Our History
Victorinox was founded in 1884 and we haven’t stopped evolving ever since. Here are the most important milestones in our company’s history.
When our founder Karl Elsener opened his cutler’s workshop in 1884 in Ibach, Switzerland, little did he know that the Swiss Army Knife he would soon create would become a global icon of preparedness, not only finding its way into everyday life, but even into outer space.
Living up to our legacy as Makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife, we’ve been making well-thought-out products with precision and care for over 140 years.
Today, Victorinox is a global company with five product categories: Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, Travel Gear, and Fragrances. Here are the important milestones in the history of our company.
1884
Karl Elsener I opens a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavours.
1891
Karl Elsener I establishes the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers and delivers the first major supply of soldier’s knives to the Swiss Army. The association still exists today.
1897
The "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife" is patented. It’s known around the world today as the "Original Swiss Army Knife™".
1909
In memory of his mother, Karl Elsener I chooses her first name Victoria as the brand name, and registers the Cross & Shield emblem as a trademark. Today, it is a registered trademark in over 120 countries.
1918
Carl Elsener II takes over the management of the workshop.
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 consistently high quality.
1945
The U.S. Army orders a large amount of Swiss Army Knives for their post exchange stores.
The pocket knives became a popular souvenir for soldiers stationed in Europe after World War II to take home.
1950
Carl Elsener III takes over the company management.
1977
The Original Swiss Army Knife™ is displayed in the permanent design collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
1978
NASA orders 50 Master Craftsman knives, which was one of our most popular Officer’s Knives at the time.
1979
The "Messerfabrik Carl Elsener" becomes 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.
Expansion and Social Responsibility
1993
Victorinox opens its 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 as a licensee.
Start of the new Millennium
2000
Establishment of the Victorinox Foundation that holds 90% of the share capital of Victorinox AG. The remaining 10% belongs to the non-profit Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation.
2001
Launch of a clothing line in the U.S. and opening of the first Victorinox store in Soho, New York.
2005
Acquisition of the long-standing Swiss knife and watch manufacturer Wenger SA in Delémont. Victorinox still operates the Wenger brand, focusing mainly on watches and travel gear items.
Becoming a multi-product brand
2007
Carl Elsener IV takes over the company management and further expands Victorinox as a global, multi-product brand. Establishment of Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG.
2008
Opening of the first European Victorinox flagship store in London.
2013
Integration of the Wenger knife business into the Victorinox brand.
2014
Acquisition of the travel gear business from the previous licensee and establishment of the new business unit, Victorinox Travel Gear AG.
Opening of our flagship store in the heart of Zürich’s city centre.
2016
Construction of the Watch Competence Centre in Delémont, Switzerland.
2017
Production of the 500-millionth "Original Swiss Army Knife™".
Discontinuation of Apparel to focus on the core product categories.
2020
Opening of the new European distribution centre in Seewen, Switzerland.
Acquisition of Zena Swiss AG, the traditional Swiss manufacturer of the economy peeler.
Opening of the first European Victorinox franchise store in Vienna.
2022
125th Anniversary of the "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife"
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