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swiss pocket knives

No. 623

Model No. 623, now known as the Classic, was made in the early 1950s. Added scissors to the two tools blade and nail file.

The manufacture of scissors involves a complex production process, which probably explains why it was implemented so late in the 58 mm series. Until the introduction of model no. 623, the 58 mm series was a marginal product at Victorinox in terms of volume. The main focus was on the production and on a wide range of tools and functions in the army knives. This changed with the expansion of the 58mm series range and particularly with the introduction of model No. 623, which became Victorinox's most popular and best-selling pocket knife overall.

Compared to most other tools, the scissors consist of several stamped and partly moving parts. Even more than other tools, this requires precision during manufacture in order to ensure perfect function

The scissors went through various stages of development over time. Although the shape has adapted and changed, the scissor spring remained the component that decisively determines whether the scissors work or not. The first feather had a slight S-shape and was later replaced by the V-shape. The S-spring lost tension over time or broke off. The V-shape significantly improved these points. Since the spring is a very delicate component, there is always a risk that it will bend. When using the scissors, bent springs can slip sideways from the underside of the movable half of the scissors, which means that the spring loses its function and the scissors have to be opened again by hand

The joint around which the upper half of the scissors moves when cutting originally revolved around a slotted screw. However, with use, the screw could loosen or corrosion could develop over time. In the latest generation of scissors, the screw has therefore been replaced by a rivet.

The construction of model no. 623 is shown in the picture on the right. While model no. 620 consisted of 8 (without liners 6) basic components and rivets, model no. 623 in the simplest version already has 14 basic components (four for the scissors alone), although only one tool was added. With model no. 623, outer liners were always used when Cellidor was used as the scale material, but no intermediate liners were used. 2 springs were installed on each side of the knife. These were identical in shape, except when a key ring was added, then one spring had an extension in the form of an eyelet. The material thicknesses were different at the beginning. The nail file and blade each required 1 spring, while the scissors ran on 2 springs.

Shortly after the start of production, model no. 623 was optionally equipped with a toothpick and tweezers or with an additional key ring. In the beginning, the key ring was at the base of the pocket knife. However, it changed position a short time later and migrated to the head of the pocket knife and was mounted on an extended spring on which the scissors move.

At first, model no. 623 could be ordered with scales made of Cellidor (red with a cross, imitation tortoiseshell or mother-of-pearl), aluminum (blue-green, gold or red with a cross), engine-turned steel, mother-of-pearl or real gold. The range later expanded to include many other scale variants.

The model no. 623 is a success history that continues. Due to its popularity, very different versions and variants were created, each of which was given specific names such as Bijou, Diplomat, Broker or Companion, depending on the scale material and options (toothpick and tweezers, key ring) used. However, little has changed in the basic design.

Model no. 623 (or Classic) was, and still is, very popular for advertising purposes. The manufacturing costs and the purchase price are relatively low and the range of colors and advertising is very large. Due to its small size, it is ideal for carrying on a bunch of keys. This combination of blade, nail file and scissors has proven to be very popular and successful.

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