I admitted it. I love smart home tools. My most used gadgets tend to be manually operated kitchen gadgets. You know, the old tried and true: the apple opener, peeler, and corer with a crank come out once every blue moon when it’s time to make apple pie.
In the late 1980s, when I started college, I decided that I wanted my own Swiss Army knife. No one in the on-campus housing had any tools. Space was limited so I didn’t want a bulky toolbox. I wanted several tools in one, an all-rounder that I could keep in my backpack. After all, he lived alone and needed to be prepared to get out of any situation that might arise.
I went to a local cutlery where they have a wall of knives (this was a few years before the convenience of buying online). After much deliberation and handling of the knife, I settled on a Victorinox Mechanic model 53441 knife. The pliers and Phillips screwdriver looked just like their full size counterparts and I knew they would get the job done. The can opener was an added bonus. I knew I would use it if my can opener was in the dishwasher or outside. The bottle opener would see a lot of action from my friends for party time when a bottled beer or soda needed to be opened.
I carried that Swiss Army Mechanic’s knife all through college. It went from a backpack, to a purse, to a fanny pack, to my room, to the kitchen and wherever I needed my faithful friend. Sadly, I lost it somehow when I moved from my second apartment at the university to my own house.
I was without a Swiss Army knife for several years. I got married. I now expected my husband to be the resourceful one when it came to fixing or minor repairs around the home. I gave him a Mechanic with his name engraved on the red handle.
I bought myself a classic pink 53185 because it was a beautiful carnation pink, small enough to clip to my key chain, and the cutest tool I’ve ever seen. The nail file has a pointed tip which for me is more useful than the small screwdriver tip that most classics have. I have cleaned my nails and filed them hundreds of times. In a pinch, when I lost my full-size tweezers, I used the small removable tweezers on my pink classic to pull out an eyebrow hair or splinter. The mini-blade opens hard-to-tear cardboard boxes, envelopes, and blister packs that I sometimes receive in the mail. The tiny scissors have had their share of work: cutting threads or cutting my nails.
I am fond of Victorinox Swiss Army knives because they have served me well many times in my own life. Whenever I need a gift for a friend or family member who has everything, I search Swiss Army and choose a knife that I think will fit their personality and lifestyle.
I have given an Executive 53401 Swiss Army knife to my father who has an orange orchard. The Executive has an orange peeler that easily cuts the skin of oranges and citrus. It’s a little bigger than a classic, but light enough to carry in your pocket every day. I also thought it would be easier for him to ride than the classic since it’s bigger.
Many of my friends at work have received Signature Lites from me over the years. Translucent, jewel-like colors such as Amethyst Purple 55195 and Ruby Red 55191 have been appreciated and used daily by recipients. More often than not, my friends have said that they would never have thought of buying a Swiss Army knife and can’t believe how many times they have had the urge to use one once they got it.
In 2006 when the Wenger Clipper came out I gave my best friend and mom one in Plum Ice Purple 16962 and Watermelon Pink 16959. This Swiss Army knife has a full size clipper. I have been thanked several times for this practical gift.
Every time someone graduates from middle school or high school, I buy them a full-size Victorinox Swiss Army knife. Something memorable that is loaded with features. The Swiss Champ 53501, Ranger 53861, and Deluxe Tinker 53481 are my favorite models to give away. They are packed with tools and always cause a “Wow!” Response from a young man. Many times the Swiss Army knife that I give to a young man is his first and everyone remembers their first knife as the most special.
Swiss Army Knives are appropriate for all gift-giving occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, wedding and groomsmen gifts, housewarming, thank you, graduation, promotion, safety award, anytime you want to give a gift that be useful and different. Interesting, high-quality gadgets make Swiss Army knives the perfect gift choice. You also get the most bang for your buck, with keychain models starting at around $15 with the large knives in the $40-$60 range. Most can be engraved for a nominal fee.
I have two small children, a 1 year old and a 5 year old. I look forward to the day that your father and I pick out a Swiss Army knife for each of them to use and cherish.