Tang stamps are just one of many ways to date and identify a SAK.
Table of contents
The Tang Stamp Code
Each unique tang stamp is identified by a unique tang stamp code, typically in the format XXXX/YYYY where XXXX represents the facing (obverse) stamp, and YYYY represents the stamp on the reverse side of the tang. The letters in each group indicates both the text and image on that side of the tang. Wenger tang stamp abbreviations used by the community are not quite as standardized as those for Victorinox.
Each letter is associated with one or more words or logos used in the stamp, for example, S can represent STAINLESS, SWITZERLAND, STEEL or SWISS MADE, while C can indicate a crossbow logo, a cross, the words COURTETELLE or COUTELLERIE, or the abbreviations Cie. or Co. There are also unique usages, such as the G representing a depiction of a Glassblower's furnace, an F representing a depiction of a flame, or COP indicating a diagram of the Can Opener Patent. Generally, numbers such as 2 are used to indicate a stamp variation otherwise using the same letters as an earlier stamp.
Date Ranges
The date ranges listed on this page are based on many years of research and discussion on the multitool.org forum, and represent the broadly agreed dates for each tang stamp. Where a date is not clearly defined, either through uncertainty or a period of transition, the date is preceded with c. (circa), to indicate this estimation.
Unlike with Victorinox tang stamps, Wenger stamps tend to have a broader date range and several designs with overlapping dates. Some of this is due to difficulty researching the topic, while some is due to how Wenger operated as a company.
Sometimes, example tang stamps can be found that fall outside an agreed date range. These cannot be assumed to be only repairs or custom made knives, as it is possible that the factory produced 'Monday stamps'. This would be when a production line restart happened using the wrong tooling, resulting in a short production run with unique tang stamps. As these were technically not faulty knives, they often found their way into customers' hands.
Main Line
The 85mm line is the largest category of Wenger Swiss Army Knives. This for many years was considered the 'Standard Size'.
See Also
See also
For further dating resources, see