There are four different knives based around the original GAK, each model has the same compliment of tools: Consisting of the main blade, wood saw (with integrated can/bottle opener and screwdriver), corkscrew, and a reamer/awl, but with different scale options.
The GAK was discontinued in 2003 in favour of the new 111mm one-handed opening GAK. Some models from the 108mm line continued for some years after that.
Layer Tools
|
Safari Trooper catalogue entry - Note incorrect scale description !
|
The saw had a reputation as one of the best wood saws, although tests conducted by MTo members have questioned this.
Some variations include a match striker on the side of the saw.
Back Layer Tools
Scale Tools
The Trooper and other 108mm knives do not have any non-blade tools such as the typical toothpick and tweezers.
This is typical of the military knives, but rare for the civilian knives.
Scales
Olive Drab (OD) green Nylon, or red Nylon for the Safari version.
Note the incorrect scale description in the catalogue extract above!!
Variations
There are four variations built around the German Army Issue Knife:
- German Army Knife (GAK) - The offcial German Army issue with OD scales and a military crest
- Trooper - OD scales w/o military crest
- NATO Trooper - OD scales with NATO stenciled in white letters
- Safari/Safari Trooper - The civilian version with red scales and a Swiss Cross crest
History
All the Victorinox 108mm knives are related to the original GAK, which was the first 108mm knife that was manufactured to specification under contract for the German Army.
Discontinued by Victorinox in 2003.
Physical Specifications
- Length: 108mm
- Width: 15mm (Trooper)
- Weight: 84.5g (Trooper)
Identifiers
- 0.8770: Red Safari
- 0.8770.04: Olive-Drab Trooper
US Model Numbers:
- 5400: Safari (aka Summit) - Red Nylon scales
- 5420: Trooper - Olive green Nylon scales
Related Models
- The GAK - German Army Issue Knife
- Hunter - Adds a gutting blade, and different scales
- Mauser - Adds a clip-point blade.
- Pathfinder - Removes the backside tools, awl and corkscrew
External Resources
- SAAM'S: Victorinox 108mm Series Overview