Wenger's closing; which memento SAK should I buy?

T

Tallahassee

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I see that Wenger, the 'other' official maker of Swiss Army Knives, has been acquired by Victorinox and the Wenger SAK knife operation will be shut down by 2014.

I'm a big Victorinox fan and have several Vic SAKs, including a Vic Champ for EDC. But I don't own any Wenger's and I'm not really that familiar with their range of models, past or present.

So Wenger enthusiasts, this thread is to ask your opinions.
I'd like to buy one Wenger as a 'memento' for my collection to acknowledge their passing. Which Wenger model do you consider 'iconic' and distinctive enough to buy? New or used, past or present? (eBay makes all things possible.)

Let the nominations and favorites begin.
 
The Soldier is their most iconic model. The Teton is a classic too.

I'm likely to collect a few more of their knives as well. I'll be focusing on unique or original models, the models most unlike Victorinox's lineup. And of course I'll be focusing on whatever shows up on closeout.

I'd really like to get one of their Blackout models, and a Realtree example.
 
The Soldier SI (Standart Issue) should be one of best pattern, ever made by Wenger - IMO. I got one for some years ago and was lucky enough to get one originally packed (which will stayed packed for collectors value).
 
I'm interested in picking up some Wenger SAKs as well. I've never owned one, and would like to pick some up before they become more rare and collectable.
 
Standard Issue:

20130522_145819_zps39e3c1ad.jpg
 
A pretty new lineup of Wenger Knives was the EvoWood series. They have nicely made and stabilized walnut-wood handle scales and make a pretty traditional look on the knives :)

EDIT: Larson, that´s the Soldier SI I´ve mentioned above. An absolutely great knife! It will be a pitty not knowing them in future...
 
The EvoWood series is pretty great, and the RangerWood is amazing. However, the Soldier/Soldat is really the iconic Wenger SAK, and I was fortunate enough to pick one up not too long ago.

They're a little hard to find, but there's a new one up on the auction site.
 
Iconic --- of current production, the Commander or Highlander. Same knife excepting Highlander has toothpick and tweezer.
 
I am planning on picking up a SI, and have been for a while. This whole closing thing makes me want to buy one extra and keep it packaged. The SI looks every bit as handy as the Vic Cadet, but with aluminum handles and an awl
 
The Cadet has aluminum handles... And the SI is more capable, as it's a 93mm model with more robust implements all around.
 
Bob W said:
The Soldier is their most iconic model. The Teton is a classic too.

I'm likely to collect a few more of their knives as well. I'll be focusing on unique or original models, the models most unlike Victorinox's lineup. And of course I'll be focusing on whatever shows up on closeout.

I'd really like to get one of their Blackout models, and a Realtree example.
Click to expand...

I would love to get another Teton but they are soooooo scarce! I had a serrated one but gave it away. :)
 
I've been wanting to pick up a Wenger or two before they're gone. I really want an Evogrip 10 Blackout, but the locking blade Evogrip's are neat, too. The Standard Issue is also on the short list. The Ranger has a really cool lock mechanism that is appealing to me as well. Decisions decisions...
 
Some good suggestions. I had no idea their Blackout line existed.

I have never owned a locking SAK blade but have often wished for that feature. I'm going to have to pick one up, mostly for camping & bushcraft use.

I'd like to find a lockable with straight blade, saw, awl, scissors, mag glass and maybe an additional serrated blade...never owned a serrated SAK. Is there a Wenger model that offers that combo? Again, I'd want this for camping/backpacking.
 
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Just ordered this one. Wenger Evolution S-111

41fVkn9HNVL._SX300_.jpg


Locking 2.5" spearpoint main blade and 1.65" clip blade. 1.9 oz. Best of all 25 bucks new and shipped.
 
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well, obviously there is only one choice: the white elephant that (partially) put them out of business in the first place: their Swiss Army Stapler. Apparently it is a nifty little device, though it uses non- standard size staples.
that guy is a little hard to find and expensive,
my vote is an EVO 52, because it incorporates all the design innovations unique to Wenger: The pressure locking screwdriver/caplifter; the self-sharpening scissors with backspring supported spring; the wire-cutting pliers; locking blade
 
I'm looking at the Evo line. I hadn't known about the Swiss Army Stapler; it sounds like a Saturday Night Live routine (anyone remember the Scotch Tape Boutique?). Nonstandard staples can't have helped.
 
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