The Victorinox Knife Factory produces and globally distributes unique, high-quality products with practical uses for various areas of life – pocketknives, household and professional knives, watches, luggage and perfume. The company’s head office is in Ibach in the canton of Schwyz, in the heart of Switzerland. This is where Karl Elsener founded his knife-making business in 1884 and a few years later developed the legendary ‘Original Swiss Army Knife’.

The history of Victorinox, which dates back over 130 years, is characterised by a sustainable approach: tradition, quality and innovation. The philosophy of this family-owned company focuses on solid values that provide continuous growth.

Karl Elsener founded his knife-making business in Ibach-Schwyz in 1884. This was at a time when Switzerland was still one of the poorer countries in Europe. In the early years, Karl Elsener fought against poverty and unemployment in the Schwyz valley bottom. He created workplaces and was thus able to stem the tide of people moving abroad in search of work.

In 1891, he supplied the first soldiers’ knife to the Swiss Army. In 1897, he developed the Swiss Officers’ and Sports Knife – what is today known as the Swiss Army Knife – and thereby laid the foundations for a flourishing business that went on to make a name for itself around the world.

His notions of solidarity, his love of his homeland and his determination in adhering to solid values continued to shape the corporate philosophy of Victorinox.

Today, Victorinox is a global company with five product categories: Swiss pocketknives, household and professional knives, watches, luggage and perfumes. The Swiss Army Knife is regarded as the core product and influences the development of all product categories.