10 Jun 2022

PR & Communication

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Replica 1897 Limited Edition

Holding a piece of history in one’s hands is a dream come true at Victorinox. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Swiss Army Knife, the brand launches a true replica knife based on the first original Officer’s and Sports Knife. The Replica 1897 is available in a limited quantity of 9’999 pieces only. Individually numbered and engraved with the year 1897, this unique knife makes a superb collector’s item or a very special gift.

There are rumors that at the Victorinox headquarter in Ibach, Switzerland, behind some heavy rolls of steel, a time capsule was found. The finder was really curious about what might be in there and took it straight to the office of Carl Elsener, the great-grandson of Karl Elsener, founder of Victorinox. They carefully opened the capsule together…inside was the original Officer’s and Sports Knife.

It all began in 1897 when Karl Elsener patented the original Officer’s and Sports Knife, also known worldwide as the Swiss Army Knife. In 2022 Victorinox celebrates the 125th anniversary of this iconic product which stands for functionality, reliability, quality and iconic design and is the absolute cornerstone in the brand’s history. Inspired by this role model from 1897, Victorinox has since developed many innovative and awarded products in the categories Swiss Army Knives, Household Knives, Watches, Travel Gear and Fragrances.

To continue the adventure beyond this historical moment, Victorinox launches a replica of the original Officer’s and Sports Knife. This iconic tool is packaged in an eye-catching time capsule nestled in a distinctive box which relates the knife’s story. Unfolding the box feels like diving into history and experiencing firsthand the adventurous journey of the original Swiss Army Knife from then to now. Indeed, whoever opens it becomes part of this wonderful voyage through time.

The Replica 1897 looks exactly like the original on the outside, but, on the inside, it represents the latest in technology. The red vulcanized fiber scale material offers a warm and comfortable grip. The iconic embossing of “Elsener Schwyz” on the large blade and the proof of the patent “Gesetzlich Geschützt” (protected by law) on the screwdriver take us right back in time. The latter was in fact an important selling point in 1897. Distinctive features of the Replica 1897 include the style of the pointy small blade, the original shape of the corkscrew, an awl perfectly integrated in the body of the pocket knife and a can opener with a unique technique.

As an ideal gift or collector’s item, this limited edition is launched worldwide and can be purchased in Victorinox stores, selected point of sale and online. Available in a limited quantity of 9’999 pieces, the item comes with a certificate and is packaged in an attractive time capsule and box. Each knife is individually numbered and has the year 1897 engraved, a unique testimony of traditional craftsmanship and the high levels of functionality, quality and innovation that characterize the brand.

Victorinox guarantees all knives and tools to be of first-class stainless steel. Since environmental protection and sustainability are part of the Victorinox DNA, their products are made for life. Each item has a life-time guarantee against any defects in material and workmanship. Victorinox prides itself on more than 130 years of experience in the manufacturing of high-quality knives in Switzerland. Further, the eye-catching packaging of the Replica 1897 is also made in Switzerland.

Press Contact

Victorinox AG
Schmiedgasse 57
CH-6438 Ibach-Schwyz
Pressoffice.hq@victorinox.com