Introducing Observation Fields
I have created two new observation fields. My hope is to make this project more useful to anyone performing photogrammetry with observations that have Swiss army knives.
The first observation field is: Swiss Army Knife for scale https://www.inaturalist.org/observation_fields/18482
This field has a set list of frame length (in millimeters) for as many series of Swiss army knives as I could determine. This hopefully will reduce the error rate of length specification—something I have noticed on some observations. An approximate length is better than nothing, but a precise length is best. This observation field will appear any time a new observation is added to the project.
The second field is: Swiss Army Knife Brand/Model https://www.inaturalist.org/observation_fields/18488
Including the correct model can be helpful: while the frame length is usually easy to determine, the thickness of a Swiss army knife varies depending on toolset. This is not a complete list of models. It has the most common models, and I can add more models as they are identified. For now, if a model does not appear, please select Model not listed.
Note: This field does not appear when adding a new observation. You will need to type in the name of the field to add it. (I worked with another project member on this and we decided that simpler would be better when it comes to encouraging other users to add their observations to the project.)
I've started to add these fields to observations, but it is a daunting task. I have been running the project for over a year. There are more than 1,000 observations that need to be reviewed and be updated with the new info. If you are interested in helping, please go right ahead!
The website https://sakwiki.com is loaded with info about virtually every knife model and its variants. It is very helpful in identifying models.
Comments
@ccoslor "...the error rate of length specification—something I have noticed on some observations."
When I measured what was in my pocket, I used the scale length as the most consistently available part to measure from a photo. Looking at some catalog lengths, it is clearer that they include the little lanyard eye (but not the split ring) in describing length.
@tgroo it was not my intention to call you out specifically!!
I think you must be right. The "frame" length is the total length of the assembled liners and springs. I have only disassembled a Swiss army knife once, but I know the lanyard eye is built into the backspring for the can opener/bottle opener/awl layer. If they gave measurements off the aluminum liners it would be much shorter (by like 2 mm)
Actually, I just measured my Ranger, and if I include the lanyard eye then it is more like 92.5 mm long. Only 91 mm long if I measure the scales/liners. I wonder if they measure from they lanyard eye on the short (84 mm) models. I don't have one to check.
This reminds me: some SAKs do not have the lanyard eye at all!
My Tinker is a short model, so I measured the scales at 83mm. When I saw an observation of mine added to the project at 84mm, I figured somebody got sloppy. When I saw catalog listings at 84mm, I realized that it must include the lanyard ring.
There is just almost too much variation to track. A couple I have at hand:
• Victorinox Tourist 83mm variant with no lanyard ring, no toothpick or tweezer, and inlay of 3 crossed keys in place of the trademark shield;
• Wenger 85mm variant — Pathfinder with scissors in place of ruler/compass and no toothpick (or a Basic 11 with flat Phillips and tweezer but no nail file).
Mind-boggling, really.
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