Neutrality, banking, yodeling, mountains and cheese and chocolate. The Swiss are known for a lot of things. But when it comes to functionality, perhaps the most notable item to come out of this Alpine country is the Swiss Army knife. For more than 100 years, this tool has been synonymous with multitasking quality.



The famous knife of the Swiss Army came on the market in the late 1890s. It was and remains an impressive representation of ingenuity and design. By combining a number of functional tools into a single device, Carl Elsener created a tool that would make history and stand the test of time.

Elsener's company, Victorinox, was initially created to help stave off emigration out of his part of Switzerland. Industrialization was not strong in the central region of the country and employment was spotty. Inasmuch, many people had to leave to find gainful employment. By creating the knife and his company, Elsener set into motion an industry that would more than 100 years later still be providing work for Swiss residents.

The company that manufacturers the knife today and ships it to more 100 countries worldwide now employs about 1,000 people. The knife itself has taken on many forms through the years and, in fact, now comes in more models than a person could shake a stick at.

Originally, the Victorinox knife included about six different tools. Now, the knife actually comes in more than 100 different models with all sorts of tool options. These can range from knifes, of course, to screw drivers, bottle openers, small hammers and more.

The company is still home based in Ibach, Switzerland, and boasts an impressive track record. It creates, on average, about 34,000 knifes a day in its 100-plus versions. The pocket tool numbers fall in at about 43,000 a day in 300 different variations. Their popularity remains so strong due to the "bang for the buck" the pocket knifes offer. Rather than having to carry multiple tools around, a single purchase can serve a lot of purposes.

The pinch-hitters of the tool world, many a Victorinox knife has been used for fixing everything from cars and computers to small appliances and more. Walking around with a screw driver isn't practical, but a pocket knife is more than doable.

A legendary success, the knives made by the Victorinox company are loved the world over for their usefulness, functionality and durability. The Swiss creation is known as one that will stand the test of time and come in handy when it's needed.

The knives are popular among construction workers, campers, survivalists and every day people for the number of things they can do. A simple knife dropped in a pocket or purse can come in handy for more little projects than one can imagine. In fact, these knives have been taken on historic expeditions in space, to the North Pole, Mount Everest and beyond.

The Swiss Army Knife was created originally to provide solid manufacturing jobs in a region that was hurting for industry. Today, more than 100 years after their creation, the knifes remain a popular must-have for the well-prepared.