Latest news with #SwissArmyKnife
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘One-stop wonder' beauty buy that costs £27.99 is being flogged in Home Bargains for £2 & shoppers will ‘buy several'
BEAUTY fans will need to get their shoes ready and head down to their nearest Home Bargains store as quickly as they can, as two pricey buys are now on shelves for less than £2. So if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before, but you don't want to scrimp on your skin and haircare routine, then you've come to the right place and will need to listen up. 4 If you're looking to cut costs on your beauty routine, look no further Credit: Alamy 4 Shoppers will need to be fast as a £27.99 cult favourite is now only £1.99 in Home Bargains Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 4 The Dr. Lipp Before n' After, which normally sets shoppers back £27.99, can be used on the hair, face and body Credit: Dr. Lipp 4 Meanwhile, this product has been hailed as the 'Swiss Army Knife of cleansers' Credit: Dr. Lipp Luckily for those strapped for cash, there's two Dr. Lipp products which are now only £1.99 at Home Bargains - yes, you heard that correctly. One savvy shopper was gobsmacked to see the cult buys in her local Home Bargains and eagerly raced to social media to alert others. Posting on Alongside this, she wrote: 'Dr. Lipp products in Home Bargains! £1.99 each.' Read more beauty stories Not only did Charlotte spot the The It's been hailed by those at Dr. Lipp as the 'Swiss Army Knife of As well as this, according to the product description, it's the skincare equivalent of 'that cool kid at school who was really fun but also a shameless overachiever.' Most read in Fabulous And not only is it 'fragrance-free, comforting and luscious," but it can be used on all skin types, for the hair and the face. Meanwhile, the Beauty fans rejoice as Home Bargains drops ANOTHER dupe - it's £16 cheaper and the quality's amazing It works as a hair mask and conditioner, as well as a lotion. According to those at Dr. Lipp, it is 'smoother than James Bond at an awards party' and is 'lightweight and versatile.' 5 things you didn't know about Home Bargains Home Bargains was founded by Tom Morris It's official name is TJ Morris Ltd but trades as Home Bargains The first store was opened in Liverpool in 1976 Around 30% of the stores range comprises clearance lines There are 575 stores nationwide It's won 'more than 11 industry accolades for its remarkable results' and is 'gentle, fragrance-free and non-sticky.' Not only this, but it's also been hailed as 'universal and all-inclusive', as well as being a 'one-stop wonder' to condition both skin and hair. I need to close my eyes, otherwise I will buy several Facebook user Facebook users were stunned to see the iconic buys at such a purse-friendly price and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'I need to close my eyes, otherwise I will buy several.' Meanwhile, in disbelief at the £26 saving, another asked: 'Dupes?' To this, Charlotte wrote back and confirmed: 'No they're real ones, I put the website price on.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Top beauty trends for 2025 Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Haircare Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment. Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up. 2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments. Skincare Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine. Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant. Make-up Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin. Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks. Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect. Nails 2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘One-stop wonder' beauty buy that costs £27.99 is being flogged in Home Bargains for £2 & shoppers will ‘buy several'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEAUTY fans will need to get their shoes ready and head down to their nearest Home Bargains store as quickly as they can, as two pricey buys are now on shelves for less than £2. So if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before, but you don't want to scrimp on your skin and haircare routine, then you've come to the right place and will need to listen up. 4 If you're looking to cut costs on your beauty routine, look no further Credit: Alamy 4 Shoppers will need to be fast as a £27.99 cult favourite is now only £1.99 in Home Bargains Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 4 The Dr. Lipp Before n' After, which normally sets shoppers back £27.99, can be used on the hair, face and body Credit: Dr. Lipp 4 Meanwhile, this product has been hailed as the 'Swiss Army Knife of cleansers' Credit: Dr. Lipp Luckily for those strapped for cash, there's two Dr. Lipp products which are now only £1.99 at Home Bargains - yes, you heard that correctly. One savvy shopper was gobsmacked to see the cult buys in her local Home Bargains and eagerly raced to social media to alert others. Posting on BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, a public Facebook group with 866,400 members, Charlotte Taylor shared a snap of her finds. Alongside this, she wrote: 'Dr. Lipp products in Home Bargains! £1.99 each.' Not only did Charlotte spot the Dr. Lipp All Ways, but she also found the Dr. Lipp Before n' After too. The Dr. Lipp All Ways, which normally retails at £25.99, is a make-up remover, cleanser, body wash and shampoo. It's been hailed by those at Dr. Lipp as the 'Swiss Army Knife of cleansers.' As well as this, according to the product description, it's the skincare equivalent of 'that cool kid at school who was really fun but also a shameless overachiever.' And not only is it 'fragrance-free, comforting and luscious," but it can be used on all skin types, for the hair and the face. Meanwhile, the Dr. Lipp Before n' After, which normally sets shoppers back £27.99, is an 'all-over moisturise' buy that can be used on the hair, face and body. Beauty fans rejoice as Home Bargains drops ANOTHER dupe - it's £16 cheaper and the quality's amazing It works as a hair mask and conditioner, as well as a lotion. According to those at Dr. Lipp, it is 'smoother than James Bond at an awards party' and is 'lightweight and versatile.' 5 things you didn't know about Home Bargains Home Bargains was founded by Tom Morris It's official name is TJ Morris Ltd but trades as Home Bargains The first store was opened in Liverpool in 1976 Around 30% of the stores range comprises clearance lines There are 575 stores nationwide It's won 'more than 11 industry accolades for its remarkable results' and is 'gentle, fragrance-free and non-sticky.' Not only this, but it's also been hailed as 'universal and all-inclusive', as well as being a 'one-stop wonder' to condition both skin and hair. I need to close my eyes, otherwise I will buy several Facebook user Facebook users were stunned to see the iconic buys at such a purse-friendly price and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'I need to close my eyes, otherwise I will buy several.' Meanwhile, in disbelief at the £26 saving, another asked: 'Dupes?' To this, Charlotte wrote back and confirmed: 'No they're real ones, I put the website price on.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Geeky Gadgets
7 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
New Victorinox's Bladeless Swiss Army Knives : Perfect for Travel
Have you ever found yourself reaching for a tool, only to realize it's not allowed where you are? Whether it's a flight, a courthouse, or even your workplace, the restrictions on carrying knives can be frustrating for those who rely on their tools daily. Enter the new Victorinox Companion Collection—a bold reimagining of the Swiss Army knife that caters to modern needs without sacrificing the brand's signature functionality. With bladeless designs that comply with knife-free environments and a refreshed take on their iconic red model, Victorinox is proving that practicality and innovation can go hand in hand. But does this range truly deliver on its promise of versatility and adaptability? That's exactly what Jon Gadget is here to explore. In this review, Jon Gadget uncover how the new Victorinox Companion Collection balances lightweight practicality with timeless design, offering solutions for everyday carry enthusiasts and frequent travelers alike. From the sleek, bladeless Alox models—available in striking finishes like gold and dark red—to the updated traditional red Swiss Army knife, this lineup is packed with features that promise to simplify your daily tasks. Whether you're curious about the tools' real-world applications, their suitability for restricted environments, or how they stack up against Victorinox's storied legacy, this insight will leave you with a clearer picture of what makes these tools a standout addition to any pocket or bag. After all, when tradition meets innovation, the results are always worth a closer look. Victorinox Companion Collection Overview Bladeless Alox Models: A Modern Twist on Tradition The centerpiece of the Companion Collection is the introduction of three bladeless Alox models, which offer a fresh take on the traditional Swiss Army knife. These tools are designed for individuals who require functionality without the complications or restrictions associated with carrying a blade. Available in silver, gold, and dark red finishes, the bladeless Alox models combine sleek aesthetics with practical utility, making them ideal for a wide range of users. Companion S Alox (58 mm): This compact, keyring-friendly tool includes scissors and a combination tool featuring a Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener, and wire stripper. It is perfect for quick fixes and small tasks, offering convenience in a lightweight design. This compact, keyring-friendly tool includes scissors and a combination tool featuring a Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener, and wire stripper. It is perfect for quick fixes and small tasks, offering convenience in a lightweight design. Companion X Alox (93 mm): A larger option equipped with robust scissors, this model is lightweight yet lacks a keyring loop, making it better suited for storage in a pocket or bag. Its size and functionality make it a practical choice for everyday use. A larger option equipped with robust scissors, this model is lightweight yet lacks a keyring loop, making it better suited for storage in a pocket or bag. Its size and functionality make it a practical choice for everyday use. Companion Slim Alox (93 mm): Featuring a two-layer design, this tool includes scissors, a flathead screwdriver/pry bar, and a box opener/screwdriver combination. It is particularly useful for opening packages and handling minor repairs, catering to the needs of modern consumers. These bladeless tools are especially valuable in environments where knives are prohibited, such as schools, courthouses, or flights. They also appeal to users who already carry a dedicated knife but require additional tools for specific tasks, offering a versatile and compliant alternative. The Updated Traditional Red Swiss Army Knife For those who appreciate the timeless appeal of the classic Swiss Army knife, Victorinox has refreshed its traditional red model as part of the Companion Collection. This updated version retains the iconic design while incorporating a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance its versatility. The 'Companion' model includes: Scissors Nail file/cleaner Screwdriver/pry bar Box opener Corkscrew Utility hook Awl Pen Toothpick Tweezers This updated design emphasizes practicality and functionality, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks. Whether you need to open packages, tighten screws, or perform minor repairs, the traditional red Swiss Army knife remains a reliable and versatile tool. New Victorinox SAK Range Full Review Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in EDC gadgets. Bladeless Design: Meeting Modern Needs The bladeless design of the Companion Collection reflects a growing demand for tools that comply with restrictions in public and travel settings. These tools are particularly beneficial for individuals navigating environments where knives are prohibited. Key advantages of the bladeless models include: Providing supplementary tools for users who already carry a dedicated knife. Making sure compliance in knife-free environments, such as schools, workplaces, or courthouses. Offering potential carry-on approval for air travel, though airport security regulations may vary by region. Among the bladeless options, the Companion X Alox stands out as a practical choice for travelers. Its scissors-based functionality delivers utility without raising security concerns, making it a dependable companion for flights and other restricted environments. Pricing and Accessibility Victorinox has priced the Companion Collection to appeal to a broad audience, offering high-quality craftsmanship at competitive rates. The pricing for each model is as follows: Companion S Alox: £33 £33 Companion X Alox: £29 £29 Companion Slim Alox: £39 £39 Traditional Red Companion: £45 These prices reflect the durability and premium materials used in the collection, such as the Alox aluminum scales, which are a hallmark of Victorinox's commitment to quality. Designed for Modern Lifestyles The Companion Collection is tailored to meet the needs of today's consumers, particularly those who frequently handle sealed deliveries or containers. While the range represents an evolutionary step rather than a dramatic reinvention, it underscores Victorinox's dedication to adapting its products to contemporary lifestyles. The company has also hinted at further product releases in 2026, signaling ongoing refinement and expansion. Travel Suitability and Practicality For travelers, the smaller bladeless models, such as the Companion S Alox, may be suitable for air travel, though it is essential to check specific airport security regulations. The Companion X Alox, with its scissors-based design, offers a practical balance of functionality and compliance, making it an excellent choice for navigating knife-free environments. These tools provide a reliable solution for those who value versatility and convenience without compromising on quality or style. Media Credit: Jon Gadget Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
AsiaOne
08-07-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
'No room for complacency': Chan Chun Sing says Public Service must continue to innovate in face of rising expectations, Singapore News
Singapore's civil service must continue to innovate in the face of rising public expectations and global competition, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday (July 8). Giving a speech at the opening of the Public Service Festival in One Punggol, Chan, who is also Minister for Defence, said that the Public Service as contributed much to Singapore's survival and success over the past 60 years — citing National Service and the Central Provident Fund as "key examples of our pioneering spirit". He added that while Singapore is also ranked highly in many global indices comparing quality of life and government services, other countries are catching up or have "overtaken us in certain areas". Chan gave an example of how Estonia has become the first county fully digitise its government services, and China is serving over a billion citizens with artificial intelligence-powered services. "These are all calls to action for us to continue to hone what we have done well, to keep improving so that we stay ahead of the curve… to attract those investments that will create good jobs and pay good wages for our people," he added. "My greatest concern is that we become complacent. Success must not become the albatross for our future." Chan said that among his prioritises, the Public Service must continue to innovate with citizens at the centre of "what we do". "Nobody enjoys going to the doctor and having to be asked the same question over and over again. Everyone expects them to tell the doctor once and the record will be there to be shared across different agencies," he said. "And that is the same standards we expect across all agencies." Chan said that there has been progress in the government agencies coordinating their services together to deliver a more "seamless and integrated experience" for the public. This includes ServiceSG centres which provide Singaporeans with access to services from across 25 different government agencies — from resetting Singpass accounts to filing taxes and passport renewals. Another way for the different government agencies coming together to maximise resources, according to Chan, is through building integrated lifestyle and community hubs like One Punggol and Our Tampines Hub. "We have swimming pools, a library and a ServiceSG centre here," he said. "It's a bit like a Swiss Army Knife. Chan said that such projects was not easy at first as it requires the different agencies to "synchronise their requirements and make compromises". "But imagine if we have done it differently, where each agency continues to only do things for themselves. First, it will have cost us much more. Second, it would have required much more land," he added. "But most importantly, our service delivery will be fragmented, and what the public can see and enjoy will also be fragmented." A total of 140 awards were presented at Tuesday's event to public agencies and officers for their initiatives and innovations. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) was awarded the Transformative Agency of the Year Award for implementing passport-less clearance at Singapore's air and sea checkpoints, as well as through the QR code system at the land checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas. ICA said that its New Clearance Concept allows the authority to upskill the job roles of over 3,000 frontline officers, adding that it enables them to take on higher-value roles to better safeguard the borders. "ICA is honoured to receive the Transformative Agency of the Year Award, which recognises our efforts in transforming checkpoint operations and affirms our commitment to delivering a more seamless, efficient, and secure immigration clearance experience under the NCC," said Senior Assistant Commissioner Kelly Lim, director at ICA's Operations Division. "ICA will continue to refine and enhance our checkpoint operations to deliver a world class travel experience for travellers and keep Singapore's border secured." As for Carolina Lee from the People's Association (PA), serving the community meant more than wining the Exemplary Service Excellence award. The 59-year-old first joined PA in 1992 as a childcare teacher and is currently manning the counters at Toa Payoh East Community Club to help residents who need help. It was where she met Mr Lim, an elderly blind wheelchair user who first sought help with his CDC vouchers. She later volunteered after her working hours to take him to a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic days before Chinese New Year this year, and coordinated with a social worker to ensure that his meals are delivered uninterrupted during the holidays. "I feel really good. Helping someone is very contagious. Not only to the residents, but also our colleagues," said Lee. chingshijie@
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Think you know how to use a Swiss Army knife? Think again
It's the ultimate boys' toy for all generations. Whether you grew up with Just William stories, The Dangerous Book for Boys or YouTube crafting videos, the single item that every man either has, wishes to have or regrets not having is a Swiss Army knife. And women are quite fond of them, too. Over the decades, there have been more than 150 different kinds of fold-out tools found on Swiss Army knives. There are currently 178 different pocket knives available from Victorinox, from the Swiss Champ XXL with 73 different tools to the key-ring-size Escort with just six. As I constructed my own knife, the Ranger, a mid-tier model which is probably the most traditional knife in Victorinox's arsenal, I was given a history lesson on the individual tools and the best ways to use them. 1. Blade, large Designed to do everything from wood-whittling to opening letters, the uses of the standard blade are fairly self-explanatory. 'I use my knife blade every day for opening parcels, opening food packets, everything,' says Elsener. 'I carve an apple for breakfast first thing in the morning. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.' For outdoor work, the large blade is a woodman's best friend. To whittle wood, open the blade and close a fist around the handle so just the tip is pointing out. 'This will allow you to gain power,' explains Felix Immler, Victorinox's Swiss Army knife expert instructor. 'From there, use the bottom of the blade at a 45 degree angle to carve your wood. Each stroke should be an explosion of force.' 2. Multipurpose hook Originally included on the Swiss Army Knife as a tool for gentlemen who hoped to make themselves useful to ladies who needed their corsets tightening, the hook's modern era usage is somewhat more mysterious. 'You could use it for… anything you might need a hook for,' a Victorinox spokesperson explained, helpfully. I did find one particularly practical usage of my own, though; open the hook half-way and you use it as a portable stand to rest a phone against. You might also use it to pull a bike chain off your gears, so you can work without getting greasy fingers, or even to tease apart difficult knots. 3. Corkscrew/Screwdriver The original innovation featured on the 'Officer's And Sports knife', the corkscrew's use is fairly self-explanatory. It's also a handy holster for the knife's smallest screwdriver. 4. Reamer, punch, sewing awl (nail cleaner) One of the most mysterious tools on the Swiss army knife is the reamer, punch, and sewing awl. This thin, sharp wedge is at the bottom of the knife. Punch the reamer into something and then rotate the whole knife to carve out a hole. 'You can use it to put a new hole in your belt or make a conical hole in a piece of wood,' says Immler. 'My other favourite trick is to pierce the tip of the reamer into a stable surface to hold the knife steady. Then rub a piece of wood back forth along the sharp edge of the reamer to create little shavings. Then you can quickly draw a fire striker along the reamer to create a fire.' 5. Keyring eyelet Most people will only ever use the keyring eyelet to attach their Swiss Army knife to something, but given how solid the eyelet is, Immler uses his for additional tasks. 'If you feed a paperclip or needle through the eyelet, you can precisely bend it to create a fishing hook,' he explains. 'But it's also very hard – if you ever need to crack a coconut, the eyelet is tough enough to do that too.' 6. Blade, small 'Probably the most underrated tool on your pocket knife,' asserts Immler. 'If you carve wood, it should be your main blade. The small blade has a lot of advantages over the big blade. The small blade is usually sharper because it gets used less, and you can create tighter turns with it, so it's better for detailed work.' Hold the knife as you would to use the large blade, then place a thumb on the back of the blade. Push the knife with that thumb to make precise, shallow cuts in the wood. 7. Wood saw Another fairly simple tool, but the steel wood saw is very effective. 'I would recommend if you're sawing something to clamp the wood between your foot and the ground, and then saw as close to your foot as possible,' says Immler. 'This will prevent the wood you're sawing from moving around too much and if you're bending over to saw with your shoulder, rather than your elbow, that'll give you more power and control.' 8. Toothpick Another lesser-known tool hidden in the scale of all Swiss Army knives is the toothpick. It's also handily sized for cleaning the knife itself. 9. Bottle opener/Screwdriver 6mm/Wire stripper A bottle opener is always worth having in a pinch, especially when (like the can opener) the flat top of it also doubles as a screwdriver. A slightly lesser-known use of this tool is the small nub at the bottom which functions as a wire stripper. With the large blade folded out, place your wire between the handle of the knife and this notch, so that the wire prevents the bottle opener tool from folding back in. Then carefully fold the blade back against the wire to use as a wire stripper. 10. Scissors 'My favourite tool is the scissors, and we often hear the same from customers,' says Elsener. 'They're very helpful when you nick your nail and you can just take your scissors and correct it.' But the scissors are also strong enough to cut through fabric and aluminium cans – useful for making basic camp crafts or first-aid. Because they're spring-loaded, the trick with the scissors is to hold the knife in your palm and 'pump' the scissors, rather than trying to open them up and close them as you would a standard pair of kitchen scissors. 11. Small screwdriver The smallest screwdriver function on the knife neatly slots into the end of the corkscrew, and is designed for tightening up your glasses. 12. Tweezers Hidden inside the 'scale' of the knife is a tiny pair of tweezers. Not exactly a revolutionary bit of kit, but given how small it is, many don't realise it's there. Victorinox also suggests the tweezers can be useful when picking up delicate items of jewellery or even tiny components when repairing electronics. 13. Can opener/Screwdriver 3mm While most people are generally more familiar with rotary can openers, having an emergency back-up is always helpful. Simply press the hooked 'nose' of the can opener into the outside lip of your tin, then use the upper 'punch' in an up-and-down motion around the top of the can to open it. As for the flat end of the can opener? It's also a helpful screwdriver. The history of the Swiss army knife Victorinox, the original Swiss Army knife company, produces 45,000 pocket knives every weekday to be shipped out around the world (the United States, Germany, Mexico, Britain and France are the biggest markets after Switzerland itself). Yet the Swiss Army knife was originally nothing of the sort. When a young Karl Elsener opened his workshop in Ibach, a small town an hour's drive from Zurich, in 1884, he was repairing tools for local farmers and making a few knives per week. The contract for standard-issue Swiss Army knives which featured a blade, reamer, can opener and screwdriver belonged to a German company. In 1896, Elsener presented army generals with a new knife, which, unlike the German one, featured tools on both sides of the grip and an innovative spring system, as well as a corkscrew, which he hoped would make it attractive to officers. The 'Officer's and Sports Knife' was declined by army chiefs. Having already produced hundreds of knives, Elsener faced financial ruin until he began selling the knives to American soldiers stationed in the country. They loved them and took them home as gifts. By 1909, the Swiss army had taken notice and contracted Elsener's company to make knives for its soldiers. The rest is history. Today, the company is a family-run foundation, with Carl Elsener IV the current CEO. It has produced around 550 million multi-tool penknives to date. 'In Switzerland, most people carry a Swiss Army knife with them every day,' Elsener tells The Telegraph. He personally prefers the Traveller, a pocket knife with an electronic display featuring an alarm clock ('set for 5.15am every day in my case,' says Elsener), altimeter, barometer, timer and thermometer. 'I'm one of those guys who like to fix things,' Elsener continues. 'If I'm travelling and I see a screw is loose in my hotel wardrobe, I'll get out my pocket knife and fix it. The Swiss are like this in general, we like to fix things. But you can use them for anything. ' Nasa bought Swiss Army knives for their astronauts, and once, a Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, used his to get into a Russian space station when the official tools broke. He said, 'Never leave the planet without one,' which is the best commendation we've ever received.' Hidden in Victorinox's off-limits archive lies a wealth of knives from over the decades. There are Swiss Army knives personalised with ebony and mother-of-pearl handles, bone-handled knives, and even a diamond-studded miniature guitar with a Swiss Army knife built into the neck, which was specially constructed for Elvis Presley. What's remarkable is just how hard-wearing these knives are. Knives from 1937 (when the famous red plastic coating was first added) barely show any signs of age.
