Why Don't Other Countries Issue Swiss Army Knives to Their Troops?
The US Army, for instance, has a literal Victorinox model issued to them. Many countries issue pocket knives to their troops, but the trend seems to be moving towards multi-tools rather than the classic pocket knife.
Evolution of Military Tools
Across the globe, military hardware must go through rigorous evaluation and procurement processes. Once the most suitable model is selected, the contract is typically awarded to the lowest bidder. Victorinox, known for its high-quality knives, has supplied knives to not only the Swiss Army but also the German and Dutch forces. The current 111mm Soldier 08 model, widely available for civilian purchase, is based on the knife used by the German Bundeswehr.
However, it appears that the military is increasingly moving towards multi-tools over traditional pocket knives. For instance, the US military supplies various versions of the Gerber MP600, tailored to different deployment scenarios.
The Limitations of Swiss Army Knives
The myriad features of a Swiss Army knife may not be as universally useful for modern military personnel compared to the specialized tools provided by multi-tools like the Leatherman MUTn. A multifunction knife may offer more practicality in the field, aligning better with the specific needs of the modern military.
Practicality and Deployment Frequency
Some countries may not issue Swiss Army knives because they believe the knives might not be used as frequently as firearms. While the utility of a Swiss Army knife is undeniable, the frequency of its usage might not make it cost-effective in terms of procurement and distribution.
For example, cutting pencils, removing jammed items, and general utility work are certainly viable uses for a Swiss Army knife, but whether such tasks occur frequently enough to warrant official issue is debatable. Reservists from the Dutch Armed Forces, for instance, frequently use the knives for various tasks in training and everyday life.
Exception: The German Army Knives
Not all countries avoid issuing Swiss Army knives. Germany, for instance, has issued a variant of the Victorinox model as a standard pocket knife for decades. The current model, known as the Soldier 08, incorporates a loop for one-handed opening, reflecting the ergonomic demands of military personnel. Its only differences from the civilian and standard Swiss Army versions are the color scheme (olive drab versus red) and the inclusion of a corkscrew, a feature lacking in other editions.
Conclusion
The decision to issue Swiss Army knives or multi-tools is influenced by a variety of factors, including usage frequency, practicality, and the specific needs of the modern military. As technology and warfare evolve, the tools we associate with soldiers continue to adapt, balancing between simplicity and complexity to meet the ever-changing demands of the battlefield.