Swiss Advance

Multifunctional high-quality and handmade picnic blanket – Free of synthetic materials – Swissmade

Our handmade picnic blanket consists of high-quality cotton. It is made of two layers and is free of synthetic materials. The bottom layer is made of Scottish waxed cotton canvas, which is water-repellent and insulating. As a result, the moisture of the soil or the meadow cannot get through the picnic blanket.

The top layer consists of a soft organic cotton fleece and therefore offers additional comfort. No synthetic components are added to the material, which means that there is no static charge. The fluffy, cuddly soft fleece is absorbent, breathable and easy to care for. The brass eyelets and the push buttons create many options to use it for example as a tarp.

Use it as a simple sleeping bag by closing the push buttons lengthways. You can also close two buttons at both ends and make a kind of poncho that keeps you cozy and warm in the evenings around a campfire. Or just use the blanket on the sofa at home on cold days.

We also add 19 m of hemp rope, which is made in a Swiss rope factory. In total there are 5 pieces of rope: 1 x 6 meters (236.2 in) and 4 x 3 meters (118.1 in). On each corner of the blanket is a brass eyelet. Together with the rope you can easily make a shade sail between trees or you can create a windbreak.

The Production

The blanket is made in Switzerland in a small social institution. Our multi-purpose picnic blanket is almost exclusively made by hand in a sewing school (Nähwerk IDM) in Switzerland. Of course, they also work with sewing machines ... At IDM the olive green canvas and the grey cotton fleece are cut and sewn. The blanket is embroidered with our logo in bright red. Of course, a red line should not be missing to pay tribute to the Swiss army blanket. However, it is a fine, reduced, red stitching. Our eyelets and snaps are made in Switzerland and attached to the picnic blanket at IDM.

The design is a tribute to …

The design and idea for this picnic blanket is a tribute to the well-known Swiss army blanket. Whether in a grey-brown or grey-green basic tone - it is always decorated with a bright red bar that is embroidered with a white cross. It has not been produced in Switzerland for almost 20 years and the production facilities have been closed. The production has now moved to Italy. The Zelttuch 64, a tarp used by the Swiss army and scouts, also inspired us. Unfortunately, the production of Zelttuch 64 in Switzerland was also discontinued. 

Product Details

Dimensions: 144 x 200 cm / 56.7 x 78.74 in
Weight: 1550 g / 54.67 oz
Material: Waxed cotton canvas (Scotland), organic cotton fleece (Germany), brass buttons and brass eyelets (Switzerland), hemp rope 6 mm (Switzerland) / 5 pieces of hemp rope: 1 x 6 meters (236.2 in) and 4 x 3 meters (118.1 in)
Origin: Designed, sewn and processed in Switzerland

Care Instructions

Hand wash at 30 °C, do not bleach, do not iron hot, do not dry clean or tumble dry. 

To refresh the impregnation of the canvas, a spray wax should be used: e.g. from Halley Stevensons or alternatively from Fox Oilskin or Nikwax.

Successfully launched and funded on Kickstarter. 

It is great for traveling, because it is light & space-saving

The CRONO N5 Leather is a useful companion that can be quickly stowed in your pocket, handbag, backpack or suitcase. The practical pocket knife is an extremely light and sustainable Swiss multi tool. Produced in Switzerland we keep the transport routes short. Everything can be taken apart for the recycling in the end. Metal is a great material, because it recycles forever.

The self-locking mechanism allows an easy operation. It is a closed mechanism. Sand and dust cannot enter and thus do not block the knife. Its leather case serves as a pleasant grip and attachment loop on a strap or backpack. For the leather we use vegetable dyed cow leather.

Since the blade length is less than 6 cm (4.7 cm/1.85 in), the CRONO pocket knife can even be carried in hand luggage on an airplane. Taking a small pocket knife (up to 6 cm) into the cabin is usually not a problem in Europe. Ultimately, the carrying of sharp objects always depends on the discretion of the security staff. It happened to me that I forgot to take my CRONO out of my jacket pocket and to pack it into my suitcase. The security staff wanted to keep the knife. I kindly asked to double check the regulations because the length of the blade was fairly short. It was measured and another colleague was consulted and in the end I was able to keep the knife and take it on board.

Attention: In America, all sharp objects are prohibited in the flight cabin. However, you should always check the safety regulations of the respective country in advance. "All types of scissors and knives with a blade length of over 6 cm are prohibited in hand luggage." - Airport Zurich, Switzerland

Product Details

Dimensions: 3.74 x 0.62 x 0.31 in / 9.8 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm
Weight: 47 g / 1.65 oz
Material: Stainless steel, blade steel, vegetable dyed cow leather, brass
Features: Screwdriver, bottle opener, knife, fish scaler, wire stripper / staple remover, scale (cm), hex nut KW 8/7 /5.5/4, M5 wing nut opener, bradawl and sewing, square big/small, fork
Hardness: 54 HRC
Origin: Switzerland

Information Movies

Great for Traveling, because it is light and space-saving

A useful companion that can be quickly stowed in your pocket, handbag, backpack or suitcase. The self-locking mechanism allows an easy operation. It is a closed mechanism. Sand and dust cannot enter and thus do not block the knife.

The CRONO N5 pocket knife is an extremely light and sustainable Swiss multi tool. Produced in Switzerland we keep the transport routes short. Everything can be taken apart for the recycling. Metal is a great material, because it recycles forever.

Since the blade length is less than 6 cm (4.7 cm/1.85 in), the CRONO pocket knife can even be carried in hand luggage on an airplane. Taking a small pocket knife (up to 6 cm) into the cabin is usually not a problem in Europe. Ultimately, the carrying of sharp objects always depends on the discretion of the security staff. It happened to me that I forgot to take my CRONO out of my jacket pocket and to pack it into my suitcase. The security staff wanted to keep the knife. I kindly asked to double check the regulations because the length of the blade was fairly short. It was measured and another colleague was consulted and in the end I was able to keep the knife and take it on board.

Attention: In America, all sharp objects are prohibited in the flight cabin. However, you should always check the safety regulations of the respective country in advance. "All types of scissors and knives with a blade length of over 6 cm are prohibited in hand luggage." - Airport Zurich, Switzerland

Product details

Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.6 x 0.6 cm / 3.74 x 0.62 x 0.23 in
Weight: 38 g / 1.34 oz
Material: Stainless steel, blade steel, brass
Features: Bottle opener, fish scaler, wire stripper, cm-scale, hex nut (4 x), wing nut opener, cheese knife blade, bradawl and sewing, square (2 x), fork, screwdriver
Hardness: 54 HRC
Origin: Switzerland

Information video

Useful accessories for every day

Due to your great feedback of the Crono pocket knife we can happily announce that our Crono N3 and N5 will get an optional upgrade. But it gets even better: we can now offer two additional new colours for both knives: green and red!

The functionality and technical specs all stay the same, nothing to worry there. If you are still looking for a stylish gift this could be a good one. It is an extremely light Swiss multi tool pocket knife. Quickly stowed in your pocket, handbag, backpack or suitcase. The self-locking mechanism allows an easy operation. It is a closed mechanism. Sand and dust cannot enter and thus do not block the knife. Produced in Switzerland we keep the transport routes short.

Product details CRONO N3

Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.6 x 0.4 cm / 3.74 x 0.62 x 0.15 in
Weight: 38 g / 0.98 oz
Material: Stainless steel, blade steel, brass
Features: Screwdriver, bottle opener, knife, mini saw / fish scaler, wire stripper /
staple remover, scale (cm), hex nut KW 8 / 7 / 5.5 / 4, M5 wing nut opener
Hardness: 54 HRC
Origin: Switzerland

Product details CRONO N5

Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.6 x 0.6 cm / 3.74 x 0.62 x 0.23 in
Weight: 38 g / 1.34 oz
Material: Stainless steel, blade steel, brass
Features: Bottle opener, fish scaler, wire stripper, cm-scale, hex nut (4 x), wing nut opener, cheese knife blade, bradawl and sewing, square (2 x), fork, screwdriver
Hardness: 54 HRC
Origin: Switzerland

Get one of our beautiful bamboo lunch boxes or get them all

Our bamboo lunch boxes come in three different sizes: S, M and L. They fit into each other like a nesting doll. They are a beautiful and sustainable alternative to plastic food containers. These products are handmade and produced from bamboo stripes. Every lunch box is packed in our organic cotton mesh bag, that can be used for plastic free shopping.

Are bamboo lunch boxes safe?

The PHORA lunch boxes are BPA free and vegan friendly! Each box is made of natural and renewable resources. They are great to take to work, to school or on a picnic. At home you can use our lunch boxes as a storage box for the fridge or your storage cabinet.

Cleaning

Wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse and wipe dry. Do not soak in water. Not suitable for microwave oven or dishwasher.

Product details size L

Measures: 18 x 18 x 5 cm / 7.08 x 7.08 x 3.14 in
Weight: 280 g / 9.9 oz
Material: Bamboo, rice flour, mango resin, lacquer tree resin, natural rubber, organic cotton

Origin: Vietnam

Product details size M

Measures: 15 x 15 x 6.5 cm / 5.9 x 5.9 x 2.55 in
Weight: 195 g / 6.9 oz
Material: Bamboo, rice flour, mango resin, lacquer tree resin, natural rubber, organic cotton
Origin:Vietnam

Product details size S

Moisture resistant travel salt and pepper shaker

Due to its practical shape and handy size, the Swiss salt and pepper shaker easily finds its place in every pocket and of course in every kitchen cupboard. Opening in your luggage is prevented due to a patented closing mechanism. You will never have a mess of salt, pepper and spices in your backpack again.

It is usable with one hand. Even in the dark you can easily distinguish the different compartments because of slightly different shaped caps. The spice shaker is perfect for backpacking, camping and even emergency contingency supplies. It will keep your spices dry and handy. And of course it is refillable.

Product details

Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.25 x 1.8 cm / 2.52 x 2.46 x 0.7 in
Material: PCTG, stainless spring steel
Weight: 77 g / 2.71 oz (with filling), 45 g / 1.58 oz (without filling)
Filling: Swiss Alpine salt 26 g / 0.9 oz, black pepper 6 g / 0.2 oz
Origin: Switzerland

How to refill the spice shaker

To refill the compartments of the salt and pepper shaker you have to remove the sprinkling inserts. For that you can use a screwdriver or just a small coin. When it’s done you can make a funnel out of a piece of paper for example and put it in the hole of the compartment. Now you can refill the salt or the pepper.

Where our salt comes from

Did you know that Switzerland was once covered by the sea? When the sea retreated, the salt was trapped in the rocks, because after millions of years other powerful layers of rock covered the salt and protected it from dissolution. When the Alps were formed about a hundred million years ago, the salt and its cover layers were folded. That is where our Swiss Alpine salt comes from.

To good to go

Enamel tableware never goes out of style

Enamel mug for hot drinks, in white with black rim. The bright white surface with its classic black border brings your drinks to glow. With the practical handle, you can simply hang the cup on the outside of your backpack.

Enamel is a mix of natural raw materials and has excellent properties. It is made of melted glass, which forms a corrosion resistant glaze on the heavy-gauge steel. It is very stable, lightweight, scratch and cut resistant, as well as recyclable. The mug is not suitable for microwave cooking because it is made of steel, instead it can be used in the oven. In fact it is very heat resistant and can also be used for campfire cooking. Carefully remove the soot afterwards and do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Enamel is very scratch resistant. But if fine scratches occur, dirt can settle there more quickly. We therefore recommend to always soak the mug first and then clean it with a sponge.

Care instructions

You can clean enamelware in the dishwasher. Scrub off stubborn stains first with a sponge or wooden scraper. Don't use abrasive cleaners or steel wool. In case you use your enamelware in the oven, let it cool down slowly. Don't cool it down with cold water. Don't use it in the microwave.

Product details

Dimensions: 9.5 x 12 x 8.2 cm / 3.74 x 4.72 x 3.22 in
Ø inside: 8.0 cm / 3.14 in
Weight: 152 g / 5.36 oz
Capacity: 250 ml / 8.45 fl oz
Material: Heavy-gauge steel, enameled (glass)
Qualities: Scratch-, cut-resistant, food-safe, weatherproof, heat resistant, recyclable
Origin: Germany

The ultra lightweight tongs impresses due to its simple and space-saving construction

The two forks can be effortlessly plugged together to create a precision BBQ- or serving tongs with comfortable tension. Brand new features are the option to build a trivet out of it, as well as its cutting functionality through a serrated edge at its handles front. You can also use the product at home, for example to turn the sausages in the pan or when serving at the dinner table.

The fork part itself can be bent as much as needed to fit your specific needs.

Special offer until December 24th

Buy one SAIGA tongs and get a REX vegetable peeler in RED for free. The free product is automatically added to the shopping cart.

Care instructions

It can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning. Particularly heavy soiling can also be treated with a fine steel wool or copper wool.

Product details

Dimensions: 17.5 x 1.5 x 0.1 cm / 6.88 x 0.59 x 0.03 in
Weight: 31 g / 1.09 oz
Material: Stainless spring steel
Features: Tongs, 2 forks, trivet, cutting edge
Origin: Switzerland

Enjoy a campfire BBQ with family and friends and use the practical DORO grill fork

The DORO stainless steel grill fork is your perfect companion at the campfire and definitely an eye-catcher. Simply attach the BBQ tool to a branch. The fork stays in place through its tension force. You can spike or pinch vegetables or sausages. Turn the fork over the fire to get the best result.

The DORO grill tool is rotation symmetric. This prevents a sudden rotating unbalance when turning over the fire. Before stowing the grill fork after use, we advise you to press a wine cork or something similar onto the tips. This prevents the inside of your bag or backpack getting damaged.

Care instructions

It can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning. Particularly heavy soiling can also be treated with a fine steel wool or copper wool.

Product details

Dimensions: 16.6 x 6.1 x 0.1 cm / 6.5 x 2.4 x 0.04 in
Weight: 21 g / 0.74 oz
Material: Stainless spring steel
Origin: Switzerland

Practical light-weight multi tool made in Switzerland

The CRONO KEY is durable, very light and also recyclable. Metal recycles forever! It is super lightweight and weighs only 10 grams. A toolbox for your pocket with 15+ functions and a lost & found pay per use service. If you lose your key, and it is sent to us, you only need to cover the handling and shipping cost, for us to return it to you.

The shape is laser cut in Switzerland and is adapted to the most common key shapes in order to not give your existing key ring any unnecessary bulk.

The Lost & Found Service

Take a picture from your key ring, address and ID. Send us this picture in case you lose your key ring. If we receive your keys, we will ship them to you.

Functions

The CRONO KEY features 15+ functions: 3 screwdrivers, Philipps screwdriver, leverage slot for ring, hex nut M5, hex nut M3, wing nut opener, scale (cm), mini saw, scale (inch), bottle opener, wire stripper, nail remover, parcel opener, reset tool.

Product Details

Dimensions: 2.2 x 5.7 x 0.1 cm / 0.86 x 2.24 x 0.04 in
Weight: Key 10 g / 0.35 oz, ring 3 g / 0.1 oz
Material: Stainless steel, brass
Features: Screwdriver, leverage slot for ring, hex nut KW 8 / 5.5, Philipps screwdriver, scale (cm / inch), mini saw, bottle opener, wire stripper, nail remover, parcel opener, reset tool
Origin: Switzerland

Information Movie

The CRONO KEY was successfully funded be Kickstarter.

Set of 3 - Organic cotton mesh bags in 3 sizes 

Multi purpose organic cotton mesh bags:
for fruits & vegetables,
for cooking,
for organizing your backpack or
for washing your delicate laundry

It is a more sustainable alternative for shopping your groceries than using a plastic bag. You can put your fruits and vegetables directly inside the bag into the refrigerator because the mesh bags are breathable. Or just hang them up, because some fruits and vegetables do not belong in the fridge.

Moreover, their low weight make them just ideal to use them for organizing your backpack. Small parts can easily be stowed away and are easier to find again. Each set includes three mesh bags of the same size that are made of organic cotton.

Did you know that you can also use these organic cotton mesh bags for cooking? Cooking mesh bags are often used for making broth or blanching vegetables. The mesh bag doesn't make it better but easier. Just dunk the vegetables into boiling water, remove them and afterwards you quickly dunk the bag in and out of ice water. No more fishing the vegetables out of freezing cold water anymore to keep their fresh color.

Care instructions

Wash the cotton mesh bag at 30 ° C. Hang it up to dry. The natural material can shrink by about 10% after washing.

Product details size S

Dimensions: 18.5 x 25 cm / 7.28 x 9.84 in
Weight: 17 g / 0.59 oz per bag
Material: Certified organic cotton

Product details size M

Dimensions: 22.5 x 30 cm / 8.85 x 11.8 in
Weight: 19 g / 0.67 oz per bag
Material: Certified organic cotton

Product details size L

Dimensions: 26.5 x 35 cm / 10.43 x 13.77 in
Weight: 21 g / 0.74 oz
Material: Certified organic cotton

The original REX vegetable peeler is a Swiss design classic

The REX vegetable peeler is great for peeling vegetables, fruits and even for slicing chocolate, and cheese. The peeler is suitable for right and left-handers. Also practical: thanks to the bright colors in which our REX peelers come in, there is no longer a tedious search in the cutlery drawer. This Swiss design classic remained unchanged and timeless since 1947, designed by Alfred Neweczerzal.

The ergonomic curved handle is made of recycled aluminum because sustainability is key for us. It is not only made in Switzerland, there is also a lot of craftmanship involved in the production process. The hardened stainless steel blade and potato eye remover on the side are very sharp and make it a perfect companion in your kitchen and a great kitchen utensil. The REX peels extremely thin and economically, so that the best is preserved.

We offer the vegetable peeler in a wide range of beautiful colors. In order to color aluminum, it has to be anodized. In the process, an oxide layer forms on the material, which is formed from the existing aluminum. As a result, the layer is fully integrated. The anodizing protects the aluminum and makes it look beautiful for a long time.

Care instructions anodized aluminum

It is important to be careful when cleaning anodized aluminum. For this purpose, pH-neutral cleaning agents that do not affect the anodized material should be used. Not suitable for the dishwasher: The handle should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. The dishwasher's regeneration salt would attack the aluminum and destroy the color. What you can do is to remove the blade after using and clean it separately. 

Product details

Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.3 x 1.25 cm / 4.13 x 2.08 x 0.49 in
Weight: 14 g / 0.49 oz
Colors: Red, Blue, Cyan, Green, Lime Green, Gold, Purple, Black
Material: Aluminum, stainless steel
Origin: Switzerland (Zena Swiss made)

Information movie

This is how the Rex peeler is still produced today. The movie is from 1987. The process of anodizing is not included in this video because it is is a new method. But it's nice to see that there are products that are consistently good, without constant change, right?