History of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives

The amazing scenery and Swiss chocolates are not the only things that are characteristic of Switzerland. An intelligent discovery which has come from the land of Alps with snow covered peaks is Swiss army knives which has a large following.

These Swiss army knives are amazing. They have been personified. These large key chain sized knives not only provide complete basic tool box but are very practical in terms of usefulness.

The opening of the Victorinox factory by Karl Elsner in the year 1884 was the reason for the invention of the Swiss army knife. He had worked in Paris and Germany as part of his internship, and then started his own cutlery shop where he employed the use of grinding and polishing machine which required a waterwheel.

The Swiss army knives were essentially designed for the army in the year 1891 which could be kept in our pocket comfortably. The Swiss army then patented two of Karls creations, the Sports knife and the Swiss Officers knife when Karl introduced it for the first time.

In the initial years it was Karls company alone that was contracted to supply the Swiss Army with these knives. In time the contract was then being distributed among Victorinox and Wenger. Following an agreement between the two companies Victorinox was given the complete rights to advertise the old school first Swiss Army Knife.

Karl designed the emblem in the year 1909 which had a cross and a shield. It is a sign of distinctiveness in terms of the product. The name Victorinox comes from the fact that the company was named after Karl’s mother, Victoria.

The name Victorinox was given by Karl who named the product after his mother and added the French term for stainless steel inox to it. This was done by Karl in his mothers memory after her death.

During the 2nd world war, the Swiss Officers Knife was being openly sold to the Americans. Then the term Officers Knife was changed to Swiss Army Knife due to the accelerated sales of the product.

The Victorinox due to its fast paced development eventually took over Wenger. Now a day its being used by astronauts, mountaineers or ocean explorers as well. The company has introduced many of its new items like professional knives, household knives, watches, clothing, luggage which has given them lot of fame.

The author is an expert and writes on various collectors items like Swiss army pocket watch . For latest information about army knives from Victorinox clink the link.