Victorinox History
130 years of passion!
Ever since it was established over 130 years ago, Victorinox's consistent focus has been on tradition, quality and innovation. The philosophy of the family company is based on solid values that ensure continuous growth. Today, Victorinox is a global company with six product categories: Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, Travel Gears, Apparel and Fragrances. The Swiss Army Knife is the core product and has a pioneering role in the development of all product categories.
From the Swiss Army Knife to a global brand
1884
Karl Elsener I opens a cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavors.
Karl Elsener
1891
Karl Elsener I establishes the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers. As a result, he is able to deliver the firstmajorsupply of to the Swiss Army.
1897
The original Swiss Officer’s and Sports is patented.
1909
Following the death of his mother, Karl Elsener chooses her first name Victoria as the brand name and registers the emblem with the cross and shield as a trademark. Today it is registered as a trademark in over 120 countries.
1921
The invention of stainless steel is a highly significant development for the industry. “Inox” is the international term for stainless steel. The combination of the two words “Victoria” and “Inox” gives the name of the company and brand today – Victorinox.
1931
Carl Elsener II introduces automation. In 1931, the company Brown Boveri is commissioned to set up the world’s first all-electric hardening plant in Ibach. This means that all can be guaranteed to be of a consistent high quality.
1945
The becomes known all over the world. U.S. soldiers stationed in Europe buy it in large quantities and it begins to be a popular souvenir to take home.
1950
After the death of his father, Carl Elsener III takes the company management into its third generation.
1979
Sole proprietorship “Messerfabrik Carl Elsener” is transformed into the family company “
1984
The company doubles its manufacturing and office space. 810 employees generate sales of over 80 million Swiss francs (136 million dollars).
1989
Under its Swiss Army brand, Victorinox enters the North American business with its U.S. sales partner.
1992
Victorinox opens its first sales subsidiary in Japan. Others are added in subsequent years.
1999
Victorinox enters the international market with the American TRG Group in St. Louis as the licensee.
2000
The Victorinox Foundation is established. It holds 90% of the share capital of Victorinox AG. A further 10% is held by the not-for-profit Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation.
2001
Victorinox launches a line in the U.S. and opens the first in New York’s Soho district, selling products from all six categories.
2005
Victorinox acquires the long-standing Swiss knife and watch manufacturer Wenger SA in Delémont and allows it to operate as an independent subsidiary.
2007
Carl Elsener IV takes over the running of the business from his father and further expands Victorinox as a global multi-product brand.
2007
Following the establishment of Victorinox Swiss Army AG, the former Wenger perfume line is repositioned.
2008
Victorinox opens the first in Europe at New Bond Street, London.
2013
Victorinox integrates the Wenger knife business into the Victorinox brand.
2013
Carl Elsener III dies on June 1, shortly before his 91st birthday.
2014
Victorinox acquires the business from previous licensee TRG Group and establishes the new business unit Victorinox Travel Gear AG.
2014
Victorinox is now managed by the fourth generation of the Elsener family. The company is celebrating its 130th anniversary.
Victorinox guarantees that its products meet the highest standards in all areas and quality is never compromised, regardless of the production site. The majority of Victorinox products – the Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, and Fragrances. – are manufactured in Switzerland.
For reasons of expertise, Travel Gears and Apparel items are produced abroad, where the technical, staff and material resources needed for efficient manufacture can be accessed. To ensure that these products also meet the highest standards, partners are chosen carefully and the high quality standards are stringently enforced.
It is this level of quality that has allowed Victorinox to become a leader in Switzerland and the rest of the world.
Material
The following part outlines key features of the most popular handle and blade materials:
Household & Professional knives:
Handles:
Polyamide (PA): Polyamide is extremely strong and combines excellent rigidity with high impact strength. It benefits from good abrasion resistance and sliding properties. Can be sterilized and is suitable for use at temperatures of up to 80 – 110°C.
Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene exhibits good strength, rigidity and hardness. It is suitable for sterilisation and can be used at temperatures up to 80 – 100°C.
Polyoxymethylene (POM): POM features excellent strength, hardness and dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures. It benefits from good abrasion resistance, can be sterilised and is suitable for use at temperatures up to 130°C.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): TPE materials combine the easy processing of thermoplastics with the beneficial properties of elastomers. They are extremely flexible over a wide range of temperatures. TPE materials can be used at temperatures of up to 80 – 110°C.
Rosewood: High quality rosewood comes from India and is FSC-certified (controlled wood). This very hard wood is tough, durable, and benefits from low shrinkage. It is also highly resistant to moisture. Dishwasher safe.
Bubinga: Originating from Gabon in Africa, bubings wood is extremely hard and resistance to moisture. It is FSC-certified (pure). Dishwasher safe.
Beech: European beech is hard wood that is ideal for work knives. Most knife blocks are also made of beech. This wood is FSC-certified (pure). Dishwasher safe.
Fibrox: Fibrox handlers are made from PA or TPE. They feature excellent non-slip properties, can be used at temperatures up to 80 – 110°C and can also be sterilized. These properties are ideal for ensuring safe use in professional environment. To make the different applications for all knives visible, we offer many Fibrox models in 6 colors. This risk management corresponds to the internationally recognized HACCP system and ensures a high level of safety in food processing.
Blades:
Stainless steel blades: All steel blades are made of martensitic stainless steel. The basis for optimum function and durability of a blade, is the use of the correct steel alloy. The steel should deliver the perfect combination of cutting edge retention and corrosion protection. It should also be flexible, so it doesn’t break during use.
Ceramic blades: Ceramic blades are manufactured from high-purity zirconium oxide power. This results in a blade that has an extremely high level of hardness. Ceramic is almost as hard as diamond. The blades do not transfer taste or odor and are resistant to corrosion and acids. As a result of the high density of the surface, ceramic knives are very easy to care for. Ceramic knives are intended for the cutting of food. Ceramic blades are unsuitable for hitting, levering and cutting hard or frozen foods. This will result in chipping or breaking of the blade.
Materials used in Multi-functional knives:
Scale material:
Cellidor: Cellidor is an organic, thermoplastic cellulose ester that incorporates a high proportion of the renewable natural material cellulose. Unlike traditional plastics, it is only partially dependents on fossil fuels. Component made of Cellidor exhibit an exceptional high-gloss finish with a perfect depth effect. To improve abrasion and scratch-resistance, scales printed with a special promotional motif are treated with a protective coating.
Max. usable temperature 65°C.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is an amorphous thermoplastic. ABS plastic exhibit excellent toughness, notched impact strength, impact strength, flexural rigidity and surface hardness.
Max. usable temperature 80°C.
Polyamide (PA): Nylon is a term commonly used primarily in the U.S to describe polyamides (PA). Polyamides are suitable for use in pocket knife scales because they exhibit better mechanical abrasion resistance. This also has benefits from a production perspective. Compared to high-gloss and smooth Cellidor components, they have a more structured surface.
Max. usable temperature 90°C.
Aluminium (Alox): Alox scales are punched from aluminum, embossed and then anodized in a subsequent process stage. The Eloxal process uses anodic oxidation to create a protective layer. This layer of oxide is hard and protects the scales from damage and corrosion, up to a certain degree.
Walnut: wood is a natural, renewable resource. The walnut used by Victorinox comes from Swiss forests and is in full compliance with Eu regulation No. 995/2010 (The EU timber Regulation). The wood of the walnut tree is very solid, tough and strong.
Steel components:
All pocket knife components ( excluding rivets) are made from martensitic stainless steel. Making a blade that offers optimum functionality and durability requires the right steel alloy. The steel must ensure excellent edge retention and sufficient resistance to rust, but should also be flexible, so that it doesn’t break during use.
The following steel alloys are used for Swiss Army Knives:
