HISTORY
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 and delivers the first major supply of soldier’s knives to the Swiss Army. The association still exists today. 1897 The "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife" is patented. It is known around the world today as the Original Swiss Army Knife TM . 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&Shield 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 a consistent high quality. 1945 The U.S. Army orders a large amount of pocket knives for their post exchange stores. The pocket knives became a popular souvenir for soldiers stationed in Europe after World War II to take home. 1950 Carl Elsener III takes over the company management. 1977 The Original Swiss Army Knife TM is displayed in the permanent design collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. 1978 NASA orders 50 Master Craftsman knives, which was one of our most popular Officer’s Knives at the time. 1979 The “Messerfabrik Carl Elsener” becomes the family-owned company “Victorinox AG”. 1984 The company doubles its manufacturing and office space. 1989 Market entry for "Watches" under its Swiss Army brand in North America with its former U.S. sales partner. 1993 Opening of the first sales subsidiary in Japan. 1994 Establishment of Carl and Elise Elsener Gut Foundation with the mission to support national and international charitable projects. 1999 Market entry for "Travel Gear" with the American TRG Group as licensee. 2000 Establishment of the Victorinox Foundation which holds 90 % of the share capital of Victorinox AG. The remaining 10 % belong to the non-profit Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation. 2001 Launch of a clothing line in the U.S. and opening of the first Victorinox store in Soho, New York.
First Cutlery Workshop
Mother Victoria
Founder Karl Elsener
Carl Elsener, Chief Executive Officer
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