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The story of the Swiss Army Knife began over 130 years ago. In 1884, Karl Elsener established a cutlery shop in Ibach, Switzerland. He developed a remarkable plan to make a compact knife of high-quality steel that also offered a variety of functions. The first model—the Soldier’s Knife—was produced in 1891. Sold to the Swiss Army, it contained a blade, can opener, reamer, and screwdriver. It allowed soldiers to service their rifles and open cans of food. The model that most people recognize today is the Officer’s Knife, which was patented in 1897. Versions of this knife are still widely popular.

Karl Elsener (1860–1918).

This is the original Swiss Army Knife factory as it stood in 1884.

It wasn’t until 1909 that Karl Elsener chose the brand name “Victoria,” in memory of his mother, and the emblem of the cross and shield. In 1921, stainless steel (inox) was invented and was a major development for the knife industry. The words Victoria and inox were then combined to create the new brand name Victorinox. Ten years later, in 1931, Carl Elsener II introduced automation in the making of the knives. This helped to ensure that all knives made by Victorinox were produced with consistent high quality.

The popularity of the Swiss Army Knife grew in part because of American soldiers stationed in Europe during World War II. They bought the Swiss Army Knife in large quantities and then took them home with them, where the little red knife quickly became popular with the American public. The knife began its journey out of our world in 1978, when NASA placed an order for the Master Craftsman model to be used by astronauts.

Every Swiss Army Knife is produced in Switzerland at either the Ibach or Delémont factory. Even with today’s technology, there is still a surprising amount of human presence in the making of these wonderful knives. Every day, 60,000 Swiss Army Knives are produced and inspected in the Ibach factory. Victorinox has continued to grow in an ever-changing world by also offering cutlery, travel gear, watches, and fragrances. One thing has not changed though: Victorinox is still owned and operated by the Elsener family. And they still make fantastic knives!

Careful inspection ensures the high quality of Swiss Army Knives.

Automated Victorinox factory, 1943.