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.

When our founder Karl Elsener opened his cutler’s A in 1884 in Ibach, Switzerland, little did he know that the Swiss Army Knife he would soon create would become a global icon of preparedness, not only finding its way into everyday life but even into outer space.

Living up to our legacy as Makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife, we’ve been making well-thought-out products with precision and care for more than 140 years.

Today, Victorinox is a global company with five product categories: Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, Travel Gear and Fragrances. Here are the important milestones in the history of our company.

1909

In memory of his mother, Karl Elsener I chooses her first name Victoria as the brand name, and registers the Cross&Shield emblem as a trademark. Today it is a registered trademark in over 120 countries.

1918

Carl Elsener II takes over the management of the workshop.

1921

The invention of stainless steel (Inox) is a highly significant development for the cutlery industry.

The combination of the two words "Inox" and "Victoria" results in today’s company and brand name – Victorinox.

1931

Carl Elsener II introduces automation. In 1931, Brown Boveri is commissioned to set up the world’s first all-electric hardening plant in Ibach. This guarantees that all knives are of consistently high quality.

Becoming a multi-Product brand

2007

Carl Elsener IV takes over the company management and further expands Victorinox as a global multi-product brand. Establishment of Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG.

2008

Opening of the first European Victorinox flagship store in London.

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.

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