SWISS ARMY KNIFE
The multi-tool for on the road
Not without my SAK!
The Swiss pocket knife (also known as Swiss Army Knife or Swiss Army Officer's Knife) is considered the most widely sold pocket knife in the world. Whether on a camping holiday, bicycle tour, sailing trip, trekking or survival trip: anyone who travels outdoors appreciates the qualities of a good multi-functional tool like the Swiss Army Knife. And not only on adventure holidays! The Swiss Army Knife is the absolute companion on journeys. And it can do even more:
A knife for all cases
Not only when travelling, but also at home and in the office, the Swiss Army Knife is quickly at the ready if no suitable tool is at hand. No matter if you want to loosen a screw, strip cable, carve wood, saw, file rough edges smooth, cut your fingernails or open a bottle—the Swiss Army Knife is the knife for all cases. With the Swiss Army Knife you have the choice between numerous models of the brands Victorinox, Wenger or Swiza. In addition, other multi-tools are also equipped with several mini-tools, which are integrated in the handle in a foldable manner, just like the Swiss knife. This is how the multi-tools can be transported safely.
The triumphal procession of the Swiss Army Officer's and Sports Knife
The Swiss Army Knife was developed at the end of the 19th century as an army knife for the soldiers of the Swiss Army. Among other things, the knife was intended to help to eat or dismantle the rifle. Therefore, the original type was equipped with the tools blade, can opener, slotted screwdriver and awl. By the way, the first Swiss Army Knives were not produced by the Swiss Confederates, but in Solingen: Since in 1891, no Swiss company had the production capacity required for the army's buying quantity, the knife manufacturer Wester & Co. in Solingen produced the first 15,000 Swiss knives.
Mercator Multi—the multi-tool from OTTER knives
With the Mercator Multi, we at OTTER-Messer’s in Solingen have relaunched a well-tried and tested multi-functional tool. Thanks to old patterns and yellowed drawings, we have succeeded in re-introducing this popular pocket knife into our product line after 60 years. As in the past, we equip the multi-tool with four tools in careful manual work:
- a lockable knife blade
- an awl for loosening knots and piercing holes
- a can opener and
- a corkscrew
The "sack" knife
Did you know that the Swiss Army Knife is also called "sack" knife in Switzerland? The term comes from the word "Hosensack", which is the Swiss term for pants pocket.
The multi-functional tool (not only) for on the road
How often does it happen that you just have to cut, file, open or drill something, but have neither a knife, file, can opener or bottle opener at hand? Then, the Swiss Army Knife and similar multi-functional tools are the saviours in case of need. Besides the usual folding knife blade, Swiss pocket knives have various other functions that make the tool an all-purpose tool. Even in the basic models, a large number of tool functions are integrated, such as
- Knife blade
- Corkscrew
- Can opener
- File
Blades clusters that can be used simultaneously as cap lifter, can opener, screwdriver and wire stripper, toothpick, tweezers, saw, nail scissors or nail file, multi-purpose hook, keyring, awl for pricking, drilling or sewing—with the right Swiss Army Knife you are prepared for every situation. Wherever you can't or don't want to carry a toolbox, Swiss Army Knives and multi-tools are the ideal alternative, because they fit in every drawer, every desk, every handbag and ultimately in every pants pocket.
This article is a publication of our "Things to know" column, which we will expand bit by bit. We would like to introduce you to the world "all around the knife" with interesting information from the point of view of a manufacturer. This also means that we sometimes will write about topics that include products that we do not offer ourselves.
Individual laser engraving
On request, we engrave your pocket knife with your name.
Grinding service
Our sharpeners bring your knife back into shape in professional handicraft. Of course, this also applies to knives of other manufacturers and brands.
Pocket knife workshop
Would you like a completely individual pocket knife? In our pocket knife workshop you can build your own pocket knife. Sign up right away!
Buy pocket knives
In our online shop you will find numerous different handmade pocket knives.