Karl Elsener (inventor) Karl Elsener (inventor) Karl Elsener (9 October 1860 - 26 December 1918) was a Swiss cutler, inventor and entrepreneur. Karl Elsener completed an apprenticeship as a knife maker in Zug. After some journeyman years he opened a factory in Ibach, Switzerland in 1884 for the manufacture of knives and surgical instruments. He invented the Swiss army knife 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, Carl Elsener (1886-1950), and
Carl Elsener Jr. the family business. The foundation holds 75 percent of the shares of Victorinox AG, another 15 percent belongs to the non-profit Carl u. Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation. The Elsener family owns 10 percent of the shares. Since 2007, Elsener has led the company as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The board of directors consists of five family members, and other family members from two generations work in the company. Elsener is married to Veronika Elsener, they have three children. Veronika also works in the company. Carl Elsener Jr. Carl Elsener Jr. (* 1958) is a Swiss entrepreneur and,