Victorinox space shuttle model

[nestbox20]

I bought this pocket knife a few months before the loss of Challenger. I am trying to find out how collectable it is and anything else that someone can tell me about it. Thanks!

 

[UnknownVT]

I bought this pocket knife a few months before the loss of Challenger. I am trying to find out how collectable it is and anything else that someone can tell me about it. Thanks!

The Victorinox Space Shuttle model was basically the "Master Craftsman" with special handles.

Handles on the Victorinox are simple to replace.

Also Victorinox made thousands of these models -
although the model has been discontinued for many years.

So for the right person this model may be very desirable.

Try selling it on eBay with a reserve price - and see what bids you get.

If it's any indication - less than a year ago I saw the Space Shuttle model (Swiss/international # 1.47 63ss) listed on at least 4 Japanese sites selling for between 5,250-6,300 Yen (that's about US$47-57) - I have no idea if they were actually available.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

 

[nestbox20]

Thanks for the reply. The photo was very handy because my knife does not have 5 tools on the bottom like the one in the picture, it has 3. It has the phillips screwdriver, awl, and the larger of the two flat bladed screwdrivers.

Could it be that Victorinox installed the shuttle inlays on more than one model of knife?

I know that thousands of these knives were made but I have never seen another one anywhere. I even contacted NASA to find out if this is the model that the crew carries on flights but I couldn't get a confirmation of that. My original intent was to donate it to the 'Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Museum' for display with the rest of their shuttle stuff, but they don't want it unless I can prove it was part of the crews equipment.

Thanks Again!

 

[UnknownVT]

Thanks for the reply. The photo was very handy because my knife does not have 5 tools on the bottom like the one in the picture, it has 3. It has the phillips screwdriver, awl, and the larger of the two flat bladed screwdrivers.
Could it be that Victorinox installed the shuttle inlays on more than one model of knife?
My original intent was to donate it to the 'Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Museum' for display with the rest of their shuttle stuff, but they don't want it unless I can prove it was part of the crews equipment.

You mean like this?

The hook thing-y was added to the back of the scissors in 1991 - so the previous pic was from a model post-1991.

They made the Space Shuttle model since at least 1988 where the above b&w illustration was from. The US model # was 5049 - but the UN-logo'd model was # 5044 (refered to in NASA letter below)

Use these scans as you need to:

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

 

[Saunterer]

Thanks for the reply. The photo was very handy because my knife does not have 5 tools on the bottom like the one in the picture, it has 3. It has the phillips screwdriver, awl, and the larger of the two flat bladed screwdrivers.

If I recall, the phillips screwdriver has a slit in it to open up cans. (I can't remember exactly what it's called, but old sardine cans had a key that you turned, pulling a strip of tin off, to open it up.) See if your Space Shuttle has this feature. I bought my father a Space Shuttle back in ~1987 and recall it having this. Hmmm, might want to see if he'll give it to me.

And, as always, UnknownVT, you are the SAK encyclopedia!

--Chris

 

[UnknownVT]

If I recall, the phillips screwdriver has a slit in it to open up cans. (I can't remember exactly what it's called, but old sardine cans had a key that you turned, pulling a strip of tin off, to open it up.)

You mean like this:

Victorinox brochure circa 1988

The can-key slot on the Phillips was eventually discontinued.

Thanks for your compliment.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

 

[nestbox20]

VT you are correct. The b/w illustration is what mine looks like, and yes it has the 'can key' slot in the screwdriver.

It would stand to reason that NASA would start using the 5049 after it was introduced, but that question will go unanswered for now.

As I said, I bought this knife sometime before Challenger exploded in January of 1986. I think I will hang on to it for awhile, its value may go up some if the shuttle program is abandoned as rumored.

Once again, my thanks to all...