SWISS ARMY KNIVES

The multifunctional pocketknife that has become an incredibly useful tool for soldiers and civilians alike.

The origins of the Swiss Army knife lie in the late 19th century. In the small village of Ibach, cutler Karl Elsener decided to create a foldable tool for his country's armed forces. Its purpose was to help troops open canned rations, and disassemble and service their rifles.

The first model was called the soldier knife, and when it was supplied to the army's rank and file in October 1891 it was immediately popular.

The original design contained a blade, a reamer hole punch, a can opener and a screwdriver; all tucked inside the handle until required. In addition to the original knife, an improved 'Schweizer Offiziersmesser', or Swiss Officer's knife, was created. This version included two new tools-a small blade for scraping mistakes off documents and a corkscrew to open wine bottles. The knife was later sold to civilians and became popular with farmers and climbers.

As the popularity of the device grew, so did the number of rivals attempting to make their own versions. In response, Elsener made sure that all of his authentic knives had the same symbol em blazoned upon them-a Swiss flag on a shield.

By 1921 the knives were being made with stainless steel, which made it both stronger and also easier to clean. Ten years later, the factory in which the knives were made was automated, which improved quality standards. The design was developed further with the addition of several more useful tools including a wood saw, nail file, toothpick, tweezers and scissors.

The knives became even more popular after World War II when American soldiers brought them home. Replicas are now produced all over the world and it remains an incredibly useful alternative to carrying numerous different knives and tools.

Over 15 million are made each year and there are now over 400 variants.

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Evolution of the Swiss Army knife

1. Original tools

The first Swiss Army knife included just four tools: a short blade, screwdriver, reamer and can opener.

2. Aluminium alloy

In 1951, Swiss Army knives were made lighter by using an aluminium alloy rather than nickel or silver.

3. Tradition

Swiss soldiers are still issued with Victorinox pocket knives; this latest iteration was introduced in 2008.

4. Saw

The metal saw is made using a hardening process that gives it the strength needed to cut through tough materials.

5. New tools

The current soldier knife includes 10 tools: a large blade, reamer, bottle opener, wire stripper, wood saw, can opener, key ring and three screwdrivers.

6. Casing

The original Swiss Army knife had a wooden case. Metal and plastic casings are also used in today's models.

7. Hi-tech additions

Modern Swiss Army knives can include gadgets such as laser pointers, USB drives and even fingerprint scanners.

8. Red handle

Civilian Swiss Army knives were coloured red so they could be easily found if dropped in the snow.

Published in "How It Works", UK, issue 97, 2017, excerpt p.78. Adapted and illustrated to be postd by Leopoldo Costa.