Did you ever wonder when was Swiss Army Knife invented? Many people wonder exactly what year this remarkable, multi-purpose knife was created. Well, let’s discover the story of the origin of the beloved Swiss Army Knife.
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The Invention of the Swiss Army Knife
The Swiss Army Knife was originally invented in the late 1800s by the Swiss company, Victorinox, founded by Karl Elsener. At the time, everyone knew Elsener’s mother, Victoria, and so he decided to name his company after a combination of her name and ‘Inox’, which is short for stainless steel.
However, Victorinox got some serious competition a few years later in 1908 when fellow Swiss company, Wenger, created the Wenger Swiss Army Knife. Despite a legal battle between the two companies for the patent, as of 2005 both Victorinox and Wenger are the only manufacturers of official Swiss Army Knives.
Why is it so Special?
What sets the Swiss Army Knife apart from other pocket knives is that it is usually fitted with multiple features, such as screwdrivers, can openers, scissors, knives, and saws. The more luxurious models even come with built-in magnifying lenses, nail files, and corkscrews. Early models typically had a few basic features, such as a blade, corkscrew, can opener, and screwdriver, as seen by the first model released in 1897. Over time, more features have been added and as a result, the Swiss Army Knife has made its way into the pockets of handymen all over the world.
Where Does it Go from Here?
Needless to say, the Swiss Army Knife is an indispensable tool that has been in circulation for well over a century and looks like it’s going to stay that way. Greater numbers of models and features are being produced to this day, making it one of the most reliable and diverse pieces of equipment one can ever have – which is why it’s such a popular gift idea to mark special occasions (we know what you’re getting your Dad for his birthday this year).
So, the next time you take your Swiss Army Knife out of your pocket when assembling that Ikea furniture or maybe just to poke around, remember that it is the product of over 120 years of refinement and innovation – fantastic Swiss engineering!
In conclusion, the Swiss Army Knife was invented by Karl Elsener at his company, Victorinox, in the late 1800s in Switzerland. The key feature of the knife is its multiple features like screwdrivers and can openers. Over time, more features were added, making it the reliable and diverse tool that it is today. It is even one of the most popular gifts around – you know what to get your Dad for his birthday now!
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