Victorinox

Victorinox has been impressing people all over the world for more than 125 years with its typically Swiss quality awareness and inventive genius. In 1884, the pioneer Karl Elsener founded a cutler’s workshop before paving the way a short time later for an unparalleled company history with his now legendary ‘Original Swiss Army Knife’. In addition to the famous Swiss pocket knives, today Victorinox also produces and sells household and professional knives, timepieces, travel gear, fashion and perfume all over the world. The independent Swiss family company has a presence in over 130 countries and a global workforce of about 1,800. It is still committed to the values that were important to the company’s founder: authenticity, reliability, an emotional bond with Switzerland and sophistication. Victorinox’s Swiss spirit lives on. Victorinox is proud to partner with the House of Switzerland for the 2012 Olympics, showcasing the best in our product design and innovation, available from Victorinox flagship stores, including London.

Milestones in the company’s history

1884
Karl Elsener and his mother Victoria open a cutlery workshop in Ibach-Schwyz.

1891
At the initiative of Karl Elsener, the Swiss Cutlery Union is founded. Karl Elsener and his co-workers deliver knives for soldiers in the Swiss Army for the first time.

1897
The name Swiss “Officer’s and Sport Knife” is legally protected on June 12.

1909
After the death of his mother, Karl Elsener introduces the brand name Victoria in her honor.

1921
The invention of stainless steel is of central importance for the cutlery industry. Karl Elsener coins the company’s name, Victorinox, by combining his mother’s name with “inox”, an abbreviation of the French word for the characteristic of this New steel, “inoxydable.”

1989
The US distributor at the time enters the watch business in the USA under the Swiss Army brand.

1999
Victorinox partners with the American TRG Group in St. Louis and enters into the international travel gear market .

1999
The company expands its watch business and sets up Victorinox Watch SA in Bonfol in Switzerland’s Jura watchmaking region.

2001
Victorinox launches a Fashion line in the USA.

2007
Victorinox sets up Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG based at its head offices. The former Wenger line of fragrances is repositioned in the market and is branded with the Victorinox emblem.