Anyone know when they discontinued the Victorinox Explorer Plus?

[dmattaponi]

The reason I ask is because I’m wondering if they can be found with the newer GLASS magnifying glass or if they are likely to only be found with older versions of the magnifying glass?

 

[dmattaponi]

The reason I ask is because I’m wondering if they can be found with the newer GLASS magnifying glass or if they are likely to only be found with older versions of the magnifying glass?

 

[afishhunter]

I don't have a clue.
Hopefully one of the experts will be along soon.

 

[allenC]

You can probably find that info here...

SAKWiki | SAKWiki

SAKWiki - The online Swiss Army Knife Encyclopedia. Information and Identification on Swiss Army Knives by Victorinox and Wenger.

www.sakwiki.com

 

[dmattaponi]

You can probably find that info here...

SAKWiki | SAKWiki

SAKWiki - The online Swiss Army Knife Encyclopedia. Information and Identification on Swiss Army Knives by Victorinox and Wenger.

www.sakwiki.com

Thank you for the response and link. I have looked at that site (it is very good). Unfortunately, although it mentions the Explorer Plus variation, it does not provide info on dates of manufacture or when it was discontinued. I found a forum thread where people were talking about the Explorer Plus no longer being listed for sale and most likely discontinued in 2019.

I did recently get a new production regular Explorer (not plus version). I also just purchased a supposedly new in box Explorer Plus off of EBay which I haven’t received yet. The EBay knife does have the newer translucent style magnifier. I’m hoping it has the newer glass lens version and not the plastic lens version. I believe the plastic version was made and sold up until right around 2012, at which time I believe Victorinox transitioned to a glass lens…and this is the basis for my question. I’m wondering how long the Explorer Plus was sold and if they were still being made after 2012 and can be found with the newer glass lens magnifier?

This new purchase is a replacement for my oldExplorer Plus which I recently lost which had the gray plastic housing. I really like the new lens on my new Explorer. It’s so clear/without distortion, and easy to read with compared to the old knife.

 

[Guy McVer]

The reason I ask is because I’m wondering if they can be found with the newer GLASS magnifying glass or if they are likely to only be found with older versions of the magnifying glass?

I did recently get a new production regular Explorer (not plus version).

This new purchase is a replacement for my oldExplorer Plus which I recently lost which had the gray plastic housing. I really like the new lens on my new Explorer. It’s so clear/without distortion, and easy to read with compared to the old knife.

If you're feeling adventurous then you can order a set of plus scales online and install them on your new Explorer.

I don't recommend doing this unless you have access to some type of vise or clamp. The scales can be pressed on by hand but they won't go all the way on unless you carefully squeeze them in a vise. There will be some tiny gaps unless you do it that way. I suggest watching a few youtube videos, and be careful not to clamp too hard or else you might compress the pivots of the SAK which will make the tools too tight.

 

[dmattaponi]

Thanks for the suggestion. I did think about that but went ahead and bought the Explorer Plus instead. Now I’m just hoping it has the glass lens when it arrives.

 

[XJ-linux]

Great knife. One of my fav’s! Nice.

 

[kamakiri.knives]

The reason I ask is because I’m wondering if they can be found with the newer GLASS magnifying glass or if they are likely to only be found with older versions of the magnifying glass?

I believe they exist and can be found, but you might have to contact/call individual vendors to find one, since they might be ’old stock’ only. That aside a call or email to Victorinox might be the only way to get the correct answer if the desired knife isn’t already on its way to you. Good luck either way.

The scales can be pressed on by hand but they won't go all the way on unless you carefully squeeze them in a vise.

I don’t think everybody needs a vice. Part of the issue can be knowing to press at the rivets individually, or having enough grip strength. I do think that many just don’t squeeze continuously enough and stop before the scale is seated at the particular rivet. That would just be an issue of poor technique or lack of experience.

Personally, I would never set scales with a bench vice.

 

[dmattaponi]

Thanks very much for the info and response. I do have the knife on the way so I’ll have to wait and see. The vendor stated he thought the knife was from2020-21, which if what I read about the plus model being discontinued in 2019 is true, thenthat can’t be correct. Nevertheless I’m hoping that if he acquired it new in the box around 20-21 then it might be later manufacture.

 

[Guy McVer]

I did think about that but went ahead and bought the Explorer Plus instead. Now I’m just hoping it has the glass lens when it arrives.

I do have the knife on the way so I’ll have to wait and see. The vendor stated he thought the knife was from2020-21, which if what I read about the plus model being discontinued in 2019 is true, thenthat can’t be correct. Nevertheless I’m hoping that if he acquired it new in the box around 20-21 then it might be later manufacture.

In case you do end up installing new scales at any point (and you also don't have the grip strength of a large gorilla), here are a few helpful youtube videos for you to watch first:

Felix Immler - hot water bath scale removal trick, installation with a vise (6 minutes and 22 seconds)

SwissBianco - removal with the official factory tool, installation with a vise (4 minutes and 59 seconds)

Heidi Shop - removal with a watch case opener, installation with a vise (4 minutes and 51 seconds)

All videos are from established, well known, and reputable entities.

Also, here's a longer video from SwissBianco's official Channel: removal with the official factory tool, installation with a vise (18 minutes and 59 seconds)

The can opener on a swiss army knife also works great for scale removal, but be careful not to cut yourself with it because it does have a sharp edge.
I also advise you to open the corkscrew when clamping the the new scales in a vise, and remember to be careful not to over-tighten the vise.

Scales that have already been removed once usually don't require a vise to be installed since the plastic around the holes has been damaged during removal, so they go on easier. This also means they'll come off easier too, but that's another issue...

 

[kamakiri.knives]

Part of the issue can be knowing to press at the rivets individually

Only one of the videos addresses this issue.

Only one is a removal method/procedure I’d generally agree with.

I use the tool in one of the videos.

I think someone’s fingers got stuck in the vice in one of the videos.

Good thing you posted so many..

I still wouldn’t use a vice…not even the small one shown even if it’s the least bad option of the three. There are so many clamping devices that would work which don’t use a big worm screw or so much leverage.

 

[dmattaponi]

Received the Explorer Plus today. It appears to be new in the box and the magnifying glass appears to be identical to my recently purchased current production Explorer. All other details of the knife (including tang stamp and mini screwdriver) appear to be the same vintage. Paperwork for both knives has copyright of 2018. Very satisfied with the purchase. Thanks everyone for the feedback.