Fishing theme

Here are some interesting Wenger knives with icons on the scales. The Sportsman presentation line of knives that Wenger introduced from 1977 got many variations and Sportsmen knives were part of the history a long time before 1977 as well.  

On the picture are knives from 1980 until 2011. The number on the knives with the trout icon is referred to as the Fly Fisherman by collectors. The number is 1.19.25 usually. There are variations out there. The icon today is a bit changed and first time seen on the Classic line of Wenger knives after the mid 2005 history with the Classic 1.19.29 Fisherman 19. Let me know if before. The Evolution knife with the fish on the scale is named Evolution Fisherman 19 and sometimes Evolution Sport Fisherman 19. The number is   1 19 29 300. This knife got both tweezers and toothpick. The 1.19.25 usually only got tweezers.

The tool configuration is the same and the functions fit well with a fish theme. The flat phillips is interesting and it does work well.

It is very important to have in mind the knives with different symbols and icons. The use of evolution scales and the modern construction brought new life to this line of knives. The Evolution Fisherman 19 is a bit more universal in the design but no doubt that it is easy to identify it with a fish interest or hobby.  Symbols or advertisings on Swiss Army Knives got an incredible number of different aspects. The use of a fish symbol is much more firm because it enhances the sportsmen knives impression a great deal in a very positive way. SAKs are very much sportsmen knives. The outdoors image is a heavy aspect used by Wenger because it is the roots of a philosophy. I can only see positive factors in the Evolution Fisherman for a user or collector. Sadly Wenger knives are no longer made.

The Evolution brought new life to this line of knives!

The Wenger Skier is a famous model with the scraping tool made of a tough plastic. According to my information it was developed to be a functional tool for tasks with skis. The additional functions on this 85mm SAK could be used for maintenance and tasks in the outdoors. The skier icon gives a very strong hint towards the intended use. On the picture you can also see a Norwegian Kongsberg Bergans fixed blade with some age. The spine or back on this got an angle that could be used for the same things. According to what I know and been told this angle with a type of edge was used for other tasks as well. One could always use the knife edge but I would believe this could damage the equipment too if care was not taken. On the picture below you can see the Victorinox fish scaler with hook disgorger which was made to avoid damage to the skin of the fish. If you check out my fish shell scraper page you will find further pictures and information.  For sure you will see some on the pictures above on the Fisherman SAK too.

I recommend checking out Sakwiki about the different Skier models. You will also find one with metal file and so on. I will not go into why they both are referred to Skier. Usually it is the one with metal file that is the Skier. That said I have seen both with similar name. I do not have the answer for it. Basically what is important is that they are made for situations around snow, skiers and things around this. I believe it is the icon and the special tool for scraping wax and such tasks that represents the designation the best. I have some without the metal file so maybe tomorrow I can show some more on it.  

21:53 

Just joking, lol. I have one with metal file too...Talk tomorrow!

Here in Norway the model without metal file was called “skiløper” which also means skier. I would believe it makes a difference between them because the metal file can be important for some tasks there. The picture today is just a random placed selection and details. You can see another Bergans that is not so old and the spine angle I mentioned. Both got this angle but the older one got a more distinct scraper. The Skier with the metal file/saw got some age and it is one that must have been used rather much. I got it from a very good friend and it’s been an educational SAK. I have placed on a super sharp edge on it. This SAK could probably be used just as much again. This and another one in have seen use. These I used for educational purposes and they are very welcome in my collection.

I got a couple more 85mm with the Skier icon. The ones on the picture are late 70s-early 1990s. Equipment changes over time from wood to plastic and super component materials for skis. The same is the binding or the method for attaching the shoes on them. Lucky for me I know exactly what Nato Planks are and I did not like them and for sure the Skier models would be smart to have.

09:36

There are differences on the icons too with embossed and the printed types. The older ones got a darker plastic material on the scraper.