Wenger's Giant Swiss Army Knife - The Ultimate Swiss Army Knife

As the proud owner of 3 Swiss Army knives I am firmly on the fan side of this icon of the pocket knife world. Many a time I have got myself out of an awkward situation (or thirsty one!) by turning to my trusty Swiss friend and its many useful implements.

Then recently I found the ultimate, Wenger's Giant Swiss Army Knife and I was amazed. So what is the Wenger Giant Knife and why does it exist... and can you have one?

Here are the answers to all your questions and the good news is, YES you can!

The Giant was first produced in 2006 and primarily it was a showcase for every attachment that Wenger made for their range of knives. In their 2008 book Guinness certified it as the largest 'pocket' knife in the world. Wenger found it to be the perfect showpiece for their knives and it made its way to retailers who used its size and novelty to attract customers and showcase the extraordinary range of knife attachments available.

Like everything in life, people always want to own the biggest and most gregarious, thus the Wenger Giant became available for the princely sum of $1000US, though if you are now looking to buy one straight from the manufacturer the cost is $2149.50 (as of May 2013). You can get them much cheaper online, but they are still more than $1000.

Weighing in at a massive 1.4kg (3lbs) the practicality of the Giant as a portable knife is somewhat diminished. It is more of a collectors item when purchased by individuals and I would imagine a great conversation starter at your next dinner party or lodge meeting.

The Giant has 87 separate implements and over 141 different functions, with my 10 favourite implements being:

• A special self-centering screwdriver for gun sights (Sure, why not?)

• Telescopic pointer (Can you imaging holding this beast and using it to point at anything!)

• Divot repair tool (Priceless to see your playing partners faces when you pull the Giant out of your bag to repair your divot.)

• Cupped cigar cutter with double honed edges (Of course.)

• Key ring (Yep, just pop it on your keys and slip it unnoticed into your pocket. Hmmm.)

• Magnetized recessed bit holder (Because the knife isn't "big" enough to hold everything)

• Tire tread gauge (Almost as big as the tire you will be checking)

• Fibre optic tool holder (Perfect if you want broken optic fibre)

• Fish scaler (Imagine cleaning this knife after you have scaled a fish)

• Toothpick (Another "of course" moment!)