Our History

Originating from inside a cutler's workshop in 1884, Victorinox stands for quality, functionality, innovation and iconic design, and has done for more than 130 years.

Today, Victorinox is a global company with five product categories: Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, Travel Gear and Fragrances.

1884
Karl Elsener I opens a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavors. 

1891
Karl Elsener I establishes the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers. As a result, he is able to deliver the first major supply of soldier’s knives to the Swiss Army.
 
1897
The original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife is patented. It is known around the world today as the “Swiss Army Knife”.

1909
In memoriam of his mother, Karl Elsener I chooses her first name Victoria as the brand name and registers the emblem with the cross and shield as a trademark. Today it is a registered trademark in over 120 countries.

1921
The invention of stainless steel (Inox) is a highly significant development for the cutlery industry. The combination of the two words “Inox” and “Victoria” results in today’s company and brand name – Victorinox.
 
1931
Carl Elsener II introduces automation. In 1931, Brown Boveri is commissioned to set up the world’s first all-electric hardening plant in Ibach. This guarantees that all knives are of a consistent high quality.

1945
US soldiers stationed in Europe after World War Two buy it in large quantities and it is a popular souvenir to take home.

1950
Carl Elsener III takes over the company management.

1977
The Original Swiss Army Knife becomes an exhibit for design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

1978
Nasa orders 50 Officer Knives Master Craftsman 

1979
Transformation of sole proprietorship “Messerfabrik Carl Elsener” into the family-owned company “Victorinox AG.”

1984
The company doubles its manufacturing and office space.

1989
Market entry for “Watches” under its Swiss Army brand in North America with its former U.S. sales partner.

1993
Opening of the first sales subsidiary in Japan.

1994
Establishment of Carl and Elise Elsener Gut Foundation with the mission to support national and international charitable projects.

1999
Market entry for “Travel Gear” with the American TRG Group in St. Louis as licensee.

2000
Establishment of the Victorinox Foundation which holds 90 % of the share capital of Victorinox AG. The remaining 10 % belong to the non-profit Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation.

2001
Einführung der Bekleidungslinie in den USA und Eröffnung des ersten Victorinox Stores in Soho in New York.

2005
Übernahme des traditionsreichen Schweizer Messer- und Uhrenherstellers Wenger SA in Delémont. Wenger bleibt eine selbständige Tochtergesellschaft von Victorinox.

2007
Carl Elsener IV löst seinen Vater in der Leitung des Unternehmens ab und baut Victorinox als globale Multiproduktmarke weiter aus.

Gründung der Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG.

2008
Eröffnung des ersten europäischen Victorinox Flagship Stores in London.

2011
Eröffnung des Swiss Knife Valley Visitor Centers in Brunnen, Schweiz.

Carl Elsener III. erhält einen Platz in der BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.

2013
Integration des Wenger-Messergeschäfts in die Marke Victorinox.

2014
Übernahme des Reisegepäck-Geschäfts von der bisherigen Lizenznehmerin und Gründung der neuen Geschäftseinheit Victorinox Travel Gear AG.

Store-Eröffnung in erstklassiger Lage im Zentrum von Zürich.

Carl Elsener erhält seinen Platz in der BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame

Ein Platz in der BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® ist die höchste Ehre für alle, die einen aussergewöhnlichen Beitrag zur Welt der Messer leisten. Jährlich werden nur ein oder zwei Personen in einer Zeremonie bei der BLADE Show in die illustre Riege aufgenommen.
Brandstore und Museum, Brunnen
Flagship Store Zürich

2016
Bau des Watch Competence Centers in Delsberg, Schweiz.

2017
Auflösung der Bekleidungslinie und Rückkehr zu den Kernprodukten.

Produktion des 500-millionsten Original Schweizer Taschenmessers.

2018
125th anniversary of Wenger.

2019
Opening of a brand store in Lausanne.

2020
After two years of construction, opening of the new distribution center in Seewen, Switzerland.

Acquisition of Zena Swiss AG, traditional Swiss manufacturer of the economy peeler.

Opening of first European Victorinox Franchise Store in Vienna.
2022
125th Anniversary of the "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife"