Karl Elsener Swiss Officers' Knife Champion (no. 5012) 1968

  • Not on view

The ingenious Swiss army knife—a compact, multifunction tool kit—was first designed in 1897. Over the years, the basic design has been refined, and numerous models have been developed, each tailored for its user (in this case, the army officer). Weighing only 7.4 ounces, the Champion has sixteen blades and attachments that perform twenty-nine functions. Its production is complex, involving 450 individual processes, and achieves an object that can withstand a lifetime of repeated use.

Gallery label from From the Collection: 1960-69, March 26, 2016 - March 12, 2017.
Manufacturer
Victorinox
Medium
Plastic and stainless steel
Dimensions
3 5/8 x 1 x 1 1/8" (9.2 x 2.5 x 2.9 cm)
Credit
Gift of Golden West Merchandisers, USA
Object number
530.1977
Department
Architecture and Design

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