sm heritage
Victorinox 125 years on the cutting edge by Susan Robinson
O
nce in a great while, distinction, innovation and refinement bond to create a brand of unmistakable character. Such is the case with Victorinox, a conglomerate known throughout the world for its iconic image and Swiss Made quality. As the company celebrates its 125th jubilee this year, it also enjoys an ever-expanding product line. Each product bears the anniversary message inspired by the legendary Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, “Your companion for life.”
“A real boy always has a pocket knife along.” And if he’s lucky, it’s an Original Swiss Army Knife, not so much a possession as it is a faithful friend.
Through its subsidiaries and partners, Victorinox is today represented all over the world. The worldwide sales organization includes brand stores in Tokyo, New York and Paris as well as the first Flagship Store in London and a newly opened Flagship store in Geneva. The beginning With the support of his mother, Victoria, Karl Elsener founded his cutlery workshop in Schwyz, Switzerland, in 1884. In the 19th century, Switzerland was a poor country, and unemployment forced many citizens to emigrate. Confronted with this situation, Elsener sought to create jobs. However, because he did not want to build a factory at this time, he founded the Swiss Cutlers’ Association, with the goal of cooperating to produce within Switzerland the knives for Swiss Army soldiers. The first delivery to the Army was made in 1891. Somewhat later, Elsener developed the Original Swiss Army Knife. This was lighter and more elegant than the official soldier’s knife and included six practical tools.
SWISS MADE magazine DELUXE