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.
