Victorinox and Wenger 1977 Soldier Knives

The Victorinox and Wenger 1977 Soldier Swiss Army knives are a 93mm / 3 1/2" ribbed alox knife, with a 1977 date on the blade tang. This model was standard issue for the Swiss army during 1977. Both versions have a cutting notch in the bottle opener and a hollow rivet. This is the first year to have a red insignia and a separate box for the Waffenkontrolle. They replace the cross and stamp found on the 1976 Soldier and prior years. Mid-70s knives often show conspicuous grind marks on the main blade, running perpendicular to the edge. The same configuration continues on the subsequent 1978 Soldier.