Victorinox was founded in 1884 and we haven’t stopped evolving ever since. Here are the most important milestones in our company’s history.
Karl Elsener I opens a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavors.
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.
The "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife" is patented. It’s known around the world today as the "Original Swiss Army Knife™".
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.
Carl Elsener III takes over the company management.
The Original Swiss Army Knife™ is displayed in the permanent design collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Victorinox opens its first sales subsidiary in Japan.
Establishment of Carl and Elise Elsener Gut Foundation with the mission to support national and international charitable projects.
Market entry for "Travel Gear" with the American TRG Group as licensee.
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.
Launch of a clothing line in the U.S. and opening of the first Victorinox store in Soho, New York.
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.
Integration of the Wenger knife business into the Victorinox brand.
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.
Construction of the Watch Competence Center in Delémont, Switzerland.
Production of 500-millionth "Original Swiss Army Knife™".
Discontinuation of Apparel to focus on the core product categories.
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.
125th Anniversary of the "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife"
All available products and the best browsing experience in one place
Stories and offers, regularly in your mailbox.