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About Swiss Army Knives
In 1884, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener set up shop in Ibach-Schwyz, installing a waterwheel in Tobelbach Brook to run his grinding and polishing machines. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener's mother, and "inox," or stainless steel. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The original product dates to 1897, when Elsener patented the Swiss Officer's and Sports Knife he supplied to the Swiss Army. Following World War II, American servicemen and women shopping in PX stores shortened the name to Swiss Army Knife, which lives on in English-speaking countries around the world and has become a metaphor for versatility.
Product Details
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When all tools are folded in, the unit measures about two and a forth inches long or a little more that five and a half centimeters. Weighing just a few grams, it's a pocketknife that is basically so light; you won't even notice you're carrying it. Comes with a single blade which is about one and a half inches long (3.5 cm), a nail file with a regular screwdriver head, toothpick, tweezers, scissors and a tiny key ring for attachment, not to mention the Swiss Army quality.
Often inside or out, I'm doing some kind of small project that involves typical constructive handy work, and have come to love the tweezers on this contraption. So nice to have that on hand the moment I get a splinter, especially when dealing with a painfully nasty one from fiberglass. I can just reach into my pocket; use the tweezers to pull out the sliver right on the spot, thus preventing infection and further aggravation. The least useful tool for me on this pocketknife has been the toothpick, I never seen it as anything grand, but it's there anyway and doesn't take up too much space.
All tools except the toothpick are made of stainless steel, and I was particularly impressed with the scissors, made in good quality construction that will enable it to last for a long while. The toothpick on the other hand is made of a plastic, durable enough for it's designated task. To use them, the toothpick and tweezers slide out of their slots and detach from the complete unit itself. This might create a potential for loss with these pieces, if they're not returned to their rightful slots after use. But the only other draw back that I can see with this pocketknife is the small size might make it hard to operate. If you're not very nimble with your fingers, catching the groves on the tool edges to open them might be a little difficult. But generally speaking, all features are easy to pull open and put into position when desired.
Although it's not exactly intended for heavy-duty work, it's still a fantastic all-purpose tool well adapted for everyday encounters, like simply opening a box or envelope, cutting a string with a tight knot, or whittling a stick for roasting marshmallows. This little gadget provides the tool necessities and will save the day many times over. Plus the smaller compact size makes it travel a lot easier in the pocket and the transparent blue color makes it stylish and unique from its Swiss kin. Simply made for resourceful people with a strong desire for things of ingenuity and practicality.
For versatility and simplicity it's hard to beat this item. Sure there are SAKs with more blades and tools, but the simple knife/screwdriver/scissors combination is going to meet the vast majority of your needs (ok, it doesn't have a bottle opener: use a door strike plate, MacGyver). The toothpick is so-so, but I can't count the number of times I've needed to tweeze something and used the SAK tweezers when I couldn't find the bathroom set. The key fob, while not the most exciting of features, does provide a convenient way to carry the SAK around with you.
This item is sure to please. I love mine. You'll love yours. Buy one for someone else - they'll love theirs.