-15-2001).]
 
Thanks everyone for your input. Again, I really did run a search on "Wenger" in the Knife Review forum and nothing came up. Perhaps I didn't do it right.

Anyway...thanks for the input.

Cheers all.

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"I'm inuspeptic, frasmotic, even compunctious to have caused you such pericumbobulations."--Mr. E Blackadder (The Artist Formerly Known as Roj Avon)
 
Searches can be inconsistent....

And if we all just read the old stuff, there would be no new stuff, or so little that we would all migrate elsewhere.

I have one Wenger, the one with the aluminum handles and shackle pictured in el cid's post. It is a fine knife, but I have found that their other offerings are not as fine.

I much prefer Victorinox, but do like the one Wenger I have.

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I have both and find the Vic much more "sympathetic". The overall fit and finish is IMHO better.

I wonder if they use the same steel? My Vic stays sharper much longer than the Wenger.

The main supplier for Victorinox steel for pocket knives are; Ugine (France), Krupp/Thyssen (Germany), in smaller quantities also Böhler (Austria) and
Sandvik (Sweden). Bonpertuis is the main supplier for steel for their production of
household and butcher knives.

They are usually heat treated and tempered to about 56 RC. The Wenger feels more like 46
wink.gif


So my choice is obvious: Victorinox all the way!!

aknife.gif


Regards!


 
When I was about 10 I got a "Swiss Army knife" in my stocking at Christmas. It was made in Japan or Korea, marked "Coca-Cola" on the handle, and had horrible fit and finish, joke steel, crudely stamped-out tools, etc. You can imagine, a real POS. A few years later, my grandfather offered to buy me any pocketknife I wanted for my birthday. I chose the Victorinox Explorer. I was amazed at how well-thought-out it was and how nicely finished it was ... a GREAT knife. (Years later some punk stole it out of my college dorm room.) Anyway, right or wrong, when I look at Wenger SAKs I think of my old Coca-Cola knife. That's why I choose Victorinox every time.
 
i tend to prefer wenger over v.nox. wenger has a few features that v.nox can't use because of patent issues. for instance, wenger's screwdriver locks when pressure is applies to prevent it from closing on the hand during use. and the scissors on a wenger are spring-loaded using the backspring of the actual knife, not with a small, thin, additional spring (which tends to wear out, loosen, and even break). wenger scissors also have teeny-tiny serrations that allow them to chomp through materials that v.nox scissors can't handle. i used to cut thick leather with my wenger scissors.
aleX.

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"i flip you... i flip you for real..."

"come and get one in the yarbles, if you've got any yarbles."
 
I'm not sure if Victorinox and Wenger use the same steels or not. I'll have to do a search on that. Either way, I could never be without my SAK's.
 
mnblade, you cannot compare a cheap ripoff to a Wenger. You may like Victorinox over Wenger, but the Swiss are not known to make junk. I enjoy and use both brands, but the fact that I'm partial to Wenger is simply a matter of personal choice.

I agree with alex_111 on the scissors and the screwdriver/cap lifter. The scissors on the Wenger models are sturdier than Victorinox's. They are precision made and are self sharpening. The patented locking feature on the screwdriver/cap lifter is also a definite plus.

[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 06-15-2001).]
 
el cid:
I didn’t mean to infer that Wenger products are of the same low quality of my old cheapo Coke knockoff. I know they’re good knives. It’s just that (as I said, right or wrong) they give me that sinking feeling I got way back when when I held my POS knockoff in one hand and my pal's gen-u-ine Victorinox in the other, comparing the two. Not rational, I know. To each his own and if that means Wengers for someone else, fine by me.
 
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