Originating from a knife forge in 1884, VICTORINOX has stood for functionality, innovation and design for more than 130 years. Today, VICTORINOX is a global company with five product categories: Swiss Army Knives, household and professional knives, watches, luggage and perfumes.VICTORINOX was honored with the Swiss Environmental Foundation Award in 2008. The history of VICTORINOX goes back to 1884, when great-grandfather Karl Elsener opened a knife forge in Ibach-Schwyz. His revolutionary idea of producing a compact knife with many practical functions led to success: the Swiss Army Knife was born, was constantly developed further and is now available in a wide range of versions worldwide. Quality, functionality, innovation and iconic design are top priorities at VICTORINOX.
1884 Karl Elsener I opens a cutlery workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavors.
1891 He founds the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers. This enables the first large-scale delivery of the soldier's knife to the Swiss army. It included a blade, an awl, a can opener and a screwdriver. Until then, by the way, the Swiss army obtained its knives from Solingen. So, who invented it....
1897 The original Swiss Army and sports knife is protected by law. A second blade and the often life-saving corkscrew are added.
1909 Karl Elsener introduces the brand name Victoria in memory of his mother and has the emblem with the cross and shield protected by law. Today it is registered as a trademark in over 120 countries.
1921 The invention of stainless steel is of central importance for cutlers. "INOX" is the international designation for stainless steel. The combination of the two words "Victoria" and "Inox" gives rise to today's company and brand name VICTORINOX.
1931 Carl Elsener II introduces automation. In 1931, Brown Boveri receives the order to set up the world's first fully electric hardening shop in Ibach. This ensures consistently high quality for all products.
1945 The Swiss Army Knife begins its triumphal march around the world. US soldiers stationed in Europe buy it in large quantities and bring it home as a popular souvenir.
1950 After the death of his father, Carl Elsener III becomes the third generation to manage the company.
1979 The sole proprietorship "Messerfabrik Carl Elsener" is transformed into the family company "VICTORINOX AG".
1989 VICTORINOX enters the North American watch business under the Swiss Army brand with its then US distribution partner.
1992 VICTORINOX opens its first own distribution company in Japan.
1999 VICTORINOX enters the international luggage market with the US TRG Group in St. Louis as a licensee.
2000 The VICTORINOX company foundation is established.
2001 VICTORINOX launches a clothing line in the USA and opens the first VICTORINOX store in New York with all five product categories.
2005 VICTORINOX takes over the traditional Swiss knife and watch manufacturer Wenger SA
2007 Carl Elsener IV succeeds his father in the management of the company, now in the 4th generation.
2013 VICTORINOX integrates the Wenger knife business into the VICTORINOX brand.
2014 The company celebrates its 130th anniversary.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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