New Swiss Army Knife - Wenger or Victorinox?

cziv

cziv

Joined
Nov 24, 2005
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I want to collect a few SAK's. I have one and it's a Wenger with every tool imaginable, making it too large for the pocket and want to get some newer flatter ones for my pocket.

I have looked up SAK's and find Victorinox and Wenger. I did the research and figured out the history.

What do you guys usually choose the Vic's or the Wengers? Both are available which makes me wonder if there's a quality issue involved.

Thanks!! :)
 
in general, ive found vics to be of better quality.

wengers aren't bad, but just not quite as nice. plastic in places vic uses metal, spacers and key ring attachments, etc.

but ive got a wenger with a little fingernail clipper that is awesome!
 
I say get whatever has the features you like the most. I've had each, and found both equally nice for their purpose.

I recently saw a post that said the poster liked the Vics better because the logo is prettier... I have to agree with that!
 
The current production models are supposed to be pretty close.

I'd say to get whichever one offers the tool selection you want.

Also, Wenger offers ergonomic handles and ordinary sized locking knives, so that might be something to consider.
 
Well I always choose Victorinox over Wenger. My experience has shown Victorinox to be better quality but I only say that because the Wenger I had was fairly flimsy and I could squeeze it in the middle and it would flex in enough to worry me, that was because of the thin liners I'd imagine (well the one I had, had thin liners).

I don't know, the Wengers have always seemed a little cheap to me, or at least just not as good quality as Victorinox. Oh and in case you didn't know, I believe Victorinox now owns Wenger which may have something to do with who makes the better knives.

So pretty much, I won't buy anymore Wengers but I'd buy a Victorinox confidently any day. I carry a Vic Farmer in my pocket daily and it's my favourite model that they offer, not too many tools but not too few, and the alox scales are just cool. (Vic can openers work better too!)
 
i've owned and beaten the crap out of both Wenger and Victorinox SAKs.

honestly, in my opinion, it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. just choose the one that has the features you want.

neither company produces crappy products in my experience.

edit:
but, i should point out, i currently edc a Leatherman Wave and havn't actually carried any of my SAKs since i bought the LM Wave, ten years ago. most of my SAKs have wound up being given away as presents. i believe i still have a vic somewhere.

i've heard nothing but good things about teh Victorinox Swiss Tools.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
in general, ive found vics to be of better quality.

wengers aren't bad, but just not quite as nice. plastic in places vic uses metal, spacers and key ring attachments, etc.

but ive got a wenger with a little fingernail clipper that is awesome!
Click to expand...

Can you post a pic of that clipper Morimotom? I think I need one. My wife says I need to stop picking my nails, which I do once I get a notch in one. Too lazy to find the durn clippers. Ok, I am not foolin anyone, just a good excuse to buy a SAK. Thanks!

CJ
 
I went to the Victorinox main website and it's got an awesome collection of knives and more. I'm going to collect a few. They look really nice to me. Thanks guys!
 
I have both Wenger and Victorinox knives, but prefer those of Victorinox, because I am used to the way they implement their tools. For example: I prefer the Victorinox can opener over the Wenger can opener, it just works better for me.

Also, the officer series of Victorinox are a bit larger than the Wenger equivalents. But the large Wenger knives (Ranger series) are much bigger than their Victorinox equivalents (111mm series). Wenger has also knives with improved grip (EvoGrip series) and a number of their officer knives have a locking main blade (Security series).

In an article on SOSAK I read that screw drivers on the Wengers are locking.
http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=523&Itemid=35

There's a lot of choice. I think quality is not really an issue, it is mostly a matter of personal preference. Have fun!
 
I don't think there's a big difference in terms of quality between them, so just get the one you like the most or has the tools you need.
I myself just ordered a Ranger 58 from Wenger :).
 
i used to prefer the vic but both are know owned by the same company. in years past the swiss government bought an equal amount from each company.
 
I own a lot of SAKs and love them all. I'm going to go against the grain here and say I like Wengers better. To me, the 84mm frame of the Wengers is more convenient than the 91mm framed Vics. Also, I think Wenger has more innovative tools than Vic does, like the slip jaw pliers, springless, self sharpening scissors, nail clippers, locking main blade (along with clip point small blades) and some of the really specialized tools like a bike chain tool or a ski wax scraper. Vic doesn't offer stuff like that.

I do have to say that you will probably be happy with either of them though. The quality is virtually the same (with Vics admittedly slightly higher) and SAKs are probably the best value in the knife business when you look at their consistently high quality compared to the price. They are certainly cheap enough that you could buy a couple and see what you like. Good luck with whatever you choose!

~Mike
 
Nothing wrong with Wengers in my limited experience but I'm a...
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man.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
in general, ive found vics to be of better quality.

wengers aren't bad, but just not quite as nice. plastic in places vic uses metal, spacers and key ring attachments, etc.

but ive got a wenger with a little fingernail clipper that is awesome!
Click to expand...

+ 1 ! :thumbup:
 
I have carried 84mm Vic's for the past 15 years, and they are bulletproof. The only change over time has been to upgrade to the model that has a file in place of the small blade. Otherwise, I have 5 or 6 of the same knife laying around...large blade, small blade (or file), can opener, bottle opener, cork screw & awl (on back side), and small lanyard clip. Also have tooth pick & tweezers.

I'd imagine the Wenger is every bit as durable, though.
 
Haven't had any experience Wengers but have to agree with this; a small but salient point to me!

jimh0220 said:
I recently saw a post that said the poster liked the Vics better because the logo is prettier... I have to agree with that!
Click to expand...

As far as I know though, didn't Victorinox buy Wenger a while back?
 
They bought them a while back but kept them as two distinct companies with single ownership. So it's basically one guy getting all the money now instead of two, but otherwise not much has changed. :)
 
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