If you’ve ever been a Boy Scout, you remember the day you were issued your first Swiss Army Knife. There’s nothing quite like these knives, which come equipped with a wide range of useful tools: not just knife blades, but can openers, tweezers, a screwdriver even a cork screw. If you were a scout, you could picture yourself stranded in the wilderness, surviving on nothing but your wits and the little implements tucked inside your knife. In this week’s blog post, we’ll learn about the origins of this fantastic knife and whether the Swiss army use Swiss Army knives.
The origins of the Swiss Army Knife
Although it was commissioned by the Swiss military in the 1880s, the first Swiss Army Knives were actually produced in Germany, as Switzerland didn’t have sufficient tool-making factories at the time. According to Atlas Obscrua, a Swiss inventor named Karl Ensler was eventually able to give the army what it wanted: a simple, portable tool to let soldiers open canned goods, make repairs and – of course – cut things while in the field.
The knives became internationally known during World War II, when American soldiers first discovered them…and discovered they couldn’t pronounce their original name, Schweizer Offziersmesser. The literal translation, “Swiss army knife,” was much easier to use.
Isn’t Switzerland a neutral country?
Switzerland is known for remaining neutral in foreign wars. In fact, it’s been more than 200 years since the Swiss were involved in an armed conflict between other nations.
Still, Switzerland has an army – focused mainly on peacekeeping missions — and requires all young men to serve 260 days in the military. (Women are allowed to volunteer for service. Conscientious objectors can request 390 days of civil service instead.)
All members of the military are given the country’s famous knives, which are considered tools rather than weapons. So, if you were wondering if the Swiss army use swiss army knives, the answer is yes!
Ways to Use Your Swiss Army Knife
- Scissors
There are many practical uses for the Swiss Army knife. I believe the top 3 uses for the Swiss Army knife are the famous scissors which are perfect for cutting small pieces of fabric that you dont want to tear with a normal knife. Having the ability to finely cut things with precision is important in the wilderness.
- Corkscrew
We live in an age where the top 2 drinks in America are wine and beer. So these next 2 most important uses for the Swiss Army knife have to be opening a wine bottle, or boring into any type of object is necessary in any wilderness survival scenario.
- Bottle Opener
Can opener, bottle opener, or opening anything with a very difficult lid is very important, and one of the most practical uses for the Swiss Army knife at any campsite. True, you can open any can with a normal knife, but one little slip and then its a trip to the hospital.
Caring for your knife
Like any folding knife, a Swiss Army Knife needs proper care. This can be accomplished in a few steps:
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Cleaning the knife
Keep your knife free of debris by cleaning it with liquid soap and water. You can use a toothpick or Q-tip to reach small crevices. Take care if you plan to submerge the knife. You’ll need a rag and compressed air to completely dry it.
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Lubricating the knife
Most knives come lubricated straight from the factory. Give them time to break in before deciding your blade needs lubrication. As the knife ages, give it a few drops of oil applied to the pivot to keep it opening and closing cleanly.
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Keep it sharp
Regular sharpening is the key to make sure the knife provides a clean cut. It also makes it easy to sharpen. You’ll have a much easier time honing a blade that undergoes routine sharpening than trying to sharpen a knife that’s gone completely dull.
Another way to ensure your knife performs well: invest in a high-quality blade. Exquisite Knives offers a broad range of custom knives, hand-forged knives and more. Visit our catalogue today to find the knife that’s right for you.
Looking for the coolest custom knives? Check out the Exquisite Knives shop!
October 21, 2018
