Victorinox - Household and professional knives

6 | VICTORINOX HOUSEHOLD AND PROFESSIONAL KNIVES 1909 – 1945 1884 – 1897 2007 1950 – 1984 1884 – 1897 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. As a result, he is able to deliver the first major supply of soldier’s knives to the Swiss Army. 1897 The original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife is patented. It is known around the world today as the “Swiss Army Knife”. 1909 – 1945 1909 In memoriam of his mother, Karl Elsener I chooses her first name Victoria as the brand name and registers the emblem with the cross and shield as a trademark. Today it is a registered trade- mark in over 120 countries. 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 a consistent high quality. 1945 US soldiers stationed in Europe after World War Two buy it in large quantities and it is a popular souvenir to take home. 1950 – 1984 1950 Carl Elsener III takes over the company management. 1977 The Original Swiss Army Knife becomes an exhibit for design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. 1978 Nasa orders 50 Officer Knives Master Craftsman for the Space Shuttle program. 1979 Transformation of sole proprietorship “Messerfabrik Carl Elsener” into the family-owned company “Victorinox AG.” 1984 The company doubles its manufacturing and office space. HISTORY