COLLECTION: Victorinox SwissFlame 91mm (2000s)

The SwissFlame is one of the unique models produced by Victorinox.  The basic toolset is the same as the Climber with plus scales and a bulky butane cartridge and lighter in the middle. It is fairly rare, produced from 2002 to 2005 only and was not available for sale in the US.  This model had problems in the lighter mechanism and how it holds the butane charge when not in use.  This model is highly collectible owing to the short production run and unavailability of direct sales in the US.

It was available in Translucent Red (Ruby) cellidor scales (Item Number: 1.3705.FT) and Translucent Blue (Sapphire) cellidor scales (Item Number: 1.3705.FT2).

The SwissFlame has a brother-model, the CampFlame which has the base tool similar to a Camper with hook and fine screwdriver at the back layer and the butane cartridge/lighter mechanism in the middle.

Video of the SwissFlame in action.  This particular SAK has not been charged with butane for a long while and the seller was not sure it was still working.  Good thing it worked (somewhat) after a few trials.

COLLECTION: My First Victorinox 84mm (2010s)

Victorinox has targeted specifically young users for this model.  It has a shorter blade compared to the normal 84mm main blade owing to its rounded and wider tip.  Although it is still sharp on one edge, the lack of a pointed tip makes it safer for children and early teens to use.  The use of the combination tool versus the normal dual tool in the opener layer considers the safety for the user as well as the combination tool has less sharp edges that the two normal opener tools.

This model has the nylon scale (Item number: 2.2363) but this is also available in Translucent Blue (Item Number: 0.2363.T2), Translucent Red (Item Number: 0.2363.T) and Translucent Pink (Item Number: 0.2363.T5) cellidor scales.

COLLECTION: Victorinox Classic Israel National Flag 58mm

The flag of Israel was adopted on October 28, 1948, five months after the establishment of the State of Israel. It depicts a blue hexagram on a white background, between two horizontal blue stripes.  The symbol in the center represents the Star of David ("Magen David"), a Jewish symbol dating from late medieval Prague, which was adopted by the First Zionist Congress in 1897.

Great example of a SAK without the Victorinox Cross Shield.

* I will include information on where to buy these collectible knives so that if you want to start your own collection, you can jump start it.  This is not an endorsement of the online store/seller. Please do your own research regarding prices/delivery/etc.

I bought this Classic with Israel National flag at http://www.zahal.org.

Reference:
www.wikipedia.com

VICTORINOX COLLECTION: Victorinox National Flag Series 58mm (1990s)

Back in the 1990s, Victorinox has released a number of Collections, usually in groups of five, packaged in presentation boxes.  Of all the collection series, the National Flag collection/series is the one which captured my attention.  I think it is the fact that currently, it is hard to find all the pieces and it will keep my interest for a long time.

The original first collection: Flaggen der 5 Nachbarländer der Schweiz (1.8833.1) or the Flags of the Five Neighboring Countries of Switzerland was sold from 1995 to 2001.  It consisted of flags from Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein.

Together with the boxed collection, Victorinox also released the same series for a number of countries.  Initially, only those country's flags indicating the shell color (indicated by the purple font on the image below) were produced.  A minimum order quantity of 200 pieces was required to produce a model.  Eventually, other countries were produced and even countries not included in the original list like Romania were released (albeit later).

Although, I haven't seen all of the samples of the countries in the original list.  Even the sakwiki page doesn't have the photos for each country.

I have started collecting these small gems for a few months now and it's only two months ago that I got serious in acquiring them at a faster rate.  I now have 10 countries -- 7 brand new ones, 1 in very good condition and 2 in ok condition.  I hope to grow it more in the near future.

I would love to get the flag from my adopted country - Australia and my native country - the Philippines and other South East Asian countries in the future.  If you're reading my blog and you have one that you like to trade or sell, just leave a message. Thanks!

References:
www.sakwiki.com
Collectors and Special Editions catalog by Victorinox AG 13 July 2011

COLLECTION: Wenger Commander Snife Series - Zebra 85mm (1990s)

The Wenger SNIFE series was released in the 1990's during the time of the new and trendy Swatch watches.  I still remember owning a Swiss Swatch watch given to me as a gift (birthday or Christmas) when I was a teenager.   The initial catalog release was five modern prints on the scales of the Wenger Commander.  Eventually, five more designs were released including the Zebra design that I have here.

There is a French Wenger catalog in sakwiki from the 1990s featuring a page for the SNIFE series.  I used google to translate it to English: 

Design and proprietary technology: SNIFE series, the latest generation of real Swiss Army knife, offers a new range of decors five ruffling, dressing pioneering functional high quality tradition.

Practical meaning and joy of living, efficient and convenient tool, but also henceforth communication object with the series SNIFE, the true Swiss knife features more than ever as a symbol. That of a lifestyle in direct contrast with our world, colorful, animated.

Since the first collection (available up to stock last), it explores new horizons, new worlds evoked escape. And sees its value increased by its limit draw. What to facilitate the difficult choice rather than decide which one is more beautiful, the complete series will do!

In retail outlets, the series SNIFE is distinguished by an environment-friendly and special packaging: cardboard box, blister packaging and distributor display with the red / white logo and the original colors of SNIFE class on a very black background.

Below is the original page:

List of the designs in the series:
1. Amazon! - 1 93 05
2. Gems! - 1 93 06
3. Mystic! - 1 93 07
4. Crackers! - 1 93 08
5. Handy! - 1 93 09
6. Avenue! - 1 93 04
7. Rhythm! - 1 93 03
8. Crazy! - 1 93 02
9. Waves! - 1 93 01
10. Zebra! - 1 93 00

I found out that 9/10 are still available to be purchased brand new from a seller in amazon japan.  Just go to amazon.jp and search for "Wenger Snife" if you're interested to start the collection.

More photos of my Zebra SNIFE.

References:
www.sakwiki.com
Wenger 1992-1995 EU Dealer (French)

COLLECTION: Victorinox Classic Indonesian National Flag 58mm

Republic of Indonesia is a country in South-East Asia made up of archipelago of thousands of islands. The national capital is Jakarta.  It has a population of over 250 million.  

There is a big Indonesian-based Swiss Army knife collectors group called INDONESIAN SWISS POCKET TOOLS LOVERS (ISPTL) in Facebook.  

My collector piece was generously traded to me by a member.  The official Victorinox item code for this particular knife is 0.6203.ID2. Thank you!

Current Lineup of my National Flag Series Collection as of 16 November 2014:

Reference:
www.wikipedia.com
SAMMLER- UND SONDEREDITIONEN Catalog

REVIEW: Comparison Victorinox Golfers 91mm vs 84mm (1980s & 1990s)

Up until the 1980's (or possibly 1990's) there were a lot more medium-sized (84mm) SAKs.  One of the popular models was the 84mm Golfer.  After Victorinox discontinued the 84mm Golfer, they made the 91mm equivalent and called it... 91mm Golfer (tada!).  Eventually, Victorinox added the plus scale and hook on the back layer and called it the 91mm Compact.  

There was another Golfer model with a Divot tool, but that is for another post.

This is a comparison between the 84mm and 91mm Golfer.  They have the same set of tools except for the plus scales and mini screwdriver on the corkscrew of the 91mm version.

84mm on the left, 91mm on the right: 

91mm on the left, 84mm on the right:

The now discontinued 84mm scissors side-by-side with the 91mm counterpart.

Not the difference in the shape of the combo tool.  The 91mm is more rounded and doesn't have the flat edge near the top of the curve. The other end of the 84mm combo tool is sharper compared to the 91mm.

The 84mm corkscrew is slightly smaller as well, the mini-screwdriver doesn't fit inside.

Reference:

www.sakwiki.com