58 mm was and is the smallest size of pocket knives manufactured by Victorinox. The beginning was the model no. 620, a pocket knife with a cutting blade and nail file. It was probably made in the late 1920s/early 1930s. For a long time it remained the only model in the 58 mm format. Due to the small size and the simple design, production was correspondingly simple and inexpensive. It was therefore ideal for advertising purposes, for which it was also actively used. Companies could provide the pocket knives with a logo of their choice and also have the blades engraved/embossed. These pocket knives were often given to good customers as a gift to encourage customer loyalty. This principle still applies. A lot more of the old 58mm pocket knives can be found with than without a promotional label. Instead of a company name or company logo, a place name could also be used if it was used by a municipality or region for advertising purposes.
The first 58 mm pocket knives were made with celluloid, cellidor and steel scales, initially without guilloche. The black scales, which were used very frequently at the beginning, were no longer produced from around the mid-1950s.
With a length of 58 mm, the pocket knife has a width of 14 mm, which corresponds to a length-width ratio of 4.14:1.
In addition to the model no. 620, the model no. 630 was produced in small editions. The only difference between these two models was the scale shape.
It wasn't until the 1950s that new models came along. This was followed by model no. 623 (Classic), which had an additional pair of scissors. This model developed into one of the most popular Victorinox models ever. There have been countless variations with different colors and patterns over time. This model is still very popular
Up until the 1970s there was the following choice of scale material: CT ( Cellidor imitation tortoiseshell), CP ( Cellidor imitation mother-of- pearl), Cr + ( Cellidor red with Swiss cross), St (rust-resistant steel scales) and the aluminum models b (blue- green), g ( gold ), r+ (red with Swiss cross). The model no. 623 was also available in P (mother of pearl) and in gold (14 carat gold). In the 1960s, H (horn) was also added to these two models.
What had long been used in the 74 mm models was only used in the 58 mm size in the 1960s, namely the use of tweezers and toothpicks - initially, however, only in model no. 623 and there in the variations aCP, aCr + and aH (a stands for the addition "tweezers and toothpick").
In addition to the two models presented, there were later many 58 mm variations, some of which were or are only modifications of model no. 623, e.g. with or without tweezers/toothpicks, with or without a key ring, with an aluminum scale instead of Cellidor, etc. They were given a specific name for the American market, under which the knife was known and with which they were sold. Later these names were introduced and used globally.
In addition to the classic modifications, there were or are models with new tools, up to the once produced Minichamp XL with a total of 10 different tools. After 9/11, there were restrictions on carrying pocket knives on flights, leading to a slump in pocket knife sales at Victorinox. However, the company was creative and developed models in 58 mm without cutting blades, which did not violate the restrictions. Models with a USB drive were also added.
The 58mm series has a long and successful history. Little has changed in the basic design since the beginning. The small size, the low weight and the low costs make this format very popular. It is easy to carry with you and can also be attached to a keychain.