Common Swiss Army Knife Questions and Answers
Swiss Army Knife 101
How are Swiss Army Knives Made?
Victorinox Swiss Army Knives are made in a state-of-the-art factory in Ibach, Switzerland. While the modern equipment is capable of making 45,000 pocket knives per day, each knife also requires a human touch and manual processes.
Swiss Army Knife blades are now made of 95% recycled stainless steel. This steel, which begins its journey in the Victorinox factory in large rolls, is first stamped into the familiar overall shape of a Swiss Army Knife blade. These blades are then rounded and polished using abrasive pyramidal ceramic stones.
They are then ground to the perfect sharpness within 200th of a mm of accuracy. Next, the blades are stamped on the tangs with “Victorinox Swiss Made Stainless”, Victorinox’s seal of authenticity. Once shaped and stamped, the blades pass through a large oven heated to 1,050 degrees Celsius (1922 degrees Fahrenheit). This hardens the blades and ensures sharpness and accuracy. Finally, each blade is precision ground to the ideal sharpness by hand.
There are over 400 models of Swiss Army Knives with a total of over 80 possible functions, and each tool is created with precision and attention to detail.
The iconic red Victorinox Swiss Army Knife scales are made from small red pellets injection molded into the famous handle shape. Each scale is made of 8 grams of pellets, and each one is marked with the Victorinox cross and shield logo.
Assembling all these pieces to create the finished Swiss Army Knives is the final step. Using an assortment of the 1,000 assembly parts stocked in the Ibach factory, each Swiss Army Knife is built layer by layer, using pins, spacers and implements to fill each layer between the famous red scales, and to ensure each tool snaps firmly into place for years to come.
Finally, once all the internal components are stacked, the handle scales are pressed into place, the toothpick and tweezers are inserted, and the key ring added.
A final inspection of each and every knife is the final step before packaging and shipping.
What Tools Does a Swiss Army Knife Have?
Swiss Army Knives have a wide variety of tools. There are over 400 models, and there are over 80 different implements.
The most common and popular tools on a Swiss Army Knife include the iconic knife blade, screwdrivers, can openers, bottle openers, toothpicks, tweezers.
The Victorinox Classic SD keychain-size Swiss Army Knife is only 2.28 inches in length, and includes a small blade, scissors, a nail file with a screwdriver tip, a toothpick, tweezers, and a key ring.
One of the larger Swiss Army Knives, the SwissChamp, which is 3.58 inches long, has 33 functions, including some unique tools such as a magnifying lens, pliers, a fish scaler, a wood saw, and more.
As Swiss Knife Shop carries every knife made by Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss Army knife, you can use the tool finder filters on the left side of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collection our site to explore the many Swiss Army Knife tool options.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/shop-all-swiss-army-knives
How Do You Tell if a Swiss Army Knife is Real?
You can tell if a Swiss Army Knife is real by looking for the brand stamp at the base (or tang) of the main blade, and by examining the logo on the handle (or scale) on one side of the knife.
Blade Stamps:
Victorinox is currently the only manufacturer of genuine Swiss Army Knives. Their stamp of authenticity has changed over time, so the stamp on the blade will differ depending on the age of your Swiss Army Knife.
Since 2005, the stamping on the main blade of real Swiss Army Knives by Victorinox has read: VICTORINOX
SWISS MADE
STAINLESS
Since 2014, the stamping on the main blade of certain models of real Swiss Army Knives by Victorinox has read:
VICTORINOX
SWISS MADE
DELEMONT
Prior to 2014, real Swiss Army Knives were also made by Wenger. (Wenger has since been sold to Victorinox, and Wenger knives are no longer manufactured under the Wenger name.)
Real Wenger Swiss Army Knives are stamped with “Wenger Delemont Switzerland Stainless” on the base of the blade.
Handle Emblems:
All Victorinox Swiss Army Knives will have the iconic Victorinox “Cross and Shield” emblem on one of the handles. While this is inlaid into the handles on many of the traditional red models, it can sometimes be printed on the handle for some of the patterned handles or handles made from other materials.
All Wenger Swiss Army Knives will have the iconic Wenger logo, which is a square with rounded corners around a bold cross.
It is important to note that only Victorinox and Wenger have held the registered trademark for genuine Swiss Army Knives.
Swiss Knife Shop carries the complete line of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
When was the Swiss Army Knife Invented?
Karl Elsener, a Swiss cutler, opened his workshop in Ibach, Swizerland in 1884 and was focused on making kitchen cutlery. An innovative man, Karl branched out beyond traditional cutlery and provided the Swiss Army with the first major supply of soldier’s knives in 1891.
In 1897, Elsener patented the Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife, which gave rise to the now iconic Swiss Army Knife.
To this day, Elsener’s company, still run by his descendants and now known as Victorinox in honor of his mother, makes Swiss Army Knives at the same address where it all started in Ibach, Switzerland.
Swiss Knife Shop carries the complete line of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
Why Get a Swiss Army Knife?
A Swiss Army Knife is essentially a pocket-sized toolbox. Made in Ibach, Switzerland to exacting standards, Victorinox Swiss Army Knives boast high-quality tools and implements made of exceptional stainless steel. Each Swiss Army Knife is individually tested before being packaged at the Victorinox factory, ensuring it is up to a long life of performance. If anything were to happen to your knife, it is proudly backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
There are many models of Swiss Army Knives, so you can find the perfect knife size and tool set for your needs at a reasonable price point.
Swiss Knife Shop carries the complete line of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
How Does a Swiss Army Knife Work?
A Swiss Army Knife is built in distinct and precisely constructed layers of tools and implements, each of which can be opened and accessed with a pivot point mechanism. There are over 80 implements available in modern Swiss Army Knives, including screwdrivers, saw blades, scissors, knife blades and more.
Find the perfect Swiss Army Knife for you at Swiss Knife Shop.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
Finding the Right Swiss Army Knife
What Swiss Army Knife do I Have?
The first step in identifying your Swiss Army Knife is determining the brand. If it is genuine Swiss Army Knife, the base, or tang, of the main blade will be stamped with the brand name of either “Wenger” or “Victorinox.”
The next step would be measuring the length of the handles from end to end when all of the tools are closed. There are standard sizes for Swiss Army Knives, such as the standard 3.58 inch knives, or the keychain sized 2.28 inch knives, and learning your knife’s size will narrow down the search significantly.
Finally, the model can be determined by opening each implement on the Swiss Army Knife to determine which implements are included on your knife.
As Swiss Knife Shop carries every knife made by Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss Army knife, you can use the tool finder filters on the left side of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collection our site to sort quickly through the hundreds of available Swiss Army Knife models and identify exactly which one you have.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/shop-all-swiss-army-knives
If you are still stumped, please feel free to reach out to the customer support team at Swiss Knife Shop (customer.service@swissknifeshop.com or 866-438-7947) and let our team of Swiss Army Knife experts help you determine which Swiss Army Knife you have.
Which Swiss Army Knife has a Can Opener?
The can opener is a common implement on the Swiss Army Knife. It is included on many of the larger models, including those 84 mm, 91 mm and 111 mm in length (when closed).
A few of the most popular models of Swiss Army Knives with can openers include the Tinker, the Fieldmaster, the SwissChamp, the Camper and the Climber.
For a complete list of Swiss Army Knives with can openers, please visit Swiss Knife Shop’s Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collection and select “Can Opener” in the tool finder to the left of the page.
As Swiss Knife Shop carries every model of Victorinox Swiss Army Knife available in the US, this filter will bring up over 100 options so you can find the best can opener Swiss Army Knife for your adventures.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/shop-all-swiss-army-knives
Which Swiss Army Knife Should I Get?
There are literally hundreds of Swiss Army Knife models to choose from, but selecting the right one for you doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Swiss Army Knives can be divided up by size, style, and the tools you need for your projects, hobbies or everyday adventures.
Swiss Knife Shop offers all the Swiss Army Knife models available in the United States, and our collections sorted by size, use and design as well as our Tool Finder filters can help you narrow down the whole selection to determine exactly the right pocket tool for you.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
If you would like some help finding the Swiss Army Knife you should get, please feel free to reach out to the customer support team at Swiss Knife Shop (customer.service@swissknifeshop.com or 866-438-7947) and let our team of Swiss Army Knife experts help.
Which Swiss Army Knife is Best for Whittling?
While almost any mid-sized Swiss Army Knife is great for whittling, the Fieldmaster and the Huntsman are two of our favorite choices. They both have the Victorinox large blade that cuts easily and cleanly through the wood, as well a small blade for detail work, a wood saw for cutting small branches and pieces of wood, and scissors for cutting and shaping wood, as well.
Swiss Knife Shop also offers three books with whittling projects and how-to.
Visit our complete Whittling Collection of knives and books
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/whittling-knives-and-books
To learn more about whittling, please read our Cutting Edge Blog article:
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/blogs/the-cutting-edge/what-is-whittling
Where to Get a Swiss Army Knife?
Swiss Knife Shop sells every Swiss Army Knife model available in the United States, and our collections sorted by size, use and design as well as our Tool Finder filters can help you narrow down the whole selection to determine exactly the right pocket tool for you.
Also available at Swiss Knife Shop is a wide variety of kitchen cutlery by Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss Army Knife.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
What Swiss Army Knife did MacGyver Use?
Throughout the many episodes of MacGyver, he was often seen using a Swiss Army Knife to wriggle out of a sticky situation or save the day. His favorite models were the Tinker and the Recruit. He also used the Small Tinker, Camper, Climber and Spartan frequently. Other Swiss Army Knives that MacGyver pressed into service, though less frequently, include the Fisherman, Mountaineer, Huntsman, Sportsman, Super Tinker, Picknicker, Spartan Hardwood, Adventurer, Compact and Hiker.
Not all of the Swiss Army Knives MacGyver used are still in production. Some of the retired models he employed include the Handyman, Golfer, Pocketmate and Classic 11 by Wenger, as well as the Executive by Victorinox.
Shop Swiss Knife Shop’s collection of MacGyver’s Swiss Army Knives:
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/macgyvers-swiss-army-knives
What Swiss Army Knife Has the Most Tools?
The Victorinox SwissChamp XXL Swiss Army Knife has 73 functions built in. It is the currently available model of Swiss Army Knife with the most features.
The SwissChamp XXL is available at Swiss Knife Shop: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/products/swisschamp-xxl-swiss-army-knife
In the past, Wenger Swiss Army made the Giant, which included every implement made by Wenger at the time. The Giant, no longer available, had an astonishing 141 functions. The Giant was initially created by Wenger as a display model for a trade show to showcase every function made by the company at that time. The Wenger employees at the show received so many inquiries from people interested in purchasing the Giant, that it eventually went into production as a Swiss Army Knife available for purchase.
Shop all Swiss Army Knives, from those with the most tools to those with the fewest at Swiss Knife Shop.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knives-by-victorinox
Which Swiss Army Knife has a Pen?
There are two types of pens included in Swiss Army Knives. The smaller knives, such as the Signature, have a retractable pen that slides to extend out from the handle for jotting quick notes. The handle of the Swiss Army Knife doubles as the handle for the pen.
The larger models of Swiss Army Knife with a pen, such as the SwissChamp, include a pen that slides out of the Swiss Army Knife completely for use. It tucks into the handle beside the toothpick or tweezers. To use the pen, you simply pull it out using the little plastic handle on the top. When you are done, just stow it away until you need it again.
The SwissCard has a similar pen to the larger Swiss Army Knives. It slides out from the corner of the SwissCard when you need it.
Shop the complete collection of Swiss Army Knives with pens at Swiss Knife Shop:
If you employ your Swiss Army Knife pen frequently and have used all of the ink, Swiss Knife Shop also offers replacements for all three types of Swiss Army Knife ballpoint pen to get you back to writing your next grocery list, signing important documents, or writing letters.
https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/swiss-army-knife-replacement-parts-by-victorinox
Traveling with a Swiss Army Knife
Can Swiss Army Knives go on Planes?
While regulations for taking your Swiss Army Knife on an airplane depend on the airport, airline, country and current political climate, a general rule of thumb is that any Swiss Army Knife with a blade CAN NOT be carried onto an airplane.
It is always best, however, to review the information from the airports you will be traveling from to find the most up-to-date regulations concerning the consideration of dangerous objects.
Are Swiss Army Knives Legal in New York City?
At the time of this writing, Swiss Army Knives are not illegal in New York City, as they do not have assisted-opening blades, but they may become illegal based on how they are used or possessed. For up-to-date and complete information, please review New York City’s laws and regulations.
Repairing your Knife
Can Swiss Army Knives be Repaired?
Yes, Swiss Army Knives can be repaired.
Swiss Knife Shop is a factory-authorized repair center for Victorinox Swiss Army Knife repairs such as replacing the handle scales, toothpicks and tweezers. Please visit our Repair Center for more details.
Where to Repair a Swiss Army Knife?
Swiss Knife Shop is an authorized Victorinox Swiss Army Knife repair center. We can replace handle scales, toothpicks, tweezers and more. We currently offer handles in red and black for 2.28 inch and 3.58 inch knives.
Please visit the Swiss Knife Shop Swiss Army Knife Repair Center for details, and to get a repair started on your Swiss Army Knife.