The swiss army Knife Company looks ahead to new models and the next generation.
They say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. That adage is only partially true for Victorinox,the company known as the original and official Swiss Army Knife company.
It’s been 125 years since the company supplied its first knife to the Swiss Army. And while the little red knives, with all of their many tools, are still the ones people most associate with the company, they have introduced new models that look much different.
What has stayed the same is the company’s commitment to offering quality products at reasonable prices, with a focus on knives that provide a toolbox in your pocket. Carl Elsener Jr., CEO of Victorinox, is the fourth-generation Elsener to head the company. He knows what his company does best. “I think for us, our strength is the functionality to provide this really small toolbox with many functions and features,” said Elsener. “Not only for when you’re outdoors, but also when you are about your daily business. That makes you feel equipped for every day’s adventures. This is our strength, where we focus. And there are other people who focus on tactical knives and they are better than us at this. Our strength, where we are best, is the little red knife from Switzerland.”
LOOKING BACK
Elsener’s great grandfather, Karl Elsener, began making knives in the Schwyz area of Switzerland in 1884. He formed the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers in 1890, and in 1891, that cooperative won a contract to provide the Swiss Army with pocket knives for its soldiers. Previously, the army had used knives supplied by companies in Germany.
This story is from the March-April 2017 edition of Knives Illustrated.
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This story is from the March-April 2017 edition of Knives Illustrated.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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