The History of the Swiss Knife: From military tool to iconic object

The Swiss knife appeared at the end of the 19th century, in an era when the army needed compact and versatile tools. In 1891, the Swiss army realized the need to provide soldiers with a tool that could help not only in opening canned food, but also in the maintenance of weapons, in particular disassembly of rifles. To meet this need, it was decided to create a special knife.

The Karl Elsener company undertook the development and production of such a tool. At that time Switzerland did not have its own production of army knives, and previously they were ordered from Germany. However, Elsener decided to change the situation. He set himself the task of creating a completely Swiss product that would combine reliability, functionality and usability. This step started a long history of development of the Swiss knife, which over time became an iconic item.

Birth of a legend

In 1897, Elsener introduced a new model. This knife was called the “Officer's and Sportsman's Knife”. It was compact, had several tools and became popular not only among the military, but also among civilians. Subsequently, this knife became the basis for all subsequent models. Its popularity grew, and soon it became associated with reliability and quality. By the beginning of the XX century the production was established, and the Swiss knife became an integral part of the army equipment.

Expansion of capabilities

Over the years, the Swiss knife has acquired new tools. In addition to the blade and bottle opener, screwdrivers, scissors and saws were added. Victorinox, which eventually became the main manufacturer, improved designs and added new features. In 1908, the Swiss government signed a contract with another company, Wenger, and now army knives were produced by two brands. This decision allowed to create a competitive environment and improve the quality of products.

Popularity around the world

After World War II, American soldiers brought home many Swiss knives. They quickly became popular among tourists, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their compactness and functionality made them iconic. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Swiss knife conquered the international market. It began to be sold in different countries, and tourists took it away as a souvenir from Switzerland. Later, it appeared in movies and books, further increasing its recognizability.

Modern technology

In the XXI century, the Swiss knife continues to improve. Some models are equipped with USB flash drives, laser pointers and even Bluetooth modules. Despite modern technology, the classic design remains unchanged. Manufacturers take into account the needs of users and produce special series of knives for climbers, fishermen, tourists and even astronauts. NASA has included the Swiss knife in the standard equipment of its astronauts, which is a confirmation of its versatility and reliability.

Interesting facts

In 1985, the Museum of Modern Art in New York included the Swiss knife in its collection due to its unique design and functionality. The most sophisticated knife model created by Victorinox includes more than 80 tools and weighs about 1.5 kg. In 2003, a special series of knives with golf tools was released, including a ball cleaner and markers. Over the years, this tool has remained a popular gift among tourists, military and outdoor enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Swiss knife has gone from a military tool to a cult item. Its functionality, reliability and compactness have made it an indispensable helper for people all over the world. The history of its creation shows how a quality and thoughtful product can become a symbol of a country and gain cult status. Despite technological changes, the classic Swiss knife continues to occupy a special place in people's hearts.