Corrosion

Corrosion resistance

Both Wenger and Victorinox got special purpose models for maritime environment. On the normal knives the salty air got no influence on a clean and oiled knife. It is important that a knife got oil on the friction parts not only for the friction and functionality but also for protection against corrosion. Oil in the friction parts will prevent corrosion from happening.

It is the same with Victorinox and Wenger knives. There will be no corrosion or rust at all with regular cleaning and oil. I have used a Wenger Ranger and different Victorinox knives in a kayak or at sea. The tools have been fully soaked with saltwater. When home I put the whole tool in fresh water for some time. Then I rinse well and wipe it clean. When it is dry I put some oil on the friction parts that is mentioned in the manuals.

 I can see no signs of corrosion caused by saltwater at all. Never leave any multi-tool or knife in wet condition for storage. Especially saltwater! This is the same with any brand.

Corrosion resistance update

Under normal wet conditions in rain or snow the SAKs got a very good resistance against rust and corrosion.

If you use the saw in wood it can be a good idea to wipe it clean when home because the resin or fluids in the wood may or can cause some very light surface spots of rust or discoloration. If you use the saw for dressing or cutting in animal bone then the tool need cleaning after use also because of the hygiene.

The corrosion resistance and the steel used on the Wenger knives are very good. Over the years I have never seen any problems with them. There is no need to question the abilities on the Delémont knives from Victorinox either. I have mentioned a few times that I believe the Delémont knives are some of the best SAKs on the market today, at the moment. Good stainless steel on versatile and multifunctional knives is a factor I consider very important. Today there are several steel types.

This is my latest Victorinox 130mm RangerGrip Delémont SAK. I got it today in the mail and this is the RangerGrip 61 in green and black, which is a very nice combination. It is a beautiful Swiss Army Knife with superb precision and quality. I have wanted one with this color variation for my collection for some time now. The 61 model is slim and rather lightweight. Still you get a good selection of functions and abilities with this one. This large construction can be used by almost anyone. This is a really cool quality knife.

One thing I have learned to appreciate extra is the corrosion resistance on Swiss knives. Pocket knives and MTs should always have a good selection of Stainless Steel. 

The green shade can be difficult to capture completely on camera. It is a type green with military appearance.

Since it got a corkscrew it is not a pure military knife. This is for everyone and Ranger 130mm knives can for sure be professional outdoors knives. There is no coating or passivation on the functions to increase corrosion abilities or such.

The green is close to what some refer to as OD. It depends on the light. It is a rather dark green. I really like this one.

Good corrosion resistance on the stainless steels is always the best choice. Both former Wenger and Victorinox used and use a good selection of stainless steel. It is a blessing to have such products. They are easy to clean, maintain and use. The reason for why I used the green and black as an example is to write a few more words about stainless steel. Wenger and Victorinox used and use coatings and surface protection on some products depending on what designation. This can typically be found on military MTs and SAKs designated for such use. This can be to make the surface even better against corrosion and to have an appearance less visible too. If you look upon the New Soldier 2008 type which is used by the Swiss Military you see a knife with a regular appearance on the functions. It is a good selection of stainless steel on them. The US use one with black surface on it.

It is not just the functions on SAKs that may need extra protection. On some knives and tools it can be extra anodizing for the aluminium and coatings on such components as well.

14:35

When Wenger made the 130mm category their philosophy was to make professional outdoors SAKs. They really made it work! Victorinox continues this legacy with some changes as you are aware about. No need to write about this I would believe.

As far as I know it is always used a good selection of stainless steel and coatings used to increase this can also have several other factors involved. It can be for saltwater environments and for the extra wear resistance for the surface.