Swiss Army Knife: The International Story Behind Switzerland’s Iconic Tool

The Swiss Army Knife, one of Switzerland’s most recognisable national icons, has a surprisingly international history, bringing together German manufacturing, French-made components and Swiss innovation.

The story began in 1880, when the Swiss Armed Forces ordered a folding knife for soldiers. The first 15,000 knives were manufactured in Germany, reflecting the cross-border origins of a tool that would later become closely associated with Swiss craftsmanship.

A significant milestone followed in 1897, when Karl Elsener, a cutler from Schwyz, Switzerland, patented his “Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife”. The design featured a second blade and a corkscrew, with the corkscrew produced in France.

Combining compactness, practicality and multiple functions in a single tool, the knife developed into a symbol of Swiss ingenuity and precision.

Its history also illustrates how international cooperation and the exchange of expertise can contribute to the creation of an enduring national icon.

Today, the Swiss Army Knife remains widely recognised for its multifunctional design, reflecting a legacy that extends beyond Switzerland’s borders.