So, for now (2017-July) my collection still have a lot of missed knives… Seems, this story will be continued.
Related models:
Related models:
At the beginning of this post I would like to say “Thank you!” to one good fellow, without his help probably I never didn’t find this knife (and several others by the way).
Jason, thanks! 🙂
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away when I just started my journey to the wonderfull world of SAKs, I’ve heard a legend about some group of collectors (maybe better call them “Secret orden”?) – Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collectors Society, or VSAKCS. Every year, starting from 2000, this society released a new anniversary knife specially for members of this group. Sometimes these knives were a regular models, but sometimes… not. Every knife was produced in small quanities and has a special emblem on scales.
Very long introduction, sorry. Lets look at “Astronaut” model which was released for VSAKCS in 2006. First thing, that we can see – it’s not an original “Astronaut” model. Technically – it’s a Grand Prix model, with inlaid logo of Shuttle on its scales.
P.S. Some announce: several future posts will be related to the knives from the same series – VSAKCS!
The Altimeter Plus is an improved variation of Altimeter model. Historically if Victorinox released some known model with added wood-saw, this new model will get name of base model and “Plus” suffix. The same situation for this one – well known Altimeter got wood-saw and new name. Sadly, but both these models now are discontinued (replaced by Traveller model later).
Technically this model is a modified Hiker with added “Lite layer”, which includes LED light and inline Phillips screwdriver. Another one difference is a common for all knives in this series – backside reamer was replaced by a technician screwdriver.
Interesting fact: this knife includes three different screwdrivers (also we can add to this list 2 screwdrivers, which are part of cap-lifter and can-opener). So, in result we have five (5!) screwdrivers in one knife. Seems, it’s an achievement! Except Whitetail Deer, only Master Electrician contains the same amount of screwdrivers (and both knives were produced exclusively for SMKW company!)
Photos:
The Victorinox Voyager Lite is a one from few models which are equipped with embedded electronic tools. As the knife’s name implies, it’s a enhanced version of Voyager model. Usually models with “Lite” addon in their names has additional tools layer, which includes LED light and Phillips screwdriver. Same is true for Voyager Lite.
As for now, this model is discontinued and replaced by more efficient Traveller Lite (which has additional electronic tools). By the way, if I’m not mistaken, there are no way to recognize (by photo only) these two models – their external look absolutely the same.
Technically it’s the same model as Ranger with corkscrew replaced by Phillips screwdriver, but Master Craftsman is much more rare knife.
As probably you know, Master Craftsman has several variations related to the Space program – Astronaut / Shuttle (Space Shuttle) models. All these models had inlaid logo of Space Shuttle on top scale.
My knife is an old one – it has old-style small blade, squared Phillips on the back and there are no hook / chisel / fine screwdriver at all.
Victorinox Matterhorn – knife which looks like Deluxe Tinker, includes the same tools as Deluxe Tinker includes, but have another name (it’s a name of mountain in Alps, by the way 😉
In 199.. Victorinox produced three popular models (Tinker, Huntsman and Deluxe Tinker) with the partial serrated blades (original knives had plain ones). These 3 good old knives were produced with the “new” names – McKinley, Rainier and Matterhorn accordingly.
Victorinox Fireman is a 4-layers 111-mm knife. It was produced with regular and one-hand blade. Additionaly, version with OH serrated blade (because version with OH plain blade also was available in US market!) has a “limited” series – Black Blade, where main blade was black-oxide coated.
