ビクトリノックスの世界：中国でスイスらしさとビクトリノックスの伝統が持つ意味

多くのビクトリノックス・ファンにとって、小さな赤いナイフは単なるマルチツール以上の意味を持っています。最近のマルチツール・コレクター・コンペティションで聞いた数多くの話がそれをよく物語っています。子どものころ、人生の節目に母親や祖父から贈られたプレゼント。ヒーローになるための熱い思い。この小さなナイフなしではいられないと感じるほどの、備えを怠らないことへの強い思い。こうしたストーリーを何度となく耳にしてきました。

いつも語られるもう一つのテーマは、ビクトリノックスのナイフが、その生まれ故郷であるスイスといかに密接に結びついているかということです。国外に住むスイス人にとって、ビクトリノックスのナイフは故郷を偲ぶことができるものです。その他のコレクターにとって、ビクトリノックスのポケットナイフの機能性、象徴的なデザイン、高い品質は、スイスそのものの特徴を体現するものです。

私たちが見た中で最もインスピレーションに満ちたコレクションの一つが、中国のハオラン・ヤンのコレクションです。彼にとってのビクトリノックスの伝統を集めた稀少なナイフやビンテージ・ナイフの見事なコレクションは、2013年にコレクションを開始したハオランを中国最大のコレクターの一人にしています。ハオランにとって、歴史こそがビクトリノックスの魅力の根源です。このコレクションについての詳細をご覧ください。

What motivated you to start collecting Victorinox knives?

When I was a child, I found out about Swiss Army Knives by chance in a magazine, but you could not buy them in China at that time. Once they became available in China in the late 90s, I finally purchased my first model, a red Classic. The feeling of joy I got from owning this knife lasted for a long time, I kept taking it out of my pocket to look at it and to open the tools again and again.

In 2013, I came across the many forums and social networks dedicated to the Swiss Army Knife. I found that I really enjoyed looking at the pictures shared by the community and reading about all the various knives. It was like falling in love! Ever since, I have spent between four and six hours a day increasing my knowledge of Swiss Army Knives and I now own about 2,000 Swiss Army Knives, including rare and vintage models, as well as new styles.

What appeals to you most about Swiss Army Knives?

I like the feeling of being able to solve a problem anytime and anywhere. The Swiss Army knife meets my needs and I think it's more convenient and easier to carry than any other tool. The Swiss Army Knife has been there for more than 100 years and time has proved its value.

Tell me about some of the most unusual knives in your collection:

Of course, I'd love to share, I think I have a lot of unusual stories. Let’s talk about my favorite Alox. I managed to find an original 1957 Pioneer, new in the box! For me, this knife has so much meaning because it triggered a revolution in the design of the Soldier’s Knife, which lasted from 1961 until 2008. This became a real inspiration for me and I have since managed to collect nine 1957 Pioneers, as well as collecting other Pioneers from all ages.

I also have one of the knives which was made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Soldier’s Knife. There were only one hundred of these knives ever made, so this is now a very rare knife. Pay attention to the “Waffenkontrolle” control stamp, which differs very slightly from the conventional red Alox Soldier’s Knife.

I love to collect Army Knives from around the world, such as the burnished steel Soldier’s Knife from the USA. The picture shows my collection of Dutch Army Knives, including 4 very rare blue Alox knives with smooth scales.

Is the heritage of Victorinox part of what makes it special to you?

Although Victorinox has progressed a lot in the past 100 years, many aspects of the company remain completely unchanged, such as the commitment to quality and functionality. I like things that have a sense of history and this is why Victorinox appeals to me. I hope to pass my own collection on to my son, so that he can share the happiness it gives me.

How does Victorinox represent Swissness for you?

Precise, careful, simple and practical. This is my opinion of the Swiss Army Knife. I can have a Swiss Army Knife in my pocket without feeling that it is here, but as soon as I need to solve a problem, it appears. This epitomizes Swissness for me.

How is Swissness perceived in China?

Products which are refined, practical and design-oriented are highly sought after in China. I believe this is part of the reason why there are so many Swiss Army Knife collectors here. In a country where manufacturing is a large part of our economy, we also study the industries of countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Japan, as we appreciate the quality and sophistication of their products.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about Haoran’s knives. There will be more to come on this impressive collection, as well as from our other winning collectors over the coming months.