The famous red-handled ‘Swiss Army Knife’ is as iconic a symbol of Switzerland as the Matterhorn itself. Ed Mannix, owner of Zermatt specialists, Matterhorn Chalets, guides us through the fascinating history of this famous of all penknives
Did you know that the concept of a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ only came to be after WWII, when American GIs were unable to pronounce its real name: ‘Schweizeroffiziersundsportmesser’ ?
Its origins date back to 1891 when Karl Elsener, a maker of surgical instruments in Ibach, Germany, won the contract to supply the Swiss army with a folding tool, then known as the Modell1890.
This incarnation featured a blade, reamer, tin-opener and screwdriver. In 1897, the ‘Swiss Officers and Sports Knife’ was launched, incorporating an additional blade and corkscrew.
In 1909, Elsener renamed the company after his recently deceased mother, Victoria, and in 1921, with the addition of new component stainless steel (“inox” in French), the famous ‘Victorinox’ brand was born.
The Competition
Elsner dominated the folding knife market until 1893 when Switzerland’s second biggest producer of knives, Paul Boéchat & Cie of Delémont started producing their own similar product.
The company’s name changed to ‘Wenger’ after former general manager, Theodore Wenger acquired the business and from 1908, the military contract was divided between both companies.
The two manufacturers operated as direct competitors for almost a century, agreeing terminology that would allow both the Victorinox (the ‘Original Swiss Army Knife’) and Wenger version (the ‘Genuine Swiss Army Knife’) to co-exist.
A monopoly was born
This friendly competition came to an end in 2005, when Victorinox bought Wenger and while both continued to sell their respective ranges to the public, only the Victorinox was supplied to the Swiss military.
Finally, just eight years later in 2013, the Wenger name was retired completely and all new knives were made under the Victorinox brand only.
The modern Swiss Army Knife
The current range of Victorinox includes a variety of models. The basic model has a single blade, nail file, tweezer and toothpick.
While the one constant on your Swiss Army knife is the Swiss cross emblem, more complex versions include additional blades, corkscrew, spike, tin opener, bottle opener and flat screw driver.
Everything but the kitchen sink…
But why stop there? Some of the larger knives available mean you are never without items such as scissors, pliers, a saw, file, fish scalar & hook remover, ruler, hoof cleaner, pen and crosshead screwdriver.
If you felt that wasn’t enough for your needs, there are even options to add such esoteric extras as a mini screwdriver, LED light, magnifying glass, laser pointer, digital clock, altimeter and thermometer!
The Wenger Giant which made it into the Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Most Multifunctional Penknife’
World Record Swiss Army Knife has 87 tools
Before the Wenger marque was retired, the 2006 knife known as ‘The Giant’ included every accessory the company had ever made, with 87 tools and 141 different functions.
You’ll struggle to carry it, let alone slip it into a pocket, but the impressive-if-impractical ‘Giant’ made it into the Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Most Multifunctional Penknife’.
Cuckoo clocks and Swiss Army Knives
Along with the cow bell, fondue set and cuckoo clock, the Swiss Army knife ranks amongst Switzerland’s most iconic souvenirs. Unlike the others, however, it is also a practical and useful pocket tool, whether you need to adjust your bindings or slice some cheese for your lunch!
For advice on your next Zermatt trip, please contact the author of this article, Ed Mannix from Matterhorn Chalets.
Categories: Switzerland