The famous knife of the Swiss Army came on the market in the late 1890s. It was and remains an impressive representation of ingenuity and design. By combining a number of functional tools into a single device, Carl Elsener created a tool that would make history and stand the test of time.

Elsener’s company, Victorinox, was initially created to help stave off emigration out of his part of Switzerland. Industrialization was not strong in the central region of the country and employment was spotty. Inasmuch, many people had to leave to find gainful employment. By creating the knife and his company, Elsener set into motion an industry that would more than 100 years later still be providing work for Swiss residents.

The company that manufacturers the knife today and ships it to more 100 countries worldwide now employs about 1,000 people. The knife itself has taken on many forms through the years and, in fact, now comes in more models than a person could shake a stick at.

Originally, the Victorinox knife included about six different tools. Now, the knife actually comes in more than 100 different models with all sorts of tool options. These can range from knifes, of course, to screw drivers, bottle openers, small hammers and more.

The company is still home based in Ibach, Switzerland, and boasts an impressive track record. It creates, on average, about 34,000 knifes a day in its 100-plus versions. The pocket tool numbers fall in at about 43,000 a day in 300 different variations. Their popularity remains so strong due to the “bang for the buck” the pocket knifes offer. Rather than having to carry multiple tools around, a single purchase can serve a lot of purposes.

The pinch-hitters of the tool world, many a Victorinox knife has been used for fixing everything from cars and computers to small appliances and more. Walking around with a screw driver isn’t practical, but a pocket knife is more than doable.

A legendary success, the knives made by the Victorinox company are loved the world over for their usefulness, functionality and durability. The Swiss creation is known as one that will stand the test of time and come in handy when it’s needed.

The knives are popular among construction workers, campers, survivalists and every day people for the number of things they can do. A simple knife dropped in a pocket or purse can come in handy for more little projects than one can imagine. In fact, these knives have been taken on historic expeditions in space, to the North Pole, Mount Everest and beyond.

The Swiss Army Knife was created originally to provide solid manufacturing jobs in a region that was hurting for industry. Today, more than 100 years after their creation, the knifes remain a popular must-have for the well-prepared.

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Almost 2 years after his death on April 22, 2004, the Army has ordered a criminal investigation on the matter. Whether or not they are investigating the actions of one individual or a group remains to be seen. An army official has stated that the probe will seek to determine whether negligent homicide or some other criminal activity was committed on the night of Tillman’s death.

Pentagon officials told The Associated Press on Saturday that a criminal investigation would focus on possible charges of negligent homicide. The official only spoke on the condition that he would remain anonymous because the new investigation had not formally begun.

A second Pentagon official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said no specific soldier is under investigation at this point. He said investigators would conduct an overall death investigation and “let the facts take them where they may.”

The official said he “wouldn’t want to speculate” as to whether the investigation was focusing on the actions of a particular soldier. The official also said that the investigation, which is the fifth formal investigation into the incident, would focus on the cause of Tillman’s death, and not on whether the previous investigations were done correctly. This investigation is the first criminal probe.

Tillman’s parents have repeatedly been critical over the fact that the Army tried to cover up exactly how their son died. They have continually called for an investigation into the matter and the Army has stated they never stopped looking into the matter.

Tillman was born on November 6, 1976 in San Jose, California. By 1994, Tillman was starting his college career as a linebacker for Arizona State University. Tillman was drafted in the 1998 NFL Draft. It was the NFL’s 2002 season and $3.6 million over three years that Tillman walked away from to join the Army.

Pat Tillman’s family has honored his memory with the creation of the Pat Tillman Foundation. The Foundation’s website (pattillmanfoundationdotorg) clearly states its mission: “the Foundation’s goal and mission is to carry Pat’s legacy forward by inspiring people to make positive changes in themselves and in the world around them.”

Salim Jordan is Editor and Publisher of MoreThanLinks. He writes on world affairs and current events. Visit buzz.morethanlinksdotcom