Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Translucent Pocket Knife

About Swiss Army Knives
In 1884, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener set up shop in Ibach-Schwyz, installing a waterwheel in Tobelbach Brook to run his grinding and polishing machines. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener's mother, and "inox," or stainless steel. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The original product dates to 1897, when Elsener patented the Swiss Officer's and Sports Knife he supplied to the Swiss Army. Following World War II, American servicemen and women shopping in PX stores shortened the name to Swiss Army Knife, which lives on in English-speaking countries around the world and has become a metaphor for versatility.

When all tools are folded in, the unit measures about two and a forth inches long or a little more that five and a half centimeters. Weighing just a few grams, it's a pocketknife that is basically so light; you won't even notice you're carrying it. Comes with a single blade which is about one and a half inches long (3.5 cm), a nail file with a regular screwdriver head, toothpick, tweezers, scissors and a tiny key ring for attachment, not to mention the Swiss Army quality.

Often inside or out, I'm doing some kind of small project that involves typical constructive handy work, and have come to love the tweezers on this contraption. So nice to have that on hand the moment I get a splinter, especially when dealing with a painfully nasty one from fiberglass. I can just reach into my pocket; use the tweezers to pull out the sliver right on the spot, thus preventing infection and further aggravation. The least useful tool for me on this pocketknife has been the toothpick, I never seen it as anything grand, but it's there anyway and doesn't take up too much space.

All tools except the toothpick are made of stainless steel, and I was particularly impressed with the scissors, made in good quality construction that will enable it to last for a long while. The toothpick on the other hand is made of a plastic, durable enough for it's designated task. To use them, the toothpick and tweezers slide out of their slots and detach from the complete unit itself. This might create a potential for loss with these pieces, if they're not returned to their rightful slots after use. But the only other draw back that I can see with this pocketknife is the small size might make it hard to operate. If you're not very nimble with your fingers, catching the groves on the tool edges to open them might be a little difficult. But generally speaking, all features are easy to pull open and put into position when desired.

Although it's not exactly intended for heavy-duty work, it's still a fantastic all-purpose tool well adapted for everyday encounters, like simply opening a box or envelope, cutting a string with a tight knot, or whittling a stick for roasting marshmallows. This little gadget provides the tool necessities and will save the day many times over. Plus the smaller compact size makes it travel a lot easier in the pocket and the transparent blue color makes it stylish and unique from its Swiss kin. Simply made for resourceful people with a strong desire for things of ingenuity and practicality.


Terrific Litle Keychain Tool   January 14, 2005
K. Varraso (Boston, MA USA)
23 out of 25 found this review helpful

I've been carrying these little knives on my keychain for over twenty years. These pocket knives have done terrific service all this time, opening packages, cutting up fruit, removing splinters and all of the light-duty chores that this minature knife was designed to to. My only complaints are not the knife's fault: (1) when I remove the knife from my keychain, it's doomed. I'll lose it before it ever gets the chance to return to my purse, and (2) cow orkers and the like "accidentally" pick them up, and they disappear forever. Airport security considers these knives to be deadly weapons, although the only danger would be from a plane crew laughing themselves to death at the sight of a hijacker trying to overcome someone with a two inch long knife. But for trimming an errant nail or cutting an apple into manageable chunks, this is a great little tool.


Utilitarian 'Le Must'   March 26, 2007
Terry Sanders (NYC, NY USA)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

A small Swiss Army knife has been my constant companion for the last 30 years. It's uses are myriad & often. They last like objects made 'like they used to make them'. This one is a lot more attractive than it's predecessor which, although still useful, is showing it's 28 year age.


Victorinox Rocks!   December 28, 2006
Skycats2 (TX)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I had the original solid red Victorinox that was borrowed and never returned (It was about 10 years old and still going strong!)so I purchased this one. I came back and bought about 6 more in sapphire, amethyst, and red for Christmas gifts. Everyone loved them! Small in size, but a real workhorse, and easily hangs on your keyring without excessive bulk. It came in handy opening the boxes that were taped, and the blade easily opened the plastic packaging that comes on most items now. I definitely recommend this product. If you have very large hands or need a larger blade, buy a larger knife; otherwise, this is the one you want.


Very Practical!   January 14, 2007
Caitlyn Lillo (Austin, TX USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I have owned this little knife in various colours over the years. I have other knives for heavier-duty work, but I always carry this one around and time and time again has it proven its worth. The scissors are good for snipping that stray thread off your shirt, the file for getting a chipped nail, and the toothpick for picking that one stubborn piece of pepper out of your teeth! The knife of course for almost anything ... and best of all it comes sharpened. It's kind of a bummer getting a new knife and not being able to use it to its full potential, but with this little guy you can be slicing and dicing right out of the package.

For the low price and with a colour for every person, why *not* get one?