Karl Elsener (inventor)
Karl Elsener was a Swiss cutler, inventor and entrepreneur.
Biography
Karl Elsener completed an apprenticeship as a knife maker in Zug. After a period travelling as a wandering journeyman, he opened a factory in Ibach, Switzerland in 1884 for the manufacture of knives and surgical instruments. He started production of the Swiss army knife in Switzerland in 1891 and developed his knife manufacturing company into what has become Victorinox.From 1912 to 1918 Elsener was a member of the cantonal parliament of the Canton of Schwyz. He was married three times.
After him his son,, and his grandson Carl Elsener senior and his great-grandson Carl Elsener Jr. led the Victorinox company. This man's legacy later descended into the family of Frohnes'.