Latest news with #Victorinox
CNET
28-05-2025
- General
- CNET
Dust Off Your Swiss Army Knife: Here Are 7 Ways To Use the Multi-Tool Around the House
You don't need to be a Scout to get daily use out of your Swiss Army Knife. The handy, multipurpose tool was designed to aid in a slew of chores in addition to all those hiking, camping and outdoor tasks. There are a lot of ways to employ a Swiss Army Knife to make everyday tasks easier, from pruning houseplants to popping a wine cork. "Blending expert artisanship with intelligent functionality, the Swiss-made knives offer up to 73 functions and provide smart solutions to master everyday life situations," says Franziska Hoffmann-Fröde, head of the product category at Victorinox, the product's primary manufacturer. If you've acquired your very own Swiss Army knife -- or a comparable small multitool -- and are searching for inspiration, look no further than these eight tips to take full advantage of your purchase. It may even replace some of your go-to cooking gadgets or household tools. 1. Peeling fruits and vegetables Your Swiss Army Knife is a capable vegetable peeler. David Watsky/CNET Avocado-cutting hand injuries, be gone! Many knives and multitools contain both small and large blades to safely peel fruits and veggies. The small blade is ideal for peeling practically any type of produce while the large blade is "precise and handy" for other tasks such as slicing apples and bananas, Hoffmann-Fröde says. 2. Scaling fish Whether you're enjoying the fruits of your fishing trip or preparing a fresh cut from the supermarket, a fish scaler works astonishingly well at -- you guessed it -- scaling fish. Now your filets will be free of the scales and skin that can overpower a dish. 3. Pruning plants and flowers The big blade is perfect for pruning neglected houstplants. David Watsky/CNET Plants and fresh-cut flowers can brighten an otherwise dull and sterile kitchen space. Use your Swiss Army knife to prune these living things so they remain colorful and vibrant. "First, sanitize the blade with alcohol or soap and water, then cut any damaged leaves or leggy stems," says Hoffman-Fröde. 4. Opening shellfish Shucking fresh clams, oysters and mussels is no longer a chore with the flathead screwdriver, designed to be inserted into the shells' hinge so that they pop open easily. 5. Removing gunk and grime The small utility blade is great for cleaning grime out of small grooves and other tight spots. David Watsky The flathead screwdriver can also assist with kitchen clean-up in hard-to-reach places, especially in the space between your countertop and stove. "Gently push or scrape to dislodge crumbs, grease or other sticky substances," says Hoffmann-Fröde. 6. Deciphering fine print Labels, expiration dates and cookbook text can be aggravatingly tiny and challenging to read. Luckily, your Swiss Army knife has a magnifying glass to make out the fine print and ensure that you use the right amount of (unexpired!) ingredients. 7. Cutting seals and opening wine If this is the only thing you use your SAK for, it'd still be worth it. David Watsky/CNET Cheers to the Swiss Army knife's ability to not only cut through the seal of any liquor bottle but also uncork wine. The small blade and corkscrew work in tandem to open your favorite libations so that less energy is spent hassling with packaging and you can move on to enjoying your beverage with a favorite appetizer or meal. Swiss Army knife tools The fish scaler tool is the piece with the jagged edge on a Swiss Army knife. Getty Images Before you partake in the aforementioned kitchen activities, becoming more familiar with the Swiss Army knife's features is important. The standard Huntsman model from Victorinox touts a whopping 15 tools, including large and small blades, corkscrew, reamer, punch and sewing awl, scissors, wood saw, multipurpose hook, key ring, tweezers, toothpick, can opener, bottle opener, wire stripper and two screwdrivers.
Fashion Value Chain
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Victorinox Launches I.N.O.X. Chrono India-Exclusive Watch
In a rare India-first move, Victorinox Switzerland unveils the I.N.O.X. Chrono India Edition, a luxury timepiece collection created exclusively for the Indian market. With only 500 pieces available—250 each in rose gold PVD with rose gold bezel and rose gold PVD with black bezel—this limited-edition watch is a tribute to Indian festivals and premium taste. Blending Swiss precision with Indian celebration, each piece features a rugged yet elegant black rubber strap and is engineered for extreme durability, boasting ISO-certified 200m water resistance, shock resistance, and antimagnetic protection. The chronograph movement adds advanced functionality to its bold design. 'We wanted to make something culturally relevant and timeless,' said Debraj Sengupta, MD–Sales & Marketing, Victorinox India. 'This special launch celebrates Indian traditions through our most iconic collection.' Arianna Frésard, Head of Category Watches, added, 'The I.N.O.X. range embodies sophistication with industrial durability—this edition is a fine blend of heritage and innovation.' Exclusively available in India, the timepieces are retailing for ₹89,000, and are available at Victorinox stores in key cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, and Pune, and online through major platforms like Helios, Tata CLiQ, Nykaa Man, and Ajio. Each watch comes with a 5-year warranty, reinforcing Victorinox's promise of excellence.
CNET
13-05-2025
- General
- CNET
4 Specialty Kitchen Knives I Can't Stop Using
Getting better at cooking has been an ongoing quest since I was a child. Each new recipe I negotiate expands my knowledge of spices and flavors and challenges me to hone my skills or learn new ones. Speaking of skills, the right kitchen knife can mean the difference between a hard recipe and an easy one -- it saves time and makes the food look and taste more appetizing. I've come a long way since prepping my first recipes with small blades that fit comfortably in a child's hands, like a paring knife or a utility knife. These days, I rely on my trusty chef knife for almost everything, from fresh pico de gallo salsa to ham fried rice. Almost. Believe it or not, sometimes it's too small or the wrong shape for a task. Beyond those three essential blades that every cook should have, here are my four favorite specialty kitchen knives and how I use them. Chinese cleaver The size and weight of the blade are key to the cleaver's design—it's heavy enough to receive a gravity assist when prepping meat and vegetables. John Carlsen/CNET I discovered Chinese cleavers, also called vegetable cleavers, in 2021 when I came across Made With Lau's YouTube video on How to Use a Chinese Chef Knife. Knowing that I should probably resist spending $50 on the Dexter Chinese Chefs Knife in the video, at least until I was sure I'd use it, I eventually picked up a Select Master Chinese Slicing Knife for less during a sale. At first glance, the Chinese cleaver resembles the bulky meat cleaver commonly seen in butcher shops, but its blade is typically thinner, lighter and sharper -- making it more of a general-use kitchen knife. While I rarely prepare meals for more than a handful of people, this knife makes short work of an entire head of cabbage. John Carlsen/CNET I get out the Chinese cleaver whenever I chop a lot of vegetables or slice ultrathin cuts of meat for Japanese BBQ. I love how wide the blade is, making it easy to achieve thin, uniform slices with pretty much any ingredient. However, I'll admit that it's too overpowered for mushrooms. I have two complaints about the Select Master Chinese Slicing Knife. First, it doesn't fit in the cleaver slot of my knife block, so I can't store it with my other knives for easy access. (I plan to add magnets to the side of the block, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.) If the size bothers you, consider a Japanese Nakiri's narrower blade—this one's on my wish list too. Second, the traditional round wooden handle isn't as comfortable as the ergonomic handles I'm used to on Western cutlery. Fortunately, you can find versions with ergonomic handles, like this one from Victorinox. Ulu knife An ulu packs a lot of utility into a relatively small design. John Carlsen/CNET My ulu knife is a souvenir from a trip to Alaska that quickly became my go-to for mincing herbs and chopping pecans. This was 15 years ago, so I can't tell you what brand I bought, but The Ulu Factory sells a similar knife and chopping board combo for around $70. This traditional Eskimo knife is similar to a one-handed Italian mezzaluna -- but not the two-handed ones you'll see in pizzerias. The ulu's curved blade is suitable for a rocking motion, which is easier to control than a bulky chef knife, but it's also great for slicing and chopping. I love that the handle's placement above the blade means you can put more power into your cuts. I recommend practicing your ulu skills with small ingredients until you get the hang of it instead of jumping headlong into slicing cheese or chopping root vegetables. John Carlsen/CNET You can use an ulu on any cutting board, but consider buying one with an accompanying wooden bowl. This pushes ingredients down into the cutting path and prevents stray nuts. Like the Chinese cleaver, an Alaskan ulu won't fit in a knife block. Fortunately, many ulus come with display stands or blade guards. I use a small hook on the back of my knife block. Slicing knife I'm still relatively new to large slicing and carving knives, but it's been a game-changer for homemade deli-style roast beef I make using sous-vide immersion cooking. John Carlsen/CNET If you've ever tried to slice a ham, large roast or turkey breast with a small knife, you know how elusive that perfect slice of meat can be. This is one reason I recently bought a 10-inch slicing knife with a Granton Edge from a local restaurant supply store. While this is on the smaller side for carving knives—I've seen models as long as 14 inches -- it's long enough to make clean, continuous cuts. My slicing knife also has a Granton edge -- a series of cutouts along the blade that allow the meat to peel away from the blade. This reduces friction and keeps your knife from tearing thinner slices apart while cutting. Don't forget to pair this knife with a carving fork for more control while slicing. Soft cheese knife The first time I used a cheese knife at a relative's, I knew it was a must-have tool for my cheese-loving household. John Carlsen/CNET A soft cheese knife takes the concept of blade cutouts to a new level by removing as much of the blade as possible. As the name implies, this knife is ideal for soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, which tend to stick to traditional knives. It can also slice fruits and vegetables well, though I still prefer a larger knife. It even works for slightly firmer cheeses like Colby Jack or Cheddar -- provided your cheese knife isn't as flimsy as the one I got at a secondhand store for a dollar. (It was a good deal, but I plan to upgrade soon.) You may find other unique kitchen knives that fit your cooking style better -- my experiences aren't universal. For example, the Chinese cleaver and ulu work as general-use kitchen knives, but I don't recommend getting a slicing knife or a cheese knife unless you constantly make meals that fit their skill sets. Still, it never hurts to explore new options for your cooking arsenal. Whether you experiment with a new knife or stick to your workhorse chef knife, practicing good knife maintenance and avoiding common kitchen knife pitfalls are always wins.
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Be ready for anything with the best Swiss Army Knife
Which Swiss Army knife is best? The Swiss Army knife is a multitool pocketknife originally made by Victorinox. It is particularly useful because it features multiple blades and tools, such as can openers, scissors, screwdrivers and much more while staying relatively lightweight and compact. It has become such an iconic tool that it is now used broadly to refer to any object or idea with multiple uses or applications. Out of all the different Swiss Army knives, our top choice is the Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife. This is the model most people are familiar with, comes with only essential tools and is small enough to fit on your keyring. What to know before you buy a Swiss Army knife Variations The small Swiss Army knives are the most popular, but Victorinox also sells larger tools with more utility. Some may feature additional blades, tools such as a screwdriver or a wine corkscrew, and some are better fitted for hunting or camping. The Wenger Swiss Army Giant Knife has 87 implements and 141 functions, making it almost 9 inches wide. Victorinox is the official Swiss Army knife manufacturer These days, countless manufacturers make multitools, from Leatherman to Gerber. However, Victorinox produces the original iconic Swiss Army knife. The company was founded in 1884 by Karl Elsene, a Swiss knife maker for the Swiss Army. In 1908, the Swiss government split up the contract between Victorinox and Wenger, another company that continues to make reputable Swiss Army knives today. Sharpening and care Although Swiss Army knives are made from high-quality steel, you should continue to care for it properly to ensure it lasts a long time. To sharpen it, use a whetstone at a 15- to 20-degree angle. Clean it with warm water and once dried, add a drop of oil in the locking mechanism. Do not clean a Swiss Army knife in a dishwasher. What to look for in a quality Swiss Army knife Versatility Consider the applications for which you will be using your Swiss Army knife. Each model is finely outfitted with various tools, from a sewing awl to a Philips screwdriver. Determine which of these tools you most likely would use. Durability Swiss Army knives tend to be made using stainless steel, ensuring they last several years of wear and tear without losing functionality. You could even drop it multiple times and the knife should still work as you expect. However, the scales that hold the blades and tools are made of plastic, which is likely to scuff over time. Compact profile The beauty of the Swiss Army knife is that you can slip it in your pocket, attach it to your keys or throw it in a purse. Of course, the more tools included, the bigger and heavier it is, but even the most popular commercial versions remain portable. Consider staying on the lighter side if you don't need a lot of different tools. Victorinox quality The original Victorinox knife is unmatched in terms of quality support. Each knife comes with a lifetime guarantee against defects as well as a money-back guarantee. How much you can expect to spend on a Swiss Army knife The most basic Swiss Army knife costs only about $16, with just the essential tools and a slim profile. The most expensive tools may cost up to $200 and feature stainless steel construction and heavy-duty tools such as pliers or ratchets. Swiss Army Knife FAQ How sharp is the knife? A. With proper care and sharpening, the simple knife can cut paper or fruits with ease. Bigger multitools also come with bigger, sharper knives you can use when on a hunting trip. Can you bring it with you on a plane? A. While the Swiss Army knife and similar pocketknives were banned after 9/11, in recent years, some policy changes, such as by the FAA, now allow small knives on commercial planes. This does not apply to tactical or hunting knives. What's the best Swiss Army knife to buy? Top Swiss Army knife Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife What you need to know: Perhaps the most popular version of the Victorinox pocket knife, this multitool features a small blade, scissors, a nail file, a 2.5-millimeter screwdriver, keyring, toothpick and tweezers. What you'll love: This knife weighs less than 1 ounce and is only 2.3 by 0.4 inches. You can easily secure it to your keyring. What you should consider: It is on the more basic end of Swiss Army knives; other knives tend to have far more tools. Top Swiss Army knife for the money Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp Pocketknife What you need to know: If you're looking for more functionality per dollar spent, the SwissChamp has 33 functions, including a bottle opener, screwdriver and pliers. What you'll love: Whether you're out camping or doing work at home, this tool can be of use. What you should consider: If you're only looking for a few blades or tools, this may be overkill. Worth checking out Victorinox Hunter Pro M Alox Folding Knife What you need to know: If you're focused more on the blade than the other tools, the Hunter Pro M Alox folding knife has a more sturdy blade. What you'll love: The blade measures out to 3.88 inches of steel, making it perfect for hunting or crafting. What you should consider: This isn't a multitool, so don't expect to see a pair of scissors, pliers or any of the other tools found in a common Swiss Army knife. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Originally Published:
New York Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Swiss Design, by Way of Japanese Aesthetics
Five years after Covid-19 first upended our lives, Florent Breton's story is something of a cliché. A French-born sales manager for Victorinox, the company best known for producing the Swiss Army knife, he was among the thousands, maybe millions, of people who turned a corner in the pandemic and adopted a new career. Mr. Breton's sales job required frequent travel. But once he was grounded in his home base in Lausanne, Switzerland, physical stillness produced a restlessness of the mind. He thought often of his previous work as a merchandising manager for Zenith, a luxury watch company, and his pleasure in collaborating with architects and artisans on the design of boutique and exhibition spaces. In 2021, while continuing to work full time for Victorinox, he enrolled at a Lausanne design school called Idées House. On receiving his diploma in interior design two years later, he established a design practice and second residence 90 minutes away, in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. From that point on, there were no more clichés. Beginning with his own home in Crans-Montana, Mr. Breton, 46, was determined to disrupt the area's signature architectural style, the peak-roofed, timber-sided Alpine chalet. 'It's always the same,' he said. 'Old wood, gray tiles on the floor, always the same fireplace.' For an outsider — a Frenchman raised in the Loire Valley, no less — to challenge a building typology that is effectively a Swiss national brand, was risky. But if he wanted to stand out in his new profession, he would have to be bold. He paid about $600,000 for a 1,025-square-foot 1980s condo with two bedrooms and a home office — the last domicile that would be found in a cuckoo clock or a 'Heidi' reboot — and transformed it with a potent mix of Japanese and European influences. He estimated spending $150,000 in renovations. The rebellion happened from the ground up. The local dealer who sold Mr. Breton his living room floor tiles told him he was the first and only customer to order the pattern that looked like shards edged with gold. Assembled, the tile evoked the Japanese kintsugi technique used to repair damaged ceramics and honor their wounds. When sun rays strike the gold, Mr. Breton said, light flashes through the interior. Far from forsaking wood, which is to chalets what gingerbread is to gingerbread houses, he promoted it to an ornamental material visually sharpened by its contrast with the condo's smooth, white walls. Wood appears in knotty pine beams (sandblasted to roughen the texture) and discrete swaths of wall paneling, in baseboards and built-in cabinetry, in doors with horizontal strips bumping up graphically against vertical borders and in a charred console table. Like the kintsugi floor tile, the console table's burned finish was a nod to Japanese aesthetics, in this case the treatment known as shou sugi ban. The living room bookshelf he designed as a grid of slender oak pieces rising to the peaked ceiling was inspired by getabako, or the racks at the entrances of Japanese temples where visitors leave their shoes. (The Swiss carpenter working from Mr. Breton's drawings told him he had never built anything like it.) The mountain silhouette drawn on a wall in the primary bedroom — an illustration of the Alpine view looking south from Crans-Montana — was executed by a local painter employing a technique that reminded Mr. Breton of katagami, the Japanese practice of using stencils to make textile patterns. For the living room fireplace, the designer wanted more of a wow than was solicited by the heater that came with his unit, which was built of traditional stone, with a wood slab for a mantel. Here, he took his cues from the kachelofen, a wood-fired masonry stove more commonly found in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The new fireplace projects into the room like a peninsula and is clad in red ceramic tile set in corrugated-looking vertical strips. The wall next to it has the same tile in light gray, emphasizing the eye-catching ruddiness of its neighbor. The tile's curves are part of a vocabulary of billowing shapes, echoed in the living room's scooped-out seating and circular coffee tables (from the Belgian company Ethnicraft), and ring-patterned rug (from the Italian company Opinion Ciatti). Hanging from the ceiling are globular pendant lamps (from the French brand DCW Editions). The Eames chair parked near the bookcase is famously, cheerfully rotund. Which is to say that Mr. Breton maintained warmth and friendliness in his swing away from cuckoo-clock traditionalism. This condo is where he and his wife, Anne-Sophie Hottelart-Breton, 40, a publicist, and their 6-year-old daughter, Sixtine, retreat to enjoy the sublimity of mountain life. It is also his calling card in a midlife career change. 'I'm a new interior designer here in Switzerland,' he said, 'and there are so many different interior designers. But I'm convinced that there is space for newness, and there is space for people like me.'
