In 2008 Victorinox released a redesigned Soldier (a.k.a the Soldier's Knife); a 111mm knife which features a one-handed-opening and locking blade, as well as a locking cap-lifter / screwdriver tool. The knife blade is partially serrated with the serrations appearing on the forward section of the blade, and the plain edge starting at the tang. The new Soldier's Knife is based on the earlier 111mm OH-GAK (One Handed German Army Knife), which was also released in a civilian model known as the Trekker. This new design adds a wood-saw to the Soldier's tool set, which was a much sought after feature of the original GAK. Perhaps just as useful is the new locking screwdriver. The screwdriver is considerably stronger, and combined with its solid liner-lock now really functions well as a small prying tool. The prominent hole near the top of the spine on the main blade serves as a thumb catch that allows the knife to be retrieved and the blade to be easily deployed with only one hand. The new green scales with embossed grip sections have a softer velvet feel compared to the standard 111mm scales. See also: Earlier 93mm Alox Soldier

Table of Contents Layer Tools Back Layer Tools Scale Tools Scales Physical Specifications Variations History Identifiers Related Knives

Layer Tools

• Wood Saw
• Large Partially Serrated Knife Blade is Liner Locking (features one-hand opening)
• Cap Lifter/Screwdriver/Pry Bar (extra strong, Liner Locking)
• Can opener/Small-screwdriver

Back Layer Tools

• Reamer/Awl (no sewing-eye)
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Keyring

Scale Tools

none

Scales

This model is the first to feature new solid scales that are green and black. Victorinox reported the handles are injection molded with Polyamide 6 and TPE-U for the softer (green colored) material.

Physical Specifications

• Length: 111mm
• Width: 17.7mm
• Weight: 128.9g

Variations

1. In mid 2009 Victorinox made a special run of 100 knives for Swiss Bianco with a Plain-Edged main blade, Corkscrew, and 09 Tang stamp.

2. A special First Production Run Limited Edition model was released specifically for collectors with the much sought after year '08' Tang Stamp, and 'First Production Run\1 of 1000 U.S.A.' printed on the blade.

3. In July 2010 a very limited edition of 25 knives was produced with a special 1291 crest on the scales, and a serial number "25/n" stamped on the blade. The tang stamp was "10", for the 2010 year of production.

History

In 2008 Victorinox formally retired the existing Alox Soldier which was based on a 1961 design, and introduced the new 111mm design. Victorinox reported the Federal Department of Defense contract for the new Soldier consisted of an order for 75,000 soldier’s knives plus cases to be worth CHF 1.38 million. The new soldier was slated to be issued to troops during the first basic training sessions of 2009. The earliest versions of this knife have a 08 tang stamp.

Prior to it's release Victorinox developed a Liner Lock system and released the Trekker and several other 111mm knives with the new locking blade and cap-lifter as retail products. The Liner-Lock design was also used in the updated 111mm One-Handed German Army Knife known as the OH-GAK.

Identifiers

• 53945 US Model: (Green/Black Scales)
• 54945 US Model: (Green/Black Scales) 'First Production Run' variation with '08' Tang Stamp.
• 0.8461.MWCH Victorinox Model (Green/Black Scales)

Related Knives

• Victorinox 111mm Linerlock Model Comparison
• Trekker - Platform used to test new 2008 Soldier design. Includes 111mm OH GAK
• Alox Soldier - Previous Standard Issue the Alox Soldier, 1961 Design 93mm
• Original Soldier - Original 1891 Soldier's Knife 100mm