My Victorinox store experience

[u/_jak0bb]

Last week i took a trip to Cologne, so a visit to the Victorinox store was mandatory. I had email contact before and made an appointment. The store is really nice and all models are displayed. Also the special models such as the Evoke Wood.
The assembly process was on an oldschool machine, but still fun to do. The base model was a Spartan, but I chose the philips instead of the corkscrew, so I guess that makes it a Tinker.
The staff was very friendly, would recommend 👍🏻
My wife bought a purple classic sd and had it engraved, and i also brought my daughters Compact to have it engraved.

[u/Unusual-Fault-4091]

That’s interesting. Seem to be more options now. Could you choose one of the six base models shown ? And you could actually switch single tools ? That’s all new as far as I know ? Did they have plus scales ?

[u/_jak0bb → u/Unusual-Fault-4091]

This might not been clear from my description ideed. For assembly the Spartan is the only option. I suppose the six naked models are customisable by choosing the scales. I did only get to choose the scales, didn’t think to ask about plus scales.
For the tools the only choice was philips or screwdriver.

[u/karl_ae → u/_jak0bb]

Oh you shattered my dreams 😞I'll be in Switzerland next week and I was planning to build my own SAK but it seems the customization options are very limitted. Just to confirm, they don't let you build whatever you want by adding or removing layers, correct? You pick one of the base models, tinker, huntsman or explorer, and can only change the back tools? I was planning to remove the scissors and replace it with a metal file on the explorer, and maybe replace the small blade with the nail file.

[u/_jak0bb → u/karl_ae]

It would be absolutely brilliant, but no. But i understand the logistics of it, needing more parts. I’m personally not a fan of two knives in one sak, and the can opener, but it’s still a great experience and for € 35 not expensive at all.

[u/illestxb → u/karl_ae]

Sir you are looking for the Build a Lightsaber experience in Orlando.

[u/PrimoBachs → u/karl_ae]

I went to the store in Lucerne, and was also disappointed by the lack of customization. I really wanted to build my own explorer, without the lens. I did end up getting a really nice Super Tinker with commemorative Lucerne scales. So that was cool.

[u/Ok_Salad7400]

That looks like fun. Cool.

[u/Agreeable-Payment386 → u/Ok_Salad7400]

It is fun. Something everyone should do. Nice experience.

[u/hepazepie]

What's the relation between Cologne and Victorinox?

I was born and raised there and never had a connection between the city and ASAKs in my mind

[u/Environmental-Gap380 → u/hepazepie]

There is a flagship store there. Not sure if Cologne itself has a relationship, but there are flagship stores in many countries. Except the US no longer has one. It was in New York, but it has been closed for a while.

[u/digiplay]

I’d love to do it but it’s such a missed opportunity we can’t literally make our own.

[u/ChankSmithInnisbitch]

Looks awesome

[u/leosp633fc]

Did you have to book this experience in advance or is this available as a walk in experience? I might book myself a flight to Cologne as it's a place I heard many nice things!

[u/_jak0bb → u/leosp633fc]

I had contact via email before my visit.

[u/SashaOnTheRun2]

I went there last winter, great experience. I bought the Victorinox Companion, the Victorinox Store exclusive SD and the wallet. I'm set now

[u/zoelarg]

Man to bad they won’t let you do a champ

[u/Snake_crane]

Looks fun! 😊

[u/Aggressive-Iron353]

I’d love to do this

[u/boatdaddy12]

The Rue De Rhone 

[u/Sweaty-Material7]

Just saw this sub. Haven't thought about it since I was younger but I really want one of the full size ones with a saw. These are awesome. Just random chance I saw this post but im gonna get one or two of these now for edc.

Thanks for posting this. Also what are your scales made of? They almost look like metal.

[u/_jak0bb → u/Sweaty-Material7]

It’s silver transparent plastic, i was gonna go for wood but my wife chose these. Very happy with them.

[u/Sweaty-Material7 → u/_jak0bb]

The scales look very very good. Love the choice you two made. I already have 2 different ones in my cart. Will order this week i think.

[u/Menes009]

uff just for the engraving in the actual blade it might be worth a visit

[u/strestle]

I am admittedly jealous of the freely-available 91mm scale options that include dark green, burgundy, yellow, and navy blue....

Glad you were able to have such a good experience and outcome! 

[u/Efronczak]

That seems awesome. Was it expensive?

[u/_jak0bb → u/Efronczak]

€ 35. if you count the half hour that man was busy with explaining it to me, it’s really good value.

[u/Efronczak → u/_jak0bb]

That's awesome!!! I need one of my own lol. All I have are cheap nock offs

[u/Conscious-Bowler-264]

Shame they don't offer a high quality blade steel as an option.