http://www.knifeforums.com/uploads/1...ss_unknown.JPG

Swissman has probably seen these, but few of us Americans have. It's the conventional Spartan model in the Victorinox line, but with special markings and inscription.

Some Swiss guy on Knifeforums posted this. It is given on leaving military service in his canton. It is the cantonal authorities way of saying, "Thanks for your service."

I think the inscription means, "End of Military Service." Swissman may have a more precise translation, if he sees this.

T-Star

Interesting knife. My translation program rendered it as "dismissal from the conscription".

Is the animal sympol on the right that of the issuing canton?

The bull is the heraldic-animal of the canton Uri.
It was a present for the retired soldier of this canton. The canton Uri has and still got some
trouble with the nature. Floods, rock-falls, avalanches, etc. For all this cases they use the
army for help, rescue, cleaning, rebuiliding etc.

Swissman

i have a good freind from Canton Tichino (sp?) he works for a big Swiss bank. half teh time hes here in the states. last time over he smuggled me a nice custom Vicorinox with my name on it

i keep trying to convince him that we coudl make a killing if he would bring a Sig 210 or 6 to sell with him every time he comes over here

El Toro-

It sounds as if your friend gave you a nice knife. I don't know how "custom" it is other than your name being on it.

If that's all, most Victorinox dealers here can inscribe your name on the knife. Swiss Army Brands may also offer this feature.

As Swissman noted, the bull is the symbol of that canton. The cantons have flags, like we have state flags here. Some are quite colorful.

T-Star

Now here is a Swiss Army knife...

While in Kosovo in 2002-2004, I picked up a couple of Swiss Army knives at an Austrian Army base. One had a 3"+ regular blade, screwdriver, and a corkscrew among the features. It has a spring loaded lock on the side. The other one has a half serrated blade with a liner lock. The other end of the liner load works on the straight screwdriver blade. It also has a Phillips blade.

Best of all, the price on these was 14 Euros for one and 14.50 Euros for the other, back when the exchange rate was one dollar to 1.10 Euros!

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Big deal, wheres the pipe snake?

Back in another life, we were tasked with flying Gen Colin Powell (CJCS) and his NATO/European counterparts out to a carrier for the day. On my plane was the big guy from Switzerland and at the end of the flight he gave each of us a nice plain Swiss Army knife.

He must have been thanking us for getting him there and back without killing him.

I really liked that knife, but it seemed to vanish during divorce proceedings.

bob

I really like the Swiss Army knife designed for the German Army. http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/...product=54876&

I gave both of my young warriors one (with our surname engraved on it) when they graduated BCT.

I have one. I like it but its set up more for a left hander

I have one of the German ones, but it's an earlier model. A bit trimmer, and the combination blade lets it do all that I need from it.

I'm a little worried about a cop hassling me if I carry a one-handed opener, and it's big enough for defense, if need be. Doesn't lock open, though.

I'm happy with it.

T-Star

Well, just looked at my knives and one is identical to the German Army knife, except it is black and has the Swiss cross. Not bad for 14.50 euros, circa 2003 (about $14).

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I got one for Christmas when I was 12 yrs. old. Says:Victorinox Switzerland Stainless Rostfrei on the main blade. Been in my pocket ever since. Throw in a night watching MacGyver and life was great.

mom and i were shopping at a local house of knives at xmas and one of these were on display, she asked if i want one, i said it would be great for a few days to look at but then totally useless from there on and probably just a dust collector. i'm just waiting until late '11 for my randall.

That is just an exhibition item, not meant for use. The slimmer ones are fantastic knives, and will fill the need for a smaller knife with more tools after you receive your Randall.

Many shops have an electric large Victorinox in the window. The blades open and close, to attract shoppers. Actor Larry Hagman bought one for his collection of eclectic art.

T-Star