Wang Kaixuan is an author, lecturer, musician, and traveler. He is a regular contributor for www.UntamedKnives.com , and www.SpearmanFlowers.com. He is originally from the U.S. but has traveled to 8 countries including Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Holland, and the Canary Islands. He has lived overseas a total of 6 years (3 in Germany and 3 in China). His travels have gained him much knowledge about various cultures, peoples, and products. (This article is copyrighted by Wang Kaixuan.)
The name Swiss Army knife may be familiar to just about anyone anywhere in the world, but do the names Victorinox or Wenger ring a bell for anyone? Probably not. The name Swiss Army knife, contrary to popular belief, is not a brand name. It is rather the name given to a particular style of knife. The actual brand names are either Victorinox or Wenger. It may seem strange that two companies make the same knife, but the explanation is rather quite simple.
The original maker of the Swiss Army knife was a company founded by Karl Elsener in 1891. Although I am not sure of the original name, the company was renamed Victoria in 1909 in honor of his mother who had just passed away. The company began using stainless steel to make the knife in 1921. Combining Victoria and a shortened form of the French word for stainless steel (acier inoxydable), the company was changed to Victorinox.
Victorinox was the leading seller of the Swiss Army Knife (called Offiziersmesser at that time) until about 1893 when another company, Paul Boechat & Cie (later renamed Wenger), began selling a knife similar to the Offiziersmesser. (Offiziersmesser is German for officer’s knife.)
In 1908 the Swiss government split the contract for the Swiss Army knife between the two companies. Many feel this was to promote competition, thus reducing prices. Via an agreement between the two companies, Victorinox would brand their knife “the Original Swiss Army Knife”, and Wenger would brand theirs “the Genuine Swiss Army knife.”
In 2005 Victorinox acquired Wenger, thus becoming once again the sole supplier of Swiss Army knives. Victorinox plans to continue producing both brands of knives, continuing to use the two different slogans.
In 2006 Wenger produced a new Swiss Army knife called the Giant to celebrate its 100th year of production of the Swiss Army knife. The Giant has 85 devices and 110 functions. The Giant retails for as much as $1,200 in some stores. Many other companies produce knives similar to the Swiss Army knife: however, the color red for multi-function knives, the cross-and-shield emblem, and the words SWISS ARMY are registered trademarks of Victorinox AG and its related companies.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Is Your Swiss Army Knife an Original or Genuine?
- A Short History of the Swiss Army Knife
- Authentic Swiss Army Knives - Don't be Deceived
- Wenger is one of two companies From Delemont that make Swiss Army Knives
- Campers Hunting Kit Knife Set
- MENS WENGER SWISS MILITARY RUBBER DATE DIVERS WATCH 72172
- Brewer Watch Presents the Aquagraph Tide by Wenger
- Groomsmen Gift | Gifts for the Trendy Groomsmen
Collecting State Quarters
By: cedison2 | 22/12/2009The commemorative quarters collection has been in production since 1999. Since that time, nearly thirty-five billion commemorative quarters have been produced.
Hand Blown Glass Collectables
By: Ken | 19/12/2009Start your family heirloom today by beginning or adding to a blown glass or fused glass collection. Your hand picked collection will span the world and enrich your home or given as a gift the home of someone special in your life. A perfect hobby you can begin and do right from the comfort of your home while enriching your life. Your family and friends will be amazed at your ability to select hand blown glass and fused glass pieces from around the world making your home a show piece. So start
Autograph Auctions
By: David Thoreau | 19/12/2009Autograph auctions can be a great way to buy and sell autographs. By avoiding potentially adverse situations, your autograph auction transaction is more likely to be a rewarding experience.
Brass Model Trains – Extremely Unique
By: Michael Weston | 18/12/2009Article goes through the pros and cons of collecting brass model trains.
Barry Bonds Rookie Cards - How to Buy and Collect Rookie Baseball Cards
By: Jon Larsen | 17/12/2009One of the best baseball outfielders of his generation is Barry Bonds. He was the son of Bobby Bonds. He started his career on 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Barry Bonds had a career worthy of the hall of fame well before the steroid accusations. Before the 1999 season, he had already surpassed the careers of many current people in the Hall of Fame.
Barry Bonds Rookie Cards - How to Buy and Collect Rookie Baseball Cards
By: Jon Larsen | 17/12/2009One of the best baseball outfielders of his generation is Barry Bonds. He was the son of Bobby Bonds. He started his career on 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Barry Bonds had a career worthy of the hall of fame well before the steroid accusations. Before the 1999 season, he had already surpassed the careers of many current people in the Hall of Fame.
Do You Collect Rambo Movie Knives?
By: Derek Silverman | 17/12/2009Learn more about these amazing collectible items. Official Rambo movies knives are very popular among swords and knives collectors, learn more about them here!
Willow Tree Figurines Gaining Much Popularity
By: kajanova | 17/12/2009Willow Tree Figurines make great gifts for any occasion. They are great collectibles and are gaining much popularity among those who enjoy collecting figurines.
Case Hobo Pocket Knife
By: Wang Kaixuan | 25/08/2009 | GiftsIf you are searching for the perfect gift for the man who has everything, then the Case Hobo Pocket knife is what you need. You can almost be guaranteed that this is something he won’t have.
Idun Hunting Knife, Leather Sheath
By: Wang Kaixuan | 13/08/2009 | Sports & FitnessThe Idun Hunting knife is the fifth in the Northern Lights series produced by Fallkniven Knives in Sweden. Each knife is named after a different god in Norse mythology. The five knives in order are the Thor, the Oden, the Njord, the Frej, and the Idun.
The Elk Ridge 12-3/8" Inch Hunting Knife
By: Wang Kaixuan | 08/08/2009 | Sports & FitnessThe Elk Ridge 12 3/8” hunting knife is a great choice for hunters because it has several of the qualities that hunters want. It is a good quality knife that is priced very well within the budget of any hunter without being a cheap knife with limited use or lifespan.
Campers Hunting Kit Knife Set
By: Wang Kaixuan | 31/07/2009 | GiftsThe Campers Hunting Kit Knife Set is an inexpensive generic set of knives that is perfect for the young camper, hunter, or hiker in your life. The set includes two knives: a folding single-edged knife, and a Swiss Army style knife.
Jungle King 14 Inch Hunting Knife with Nylon Sheath
By: Wang Kaixuan | 27/07/2009 | Sports & FitnessIf you are the type of outdoorsman that likes to be prepared for any situation, then this is the hunting knife for you.
The Mammoth Tooth Integral Hunter by Ron Best
By: Wang Kaixuan | 26/07/2009 | CollectingThe Mammoth Tooth Integral Hunter would not look out of place in any museum in the world. It truly has a captivating and pleasing appearance that would make it a proud addition to any collector’s inventory.
Antelope Hunter II, Orange Co-Polymer Handle, Plain
By: Wang Kaixuan | 26/07/2009 | Outdoor SportsThe plain edge blade is made of AUS8A stainless steel, which is a high carbon, low chromium stainless steel. It is stronger than standard stainless steel, and holds an edge better...
Don't Wait Too Late to Purchase That New Hunting Knife
By: Wang Kaixuan | 23/07/2009 | ShoppingWhile many people will wait until just before the season starts to go out and look for that new or extra hunting knife, many more are shopping already. They know that the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the knife.