Age-dating
Here's a nice fact in something filled with doubts... "There is no 100% accurate date in age-dating a vintage Victorinox" Even Victorinox has to work with an estimate or old catalogs with a lot of contradictions. A few days ago I found out that some of my age dating methods weren't accurate. I dated 2 tools till 1980, instead of 1970. That's a decade, and I know that some people rely on the information provided here. I , on my my part, relied on someone else's information, while I should have done some research myself... This is why I wanted to make my own age-dating page with my own "research" and pictures. To start off here are some interesting facts you should know before you buy a "genuine" vintage knife on Ebay.... Vintage means 50 years or older, while antique means 100 years or older. Don't get fooled by the vintage name on some of the listings out there since the name has been more abused then used. Keep in mind that this list is constantly updated if new information pops up...
!!!PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!
*SMALL BLADE*
1897 - 1973 clip point blade
1973 - today
spear point blade
*CAPLIFTER*
mainly used on the first soldier knives
1942 - 1951 has sometimes "SWISS MADE" stamped on the bottom
sharpened curve acts as wire-stripper
1970 - today
(A) : 1970 - 1985 : no sharpened curve and no 90 degree lock
(B) : 1985 - today : 90 degree lock
*CAN OPENER*
1891 - 1946old style can opener, used on top, sideways
first can opener used on top, currently used by Wenger
newest type patented can opener with"+pat" marking and small nail nick
1972 - today
*CORKSCREW*
1897 - 1983
5 loops - fluted corkscrew
1983 - 1991
4 loops - fluted corkscrew
1991 - today
4 loops - solid corkscrew
*REAMER / AWL*
1891 - 1961
1972 - today
newest type can opener with larger nail nick
*CORKSCREW*
1897 - 19835 loops - fluted corkscrew
1983 - 1991
4 loops - fluted corkscrew
1991 - today
4 loops - solid corkscrew
*REAMER / AWL*
1891 - 1961
triangular, solid reamer
1961 - 1985
newest reamer without sewing eye
1985 - today
1961 - 1985
newest reamer without sewing eye
1985 - today
newest reamer with sewing eye
*PHILIPS SCREWDRIVER (back)*
1952 - 1980
1980 - today
rounded
*SCISSORS*
1902 - 1975
screw joint and single spring
1975 - 1992
screw joint and double spring
rivet joint and double spring
*KEYCHAIN ATTACHMENT*
1902 - 1968/75
bail
1968/75 - 1991
keychain connected to separate layer (brass spacer/ small blade)
1991 - today
keychain connected to backspring of can opener/ cap lifter
*FISH SCALER*
1952 - 1975
magnetized tip
1975 - 1985
ruler added
magnetized tip
ruler added
magnetized tip removed
*WOOD SAW*
1950 - today
no more nail nick (saw teeth changed during the 70's)
*VICTORINOX SHIELD*
1909 - 1980 thick outline / made of nickel silver = gold-shine/ small imperfections = see left side cross
thin outline / made of stainless steel
