Wenger Professional Series

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Wenger company released a series of 95mm models called the Professional Series.

The early knives in the series had nylon scales without liners. Later knives had plastic scales with liners. The early knives have either a bail or a hollow rivet to attach a lanyard cord; later models (with the exception of the Stock Knives) have a key ring. The early knives also offered at least one tool (sacking needle) not found on the later knives.

Discontinued models.

Models and Model Codes

• Single Layer
  • 1.71.01
  • 1.72.01
  • 1.72.41
  • 1.74.10
• Two Layer
  • 1.71.11
  • 1.72.11
  • 1.71.21
  • 1.72.21
  • 1.72.51
  • 1.74.00
• Three Layer
  • 1.71.31
  • 1.72.31
• Four Layer
  • Professional Four Layer

Model numbers

Wenger model numbering has always been a bit of a mystery, however, on analysing the model codes above the following heuristic is proposed.
Note this is only a theory from the SAKWiki team and has not been confirmed with Wenger or Wenger catalogues, and it is only a general guide

The model codes, at least used at the time of the catalog in the below image, are all in the format 1.7x.yz

• x — Relates to the main blade's layer
  • x=1 — Model has main blade in its own layer
  • x=2 — Model includes a short tool in the same layer as the main blade, either an awl or cap lifter
  • x=4 — Model has a secondary (spey) blade opposite the main blade; all known "74" models also have a clip-point main blade stamped "Original Swiss Stock Knife"
• y — Used as an extra number to distinguish variants
  • Odd numbers generally denote the inclusion of a wood saw. The only known exception is 1.74.10
• z — Relates to the presence of a keyring (this matches the usage in other model numbers, eg in the Standard Series)
  • z=0 — No keyring or shackle
  • z=1 — Includes keyring (or perhaps, a shackle on older models)

Images

Single Layer

1.71.01	1.72.01	1.72.41	1.74.10
		(See catalogue image)

Two Layers

1.71.11	1.72.11	1.71.21	1.72.21

1.72.51	1.74.00

Three Layers

1.71.31	1.72.31

Four Layers

Professional Four Layer

Catalog Image

Catalog Image (no date)

Series Gallery

Gallery Link

Related Models

• Wenger Soldat 1961 - Standard Issue — Similar frame in aluminum, made for the Swiss Army; with a Victorinox-style can opener