HI
Prompted by an online search for some Victorinox Cutlery Blade Protectors, I've noticed some reviewers comments and thought sharing the outcome of my recent experience with the London store might allow others to consider the virtues of Victorinox products and the service they're prepared to offer.
A good few years ago at the start of my career in Catering, my parents gave me a set of 8 Rosewood Handled Victorinox Knives, (Around £80 at the time) which were in almost daily use for the best part of 20 years before changing trade. My father still Catering at that time had his work box stolen and was left wanting.
As a short term, solution, he borrowed some tools/equipment including the above-mentioned knives. Not too long after that (25 years ago) Dad passed away. Suffice it to say these also disappeared, sadly leaving me believing that they (the knives) were gone, never to be seen again!
Four years ago, whilst tidying Mum's garden shed the knives reappeared inside a dust and cobweb laden knife roll but in poor condition, Green rivets, "manky" handles, some broken, split and with the back of the larger knives severely dent marked from being struck hard across the spine. All, at some point, had been clumsily sharpened with a wet stone and left bearing the scars and severe scratch marks and with everything affected by heavy mould/mildew = A very sorry state indeed nothing like I remember them. As a consequence, they remained languishing in the shed!
After reading a trade suppliers catalogue who offered a knife service. I emailed the Victorinox London store, explaining the situation. They responded quickly agreeing to inspect them. The outcome being a trip to London for me with the knives along with a further trip to Switzerland for the knives, followed some weeks later with a call from the store advising of their return.
I'm amazed at the transformation. The Knives have been thouroughly re-dressed, with all Blemishes but for what remains of a few really heavy "Dents" on the spine of the 14" Butchers Steak Knife removed. They've been re-handled and are now in an astounding condition and really do look and feel almost like new!
To be reunited with the knives I was given for my 16th Birthday some 47 years ago was a surprise and now to have them restored to the high-quality condition they're in today is pleasing and I believe a testament to their underlying quality and of course the service offered by Victorinox. I'll add that my parents chose these at a time when mild steel knives (Prone to rust and required salt, lemon juice and much elbow grease to keep clean) were still very much avaiable! Whilst Stainless Steel was about it wasn't common and definitely cost more - back then "for me" equivalent to a well earned months wages!
Another commentator mentioned Victorinox being "Expensive" whilst I have no intention of suggesting anybody follows my own action (Chosen because of the sentimental attachment) I recognise I've a lot to thank Victornoix for. That said my comments reflect my personal experiences and nothing else!
However, I also understand the reviewers meaning linked to expense! For my part, I suggest quality is and should be a big consideration when making a purchase. Attempting to save a few "bob" often leads to an inferior product especially when choosing work Tools or Toys!
Ian Blackman read more
