The amazing scenery and Swiss chocolates are not the only things that are characteristic of Switzerland. An intelligent discovery which has descended from the land of Alps with snow covered peaks is Swiss army knives which has a large following.
These Swiss army knives are amazing. They have been personified. These large key chain sized knives not only provide complete basic tool box but are very practical in terms of utility.
The opening of the Victorinox factory by Karl Elsner in the year 1884 was the reason for the invention of the Swiss army knife. He had worked in Paris and Germany as part of his internship, and then started his own cutlery shop where he employed the use of grinding and polishing machine which required a waterwheel.
The Swiss army knives were essentially designed for the army in the year 1891 which could be kept in our pocket comfortably. The Swiss army then patented two of Karls creations, the Sports knife and the Swiss Officers knife when Karl presented it for the first time.
Earlier only Karls company was legally permitted to provide the Swiss army with these knives but after some time the job was being shared by Wenger and Victorinox as well. Later according to the agreement between the two companies the rights to advertise the old school original Swiss Army Knife was given to Victorinox.
In 1909 Karl adopted the emblem consisting of the cross and a shield. Even today the emblem holds respect in terms of quality knives produced by Vitorinox. The name of the company came from Karls mothers name Victoria.
After her death Karl decided to name the company using his mothers name and adding the French term for stainless steel inox to it. Thus came into being the Victorinox Swiss Army knife.
The Swiss Officers Knife was openly being sold at army stores following World War 2 to the American soldiers. The term Officers knife was dropped and as the amount of sales multiplied the knife became known as the Swiss Army Knife and is till date referred to as such.
Victorinox was so productive that it took over Wenger after a period of time. These days their creations are being used by astronauts, mountaineers and ocean explorers. They have also come up with concepts of many different products like professional knives, household knives, watches, clothing, luggage which has only added up to their popularity.
Victorinox has launched many products in the market like Swiss army luggage and sunglasses. However the brand is identified with the Swiss army knives click here for details.