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.