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THE 125 YEAR HISTORY OF VICTORINOX IS CHARACTERIZED BY PERSEVERANCE AND CONTINUAL GROWTH. TYPICAL SWISS CHARACTERISTIC SET THE TONE FOR THE CORPORATION'S DEVELOPMENT.

In 1884, the cutler and businessman Karl Elsener opened a knife manufacturing company in Ibach-Schwyz, in the heart of Switzerland. Over the next 125 years, this evolved into a globally oriented company.

Victorinox was founded at a time when Switzerland was counted among the poorest countries in Europe. Many Swiss were without work in 1880 and saw emigration as the only possible solution. Despite the difficult economic times, the cutler Karl Elsener took the initiative and, by opening a cutlery workshop, laid the foundation stone for a thriving company.

A pioneering spirit and the honesty of the company founder, as well as his attachment to his native country, have accompanied the history of the Victorinox Company during the last 125 years, and live on in his philosophy and his products. The organization is also characterized by continuity: Victorinox has remained a family enterprise since its founding in 1884, and has maintained its independence until today. 10 percent of the shares are held by the Elsener family, and 90 percent are owned by the Victorinox Foundation. This model ensures the continuation of the company and offers assurance that jobs can be maintained over the long term.

1884     Karl Elsener opens a cutlery workshop in Ibach-Schwyz with the support of his mother Victoria.

1891     The Swiss Cutlery Union is founded on the initiative of Karl Elsener. Karl Elsener and his co-workers deliver soldier's knives to the Swiss Army for the first time.

1897     The name Swiss «Officers' and Sport Knife» is legally protected on June 12. This model later becomes known around the world as the Original Swiss Army Knife.

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

1909     The company's founder legally registers the distinctive emblem with the cross and shield as a trademark. It is now a registered trademark in more than 120 countries.

1921     The invention of stainless steel is of central importance for the cutlery industry. Karl Elsener coins the company's new name, Victorinox, by combining his mother's name with "inox". (Inox is derived from the French word "inoxydable", which means stainless.)

1931     The Brown Boveri Company sets up the first fully-electrical hardening plant in the world at Victorinox.

1945     The «Original Swiss Army Knife» starts out on its successful career around the world and proves to be a best-seller in US Army PX stores.

1979     On January 2, the previous one-man company "Messerfabrik Carl Elsener" is converted into the family-owned company, Victorinox AG.

1984     The company doubles the size of its plant and office space. 810 employees generate more than CHF 80 million in revenue.

1989     The Victorinox USA distribution partner enters the watch business in the USA under the Swiss Army brand.

1992     The company opens its own sales subsidiary in Japan. Further subsidiaries follow in subsequent years.

1999     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 the Swiss Jura watch-making region.

2000     The Victorinox Foundation is set up. It holds 75% of the shares in Victorinox AG. A further 15% are held by the charitable Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation.

2001     Victorinox launches a fashion line in the USA.

2001     The first Victorinox Flagship Store opens its doors to the public in the trendy New York Soho district.

2002     The publicly traded US distribution partner Swiss Army Knife Brands Inc. is privatized.

2003     Victorinox takes over the US-American company Wenger NA, including the fragrance label "Swiss Army Fragrance".

2005     Victorinox takes over the traditional Swiss cutlery and watch manufacturer Wenger SA in Delémont, Jura.

2006     Victorinox Watch SA moves from Bonfol to its new watch production facilities in Porrentruy, Jura.

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

2008     Victorinox opens its first Flagship Store in Europe on New Bond Street in London.

2009    Victorinox now employs more than 1,700 employees worldwide and generates revenues of around CHF 500 million.