Wenger evolution
Information found on this page comes from dozens of places and people including Wenger emails, Victorinox emails, manuals, catalogues,
people, collectors, enthusiasts, me, forums and several others.
My favorite Wenger time is 1970 and up. The dates are only to give a certain view.
The year 1975 is very special with Wenger knives and evolution. I may change the dates if I find better dates.
1960s early 1960s we see the precision
magnifyer with screwdriver
1962 the soldier knife (model 1961) with red aluminium handles was delivered the first time to the Swiss Army in June 1962. However, there was no shipment to the Swiss
Army by Victorinox in 1960 and 1961 whereas Wenger produced the former model during these two years. (History, cooporation between Victorinox and Wenger for the 1961 type Soldier 1960-1963 with parts)
1963 Richard Eichenberger can opener
1964 Max Oertli can opener
1971 New nail
file patent
1971/73 Special patent show the old construction of a VIP body knife. Also interesting is the shape of the scissors. The construction knife patented in 1973.
1973 The new nail file from 1971 with spark surface, looks like today.
1973-1976 New can opener almost like today
1975 Universal wrench
1975 is a date to have in mind on the evolution. This is a so far a date when we see a much more modern knife. Have in mind this date on the bail and the new type with
a chain + ring
1975/77 Can opener and flat screwdriver change the sides.
1975 New scissors with integrated lever mechanism
1976 Skier scraper tool and inline Phillips
1976 Emblem change
1976 Scale attaching
change. From this date may be the first time we see the special attachings type with 3 attachings from the aluminum liner into the plastic scales. This is easy to see inside the body of the knife. This was used for a long time up until the early 2000s
from my info. Hidden press fit scales is not new with Wenger, they used this at different times in history. There are variations on the 3 attachings type too. It was mentioned that it may be early 70s invention and i have put this at 1976 but i would not be
surprised if it is early 70s. There are so many changes in the mid 70s that it is difficult to be 100%
1975 Embossed icons
1975-1988 Embossed
icons after this pad print. One may find embossed icons later than 1988.
1976 Flat phillips screwdriver in the place of the nail file. Usually seen on knives from 1980 and up.
1975/76 Change in the main knife blade shape
1976/77 Change in the grind of the scissors
1978/79
Corkscrew change from 5 loops to 4 loops
1978/79 Change in the crossbow stamp on the tang. The crossbow get a slightly different looks. Be aware that the old stamp reappears in the early 80s on some
knives. Or used together in the production.
1979 Packlock
1979/80 Interlock on 65mm
1982 Patented locking push mechanism on the flat screwdriver with cap opener and cable tool.
1982 On a Wenger Professional with a 1982 stamped blade the emblem is pad printed or similar done.
White paint color.
1984 Orienting tool compass
1985 The fish-shell scraper hook disgorger is magnetic on some but after this date it seems
the use of a magnetic hook disgorger is discontinued or more rare. The magnetism will fade in time.
1986 Plier with integrated lever or spring mechanism
1986 Larger embossed backpacker icon
1988 W or 3 knife logo on the backside of the blade
1988 Long can opener
1988 Emblem change
1988 Push locking mechanism for the inline Phillips screwdriver
1988
my so far known date on the line guide on the fish shell scraper. Or i can say that after this date on it is usually on this tool. One can see this on the changing on the knives with embossed icons that late 80s is also a time with changes and functions that
got interim selection of tools.
1988 The fish-shell scraper hook disgorger notch is changed to a smaller notch. I would put the line guide and notch change some together. In the time 1988-1990.
1988 It is my belief that the change with a line guide and notch on the fish-shell scraper was to improve the functionalty. To stop using the magnetic tip and to use a smaller notch is not negative because
the line guide can be used to pick up a hook inside a fish after pushed free with the tip notch. It is my belief that the problem with pulling out a hook from a fish is more easy with the line guide. The line guide itself can be used for distributing the line
on a device to avoid clumping or finger burns.
1989 this could be the earliest new grind on the flat screwdriver with cap opener. One side grind tip part.
1988/89 The awl grind and it get noticeable more blunt. The awl during most of the 80s have a sharp tip. The awl today is even more blunt.
1989 Earlies i know on the new cut notches
on the universal wrench. Be aware that this tool got many variations in history. Usually after 1989 we see the more larger notches on this tool. This improved this function, i have seen knives after this date with the smaller notches.
1990 Nail file field "spark" type shorther field
1990s. Early 1990s a change in the spring mechanism. One can see on the backside of the SAK that the springs are on level
with the liners.
1990s early 1990s the new cut wood saw
1996 According to patent applications: a change in the emblem and production method.
Publication date is the year 2000.
2004 Patent application mention the fabric cutter function.
2004 Evolution and new emblem, it is an
inlay.
2004 The nail file field change side.
2013 Incorporated into the Victorinox Brand