Victorinox Swiss Army Special Etched Soldier Knife with Collector's Book

All encased in a stylish stainless steal handle. The Swiss Amy Knives, A Collector's Companion book by Derek Jackson is a colorful, highly illustrated monograph that examines all aspects of the Original Swiss Army Knife; after introductory sections on the history of knives and the Swiss Army, the story unfolds from the first knives - the Soldier's Knife and Officer's Knife produced by Karl Elsener for 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 advertising departments want to associate their product with reliability and functionality they go for an image that's instantly recognisable - and the symbol they often choose is Victorinox's distinctively red, multi-bladed knife.

An international name today, Victorinox's beginnings were very parochial, the factory is still based in the small hamlet of Schwyz and employs local people. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The Soldier includes a large knife blade, can opener, small screwdriver, bottle opener, large screwdriver, wire stripper, and reamer. From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army knife a century ago comes this complete set of all-purpose handy tools--all neatly contained in a single implement that measures just 3-1/2 inches (91 millimeters) long. There are chapters on the manufacturing process, the variety of blades and tools and a gallery of old and new knives which appear in a wide variety of styles, with plenty to interest the collector.

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. Sheathed in silver, the Soldier is a convenient toolbox small enough to fit into a pocket. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener's mother, and "inox," or stainless steel. Soldier Tools:

• Large blade
• Can opener
• Small screwdriver
• Bottle opener
• Large screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Reamer

About Swiss Army Knives: A Collector's Companion by Derek Jackson There are certain objects that rise above the norm and become icons - instantly recognisable for their simplicity of design, striking appearance and ease of operation. The knife in its many forms has sold in millions all over the World. Although there has inevitably been some mechanisation over the years the knives are still assembled by hand.

This colorful, highly illustrated book examines all aspects of the Swiss Army Knife from the first Officers Knife produced for the Swiss Army to the latest Milennium Cyberitool. The tools include a large knife blade, can opener, small screwdriver, bottle opener, large screwdriver, wire stripper, and reamer. Victorinox's Original Swiss Army Knife is just such an icon. And, for the true Swiss Army fan, this set also includes Swiss Army Knives: A Collector's Companion by Derek Jackson, a hardcover illustrated book documenting every aspect of 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. A valued companion, this pocket knife contains seven stainless-steel tools and carries a lifetime warranty against defects.