When was my Swiss Army Knife made?

Fender or Gibson?

[@tmo7734]

Thanks Dan for your wonderful videos on Swiss Army knives. This one I particularly like because you’ve gone into the history of the knives. Best wishes to you and your family from the San Francisco Bay Area.

[@DKBoerner]

Thank you for the great show. I really like it and your way of presenting things. :)

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Great video. From what I've read, the Fishing knife with the screwdriver is the Fisherman. Sometime in the 1980s, Victorinox started making the Fisherman with a corkscrew and called it the Angler. The two knives were made side by side. Later they came out with the Angler Deluxe which featured pliers along side the the scissors. Then they dropped the Scissors and the Angler became what it is today. So if you have a knife with the fishing emblem, scissors, and corkscrew, you have an early Angler; before the scissors were replaced with the pliers. Really cool info. Thanks, again for sharing.

[@albertosanchez2201]

Thanks a lot for your videos! Hey Swiss Army Dan, it would be great to see just the boxes through time.

[@jack_batterson]

Nice video! I love your passion for the vintage SAK's. I had not heard of the 'can key' before. Very cool feature. Thanks for the lesson!

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks for watching Jack! I prefer the phillips w/can key for looks only... not opening too many cans that way :) Cheers

[@kaivank]

Wow...I thought I new most of t victorinox SAK story...but today I learnt so much about t changes of models as per years... thank you for sharing your knowledge. It is a SAK collector's true love.

[@davidcooper6704]

Great information. Am now inspired to do some more research on my SAK collection.

[@ukulelebobby]

Nicely done thanks ! Cheers

[@eds1994fatboy]

Man ....Dan you have some great vintage models.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks, Harley Man! Sorry for the LATE reply! I love looking for vintage models. Cheers!!!!

[@73twall]

He appears to have nearly EVERY model....LOL

[@Eugenetra7]

@@swissarmydan9354 Just curious. What do your usually search for and where? Any particular key words? It would be cool to get a 1980 knife, I already have some 1980 coins, belt etc, I love to get things that are as old as me))

[@blacksquirrel4008]

In 1985 a friend brought me a SAK “Sportsman” from Saudi Arabia. In lieu of the shield and cross (Crusader emblems) it had a white globe with Mecca at the center. I’ve carried it literally every day for 34 years (for two years it was “lost” in a robe pocket at my MIL’s house after I flattened boxes in the wee hours awaiting the recycling people) but when new scales were put on by Victorinox (twice now) they put shield ones on it, despite my request. During its lost years I bought a new one, and it gave me a chance to see the evolution i.e. now has a sewing hole on the awl, a pin hole in the scale, and the corkscrew lost the extra grooving.

[@magicdave93]

Another great Swiss knife history lesson.👍🙂

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

BTW I love your videos I have a modest collection, mostly Wenger, I love their innovations, like the locking flat head, the variable plyers, the multi range, the orientation tool, and locking blade, My dad had a wenger master fisherman with the 45 degree can opener very cool. Thanks again for your videos, I have learned a lot.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks for watching, my friend! Wengers are great, I have several! I should do a video about dating those tools as well, though it seems like I know less about the techniques to place a date on the Wengers.

[@escargotiskuhol]

I keep getting asked the same question and your videos helped me answer some of them. But this one is now my default reference when Im asked the question again. Just as the Holy Trinity video is what I share when I'm asked what SAK to buy by first timers. Keep it up, Dan! Youre videos are really educational and entertaining. Especially with the cool music intro! :D

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

[@bowtiejoe2413]

Great video . Always like the intro music, and always learn something. Hope you can start making videos more often! I have two Princess models with different file patterns. One has the std pattern used today, but the other has a pattern of parallel ridges like on the square Phillips drivers. Any idea of ages on either? It is always tough to get an age on any model. I think Vic would mix components at the end of production runs just to drive us bonkers.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks for watching, BTJ!!! I'm trying to fit more SAK vid making in my schedule. Sorry for the LATE reply!!! Feel welcome to send pics of the Princesses to [e-mail] and I could give you a better idea. It sounds like they are vintage. Cheers!

[@eds1994fatboy]

Also.....SAK website has a ton of info......example.....after the bail loop.....the keyring introduced after 68.....but also has info on keyring mount will move more to the side and the shape will change slightly

[@STUFFWEDO]

Thanks I learned a lot.

[@DaniloAMViana]

Hey, Dan. Good morning from Brazil! You do have great items! I am recently starting to acquire some antique models and I wonder if you could give us some tips on how to clean them properly.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Danilo Viana Pretty sure he has a cleaning video. If not, there are others on YT. Basically soapy water, work it through, dry it and then oil it (sparingly with mineral oil).

[@WorldofConker]

I like your videos very much... please make many videos about the individual tools ond their age determination...even the toothpick has got many changes over the years. Cheers from Germany :-) !

[@swissarmydan9354]

Haha! One frustrating thing about the Toothpick/tweezers is they are often replaced on older SAK's. Anything in particular you're looking for? Vielleicht auf Deutsch?! :)

[@mitchs405]

Hey Dan, I didn't notice the pen on your champ. Any idea when that came out?

[@hopingforthebest1.9]

I got lucky with one of my knives, it came with it's original box and warranty/instructions sheet, the date on it says 1976 I couldn't find very much info on it but I believe it's called an adirondack, its a wenger 85mm, that's part of the backpacker line. It has a locking main blade, a clip point smaller blade, and it only has tweezers, no toothpick, I thought it was an interesting find

[@lukehendrickson3669]

I happen to have an Angler that doesn't have the Victorinox logo and instead has the fish emblem in its place. I've yet to see another like in online/in collection inspections.

[@perseuspegaso]

Cool vídeo. I'm steel new in these game. So, every info is valuable for me! Finally yo made a vídeo. Cheers buddy. 🍺🍺

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks foir watching, my friend! Cheers! 🍺🍺

[@73twall]

I think dating based on tools could be inaccurate, since it seems they could use a tool even 5 years later that had been discontinued. They seemed to use up whatever stock they had. It doesn't seem to follow any pattern as to which models got the new tools for that year, and which ones were being produced on old inventory. Almost like they sprinkled the old stuff into the new knives, until the old stuff was all gone. That may take awhile for some tools. Nevertheless, it's cool to see what general era something SHOULD come from. Most of the SAK I have had over the years (even the Huntsman my dad got me new for Christmas '84) have been mid-change models, and had a bunch of old and new stuff. For example, my Huntsman had the old-style awl/reamer, yet the new style smooth corkscrew. Yet, it didn't have a hook, and the scissors still had a screw. It was right on the '85 cusp of everything changing a lot.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Great point!

[@ricktemmen6272]

Great video Dan and a question: When did they take Rostfrei off the tang and when did the makers mark crossbow go away... Thanks Dan

[@swissarmydan9354]

I believe the last year you'll find the rostfrei w/ crossbow is 2005. Cheers, Rick!

[@ricktemmen6272]

@@swissarmydan9354 Thanks for the quick reply Dan ... 2005 is more recent than I would have guessed ... I really appreciate all you help 👍

[@Fruityfrog1]

Hi there Swiss Army Dan. I bought my first SAK (it had camping written on it) in 1968. The one glaring difference from any other SAK that I've seen is the fact that it's secondary blade is a hooked shape. I don't know if you have seen this before. I damaged the original scales and fitted some plain black ones. Which to be fair look pretty good. However, I would like to return the knife to some originality if possible. Where may I find some red scales with the embedded camping and tent logo? Any help would be much appreciated.

[@swissarmydan9354]

That’s awesome, it sounds like you have an original picnicker, Very nice rare vintage model. You could try sending it in to Victorinox and request the camping scales. They would most likely repair it for you, replace the scales but it might take some time. after a search on eBay this is all I could find, unfortunately it’s an overseas seller www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=91mm+camping+scales&_trksid=p2334524.m4084.l1313&_sop=10&_odkw=swiss+knife+

[@chrisbyars4422]

I received a SWAK that has the tool set of the Explorer, minus the utility hook. I believe that places the knife pre-1991. Based on the condition, that must be true: broken tip main blade, corkscrew bent and stands off the handle, bent small blade... I restored as best I could.

[@swissarmydan9354]

That sounds right, Explorers are such great SAKs, I believe if you send it Victorinox with $5 they would replace or repair

[@billymoss1585]

Hey Dan, What year did they start putting toothpick and tweezers on the spartan and tourist? Do you know?

[@johneykennick102]

Great video thanks for sharing. Do you know when they started to put a 90° stop on the cap lifter?

[@swissarmydan9354]

Thanks for watching, Johney5 Spot!!! For 93mm alox/soldiers -since the beginning around '57 & '62 respectively, '73 for the inline phillips on 91mm, '85 For the Caplifter on 91mm, 2010 for 84mm. Cheers!

[@johneykennick102]

Thanks a lot! That narrows it down for an explorer I have.

[@derekrowlands1189]

Great video I have a Blue fisherman which going by your information is about 1970 / 1971 is there a repair service as I have chipped the small blade on it.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Wow, those blue Fishermen are rare and sought-after. Lucky!! It has a keyring? Does it have the Victorinox shield or Coi fish inlay only? Thanks for watching!

[@derekrowlands1189]

Swiss Army Dan yes it has both on it.

[@swissarmydan9354]

@@derekrowlands1189 would love to see a picture. Are you on IG or FB?

[@swissarmydan9354]

You could contact Victorinox and ask them if they could repair, just make sure that you tell them that it is a Sentimental knife for you so they don't just replace it. I know they have done some vintage repairs in the past.

[@derekrowlands1189]

Swiss Army Dan send me a friend request on fab.

[@husseinrhl6837]

Really nice vid dude and btw gibson

[@swissarmydan9354]

Haha! Thanks! What model do you prefer???

[@schnorres58]

Great video,

[@swissarmydan9354]

Vielen Dank!

[@franktuckwell196]

Not sure now as to what year my knife is, it has large blade, small blade,modern cross head screw driver, opposite that is the grey edged magnifying lens. The single leaf spring scissors, a can opener with small square edge on tip opposite that the screw driver flat blade with cap lifter and wire stripper. Ivory coloured toothpick and grey coloured tip on the tweezers. On the back thecork screw, hook and awl. However i noticed on the main blade one side says VICTORINOX SWITZERLAND STAINLESS ROSTEREI and on the other side there is the crossbow and under that is + and under that OFFICIER SUISSE. Any ideas? I would be grateful for info. I have carried a pen knife since i was in the scouts which i joined after the cubs in 1966. I only ever got three badges in the scouts, a fire badge, a knife badge and a map reading badge. This particular knife i got in the seventies sometime and have carried it ever since. Its been around the world with me and has been a boon ever since i got it. Thanks, great vid.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Hi Frank, thanks for watching. If it has the Parcel hook on the back, it was made after 1991. With that stamp it would be before 2004.

[@horacioa.gutierreznovoa]

The Sak that have no impression on the Tang safely are 74-75, it is a characteristic of those years

[@peterpuleo2904]

I want a SAK that is lean and simple--one blade about 2 inches long, and nothing else. Can you recommend anything? Thank you.

[@abdalabinladen]

You could get a solo alox. Single blade, a bit over two inches, thin so it disappears in your pocket. Will last forever.

[@bowtiejoe2413]

They also make two called the Daypacker and the Floral that are single bladed. However, They are not typical SAK styles. If you are willing to go to a blade and one tool there are a few more options like the Bantam and Watchmaker.

[@vpereira]

So, covered rivets and old style awl would be 57-61?

[@Mr.PGaming2022]

I have a hoffritz I am trying to date and by your video I’m thinking mid 80’s but not sure. Still have the box and I believe it is NOS

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

another way to date them is the number of turns on the corkscrew.

[@apmikalogran]

I have a spartan 98 France no pin hall as I thought they probably used older Spartans from maybe early nineties for these knifes

[@swissarmydan9354]

The pin hole was only available in the Compact and Swisschamp until 2009, when the pin hole started coming standard on awl 84mm and 91mm models. Thank you for watching! Cheers!

[@apmikalogran]

Swiss Army Dan the pin gets into the tweezers hall easy and fits 👌

[@apmikalogran]

Also the eco line plastic mat is much better in these old models no scratch problems

[@apmikalogran]

I got addicted

[@cofradiadenavajassuizas]

Sinatra? good video!! like....

[@nabokkills5435]

someone likes red

[@amosscherrey8988]

You’d think that the easiest way to date a knife would be with a date stamped on the tang. Why don’t knife manufacturers do that??

[@Tzunami07]

Your're definetly one SAK expert

[@chrissndervadhjris5042]

I have an elinox line with the old logo and without bail how old would you think?

[@swissarmydan9354]

Depending on other features of the knife, it could be anywhere '68-'75. Clip point small blade will place it pre '73

[@chrissndervadhjris5042]

Swiss Army Dan clip point ,5 turn corskrew, swiss pat can opener and i belive its the elinox logo? And no bail

[@swissarmydan9354]

Sounds like an awesome knife! With those features I'd say you can narrow it down Late '68- '71 give or take a year. I believe '71 is about the last year you'll find the swiss pat. The Elinox cross went from an inlay to a stamp around '73 as well. Cheers!

[@chrissndervadhjris5042]

Swiss Army Dan yeah it is a nice knife, but it comes with a price (35$) heh some times i get carried away it is with the inlay elinox logo

[@xrysoryba]

When did they start putting the scale tools on? I just acquired a Hiker with no scale tools, clip point small blade, square shank phillips without file, no eye in the awl and no +pat on the opener. From your video this sounds like early 70s. Is that right?

[@swissarmydan9354]

Sounds right to me. They actually had scale tools since the beginning in 1902 but made many w/out scale tools. In the 70's these were sometimes referred to as the "Economy" line. I have knives from that era with and without scale tools. Cheers!

[@vesselsfirst8200]

For the 1954 knife. I have the same knife but it says 55 instead of 54

[@kodyschmautz7799]

Fender all the way. ...and Gibson's tho. But fenders are at least almost halfway obtainable by the average Joe.

[@stacymelton2566]

I have one that has HIKER on it ....any idea the value?

[@swissarmydan9354]

If I'm not mistaken the Hiker inlay was used for Canadian markets in the 80's and no longer available. Depending on condition/original box I'd estimate they'd go for $15-$60

[@liamregan3096]

My grandpa passed last week and I've been left with his wholes life's collection of knives, model cars, cigarette cards etc... So I'm currently sat here trying to date everything

[@KE8MWQ]

I have one with no bale or eyelet and no evidence that either were there have had it a long time. Large blade says victorinox switzerland stainless rostfrei on one side and officer suisse on the other side (no other writing) I don't know the name of the knife it has large and small blade scissors bottle opener can opener ale (without hole) and corkscrew (looks like 2 pieces of steel) any help would be greatly appreciated

[@eds1994fatboy]

Hey Dan and others who want some great info on SAKs....get Derek Jacksons book.20 bucks on Ebay.Chocked full of great info of when where and how.Pictures and a great and interesting read.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Harley Man thanks for watching!!

[@bigperm005]

Hey sakdan, ever sell any of your knives?

[@swissarmydan9354]

Doug Le I do! You can email me at [e-mail] cheers!

[@bigperm005]

Swiss Army Dan Emailed!

[@adrielrowley]

Any way to nail down a late 1970s to mid 1980s Champion in a dark maroon box with gold lettering (even has all the papers)? I am a bit confused by this presentation... TIA

[@swissarmydan9354]

There are several ways to narrow down to a date range, it’s easier to judge by the tools as opposed to the scales. One of the easier ways would be the tip of the tweezers, if it’s metal Then it’s pre-1978, if it’s the gray plastic it’s after 1978. Hole in the reamer/punch? If not then pre-1985.

[@adrielrowley]

@@swissarmydan9354, yes I did watch the video, however, you say something to the affect love 1980s and then don't go into detail as had done for previous decades. 7 year span seems a wide possibility compared to previous?

[@zola1974]

One sak Free..hah hah..i fan from Malaysia...

[@tonysalmail]

Frankie!

[@greggkemp5985]

Waiting for SAK's to come out with a Vape (smoking) version........just waiting........patiently......waiting.......

[@BleakVision]

My 84mm Golfer won't take a mini screw driver. It won't go in all the way 😢

[@jahnkaplank8626]

Hi I have a silver 'soldier' that I received as a kid, when I was about 10, which means I got it in the mid 80's, but my blade says '94'... I wonder why. It is most definitely not a fake; the other side of the blade has 'victorinox/switzerland' stamped into it. No, i'm not mixing up my dates because in 94 i was long out of school but I had this knife since I was a little kid. Why do you think is says '94' when i received it as a gift at LEAST 10 years before that? It has the same blade since I got it, too.

[@swissarmydan9354]

Hi Jahn, thanks for watching! That is an enigma. Maybe this particular model found a worm hole in the space-time continuum. That is my best guess. At any rate it’s a wonderful model to have. Cheers!

[@jahnkaplank8626]

@@swissarmydan9354 time travel is the only logical explanation i can come up with, too! that, or i'm losing my mind lol.

[@UK_Lemons]

Check out SAKWiki dot com There is loads of info there that can help you date your knife based on the evolution of the various tools. Scissors and pliers had several updates and seem to be a good guide to the age of your knife. My Craftsman has most of the characteristics of a 1990 model however the scissors have a bronze rivet which suggests that they have been replaced since 1997. I am about to send the knife for a service and repairs at the UK service centre. I may include a letter asking them when the knife was manufactured. I believe they charge a small service fee although they made no charge on a previous occasion. I will report my experience when I get it back..

[@rosiecarson9942]

Dude, Gibson.

[@MankindFails]

I'm so old I have exposed rivets.

[@krownedklown420klik9]

How do you date a Wenger traveller 🤷🤷🤷🙏🙏🙏

[@michaelnathan9550]

boring

[@swissarmydan9354]

Lol