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
Une ligne de vêtements est lancée aux États-Unis et le premier magasin Victorinox ouvre dans le quartier de Soho, à New York.

2005
L’entreprise rachète Wenger SA, l’ancienne manufacture horlogère et de coutellerie située à Delémont, en Suisse. Wenger reste une filiale opérationnelle autonome de Victorinox.

2007
Carl Elsener IV prend la tête de l’entreprise et continue d’établir Victorinox comme une marque internationale et polyvalente.

La Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG est créée.

2008
Victorinox ouvre son premier flagship store européen à Londres.

2011
Le Centre pour visiteurs de la Swiss Knife Valley ouvre à Brunnen, en Suisse.

Carl Elsener III est intronisé parmi les membres du BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.

2013
Victorinox absorbe l’activité de coutellerie de Wenger.

2014
Victorinox acquiert l’activité bagages de son ancien détenteur de licence et crée la nouvelle division Victorinox Travel Gear AG.

Un magasin est ouvert dans le centre-ville de Zurich, à un emplacement privilégié.

Carl Elsener est intronisé parmi les membres du BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame

Le BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® (Temple de la renommée de la coutellerie du magazine BLADE) est la plus grande reconnaissance mondiale faite à tous ceux et celles qui contribuent de façon exceptionnelle à l’univers de la coutellerie. Seules une ou deux personnes sont intronisées chaque année au cours d’une cérémonie organisée lors du BLADE Show.
Boutique de la marque et musée, Brunnen
Flagshipstore Zurich

2016
Construction of the Watch Competence Center in Delémont, Switzerland.

2017
Discontinuation of Apparel to focus on the core product categories.

Production of 500-millionth “Original Swiss Army Knife”.

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"