The Army Knife
A Tool Becomes a Cult

After this temporary exhibition has been shown with great success at the Swiss History Forum in Schwyz and at the Château de Prangins, people now have the opportunity of immersing themselves in the varied and interesting history of these world famous pocket accessories at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich too.

Who is not familiar with the folding knife bearing the Swiss cross? Once designed as a tool for soldiers, today almost everyone in Switzerland carries one of these or may even have several specimens at home.
The exhibition looks at the multifaceted cultural history of the knife and its developments in the craft and farming sector from the brilliant invention of the folding knife in Roman times through to the export hit that is the "Swiss Army Knife". Knives with various intended uses are on show in the display as are highlights such as the largest and the smallest folding knives. For those wishing to get involved in cutlery themselves, there is the opportunity to do so on certain days at the exhibition.

The exhibition came into being in collaboration with the company Victorinox from Ibach/Schwyz which celebrated its 125th birthday in 2009, and with deceased internationally renowned collector, Horst Brunner from Winterthur.

The brochure
«The Swiss Army knife. A tool that’s become an icon». Accompanying brochure in 4 languages.
Editor: Swiss National Museum
ISBN: 978-3-908025-77-1
CHF 10.00
The brochure «The Swiss Army knife. A tool that’s become an icon» is available in the museum shop or can be ordered from buchbestellung@snm.admin.ch