Brass rivets

Victorinox use brass rivets in their Swiss Army Knives and it is almost impossible to pull a SAK apart. The use of bushings is a very strong design.

On the picture you can see the rivets that held a 91mm knife together. This knife has seen rather hard use. Sometimes this knife took much more force than the size and dimensions should take.

Even so the rivets and bushings did not bend or stretch out of position and they are surprisingly straight. There are a few grooves in the brass from the steel functions or implements. This knife was taken apart on purpose. Either the grooves are from sand/dirt or they are from the edges of the hole in the functions because of the twisting when using a screwdriver or other functions.

A Swiss Army Knife got precision and it is a remarkable knife.

SAK research is not easy and requires many hours of study. I know it is interesting to a few people on the construction and dimensions. On my older webpage I mentioned some about this and also here on SAKhome.com.  Why doing research at all? Well it is so that to achieve knowledge you will have to sacrifice time. When it is so joyful and interesting then the time goes fast.

On my picture below is some older information I received from Victorinox many years ago. I am very grateful, and please also remember that the information on the pictures regarding dimensions on the rivets got variations and tolerances depending on year of the manufacture. Anyway what does it tell? When looking on the 111mm liner-locking category you can clearly see a tank construction. There are many factors that explain why it is tough by just using it and looking on the knife and its construction.

It takes some bravery to do research on Swiss Army Knives and to make a webpage. Over years I gathered information from Victorinox, collectors and my own observations. Many more than the few you can see on the picture, which is for inspiration. I hope you can find interest in my hobby that forever is a learning process.

let all of the obstacles be your friend!

The most educating knife in the world is the Swiss Army Knife. The level of advanced production is incredible. The construction and design on them is on the top. You have heard me speaking about elastic region. This can be when opening all the functions at the same time. It is designed for this. It is also regarding the force applied you can use in opposite direction of a locking mechanism. In my research and information from Victorinox we exchanged emails and information. It is a very important factor for the knowledge and understanding about the design and categories too. For example the understanding about why the slide-lock had to be modified and how this category which is a very high quality knife in my opinion is phased out for the stronger liner-locking design. One thing leads to another and the knowledge I gathered gave me a better understanding.

I became aware about the Services Range many years ago. I immediately understood what I had in the hand. SAK knowledge requires a good understanding about the slip-joint mechanism. When you have learned to use a slip-joint then you know how to use a knife properly. This can be a golden rule to have. The constant quality development that I mention from time to time is as the words say a constant development. It is not going in the wrong direction when it comes to sturdy tools when you look at the Services Range! It is not just about the number of models and categories either. No, it is about understanding the SAK. The materials used and why it is made makes a big difference to have in the knowledge base. I learned that Victorinox use a very good quality control from the beginning on the materials, production and on the finished product.  

Last today it is important to once again have some maintenance in mind. They require some from time to time and the reason is to continue to have the precision and comfortable functionality. To have this then you must clean it from time to time. Aggressive substances that Victorinox mention can damage stainless steel, aluminum and materials used. It is very relieving to know that the steel is very easy to sharpen. Some oil on the friction parts is also nice to do. Sand and dirt can be rinsed with running water or by holding it under water moving the parts. I practices with sharpening for a long time so I can get a wicked edge on them. This you can do too! Ballistol is very good for cleaning and flushing knives that got some rust and substances on that is difficult to remover with some soap and water. If you study the materials used on a SAK with liners, rivets, scales and steel then you know what to use and not. The best oil for the friction parts is the Victorinox multi-tool oil. If I use Ballistol on a SAK I remove all of the oil afterwards. Not necessary but I prefer a knife that is without smell. Especially if you have many knives.

There are a few different CyberTool models over the years. It is best known for the bit driver and holder with double sided bits. The stationary Computer could be assembled and disassembled with this SAK alone. Replacing the hard-drive, upgrading the CD-ROM or fixing the main card could be done. Just to mention a few.

Today there are many laptops and computers in small formats which is not the easiest to repair. Many use stationary Computers still so I would expect it to be a very valuable tool in theirs hands. Some say it is a freedom to have a stationary computer because you can upgrade and change cards.

I remember when I first got my hands on a CyberTool many years ago and used it on my stationary I was amazed about the functionality of it. For the evolution on the 91mm these new functions represented something extra interesting. I first saw this at school with a teacher having one for the computer science and assembly. The CyberTool is for electronics, computers and much more. It is an example on a tool that can be a very designated but also fit whatever in front of you. I also used it for assembling furniture that came in a flat package with 500 grams of screws.

There are a few different types with grey plastic housing. Who made these markings?: 8 = 8x magnification. 6= 6x magnification? It got a bit less magnification when i use it!

Most of you are familiar with the magnifier function you find on many Victorinox SAKs. You are probably also aware that Victorinox changed the traditional one for a translucent one with plastic lens. If you jump into sakwiki then you will find some information regarding this. Then they went for a glass lens again with translucent housing. Before all this they used the traditional one that is very sturdy with 8x magnification and glass lens. I actually do not believe 6x magnification is just used today. On the types you see on my picture to the right you can clearly see some numbering. I am not 100% sure Victorinox made these markings. I do know that they marked several things in the production for further study if they came back. 

13:48

I also wondered if it could be the number 9. To me when I test this magnifier it is a bit less. If we only had some sun then I could test it. Hope my eyes does not deceive me:)

On the right you can see a picture I made and talked about before. The economy tang stamp with lines is not the one with markings/numbers on. It just details that i find and look for. What I call production variations. The markings/number R and 6 are examples I find on broken knives by luck:)

The 100mm category by Victorinox got some beautiful tools in the selection. You can find combination of blades and designs for different tasks. The model on the picture to the right is the Budding and Pruning knife 3. On this you find two blades which can be used for Budding and Pruning and it got a special purpose tool called a Bark Lifter. I know some wonder what this strange looking function is. It is also used to sow seeds with by some.

If you got two Phillips screwdrivers on a tool then you have many possibilities. The tip on the can opener can be used as a flat Phillips screwdriver too as you know. Three possibilities can be formidable. The services range got a strong construction with powerful springs. They are not difficult to open besides that they are hidden under the pliers and scissors. The services range or 111mm liner lock category is strong. 

13:11 The WorkChamp is my latest model and I must say it is very impressive. I have looked over it many times with a magnifier glass and it got 100% precision. This is one of the reasons for why I collect and study SAKs. Quality, functionality and precision with knives are extra important. Corrosion resistance is a factor I hold very high for SAKs.