When I was growing up in the 1960s and ’70s, one of my best friends had a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. He was justifiably proud of it, and I coveted it for its bright red color, multiple blades, the toothpick and tweezers that slotted into the end of the case, the folding scissors…and that Swiss-flag shield logo gave it a touch of European class.Despite my early longings, I have never owned a Swiss Army Knife, but some years ago I discovered that Victorinox makes other knives of lesser complexity, and I am now the proud owner of five. The fixed-blade knives can be safely stowed in the made-for-purpose pouch, while the folding picnic knife offers a more compact solution.
Photographs by the author
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We have been buying the top knife for years and they are indispensable in our house and have given them as an all gifts to many of our friends.
Probably the best ‘bang for the buck’ in the knife world!
The Vickies are hanging on every deck hands belt in the Bering Sea Fisheries. We buy them by the case.
These are in constant use by my wife and others on the farm. Used for harvesting. In the farm, my wife reports they last about one season (staying sharp, not breaking).
I just thought they were harvest knives and never considered them for any other task! Ha!
She has several. There’s one in every car and now I’m thinking I need to add one to my camper and the folding one to a bag in the kayak.
I bought a set of two Victorinox pairing knives and a peeler while in Germany two years ago. They are economical and excellent, a surprising value in this day and age.