FAQ Swiss Army Knives

How do I know that I own an original Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?

With Victorinox stamping on the blade and the Victorinox Emblem (Cross & Shield) on the scale, you own an Original Swiss Army Knife.

The stamping on the large blade differs depending on when it was manufactured:

Since 2005: VICTORINOX SWISS MADE STAINLESS

Since 2014, for selected products: VICTORINOX SWISS MADE DELÉMONT

What is the warranty for Victorinox Swiss Army Knives?

Victorinox AG warrants that the Victorinox product will be free from material or manufacturer defects that appear during the course of normal use of the product for the lifetime of the product (except for electronic components and accessories as well as small leather goods, brand collection and third-party branded products where a warranty period of two years applies). For full details regarding our lifetime warranty, please visit the following link: Lifetime warranty | Victorinox International

Where can I purchase a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?

You can purchase Victorinox Swiss Army Knives in our Victorinox stores or from a local retailer. Use our Store Finder to find a store nearby.

Where can I send my Swiss Army Knife to be repaired?

Please contact your local retailer or send your product, well packed, directly to our country representative.

More information can be found in the following documents:

• Checklists for Repairs and Services for customers from Switzerland (PDF)

• Checklists for Repairs and Services for customers from Germany, Austria, Belgium and Luxemburg (PDF)

• Checklists for Repairs and Services for customers from the United Kingdom (PDF)

• Checklists for Repairs and Services for customers from The Channel Islands (PDF)

• Checklists for Repairs and Services for customers from France (PDF)

• Checklists for Repairs and Services for customers from the United States (PDF)

Are there any legal provisions regarding Swiss Army Knives?

United Kingdom: Please note that it is an offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to carry a knife with a blade of more than 3 inches/7.62 cm long in public and can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment unless there is a lawful reason for doing so.

Please consider applicable local law and provisions when buying a knife or carrying it in the public.

Germany: Please note that carrying knives in the public is subject to special legal provisions and bans in Germany. This refers especially to knives with a blade which can be fixed with one hand (one-hand knives) or fixed knives with a blade length of over 12 cm.

Which Swiss Army Knives are allowed on board airplanes?

In accordance with airline luggage regulations, dangerous objects are generally banned from carry-on and checked-in luggage on flights or are subject to restrictions.

However, these regulations vary depending on the airport, airline and country. You should therefore consult the website of your corresponding airport for detailed information on current regulations before you start your journey.

Some countries have more stringent regulations about carrying objects that can be used as weapons, both in and outside airports (for example, a pocket knife with a lockable blade). Please bear this in mind and make the necessary inquiries. In general, we advise you to stow pocket knives in checked-in luggage.

What does “stainless” mean?

The term or the declaration "stainless" means the object in question is made of high alloyed steel. Products manufactured using high alloyed steel have a high resistance to corrosion.

The terms "stainless" or "inox" is thus only partly true. If stainless steel products are not cleaned over a long period of time, aggressive substances (fruit acids, salt water etc.) are able to act on (corrode) the material.

How do I care for my Swiss Army Knife?

Regular cleaning and oiling are important for your Swiss Army Knife to function properly. More information can be found in the following documents:

• Care Tips for Victorinox Pocket Knives (PDF)

• Care Tips for Victorinox SwissTools (PDF)

Are Swiss Army Knives dishwasher proof?

The temperature in dishwashers can reach between 55 and 80 degrees Celsius (130 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the selected cycle. Cleaning salts and strong cleaning agents are used during this process. Exposing Swiss Army Knives to aggressive environments and high temperatures for extended periods can cause damage. Therefore, do not put Swiss Army Knives or other pocket tools in the dishwasher!

How do I resharpen the blade?

We recommend that you resharpen your blade using a whetstone at an angle of 15° - 20°. This will result in a cutting angle of 30° - 40°. If resharpening on a grinding wheel, always cool with plenty of water to avoid excessive temperatures. More information can be found in the following documents:

• Care Tips for Victorinox Pocket Knives (PDF)

• Care Tips for Victorinox SwissTools (PDF) 

What oil should I use for my Swiss Army Knife?

When selecting a lubricant, various properties need to be taken into account, including legal provisions relating to the safety of foodstuffs. Some oils intended for pocket knives do not provide satisfactory lubrication or may even prevent the knife from working properly (causing it to stick, for example). Also, please heed the general food regulations.

The main features of our Multi-Purpose oil are: neutral in taste and smell, highly resistant to ageing, good wear and corrosion protection qualities, food-safe.

We highly recommend using our Multi-Tool oil 4.3302.

Where is the pin located?

Open the corkscrew. The pin is in the scale right next to the base of the corkscrew. All 91 mm Swiss Army Knives with plastic scales have a slot for the pin. Please note that the pin is not fitted as a standard on all models.More information can be found in the following document:

• Where is the pin located? (PDF)

How do I use the corkscrew?

Please follow these directions when using the corkscrew:

1. Remove the mini-screwdriver (if there is one). The mini-screwdriver is not supplied as a standard with all models.

2. Fully insert the corkscrew into the cork and pull the cork vertically upwards and out of the bottle. Try to avoid twisting or tilting the knife body!

More information can be found in the following document:

• How to use the corkscrew (PDF)

How do I change the battery?

Please refer to this document Battery Changes (PDF).

Important:

• Recycling batteries: Never throw batteries into household rubbish. Batteries must be recycled.

• New battery: Before inserting a new battery, always check its expiry date.

Where can I find an overview of Swiss Army Knife functions?

List of all main functions:

• Victorinox Swiss Army Knives Functions (PDF)

The SwissChamp has 19 tools and packs 33 functions. Hit play to see them all in action.

Do you have operating instructions for the Traveller Swiss Army Knife?

Please read the Operating Instructions of the Traveller, Traveller Lite and Expedition Lite (PDF).

Can you make me a special knife?

We appreciate your interest in our Swiss Army Knives. Our range is extensive and accommodates most requests. For technical reasons, we do not offer special one-off productions!

Can I visit the Victorinox knife factory in Switzerland?

Thank you for your interest in a factory tour. There is a possibility to visit the Victorinox Knife Factories in Ibach-Schwyz or Delémont (JU).

For selected small groups, we can enable a tour of one of our factories. Visits are only possible upon early request and need to be confirmed by us. Victorinox does not offer tours for individuals. It is also not possible to join another group. We do not provide food or drinks.

Guided tours in Ibach-Schwyz: Group size: 7 to a maximum of 21 people (from 16 years of age). Times: Mon - Fri between 09.30 - 12.00 and Mon - Thurs between 13.30 - 16.00.

For enquiries please contact: Victorinox AG, Schmiedgasse 57, 6438 Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland Email: visitors.hq@victorinox.com

Guided tours in Delémont: Group size: 6 to a maximum of 50 people (for larger groups, please contact us) Times: Mon - Fri between 08.00 - 11.00 and Mon - Thu between 13.30 - 15.30.

For enquiries contact: Victorinox Swiss Army SA,  Route de Bâle 63, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland Email : visitor.delemont@victorinox.com