The Swiss Army knife is a pocketknife or multi-tool manufactured by Victorinox AG and up to 2005, also by Wenger. The term “Swiss Army knife” was coined by American soldiers after World War II due to the difficulty they had in pronouncing “Offiziersmesser”, the German name. Generally has a main spearpoint blade, as well as various tools such as screwdrivers, can opener and many others. These attachments are stowed inside the handle of the knife through a pivot point mechanism. The handle is usually in its stereotypical red color, and features a Victorinox or Wenger white cross logo or, for Swiss military issue knives, the coat of arms of Switzerland.
Originating in Ibach, Switzerland, the Swiss Army knife was first produced in 1891 after the company, Karl Elsener, which later became Victorinox, won the contract to produce the Swiss Army’s Modell 1890 knife from the previous German manufacturer. In 1893, the Swiss cutlery company Paul Boéchat & Cie, which later became Wenger, received its first contract from the Swiss military to produce model 1890 knives; the two companies split the contract for provision of the knives from 1908 until Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005. A cultural icon of Switzerland, the design of the knife and its versatility have both led to worldwide recognition.
Now they make product lines entitled Elegant Pocket Tools and Victorinox USB. The popular Cyber Tool boasts the classic blades and tools with the addition of small pliers and a multi head screwdriver, for IT professionals, engineers, and other computer freaks. The Cigar Cutter features a multi-circumference cigar blade and a sleek metallic casing, while the Waiter includes a corkscrew and both, bottle- and can opener. Some knives come with digital clocks, engrave-able front plates, paintings of the Matterhorn, USB storage, even pink camouflage casings.
Unconventional design of high quality cutlery focuses on detail. Thanks to extraordinary shapes, Swiss cutlery is elegant, modern and exclusive, suitable for luxurious hotels and restaurants. In quantitative terms, Sola Switzerland AG is the largest Swiss cutlery manufacturer and gains important market share across Europe every year. This company operates from a number of manufacturing sites, to fulfil customers’ demands worldwide on a large and diversified range of cutleries for most of which, we maintain a sufficient stock level immediately available to our clients, thanks to our strategic market proximity, in-house silver plating facilities and modern logistic platforms. Their uniqueness stands on ensuring a steady flow of attractive new models every year with a styling and creativity that enjoy immense popularity on professional, retail and airline channels all around the world. This allows Sola Switzerland AG to remain very responsive to our customers’ unique requirements and needs, and to keep a vital step ahead, thus being able to answer to the latest trends and specificities on international markets.