From the 1960s–90s the Wenger company released a series of 95mm models called the Professional Series. The series was also called the "Artisan" series (Fr: Série Artisan) in Europe.

They were large knives of a sturdy construction, and could be viewed as the predecessors to the Wenger 120mm Ranger Series

These models from Wenger had very similar tool configurations to several models in the Victorinox 93mm Series, the similar models are listed in the layer pages.

Discontinued models.

Models and Tool Configurations

The table (right) shows a summary of all the models and their configurations in the series. Click to enlarge
For details of all the individual models, model images and their tool configurations - follow these links:

• Single Layer Models - 1.71.01; 1.72.01; 1.72.41; 1.74.10
• Two Layer Models - 1.71.11; 1.72.11; 1.72.51; 1.71.21; 1.72.21; 1.74.00
• Three and Four Layer Models - 1.72.31; 1.71.31; x.xx.xx

These details are according to the Wenger catalogue image below and possibly do not cover the first generation of the Professional Series of models - See the 'older' images on this page.

Model Number Format

Wenger model numbering has always been a bit of a mystery, however, on analysing the model codes above the following heuristic is proposed.
Note this is only a theory from the SAKWiki team and has not been confirmed with Wenger or Wenger catalogues, and it is only a general guide.

The model codes, at least used at the time of the catalog in the below image, are all in the format 1.7x.yz:

• x — Relates to the main blade's layer
  • x=1 — Model has main blade in its own layer
  • x=2 — Model includes a short tool in the same layer as the main blade, either an awl or cap-lifter
  • x=4 — Model has a secondary (spey) blade opposite the main blade; all known '74' models have a clip-point main blade
• y — Used as an extra number to distinguish variants
  • Odd numbers generally denote the inclusion of a wood saw. The only known exception is 1.74.10
• z — Relates to the presence of a keyring (this matches the usage in other model numbers, eg in the Standard Series)
  • z=0 — No keyring or shackle
  • z=1 — Includes keyring (or perhaps, a shackle on older models)

Scales and Construction

The early knives in the series had nylon scales without liners. Later knives had plastic scales with liners.
The early knives have either a bail or a hollow rivet to attach a lanyard cord; later models (with the exception of the Stock Knives) have a key ring.

Tool Markings

• The Professional Models, in common with their Soldier/Soldat siblings, had a year stamp on their main blades
• The unusual clip-point blade on the two blade only models (1.74.10 and 1.74.10) is marked Original Swiss Stock Knife
• The can-opener is marker PROFI WENGER - Possibly only the older models
• The main blades had Wenger main blade stamps

Blade Date Stamps from the 1960s

Stock Knife Clip-point Blade Markings

Can-opener Stamps

Other Features / Images

The early knives also offered at least one tool (sacking needle) not found on the later knives.

Professional Box

Three Older Models

Two Older Models with the Sacking Needle

Catalog Images

Catalog Image (no date)

Catalog image (no date)

1992 European catalog image, under the name "Série Artisan"

Series Gallery

Gallery Link

Related Models

• Wenger Soldat 1961 - Standard Issue - Similar frame in aluminum, made for the Swiss Army; with a Victorinox-style can opener
• Victorinox 93mm Series - Several models have similar configurations to the Wenger Professional Series