Nifty weapon and handy tool

IN STORE

It is the ultimate symbol of the do-it-yourself genre. It started as a nifty tool in 1897 but now the "Swiss Army Knife" is more than just a trademark, it is an essential for almost everyone. For years, the only way to lay your hands on a Swiss knife was to source it from abroad. But now Victorinox is in India.

However, not many know that there is also a second brand which supplies knives to the Swiss army "" Wenger "" which began as a competitor to Victorinox in 1908. Wenger uses the catchphrase "Genuine Swiss Army Knife" while Victorinox says "Original Swiss Army Knife".

Wenger was acquired by Victorinox in 2005, but survives as an independent brand. Wenger has been available in India for about a year now and its range features some really simple yet eye-catching designs that are embossed with the Swiss cross bound by a square.

Quite a looker

One must appreciate the finely chiselled design of the Grip 76. Built into the matte grey finish body are flat pliers, screwdrivers with a safety lock, wire bender, wood saw, metal file and, of course, a large blade.

The screwdriver even has a set of four detachable tips. The cut of the knife case has been designed so it can be efficiently gripped in the palm. The matte look definitely makes it something to flaunt. For Rs 5,190.

Manicure on the move

Now you can shake hands with confidence wherever you are. The nail clipper and nail cleaner built into Nail Clip 580 are the reason these knives are displayed at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and Munich's State Museum of Applied Art.

The nail clipper features an articulated lever and the ingeniousness of its fitting into the knife can only be admired. Rs 1,010.

The best package

The Classic series is still the best value for money. Packed into them are tools you will mostly need such as a can-opener, corkscrew, flat screwdriver with safety lock, swivelling compass with sight line, ruler with centimetres and inches, magnifying glass, nail file and nail cleaner, serrated-edge scissors, tweezers, wood saw and your personal toothpick. And all this fits into your pocket without a bulge! For Rs 3,040.