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The Company
In 1897 the Original
Swiss Army Knife was
created in the small
village of Ibach,
Switzerland. Since
that time,
Victorinox has
become well-known in
more than 100
countries for
precision, quality,
functionality and
versatility. This
century old heritage
has been extended to
Swiss Army Watches,
which reflect the
ingenious design and
outstanding
durability
Victorinox has come
to stand for over
the years.
Uncompromising
craftsmanship makes
these watches worthy
to carry the "cross
and shield" emblem
that symbolizes the
legend of Victorinox
and the Swiss Army
Brand.
Whether you're going
around the corner or
around the globe,
classically styled
Swiss Army watches
will make sure that
you're equipped for
life's adventures.
No matter what those
adventures might be.
Heritage
The VICTORINOX
"Swiss Army Knife"
is over 100 Years
Old. This useful
pocket Multi-Tool
was legally
registered on June
12, 1897. Over
34,000 of these
pocket tools with
the distinctive
Swiss cross leave
the factory in
central Switzerland
each day. Ninety per
cent are for export
to over 100
different countries
and serve as
ambassadors for
Switzerland.
Karl Elsener, the
company founder,
wanted to create
work in sparsely
industrialized
central Switzerland
and counter the
emigration spawned
by unemployment. To
go from
hand-crafting to
industrial
production was at
the time adventurous
and required
enormous
determination.
Today, the family
business in Schwyz
provides 950 jobs.
After the soldier's
knife, which every
recruit receives
upon entering the
army, Karl Elsener
developed a new,
elegant and light
weight pocket knife,
with six practical
tools. He called
this new model the
"Officers and Sports
Knife".
After an
unparalleled success
story around the
world, the
VICTORINOX "Swiss
Army Knife" is even
orbiting the earth
as part of the
standard equipment
of the Space Shuttle
Crew. The knife has
also been
successfully proven
on expeditions: in
the arctic ice of
the North Pole; on
the highest peak on
earth, Mount
Everest; in the
tropical rain
forests of the
Amazon, and
elsewhere. Time and
again, it has been a
life saver in
situations of
extreme danger and
great need. The New
York Museum of
Modern Art and the
State Museum for
Applied Art in
Munich have selected
it for their
collection of
excellence in
design, and, since
Lyndon B. Johnson,
US presidents
present guests with
VICTORINOX pocket
knives.
Today, the
"Officers' Knife" is
available in over
100 different
models. Each knife
must undergo
seamless quality
controls before
being released for
sale.
Did you know?
The
largest model is the
"SwissChamp" with 33
features. Over 450
steps are required
in its manufacture. |
