Victorinox - The History of the Swiss Army Knife
What do we associate Switzerland with? Chocolate, cheese, gold and of course Victorinox. The iconic company has been connected with the culture and image of the country for well over a hundred years and it is unlikely that it will end. Victorinox pocket knives are not only one of the most popular export products, but also an allegory of features associated with Switzerland - resourcefulness and reliability.
Legend is born
The company's history begins, as with many other legendary brands, with a small workshop. In 1884, in Ibach, a mountain village in the center of Switzerland, Karl Elsener opens a workshop focused on the production of knives and surgical instruments, with the support of his mother - Victoria. The high quality of the products makes the workshop grow, employing local craftsmen, which allows him to later establish the Association of Swiss Knivesmen. He also decides to invest his resources and override the capabilities of his factory to produce contract knives for the Swiss armed forces.
In 1889, the Swiss Army adopts the Schmidt-Rubin M1889 model as its standard infantry rifle. One of the characteristic elements of the structure is the fact that it requires the use of a flat screwdriver to disassemble. However, in order not to add another element to the soldier's equipment, it was decided to combine a knife and a screwdriver into one tool, and also to add a can opener and a skewer there. This is how the "Modell 1890" pocket knife is made. At that time, however, the possibilities of any craft plants in the country were completely insufficient to meet the needs of the army, and therefore military contracts were carried out by Wester & amp; What. comes from the German Solingen. Thanks to the investment, in 1891 Karl Elesner was able to produce and deliver tools to the army, which at the same time displaced the Germans from the contract.
Enterprise development
However, he is also focused on development, so he designs his own multi-tool, which is a milestone in the company's history and is the basis for all subsequent pocket knives. In 1897, he patented it under the name Swiss Officer's and Sports Knife, and although it did not attract the army's interest, the company flourished, also gaining the civilian market. In 1909, the products receive the brand - Victoria - in honor of the founder's mother, and the logo - a shield with a cross that functions until today, referring to the national symbolism of Switzerland. However, the spread of stainless steel in the 1920s meant that 1921 slightly modified the brand name. The combination of Victoria and Inox - a popular abbreviation derived from the French acier inoxydable (stainless steel) - creates the Victorinox form used so far.
The brand is gaining worldwide popularity thanks to the Second World War. American soldiers stationed in Europe chose Victorinox pocket knives as one of their favorite souvenirs. The natural and somewhat free advertising in the foreign market was perhaps an unexpected but definitely well deserved event that helped Elsnera to achieve its later peak popularity. After all, Victorinox supplied NASA astronauts with its models, its model was honored with a place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, and Victorinox is now a world tycoon, creating not only tools, but also watches, suitcases and clothing.
A wide range of models
It is worth taking a look at a few models of the Swiss manufacturer's tools to understand why these folding tools are so popular. First of all, the quality of workmanship - all mechanisms work smoothly, there is no scratching or resistance associated with inadequately distributed friction. Both the tools and mainly the knives are perfectly centered, which also contributes to the excellent work of opening and closing.
Secondly, elegance - although the very early models of pocket knives were typically utility, modern ones are characterized by class and aesthetics. This makes them perfect as gifts for Christmas or birthdays. It is also related to the quality of workmanship and materials. There are no flaws and cheap plastics here - the Celidor material used has a pleasant to the touch and aesthetic structure and all the elements of knives and pocket knives are perfectly refined.
And thirdly, functionality - even the smallest and simplest models can facilitate our daily functioning. The simplicity of the closing mechanisms makes the models reliable, regardless of whether we use them in the office or in the middle of the forest. It is also worth noting how revolutionary the first original Victorinox model was for its time. The tools were unfolded not only from both ends of the shank but also from its back. This allowed for the maximum limitation of the size of the pocket knife, which we use until today. The second interesting aspect is the tools that perform more than one function. The flagship example is the multi-functional hook integrated into selected models. Among the dozen or so applications, we can find such as a handle for a tourist kettle, a device for forming a loop on a wire or a tool supporting accurate tightening of the laces.
Swiss icon
Over the years, Victorinox has expanded its range well beyond pocket knives in the marketplace. Currently, the company's offer includes folding knives, dedicated to heavier applications. Excellent quality multitools will allow us to perform more advanced technical works. We will also meet models that could be called hybrid. They combine the ergonomics and safety of folding knives with the multifunctional potential of pocket knives. The blockades used in them are interesting solutions. One of the most attractive is the combination of a liner lock with a button lock, where a button shaped in the manufacturer's logo is used to release the internal lock.
One of the most popular models is the Huntsman Swiss Army Knife. It owes its position in the environment primarily to the universal composition of tools integrated in the device. We will find here not specialized tools, but those that will be used most often, such as a knife, ball, scissors or bottle opener. Huntsman belongs to the classic 91-millimeter pocket knives - this ensures the right length of the grip, which in turn translates into ergonomics. Like the other models in this series, they not only have tools that fold out to the sides, but also a few useful gadgets hidden in the housing - tweezers, toothpick and pin. Huntsman is available in several color versions, allowing it to be adapted to our preferences.
Victorinox pocket knives - a universal gadget for everyday use
Victorinox also has slightly more military-outdoor pocket knives, which are perfect for field work. Models such as Trailmaster, Trekker or RangerGrip are associated with the modern Swiss Soldier's Knife, dedicated to military applications. They are distinguished from classic Victorinox designs by their ergonomic grip and the presence of a blade lock. A properly shaped handle makes the knife more secure in the hand during harder work and does not slip in a wet or dirty hand. The use of a lock increases the safety of using the knife at high loads. The most interesting of the locks used is a combination of a classic liner lock with a button passing through the grip to release the lock. The button is shaped like the Victorinox logo and is a nice gadget.
Victorinox folding knives - solid support in the field
The Swiss manufacturer's offer also includes simple folding knives. The flagship example is Hunter Pro available in several color and design versions. However, generally speaking - Hunter is a full-size folder with typical outdoor characteristics. The solid back lock provides the user with maximum safety during the toughest work, and the ergonomic handle guarantees excellent stability. The model is available in two material versions - basic with a polymer handle and Alox with elegant, textured covers made of anodized aluminum. We will find models equipped with a clip that facilitates carrying or a hole in the blade that allows you to open the knife with one hand. The aesthetics and functionality of the Hunter Pro make it a great idea for a practical gift.
The elegant frame hides the true nature of the Hunter Pro knives - in fact, they are solid and massive workhorses
Swiss Champ - the champion among pocket knives
Victorinox has proven many times that it can pack a lot of functions into one object. It is therefore worth looking at the extremes here. On the one hand, we have the Classic SD model - the company's smallest product, designed to be used as a key ring. On the other hand, it is quite a Swiss Champ, containing a lot of functions for every occasion. We can take our toddler everywhere and despite the seemingly small number of functions, it turns out to be extremely useful, especially when we think that we do not have any tools with us. Quick access to scissors or tweezers with a pocket knife can sometimes bring unexpected relief.
Swiss Champ, as a kind of giant, will support us regardless of the task that has been set before us. It is worth noting, however, that this is not the most functionally packed pocket knife in history. The Wenger company, which, by the way, competed with Victorinox from the very beginning and was then taken over by it, launched the Giant Swiss Army Knife model. The device holds the Guinness record for the category with the most functions of a pocket knife - weighing over 3 kg and 25 cm wide, it contains 87 tools offering 140 applications. Due to the dubious portability, the pocket knife is mainly used as a collector and represents the manufacturer's capabilities.
SwissChamp is a series of the largest Victorinox models - they contain virtually every tool found in standard models
The Victorinox Multitool - the tool for every occasion
Multitools are an extremely popular tool, so it's no wonder that after the success of its pocket knives, the company also decided to enter this branch of the market. I must admit that with good effect - Victorinox tools are famous for their high-quality workmanship and work culture. All models are based on solid pliers equipped with a wire cutter. They allow you to perform both everyday tasks and simple electrical works. The SwissTooli full steel structure is polished to ensure smooth operation. It also provides an interesting visual value for the tools. A popular model is the SwissTool X, which in addition to the more technical tools also includes spring-loaded scissors which are very useful for everyday use.
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