From SAKWiki.com: The Swiss Soldier Knife was the Victorinox knife that started it all for the Swiss company, and country. This was the first Swiss Army Knife built under contract for the Swiss Army starting in 1891. The Soldier Knife was issued to enlisted officers and soldiers as a rifle maintenance tool, as well as having a can-opener for ration tins. This multi-blade knife defined by it's quality construction and incredible utility would go on to define the Victorinox company and even the Swiss nation for the next century and beyond. This original model with only small updates was issued for an incredible 50+ years until 1951, at which time a new design for the Soldier Knife was adopted.