COLLECTION: Victorinox Mechanic 91mm (1990s)

The Victorinox Mechanic is a three-layer SAK which is a Tinker with a pliers layer.  This is one of the thinnest Victorinox model with pliers included in the tool set.

The early pliers did not have a crimper.  After 1995, Victorinox included a crimper near the pivot point of the pliers to make it more useful as an all around tool.  The spring is a leaf-spring type design which is the same as the scissors.

Early release of the pliers did not include a crimper

Later half of the 1990s featured pliers with the crimper which is still in used today

References:
Victorinox 1990s Catalog
Victorinox 2001 Catalog
www.sakwiki.com
SAAM's 91mm Tool Evolution

COLLECTION: Victorinox Classic iamninoy iamcory Limited Edition 58mm (2010s)

Today marks the 29th anniversary of People Power Revolution (also known EDSA Revolution).  This post is a tribute to all the regular people who braved the street known as EDSA and the iconic personalities to overthrow an oppressive government.

In 2010 Victorinox, in partnership with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation,  released a limited edition yellow classic.  It is a Classic with yellow cellidor scales printed with the portraits of Cory and Ninoy Aquino in the front scale and in the back, the iconic Ninoy Aquino eye glasses with the iamninoy iamcory inscription.  It also has a special yellow box.

Ninoy and Cory Aquino were two of the most respected and celebrated leaders of our country, the Philippines.  Their eldest son, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is currently the incumbent (15th) President of the Philippines.

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino II was a senator during the 1960s and 1970s and was a constant critic of the Marcos regime.  He was arrested when Martial Law was established in 1972.  Following a heart attack, he was permitted to travel to the United States for medical treatment.  After recuperating, he toured America; attending symposiums, lectures, and giving speeches in freedom rallies opposing the Marcos dictatorship. He decided to go back to the Philippines knowing fully well what can happen.  He was assassinated at the Manila International Airport in 1983 upon returning from his self-imposed exile. His death catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, into the political limelight, and prompted her to run for President as member of the UNIDO party in the 1986 snap elections.  This turn of events ended the 21 year-Marcos regime after the EDSA People Power (peaceful) Revolution on February 1986.

Corazon "Cory" Aquino was Ninoy's widow and run against Ferdinand Marcos for the Philippine Presidency in the 1986 snap elections.  The elections declared Ferdinand Marcos was the winner but widespread cheating prompted Filipinos to revolt on February 1986 and was known as the EDSA People Power Revolution, a peaceful revolution (without bloodshed) that resulted to the forced departure of Marcos and establishment of a new government and constitution led by Cory Aquino.

References:
http://www.ninoyaquino.ph/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benigno_Aquino,_Jr.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corazon_Aquino

Bonus: watch great videos of Ninoy's speeches at www.youtube.com/NinoyAquinoTV

COLLECTION: Wenger Evo 81 65mm (2000s)

The Wenger Evo 81 is the Esquire with Evo ergonomic scales.  The Evolution series was released in 2005 when most of the popular Wenger models were given an ergonomic scales make-over and released with Evo names.

This model feels beefier than the normal Esquire model.  I think the bulkiness of the scales would have been put to better use by including an LED built into the scale like the Microlight Esquire. Another idea for Victorinox in their new delemont line.

From the 2005/2006 Wenger catalog

Reference:
Wenger 2005/2006 Catalog

COLLECTION: Victorinox Cadet Five Colors Limited Edition 84mm (2010s)

This is my Victorinox Alox Cadet Five Colors Limited Edition.  This limited edition set was released last 2012.  These are still available for purchase in the normal distribution channels albeit running in low stocks.

This set is composed of the ff:
Black - VIC-0.2600.L1223
Blue - VIC-0.2600.L1222
Orange - VIC-0.2600.L1229
Red - VIC-0.2600.L1221
Silver - VIC-0.2600.L1226


These Alox Cadets doesn't have a key ring attachment point.  Each cadet comes with a tan-coloured cow hide pouch with a Victorinox logo on the flap and a special presentation box.  A must have for any Alox Cadet collectors!

References:
www.sakwiki.com

Swiss Army Knives Collectors Facebook Group - 1000 Member Milestone!

We've reached a great milestone!  We are now 1000 members and growing fast! If you're interested in Swiss Army Knives in general, have a question or want to start a collection, head on over to our Facebook page - Swiss Army Knives Collectors Group.

You'll find good people who are only keen to help you out and share our love and passion for this great little toolbox that fits in our pockets - Swiss Army Knife!

COLLECTION: Wenger EvoWood 10 85mm (2000s)

This is a follow-up post for my previous Wenger Evo 10. Wenger released different versions of their popular 85mm Commander model and EvoWood was one of them.  It is essentially an Evo 10 but the scales are made out of natural Walnut which was sourced out from wastes of other production processes which make it highly sustainable and eco-friendly.  The scales have a dark stain to bring out the individual natural grains of the wood to make each knife unique.

References:
http://www.wengerna.com/evowood-11-16386

Victorinox Flagship Store - London

When my friend went to London last year, I asked him to visit the Victorinox flagship store in London and he took some photos. The Flagship store is located in New Bond Street, London.

One of the special things you can do in a Victorinox Flagship store is to assemble your own Spartan knife.  This is the work table with the assembly jig and various parts.

58mm displays the current models on offer.

Flagship Store models

Great watches

Large Victorinox models

Carl Elsner Limited Edition

New Delemont Collection

There's a section for Victorinox kitchen knives as well.

Photos by Angelito Calma.