Victorinox was Built by Karl Elsner in 1884. That same year he begin his own cutlery corporation in Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland. Previous to opening his company Karl had spent time in Paris and in Tuttlingen, Germany doing his apprenticeship. At Karl's cutlery store the grinding and polishing equipment were powered by a waterwheel which was powered by the Tobelbach brook.

In 1891 the Swiss Army originally received the soldier's knife from Karl Elsner and on June 12, 1897 the Swiss Officer's and the Sports knives were patented. Karl's company was originally the single supplier of Swiss Army Knives to the Swiss Army. In 1908 his company had to share the supply contract with Wenger. The companies eventually reached an agreement that permitted Victorinox to advertise the unique Swiss Army Knife. Wenger was permitted to advertise the legitimate Swiss Army Knife.

Karl Elsner Began using the cross and shield to identify his knives in 1909. The cross and shield is still used to identify a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife to this time. This same year his mother died and he decided to brand his company "Victoria" after his mother. In 1921 stainless steel was invented and the company Began using stainless steel to produce the Swiss Army Knife. Stainless steel was in addition called "inox" (the French name for stainless steel is acier inoxydable). "Victoria" and "inox" were combined to create the company label Victorinox.

Following world war II American PX shops Began advertising the "Swiss Officer's Knife" in large quantities to American soldiers. The soldiers Began calling it the Swiss Army Knife meant for short and the label has stuck.

In 2002 Victorinox took on the other Swiss Army Knife maker, Wenger. Victorinox has believed they anticipate to keep both brands of Swiss Army Knives intact. The Swiss Army Knife by Victorinox is a standard part of equipment for NASA Astronauts and the Swiss Army Knife has been taken on treks to Mt. Everest and the Antarctic. At present Victorinox has five lines of products. In addition to their Swiss Army Knife line they produce Household & Professional knives, Watches, Clothing and Luggage.

As you can understand the Swiss Army Knife by Victorinox has a long history and is depended on by many folks under the harshest conditions. Victorinox as a company has a long history of quality and so as to quality can still be seen in their products in the present day.