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.

1884

Karl Elsener I opens a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavors.

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™".

1945

The US Army orders a large amount of Swiss Army Knives for their Post Exchange stores.

The pocket knives become 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.

Charitable endeavors

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 licensee.

Start of the new Millennium

2000

Establishment of the Victorinox Foundation which 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.

2013

Integration of the Wenger knife business into the Victorinox brand.

2014

Acquisition of the travel gear business from previous licensee and establishment of the new business unit Victorinox Travel Gear AG.

Opening of our flagship store in the heart of Zurich’s city center.

2016

Construction of the Watch Competence Center in Delémont, Switzerland.

2017

Production of 500-millionth "Original Swiss Army Knife™".

Discontinuation of Apparel to focus on the core product categories.

2020

Opening of the new European distribution center in Seewen, Switzerland.

Acquisition of Zena Swiss AG, 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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