Wenger Genuine Swiss Army knives may confuse some buyers, since many look exactly like knives manufactured by Victorinox. A split military contract allowed both companies to produce the knives independently since 1908. Technically, Victorinox originated the design, but Wenger also makes the real thing and in models with original improvements unique to the Wenger brand. Recent acquisition of Wenger by Victorinox ends the confusion without changing the character of Wenger products.
In 1893, in order to expand production of the Swiss Army knife developed by Victorinox, the Swiss Army awarded a knife-making contract to Paul Boechat & Cie of Courtetelle, Switzerland. In 1897 the company hired Theodore Wenger as its general manager. A few years later, Wenger purchased the firm and renamed the company Wenger et Cie. The company produced spoons and forks as well as military knives and the Swiss Army multi-tool. In 1908 the Swiss Army split the knife contract officially, giving half the production to Wenger and half to Victorinox. This allowed both companies to continue making genuine Swiss Army knives for both the military and the civilian market. Wenger’s days as a competitor ended in 2005 when rival Victorinox purchased the company.
Wenger produces kitchen cutlery nearly identical to the R.H. Forschner/Victorinox brand, but under the brand names Grand Maitre and Swibo. The Wenger style of forged kitchen cutlery features different handle construction than the sister brand from Victorinox. Wenger’s Swiss Army knives continue to diverge from the classic Swiss Army patterns. A new line called EvoWood is the first to set aside the classic bright red handles in favor of walnut hardwood. EvoGrip and Evolution knives improve on the old patterns by added ergonomic shape or textured inserts to the knives’ handles. Wenger’s Giant Swiss Army Knife currently holds the record for the largest multi-tool, weighing two pounds and holding 87 different blades.
See all of our Wenger knife reviews below
Wenger partnered with explorer Mike Horn on the design of the Adventurer Ranger Swiss Army Knife -- the only knife Horn will use on his four-year-long expedition around the world. The Adventurer Ranger made it to National Geographic Adventure's list of 2010's best products because of its powerful mechanical ...
Wenger used important features of the Alinghi yachtsman's knife in this large folder designed for the modern woodsman. Advanced ergonomic body details include rubberized inserts for better grip and comfort. It's a great design if you expect to use a knife for hours instead of minutes.
The non-slip grip of the ...
Wenger's Evolution Lock Swiss Army Knife improves the simpler flat-sided Swiss multi-function pocket folders by adding ergonomically correct contours to the knife's body. The result is more comfort and more security with a non-slip shape scientifically designed to fit the hand.
Three of the knife's blades, including the 2.5-inch ...
The Wenger Micro Tool Chest Watchmaker's Knife could also find a place in the pocket of any technician who works with precision parts. Although the tool set is designed specifically for work on watches, the scale of the tools could fit the world of micro-electronics as well.
If you collect unusual knives, ...
Eight multi-purpose blades give the Alinghi Yachtsman a total of 17 functions. This sensible assortment of strong tools makes the Alinghi an excellent multi-tool for anyone who works with rope, rigging and machinery.
Wenger designed the Alinghi for use on yachts, but any outdoorsman would find this knife handy. The mechanics tools ...
Wenger of Switzerland holds the current Guinness World Record for the Most Multifunctional Penknife, and the Wenger 16999 is the reason why. With 85 tools and a total of 141 functions, the Wenger 16999 includes nearly every option ever offered by either Wenger or its sister company, Victorinox. Obviously ...
For over a century, Wenger was fierce competition for the better known Swiss Army brand, Victorinox. In 2005, when Victorinox took control of the Wenger name, both brands continued to provide Swiss Army products - Victorinox as the "Original Swiss Army Knife" and Wenger as the "Genuine Swiss Army Knife."
What's the ...
For those who like the idea of a Swiss Army key chain combined with the ergonomic grips of an SOG multitool, here's a pocketknife by Wenger that should fit the bill.
Wenger, in addition to Victorinox, is one of only two officially-licensed producers of Swiss Army Knives. Vic gets all ...
| CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com) |
Twitter
RSS