history
Victorinox developed model no. 656 in the 1950s. The 4 basic models of the series are already listed in the 1958 catalogue. For a long time, model no. 656 remained the only 2-layer pocket knife in the 74 mm size and is currently still in production.
functional parts
The No. 656 model had the same tools as the No. 652 model, with the addition of scissors and a screwdriver/ orange peeler. Victorinox developed its own nail file for this model. The screwdriver/ orange peeler tool cannot be found on any other knife and was developed and manufactured exclusively for this model type.
blade strength
Big blade: 2.3 mm; small blade: 1.25 mm; Orange peeler: 1.25 mm; Scissors: 2.3mm; Nail file: 1.25 mm
construction
orange peeler and the nail file are located on the lower layer. The upper layer is constructed identically to model no. 653, with the small blade of model no. 652 being used instead of the small nail file. An intermediate circuit liner was inserted between the two layers.
With the exception of the variants with steel, aluminum and gold scales, all pocket knives were offered with or without toothpicks and tweezers.
The floating back springs only make sense if two tools rotate on one back spring, like the small and large blades here on the 2nd layer. On the first layer, the same back spring (with the recess) for the nail file was used as on the 1st layer, although it would not be necessary here. Due to the simplification of the manufacturing process, it was possible to use a back spring that had already been developed.
scale material
Over the course of time, different variants of the scale material were used. Initially, the model was only offered in aluminum scales in the variants blue-green, gold and red with a cross, but a short time later various other colors were added.
liners
The liners, which originally consisted of brass or nickel silver, were later replaced by aluminum. If aluminum was used as the scale material, the outer liners were dispensed with.
Trade names: Executive, Director (steel scales), Companion