The knife was one of the very first tools of Homo sapiens. Over many centuries, many different models have been created, specialized for different purposes from the task. The multitool knife is one of the most original options. Its versatility does not leave consumers indifferent. It is interesting not only as a tool, but also as an object for collecting.
Story
Victorinox multitool knife is, without a doubt, the product of the most famous brand in the world. The history of the company began in the eighteenth century, it was created in 1884. Her inspiration was the Swiss Karl Elsener. To do his favorite thing - making knives, he studied first in Paris, then in Southern Germany.
In the city of Ibach (region Schwyz), he brought together twenty-five craftsmen-cutters to organize the production of soldier folding knives for the Swiss army. Already then, in addition to the usual blade, the products were equipped with a screwdriver, awl and opener. Despite the high quality, they could not compete with the German samples - the products were simply more expensive than the German ones, and the masters refused to participate in the project.
Elsener did not give up his favorite business and in 1897 he patented an officer sports knife. Prior to this, models such as student, farm, cadet knives were created, but it was the officer who brought him to the world market. He was smaller than the soldier and was equipped with six tools (a small blade and a corkscrew were added).
Since 1908, two companies, Wenger and Victorinox, on equal terms receive government orders for the production of knives for the Swiss army and enjoy the right to place state symbols on them - a cross on the shield.
Quality
The multifunctional knife gained its fame not only due to the incredible options for a set of tools. No wonder all the knives the company gives a lifetime warranty. Product quality:
- Blades are made of special stainless steel. Normalized additives and modern technologies provide elasticity, the ability to "hold" sharpening and hardness of the metal. Steel is only German or French.
- For various tools use specific grades of steel with different hardness:
- file for nails, scissors - RC 53;
- awl, opener - RC 52;
- springs, corkscrew - RC 49.
- Locking springs are individually adjustable. The task is to provide easy opening and closing of each tool and securely lock it in working condition. Efforts can vary five times.
- To lighten the weight, the gaskets for separating the tools are made of aluminum alloy. Until 1951, silver-nickel alloy was used.
- The most stringent control over the quality of assembly is provided by 10% of the total number of workers in production. They test each product manually, although most of the assembly (several hundred operations) is automated.
The company produces seventy-seven thousand pieces of various blades daily, 90% go for export.
Samples
The company has developed and produces many models:
- The multitool knife for the Swiss army can have from 1 to 8 functions in different versions:
- blade;
- can-opener;
- opener;
- corkscrew:
- saw for metal ;
- saw on wood;
- pliers;
- wire cutters;
- ruler;
- wire stripping tool;
- wrench;
- scissors;
- different types of screwdrivers ;
- wavy blade;
- file;
- sometimes a hoof hook.
He is very popular outside the army. Dimensions are 91-84 mm (closed).
- Models for the armies of other countries. Deliveries go to Germany, at a knife design is a little changed, an ergonomic handle. Set of functions - depending on the order.
- The rescue service received a special development, where in addition to the usual set of tools there is a device that can break the glass of the car. Additionally, a saw that can cut triplex and a sling cutter is built-in. The sides of the handle are made of bright yellow plastic, glowing in the dark.
- Multitool knife - “Swiss card”. The tool kit is packaged in a flat case. The kit includes a small blade, tweezers, nail scissors,
- Products for tourists and hunters. Such a tool is indispensable in hiking. With it, you can easily set up camp, butcher small game and more.
Features
Folding multitool knives are designed to perform a lot of operations. There are several characteristics that a good knife should have:
- A reliable clamp. When pressed, the tool should not fold in your hand.
- Reliable quality pliers. They should combine three options: pliers with a notch, pliers and side cutters.
- The presence of diverse screwdrivers: curly and flat with a reliable hard tip that does not break off when pressed hard.
- The multitool knife is designed to be worn in a pocket or on a belt. A flat profile, the absence of protruding parts, a small size (without loss of functionality) - this is the basis of comfort during daily wear.
Fancy options
The developers offer amazing models in the form of trinkets, bracelets, cards, hairpins:
- Small items that fit in the palm of your hand, but at the same time consist of 19 complete tools. They can be worn as a keychain.
- A multifunctional knife, built into the buckle of trousers, can be a wrench, a bottle opener, a screwdriver (cross and flat).
- An interesting model with 17 nozzles, and they can be assembled independently in the desired configuration. All tools are removable.
- A modern modification built into the protective cover of a mobile phone. Tools (8 to 12) are made of stainless steel, and the case itself is made of polycarbonate.