Victorinox 1897 Replica - The one that started it all

[@Jack-The-Cat]

I love Victorinox knives. Starting as a teenager watching MacGyver... got myself one... and now I have like 7 of them... excellent quality for quite cheap. Even got myself Victorinox potato peeler.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

"Plastic had not yet been invented" hit harder than it should have. Before plastic, penicillin, practical self loading firearms, WW1, movies with sound, Ford model T mass production automobile, and television, was the Victorinox.

[@JonGadget]

makes you think!

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Ye, time flies :)

[@robertmcdonald8342]

@@JonGadget it definitely does. There was a TV series that was on about some gunfighters in the West that were caught in a lightning strike and transported to the present. They were more versatile than now.

[@jurivlk5433]

Obvious, that knives are among the most ancient tools and certainly not invented by the swiss! Their first roots can be found in the sharp volcanic glass called obsidian. Obsidian was used hundreds of thousands of years ago!

[@jurivlk5433]

I own the real thing and it is very hard to open. The replica is nice but ridiculously expensive. They should have conserved the stinky carbon steel for the blades since it was originally so. I also have a German knife from that period that looks very similar and writes "Solingen".

[@ELaster1]

The type of video only to be found on this channel. Not only for showing something unique, but for lecturing about the history and meaning of it. Thank Sir, great one!

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Eyal 😊

[@christopherinteriors6521]

This is one of those rare occasions where we can call something a "genuine replica".

[@JonGadget]

I agree 👍

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

I was all over this knife when it was introduced recently, definitely wanted one, but just couldn’t justify the $500 price. I was thinking it was going to come in at about $200-$250 which I could rationalize. Not saying it’s not worth it, but too rich for me. Beautiful work though. Really appreciate the close up review and background info on the company name. Very nice camera work by the way!

[@JonGadget]

Thank you for all those observations - really appreciated

[@charlesdudek7713]

Right, especially when you consider what other knives are out there for that price.

[@FreedomFox1]

My thoughts exactly, but nice to get a look at it here!

[@charlesdudek7713]

@@FreedomFox1 And nobody better than Jon G to review it for us.

[@censusgary]

I was ready to pay $100 or even $150 for one of these, but not $500. That’s going too far.

[@resourcesaccelerator9363]

Excellent presentation, as always. Thank you for that Jon. However, it may be worth mentioning that the "Offiziersmesser" was pre-dated by the "Soldatenmesser" of 1891, also developed by Karl Elsner for the Swiss army. It had a slightly different handle shape and black scales. Of course there was no cork-screw on that soldier-knife, as it was designed to help soldiers with rifle maintenance and other routine tasks (like opening a can). The pictures I have seen of the first "Offiziersmesser" actually featured a kind of a keyring/lanyard ring of sorts. Perhaps you may want to look these facts up. I value your work as a knife and tool enthusiast. Thanks again, and have a great time.

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

Okay, I’m on a tangent and it’s not to do with the original, but anyway, a Swiss girly friend gave me a Swiss Champ (30 tools) with the accompanying leather pouch for my birthday 32 years ago and it’s never left my side other than with carry on luggage when on a flight. Without a doubt the most beloved, useful and valuable piece of equipment I have ever owned, and when I was at work, it was always transferred to my fire brigade tunic. The other attraction for Victorinox is the lifetime warranty, so that if the item is damaged in any way, Burton McCall the UK distributor either repairs it or replaces it free of charge! So far, one broken blade and one broken hacksaw/file. A true champion! Thanks for the video. A nice bit of personal history for me 🤡🇬🇧

[@JonGadget]

Great feedback Johnny - thanks for sharing - great to read

[@knifetrain3118]

They did do their homework and made a fantastic effort to make this knife happen. Beautiful piece!

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Such a cool product. They appreciate their customers and we appreciate their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and value.

[@danc2651]

The climber & pioneer are my favorites.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

@@danc2651 Huntsman and Cybertools are the ones I have the most of. 👍

[@matthewantonello5029]

im one of those obsessives that is constantly thinking about the philosophy behind multi tools and this was extremely interesting to see. I notice that all those tools are highly functional for the sort of jobs they needed it for. Many multi tools today contain really half arsed tools they just jam in there because they have the space and arent really useful.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

I have several Victorinox knives and a couple of their watches. At over $650 in Canada for this display piece, I will spend my hobby/recreational money more wisely. Thank you for the video.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

It's currently C$600... You can take up entire hobbies for that kind of money. It's very nice but not particularly useful and at that price it'd be a shelf queen for sure to keep it safe. If money were no object it would be fun to have in the collection.

[@pretentiousname01]

I really like how the reamer/awl fits into that. The way it lays across the scale looks like it makes it much easier to open/use.

[@JonGadget]

that is a very nice touch I agree

[@seanferguson5460]

My first thought was 'that's a big box for a pocket knife' but what fun! as you unboxed it.

[@edcgadgets-de]

Hi Jon! I’m a big fan of EDC (hence my channel (small but more content is in production), I found your channel last week and I’m totally blown away by your fantastic videos. I watched nearly all of them. I’m so happy I found you, I’m totally in survival mode, I go on a week-long motorcycle trip in 2 weeks and bought lots of tools and gear and MOLLE-bags for all the equipment. I love this stuff!!

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the great feedback and welcome to the channel - good luck with your EDC plans 👍

[@marklaw8850]

Glad you had the opportunity to review this knife. Beautiful collectors item.

[@JonGadget]

Me too 😊

[@FlymanMS]

I'm usually sceptical of "knife gift sets" and their value but this one is exceptionally good and would be appreciated by anyone who has any knowledge of the subject or just enjoys well made things.

[@JonGadget]

I agree 👍

[@BobBesco]

I enjoyed this a great deal, being a longtime SAK user and current owner of 16 models across the family spectrum (with more certain to follow). Thank you for a most entertaining presentation.

[@JonGadget]

You're very welcome

[@Deibodese]

I was using my Fieldmaster to take apart an old piece of furniture in my bedroom while watching this video. Just earlier today I finally tempted a good friend of mine into looking into Victorinox for her own Swiss Army Knife. They run the gamut from convenient, to useful, to lifesaving (in the right circumstances).

[@Swimdeep]

Lovely tour of this classic beauty.

[@JonGadget]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Eliel7230]

Always something to learn here. Great showing ! Thanks for sharing this.

[@pascaldelaunay4740]

It is very expensive....but they won't have any problem selling it !! It is beautiful !

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Very cool, thanks for this! If only they re-issued more vintage designs, the Alox Voyageur would be a perfect everyday tool for me, but sadly discontinued in the 1980s.

[@JonGadget]

That would be cool!

[@FreedomFox1]

I bet you could make something similar to a Voyageur… buy a pioneer x, remove the opener layer and replace the awl with the combi-tool.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

I had Victorinox knives since i was 12. Actually, i still got my first, 30+ years later.... still sharp. Bought a mountaineer recently wth all the attachments (screwdriver etc). They are simply the best. Love the new old knife compared to 100+ years of improvements

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for sharing as always 👍

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@JonGadget my pleasure Jon 👍

[@oleksii_yershov]

Thanks a lot. The knife is extremely awesome.

[@Spanky8402]

I missed out on this knife. My Dad had a original similar to this when I was younger. He might still have it, but I would have liked to have this. I wish I could have found your Chanel, when this amazing knife came out.

[@Limicola1]

Such a beauty! I'm glad my collecting days are mostly behind me. :)

[@JonGadget]

😊

[@sassyboofle6983]

Have to admit it is a very nice piece to look at hear the history of , even maybe handle it and feel the quality . But yes all about functionality, they have a place but generally not in my pocket . I use mine and would not like to damage that knife at all . 👍❤️

[@JonGadget]

Yes, hard to imagine these in use.

[@paulsmith380]

Very thorough review!! Well done!!!

[@JonGadget]

Thank you Paul 👍

[@F1fan007]

I’m an even bigger fan of Victorinox after seeing this review. And thanks to your reviews on the Compact, Fire Ant fire starter and Tortoise Gear tinder, I’m now a very proud owner of a Compact myself. I absolutely love it and use it all the time.

[@JonGadget]

Great to hear 👍

[@censusgary]

The reason the old knife had a can opener and a corkscrew, but no bottle opener is that the kind of bottle caps we are accustomed to were rare in the 1890s. Bottles were sealed with corks, or glass stoppers, or other kinds of closures that are no longer used.

[@JonGadget]

That makes sense - thanks for sharing

[@censusgary]

@@JonGadget I just Googled it, and learned that “William Painter invented the crown bottle cap in 1892.” So the pry-off caps existed by 1897, but as I said, they were not yet common.

[@steves1749]

Nice review and gorgeous knife. Maybe if I hit the lottery I’ll get one.

[@JonGadget]

😁 thanks Steve

[@edcpirateknifeandtools]

I was just on the Victorinox website. Couldn’t afford the $500 knife, went with the $13 belt clip instead, but got free shipping for being a new customer, 😊 small victory

[@tacticaltavern]

What an awesome gadget! 🔥

[@Enkidu1701]

Thank you for mentioning how the can opener is supposed to work. I have an old German pocket knife with a similar opener since I was a child. (my first pocket knife) I never figured it out. After almost 40 years, now I know. Thanks a lot.🥰😍

[@JonGadget]

I'm glad it was of use 😊

[@fhwarwick]

Very well presented thank you Jon.

[@johanbertilsson2213]

Very good review of the rebirth of a classic knife, it is a beauty. I bdlive this was not only an officiers knife, it was also a soldiers knife, the awl was fof repairing leather, the screwdriver to take apart and clean the The Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889/96 rifle the swiss army then standard rifle. And the can opener to open ration cans.

[@JonGadget]

I think the soldiers knife came a few years before the officers knife - but the officers knife was the start of the Vic we know today with corkscrew etc.

[@simonh6371]

@@JonGadget It did indeed, the first Elsener Soldier's knife came out in 1890. Most of my Vics don't have corkscrews and two of them - the Farmer and Farmer X - are 93mm alox models which are based on the 1961 Soldier (aka Pioneer).

[@jungroe]

A great and informative review, thanks. I was curious about this knife, and the original 1897 Officers Knife, I learned a lot here. It's interesting the cork screw is a mainstay tool on the Swiss Army knife from the very beginning. For me a Swiss Army knife doesn't look or feel right without a corkscrew, and now I can see why. I have the Spartan and the Delemont cousin Evolution S101 with the same tool set as the original Swiss Army Knife including even the clip point pen blade on the S101, and I can see how much the Officer Knife evolved into the modern Spartan and S101 iterations. I love the locking blade on my Evolution S101, in an 84 mm size SAK profile is wonderful. For me the S101 is the perfect evolution of the original SAK, and wish Victorinox would bring back the Evolution S101.

[@JonGadget]

Great to hear - thanks for sharing - really interesting

[@deeps2761]

360 quid.... YIKES ! Its a lovely looking knife and a piece of history but I'll stick to my Spartan. Although if money was no object I'd love one. Thanks for showing us it.

[@JonGadget]

your welcome 👍

[@dalecarr5445]

Thank you for the review. I looked at it as well but the $500 price seemed a bit much for a knife I’d never use. Having said that, I do really want one and this may make me take another look at it.

[@TonyM540]

I don’t think I’d use it either, especially if you can get the Spartan for a reasonable price….but as an investment, probably a good deal.

[@twatmunro]

I've no interest in paying through the nose for some faux replica, but I'd really really love a carbon steel Swiss Army Knife.

[@fengxueshanshenmiao]

just get the Great Eastern Cutlery #35 Johnny on the Spot camp knife...

[@tanya25m]

One of the better reviews of this particular model. 👍 That clip point is nice - wonder why they changed it.

[@JonGadget]

I liked that too

[@alphadawg81]

What a beauty! Even though, I'm glad I was sitting already as you mentioned the price.

[@JonGadget]

🤣👍

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Now i know where the Victorinox watch inox comes from, nice:)

[@mickwallace3655]

As always a great review. Thinking Victorinox spent much more on marketing and packaging of this product than the actual tool.

[@JonGadget]

I think the tooling and production is not going to be cheap -- I think everything cost a lot to make this

[@XJarhead360]

I was going to get one also but noticed the price at $500 USD. I'll admire it on your channel. I bet the original if for sale would be many more $$$$.

[@JonGadget]

Yes, if you could find one!

[@toolslover3645]

"Wellcome back to channel my name is Jonathan" Really Miss That 🙂

[@JonGadget]

I wondered that people who hadn't watched before might feel it wasn't for them (with using welcome back).......

[@ROE1300]

👍 Good review of this knife. Beautiful recreation of the original piece. But, as others have commented too expensive for me.

[@grattof]

Great review! Beautiful and nostalgic knife. Mayba some day I'll add it to the collection. I currently carry daily a minichamp and a huntsman. Keep it up Jon! Great videos. Regarding torches, you should check out the Thrunite Archer Mini. I recently bought one and I use it daily. Amazing flashlight. Cheers.

[@smoceany9478]

"nostalgic"? are you 125 years old?

[@grattof]

@@smoceany9478 yes I am

[@smoceany9478]

@@grattof wow

[@JonGadget]

🤣

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback - I'll check it out 👍

[@GSBDeleven]

I've got 2 of the original ones from my grandfather. 😊 I think the replica is actually more expensive then the original one 😮

[@JonGadget]

I imagine the replica costs many times more than the original

[@jeepnwithdog]

Agreed,original vintage on eBay for $300

[@edgaraquino2324]

Hello, Jonathan! Excellent review! I was hoping you would cover this knife on your channel...it is an elegant knife with a minimalist look & quality materials( I like your explanation of the material used in the scales)...while I can now understand(through your explanation) the effort, planning, cost & logistics for the rebirth of the knife, its cost makes it prohibitive to most people...thanks for the comparison to modern day alternatives...would you include the Tinker as another alternative? I also appreciate the tutorial on how to use the can opener...most interesting, you learn something new everyday... It's a shame that this knife will end up in collections & never be used...I think that all knives should be used because that is their purpose, even lightly( I'd like to use the can opener...).....but at that price point, most folks would not because it might be lost, stolen or banged up...finally, I like your new look for the channel...Good job!

[@JonGadget]

I would have shown the tools in proper use - but since it was on loan it wouldn't be fair. Thanks for the detailed feedback and comments.

[@edgaraquino2324]

@@JonGadget I understand that the knife is a "loaner" - and as such can't be demonstrated in the usual manner - my comment was a general one in regards to knife use & how some folks collect, but never use...Would you consider the Tinker as an additional alternative to the Spartan & the Compact? Thanks!

[@oxfordbulldog9588]

Already sold out on the UK website but another run to be produced. At £360, it's obviously been seen as a great collectable item.

[@jurivlk5433]

I think the local watch whop has one, but it was around 700 Fr. swiss francs.

[@UnstoppableTramp]

I wanted one but missed out!!!!

[@nymnicholas]

Great vid as always. Just the way you hold it in the hand, and feel Time travelling back, is worth the price, as well, in the End, it's all a memory. Peace :-)

[@marcocisneros6982]

I would like to see return production of the Victorinox-Mauser pocket knife. I don't know why a model with such sales potential cant make a comeback...

[@paulstevenson200]

Excellent review.

[@207sport]

Waiting your review😊

[@Raventommm]

I would like to see that secondary blade on the huntsman... that would be nice!

[@JonGadget]

limited audience for sure

[@michaelcope856]

Great video... but three hundred and sixty quid!? It'll probably get a mention in the FT's HTSI supplement, but it won't be finding its way into my pocket. I'll stick with my 45 year-old example which is perfect apart from the broken spring on the scissors.

[@JonGadget]

current versions are great value though

[@flaco5581]

thanks

[@defaultnoname618]

Brack in switzerland has them still in stock. Dont know if they ship outside switzerland…?

[@JonGadget]

USA seem to have stock too!

[@defaultnoname618]

@@JonGadget so did you manage to buy one for yourselve? Didnt even watch the video to the end and ordered immediatly, then I watched the video to the end☺️

[@tpobrienjr]

It is indeed a beautiful knife. Too rich for my blood, though. Thanks for the closeup views.

[@marklawrence855]

This wold be a knife I wold be proud to own

[@BaggieReg63]

Really like the clip point blade. Do any of the modern SAKs have this?

[@JonGadget]

None that I know of....

[@marmite8959]

45,000 a day? I'm almost surprised that Victorinox sells enough to keep going but I guess they are insanely popular. Really an impressive company, especially that it's all still made on the same sites in Switzerland.

[@JonGadget]

I know! - a unique business I would say

[@ronaldmercer9616]

You'd be surprised how many military members carry an SAK while on deployments, in addition to their tactical mostly useless expensive ones that they show off , I know I was one

[@firun2635]

In case you're not aware... inox comes from "inoxydable" - French for un-oxidizable. Literally stainless, but that's no secret :) It's a nice knife, but the price is a little much for a knife I'd never use. However, I do have a very well used Victorinox from the 1930s that belonged to my grandfather, with horn scales. Old style can opener, thick reamer, but already the new bottle opener. Basically an original Spartan. It's a nice little heirloom.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I LOVE my SAK's 👍 The greatest thing is, they're much better value now than when I got my first one in the early 80's 😆 It's amazing how terrible the original can openers were, horribly dangerous for fingers too !

[@JonGadget]

😁

[@williamyoung369]

Sweet!

[@earlbee3196]

I wish Victorinox would bring back the scientist, even if it was just for a Limited run.

[@anter881]

Jon I think we did the same thing with the Compact with changing the scales to black. However for bonus style points i replaced the toothpick and tweezers with black version of them. Needless to say that now it looks much better! Or maybe you have the one from limited runs? P.s. Unfortunately pen is only made in one colour-gray

[@JonGadget]

I changed the scales like you 👍 yes, I was hoping for a red topped pen!

[@ace03cobra67]

That sak knife today that closers to this original one

[@felinebline7154]

Fabulous

[@christiangabriel2854]

In Düsseldorf it is simply in the shop window between many other knives. Like it's just a knife...

[@censusgary]

I want one of these commemorative replicas, but $500 is way too much. After seeing how they’re shipping it out, I think the price represents $50 for the knife, $350 for the packaging, and $100 for the hype.

[@roqsteady5290]

Well, on their normal output knives, the long runs make the design, development, tooling costs etc. insignificant. Not so much for a limited edition like this one.

[@ironman2326]

Would that can opener really work well??

[@JonGadget]

OK not brilliant - there is a video on YT of it in use

[@Pinki2019]

I would never buy that because it's not really meant to be carried or used (and, functionally, it's not as good as a modern Spartan), but I really enjoyed you giving us a close look at it.

[@JonGadget]

yes - that all makes sense

[@jimbarbwe1985]

Cracking video as always. I was tempted by this knife but I just don't have the love for it even though I love Victorinox to the point of having the 7ft glass Victorinox display they normally have in the shops, two of the big motorised Victorinox knife models with the moving blades, I love the Hunter Pro Alox range and have every year so far with matching Pioneer Alox and Classic sd Alox and I'm luck to have thev beautiful one of 6k Hunter Pro Alox in DAMAST and I even have the band in America Victorinox Swissflame. I wish I loved the 1897, the packaging looks brilliant, but unfortunately I don't love it, but I do love the Hunter Pro Alox range and would like to see you have a look at one and give it a review. Sorry if my spelling or grammar is off-piste at all, dyslexia & dysplasia can bugger me up. Keep up the good work and congratulations 👏 SMASHING 50k here's to 100k

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback - you really are invested in Victorinox 👍 Spelling and Grammar all good

[@jimbarbwe1985]

@@JonGadget top man 👍🔦

[@censusgary]

I don’t get why they used stainless steel on what Victorinox claims is a replica of the 1897 knife, which was made of high-carbon steel. I mean, either make a replica or don’t.

[@thedeaderer8791]

They should make all the cork screws like that it looks like that one is way more useful

[@JonGadget]

I don’t think it works as well and no good for storage. Looks good though.

[@zulvalor7266]

I wanted this but they were all sold out month ago

[@davidsiegel9847]

Englishman Alexander Parkes (Parkesine) and Belgian Leo Baekeland (Bakelite) might disagree about "no plastic" then. Plastics have been formulated in many way from many materials!

[@Comment0815]

I love your videos on victorinox knifes, and this is really special. Besides the high price, I don't really get the point of this knife. This probably isn't a knife, that anyone will really use. In my opinion they should either make a replica as precise as possible (which would include carbon steel) or make a new design, with some facets from the original design. This is neither the one, nor the other. But I like the looks of it. I think that gives me further inspiration for the custom Compact, that I'm planing to make. I want to make wooden scales (including scale tools), exposed rivets and brass liners. Maybe I can find some wood with a similar reddish colour as this fiber stuff.

[@MankindFails]

I keep hearing these tools were made from scratch but they made a replica in 2009 for 125th anniversary. They already had the same screw driver, can opener and probably the same blade.

[@JonGadget]

All different!

[@MankindFails]

@@JonGadget If you say so. I really wouldn't know. They looked alike to me. Thanks for the answer.

[@HardyBunster]

I would think they already have the originally tooling. 🤷‍♂️

[@JonGadget]

I don't think they have any original unused knives let alone the tooling!

[@KMV007]

It looks nice, but the price is ridiculous considering the modern version with wooden scales is £30.

[@JonGadget]

you're right - collectors only

[@buddymac3993]

Back,but who can afford to buy this knife.for sure not me!!!!

[@ROE1300]

I am a big Victorinox fan, both knives & multitools. But, $500.00 is just silly. I hope those with more dollars than sense enjoy their purchase.

[@knghtbrd]

It's a nice look at the past. I wouldn't want to own one of these because I am of the opinion that tools are meant to be used, and I would never actually use a $500 that was worth three times that on day one. Give me the Spartan. Or the Compact.

[@spessART-outdoor]

What a great idea of victorinox to produce a batch of replicas, from the first moment i want to have one of them ... until i 've seen the price 😅. Thats too much, in my opinion. Over 400€, so much money for a knife, i cannot find good arguments to convince my wife 😅🤷‍♂️. Greetings from germany

[@kingsford73]

Victorinox pulled out all the stops for that knife, and rightly so.

[@JonGadget]

they did 👍

[@Mat-kr1nf]

Besides the outrageous price, I would have been tempted if it used the original carbon steel blades!☹️

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Wow! £360 for the limited edition replica ….

[@JonGadget]

not cheap!

[@tenchraven]

The one on fleaBay is a great example of why I hate this stuff. These, SwissBianco, the Leatherman Garage, they aren't made for collectors. They are made for scalpers to sell to investors.

[@JonGadget]

Yes, I find that frustrating too!

[@fnurbz]

I want one for edc, i hate that is is a limmited prduction

[@randywatson8347]

Seems too pricey to me, considering you get several unique Victorinox knives for that pricepoint. I would rather curate it at $199,- as a reasonal price, also taken the packaging into count.

[@Traderjoe]

Our modern day versions are really far superior to the original in so many ways, I would never justify myself buying the original version.

[@JonGadget]

Just for collectors I think

[@chrisfyfe9212]

At $ 650.00 Canadian , I’ll give it a miss !

[@JonGadget]

it is expensive!

[@chrisfyfe9212]

@@JonGadget I’ll stick with my Alox team ( delightfull EDC’s ) and my Spirit MX clip !

[@DylanLey]

A very cool commemorative piece, but definitely not for $500...

[@JonGadget]

not cheap!

[@Crustycon23]

No scissors? 1897 me is out 😂

[@JonGadget]

and me in general use 🤣

[@JW-2001]

More like an investment. Interesting