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History Of: The Swiss Army Knife
Published: November 27th, 2024
The Swiss Army Knife, a compact marvel of functionality and design, has captivated users worldwide for over a century. Developed to meet the practical needs of soldiers, this iconic tool has evolved far beyond its original military purpose. From the modest beginnings of Karl Elsener’s workshop to the global presence of Victorinox today, the Swiss Army Knife tells a story of resilience, innovation, and timeless Swiss craftsmanship.
In the late 1880s, the Swiss Army sought a multipurpose folding knife to support soldiers in the field. This versatile tool was needed to aid in opening canned food and maintaining the Schmidt–Rubin Swiss service rifle, which required a screwdriver for assembly and disassembly. By January 1891, this practical vision took form in the Model 1890, a robust knife equipped with a blade, reamer, can opener, and screwdriver. Dark oak wood grips provided durability, though some sources suggest ebony partly replaced oak in later versions. Due to limited production capacity within Switzerland, the Swiss government initially contracted the knife manufacturer Wester & Co. in Solingen, Germany to produce the first 15,000 knives, delivered in October 1891.
Karl Elsener, a Swiss surgical equipment maker, saw the potential in manufacturing these knives domestically. In late 1891, he began producing Modell 1890 knives, directly competing with Wester & Co. While his commitment to Swiss production was admirable, Elsener faced challenges, including financial losses as the Solingen-based manufacturer could produce knives at a lower cost. By 1896, he was on the brink of bankruptcy but refused to abandon his vision.
Determined to innovate, Elsener designed an enhanced version of the knife, specifically for officers. His model, introduced in 1897, featured a unique spring mechanism that allowed tools on both sides of the handle, held in place by the same spring. This advancement increased functionality while maintaining a compact design, setting his knife apart. The new knife included a second smaller cutting blade, a corkscrew, and wood-fiber grips and was patented as the "Schweizer Offiziers- und Sportmesser" or "Swiss officer's and sports knife." While the Swiss Army did not formally adopt this model, it found success internationally, bringing Elsener's company back to financial stability.
- The Swiss Government contracted Wester & Co in 1891 to produce the first 15,000 Model 1890s
- In late 1891 Karl Elsener, also began manufacturing the Model 1890, in direct competition with Wester & Co
- In 1897, Elsener introduced the Swiss officer's and sports knife (pictured above)
- In 1921, the brand was Victorinox was officially established by Carl Elsener
Elsener’s brand grew in recognition, and by 1909, he introduced a logo inspired by the Swiss coat of arms, a symbol still used today with only slight modifications. That same year, in honor of his late mother, Elsener branded his knives "Victoria." The development of stainless steel, or "acier inoxydable" in French, in 1921 led to a new chapter for the company. Combining "Victoria" with "inoxydable," Elsener’s son renamed the company “Victorinox,” a brand that would soon become synonymous with quality and functionality.
With World War II in full force, Victorinox began gaining international recognition. American soldiers stationed in Europe encountered the Swiss Army Knife and were impressed by its versatility and reliability, frequently buying it as a souvenir to bring back home. This exposure introduced the Swiss Army Knife to American consumers, creating a massive demand and spurring Victorinox to establish distribution networks beyond Europe.
By the 1950s, Victorinox began adapting its models for civilian use. The Spartan, released in 1951, retained many elements of the Officer’s Knife but included specific adaptations that appealed to a broader, non-military audience. Throughout the 1960s, Victorinox solidified its position as a staple of outdoor and everyday carry culture with the Classic model, which included a blade, scissors, and nail file, making it a versatile and convenient choice for daily tasks.
Victorinox’s dedication to specialized models became particularly evident in the 1970s with the introduction of the Huntsman model, which included a wood saw and appealed to camping and outdoor enthusiasts. This was followed by the Swiss Army Knife’s remarkable achievement in 1978 when NASA selected the Master Craftsman knife model as standard equipment for its space missions. Its compact, multi-tool functionality proved to be invaluable for astronauts, further enhancing the knife's reputation as an essential tool.
In 1985, Victorinox introduced the SwissChamp, which remains one of their flagship models, offering over 30 functions. This model captured the essence of what a Swiss Army Knife could achieve, symbolizing Victorinox’s dedication to continuous innovation. As demand for Swiss Army Knives grew in the 1990s, Victorinox took steps to serve its international customers better. In 1992, it opened its first subsidiary in the United States, establishing a stronger presence in one of its largest markets. This decade also saw the introduction of the CyberTool in 1999, a specialized model designed to accommodate the needs of IT professionals and electronic repair technicians with tools tailored to the growing digital landscape.
- The Swiss Army Knife was popularized in America by American soliders coming home from WWII
- During the 1950s Victorinox began adapting its models for civilian use, releasing The Spartan (pictured above) in 1951
- In 1978, the Victorinox Master Craftsman (pictured above) was selected by NASA as standard equipment for its space missions
- In 1985, Victorinox released the SwissChamp, which contained over 30 functions
The 2000s also marked a significant shift within the Swiss Army Knife industry when, in 2005, Victorinox acquired Wenger, its primary competitor, and a fellow supplier to the Swiss military. Wenger’s product lines remained for a few years, though by 2013, the two companies fully integrated under the Victorinox brand, unifying production and ensuring consistency across the brand.
Today, the Swiss Army Knife continues to embody the spirit of adaptability and precision that defines Swiss craftsmanship. From aiding soldiers in the field to providing practical solutions for everyday tasks and even supporting space missions, this iconic tool reflects Victorinox’s commitment to quality and innovation. The brand’s legacy of resilience and evolution ensures that the Swiss Army Knife will continue to inspire generations, adapting to new challenges and serving as a reliable companion for adventurers, professionals, and collectors worldwide. As Victorinox looks toward the future, the Swiss Army Knife stands not only as a tool but as a symbol of timeless functionality and ingenuity.
Swiss Army Issued Knives
Model 1890
Revisions: 1901
The Soldier Knife model 1890 featured a spear-point blade, reamer, can opener, and screwdriver, with grips made from oak wood scales. These handles were treated with rapeseed oil to enhance toughness and water resistance, giving them a dark, nearly black color. However, the oak grips had a tendency to crack and chip over time. To improve durability, they were replaced in 1901 with a hard, reddish-brown fiber material that retained a wood-like appearance while offering greater resilience
Model 1908
Revisions: None
The Soldier Knife model 1908 introduced a clip point blade, replacing the spear point blade of the 1890 model. It maintained fiber scales, and carbon steel tools, and included a nickel-silver bolster, liners, and divider. Production for this model was split equally between Victorinox and Wenger by the Swiss Army, solidifying their shared role as an official supplier of the Swiss Army
Model 1951
Revisions: 1954 and 1957
The Soldier Knife model 1951 featured fiber scales along with nickel-silver bolsters, liners, and a divider, complementing its spear point blade. This model marked the first Swiss Armed Forces issue to use stainless steel for its tools. Additionally, the screwdriver was updated with a scraper arc along one edge for enhanced functionality.
Model 1961
Revisions: 1965, 1978, and 1994
The Soldier Knife model 1961 features a knurled alox handle adorned with the Swiss crest, giving it a sturdy, textured grip. This model includes a drop point blade, a reamer, and a multifunction blade that combines a bottle opener, screwdriver, and wire stripper. It also has a can opener paired with a small screwdriver. Unique to this model, the brass spacer enables the knife to hold both the screwdriver and reamer open simultaneously, making it suitable for assembling the SIG 550 and SIG 510 assault rifles, where it acts as a restraint for the firing pin during lock assembly. Manufactured exclusively by Victorinox and Wenger, the 1961 Soldier Knife was the first issued model to feature the Swiss Coat of Arms on the handle.
Soldatenmesser 08 (Soldier Knife 08)
Revisions: None
In 2007, the Swiss Government requested an updated soldier knife for military use, aiming for distribution in late 2008. The evaluation process began in February 2008, with seven suppliers submitting models for testing. Swiss military personnel performed practical and laboratory tests to ensure each knife met rigorous technical standards. After a thorough analysis of performance and quality, Victorinox won the contract with a design inspired by the One-Hand German Army Knife, which had previously been used by the German Bundeswehr. This model was later released to civilians as the One-Hand Trekker/Trailmaster. Production began in December 2008, and the new Soldier Knife 08 was issued to Swiss Armed Forces in early 2009.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is a timeless EDC essential, known worldwide for its compact versatility. This pocket-sized tool features a 1.5" mirror-polished stainless steel blade and five additional functions, including a nail file with a screwdriver tip, scissors, a toothpick, and tweezers. At just 2.25" closed and weighing under an ounce, the Classic SD offers unmatched convenience and functionality in a sleek design. Perfect for everyday tasks, it’s made with Victorinox's renowned precision in Switzerland, embodying the quality and innovation that has made the Swiss Army Knife an iconic tool for millions.
The Victorinox Navy Camouflage Huntsman is a compact yet powerful multi-tool, designed for versatility and reliability. It includes fourteen essential tools crafted from Victorinox’s mirror-polished, proprietary stainless steel, including spear point and pen blades, can and bottle openers, large and small screwdrivers, a wire stripper, reamer, punch, sewing awl, corkscrew, scissors, hook, wood saw, toothpick, and tweezers. The navy camouflage ABS plastic handles add a stylish touch while providing durability and grip, complemented by a stainless steel key chain ring for easy carrying. At just 3.5" closed, the Huntsman offers a highly functional and portable solution for adventurers and everyday users alike. Made with Swiss precision, it upholds the quality and ingenuity Victorinox is known for.
The Victorinox Tinker Swiss Army Knife Boo Bee is a compact, versatile tool crafted by the original makers of the Swiss Army Knife. This SMKW limited-edition Tinker includes 12 essential functions, such as two stainless steel blades, a can opener with a screwdriver, a bottle opener, wire stripper, reamer, and Phillips screwdriver. With its bright yellow “Boo Bee” handle for easy spotting and compact size, it’s perfect for everyday tasks, DIY projects, and outdoor adventures. Proudly Swiss-made, this knife reflects Victorinox’s tradition of quality and innovation, making it ideal for those who appreciate practicality and craftsmanship.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.