SwissTools

The Victorinox SwissTool was introduced in 1997 and it is a real success product. It is still probably one of the best multitools in the world.

I have used a Standard SwissTool for many years and it is still in very good condition. It is a large and solid made tool for all kinds of tasks. The black oxide model is used by military and other services.

The black oxide layer will give a small additional protection against corrosion. The main purpose of this layer is to make it less shiny. This oxide layer will wear off in time.

There is already much information on the evolution and modifications and variations done on the SwissTools on the internet so I will not go into the details.

The Standard SwissTool got two blades with one plain edge and one wavy edge. The X model got a scissor that is handy. In 2004 Victorinox introduced a Spirit model. This 105mm category is different in design and it got a more ergonomic handle. Compared to the normal 115mm category is still large enough. The scissors on the Spirit is different with a different spring mechanism. It is solid made.

There are many different variations and different designs for collectors and enthusiasts that you can find on these tools.

A multitool is a great invention and it fit into the modern world needs and it fit everywhere. Victorinox also made it with a bit set and key. Some models got the special Ratchet tool that is a very interesting invention of miniature products.

A multitool with additional bits is a formidable combination because you can custom make your set for special purpose or safety. Today one may find all kinds of bits and additional functions for a key or ratchet.

I have had my SwissTool and Ratchet with me many places and one time I even assembled a roof gutter with it. The bolts and nuts needed to be held with the plier on one side and turned together with the Ratchet on the other.

I have assembled parts of a fence with this tool as well and used it for all kinds of different tasks.

Separate Victorinox corkscrew!

Here are original boxes and Victorinox sheaths for the tools. The leather sheaths are very well made and durable. One time i ran passed a corner and i hooked the sheath on a metal device. It did break.

The standard bit set and key on a plus model.

Here you can see SwissTools with black oxide that is worn. I just feel they look even better when the layer is worn.

Black oxide:

Bluing (black oxide or blackening) is a passivation process and is named after the blue-black appearance of the resulting protective finish. It is used to add mild corrosion resistance and for appearance. One of its advantages over other coatings is its minimal buildup. Bluing, being a chemical conversion coating, is not as robust against wear as plated coatings, and is typically no thicker than 2.5 micrometres (0.0001 inches). The Victorinox blackening process is appropriate for stainless and high alloy steel.

Victorinox Swisstools are used by the army in Norway and in international operations. There are different sheaths for them including a nylon type edition. You may also find the tools with engravings and numbers.

if you should find a SwissTool with a bronze like color on the plier or plier structure then do not wonder since it is not negative for the quality:

"Some batches have to be hardened and annealed at a different temperature. This is responsible for the bronze colour. It does not affect the quality of the pliers"

 This is a combination that is very smart!

The steel and construction on a SwissTool plier is strong no matter what variation. It is important for a plier to be able to take harder use. The SwissTool plier is one of the few in the world that never or very rarely break. The Steel can take punishment from the edges of bolts and takes a strong grip.

The multitool is the modern knife and with the industrial and technological revolution the knife changed form into the multifunction pocketknives and finally the tool we see today.

Pliers are also absolutely not a new invention because it dates back to ancient times and in many forms.

Today we can use an incredible history in one package. The knife, pliers, saw and file are very old inventions. What about the awl? How old is it? I do not know or I do not believe anybody can say for sure.

Just imagine the awl for example and in prehistoric times when humans made a hole in a material to sew or hunt.

The tools today are modified in shape and materials but they are the result of the evolution that started a long time before the 1800s that is for sure.

The multitool is prehistoric and super modern at the same time. To show a flint knife side by side with the tool today very elegantly show the human evolution and how important the knife has been for the human history.

I believe we must not forget that the Stone Age people used many materials found in the nature and from animals to cut, saw, puncture, groom and file with. I am always surprised when archeologists speak about all these things.