Looking at some nicely priced Wengers on sale, but was just wondering if they are as good as the Victorinox knives? Any opinions.
I think they are comparable. I’m odd though, I actually carry one of each. The Action is different on both the pliers and sissors. Rather than a small spring, the Wenger uses a lever sprung back to the handle. It has much better spring action.
The Logo on the Wenger rubs off in time. I didn’t care for that., I paid good money for that cross. The toothpick on both of them seem to disappear with the same regularity. I like the blades on both, edges seem to stay nice. My Wenger has a pointer small blade which is nice for cutting paper.
I couldn’t say which one I use more, I grab the Wenger for trimming, the Victorinox the fine pliers work, Wenger for big pliers work, Victorinox for quick cutting plastic or paper sheets. Screwdrivers are about the same, I like the lether punch on the Victorinox better. Wenger opens cans better, Victorinox does better with bottles. My Wenger doesn’t have a file, the Victorinox’s file is Awsome. I’ve used the saw blade on the file to cut metal more than once.
Dan
In my experience, this is one of those wonderful and rare areas where you have to pick between a good thing and a good thing.
I prefer Victorinox, marginally, but I couldn’t tell you why. Wenger won’t disappoint at all, and hey, a sale is a sale.
Wenger is, in my opinion, superior. This is simply because of the action on the scissors and pliers, as noted above. I’ve replaced many, many Victorinox springs; the only problem I’ve seen with Wengers is the pivot screw loosening, which happens far less often and is easier to fix.
Other than that, really, they’re very similar.
I have had both. Right now I am carrying some model of mid-level Wenger. The only problem I have had is like danvanf said. The logo is starting to wear off. That really ticks me off athough, other than that, it works great.
Wenger blades will occasionally fold closed on you while you are using them, & I’ve got the scar on my right hand to prove it!
GO VIC!
I have a Victorinox knife I’ve had since I was about ten years old. The toothpick and tweezers have been lost, and there was a small keyring which broke, but otherwise the knife is in fine shape. My father purchased a Wenger blade from L. L. Bean a few years after I got my blade and it simply did not last. The plastic fell off the sides and the scissors actually fell apart. I may be biased because I’ve never had a knife with scissors(they may all suck) but that didn’t sit well with me. My father may have heard something about the tendancy to fold unexpectedly because he purchased a model which had a lock for the blade.
Still I’ve seen people who swear by Wenger and neither is a BAD choice. If it’s a good deal that can make a difference.
Enjoy,
Steven
The Wenger I had fell apart, the two Victorinox knives have held up very well. Maybe it depends on the year of manufacture, or the particular plant.
Remember the show Mad About You? I knew I didn’t like Paul Reiser’s character when his hot wife gave him a top-of-the-line Swiss Army Knife for a gift, and he just rolled his eyes. Dickweed.
The Wenger I have has a corkscrew . . . . which broke, when opening a bottle. Although I think it’s still under guarantee. . . . .
I’ve had both over the last 20 years or so, and they compare favorably to each other. However, I believe the overall quality of my 20-year old knife is better than the ones sold today. My old Victorinox still functions very well, but the one I got just 5 years ago has not stood up very well to identical conditions and use.
I like them both, and own both, but I could sum up a few pros and cons:
Wenger: much better scissors and pliers, blades slightly heftier, but less variety both in tools and styles.
Victorinox: Lots more options, tend to be more compact, but not as durable and don’t offer a locking blade in a pocket sized knife (at least as of last time I looked.)
This has been the best SAK I’ve owned, and I’ve owned many of them:
http://www.penforyou.com/ZST6006PG31003PR7174.htm
The spring-loaded pliers are much handier than your standard issue Leatherman pliers and the screwdriver bits have come in handy several times also. I haven’t used the saw, yet, but I know I’ll need it for something, some day. The main blade is very strong as well. I keep it in my briefcase, since I cannot wear a knife on my belt around the office, but I have used it for several fix-it projects at work. I actually even bought a back-up of this model (but not for $72) just in case I ever lost it.
I also carry a little Vic SAK on my key chain, in case I need scissors or a toothpick.
Both companies make fine knives, in my opinion.
For those who have lost tweezers and toothpicks, or have broken the scissor spring on your Victorinox:
Hie thee to your local knife shop (Not Target or Walmart!). They have replacements- used to be $1.00 per tweezer or pick, .50C for scissor spring (installed).
I prefer Victorinox. Why, I am not sure. The blades hold up about the same. They do have the same accoutrements (even corkscrews!). Prices- about the same. IMO, the style of the Victorinox is a bit cleaner.