Knife multitool - a reliable assistant

The knife was one of the earliest tools of a reasonable man. For many centuries, many different models have been created, specialized for different purposes from the task. The multitool knife is one of the most original variants. Its universality does not leave indifferent consumers. It is interesting not only as a tool, but also as an object for collecting.

History

The Victorinox multitool knife is without a doubt the product of the most famous brand in the world. The history of the company began in the eighteenth century, it was established in 1884. Her inspiration was the Swiss, Charles Elsener. To do his favorite thing - the manufacture of knives, he was trained first in Paris, then in South Germany.

In the city of Ibach (Schwyz region), he united twenty-five knife-makers to organize the production of soldier's folding knives for the army of Switzerland. Even then, besides the usual blade, the products were supplied with a screwdriver, an awl and an opener. Despite the high quality, they could not compete with German samples - the products were simply more expensive than the German ones, and the masters refused to participate in the project.

Elzener did not quit his favorite business and in 1897 patented an officer's sports knife. Previously, such models as student, farmer, and cadet knives were created, but it was the officer who brought him to the world market. He was smaller than a soldier and was supplied with six tools (a small blade and a corkscrew).

Since 1908, two companies, Wenger and Victorinox, receive government orders for the production of knives for the Swiss army on an equal footing and enjoy the right to place state symbols on them - a cross on the shield.

Quality

Multifunctional knife got its fame not only due to the incredible options for a set of tools. Knowingly for all knives the company gives a lifetime warranty. Quality of the product:

• Blades are made of special stainless steel. Normalized additives and modern technologies provide elasticity, the ability to "hold" the sharpening and hardness of the metal. Steel is only German or French.
• For different tools use specific steel grades with different hardness:

- nail file, scissors - RC 53;

- awl, opener - RC 52;

- springs, corkscrew - RC 49.

• The locking springs are individually adjustable. The task is to ensure easy opening and closing of each tool and securely fix it in working condition. Efforts can vary by a factor of five.
• For ease of weight, the gaskets for separating tools are made of an aluminum alloy. Until 1951, silver-nickel alloy was used.
• The most rigorous control over the quality of assembly is provided by 10% of workers from the total number of workers in production. They test each product manually, although most of the assembly (several hundred operations) is automated.

The company produces seventy-seven thousand pieces of various blades every day, 90% are exported.

Samples

The company has developed and produces many models:

• The multitool knife for the Swiss army can have from 1 to 8 functions in different versions:

- blade;

- can-opener;

- Opener;

- Corkscrew:

- saw on metal ;

- Saw a tree;

- pliers;

- wire cutters;

- ruler;

- tool for stripping wires;

- wrench;

- scissors;

- Different types of screwdrivers ;

- wavy blade;

- file;

- sometimes a hook for hooves.

He enjoys great popularity outside the army. The dimensions are 91-84 mm (in closed form).

• Models for the armies of other countries. Deliveries go to Germany, the knife has a slightly changed design, an ergonomic handle. A set of functions - depending on the order.
• The rescue service received a special design, where, in addition to the usual set of tools, there is a device capable of breaking a car's glass. In addition, a saw is built in, capable of sawing a triplex, and a cutter. The sides of the handle are made of bright yellow plastic, glowing in the dark.
• The multitool knife is a "Swiss card". The set of tools is packed in a flat case. The set includes a small blade, tweezers, manicure scissors,
• Products for tourists and hunters. Such an instrument is indispensable in campaigns. With its help, it is easy to break up the camp, to cut small game and so on.

Features

Folding knives multitools are designed to perform a lot of operations. There are several characteristics that a good knife should possess:

• Reliable retainer. The tool must not be folded in the hand when pressed.
• Reliable quality of pliers. They should combine three options: pliers with a notch, pliers and side cutters.
• The presence of versatile screwdrivers: curly and flat with a reliable hard tip that does not break off when pressed hard.
• The multi-purpose knife is designed for carrying in a pocket or on a belt. Flat profile, lack of protruding parts, small size (without loss of functionality) - this is the basis of comfort with daily wear.

Unusual options

Developers offer amazing models in the form of key rings, bracelets, cards, pins:

• Small items that fit in the palm of your hand, but at the same time consist of 19 full-fledged tools. They can be worn as a keychain.
• A multifunctional knife built into the buckle of the trousers can be a spanner, a bottle opener, a screwdriver (cross and flat).
• Interesting model, which has 17 baits, and they can be assembled independently in the required configuration. All tools are removable.
• Modern modification, built into the protective cover of the mobile phone. Tools (from 8 to 12) are made of stainless steel, and the cover is made of polycarbonate.