Victorinox, the Swiss emblem

The famous Swiss family firm Victorinox is recognised across the world today as one of the leading makers of Swiss army knives, thanks to their high quality, their varied functions and their design. Now the stuff of legend, these knives are an essential, even indispensable companion for a great many everyday activities and tasks.

The Victorinox story

The story begins in 1884 with the setting up of a cutlery workshop in Ibach by the founder, Karl Elsener. The aim was to invent a knife for the Swiss army; a first prototype, bulky and rather heavy, was turned down in 1891. The maker then decided to aim his invention at officers alone. The weight was more reasonable and the knife more useful, since it held six different tools. Patented but rejected a second time by the army, it nevertheless won over some officers, who bought one for themselves. Recognition could at last begin for this revolutionary multi-blade knife, the “Swiss army knife”, registered on 12 June 1897.

The year 1909 was an important one: Karl decided to add to the red handle his well-known cross shield, the emblem of the brand. That same year his mother, Victoria, died, and the cutler took her first name as the name of the brand, in tribute. In 1921 “Victoria” was merged with the word inox, giving the acronym “Victorinox”, a reference to the stainless steel used for the blades, a distinctive feature of the product. These materials earned the knife a lifetime guarantee and turned it into a timeless object.

How Victorinox has developed

The company has continued to grow ever since and to adapt to its customers’ needs.
Watches appeared in 1996 and, with the acquisition of Swiss Army Brand in 2002, a manufacturer active since 1989, they moved upmarket and sold rapidly around the world. The firm went on to widen its range by creating a line of travel equipment, fragrances, kitchen knives and even sportswear and workwear.

Victorinox is an inventive brand that combines the usefulness of its pocket knives with a modern and playful touch. Plain and colourful, or fitted with a USB stick or a laser, shaped like a credit card to slip more easily into a wallet (Swiss card), or made as multi-purpose pliers for home improvers (Swiss tools), there is a version for every kind of customer.