by Tom Mangan
Ueli Steck uses his namesake special edition knife to sharpen his ice axe. (Photo: Rainer Eder/Wenger)
Ueli Steck, a speed-climber with world records on some of Europe's most storied summits, helped Wenger develop a multi-function climbing knife the company is showing at Outdoor Retailer's Winter Market in Salt Lake City.
The Ueli Steck Special Edition Swiss Army Knife is part of Wenger's new Titanium series (more on the Titanium 1 and 2 below).
Designed for climbers, hikers, and backcountry skiers who need to adjust equipment on the move, it can be opened one-handed and with gloves on.
The Ueli Steck knife has 16 functions and can tackle a host of mountaineering tasks, such as tightening the bolts on an ice axe head and sharpening an ice axe in mid-climb.
Among the highlights:
- Lightweight, corrosion-resistant titanium handles
- Partially serrated blade with two cutting options
- One-hand opening; safety lock
- Hexagonal keys to match M4, M6 and M8 bolts or nuts
- Combination metal saw and file
- Weight: 100 g
The titanium Steck climbing knife unfolded - MSRP: $200
Dennis Pietra, vice president of marketing for Wenger, demonstrated the Ueli Steck Special Edition Swiss Army Knife.
Titanium 1 and 2
Titanium 2
Titanium 1
The other two knives in the series look much like the Steck edition, but with smaller tool sets, lower price tags, and lighter weights.
Like the special edition, they have three hex keys, a screw bit driver for Phillips and flat screws, and a leather pouch.
Titanium 1
- 10 functions
- Weight: 70 g
- MSRP: $140
Titanium 2
- 11 functions
- Double-cut wood saw
- Weight: 82 g
- MSRP $150
All three knives will be available from Wenger in February 2011.
