Beautifully designed, the little red and silver gem, with knives, scissors, corkscrews, screwdrivers, can-openers and so many more surprises slotted into its sleek chassis, was the brainchild of a Swiss cutler Karl Elsener.

Karl Elsener, Inventor of the Swiss Army Knife

It was 1884, after completing an apprenticeship as a cutler in Tuttlingen, Germany, Karl Elsener returns home to Ibach, in Switzerland. The 24 year old son of a milliner had his big idea. The Swiss army was being supplied with knives from the German town of Solingen. At the time, the Swiss economy was extremely unhealthy, and local lads regularly left their but mountainous nation to find jobs elsewhere. Elsener hoped to supply the army with locally-made knives and to create new jobs in the process.  

The Swiss Cutlers’ Association

The enterprising Elsener formed the Swiss Cutlers’ Association by gathering twenty-five other cutlers to produce knives for the army. He preferred not to build a factory. The knives contained a blade, punch, can-opener and screwdriver. Their first order was fulfilled in 1891, but on the realization that German companies could provide knives far more cheaply, Elsener’s Swiss Cutlers’ Association fell to pieces when the other cutlers resigned after just 12 months.

Elsener went Solo, Army Knife Improved

Despite everything, Elsener continued the business, but the operational costs, including emlployees and materials drained him and he soon ran out of cash. The help of generous relatives pulled him through enough to develop an improved knife, lighter and more elegant with a smaller blade and corkscrew. It was this same officer’s knife that now known today. This knife was registered in 1897, June 12.

Victorinox Launch

1921 Elsener change his company name to Victorinox, a mix of his mother’s name, Victoria, and “Inox”, the accepted term for stainless steel internationally.  

The Swiss Army Knife Today

Today Swiss Army Knives are produced at about 35,000 daily, with various combinations, including USB memory sticks and altimeters. The Swiss Champ XXLT which is the flagship knife contains more than 70 features.

After the September 11, 2001, New York City terrorists attack, carrying the Swiss Arny Knife has been prohibited. Gone were the years when the Swiss Army Knife was considered a valued companion of adults as a helpful tool and not deemed as a potential weapon.