Swiss Army Knife - Is it Genuine Or Original?

Can you imagine a little red pocket knife with 87 tools and 141 different functions? How about another knife from the same manufacturer that holds the Guiness Book of Records recognition of 314 blades? How about a novelty knife by the same company that within it's 9 inch thick case holds 85 tools and is able to perform 110 functions? Who in their wildest imagination could possibly conceive of or have the knowledge and skill to produce these kinds of knives? Well actually the firm that produced those unusual knives produces over 34,000 knives a day.

Certainly most of them do not contain these record breaking number of tools but still remain one of the most respected utility tools built in a pocket knife. And to prove their worth and value the company has been around for over 100 years.

It all started back in 1891 when Carl Eisner was bothered by the fact that the standard knife used by the Swiss army was actually manufactured in Germany. His nationalism took hold and he decided to produce the Swiss army knife in Switzerland. The first version had wooden handles and included a knife blade, screw driver and can opener and in a later version held two blades.His company was and is the Victorinox firm.

The genius of the Swiss Army knifes ability to hold so many tools in later versions was possible because Eisner devised a method to add blades to both sides of the pocket knife. This required a specially designed spring. Using this new spring and the double sided approach his knives soon carried a nail file, toothpick, tweezers, scissors, can opener, leather punch and screwdriver and a number of blades. Current versions of these knives have red aluminum handles and are emblazoned with the cross-and-shield emblem, and the words SWISS ARMY on every knife.

In 1893 Eisner's company Victorinox lost it's monopoly of producing these knives for the Swiss army. To try to impose competition and possibly lower prices the Swiss government split it's knife contract between Victorinox and a second company called Wenger. The companies devised a method to determine which company made a particular knife. Wenger advertised as the Genuine Swiss Army Knife and Victorinox used the slogan the Original Swiss Army Knife

One of the more popular knives favored by the U.S. military is the Swiss Officers Knife. The Swiss name is "Schweizer Offiziersmesser". This was too much of a mouth full for American military personnel who began calling these knives the "Swiss army knife". The name stuck and is known worldwide. In April of 2005 Victorinox purchased the Wenger company and once more became the sole supplier of knives to the Swiss Army.

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Did You Know That Victorinox, Maker Of The Original Swiss Army Knife, Also Makes Travel Gear?

Victorinox has been making Swiss Army knives since 1897. We all love them. The red handy pocket knife with a bottle opener, scissors, pliers, everything but the kitchen sink. Known for great value for your money and long lasting quality products, Victorinox branched out into luggage in 1999.

The Victorinox line of luggage such as wheeled luggage, tote bags, duffel bags, carry-ons, garment bags, briefcases, messenger bags, laptop cases, fanny packs, backpacks, security belts and locks, toiletry holders, umbrellas, accessories and so on has exploded onto the travel gear scene.

Victorinox Swiss Army luggage does a huge business in travel gear items. Knife sales are dwarfed in comparison but still remain extremely important to Victorinox. After all, it all started with a little red knife. Victorinox will continue to innovate and produce quality Swiss Army Knives, but it is a brand that has grown into a lifestyle. Victorinox has watches, kitchen cutlery, multitools, apparel and travel gear under its vast product line. All are over-engineered and of the highest quality.

In terms of luggage, there are basically three collections:

1. Tourbach

2. Mobilizer NXT

3. Werks Traveller

Tourbach is the top of the line, Mobilizer NXT is the mid-range for the frequent business traveller, and Werks is the entry level. It all depends on your budget, but most sales are in the entry level works line. Most people figure, why not? All pieces have a lifetime warranty, so they will tend to buy the most economical. Pieces do start in the $200's, but in the long run, it is much cheaper to buy Victorinox luggage than to buy cheap, poorly made luggage that you have to replace over and over again due to quality issues. Victorinox will last you a lifetime. You might end up buying replacement luggage in the Victorinox line because you get tired of looking at the same rugged pieces of luggage! This stuff is sturdy and guaranteed to last.

A lifetime warranty is available and guarantees the travel products to be free from manufacturing defects in material and workmanship. Normal wear and tear is not covered, but there are generous options available for repair or refurbishing directly from the factory. Victorinox is a world famous, old brand and they have customer service and warranty down pat. You won't be disappointed in a Victorinox product purchase.

If you have a need for any sort of travel gear or accessory, next time give Victorinox a try. You probably didn't even know they made so many things besides knives these days.

Victorinox is even so protective with their brand, that they only allow a handful of trusted merchants to sell their travel gear products online. They have pre-screened online merchants for you so you know that you will have a good experience before you begin.

Lisa Gunther is a freelance writer and product reviewer. Swiss Knives Express is the best place to select a Swiss Army knife for yourself or loved one: http://www.swissknivesexpress.com Swiss Knives Express is an authorized, trusted retailer of the Victorinox Travel Gear line as well as the knives and carries all models to suit any of your luggage or accessories needs.