I have already posted and talked some on this on the internet. Thank you for the patience. Next is some very important factors about Victorinox and history.
In 1920, Carl Elsener, the eldest son of the company's founder, urged a steel mill to develop stainless steel that could be hardened. Following numerous attempts he produced the first stainless steel knives in Ibach. As the initial
results did not correspond to his ideas, he made great efforts in the years that followed to further improve the quality of stainless steel knives. The quality of a knife doesn’t just depend on the correct alloy; it also depends on the precise hardening
and annealing temperature. In 1931 the current ABB received the order to set up the first fully electric steel hardening plant in Ibach.
In the evolution and history we have the information
that stainless steel was available from 1923. It was not until the early 1930s that the stainless steel had the high quality or a quality good enough for Victorinox. Also important is the “Brown Boveri sets up the world's first all-electric hardening
plant for Victorinox”
Also remember that Carl Elsener, the eldest son of the company's founder did pioneering feats for this stainless steel.
Update
The steel mill was BÖHLER EDELSTAHL GMBH & Co KG I believe from Austria. Another interesting factor is the use of drop forged
Swedish stainless steel and this is mentioned from 1950 until 1970s and I am looking for the first time this was mentioned to confirm. Let me know if you got insight or corrections. The blades were forged before the modern development of the stamped out process
of the rolls of steel. I have a feeling that WW2 played a role in the history with steel and the countries that could supply after the war. Also have in mind the steel crisis in 1970!
In
the history we know Victorinox use steel from Germany and France.
Stainless steel update
The
invention of stainless steel is a field that would require too much research; some say it was Harry Brearley in England that invented it. Another place it is mentioned: 1912 Invention of the corrosion resistant stainless steel by Max Mauermann. There are others
too and for different areas on steel.
What is important is that stainless steel or corrosion resistant steel is important for the products. This is for appearance and hygiene for example.
It is also important because it is much easier for maintenance issues.
Stainless steel is not maintenance free because it is only corrosion resistant to some extent. On a SAK with functions
it is of great importance that the steel is the best as possible against corrosion. If not it could require very much maintenance and oil. This is depending on environment and for what use that sad.
Everyone that is into knives knows about the first stainless steel pocket knives or knives for that matter and the issues with them. The steel was not good and the performance of the steel was poor. These problems you can find around the world at
the time or history windows.
Preferred
When researching Swiss Army Knives you come across talk and history
factors. It was mentioned that stainless steel knives was expensive and people preferred the Carbon steel ones during a period of time.
With SAKs stainless steel is one of the key factors
to why Victorinox is what it is today. It is not strange that this is a milestone that is well taken care of by the Company.
Corrosion
In the history of Swiss Army Knives you will find that the dividing layers used in the construction can be nickel-silver, brass or aluminum. It is important for the stainless steel what material the dividing layers are made of. It is important that it is possible to clean a SAK. The knives and products are not maintenance free and the lifespan on a knife depends on maintenance and use.
Proper use and maintenance will secure a knife that can last a lifetime.
The functionality that is known on a SAK depends on the construction, precision, materials and assembly. Corrosion
or changes on the surface together with dirt and substances can prevent the functionality and comfort. It is also important that the steel can hold a decent edge and that it may be sharpened easy.